I just came back from a trip to Xiamen, China and here are some goodies I got there. Some cards with intricate paper cutting...
a set of bookmarks souvenirs from the island of Gulangyu...
The island is on China's list of National Scenic Spots and also ranks at the top of the list of the ten most-scenic areas in the province. I also bought a hanging bell with lovely Chinese knotting there.
Here is a prayer journal illustration in progress...
and a finished one which is my hope for Shoshi and Shaz, who I just found out have cancer. Say a prayer for their healing, won't you?
the ID and raincoat I used, and a souvenir t-shirt from Tacloban that a friend gave me.
Pope Francis came for a visit to the Philippines (January 15 to January 19) and these past few days have been such a blessing for us! Just to catch a glimpse of him, we Filipinos would walk long distances, brave the crowds, wait for hours, and stand in the pouring rain (they say Filipinos have a rainproof faith!) Everywhere his vehicle passed, the streets were filled with people excitedly waiting and as he would pass by, the crowds would give him a rapturous welcome. When those few seconds were over, we would rejoice in the blessing of his visit and feel that the wait was all worth it. In Him, we saw the light of Christ, a man full of mercy and compassion, our spiritual father, a shepherd who loves his flock.
The joy we felt when we finally saw the Pope made all the challenges worth it. Life is also full of challenges but the joy of seeing Jesus is worth much more. We will forget all our difficulties with one glimpse of Jesus. Oh, I look forward to meeting Jesus face to face!
The theme song for Pope Francis' visit was "We are All God's Children" and he reminded us not to forget our true identity. Here is a video my community, Ang Ligaya ng Panginoon, helped to make (I know a lot of the people dancing in the video)...
Do you see these children on the streets
Have you walked the pavements where they sleep?
Do you feel their hands
When you give them alms?
Did you ever give them bread to eat?
Have you seen their homes washed by the floods?
While a mother tightly holds her child
Do you hear the wind
Of the raging storm?
Can you tell them where it's coming from?
Let us show our love and mercy
With true kindness and humility
For God loves the weak and the needy
Just like you and me
We are all God's children
We are all the same
He is calling us by name to help the poor and lame
And learn what life is really for
It's to know and love and serve the Lord
Stand together and let's do our part
Hear their voices mend their broken hearts
Choose to be brave fight for their rights
Give them back their honor and their pride
Please do not be blind and just leave them behind
To struggle in darkness or give them empty promises
We are all God's children
We are all the same
He is calling us by name to help the poor and lame
Happy New Year this first Wednesday of the year! My regular desk is not a desk these days. More like a dumping ground for gifts that need to be put away and other stuff. So I am showing you my small prayer desk with a work in progress...
When I was in Bangkok recently, I bought a rolling shelf from Ikea and here is the top view, with my colored pencils and pens and some rolls of washi tape...
