Sweet turns 12!

Where did the days and years go? My beloved god-daughter turned 12 last Sunday and we were given the opportunity to celebrate it with her and her younger sister Je-ann. We just had a simple lunch with its highlight having the crew of pizza hut singing happy birthday while dancing and afterwards giving her a complementary ice cream. She was the happiest little girl along with her younger sister.

We captured the moment, of course! :)

And then it was attacked! LOL!

She was worried here that she's eaten too much already. Thought she couldn't finish it but too bad, little sister is a reinforcement. Watch where the ice cream go. lol!

Ta-duh! Ha ha ha! Need I say more?

After eating we headed to two bookstores. I have been influencing these kids to read good books to stimulate their writing and comprehension skills. Literacy is a must although these kids are already brilliant on their own. God has blessed them multiple musical talents. I pray that they grow more to be humble and God fearing. My goddaughter told me that she aced her English test. I am the proudest godmother. Beat that! He he! :)

Places I must see!

Mother in-law asked if I made a list of the places I want to see the moment I get there. I came up with a pretty fast answer.

The three places that made it to the top are:

1. The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

What's so special about this museum is that they have a vast collection of Egyptian relics and I am one of those avid individuals who like digging about the history of the kingdom of this country. I am specifically interested about King Tut. I remembered once that I had to choose between a book called Egyptology or a bible. If you know me, the latter was my choice although I dwelt on the "what if" for a while. I know, bad me. Anyhow, I AM GOING to this museum by hook or by crook! Ha ha!

Also, I can't wait to stand beside these humongous birds!

2. Kansas City Public Library

   Don't get me wrong, I didn't mean to go on a vacation and just be a nerd there although it's not a bad idea to check on some good books too (geeks will always be geeks). He he. The truth is I want to see this place because of its state of the art facade! It's amazing how they came up with the concept. It's really cool! 

What can you say to these, hmm?! 

I am gonna take a picture with me standing below these books! Carve that! :) 

3.  Ghost towns of Kansas

    I know it's weird but I can't explain the thrill of walking on grounds that were once a haven to other people yet they chose to abandon after they've accomplished something there. Also, places like they need to leave because life cannot be sustained in there anymore. I say they should learn from us Filipinos, there is no saying no as long as there's a place to build a shanty on. Ha ha ha!  

  Kansas has a website for all their ghost towns and the list is pretty long, oh yeah! This means it could cover most of our stay there if the winter season permits us. Although these are my top three spots to visit mom also suggested to check this place. It's super packed with arts and crafts stuff! I told her I might not make it out alive once I get in there. He he he. Ooh, my mother in-law and grandma are also in yard sale hunting. It's one thing in common we have aside from being the little women in the McGuffins. Ha ha!  Can't wait to hang out with them soon! 

  

That's all folks! I still have a month to keep on dreaming about these places and then I'm good to conquer them. A big, Yay!

The siblings!

I have two adorable students who never get tired of wishing me all the best stuff in life. They are a good tandem when it comes to teasing and in making me laugh my heart out. I reckon that I don't give them much credit for all they've done so here's a post hoping it'll make them giddy. Ha ha ha!

To you, Heewon and Heesang, you rock kiddos! :)

When God says, YES!

There is nothing you can do but be overwhelmed. I got my share of His immense manifestation on the day I had my interview at the US embassy for a tourist visa. He didn't only pave the way but also showed me how He can control everything.

When God says yes, everything else follows. My passport was delivered three days after the interview even though I was told to wait for it for a week. We actually missed the delivery and had to pick it ourselves. I was getting cold feet in checking out the stamped visa. I was thinking maybe they just granted me a three-month visa instead of the six-month we applied for. My eyes couldn't believe what I saw. The expiration date of the visa is in 2022 and granted with multiple entries! Once again we praised God for it! We didn't even expect that much. He's just amazing! As ever!

We ended the day at pizza hut and celebrated it with big smiles on our face.

God is great and He is worthy to be praised!


Here's a blurry picture of my visa.

Overdue post 2 ( the judgement day, lol)

 July 31, 2012 was the big day although it was hard to sleep the night before the interview knowing you will be scrutinized the following day specifically with your intentions of visiting one's country. US Embassy has the reputation of denying a lot of applicants even though the applicants have presented much evidence that they are intending to go back after the purpose of their trip. I am so blessed to have a massive of people as intercessors. They are from all over the world! Asia, Europe and America! Friends and families who really care and pray. They are all so supportive and encouraging. Prayer works and God does wonders that we humans can never imagine!

As for my part, I did my best to organize the papers that the consul might ask. I went there very well prepared! I labeled each file to access them quick whenever I will be asked of certain documents. We actually arrived at 5 a.m. since my appointment was at 6:30. I thought there wouldn't be a line that early but I was mistaken. Turned out I was already in the number 20 slot. We finally got in at around 6 and hubby needed to head to the waiting area because I had to deal with the interview by myself. Oh, I mean me, my thousands of angels and of course, God! :)

The interview process has three categories. First one is the screening, second is the acquiring of your biometrics and last is the interview with the consul. Unfortunately, I didn't pass at the screening because my picture didn't meet the required photo specs but I was told not to worry because they have a photo booth just outside the building. I was relieved about the issue but wasn't with the outcome of the photo! I looked totally aghast! Anyway, I went back in and handed the picture and was informed to wait for my number to flash on the screen for my biometrics. I jokingly told the person at the biometrics booth not to be scared with my picture, he smiled and said, you'll do good. I said, thank you. Was that a hint, somehow? I was clueless.

