Filling life with life February 5, 2010
Posted by Diadem in : Lessons in life, Travels , 1 comment so farThe weather is gloomy here in Canberra today. A puzzling weather condition because it is supposed to be summer still. From my window, I can see the dim sky which is usually blue and very exquisite in showing the grandeur of clouds formation. I can feel the gentle swift of cold winds from the leaves of plum trees along the side of the University House where I am staying. And there’s the rain as if heaven is in sorrow. I can hear the loud chirping of the magpie birds that makes me wonder whether they are enjoying the rain.
My life’s like the weather – sometimes gloomy, sometimes bright, sometimes blooming, and sometimes fall in expected and unexpected ways. I recognize though that there’s really no perfect life. I have to go through various situations to experience and learn life’s values.
I remember my colleague and friend, Jaime Manalo, when I asked him one time, “Bakit kaya walang University in handling life, eh mas mahirap pa ito kahit sa anong degree (Why is there no University in handling life when, in fact, it is more difficult than any degree)?” He simply told me, “Ate, life itself is a University because you get to learn from your every own experiences. Redundant na pag may University pa.” I was stunned by what he said. True enough, I have to learn from whatever I am going through.I always strive to be the best that I can be… (more…)
Thank you GOD December 17, 2009
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For the last few weeks, I have been a lazy gal. I did nothing significant except indulged myself with instant foods and stared at the ceiling and my laptop blankly thinking of nothing. What a life!
That’s how I “enjoyed” the backseat for a while. I felt tired after hurdling some emotional tremors. But after our year-end thanksgiving in our church, I felt energized and realized that I was so blessed despite challenges.
For sure, there will be moments of doing nothing significant in the coming days, weeks, months, and years. I believe that it’s alright to stop and rest for a while without stumbling on roads less travelled.
Ode to the Farmers April 3, 2009
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The furrow divides the brown earth
Amidst the heavy thuds of the humongous beast of burden’s feet,
Waiting for the first drop of torrential rains
That quenches the thirst of both man and beast.
In the caverns of your heart
Dwells the indomitable spirit,
Fighting poverty by your steady stride
In the vast canvas of the sun-dried, rain-drench rice field,
Safeguarding the environment
Abused by man’s own greed,
His insatiable quest for 30 pieces of silver!
Remind me God June 30, 2008
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When I am lonely and
Perhaps I feel despair,
Let not my ailing heart forget
That YOU hear every prayer…
Remind me that no matter what
I do or fail to do,
There still is hope for as long
as I have FAITH in YOU…
(more…)
My life in Australia: A sheaf of countless blessings February 8, 2008
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Two weeks ago, I was in my home country enjoying the company of friends giving me send-off parties. Yes, I just left Philippines very recently to pursue my PhD in the Australian National University (ANU). Thanks to Ford Foundation International Fellowship Program for this opportunity (http://www.fordifp.net/index.aspx?id=274).
I got mixed emotions back then. I was excited…I was nervous. I was happy…I was sad. It was really an indescribable feeling. This is because this is my first time to be in Australia, my first step being on board its national carrier, Qantas. It’s fascinating to see the expanse of
I will be staying in this Australian Capital Territory for quite a long time, although I got a privilege to be home at least once a year. I will be away from my family, and I will be in a place with a new culture, unfamiliar Australian English twang, new food to adjust to, new time zone, new acquaintances, and so on and so forth.
I do not know anyone from Australia before I came here. I was just in contact with my adviser, Dr. Patrick Guiness, and the graduate student administrator, Liz Walters. I do not know much about Australia as well, except for its kangaroo and the Sydney Opera House – in pictures and through the Internet! (more…)