Out of Sight...Out of Mind...

...is sometimes true but not always.

I've been away for a while, ok, let's rephrase that...I've been away from blogging for more than a year. But that does not mean God's goodness never happened or reflected in my life for the past year. And that He is always in my mind everyday.

From GoEnglish, Out of sight, out of mind means "There are some things which we think about only as long as we can see them in front of us". Anyway, with regards to our great God...We live by faith, not by sight. (2 Corinthians 5:7)

It's really hard to find a reason why I have not shared anything for the past year...let's try it this way...Absence makes the heart grow fonder. (GoEnglish)Did that work?

Anyhow, at this time of the year, I do celebrate something...we'll call it my second life birthday...yes...that's how fast time was running. It's been 3 years since I had my Bone Marrow Transplant. I had my annual check-up at Princess Margaret Hospital and Mount Sinai Hospital last October 21st. Everything went well...God is good...All the time.

I hope this is a restart of my blogging days...

Six Months to Blog

It's been a while and just realizing it's been 6 months since my last blog. I've been a very, very busy wife, mom, daughter, sister, aunt, great aunt ("oh yeah"), friend and worker (another "oh yeah" to that). I don't want this post to be very, very long so I will briefly give you the highlights of my past six months.

April

• Early April, my father and parent's in-law went back to Philippines for vacation for 2 months. Imagine me being a full-time mom doing the chores. Of course, I have the full support from my beloved husband.


• 5- Jensine started to attend Tae-kwon-do classes once a week.
• 17- I had my monthly check-up at Princess Margaret Hospital- blood test, eye exam and doctor's appointment -all is well.

May

• Still bringing Jensine for hid Tae-kwon-do classes every week.


• 15- I had my monthly check-up at Princess Margaret Hospital- blood test, eye exam and doctor's appointment -all is well. My doctor told me to stop my anti-rejection pills.


• 20- I still did not have enough, I helped a friend for her son's birthday preparations with invitations and give-aways. Another passion of mine not many people knows.

June

• 8- Jensine passed his Tae-kwon-do Yellow Stripe Belt Exam.
• 12- had my monthly check-up at Princess Margaret Hospital- blood test, eye exam bone mineral density test, dental appointment and doctor's appointment -all is very well. I will be back to see them in 3 months.
• First day of work, my manager, was able to arrange with the company for me to work 2 days from home and the other 3 days, I will be in the office.

22- Jensine's Senior Kindergarten Graduation Day / Jerson's birthday

Since, it's Jerson's Birthday, too, the 3 of us went out for lunch to celebrate.

Our Barkada also gave us a Surprised Party, for Jensine's Graduation, Jerson's Birthday and my new job.

July

• 1 to 7- Vacation Bible School at Mt. Zion Church
• 6- Friends from Chicago visited us.
• 22- Explore the beauty of nature in Niagara Falls.
• the rest were just work and home. Adjusting to my new load of commitment.

August

• 5- Brought Jensine to Circus
• 7- Follow up with the denists at Princess Margaret
• 10- Auntie Juliet visited us from California
• 25- Share God's Good News at Kalamazoo, Michigan and had the chance to visit Battlecreek, Michigan.
• 27 - Jensine watched Toopie & Binoe Live Show at Vaughan Mills

September

• 1 to 3- Road trip to Pennsylvania. Visited Lost River Cavern, Crayola Factory, Hershey Factory and King of Prussia Mall

After all these big changes from being very ill, home/hospital stay gal, I probably stretched my energy so much that I got sick middle of September. No worries and no regrets, for today, I am celebrating my 2-Year Anniversary of my Bone Marrow Transplant. On Monday, October 1st, I will have my Anniversary check-up from blood test, Pulmonary Function Test, Mammogram and doctor's appointment.

For all these, all I can say is "God is Good, all the Time". All praises are to Him, our God and Saviour, from whom all blessings flow.

When You Believe...

Please click this link to listen to the song while reading my blog.

Many nights we pray
With no proof anyone could hear
And our hearts a hopeful song
We barely understood
Now we are not afraid
Although we know theres much to fear
We were moving mountains long
Before we know we could

Hearing this song reminds me of my past experience...exactly 2 years ago...when I thought I would say to my friends and acquaintances, "that's all folks" or to my relatives, "this is it, please take care of Jensine and Jerson, or to my love buddies, Jerson and Jensine, "I will always be in your heart"...reminiscing still makes me cry, but now with tears of joy and thankfulness.

And now I am standing here
My hearts so full I can't explain
Seeking faith and speaking words
I never thought I'd say
There can be miracles When you believe
Though hope is frail Its hard to kill
Who know what miracle
You can achieve
When you believe
Somehow you will
You will when you believe

I have learn so much in this experience and I have also seen how many friends I have. How much they are willing to be there for me and will always be ready to be there for my hubby and son. When you give all your worries to Him, you will be amaze of what science can do with lots of prayers and human love. I can only say there can be miracles when you believe...

