Pascha!

I thank God for the gift of time, the long weekend (4-day off) was once in a blue moon.  Time was not enough as it ran so fast, but I am more than thankful for the opportunity given to reflect, appreciate the beauty and stillness in everything, enjoy silence, realize the essentials, reminded about my fears, and to nurture the faith.

On Good Friday, I was attacked by homesickness for the first time.  I got/made texts and calls back home and I was reminded how we observe Lent there.  My mind was in the Philippines.  The beauty of being away is that I was able to relive more the essence of the Holy Week.  In the past, it became like a much-awaited vacation for our clan and some friends.  And of course, I would be working 24/7 for the busy season with Good Friday as the only break. 

It is overwhelming to have seen different colors and faces at St. Joseph Church.  Unlike those days that I see mostly Filipinos, this time, the mass and other celebrations were attended by multi-races.  The attendance was enormous and masses were held multi-lingually.  Now, if only things can be as simple as joining people together at the church, no ifs and buts.  Life could have been more wonderful.

Happy Easter (Pascha)!