Lenten Season 2009

I received a very meaningful Lenten message today (thanks to Topee). I would like to share it with all of you. Here it goes:

The season of LENT reminds us that the life we have and the material possessions we hold are simply LENT to us. We are but pilgrims here on earth who will pass by only once. We bring nothing when we die. But we can leave behind the love we’ve shared, the hope we have given and the goodness we have done.

P.S.

You might also like these presentations (perfect for reflecting on your personal journey in Life) *winks!

Pathways to Peace and Interview with God.

A blessed and meaningful Holy Week to you all.

Witness to a Crime

I have witnessed a crime. Not really the gruesome, bloody type crime but could have been one. I know I’m not making any sense here.

Let me explain:

Last Saturday morning, at around past 6am, I was with my colleagues Jun and Christian and we were on our way home. I usually get off work and get on the same jeepney ride home with them. We were so busy talking about houses and house – related stuff when this guy got in on the same jeepney as we were and inconveniently got seated beside an unsuspecting girl who was very busy texting. Now, why did I say “inconveniently”? Well, the jeepney was neither full or empty – meaning there was enough room for atleast 6 to 10 more people but that man chose to sit right next to the girl even when there was a lot of room at the other side from where he was seated. At first, I kept staring and glaring at him for being so rude because he kept nudging the poor girl for more space so he could fit and sit in. After a few minutes, his intentions and agenda became clear to me. He skillfully placed his bag to where his other hand was – so it is hidden and covered from prying eyes. After a few minutes he placed his bag on his lap --- and the girls bag was wide open! And still – the girl was soooo busy texting!!! I was fighting the urge to tell the girl who was seated across me. Instead, I kept on nudging Christian’s elbow (who was sitting right next to me) and when he asked what – I discreetly pointed a finger to the man’s direction. At this time, he was again busy with his hands inside the poor girl’s bag! Christian nodded as if to say he saw it. We were now both watching the man doing his crime and neither of us could lift a finger to help the victim! Why? Because not far from where we were seated was a man who also kept glaring at us as if watching our every move. I suspect that it was the man’s accomplice. Usually, one will get stabbed or killed if you try to expose them right then or there. So we just kept our silence and pretended everything was okay. I got off the jeepney with Jun at a block away from my usual stop as I didn’t feel safe going off the jeepney alone and all by myself.

I still shudder remembering the other man’s glare at us – it was like getting a silent death threat. My only consolation was I made sure I remember their faces – so the next time I see them or get in on the same jeepney ride with them, I’ll know what to do.

I just feel lucky that they didn’t harm us that day. And I still feel sorry for the man’s unsuspecting victim.

If you have any similar experiences, please do share them with me and enlighten me. So the next time, I’ll be much more prepared.

Cagayan de Oro Flooding: A Tragic Start for 2009

It started raining the past few weeks and days, but last Saturday (January 3, 2009) the rain didn’t stop and the Cagayan River started to rise. 7 were reported missing and feared dead. Many of my fellow Kagay-anons were forced to leave their homes for their safety.

I feel for those who lost their homes and valuable belongings – many lost their livelihood stocks to the flood. This is going to be a sad New Year start for my fellow Kagay-anons.

Behind our house is the Cagayan de Oro river. I consider myself and my family lucky to have been spared this calamity. Our house is situated much higher than the river level - it is as if we have a mini-cliff in our backyard and our house is situated right at the mini-cliff’s tip. But just like everyone else, we panicked and would check the river water level from time to time.

Here is a picture taken by my brother. He took this at around 9am using his cellphone. The water rose to as high as 8 to 10 ft. As you can see, the dark, murky waters will greet you as soon as you open the screen door of our back door.

For more pictures, just click on this link. This has been the worst flooding in our City since 1964. As of today, January 6, 2009, there are still a few reported missing and body counts are rising.

To all my fellow Kagay-anons out there, may you find the strength and the courage to go on. Don't ever lose hope & always have faith. Everything will be okay soon. My prayers go out to all of you.