Canada – Princess Pepay

AO#2: Women at the Well

(Me, MJ, Marj, Ate Beth, Ate Don)

I was thinking what I should call these lovely women… I like Women at the Well. Each of them has their own story of how Jesus met them at their own “wells” of life. And if not for Jesus, I will also never get to know these women. He is the reason why we are where we are.

Today is a reminder of the Good Friday that happened more than 2,000 years ago. And because of that, I am able to celebrate this season of my life with these ladies.

I truly appreciate the love they show through enouragements, prayers, time, blessings and just being there to listen. They get busy at times but they always make time. And for that, I am truly grateful.

Love you ladies! 😘

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As I commit to be more appreciative to people, I will use my blog as one of the platforms to do that. And why I’m doing this? (Click -> Here’s why )

Standing Still

It’s been more than a week since I moved to Canada. Even before I came here, I’ve been submitting tons of job applications. I got few responses, some from companies, some from recruitment agencies. It’s been more than 5 months now that I’m unemployed and I’m kinda feeling the pressure to find a job. Not to mention, I have expenses to pay and I’m not in Manila anymore. It’s been quite tough finding the right job here for the skill set that I have. Experiences and skills required are very specific that it’s very difficult to fit in.

I have moments of discouragements and doubts. I desperately want to work immediately before this month ends and I feel like things are not going my way. But I don’t want to let my fear or anxieties swallow me. I have a big God.

I’ve been reading the Book of Joshua since I arrived here. I just felt I could relate to Joshua’s journey. God was fulfilling His promise of giving the land to the Israelites but the journey was never easy. Joshua and the rest of his army had to defeat a lot of nations before receiving the fullness of the land. I feel I’m in the same battle. I have to defeat other applicants to be able to receive the best that God wants to give me.

But what comforted me was that the victories of the Israelites were all because of what God did. All they did was to attack but it was God who handed to them in defeat their enemies. It was God who gave them the victory. And I believe God will do the same for me. All I need to do is to submit the best of my resume, go to interviews – never give up. And, God will take care of the rest. Indeed, only God can give me favor through men. Only God can move the heart of the companies.

This job hunting journey is never about me or the job I’ll have but still and always about God, who He is and what He can do. He deserves the glory.

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In one of my quiet times this week, I told God, “If you can make the sun stand still for a day, then, you can give me the best job.”

The sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed going down about a full day. There has never been a day like it before or since, a day when the Lord listened to a human being. Surely the Lord was fighting for Israel! – Joshua 10:13-14

Blogpost Series #1 – Rediscovering Hastings Street

Excited for my friend’s new site!

Hastings has been stereotyped and I’m excited how Anne will give light to this so-called “gloomy” street.

Way to go Anne!

anneshetty.com

I’ve been dying to do this for the longest time! Since we moved in the Burnaby Heights area. Every time I walk the street, I am mesmerized by the shops I see. I walk almost everyday, doing my grocery, or taking Rianne to the library. But all I do is look at their windows and wonder. This time, it’ll be different! I am taking that leap, a new journey and I hope that you’ll be with me! 🙂

Hastings Street is quite a long stretch so I am dividing the series into 2 parts. The Heights in North Burnaby and then East Vancouver. I am just so excited to know all these local merchants in the neighbourhood. I can’t wait to meet them all and know their stories.

Part 1 – Hastings St. in North Burnaby, Burnaby Heights/The Heights

Part 2- Hastings St. from East Vancouver to Downtown Vancouver

Hastings Street quite…

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Future begins

May 27, 2014 – I “LANDED”. That’s the term they use for new immigrants coming to Canada. The first question at the border, “You just landed today?”

I praise and thank God for making everything go smooth, from my application until I arrived here. Everything went very well. I’ve seen God’s favor and hands in the whole process. There were small humps along the way but big or small – nothing God could not handle.

a welcome to Canada book given to new immigrants

God even prepared a place for me when I arrived. I’m so much blessed with my friend, Anni, who generously offered her place as she knew it would not be easy for me to start a new life here. I’m also grateful that I have so many Filipino friends here who are very helpful and encouraging. And for that, I’m truly grateful to God for all of them.

I opened a bank account in CIBC and they have this new immigrant package wherein there’s no need for initial deposit and no transaction and monthly charges for one year. They even give credit card even if you still don’t have funds (here, credit card is somehow a need as you need to establish your credit history). I even got responses in some of my applications and I’m just on my fourth day here. God is truly amazing how much He provides and remains faithful to His promises.

But, more than anything else, I know God has a bigger plan, not just for me to live a good life here but for His Kingdom work. I just pray that my focus will always be fixed on Jesus and that the things I will do here will always be about God’s cause and not mine.

I can only confidently say, “Let the future begin.” because I have a God who holds my future.

To God be all the glory.

My Heart is Yours by Kristian Stanfill

Quebec

July 2011 – It was summer in where I was that time. My aunt invited me to join them for a long drive trip to Quebec coming all the way from Virginia. I got excited because I’ll be visiting a French speaking place (closest to Paris I could get…hehe).

Before our trip, I did not google about Quebec, asked what’s in that place or even got curious what I could see there. I realize that if someone else is planning the trip, I really don’t have to know the details.

And you know what? It was really good not to know the details. Because I didn’t know what to expect, I got blown away by the place. Sounds exaggerated? Not really. I fell “in love” with the place. I felt like I was in one of those places that I see in Europe. The old city of Quebec was really beautiful. And not to forget, the French dishes we have tried were really impressive. I’ve used some of the basic French words I’ve learned from my 101 class before (finally! Hehe)

I’ve learned some history about the province like it was used to be under the French colony, thus, the French-speaking people. It has a Catholic background seeing all the big churches in every town or city. I’ve learned from our tour guide that the highest rate of employment comes from tourism. No wonder I see information centers in almost every town we passed by to.

I must say, it was one of my best trips in Canada. I thank God for such privilege of allowing me to see beautiful places on the other side of the world.