This month of September brings back unforgettable memories. On September 27th will be my sister Violy's 1st death anniversary. How time flies! It's been a year since Violy is gone. Our life is not complete without her. I  already lost count how many times I cried every time I remember her. In fact even this very moment, I cant hold back my tears while I'm writing this post. There were times that my hubby had seen me crying for the lose of my sis and he was always there to hug and comfort me. Her memories will always remain in my heart and in my mind. September is Violy's birth month and it's also her death month. Tomorrow, September 23  would have been her 47th birthday. Until now I can't get over the death of my sister. I always remember her and her memories are still fresh in my mind.

How can I forget my one and only sister who was with me for many, many years. Violy is two years my junior and we were very close to each other. I can tell her anything and she was my best friend and confidant though like any other normal siblings, we had also our share of disagreements and  misunderstanding when were young. When we were both single, we used to share the same bed. During my lowest moments when I was battling the big C, she was with me. I still remember, I cried with her when I was diagnosed with the big C and I told her I am going to die soon like our mom. She said no, that she will remedy the money so I can undergo surgery. She got a loan for my surgery and she went with me in the hospital during that time.

When I got married and went to the US, I always talked to her on the phone. Her voice still rings in my ears. I can't forget her voice. Every time I needed something, she was just a phone call away and I asked her to send me the things that I wanted. After a couple of weeks, here comes my small parcel in the mail. She sent me quite a few swarovski jewelries that she made herself. I was so thankful to her for her thoughtfulness. Violy is one person who will help anybody as long as she can. She was so generous and helpful. That's one trait that I can't forget about her. Of course I can't forget her sweet smile, her laughter, her sweetness and of course her cooking. There are many things that I remember about Violy and if I write it all, this space is not enough. It will take me days to write everything about her.

To you Violy, it's been a year since you went to be with the Lord. I know that you are very happy where you are now. Your wish that you wanted to see your oldest son graduate in high school may not be granted but I believe in my heart that you are happy now in the presence of the Lord where there is no more sickness and pain. Rest assured that we will take care and guide your 2 boys as they travel  in this life. VIOLY, YOU MAY NOT BE HERE WITH US NOW BUT YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN! Your memories will live forever! I thank God for giving me the best sister in this world. I love you and I miss you very much!

 

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It's 9 years today since I married the man that God gave me. How time flies! I remember he went to the Philippines to meet me in August 27, 2002. We didn't plan that we were going to get married. I thought he will just come to meet me personally. When I get to meet him in the airport, he gave me a hug and I got this feeling that it's like I've known him for many years already. The truth is I just met him in the internet the past three moths until he decided to come to the Philippines to see me. He then proposed marriage to me which I accepted and we tied the knot in September 11, 2002. Two different people from two cultures who fell in love and that's what you call magic! We had a whirlwind romance and he came and sweep me off my feet! Gosh! I love him!

I learned that if a person is God's will for you, no matter how short the time that you've known each other, you would end up with each other. God is the maker of our destiny and he answers prayers. I had a boyfriend for 4 years but he was not God's will for me. I thank God for He did not give that guy to me, instead He gave me my hubby. God is really good and He knows what's best for us.

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We've been here in my homeland for more than couple of years now doing missionary works for the Lord. I know my hubby miss his family back home in Texas. We're planning to go back there in the states and have a furlough sometime next year depending on our finances. I just wish that we can have a short vacation too in one of the countries that hubby and I have been wanting to see and that is the land down under called Australia. We could rent in one of those short stay apartments and then roam around the tourists spots there. I was browsing the apartments in melbourne and I've seen some nice apartments there.

I heard a lot about Australia and I was wondering why they called it the land down under. I did my research and I found out that Australia is the only continent with a permanent population that is entirely below the equator, hence the name, "Down-Under". That’s amazing! I didn’t know about that until just now. I need to check the accommodation in melbourne if ever hubby and I have the budget to go there and visit. I wanna see Melbourne and Sydney and of course their famous kangaroo. Australia is one in our top lists to visit next to Hawaii.

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I haven't been to a cruise in my entire life and this is one in my lists that I want to fulfill before I hit my golden year. I know with our financial situation right now and also with our ministry that we started, this dream looks bleak. But who knows, God would grant my desire so hubby and I can go to one of those Galapagos Cruises that I've been dreaming off. Nothing is too difficult for the Lord and I firmly believe that if it's His will, it will happen. Hubby and I might be able able to distribute gospel tracts on that cruise too.

One of my friends went to cruise a few years ago and she told me she really enjoyed it and she had a good time with her friends traveling with the Galapagos Cruise Ship. They went to a lot of places and they have seen different exotic animals there. I even had the privilege to see her photos that she uploaded online. I was so happy for her because she had the opportunity to travel and see exciting places. Maybe one of these days, it will be my turn to go on Galapagos Cruise.I just keep on praying and trusting God. He owns the world and everything on it and He answers prayers in His time, not ours.

