God's plan for MY life

Around 10 years ago, my Bible study group leader had us memorize the verse from Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Little did I know then, how much this verse would impact my life. 

Fast forward to November 2016, I am now contemplating on a new verse "Be still. Do you still have no faith?" To put it in context, this was the words Jesus said to the disciples while they were in a boat in the middle of a storm. To the disciples? They knew they were Jesus and who He was, but they were they still afraid! The same goes for me, God has shown his faithfulness time and time again, but every time a "storm" hits like this, I look around and say "how could I possible succeed?" This is so vain for me to think it's still all about me.  

This week I am reminded that instead of looking at the crashing waves and hurling winds, I should look up and remember the good things God has done for me and that in all thing God is in control:

1. In 2007, I took up Economics and questioned God's plan for me. That time, I wanted to do something more "artsy".

2. In 2008, I went to Canada to learn French, being so young in a new environment was hard, but little did I know I will be migrating to Canada in 2011.

3. In 2012, I got into a Master's program in International Development. I even told my mom during my application period "It feels like I am shooting the moon- I won't ever make it"

4. In 2015, I got an internship with the provincial government, and then with the federal government. Actually, I was a just a month shy before I was going to be disqualified for that internship because of my age.

5. In 2016, I got an opportunity to work for UN for a year, but it's all through God's grace because I also barely reached the "fresh graduate" qualification to enter the internship program.

What little purpose I thought I had in 2007 has brought me where I am now.

But why is it that as 2017 starts to roll in, the panic of what is going to come next is starting to seep in again? Oh me of little faith? I tell myself  "Finding a job in this industry is just so competitive. You are competing against the best of the best from all over the world- what chance do I have?"

This brings me back to my point- it's not about me and what I can do. I need to remember that God's plan is sovereign. And that amidst this self-doubt and insecurity, I am not in the centre of it all. I am reminded of this verse "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” God is teaching me that it is not in my abilities or in my planning that I will be able to figure out what "my next step" is. No matter how small or how big it will be, God will open the doors to where He wants me to be so His purpose can be fulfilled. I should be still in His presence knowing that God will never leave me nor forsake me for He has already gone ahead of me.

I may not know what lies ahead, but one thing I know is for sure- that if "in all (my) ways acknowledge him, and He will make (my) paths straight."

On Being Canadian

All my heartfelt thanks to the people I have met in this journey of BEING CANADIAN. 

To friends I met in sales, thank you for showing me how to put yourself "out there." Your passion for what you do is incredible.

To my friends from my Master's program, thank you for showing me what Canadians fight for. Our field is definitely not for the faint hearted. Keep the FIRE GOING.

To my friends at the public service, thank you for showing me what it means to work for the "bigger picture."

To my friends at church and the filipino-canadian community, thank you for keeping me grounded.

To my family, thank you for allowing me this opportunity to venture and learn.

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

April 15, 2016, Scarborough, Toronto

Thailand 2012

Day 1: Off to Thailand & Siam Niramit

    We arrived in Thailand late in the afternoon because of airplane delay, but this did not stop us from exploring during the first day. We went directly to Siam Niramit, a spectacular show of Thailand's art and culture. Dinner is included in the tickets we bought.
 
Tips:
        1. Go there earlier around 5:30 since there are lots of activities to do there before the show starts.
        2. Be sure to watch the show done outside before the main show. Here، you can take pictures of     the performers and their costumes. Cameras are not allowed in the main hall.
        3. It is advisable to book before hand and with a travel agency because they offer cheaper rates than window rates. (check out www.traveluniversecafe.com for competitive prices!)

Day 2: Free City Tour and Amphawa Floating Market

    We were able to snatch a pretty good deal during our stay in Bangkok. For only $50 dollars, we were housed in MyHotel, a hotel near the Pratunam Shopping mall, for four days and three nights. Breakfast and a Free City Tour were included. We visited two temples and the highest standing Buddha. Normally, Lunch is provided but on Sundays the restaurant is close. To be fair, The tour guide refunded us money (100 Baht per person)

Tips:
     1. Shorts or skirts should be touching the knees. (Skirts can be rented for refundable payment just in case)
     2. You will have to remove your shoes upon entering the temple. Wear slippers to minimize the hassle of removing shoes.
     3. Bring a hat or umbrella. We went during summer season (June) and boy, was it hot!


