In the Nick of Time

Married for more than two years with no baby yet - - -
Nope that’s not me but some of my friends.

Sometimes I run out of comforting words to convey to them how, just as sure as I’ve met a drunk bird (which is another story), God will provide in His own time. My experiences tell me so.

Okay, so I am not married and therefore never had a baby… but in my single life, it is tested and proven that the Great Provider gives in the nick of time.

Just before I wanted to give up and return back to Cebu for not finding a job in Manila right after I took the bar exam, He found me a job at the UP Law Center Institute of Judicial Administration. I was then able to travel around the country with new found friends and colleagues.

Just before I could not afford to fend for myself in Manila after resigning from UP, He gave me a job in the Ateneo Human Rights Center that took me to different parts of the world. I also met new friends and formed deeper friendships with old ones.

Just when I thought my life was going nowhere after resigning from Ateneo, He gave me a scholarship in the University of Notre Dame in Indiana, which took me to, well, South Bend. It might not be a big city but it was perfect for me at that particular point of my life. He also gave me new friends and some deeper bonds are still in process.

Just when I was desperately praying for a post-graduate internship, He gave me one with the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Human Rights Center in Washington, D.C. I start with them soon.

Just when I was close to not breathing - worrying about my employment authorization, I got an email from the USCIS that they have ordered the processing of my card. Whew!

Of course the list goes on. I have so many other stories. But I will stop here and pay attention to your own stories of how you’ve received an overflowing of blessings in the nick of time. I’m listening. Please do share.

To God be the glory!

Psalm 23:1-6

A Psalm of David.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.

"Wild Abandon"

Sometimes
I wish I could live life
with wild abandon.

I like to dance.
But not in public.

I like to sing.
But only in the privacy of home
or the bathroom.*

I like to drink.
Preferably water,
any fruitshake or
any chocolate drink.

Sometimes
I wish I could just
throw caution to the wind.

But that would not be me.

- - - -
*I mean the belting out loud kind of singing
not my ordinary singing after hearing a "keyword."

Eat, Drink, Sleep Paper

This is not about the Lenten fast.

Rather about my course papers and my thesis.

When I eat, I think about my papers.
When I drink, I still think about my papers.
Before going to sleep and upon waking up, I again think of my papers.

Let these thoughts not blind me from the things that matter most.
Let it lead me instead to rely on His infinite love and wisdom.

I'm Not in the Philippines

Last Sunday night up to Monday morning, there was a "wind chill" warning. That means, if you don't cover yourself very well when you are out, you risk freezing. Or you risk suffering from hypothermia.

Today, there's snow. Lots of snow. Snow accumulation is predicted to be 1 to 4 inches.
There's wind too. Lots of wind.

You'd think classes will be canceled.

But no. Life goes on. You are not expected to stay in.
You are expected to put on the necessary layers of clothing and you go.

Go to class. Go to work. On time.
The weather cannot be an excuse for one to be late.

I have to remind myself. I'm not in the Philippines. :)

Peruvian Dinner and Thereafter

Lavender took me to a Peruvian dinner tonight. It was great! I loved their version of kinilaw. Thanks to the Peruvian students from Notre Dame who prepared them.

I almost did not go because of the weather - - - it snowed then it rained then it snowed. But my gut, my stomach and my spirit bugged me to go. So I gave in. And I am so glad I did! It was a good time to share good food with friends and soon-to-be-friends.

Life is fuller with shared memories.



After parking Lavender at our apartment's open lot, I asked my colleague and friend to kindly lock the two doors at the right side of Lavender. Meanwhile, I also locked the passenger door (driver’s side manually).

Unfortunately, the long jacket I was wearing got stuck in the middle of the already locked door. So I could not move. My cellphone was inside the car. What to do?

Fortunately, I could still be rescued. It’s not my fate to freeze in the cold. My friend was still there at the other side of Lavender.

I wonder what I would have done if I was alone. With the way it got stuck, I could not take the jacket off and it would have been difficult to tear it. People in the building probably would not recognize my shout for help as they always hear me scream with laughter. Whew!

But because I knew there was a way out, I laughed my heart out with my predicament. I give you permission to do so too. Hehehe.

Life is happier with shared laughter.

Loving Notre Dame

I love Notre Dame!

I love the campus and its open spaces. It must be lovelier with the new law school building. But for now I am content.



I love the view from the 13th floor of the Hesburgh library. I can’t wait to see how it will look at the end of spring.



I love my carrel in the library. It’s not the best of places and it might feel suffocating at first but I’ve developed a special affection to it. It is now an oasis.

I love the access to technology – computers and internet everywhere, “free” printing, scanner, three hole punch (although I’ve never used it), copying machines, etc.

I love the Law School retreat! It was a beautiful way to start the year. We reflected on faith and career; faith and relationships; faith and justice; and faith and vocation. I’m happy to have met people who share my faith and struggles. And happy to remember to seek and pursue my passion and offer it for His greater glory.

I love the weekday 815 prayer at the Law School chapel. What a heartwarming way to greet the day – with chants and praise in community.

I love CL. The Communion and Liberation Movement invigorated my slowly degenerating spirit.

I love the De Bartolo Performing Arts Center and its promise of beauty and the arts.

I love the Sweep. It’s a trolley that goes around the campus. I like its design and love the comfort it gives when it’s really cold.

I love the cemetery. It’s the one that greets me when I enter Notre Dame and the one I see last as I go “home” to North Notre Dame Avenue. It just gives me a sense of peace.



I love our almost bare apartment. The Center for Civil and Human Rights and the LLM alumnae have kindly provided us with the necessary furnishings. I am grateful. I love the uncluttered space.






I love the new friendships here and there. I’ve learned one can never have enough friends. And for them to come from different countries, what a wonderful world it is!



I love the sound of different languages and love the chance to greet my colleagues in varied tongues.

I love the course of study – Master’s in International Human Rights Law – it’s just my fit.

I love my early morning bike ride - especially when it’s not too cold.

I love Kulana Makamaka – my reliable bicycle. It takes me door-to-door.

I love Lavender – my newly borrowed car. Like Kulana, the mobility gives me a sense of freedom. Thanks to my family for the rides.

I love the snow. Only when it’s not too much and I can still use my bike.



I love the rain - most especially when it washes away the snow. Then I don’t have to clean my car.

I love watching the snow or the rain fall, from our balcony while I sit on our rocking chair. I do not knit though.



I love watching people and cars pass by as I sit on our rocking chair – whatever the weather.



I will stop now. Surely, there’s more to the list if I think some more - - - Like the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, its choir, and its service; the grotto; the lakes… Stop.

I love Notre Dame. There’s more to it than football.