Hawaii Nei #3

#3

Don't get me wrong I love the foods here in the Philippines but there's something in these foods/drinks that makes me miss them.  Uh!I want some of these right now!

Gratitude

The past two days gave me two of the most humbling experiences in my life; experiences that have taught me one of the most valuable lessons in life and that is being grateful. Jesse, Aidan and I have always been blessed with almost all the things that we need but oftentimes it seems like we take these things for granted.  I feel like despite of all the things that have been provided to us we still find the tiniest hole to be ungrateful.

Going back here in the Philippines with a new perspective made me realize how fortunate I am compared to the majority of the Filipino people. Yesterday, Jesse and I met two kids who were selling flower leis outside SM and upon seeing them and thinking about their circumstances in life it reminded me of how blessed I am. I may not have a big house, a car, and other things that defines what  most of us envisions as a good life but I do have an apartment as my shelter, a bed to make me sleep comfortable, an AC,  fridge, and many other things that those kids doesn't have.  Upon realizing this I felt bad for myself and wondered where do I get the guts to complain about my own circumstances when these kids have to do those kind of things just so they can have food to eat and be able to survive.  

These past two days made me realize that there are a lot of things that we need to be grateful for each and every day of our lives.  There is nothing wrong in dreaming and working for those dreams to come true but we must never forget and neglect the things that we already have. It's good that we are looking forward for something greater to happen to our lives but we must never forget to be grateful.  If times come that you feel the least about your life and your own self, take a moment to stop and look around you and see the sparks of gratitude ignite your soul.  

On the side note, I have to say that I am grateful to be married to a person with a big heart.  Others may not see and feel it and he may be misunderstood by many but those who knows and loves him can tell how good a man he is.

Hawaii Nei #2

#2

(Photo downloaded from https://www.lds.org)

This temple have always had a special place in my heart.  It is in this temple that I have received the most sacred ordinances in the church.  When I was a young woman I told myself that I will get married in this temple no matter and it did happened.  On the 3rd of September 2011, I was sealed for time and all eternity to the love of my life, Jesse.  

I miss seeing the beauty of this temple every single day; it never failed to amaze me.  I love this temple and I hope that one day I'll be able to go back and reminisce of the good ol days that we have spent on it.