In the afternoon, we rented a van to go to the Amphawa Floating Market. This is around 2 hours away from Bangkok. Pro's for this floating market over the other ones is it's authenticity compared to tourist-y floating markets. This market is also open only in the afternoon around 2:30 whereas the others open in the morning.  You can also rent a boat for 50 baht a person or 500 baht for a personalized boat trip. This is not a necessity since great shopping and food tasting can be done near the bank of the river.

Tips:
    1. Eat their fruits. It's really tasty and the price is cheap! Guava, starfruit, rambotan, passion fruit, coconut, and many more!
    2. Be there around 4-5:30 when it's not too hot.
    3. Beware of tight places and Thais everywhere!
    4. Go food tripping!

Day 3: Ayutthaya Wohle Day Tour and Baiyoke Sky Hotel Dinner

      Ayutthaya is definitely one of the most- go to places in Thailand. I advise going with a tour for convenience. We visited the Summer Palace, Buddha Head, Ayutthaya Ruins.
   

Did you know that? As a sign of respect to Buddha, your head should be lower than his.

For our last night in Bangkok, we decided to eat at the Baiyoke Sky Hotel. Their buffet has a great variety ranging from sushi to steaks. Great for all the food lovers! Its price is worth it, 650 Baht (Buffet and observation deck included.)

Tips:
1. Be sure to have a reservation before hand. You'll never know when a hoard of tourists will decide to book.
2. Wear loose clothing.
3. Choose a table near the windows to enjoy the beautiful city lights of Bangkok!
4. Don't forget to go to their observation deck. (It costs 300 Baht without the buffet meal)

Day 4: Last Hoorah! Grand Palace, Shopping, Penguin Likes Chocolate

Four days is not enough to explore Thailand. On our last day, we decided to take the tuktuk and visit the Grand Palace. Then we did some last-minute shopping and panic buying. Since our flight was still at 11:00 PM, we visited our mom's friend's son's restaurant called Penguin Likes Chocolate. This is a real treat for chocolate lovers. Their chocolate lava creme brulee and their flourless chocolate cake is a definitely a MUST- TRY.

 

Tips:
1. No need for tour group. You can do it by yourself and is definitely cheaper. (though finding a tuktuk and taxis may be hard to find. Patience.)
2. Arrive early. Less tourist and less There are a lot of tourists!
3. Please please Be aware of Manlolokos! (Read Stories to Share)

Stories to share:

1. Poor Elephant.


     We saw this cute elephant picking up fallen leaves from the ground and putting it on top of its head, and then blowing it away. It did it again and again. At first, we thought it was cute UNTIL we noticed dried blood trickling down its head. We are guessing that these animals are being hurt if they do not do what they are told. Tourists want to be entertained but the tricks these animals can do. But do we realize that animals are being hurt in the process?
      
       STOP ANIMAL CRUELTY.


2. Almost fooled.

    During our trip to the Grand Palace, we were almost fooled by two men. The first guy told us that we were on the wrong entrance and that we should go the other gate. Shortly after, there was another guy who told us that the Grand Palace was CLOSED until 12:00 due to a Buddha ceremony. Then he offered us different tours at a very cheap price and promised to bring us back at 12:00.

  We told him that this was our last day and we already visited the sites he was offering. Then he angrily told us we were wasting his time then left us.

  Needless to say, the Grand Palace was OPEN.

   DON'T BE FOOLED.

Things to remember:

1. Have at least one whole day to go shopping. Clothes are really cheap here. An average shirt costs around 150 Baht. Buy Whole sale and if you change your mind, sell it E-bay. Platinum store closes at 7:00 PM.
2. Charge the camera the night before, or have spare batteries and sufficiently spaced memory cards.


P.S.
This is my second time going to Thailand. If you are a first time tourist, you might want include the Chao Phraya River cruise and the Chatuchak Market which is only open in the weekends and the river cruise in your itinerary.


For Spelling and Grammatical Errors: Please inform me nicely in the comments below. Sorry for that!