In Search of a Church...No More

Last Sunday, I found what I was looking for.  As usual, it happened in a way better than I could ever imagine.

Two weeks in, and I realize that living in a new country requires building your own support system, being open to new people and experiences, and changing your expectations more often than you’re used to.  But one thing I know is sure --- that wherever I find myself in, I only have to find a church where I would fit right in and I will be okay. 

Prior to leaving Manila, I did a little research, and have set my heart to find and attend the Cornerstone Bible Fellowship. A friend of a friend of a friend (yes, that complicated!) finally got me to Cornerstone last Sunday.  And I was right.  It is where I want to be.  Worship was great, primarily because I recognized the songs! Thank God! They even sang my current fave --- One Thing Remains by Jesus Culture --- A tamer version, but still amazing, considering that “conservative” is the norm around here.  The message was tailor-fitted for me as well, or at least that’s how I felt. The Word, in a nutshell, was about knowing who you are when you’re in different circumstances.

When I decided to move to Bermuda, I was excited to spend quality “me” time and be away from the demands of busy living. My idea was to slow down and enjoy life, while mastering my chosen career.  In short, to achieve work-life balance yet again. Part of the balance I look forward to is re-kindling the fire I once had to serve in ministry again.  I saw my move as a way to get to know God more, once I’ve cleared my head and quieted my heart.  But I was taught a lesson or two in my first day at Cornerstone.

To know God more, I need to know myself more.  I have skipped this step for as long as I can remember, afraid of what I’m going to find out.  I have been made to realize that I am here so I can spend endless time with myself, until I learn to love my ugly bits and pieces, while waiting for someone Divine to change me.  So yeah, I’m kinda stuck with myself, without the endless, mindless activities to drown myself in.

Perhaps a more apt title to this entry is “Rediscovering Moi”, but the highlight really, is not this lesson I learned, but the wealth of knowledge I have access to because I have found my second home here in Bermuda.  Who knows, maybe five, ten, fourteen entries from now, I will tell you about what it feels like to sing on stage again. J

Till next time Loves!

Honey

Happy Birthday!

Today I have proven that distance is not a big deal in having a well-celebrated birthday! In fact, I think today is one of the nicest birthdays I've had.  I have new friends, a new office, a new apartment...and yet, thanks to technology, I have enjoyed the warmth and love of my old friends from Manila and wherever else they may be!

Imagine, because of the time difference, my birthday this year is 36 hours long! A full day and a half to celebrate, but I will only age a year! That's like buying one pair of shoes, and getting the other pair at half the price! Hahaha. My friend Aya would know more about this.  Anyway...

One thought has occupied my mind for most of today, and that is, my birthday always falls on Thanksgiving week! Yeah, it took me 30+ years to get that. :) Anyway, this discovery led me to believe that when people think of me, they automatically have one reason to be thankful for-----they know me! And so they celebrate Thanksgiving! Ahahahaha...Kidding, of course.  Too bad we don't celebrate Thanksgiving in the Philippines. Hmmm, maybe that's the reason I'm here! Lol. I am rambling, babbling, blabbing. Who cares? It's my birthday! :-)

Shifting to serious mode now ---- My birthday always falls on Thanksgiving week so I am constantly reminded of learning to appreciate what is and what isn't, what works and what doesn't. The celebrations always bring me back to seeing the bigger picture, the grander plan, and the center of my every goal and purpose.  My life resolutions are not written on January 1, but on my every birthday, when the gratitude for life and love overflows in me. And as my recently-posted FB status reads: I've been running on Grace all these years and I cannot contain my thanks.  This year won't be any different. God, Love, service, family, friendships, passion, and honest work will still reign supreme in my life. Blessings have overtaken me.  I am happy to share them all with you, however, if I do, you'll get a double dose of yourselves!

Big hugs,

Lei

Hello Bermuda!

A year and a week ago, I was a first-time bum.  I started a blog that was meant to last.  Fortunately, it didn't!  If you want to read my short-lived bum diaries, go to bum-diaries.blogspot.com. :-) I've since moved on and am now 9,000++ miles away from home.  Traveling the thousands of miles, though, didn't come easy.  Why would it, when my itinerary looked like this:

Manila > Los Angeles > Miami > Grand Cayman (some work and play for 7 days) > Miami (overnight shopping) > Bermuda! ------- 30 combined solid hours in the air, seven different seatmates, big pain in the a** (of course, I mean it literally).  Needless to say, I am thankful. Always thankful. After all, I arrived safe and sound.

I am writing this now, one week after arriving in the beautiful island of Bermuda, where I will spend my next 24 months, (at least).  I am slowly settling in--- toured the city, got a local phone, went grocery shopping, even watched a movie! It's a beautiful island, where the locals are warm and inviting.  Looks like I will fit in. :D (crossing my fingers!)

Looks like I am in for an adventure....exactly the reason why I went here.  But no adventure is fun without loved ones to share them with.  Hence, this blog.  This is one of the ways I thought of so I can remain connected to the people who matter most to me --- you.  Join me in my future successes and missteps, and help me forget that I'm a long way from home.

Much love,

Lei/Honey