Dear Loved Ones,Pleasant Greetings to everyone! Thank God the longer days of spring are here as we bid adieu to the cold long nights of February, the shortest month of the year (even longer leap year), then preparing for the Lenten season – starting with Ash Wednesday, Abstinence Fridays - Christ’s Passion, Death and Resurrection!
I am following closely the happenings in Pinas – senate hearings, demos/rallies, testimonies of witnesses. I am happy and proud that the key witness Jun Lozada, a co-alumni from UST Engineering (he is ECE 1984), is consistent with our Thomasian philosophy of seeking the TRUTH always! Gerry and I agree with his statements about the ‘middle class being insulated from corruption and problems as they have the option to leave the country if they cannot stomach anymore’, and that OFWs are the ‘exhaust valve’ so the country is not exploding, despite massive corruption in high places. We see that in our Pinas business which serve as a conduit of foreign exchange influx, our little share in sustaining the country’s economy. Yes, remittances by OFWs are truly the backbone of the economy, what keeps our country afloat! However, the reason for my stay here is partly due to my personal bad experiences of criminality and corruption in Pinas. I am just so blessed to have this option to enjoy the best of both worlds, but now Gerry advised me to just stay put here, although I plan to return to Pinas by September to attend to important functions / obligations. Hopefully by then, the political storm in Pinas will be settled.
On Feb 11, the feast of our Lady of Lourdes, our St. Mel’s parish celebrated the 25th anniversary of the establishment of our perpetual Adoration Chapel. The festivities were highlighted with a candle-light procession (what an awesome sight!) around the church vicinity attended by the Bishop, many priests and religious and huge crowd, capped with agape reception – all organized by Pinoy Fr. George. People here are so impressed and happy with his energetic skills! For my part, I am now listed in the schedule of committed time adorers in the Chapel (my response to God’s call for service); likewise, our weekly Scripture study group just finished St. Paul’s Letter to the Corinthians 1&2. On our last day, the group had lunch at the home of our leader Claude, who prepared the food by himself, living alone in a senior citizen neighborhood. I am deeply touched by all the experiences (kindness, generosity, love, etc.) encountered in various aspects of my journey here. I feel God is truly leading my way!
We do need to offer more prayers for our country and people at this critical times, and I am glad to accommodate all the prayer requests of family and friends due to my longer and focused prayer time. I am happy to share some good news: Elsa Arbilo, my inaanak (baptism and wedding) for whom I went home to Bohol, Pinas last June 9, 2007, is expecting to deliver her honeymoon baby by March (what a blessing!); Dachi Santiago (my baptismal inaanak, also UST-Med grad), son of close friends-architects Chito and Tess Santiago just passed his Physician Licensure exam given this February. Congratulations to Elsa and husband Jasper (they are based in New York), and to Dachi and his proud parents! By the way, Dachi’s sister Kim (a dentist board topnotcher) is also migrating to Australia soon – to become another part of the ‘OFW exhaust valve generation’.
I am looking forward to my next teaching assignment this March 4 – 29, MNS 205 Quantitative Methods for Business, which will be held offsite at Roseville Electric Comp. Students are engineers and technicians of the company, and what a coincidence that I had my 20-years career with our National Power Corp. in Pinas! Thus, I hope to be at ‘home and enthusiastic’, providing solutions to application problems relevant to the energy sector.
Attached are Valentine photos with Sean at home, and Sarah's family Christmas picture. Let us continue to pray for our country and people - Peace and Joy to You. God Bless us all!!!
Much love and Best Regards!!!
SUSAN BG
