As part of my annual tradition, I reflect on the past year, reviewing photos, videos, and posts. In doing so, I remember the monthly highlights and God’s favour, goodness and faithfulness come back to memory. In the highs and lows, joys and sadness, losses and gains, victories and challenges, He is there. I confidently face a new year with this thought. I encourage you to do the same reflection exercise and ponder on your past year and see how God was and continues to be at work. It is a reminder how life is with Him fully involved and how chaotic/painful it is if we take control instead of Him.
2022 is among the fastest years I’ve ever had. It is more glaring because of the previous 2 years of pandemic isolation and restriction. This year, large gatherings/events are back, unmasking permitted, hugs and close contact welcomed, traveling outside the country entails lesser demands. Personally, this year has been a year of growth and re-discovery. The Lord allowed circumstances to get me out of my comfort zone. I have drawn closer to the Lord as I entrust to Him every decision, plan and action. You’re welcome to read on, and I am excited for you as you do your own reflections. Let’s remember, if we surrender everything to the Lord, there is peace amidst chaos, joy amidst adversities, hope amidst desperation/devastation, growth/new beginnings amidst ruins and life/light amidst darkness. My heart is forever grateful to the One who holds my future and has the best plans for me and my family.
January
Recovered from Covid during the holidays and was able to come out of my room after 10 days or so of isolation. By God’s grace, I was able to join the family’s countdown to the new year. During isolation, I was able to focus and review for my certification and passed the Microsoft Azure Fundamentals – the beginning of my Cloud journey. Our WAGOH group’s first volunteer at the Food Bank that have evolved to a monthly service (every 3rd Saturday of the month). Two seasoned Pastors in my home province in the Philippines passing away. It is such a big loss to the Christian community but their lives served as a testimony and encouragement of a life committed to the Lord.
February
Celebrated my niece’s birthday and she’s the one that gave a treat to the family – talk about adulting 😊 Celebrated virtually our dear Grandaunt’s 90th birthday and inspired by all her achievements and blessings. Surprised a friend on her 40th birthday. Celebrated a friend’s 50th at their lovely new home. Participated in the Coldest Night of the Year fundraising (walking for a cause) for the organization serving the youth, The Dam.
March
A dear Uncle (Papa’s only brother) passed away and what a comfort to the family for the various tributes given to him. We praise God for the vacation my Uncle had in Canada with his family back in 2019 – the brothers were able to spend quality time then. Celebrated Papa’s 85th birthday with the family. Beautiful book graduation with the Extraordinary Lovely Ladies growth group. Enjoyed the Body, Mind and Soul women’s workshop at the church. Weekend escapade with travel buddies in St. Thomas, London and Port Stanley (using the free night voucher we received from our Maritimes travel in 2020). Travelled via a friend’s electric vehicle and learned more about it in this long drive. Blue Mountain escapade with friends as we visited the timeshare property of our friend and even dipped into the hot jacuzzi pool with snow around us.
April
My brother and family found a house after a rigorous search and bidding! Rejoicing with them for this milestone and great blessing. Papa and I tried the Heart to Home meals – good alternative for simple and ready to eat meal preparation for seniors. Easter celebration with family as this buffet restaurant – Wok of Fame re-opened.
May
First time to report in person in our new downtown office. Free lunches served to encourage more employees to be onsite. Such a great reunion with co-workers and teammates. Fun barbecue get together at my brother’s new house – glad to see them settled and their large backyard great for summer and warmer months get togethers! Memorable volunteering as a friend’s daughter came to serve. My first time to see a musical at Stratford – watched “Chicago” with friends – awesome performance – shoutout to Canadian great talent. Various hangouts of dear friends at my place. Beautiful spring garden walks with Papa. Papa got his first library card and we have become regulars in the library. Learned a lot from IBM’s 2-day North America’s Coaching Summit. First hybrid Bible study for WAGOH.
