Day 88: Lolo Joe and Lola Cora

During our last three days in Butuan, we were "adopted" by our very generous and hospitable BCBP brother and sister, spouses Joe and Cora. Those last few days with them allowed us to have a haven and respite while we were moving out and packing up our things from our home. 

No words of gratitude would ever measure up in response to the generosity of this couple. They made sure the kids and I were provided for in terms of comfort, safety and sustenance.  They even went the extra mile to lend a hand in the packing and stuffing of our boxes and furniture. 

The children would surely miss their Lolo Joe and Lola Cora...

On a personal note, I do praise God that He allowed us to be a part of a wonderful community that is the BCBP. A month or two before our scheduled move to Cebu, it was simply difficult to comprehend how possible it was for us to afford the expenses of such a move, not to mention that I was left alone with the kids to make it work. Through the kind and generous hearts of our many BCBP brothers and sisters, everything was made possible. God worked His miracle through them. What was impossible became a reality...

Many thanks to our BCBP-Butuan family!!!

Bro. Jensen and Sis. Grace - for the wonderful assistance, support and mileage you extended to us...we will forever be grateful

Bro. Mark and Sis. Joy - for being great sounding boards to me during my "anxiety attack" periods, for always being there ready to assist us in whatever we needed...many thanks

Bro. Francis and Sis. Marilou - for just being there as our constant Sunday "churchmates" at Miraculous Medal Chapel...your presence every Sunday helped keep me grounded...

Bro. Jeffrey and Sis. Manette - for the opportunities given to the kids to have some fun just before our move...those events gave some semblance of "family" during our 6-month separation from Jerome

Sis. Ched - for the boxes and always being ready to lend us a hand whenever we needed one...

Bro. Val and Sis. Langga - for the quiet nurturing and spiritual guidance you've given us over the past year...we take the learnings and insights with us wherever we go

Bro. Ben and Sis. Eden - for your inspiring messages and words of encouragement...

to our BCLP-12 family: 

Bro. Nonoy and Sis. Belen - though we don't see each other often, the strong bond of friendship can be felt every time...thank you for the prayers and advice

Sis. Lotlot, Sis. Fe and Sis. Delia - your strength as women continue to inspire me to continue to evolve into a much stronger woman...your points of view were indeed something I needed to view things from a different perspective

Bro. Nilo - your cheerful disposition and constant presence has made every breakfast and AGM alive and interesting...

Bro. Cris - your steadfast faith despite the tremendous trials that have come your way continue to be our living example of how we should live our Christ-centered lives...

and to the entire BCBP-Butuan community...thank you for always being there, constantly living your Christian lives so that we can derive inspiration and lessons from them...we will miss all of you!

...until we meet again...God bless you all!

Day 43: Her Father's Daughter

For the past several weeks, I would let my youngest daughter tag along whenever I attended the BCBP Joint Breakfast. I noticed that she has already learned the usual mechanics upon entering the breakfast venue. She'll be the one to hold on to the meal ticket and would also get her Dad's name tag for her to wear.  CeeJae likes to be the one to choose which meal to eat too and gladly hands over the ticket to the server after making her choice. 

The BCBP breakfast is one she eats with gusto, especially when there's an egg cooked sunny-side-up and ripe banana for dessert. 

Here you will see how proudly she wears her Dad's name tag...and with that look on her face, she's truly her father's daughter.

Day 8: BCBP Thanksgiving Day

To herald the new year, BCBP-Butuan held a thanksgiving day today at Embassy Hotel. It began with a celebration of the Holy Eucharist and ended with a simple dinner. The event also coincided with the installation of the Governance members of the chapter. It was a great time to give thanks for the wonderful blessings God has bestowed upon the brotherhood and its members and also the opportunity to hope and pray that the coming year will be fruitful in the quest of bringing Christ back into the marketplace.

Day 339: Free to Follow the Lord

Almost five months after our graduation from BCLP-12, we gather once more for the first of our formation talks in our journey to becoming faithful servants of Christ in the BCBP community.

