A whole new world

The last time I wrote here was about my desperate desire to go home. And I did, last March. My goals were clear -- rest and recover. I did have that well planned out. Pol and I enjoyed our mini honeymoon in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur in the first week of March. Me finding work is pushed to after three months.

But then April came in with a big news. We were actually pregnant.

Come again? Pregnant.

You gotta hear how we found out. On 1 April 2016, I was cleaning the house and saw the pregnancy kit given to me as a gift for my bridal shower. I didn't want to pull an April's fool joke on Papol of course (as that would be really cruel), but I guess the joke was on me. There were two lines (despite the second one being really faint). I informed my sister and she told me to wait it out. I informed my bestfriends, and they too were not so sure but were excited as well. I was after all, only expecting my period that same day. And so everyday, for 4 days, I tested. Oh, and it got clearer and clearer by the day. A visit to the OB confirmed everything. We were 5 weeks pregnant.

We told only a few people, mostly those whom would become our prayer warriors. With my diabetes and hypertension, getting pregnant is not to be taken lightly. My endocrinologist even discouraged me from getting pregnant this early. But who are we to say no to this beautiful gift? A sweet surprise indeed, and we will be forever grateful.

Except from house arrest, as diabetics are prone to miscarriage in the first trimester, my pregnancy journey is quite easy. No morning sickness, no headaches, not even cravings. Although I tend to be more "antukin."

My husband and I were amazed by how things were unfolding in front of us, at a fast pace too. The change was huge. We instantly became a single earning household (thank God my husband is a good provider), I became in charge of the house, and we had to make ends meet given this adjustment. I have to give credit to the husband who works two jobs to consistently provide for our day to day needs.  We were married for only 8 months and actually together as husband and wife for less than a month, and yes, this is quite overwhelming. We were standing up to our new found roles. From my end however, I went through a depression mode, even to the point of applying for jobs during my first trimester, only to be declined because I am pregnant. I still struggle from time to time. Having worked endlessly even before graduating from College, this is new to me. But my ever faithful husband never failed to remind me that our baby is our priority now and everything will be okay. Along with that, we also finished the Christian Life Program and became officially Couples for Christ.

Baby JP at 7 weeks

Baby bump at 12 weeks

Ultrasound at 18 weeks, baby is a-ok!

Me at 19 weeks

It is a lot to take really. A whole new world. On most days that I am alone, I try to think about God's purpose and as always, "His ways are not my ways" (Is. 55:8). It's humbling too, knowing that everything that is happening now is out of my hands. And once again, I am forced to just be still, take it all in, and wait for God's plan.

Please join me in praying for (still) a safe pregnancy until delivery. I guess my blog will now turn a new leaf as I write about my new journey. Keep you all posted.

God bless us all. 

More than Forever

Allow me to recount my past love only this time. Not out of bitterness, but as a testimony of how God loved me.

I have been told six years ago, by the person whom I called my great love then that I am not worth a marriage. He didn't love me enough to make it to forever. My 21 year old self was shattered. Eventually, I found out that Forever, to that boy, is his ex-girlfriend. And he loved me less than forever.

Back then, I was still re-establishing my relationship with the Creator. I have been crying out loud to Him always of the pains and the injustice my love life has given me to the point of questioning Him of His plans for me. Despite my being stubborn,  He has never failed to sustain me. He made me whole again.

When I learned to surrender, I prayed for Him to give me a man after His heart in His perfect timing. I prayed for a guy to love me more than forever as I prayed to be the woman worth that love. I prayed for healing too and of course the grace to forgive myself and the boy who broke my heart.

Today, I am God's testimony of His faithfulness. In a year's time, I will marry the man He has prepared for me. Amazing. I am overwhelmed with the mixed of emotions I am feeling all at the same time. One year to go and I will be a Mrs. The wait may seem long, but I am taking the remaining days of being single, to preparing myself for the new role God has entrusted me. Thank You Lord for my more than Forever. You rock.

 

When God expanded my territory.

Up until today, I am still at awe at how God is so gracious to give me so much blessings I don't think I even deserve. A lot of things happened the past few months-- both bad and good. From losing a dad to landing a job in a foreign place, from missing home to making new friends and family. All these are blessings.

When I bumped into the prayer of Jabez, I did pray for Him to expand my territory and bless the works of my hands. I prepped myself for shower of blessings and expected tougher challenges. I know that the other side won't make it easy for me. But I continued trusting in God's plans and in His timings. Believe me, there were times that I've become impatient and was depressed even -all because I wanted to make things happen. Looking back, those challenges were God's way of teaching me lessons.

Last June 28, 2013, I landed in Qatar. I waited for a year to get this job. I told Papa God, Your will be done. Would you wait for a job in 1 year? Or would you seek elsewhere already, where it's nearer home? I decided to take the risk and dive. You know what's the best part about moving to Qatar? It's not only the job. It's also because God decided that I shouldn't be alone in this new adventure. My sister bestfriend is here with me. And though Mama is left behind in the Philippines, that is how it's supposed to be. I know God will take care of her as well.

28th June 1am. Doha landing and meeting bes tfriend.

Our Lady of the Rosary Doha. 28th June, 11am
Going to the church the same day I landed was very overwhelming. 

The first month is a challenge yet I am surprised with how much closer I feel God's guidance. From choosing the best roommate (who happens to be members of CFC in the Philippines), great co-workers, and finding the SFC community, I couldn't ask for more. And while for sure, I know that things will not be completely be a bed of roses, I am confident that I can do anything by God's grace.

Once upon a time, I prayed that He expands my territory. I didn't really know how or to what extent. I prayed that He use me according to how He pleases, and this is my now.

Rocking Doha with my sister

Rising to God's new work challenge

Found CFC Family

Growing spiritually with my wew SFC HH! SFC Qatar

and yes... finally engaged to my God's gift.

Isn't God the greatest? :)

So what about challenges you think? I'm ready to face it all. With my big God, there are no big challenges.
 

Thank You Papa God! :) You're the best.

Blessed indeed.

Taking a breather from my busy life to thank my Great God for everything.

Makulimlim na Lunes ng hapon!