My Agenda in a Nutshell

Annyeong! 

I haven't been updating this blog for quite some time now but yeah, to give you an update I have been caught up doing some great deal of things to accomplish for the past few weeks and months. And by the way, it's already June!! Time really flies on wings of lightning! I almost lost track of the calendar but anyway, all is well with me and still sane as ever (winks).

So how do I start telling you what I am up to these days? Lemme think. Hmm. Well first and foremost, my schedule has really turned into a hectic mount of things-to-dos. Aside from having to teach English to Korean students (I do love teaching, being an ESL teacher is seriously one of my dream jobs) of all ages for 8 hours a day, which sometimes gives me a sore throat due to speaking nonstop, I am also currently enrolled in TESOL training (to be a globally-accredited language teacher) which means I have to answer some nerve-racking sets of essay questions and modules plus not to mention my Nihongo class, which is about to start this month. Actually I haven't given some serious thought on that class yet so everything about it still remains tentative. If I wanna cancel, I could just do so. You might ask then what on earth I thought of indulging myself in learning Japanese.. Well as you are not all aware of, getting into a new venture has always been my passion and interest. I am quite a sucker for learning, in short!

On the other hand, in light of the plans I have with my medical career, I haven't given up on that yet. Of course, my heart still belongs to being a professional registered nurse. No matter what happens, that will always play a huge part of me. Having said that, I have my own timetable of discovering what's best for me in this field. Aside from applying all the knowledge and skills I have learned all throughout the years maybe for my future roles, there are yet some other plans I am also considering about which I refuse to disclose here for now for some reasons. At last after putting some careful thought and prayers on that decision, I have decided to temporarily put off hospital work for the sake of my family members' safety. Have I continued working, I know my anxieties of possibly being the carrier of Covid 19 to our home will definitely haunt me to sleep. 

Likewise, being a home-based employee has pros and cons too. My work from home set-up gives me a lot of advantages though, and a few downsides as well. Sitting on a chair all day long while looking at the laptop screen can be similar to facing the wall like a lifeless object. I am not exaggerating my experience at the moment but frankly speaking, for someone like me who got used to moving a lot physically in my previous job, it really took me a while to adjust at first. Even up until now I still get painful leg cramps from time to time which I find so annoying. Nonetheless, in spite of the struggle, the best thing about working at home is that it just feels so nice not to wake up a few hours earlier before the actual work time to prep myself up. Not having to worry about the traffic jams and rush hours gives me a sense of peace. Most importantly, I can just get myself to work anywhere as long as there is a strong internet connection.

On top of that, my home responsibilities and church callings are also some of the things that I am keeping myself busy with, always thrilled at the thought of having to efficiently organize my time and do some other important obligations more productively.

Sharing with you here two of the photos I had last week:

Had the privilege of attending my mission companion's wedding since we just live close to the Manila temple. Look at Stephanie, she absolutely nailed it with her looks!

Had so much fun arranging a choir presentation for our stake conference. I just couldn't be more grateful for each and everyone's talents!

This ends my update for the week. I keep my fingers crossed for more blog entries to be lined up here soon. Sayonara!

Things I Learned During the Pandemic

For some the world may not be getting any better, only it becomes worse -- because of the pandemic.

People nowadays often get trapped in the endless stigma of confusion because jobs were lost and families are starving.

We get over anxious because of the uncertainty of what the future might bring. More often than not, most of us just wish to break free from this excessive worry.

We all have our unique experiences of the year 2020 and whether you admit it or not, we may be tempted to think that life is unjustifiably depriving us of ticking off on our own bucket lists. Could be a lot discouraging, isn't it?

When President Thomas S. Monson quoted, "Your future is as bright as your faith," I keep being reminded how faith can move mountains. I also thought that if I live by my faith and not by my fear, I can do and accomplish things for with God nothing shall be impossible (Luke 1:37).

To further the understanding of what's happening around me, this pandemic had me reflect on things that I should have been learning even in the midst of all the what-ifs. There may be a few bumps along the way, however, I can see that God has still provided me the road signs that will enable me to reach my destination. 

I have mentioned from my previous write-ups the things that I have ever dreamed of doing after I returned home from my mission. I won't ever regret the decisions that I have made despite what the people around me are saying. I trust that Heavenly Father has His perfect timing and reason for everything. A "No" today can only mean a "Yes" tomorrow.

With the new normal we are currently experiencing, there have been changes in our daily routines. An interactive face-to-face activity is no longer advised and you can only do so if with proper social distancing and protective gear on. 

Temples are temporarily closed for public visits and large gatherings. Church Sunday services are gradually being held in some respective chapels, however, only those who are 18-60 years of age are allowed to attend. Youth and Single Adult Conferences, FSYs, and other enrichment activities are being postponed to ensure health safety.

With all that's happening, our mental health and well being may be put at risk.

What is yet to be done? Where will all these occurrences eventually lead us?

Before, the world is telling everyone how it works in a fast-paced motion, but is now whispering in our ears the need to slow down even just a little bit.

There may be just one answer..

Be still and know that God is God.