Colors of Christmas

What is Christmas?  

It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future.  It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow with blessings rich and eternal, and that every path may lead to peace.  

~Agnes M. Pahro

The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree:  

the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other.  ~Burton Hillis

This is the message of Christmas:  We are never alone.  ~Taylor Caldwell

Perhaps the best Yuletide decoration is being wreathed in smiles.

Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas-time. 

 ~Laura Ingalls Wilder

Christmas is forever, not for just one day,
for loving, sharing, giving, are not to put away
like bells and lights and tinsel, in some box upon a shelf.
The good you do for others is good you do yourself...
~Norman Wesley Brooks, "Let Every Day Be Christmas," 1976

Thanks everyone for the gifts definitely add some more colors to my Christmas!

My Sweet Retreat

My own version of EAT, PRAY, LOVE

I thought the day would end up the ordinary way but my husband surprised me saying, "Sweetheart, gusto mo umuwi sa Pilipinas?" I cannot say yes immediately because I know I will be flying back to Manila alone. Since we got married I had a hard time sleeping without him by my side. But the offer was too good to refuse and so before we went to bed we booked my flight.

EAT

My first mission was to eat all the food that I craved for months and glad I accomplished every single food in my list! 

FIRST STOP after arrival, SISIG HOORAY at Market Market!

SECOND DAY, Breakfast at Chowking

Lola Ely's favorite

SECOND DAY: Lunch at Conti's

Conti's Mango Bravo

Loren's Sago Gulaman

SECOND DAY, Dinner at Shakeys, my favorite Mojos

Dinner with the family is still the best part of the day

THIRD DAY, Breakfast at Tatay Iyo's house

Taho for breakfast made my day!

Mang Inasal for lunch time, Dinuguan with Garlic Pandesal

Nothing beats Special Goto 

Ginataang Kangkong, the best!

FOURTH DAY, lunch at Julia B VISTA, Rizal

Sinigang

Best Lunch so far, Sisig, Inihaw na Liempo, and Sinigang

Buko Juice, finally I can taste the real thing!

I was so excited to unwrap you

My Espasol! Taste like the old times still the best! 

My Lola Ely's ham she cooks the best HAMON ever!
My family's Christmas won't be complete without Lola's ham

So red, TENDER JUICY hotdogs!

Kesong Puti completes my breakfast

Cow's milk in Chocolate flavor

Kalihim bread of Liliw! 

Spanish bread

I have been craving for this for months...

Can't wait to dig into my craving!

JOLLIBEE!!!

PRAY

I prayed for this to happen and I found myself on the road with Tatay Iyo, Lola Ely and my sister Loren to be home again to Liliw, Laguna. I longed to see my 92-year old Lola Miling who still by the way can recognized me even without wearing glasses, and of course to visit my mother's resting place.

Susvilla's Residence

We spent every summer vacation in this house during my childhood

I miss the chikahan and movie marathons we used to have here during Holy Week

Girls' favorite place not the kitchen but the room upstairs

Susvilla boys' sleeping area

Walkway towards Lola and Lolo's bedroom

Susvilla girls' favorite place lying in bed the whole day 

Two GREAT Mothers in my life
Lola Ely (my Tatay's mom) and Lola Miling (my Mom's mother)

Happy to be with my Grandmothers and cousin Antonette

A priceless gift for this Christmas to kiss and hug our Lola Miling at 92 years old

St. John the Baptist Church Liliw, Laguna

I missed this beauty for years...

Streets of Liliw 

Walking towards my Mom's resting place

A memory of my loved ones

I miss you everyday Mommy... 

I know they are happy in paradise

A reminder that there's life after death

LOVE

Lastly, I accomplished the mission to share love with kids battling with the BIG C. Looking at them with great energy and joy for our party just tears my heart for I knew how hard it was to be in this kind of battle but young as they were, these kids were eager to put up a good fight.

My mom lost the battle with cancer and if I could only ask one gift this Christmas from God it will be for these young kids to receive the gift of HEALING from God.

Bible group members who helped us with this project

Susvilla "HUGSS" Project for the kids
A reminder that even in life's difficult moments God loves each one of us

Teaching the kids a new song

Tatay Iyo with Meynard, the most energetic and sweet angel
who we met in the hospital

Everyone is listening to a new song

Everyone is excited to hug their new stuffed friend

Talking about the next mission by mid of next year

Giving thanks to God and praying for guidance for the next mission

My trip in the Philippines lasted for a week. Honestly, the days passed by in a blink of an eye but this gift from my husband gave my spirit a lift. A new realization for my self that life is worth living if you know how to balance the three important aspects, eat...pray...love. 

Thank you Jesus! Happy Birthday!