Dear Loved Ones,
Pleasant
Greetings from Sacramento, CA, USA! Happy Thanksgiving to everyone, as we thank
GOD for the Blessings we continuously receive all the days of our lives by members in our multi-located global family:
in Pinas, New Jersey, and CA, USA!
The first half of the
month, we commemorated the feasts of all Saints including those of my parents (un-canonized,
my saints nonetheless) and prayed for all the souls in purgatory, as part of
our Church (Triumphant, Militant, and Suffering).
On our
Opus Dei, we formed a group / circle who goes out together for lunch after our
Saturday Recollection, discovering new places, the latest is the Royal Kebab,
where we enjoyed Mediterranean fare like humus, ground chicken kebab, salad,
etc. Fr. Turlock continuously delivers wise advice / insights on virtues and
holiness, and his penance absolutions always leaves you cleansed with clear
conscience.
The 2nd half
month was spent preparing for the much awaited holidays, being with friends and
shopping. Russel and Tess, with their 2 kids, hosted our Thanksgiving dinner,
where I brought a Honey-baked Ham / Turkey for potluck. We had a reunion with
couples Rey and Lina, Larry and Cindy, Mark and Sarah, Paul and Kim, and their
respective kids. After dinner, all were on their way to the malls for the early
discount shopping. Sean and I opted to go to Roseville Galleria which was full
of people. Sean’s major purchase was a JBL soundbar and woofer entertainment
set from Best Buy, in addition to our year-long supply from Bath and Body
Works, Express, Macy’s, making use of 50% discounts.
Ate Eve and I watched a
FIL-AM musical play ‘Giyera’ at the Lesher Theater in Walnut, CA (2-hr drive
from SAC). The play was set during the Japanese occupation in Pinas. It was
nice to see Fil-am youth showcase their talents and embrace our culture. Such a
nostalgic evening in America, as I was impressed by my 85-yr young companion
drove her car to the theatre. BTW, the showing was sponsored by the Tagbilaran
North Calif. Association (TANOCAL); thus, got to meet some kababayans.
Other highlights of the
month:
·
I continuously serve as Eucharistic Minister (Eucharist or Precious
Blood) twice a month. To prepare for worthiness to serve, I pray a lot, do
fasting, and mortification. Please help me Lord!
·
Spent more time with Hanh, discussing / clarifying doctrine issues, keeping
me at work, honing my apologetics; over Starbucks coffee; she gives me
home-cooked Vietnamese / French meals which helps my weight lower as she’s fond
of vegan food. Thus, I am on my toes to review the tenets of our faith, to be
true and faithful to our Catholic teachings; Thanks God for this opportunity!
·
Movies watched: ‘Bridge of Spies starring Tom Hanks, shot during the
‘cold war’ mostly in cold Germany; ‘Spectre’, the latest in the Bond series,
allegedly the last by Daniel Craig; Hunger Games – Mocking Jay Part 2, an
extended movie to gain more attention and box-office income;
·
I am also doing some apostolate to my friend who had been experiencing
some depression due to some gullibility on personal relationship; nice feeling
to use our wise experiences to help
others resolve their problems;
·
Books read: Called to Life, by Jacques Philippe, and Glorious Holy
Spirit, Knowing Who You Are by Knowing Whose You Are, by Fr. Cedric Pisegna,
C.P.
Attached are 4 photos with
family and friends. Let us continue to pray for our country and people. Peace
and Joy to You and God Bless Us All!
Much love and Best Regards!!!
SUSAN BG
