Day 1 of having no helper. In a way it was harder than what I expected in terms of physical labor, but other than that, it is not actually as hard as I thought. Then again, I am just in day 1!

This has been my day so far: Woke up, prepared breakfast, fixed the bed, cleaned the room, living room, playroom/office, and dining room, washed the dishes, gave Andi a bath, prepared lunch, washed the dishes, and I am now playing with Andi and trying to blog. And it is only 1:23 pm now. I am going to put Andi to sleep for her afternoon nap in a few minutes. There is still a lot to do and finish before the day ends.

I am still hoping to get a new and good household help soon but for some reason, I am glad I am going through what I am going through. I knew I will be fine. For one, I know God will not let me go through beyond what I am capable of handling and God’s grace is evidently real (in all circumstances).  That means I am not alone. God is with me and how can I not be okay when I am certain of that fact? I am amazed too how much I am learning from this experience. I have learned that I am much stronger and resilient than I think I am. I have learned too that in everything, God is trying to teach me new things about Him, about myself and about my life. I have learned too that I should not run away even from seemingly difficult situations. If I go through it willingly and accept the challenge, I will come out better, stronger, hopefully more mature and wiser. If I resist the change and if I try my way out of what I need to go through, imagine what I could lose because of that.

It know too that God is preparing me for new and greater things! I know that God is equipping me. For what, I don’t know. Umm, to live abroad where there are no help at home? Hmmm, maybe sometime in the future. Who knows?… Or to prepare me to have more children and a bigger house too? Maybe! Don’t you think it is exciting?

Out of all the things I have learned the most, this is what stands out. And this is the most important one. I have realized how much my family means to me. After God, they really are who I love the most.

When our old helper (the one who stayed with us for a long time) was about to leave, I felt a tinge of sadness not only because of the changes that I was about to go through but also because in a way it seemed like a set back to the plans that I have set out for this season of my life. Now that my daughter is about to turn two and because I was comfortable with our helper (then) and because I could trust her, I felt that finally I could begin to plan again for myself, to build towards my dreams and to venture out into new things and projects that I could do as I take care of my family and home. Such bad timing!, I thought. And then I stopped and asked God to reveal to me what He wants and why these things are taking place. God pinpointed my heart, and put a magnifying glass on it. And in an instant, the bitterness I felt vanished. It was like God poured a capacity for me love JA and Andi (my family) in a greater measure.

I embraced my daughter and I told her this: “If my life were to be all about loving and serving your Dad (my husband JA) and loving you and taking care of you (and my future kids), then I still would have lived a full life.” And I meant every bit of what I said.

God brought me back to the heart of where He wants me to be and what He has called me to do. You see, God is faithful. I believe without a doubt that His plans and the dreams that He has put in my heart will someday come to pass (in His perfect time). But He and my family will ALWAYS take precedence in my life. He is, they are my top most priorities and my greatest loves. Everything else will be a bonus from Him. Knowing this puts everything in the right perspective. God had to make sure my heart was right. I am glad, oh how I am glad I let Him do the work in me.

I am living a full life!

My beautiful Andi

I love my family!

My two greatest loves

Romans 8: 28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Philippians 4:13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

2Corinthians 12:9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in your weakness.”

Hebrews 13:5 I will never leave you nor forsake you.

John 10:10 I have come to give you life in all its fullness! (NLT)