A New Chapter

Time flies.  I have not posted in more than two years.  I am not giving up.  In the beginning of the year, I started writing something then forgot about it.  Let's see in the coming days how I will do.

I saw this turtle blocking the entrance to the gate of our office.  I tried to make it move fast by shooing it.  I realized it's pointless.  It was oblivious of its surroundings.  I wanted to jump over it but I was scared it'll bite me.

So I decided to walk around to the other gate.  When I reached the place I left the turtle, it has moved quite a distance, no longer blocking the way.  I was impatient and took the longer way when I could have just stayed and waited until it has moved.

In times like these, when almost everything is in a standstill because of corona virus, we learn to appreciate the present moment.  We find things to do while in a lockdown.  At first, we were impatient, not being used to staying still, not able to do normal stuff.  As it lingers on, we started to accept the situation.  After all, we all want to be safe.

I'm glad for the turtle, a timely reminder.

Uganda...a place I love

I am spending a week in Uganda.  I like the place and the people.  I call it my second home because I feel very comfortable moving around alone by myself.  I have been visiting Uganda for the past six years.

As usual, I make it a point to attend Sunday mass at the Christ the King church in Kampala.  I went for the 10:00 am mass.  Kampala road was closed to traffic.  Security was tight, armed policemen and soldiers are everywhere.  There was a very festive mood.  The road was lined with booths and shops selling various products.  I got myself two small oil paintings for about $15.

Today is the 55th year of Uganda's independence.  Hence, the preparation the day before.  The theme for this year's independence celebration:  "Uganda's freedom must be anchored in the spirit of hard work, resilience and commitment."

Congratulations to my Ugandan brothers and sisters!!!Peace and prosperity to Uganda, a place close to my heart.

Trying Once More

It's another year.  I thought I wouldn't find this blog anymore.  I have not posted in a year.  I guess I didn't have that much determination to follow through.  But then what is important is that no matter how many times I fall, I should get up.  So I am writing once again, hoping I'll be able to do better than last year.  That's not a tall order.  After all I only need one post to do that.  However, I am not settling for the minimum.  I know I can do better.

As in the past, I get to take on a new patron Saint at the beginning of the year.  Saint Vincent de Paul was my patron for 2016.  I am very grateful for the many times he interceded for me.  I believe I am more charitable now than ever because of him.

For 2017, St. Michael picked me.  It didn't come as a surprise.  Having been an ardent devotee for the longest time.  I say the prayer to St. Michael frequently during the day.

Welcome 2016

We just ushered in the new year.  This is an opportune time to resume my posting.  The start of a new year inspires people to resolve to do better and make new beginnings.  I don't make new year resolutions any more.  I'd rather strive to be better each day.  At night time, after examining my day, I see my failings and weaknesses.  The following day, I become conscious of my actions and try as much not to fall into the same mistakes.

Beginnings also give us hope to rise up amidst our failures.  However, sometimes a new day brings unexpected news as well.  Early last year, a friend passed away unexpectedly.  A few days into 2016, a colleague coming back from Christmas vacation died in a vehicular accident.

In our family, as the year draws to a close a few minutes before midnight and as the new year comes in, we sit together and pray in thanksgiving for the past year.  We then invoke God's mercy and blessings for the new year.

Incidentally, the feast of the Black Nazarene is celebrated on the 9th of January.  So I started a novena on the first day of the year.  Every year, there is a big celebration of this feast in Manila, Philippines.  This draws a large number of people from everywhere to participate in the procession, considered to be the largest in the country.  The Philippines is predominantly Catholic.  Most Filipinos still participate in age-old church traditions in thanksgiving for favors received and also in the hope of having their prayers answered.

Black Nazarene at the Minor Basilica, Quiapo Manila

In my view, what is important is that these practices result in genuine life transformation and stronger faith for the believer.

Procession of Black Nazarene replicas coming from different places

Procession of Black Nazarene replicas being blessed by priests

Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene-Quezon Boulevard, Quiapo, Manila

Going Back in Time

Today, I was browsing the directory in my camera.  Suddenly I thought about going to the photos I took on this same date but years before.  I had a feeling of nostalgia and thought about my past colleagues who were in those pictures.  I felt like I was missing not only them but the place as well.  It has been only two months since I left their country, after almost four years of working there.  I decided to leave in order to have the chance to explore other countries too.

The African continent consists of 54 countries.  So far, I have been to five only, way far to go.  I hope to get another opportunity to be back in Africa but this time, in another country.

I think this photo was taken on my way home after church 28 September 2014.