i'm 24! and it sounds good...

it was just last year when the yfc core (also my closest friends) of iloilo came at my house at midnight to surprise,sing, greet me a happy birthday and eat the salad that is supposed to be served at the morning. haha.. i just turned 23 then and i feel so blessed that day to have found these friends of mine who continuously love and inspire me as i served God as a fulltime missionary. It was also the time when my parents and jolo would give me a big hug, kiss, and the words "happy birthday and we love you." That was a great and wonderful year.

now as i turned 24. i woke realizing that i am in a different place. i woke up without my family and without my closest friends. but one thing came into my mind... is that waking up knowing that you are a year older, and in a continent so far away from home but with only one companion. and that is Jesus. Waking up to be greeted by Jesus a happy birthday makes me the happiest person in the world that very minute. Worshipping the the east africa team, being prayed over by them makes my heart cry. As i am always sharing to all that i always desire to have a big heart, a big heart that is like Jesus to be able to love more people and put them where i could always remember and share to them the love of God to me. And this year, I continue to wish to have that big heart. To love more especially the people here in africa. To never be afraid to love and to give love. Like Jesus, He was never afraid to love. And like Mary, who is strong enough to give love.

And to the people who have big hearts, i thank you::

• To my parents who called up and greeted me. even though we are not physically together but my heart is with you and your hearts are in mine.

• To jolo, my dearest brother, who makes me smile every time i could hear his voice.

• julie, for calling. i did not expect that call. and i appreciated it the most. you are one of the bestest bestfriends i have... and thanks for waking me up also (haha)

• daber for attending mass and say a little prayer for me. you made me happy.

• to the people who texted: jeriel, daber, kuya deks (happy bday too), fr. julius, fr. felix, gaetan, tita mayle, tita weendyle, and to the ones i forgot... thank you so much.. you brought a smile in my heart.

• to the one who emailed: leah, kuya aaron, kristine,kuya caloy, jane, tita butchee and tito budz...and those i still forgot.. thank you...

• to ate day and kuya marthin who gave me coupons for nairobi park and nairobi museum.. thank you.. i will be awaiting for that day.. pictures pictures..

• to the mission house people .. all of you.. for the chocolate cake and caramel ice cream... salamat...

• to tito nani and tita bing almanza for the chocolates... you really know what i like.. hahaha =)

and i continue to pray that God will always give me a big heart... a heart to love more people.. a heart that continues to believe and trust in His will... a heart that will follow Him all the time... in times of difficulties and pains.. i will still have the heart to say yes..

One missionary from Sudan texted me asking me what is my last wish before the day ends... And i answered that i will hope to find the right person for me.. and world peace.. but then a thought came to mind... I wish that God will always make me a woman that He wants me to be.. A woman for God... =)

Jesus, thank you for another year.. for the blessings... for always leading me to where you are. and i pray that you will always be my strength and that you will continue to lead me to the right direction and path..the path that leads to you. Amen.