They dont always happen when you ask
And its easy to give in to your fear
But when you're blinded by your pain
Can't see you way safe through the rain
Thought of a still resilient voice
Says love is very near

When exactly 2 years ago I heard, "2 months to live"...now I hear, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." (Matthew 19:26)

More good promises for you and for me...just believe.

I'm Back!

...not just in blogging but also in the hospital.

Yes, I was in the hospital last week. Jerson brought me to the emergency for 39.something fever. I did not want to go at first so I tried to wait, thinking maybe my fever will go down. But I had chills and been shaking for a while. When we called Princess Margaret Hospital, they told Jerson I had to be seen by a doctor. So we were going to see the doctor near us, but I could not even stand by myseld nor walk down the stairs to get to the van. I was so weak that Jerson decided to call 9-1-1.

So from Monday, March 5 I was in the hospital near us, Etobicoke General. It was not my first option but I had no choice, paramedics can only take me to the nearest hospital.

My blood pressure was so low, 89 over 58 (normal is 120 over 80), even the IV to increase my fluid did not help. It was like that for the days I was confined in the hospital. There were times it will go up to 107 over 80 but that was very seldom.

They found out I had infection in my blood. I am home now but still taking antibiotic for another week.

My white blood counts went up too, something that anybody can worry about since my history of Leukemia...but Psalms 36, verses 7 - 9... This is what Pastor Edwin Martin read to us when he visited me in the hospital.

7 How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings.
8 They are abundantly satisfied with the fullness of Your house, And You give them drink from the river of Your pleasures.
9 For with You is the fountain of life; In Your light we see light.

Imagine Me Without You

Last night, we attended the Mid-week Prayer. Lo and behold, starting from the beginning, I was so blessed that I attended this with my family. The prayers, the study about "Atmosphere at Home", and the singing, I learned so much from all of them. The Message in Song by Zieline Lucrida was so touching. She sang "Imagine Me Without You" (hear this from YouTube).

Imagine Me Without You

As long as stars shine down from heaven

And the rivers run into the sea

Til the end of time forever

You’re the only love I’ll need

In my life you’re all that matters

In my eyes the only truth I see

When my hopes and dreams have shattered

You’re the one that’s there for me

When I found you I was blessed

And I will never leave you, I need you

Chorus:

Imagine me without you

I’d be lost and so confused

I wouldn’t last a day, I’d be afraid

Without you there to see me through

Imagine me without you

Lord, you know it’s just impossible

Because of you, it’s all brand new

My life is now worthwhile

I can’t imagine me without you

When you caught me I was falling

You lifted me back on my feet

It was like you heard me calling

And you rush to set me free

When I found you I was blessed

And I will never leave you, I need you

Chorus

When I found you I was blessed

And I will never leave you, I need you oh

Chorus

I can’t imagine me without you

Reflections: Imagine me without YOU. Imagine me without a family who will always there for me; without friends who always make me laugh; without a church family who supports and prays for me and my family; without an acquaintance who helps me realize my dreams; without a son who always makes me feel the bestest; without a husband who loves me no matter what; without God who blesses me with all these...I can't imagine me without you, yeah, including you!

VBS Fiesta 2006 Graduation Day

This picture was taken on their Graduation Day at Mt. Zion Church. Ages from 3-5 were singing one of the songs entitled, "I Have a Friend" (Yo Tengo Un Amigo). The Spanish part of the song was shown on the screen.

Jensine, as well as, his cousins, really enjoyed "Fiesta". They learned 10 new songs with actions that teaches important Bible truths. Sacrificing the time to bring the kids to church every night was really worth it.

I remember my childhood days when I used to attend Vacation Bible School at Hulo, Malabon. It was unforgettable for me since I learned about Jesus, and His love, by singing, playing, stories, crafts and more. But it was not as "high-tech" as now. The songs are written on a paper for us to read, not displayed on a big screen :)

All of them got an award like Best Crew Team, and Best Crew Member. Jensine got an award for bringing the most number of kids, 5 cousins, to this Vacation Bible School. He did won this award last year, too. We'll see if he will get same award next year... because "We Want to See Jesus Lifted High"

We want to see, we want to see

We want to see Jesus lifted high

We want to see, we want to see
We want to see Jesus lifted,

Jesus lifted, Jesus lifted high

We want to see Jesus lifted high
A banner that flies across this land
That people will see the truth and know
He is the way to heaven

We want to see, we want to see
We want to see Jesus lifted high
We want to see, we want to see

We want to see Jesus lifted,
Jesus lifted, Jesus lifted high

VBS Fiesta 2006, Day 5

Day 5

Bible Point: Jesus is our Helper!
Treasure Verse: Hebrews 13:6, "The Lord is my helper, so I will have no fear"