I had to sit and wait again for my number to flash indicating the number of the window that will conduct the interview. I, of course was praying and hoping that I wouldn't faint if I finally get called. As I was fidgeting in my seat I also took the chance of looking around. I saw people with very confident smiles. I thought maybe this is not their first time. Also, there were people who were displaying anxieties.Walking back and forth and  blabbing non-stop with other people which I think they just had an acquaintance during the process. And then suddenly I noticed window number 10. She is an American lady. She is also a consul. I can hear her voice from where I was seated. Her questions were logical and practical. The tone of her voice also suggests that she's a hyper person. Seems kind-hearted as well. Most people she interviewed walked away floating in happiness. They were approved. There were only a few denied. So, I talked to God silently. I said, Lord, can you lead me to window 10, please? I think she's the person you would want to interview me. An estimation of maybe five minutes only after I prayed, I saw my number flashed on the board and lo and behold, I was assigned to window number 10! I thought I heard the angels sing, hallelujah! I didn't even know how I made it to the window. God is just amazing! He was next to me when I talked to Him. Like a father leading His child and telling her, okay my child, it's your turn now. Here it is. I was just overwhelmed!

And overwhelmed indeed that I missed the first question asked by the consul. Ha ha ha! I thought she was asking my name while she was actually asking my job and how much I earn a month. God led me through all the questions. I didn't pretend to be someone else. I just answered everything as honestly as I could. Among all the papers I prepared the consul only asked for our marriage contract. She didn't even bother to ask for my in-law's supporting documents. As the interview was going on and while she was tinkering on the computer, I was telling God, go on, tell her to give me the visa now. What is she still doing? Again, after saying that the consul just handed me back the marriage contract and said, alright, wait for your passport after a week. I was stunned to the highest level! Speechless and wasn't able to even lift the paper off the counter. Maybe she noticed it but I didn't care. It was the moment that my total being worshiped God. I am approved! Somehow I managed to say thank you very much and left. While exiting the place I had to call the attention of another attendant to ask her if I just got approved if the consul took my passport. What she said next sounded like a melody.... Yes, unless she asked you to do something else. Otherwise, just wait for your passport with the visa stamped on it. Wait for at least a week. She then finalized it by saying, you passed! I was still shocked but smiling and headed out.

In my mind, I was pondering on how to tell the good news to my hubby, I thought of screaming and running and maybe singing! But I also thought they might apprehend me for making such big scenario. Ha ha!  Instead I told him that I didn't make it. A lot of people at the waiting area saw my sad face and hand gesturing that I didn't make it. Hubby started to show assurance that it's okay and that we'll just talk about it on our way home. He was saying, it's alright. Let's go. Let's talk somewhere else. And of course, the sly me just smiled and took it back! I told him, no because I actually made it! Ha ha ha! He hit me in the butt and called me butt-head! Sorry if it sounds offensive but we've gotten accustomed to calling each other that way if we knew that the other one is just trying to be silly. The people seated at the waiting area were laughing so hard. I knew they were happy for us too. Hubby's smile and laughter were priceless. We were in seventh heaven. We were praising God all the way to the exit. Oh, before I forget I pulled another antic just when we were about to go out of the building. I told one of the guards to shake my hand and congratulate me for making it through the interview. He smiled and stretched his hand and said, okay! We all broke to laughter! It was a victorious day! God displayed His power and favor. I am still amazed until now!

I don't credit myself for making it but to God alone all the credits belong! You are awesome, Jesus! :)

Overdue post 1 (before the interview day)

The day before we headed to the Embassy of America we went to Marikina first. We visited one of our dearest friends who we call "nanay ebiang" because she just had a surgery. She was fine and is recovering well. We didn't stay there long because hubby was already very hungry although we usually eat at that friend's house together with her family, my best  friend Chit and her hubby but we opted not to because the host is not in the condition to do so. We didn't want to be a burden as well. So "my handsome" and I ended up at our favorite Italian restaurant in that same city. It's called Cafe Lidia. The manager once again was very nice to us and recognized us as soon as we entered the place. What fascinated me was she still remembered the entree that I usually order. How cool is that? Hubby ordered the house pizza as always and for the first time I ordered coffee. It was much of a delight to my eyes than to my craving because they artistically topped it with a feline character in chocolate syrup. Made me not want to consume it. Ha ha! We could barely move after the sumptuous meal!  We then headed to the mall to check some pair of shoes because the smart me intentionally left a pair at home. Although hubby didn't buy the thought of me really forgetting them. He knew I had something up my sleeves. He just chuckled because we both knew my tactic worked. Got me a pair of new shoes and went back to our hotel. It was a fun day but still I was fidgety for the next day's appointment.

Oh by the way, here's my delightful coffee and hubby's pizza! Yum!