Journey

In few weeks, our family will be going to Australia for a Fortaleza family reunion. This is not something that we plan to do right now, we thought of doing this in the future when we're able financially. But God made a way for us to go. He knew that it is beyond our financial budget, but He provided. How can you say "no" if God used someone to provide 3 airfare  and offered free lodgings and meals for the whole trip? It's a blessing!. Isn't God good? I really can't thank Him enough for all the blessings he gave us.


My hubby's three sisters and their families migrated to Australia 20 yrs. ago and since then, they barely see each other. I think the last time they've seen each other is that when their mother passed away 5 yrs. ago, they all went back to the Philippines.
They really wanted to see their younger brother and spent sometime with him and his family, of course :) and this is the right time. It is also an opportunity for our children to meet their cousins and vice versa.
I believed that we're not going there for vacation only but we also feel that God wants us to do something. Two of his sisters has been attending our church there regularly, but lately, things are going downhill in their spiritual lives and they are reaching out. 

 And here's some thoughts on security checks too when you travel. Since the 9/11 incident, security checks on airports are never been the same again specially international flights. Tighter screening and more and more powerful means of scanning and searching are required. We even need to remove our shoes and sweaters.


How different in approach this perspective of David, when he said "Search me O God and know my heart, try me and know my anxious thoughts and see if there be any hurtful way in me and lead me in the everlasting way".. Psalm 139:23-24. I believed it's because he had learned to welcome and trust in the Lords examination of his heart, knowing that the end result was for the greater benefit, not just for ourselves, but also for those with whom we associate.

Heart searching are humbling, inconvenient, awkward, time consuming, sometimes embarrassing, but in the end comes relief and security, along with the gratification of close, honest and trusting relationships. We all need this in our journey of life.


Pray for our trip! We try to bring a piece of Australia for you.

Sydney, Australia

Savour Life As You Would A Latte...

...one drop at a time :)

I am not a coffeeholic, but I love having decaf coffee with hazelnut cream, no sugar or soy chai latte in the morning and before going to bed, that's my favourites. Actually, I don't limit myself in just coffee, I try to explore various kinds of  hot drinks or coffee alternatives. I'm up to it if I find something new. Right now, I'm quite fond of honey ginger latte, it's a must to try :) A ginger tea brewed with skim milk and honey. It's so refreshing like latte with peppermint. I'm drinking one right now :)

My mom of course introduced me to coffee. She would make coffee with milk in the mornings before anyone else got up and I could smell the aroma from our kitchen. Until I got married to a wonderful man that loves coffee too :)  Latte... sweet and warm beyond compare specially on cold, snowy and rainy days.  Just like savouring  God's love, mercy and grace one drop at a time each day and you'll enjoy life more than anything.

Espresso - rich coffee made by forcing water through finely ground, dark roasted coffee beans.

Latte - espresse with steamed milk

Cafe au lait - equal parts espresso and steamed milk

Mocha - latte with a little bit of chocolate

Cafe breve- espresso with steamed half and half cream

Espresso com panna - a serving of espresso topped with a dollop of sweetened whipped cream

Iced espresso - a double espresso poured over crushed ice

Iced cappuccino - single or double serving of espresso poured over crushed ice and topped with an ounce or tow of cold milk

Soy Chai Latte -  a black tea that is brewed strong with a combination of spices and diluted with soy milk 

 Honey Ginger Latte - ginger tea brewed with skim milk and honey

New Look

Well, since I've posted my kitchen makeover here before, I don't want to leave you wondering what happened to it :) 
The two tier and back splash is finished. Next is the installation of granite counter top and island but I don't know when would that be,lol. We decided that we will have an island instead of another table. I'm looking forward to it.

this is our old backsplash...

and here it is now, mosaic style.

 

My new dishwasher :)

...and the two tier. We added three contemp stools so that kids can eat here. They love it.

We decided that we will put a big island here instead of this table.

So that's all for now. I think this will be the last time I will post my kitchen lol...