The year 2012 was a year of breakthroughs. It wasn’t all
rainbows, all bed of roses, and all laughter and joy. In fact, it
was busy, full of activities. Too, we had our
share of sorrows and pain, however, victorious in every way,
all by God’s grace and favor.
For a long time we have prayed for Bim to find a stable and permanent employment. Just as he was about to turn 50 in April (his jubilee year), God
had granted “our” wish. He now works for
TransPerth as a bus driver, a job that he truly enjoys. He trained for a while to get himself
qualified for an HR license and passed the driving assessment with flying
colors.
(Bim turning 50 in April, 2012)
(Bim in his work uniform)
CJ, now on to his 3rd year in MotorSports Engineering continues
to work part time as a removalist (Bim's former business) and a part time university student. A fine young and dedicated man, he is
committed to fulfill his dream to someday finish a double degree in MotorSports and Mechanical Engineering.
(CJ, as a removalist and Jed, as a Heavy Metal Fabricator-
both engineers in the making!)
Jed had commenced his apprenticeship in Heavy Metal Fabrication Engineering
early this year. Our big surprise was
when his professor announced the news to us that amongst the new trainees in his class, he was
commended to be the best in his work.
His employer loves him as much.
Being his first year in apprenticeship, he is oftentimes given the task
of supervising his division; quite a high commendation on his first year of
training.
Daisy finished her 8th year with a loud bang having to earn the
highest academic (Principal’s Award) achievement and honors in Athletics Award
as Rookie of the Year. She officially
starts high school in the coming year in a specialists/extension program: a
group of students who demonstrates the highest standards of achievement and
participation.
Caila, our sweetest Little Peanut, likewise finished the year with a
Principal’s Award having to achieve high standards in academics in her
class. She was commended by her peers
and teachers to be the most well-behaved, well-mannered, and
most-spirited.
I continue to work in the hospital twice and in the nursing home near my home
5-6 times a fortnight as a
Supervising/Coordinator/Clinical Nurse role in the areas of specialty in Geriatrics and Continence; Plastics, Urology
and ENT. It is challenging in a way as I
am tasked to oversee and making sure quality nursing care is delivered to the residents/patients.
(Jenny with her St. John of God Subiaco Hospital work uniform)
Bim’s brother, Gerro, came to visit us from the Philippines in September-October. The two brothers had not seen each other for
almost 4 years. We took him around the Perth region and up to the Avon Valley. Gerro’s visit was one
that we cannot forget.
I went home to the Philippines for my mother’s homegoing in November. My siblings abroad came home as well and we're all reunited after about 9 years.
It was a sad time for us but God’s grace was sufficient to comfort us in
our most deepest sorrow. I miss my mom
so much. However, knowing that she is now in a better place, gives me peace on her passing.
We are approaching our second year in our little piece of paradise, now we call home in May. This gift of a dwelling place is haven for
us. This year, we’ve added the deck and
extension to the alfresco area, and some other improvements in the house. There is still a lot to do but we will take it
up as we go.
(the new deck the alfresco extension at the back garden, painting of fence still ongoing)
(Kalbarri, Western Australia)
(the lighthouse in Geraldton, Western Australia)
We managed to do a short trip up north in Geraldton and Kalbarri during the Holy Week holidays. On some weekends, Bim and his bike mates went down south around the areas of Pemberton to explore the bike trails and outback of Western Australia.
(Bim with bike mates one weekend)
My small group composed of young mothers and engaged women, meet a fortnight to pray and soak in God's word. A venue where we can just put our hair down and vent out frustrations with family and work. A safe place to be, a fellowship of women committed to God's word and living it out everyday.
(the women in my small group- with some of their partners and children)
It’s been a busy year alright. We saw
God’s hand in every successes and even in our troubles this year. My heart rejoices that when trouble comes, I
see my family all the more hanging on to our faith in the God that we
serve. That is more than I can ask for…
indeed, it was a year of breakthroughs.
I praise God for the year 2012. We
welcome 2013 with open hearts. Again,
God’s mercy is all sufficient and new each day! Looking forward to what our good Lord has in store for us this year!
Shalom!
(kids keeping warm on a cold winter's night)
(exploring God's word in our women's small group)
(one find spring afternoon at the Swan Valley)
(day trip to Araluen Park)
(Christmas 2012)
(the last day of year 2012- with the Arroyo's and de Leon's)