For half a weekend, six out of the ten BCLP-12 graduates, joined by other brothers and sisters who haven't completed their FTFTL, came together at Embassy Hotel to listen to a series of talks for continued discernment about God's plan in our lives.

*** credits to Bro. Jeff Dellosa for most of the photos that appear on this post...thank you Bro!!!

I shall not delve into the details of the talks as I may preempt the expectations of those brothers and sisters who haven't undergone the course.  On a personal note however, I would have to say that God has shown His mighty presence and power once more as most of the topics discussed were direct answers to my existing predicaments in life. The Lord has answered my numerous questions, calmed my troubled heart and enlightened my confused mind.  The highlight of the day was being able to invite back the Holy Spirit in my life which humbled the heart of this lowly sinner.

To our brothers and sisters in BCBP-Butuan who made this great day of learning, discernment and empowerment possible, my deepest gratitude goes to you all! I know that everything was made possible by our ever-merciful and loving God. To Him be all the glory!!!

Day 257: Girl Power

Gal pals MARIELLA and CAITLIN take a brief break 

from play to pose for the camera.

One of the many gifts that membership to the BCBP has given our family is extended family. Living away from our respective families for many years now, there are times we long for camaraderie and support only family members can give.  We've found such in the community. Even our own children have found and made new friends.

God is truly good...all the time!

Day 206: Fullhouse at Breakfast

It was almost "standing room only" at BCBP joint breakfast yesterday as Bro. Noel and Sis. Dina Mercado took to the stage for their life sharing. The combined wit and comic relief style of Bro. Noel and the calm and relaxing manner of Sis. Dina brought together a powerful sharing that had me laughing and crying at the same time. Their journey was full of life-changing and life-challenging twists and turns that can only bring about inspiration and hope for people like me who are given the opportunity to listen. 

Day 199: Graduates of BCLP 12

For the past 8 Saturdays since May 29, hubby and I have been attending the BCBP's Brotherhood Christian Life Program or BCLP. Yesterday, we graduated as part of batch 12 together with 9 other participants. With the Lord's guidance, the support of our BCBP community and the unity of fellow BCLP 12 participants, we are all now associate members of the Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals - Butuan Chapter. It is but the beginning of our long journey into full Christian life and we are so excited to experience everything else that is in store for us in the community. 

Surely, the regular Saturday talks and meet ups with our batchmates will be be missed but we now have our AGM's (Action Group Meetings) to look forward to plus the remaining programs and talks we need to attend to complete our full-pledge membership into BCBP. 

The changes, the peace, the joy and the new life we're enjoying now was made possible through the grace and power of God, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. We now lift everything for His greater glory and praise! Alleluia!!!

Day 196: Fellowship

Several brothers and sisters from our BCBP community gathered together at the lovely home of couple members Bro. Nonoy and Sis. Belen Rosales to celebrate the eve of their town fiesta (Carmen, Agusan del Norte). Surrounded by a great view, enclosed in a wonderful abode, we shared the company of great friends over chit-chat, food and drink. It was indeed a wonderful way to bond and get to know each other better.  I'm looking forward to more bonding moments like this in the community.

Day 86: Election Fever

In support for a clean, honest and peaceful elections this coming May 10, the BCBP Butuan Chapter held a motorcade this morning to remind everyone of this: BUMOTO NG TAPAT, BUMOTO NG NARARAPAT.

Immediately following this morning's joint breakfast, everyone donned their special shirts and prepared for the convoy.  With posters plastered on all vehicles, motorists and pedestrians are enjoined to make intelligent choices this coming elections.  We joined Brother Jensen and Sister Grace in their van to go around the city.

Cailie and I had so much fun this morning and you can see just how much by looking at these photos.  I'm also sharing with all of you the National Prayer for Elections 2010 courtesy of COMELEC, PPCRV and BCBP.  Let us make this a part of our daily prayer until election day.