Believe it or not, I am still petrified just thinking of Tuesday. Well, you can't blame me, I had this hickman line pulled out before. I got infection last year that they had to pull it out and put it back before I had my Bone Marrow Transplant. And you bet, my first experienced was not very good. It was done at other hospital (I will not mention which one but definitely, not PMH) Ooh! I don't want to be reminded of what happened on that operating table :( Let's change the topic, then. "The Lord is my helper, so I will have no fear" :)

Day 5, today is the last day of Fiesta but the kids still have to come back tomorrow to rehearse for the VBS Graduation Day on Saturday, July 8 at 2:30pm. If you are near Mt.Zion vicinity, "Come on let's have some fun, it's all about Jesus love..."

VBS Fiesta 2006, Day 4

Day 4

Bible Point: Jesus is our Saviour!
Treasure Verse: John 14:19, "Since I live, you also will live"

Seing my son, Jensine, doing the actions of every songs they sing at Fiesta, makes me very, very happy. His gracefulness and attentiveness when songs are played, made me feel very bless. For I know I am truly bless for having the life I have now, for having Jerson & Jensine and for having Jesus as our Saviour! Viva!

VBS Fiesta 2006, Day 3

Day 3

Bible Point: Jesus is our Leader!
Treasure Verse: Matthew 4:19, "Jesus called out to them, "Come follow me""

In the morning, I went to PMH and see Dr. Lipton. He said my hickman line is fine but still have to watch for signs of infections and he also told me that they will pull out my hickman line next Tuesday. Yes, that will be this coming Tuesday, July 11th. Ouch! Did you ever think I am ready for that in spite of millions of needle and poking I got?! No way! On the other hand...nope, I can't even burst out the advantage of not having it when I think of the pain...ok, ok, fine, maybe not just pain but more on anxiety. Starting today, I should think and count the advantages of not having my hickman line to fight this anxiety. Best thing I could think of right now, is that, if taking out my line will really happen this Tuesday, that only means I am getting better...better that I won't be needing this line for chemotherapy and other medications :) Jesus is our Life! Viva! ...that was yesterday's Bible Point :)

23Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.

Matthew 4:23 (New International Version)

VBS Fiesta 2006, Day 2

Day 2

Bible Point: Jesus is our Life!
Treasure Verse: Deuteronomy 6:5, "...you must love the Lord your God with all your heart"

More songs and actions for Jensine to learn. Second day, and kids are really fired up about Jesus. But today, I just stayed home with my sister Nancy. I was not feeling very well, since I accidentally pulled my hickman line and there was a yellow discharge coming out of it. I called up the nursing supervisor at PMH and ask what I should do. Since no blood came out of it, they told me to keep an eye if I will have any signs of infection like fever. If I will have a fever I will have to call back and they might ask me to go to emergency. If not, I still have to see the doctor the following day, since they are close today, for July 3rd was a holiday (July 1st falls on a Saturday).

VBS Fiesta 2006: Where Kids are Fired Up About Jesus!

Kid's Fiesta at Mt. Zion started today...this is the team for Vacation Bible school this year, Where Kids are Fired Up About Jesus!

Day 1

Bible Point: Jesus is our Friend!
Treasure Verse: John 15:15, "Now you are my friends!"

Jensine is having so much fun learning new songs with actions. This year, 5 of my nephews and nieces join again, Gene, Keith, Ivan, Justin and Sarah. After last years, Serengeti Trek, Where Kids are Wild About Jesus!, right away, they wanted to register for the following year's Vacation Bible School. They are really having fun, I can tell. Although, 2 of them are overage, early teens, they still join. This is a good way of teaching kids about Jesus with fun and excitement. Viva to our Director, Auntie Suzzette Frias and the crews and volunteers!

0 mg of Cyclosporine! { Day +150 }

On my last appointment for check-up, I was told that I can stop my Cyclosporine in a week. And today is first day not taking this medicine. There are lots to expect. On my November 21st post, I mentioned that...

FACTS: Cyclosporine is use to prevent or treat organ rejection and to prevent graft-vs-host disease (GVHD) in transplant patients.

...it feels good to lessen the pills I swallow everyday. Hopefully, it is also good for my body. I mean, hopefully, there will be no rejection or graft-vs-host disease.

9 In all their affliction He was afflicted,

And the Angel of His Presence saved them;

In His love and in His pity He redeemed them;

And He bore them and carried them

All the days of old.

Isaiah 63:9

I do believe that He is still in control...

And He will do it again,

He'll do it again. He will do it again.

If you just take a look

At where you're now

And where you've been.

Hasn't He always come through for you?

He's the same now as then.

You may not know how,

You may not know when,

But He'll do it again.