Meet a Blessed Bicolana

I am a blessed Bicolana indeed! Since I emigrated from the Philippines (my beloved old country) to the U. S. (my adopted country) in 1980, showers of blessings have come my way.

I saw a nice looking guy in Safeway, the day I arrived in Globe, Arizona, November 24 (this was his birthday). Who would have thought that this nice looking guy would become my husband three-and-one-half months later. He always claims that I was his 31st birthday present, but he did not get to take off the wrappings until March 7th (1981) “Our Wedding Day”. We had an instant family. I was supposed to also be a birthday present for Brian’s 3 year old son who would turn 4 the following day. This darling boy (Joshua) was the first child to ever call me “mom”. That was in itself the biggest blessing I had received since arriving in U. S. Oh well second biggest, the first and foremost was,my beloved husband of 28 years. Joshua is now 32 years old and married to Kelly. They have given my husband and me two precious grandchildren, Alexa and Grady.

March 25, 1982, my beautiful darling daughter, Janice was born. She was a beautiful baby, a very smart student, and a typical teenager. At 22, she married her hubby, Matt (her brother’s best buddy). They have lived all over United States: Arizona, Utah, Pennsylvania, Texas, and who knows where is next. On January 22, we were again blessed by my daughter’s baby; her name is Abby Elizabeth . In August, another precious baby is coming (a brother or a sister for Abby).

Blessings after blessings! My beautiful “surprise” daughter arrived on July 27th 1983. Her name is Jennika a.k.a. darling “Bunso”. She was also a beautiful baby, smart student, and a typical teenager. She is now determined to finish law school. She also works full-time at a law firm.

In 1985, the family went abroad for the first time to Canada to visit my youngest sister. This year was also the year I became a U. S. citizen. Since then, we have made other trips to Canada and the Philippines. In 1986, my parents arrived for the first time to meet my family. Later, they returned for several more visits.

I was a “stay at home mom” from 1981 -1987. Once in a while, I volunteered at my children’s school. In the fall of 1988, I landed a full-time teaching job at the same school my children attended (Holy Angels Catholic School). I am currently in my twenty-first year of teaching at Holy Angels School.

“I alone know the plans I have for you, plans to bring you prosperity and not disaster, plans to bring about the future you hope for.” Jeremiah 29: 11 (My favorite scriptures taken from Good News Bible)

“The Lord’s unfailing love and mercy still continue. Fresh as the morning, as sure as the sunrise. The Lord is all I have, and so in Him I put my hope.” Lamentations 3:23-24(Good News Bible) –This Scripture was read on our wedding day.