The year that was different (2013 Highlights)
The year is ending once again. I can’t remember how many
year-end articles I’ve written on this blog already. I started writing here in
2008; wow, that’s five years ago! I’m old. So much has
happened and my life has dramatically changed from a boring spinster’s existence
to an exciting and adventurous one of an expat’s wife.
I have done things I never thought I would do and gone to
places I never imagined I can ever go.
So here’s a summary of the year that’s so different from
previous ones.
FEBRUARY
After a year of
absence, I decided to return and announce my new status. I got married! Did
something I thought I’d never do or ever get the chance to but it did happen.
Told you I did.
MARCH - APRIL
The third month of
the year found me chasing legal papers and travel documents. I was embarking on
a tour to Australia. Again, something no one, not even me ever imagined I’d do
or have the opportunity to. The thought of government bureaucracy stressed me
and I expected very negative results but found my fear was baseless and was
surprised at the speed at which my papers were settled. My passport took only
12 days and my visa, 17. God be praised!
APRIL
My husband became
involved in my church’s scholarship program in which I have been the secretary
for five years now and his inclusion in the ministry helped me a lot. But when
everything was almost perfect; my work in the church, my travel papers, I was
suddenly stricken and was hospitalized for four days, went back and forth twice
in the wee hours of the night due to excruciating pain. I had an ultrasound and
CT scan which were not cheap and it stressed me so because our trip was coming
up in three weeks and we were already booked to fly out. Thank God nothing
alarming turned up on both and I recovered just in time for the departure.
MAY
I went ahead with
the plan and flew for the first time! Who would’ve thought? I went to Australia
with my husband and stayed there for three weeks. I met his whole family and
friends, and even the penguins. What an adventure!
JUNE - JULY
A few weeks after my
return to the Philippines, I started posting about my trip to the land of koala
bears and kangaroos. A series I haven’t finished yet, I still have two more
articles to write and post.
AUGUST
We celebrated our
first year anniversary and in honor of the occasion I started a new feature on
my blog.
OCTOBER - NOVEMBER
I went to see the
ophthalmologist and had surgery on both eyes. I now have implant lenses and no
longer wear glasses. I still might have to for detailed vision and short distance
reading but other than those, I can see quite well without any.
NOVEMBER
The super
record-breaking typhoon Yolanda hit the Philippines and put the country in the
world map for the worse storm ever. Around 6,000 people died, missing and
millions homeless. Once again, the resiliency of the Filipinos put to the test
and we’re still standing.
DECEMBER
We’re chasing papers
again for Russell’s permanent residency and the day after Christmas we received
the good news that Russell’s probationary visa has now been amended to
permanent! Thank you God! This year also saw the coming and arrival of our
first granddaughter and we can’t wait to meet and spend time with her.
So that’s my 2013 closing credits for all of you to amuse yourselves with. It has been a
wonderful, adventurous year for me. 2013 is waving goodbye, giving way to the new year.
A blessed, fulfilling 2014 to all! See you next year!
John 3:16 - For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
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