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This vacation of ours on the last weekend of October 2008 was so memorable. God is really good. He has His own way to bless us by using other people. My hubby and I had the opportunity to go on a weekend vacation at a place that only the rich people can afford. Wayne and Melissa invited us to go with them at Tanglewood Resort Hotel in Pottsboro, TX. They flew from Iowa and they came to pick us direct from the DFW airport. We drove there from our house and spent 2 days with them there. The place was great, the hotel buildings were so fancy. While driving to that place, we passed by lots of trees, it's like we were in the middle of the forest. I didn't expect that we will end up in a place with fancy and modern buildings. Hubby and I were just expecting that we will end up in a cabin.

The place where we stayed was in the 3rd floor in one of the hotel buildings. It has 2 bedrooms, and a kitchen complete with utensils and appliances. The living room was spacious and the dining table is good for 6 people. Even our room has a small refrigerator and coffeemaker, etc. Melissa later found out that our suite costs $450 a night. Wow! It's too expensive. Her parents had a time sharing in that place so they were able to use it and pay only a small amount for the whole time they gonna stay there until Wednesday or Thursday. Hubby and I were so thankful to Wayne and Melissa for inviting us there. We had a good time visiting Lake Texoma and went out sightseeing around the nearby cities. Thank you Lord for a good weekend vacation and for all your unending blessings and provisions. I can't thank you enough Lord. I praise and worship your Mighty name Lord Jesus!

The view across our hotel building.


The hotel building where we stayed. We were on the 3rd floor.


In our hotel room.


In the hotel's dining room while eating our supper.

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This is the last part of my post about our vacation in OKC 3 years ago. Before we went to OKC, I searched in the internet for a good hotel where we can stay and I read the reviews too. The hotel I chose was close to all the tourist attractions and it was clean and both hubby and I were satisfied with the services. The rate is not that expensive too. Hubby and I enjoyed our stay there. I didn't even take my laptop with me so I wasn't able to blog for 3 days. My hubby said I don't need to blog when we are on vacation so I left my laptop at home. The hotel where we stayed had a free high speed internet service but I'm glad I didn't have to blog and all we did when we were back at the hotel after a long day was to rest, watch tv and eat. Oh, what a life! I was free from all the house chores for three days and I love it. Who wouldn't want to just relax, go sight-seeing and just eat and sleep afterwards? I just wish my hubby and I will go on vacation again so we'll have a good time. Oklahoma City is a beautiful place to visit with all their tourist attractions worth visiting. Let me post some pics taken at the hotel where we stayed.

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Memories goes on...The last place we visited on our vacation in Oklahoma City was the National Cowboy Museum. The building sat on top of a hill. I'm not really very fond of going to a museum because I don't feel any excitement there but this one is different. Of all the museums I've been to, I think this one is unique and the best. This museum exhibits an internationally renowned collection of Western art and artifacts. There were lots of tourists and visitors while we were there. The National Cowboy Museum is a great place to visit. It is a family-centered museum with hands-on activities for children and grown-ups alike. There are so many things to see and to learn about this amazing part of America's national heritage. The Cowboy Museum is well designed and constructed on an 18-acre land.

My hubby enjoyed looking at the cowboy stuffs and guns and the statue of his favorite actor John Wayne which was made of copper. We both enjoyed touring the Prosperity Junction which brings back to life the circa 1800 Western cattle town at dusk where full size structures, including a bank, restaurant, stable, carriage, jail and church bring the experience to life. I used to see those places in the old western movies and while we were walking in that junction, it's like I experienced how it is to live in the past.

They have also the Children's Cowboy Corral and the kids who were there really had a good time. The place caters for the adults and the kids.

Being a gardening fanatic, I enjoyed the outdoor gardens with the nice landscape and fountains. The place was awesome. I could sit outside and relax by the water features and listen to the birds while being surrounded by such glorious colorful flowering plants. It was a gardeners dream!

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Here's a continuation of our vacation that I posted in my previous posts. The next place we visited in Oklahoma City 3 years ago was the botanical garden. I just love to visit gardens and nice parks. Myriad Botanical Garden in OKC is a nice place to go if you're a nature lover and you love to see beautiful landscapes and gorgeous plants and flowers. Inside the botanical garden lies the Crystal Bridge. But you have to pay the entrance fee which is $6 each to go inside. I asked the cashier what's inside and she said a variety of more than 2,000 flora and fauna. So my hubby bought the tickets and we went inside.

Oh my, it was so beautiful inside the Crystal Bridge! Different varieties of tropical plants were there with all those beautiful and colorful flowers. The landscape was so beautiful tooI I could stay there for long and just stare at the beauty of the surroundings. We climbed the top and walked across the bridge and went to to the other side. Though I was scared of heights, it didn't stop me and I just walked slowly while looking down at the view from the top. My hubby was busy taking video while walking and I was also busy clicking my digicam. Then when we were done feasting our eyes with the view, we went out and explore Myriad Botanical garden. The surroundings were beautiful! Lawns and trees were green and neatly trimmed. Flowers and fountains were so captivating. What a view! I just love this place. Here are some photos taken there.

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