June
Birthday celebration of my nephew at their new house. Attended a couple friend’s 25th wedding anniversary/renewal of vows. Open air fitness is back at the Mississauga Celebration Square. Brunch with BFFs at Tanpoco Gardens. Father’s Day celebration at Barangas restaurant by the beach (brings out Miami feels). Wonderful outdoor worship service in church. A friend invited me to her nephew’s wedding at the Blue Mountain resort and stayed there for 2 nights. Feels great to be able to glam up again for the event, enjoy the resort’s amenities and meet her fun family. Participated in the provincial elections.
July
Enjoyed helping prepare for a friend’s gender reveal party for her sister and brother in law. A friend rented a room at my place and how the Lord brought our paths together is such a testimony of His goodness and faithfulness. Lavender farm getaway with WAGOH sisters then visit to our friend’s cottage. Pool party at a friend’s house with the Filipino growth group gang. Lounging at a friend’s newly renovated patio/backyard with the same group. Book graduation with Crossover sisters. Memorable road trip at Tadoussac for whale watching and nature tripping, more adventures in Montreal with Papa and friends.
August
Revisiting Chicago through the eyes of a local – reconnecting with a Kuya back in university and grateful for the tour around his beloved city. Memorable volunteering at the Food Bank as my nephew joined with me. Lovely dinner date with my niece and nephew. Attended the first birthday celebration of friends’ son. A lot of restaurant discoveries for Papa and me on our Fri-dates.
September
Epic trip with friends/travel buddies in Ireland and Scotland. What a beautiful history for both countries and discovering more about the royal family in Scotland. Just a few days after our visit to Scotland, Queen Elizabeth passed away. It has been a great privilege to be able to relate to the places where her body was laid and being at the itinerary of the procession days prior in Edinburgh. Birthday surprises for friends and more planned birthday celebrations. A generous friend lent her cottage for our family’s getaway in Niagara Falls/Niagara-on-the-lake.
October
Lovely birthday celebrations and get togethers - brunch with BFFs at the posh Megalomaniac Winery, video call/chat with dear besties my dear friends since university, my WAGOH sisters surprised me in this tiny Korean restaurant with cake and balloons and birthday singing – the other diners sang with us too, a dear friend gave a treat to me and another friend at a dinner at CN Tower revolving restaurant overlooking downtown Toronto. Memorable thanksgiving dinner celebration with dear family. Took our booster Bivalent shots. Attended a post-wedding celebration of a friend (during his actual wedding Covid restrictions were still in place that limit his number of guests) – it has been reunion of sorts with common friends. Papa’s first apple picking and he loved it! Witnessed the wonder of nature – salmon run for the first time. Attended a grand Victorian themed party of a high school friend – her milestone celebration. First all in person growth group gathering with WAGOH sisters.
November
We welcome the newest addition to the family, my grandnephew, and it has been surreal seeing my niece being a Mom in action. The family is all in love with our darling! Attended a friend’s 25th wedding anniversary celebration and renewal of vows. Attended a grand 16th birthday party of our family friends’ daughter. Unforgettable volunteering at the food bank since this particular time we were only 4 and served 12 families. It was exhausting but rewarding. The demand for food bank has been on the rise. Watched a movie at the cinema with friends after more than a year. Belated birthday celebration with Crossover friends and happy that even in November, the leaves have not fully fallen yet and still vibrant in their colours.
December
Experienced a memorable Christmas family gathering with our newest darling, my grandnephew. Lots of awesome get together - lovely lunches and dinners with family and friends in restaurants and friends’ homes. Supported a friend as her son’s soccer club qualified for the first time to the Ontario Cup – I used to hold him as a baby, now he’s playing the team’s goal keeper. How time flies! Our church’s Christmas eve candlelight service is back and was teary eyed at one point just seeing a full packed auditorium – thankful that we have come to this point – alive and healthy. Christmas party is back at the office and festivities at downtown Toronto is in full swing. Papa got his accessibility permit which makes our parking convenient. Witnessed tremendous generosity through Portico Church’s One Hope with multiple donations raised for the food bank and 53 families blessed with gift cards (initial target was 25 only). Our growth group raised gifts for a dear friend who is going through cancer.
My heart is overflowing with praise and thanksgiving for the goodness and grace of my Almighty Father! He never fails to amaze me. Praise His Mighty Name!
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