Peace, Love and Coventry

Where We're At

It has been a while since I've written anything down.


As I lay awake in my (new) humble home in Birmingham, I feel the want to write about the past few months.


It's been great - it really has. Maturity, independence - I feel l that I've touched on those again. Even more so now than when I used to live on my own in Edinburgh. I like being in Birmingham. It feels like my second home. Although to be honest, I'm not sure where my first home is. Not that I don't consider anywhere my home. Quite the opposite actually. I consider everywhere my home. Which is nice. I always make it a point to thank God for providing a home for me wherever I go. And I really do mean that.


Years ago I never would have thought I could do it on my own. To leave our family home was mightily scary yet also a little bit exciting. Being a mommy and daddy's girl made me a little apprehensive to set my foot out into the world unknown. But through God's grace, I'm surviving. Bit by bit. And on most days I feel especially blessed for having the opportunity to do the work that I do and to be surrounded with the nicest people I could ever ask for.


Go, team Microbiology :)


Thank you, Lord Jesus, for providing me with much more than I deserve. For being my light and my guide. For protecting me night and day. And for inspiring me to love this crazy big city You've chosen for me.


It hasn't been a smooth sail, if I'm being totally honest. I've been through a bad breakup just before getting this new job. In a way, I'm grateful for having a new start. I'm thankful for a new slate. There's this peace that comes with knowing you have ended a significant yet no longer encouraging chapter in your life. Of course, I miss my first love. There will always be that part of me that will want to block all the hurt and anger and only look back at the beautiful moments in our relationship where there was kindness and respect. May I never forget to pray for him and his family the way he has done for mine.


Thank You, Lord, for giving me the wisdom to take my time to heal, to not rush into freedom, to love myself again. I feel that the tears I've cried every now and then have helped me to see the breakup in a positive light and to see my past love as a beautiful lesson. I don't want to forget. I never would want to forget. But I want to forgive and to eventually walk away with only peace and love in my heart.

Sunday Smiles

I have decided to attend Sunday Mass at Birmingham Cathedral from now onwards :) I was in awe of the detailed interiors and the lovely choir. I truly enjoyed today's Mass and although it isn't a Catholic church, I did not mind at all. I would love to come back every week.

On the bus to the Cathedral this morning, I sat next to a good old man and we ended up talking for a bit. He mentioned he had been to the Philippines many many years ago as he used to be a a seaman. He even asked if we could have coffee! I politely declined as I was going to be at church. He was such a sweet one as he kissed my hand when we said our goodbyes. May God bless him with good health and good company forever.

My heart couldn't help but ache for the many lonely old people in the world :( But also I felt happy to have given a smile to someone even for a short while.

Wise words from a teabag :)

A few words on Kris...

I've never been smitten with a celebrity until I started scrolling through Kris Aquino's IG. I mean, of course, I have seen her on the telly and in movies many times before but I guess I never really thought that much about her.

My mom and I watch snippets of Kris TV occasionally on YouTube. It was only until recently when we started watching full episodes on a daily basis. Sure she's maarte and a little too expressive at times - but one thing I can definitely see in her is that she's smart. Like, intellectual smart and not tuso smart. And all her kaartehan is most likely just her way of sharing all the beauty and colour in her life.

Have you ever noticed how she's great with numbers, how she knows quite a bit about interpreting blood test results and what's in your food, and how important she thinks it is to read for pleasure? I love how she's wonderful with her kids, too, and puts them first in everything she does. And don't get me started on how she treats her staff - I bet she's the kind of boss people love to work with. I think the best thing I've noticed about her as well is that she genuinely prays for PNoy - not only because he's her brother but also because he is holding a great responsibility in his hands. When was there ever a time in which we prayed for our President? I really was humbled when I realised I never partook in this activity and that it is good practice to join in no matter who gets elected into that role.

I've never really looked up to celebrities. I must admit I didn't think there was much substance to them but here comes Kris proving me wrong and showing me that there is much more to showbiz than I can ever imagine. I mean, they're people, too. And so brave to face the world's criticisms.

I hope she comes up with an autobiography in the future. I sure would love to read that!

Love,
R