So far so good

Well, it's been over a week since I came here to New York and so far, I can say that it's been quite an experience already. In just a few days, I get to go around the city little by little and explore what I can. And in some days, like today, I stay home and bum around since I've got nothing else to do. Oh yeah, I started my internship at a yoga studio where my aunt works. It's a different work environment than what I was used to in Manila, but I'm getting the hang of it. I hope I do. lol.

Here's some of the adventures (and mishaps) that happened to me so far:

• Lost my Metrocard that's which I just loaded with $20
• Jogged in the morning, joined a yoga class, and walked from 14th to 28th St, then from Broadway to 7th ALL in one day
• Freeze in the rain 'cause I didn't wear a thick jacket
• An old man eavesdropping on the conversation and possibly trying to hit on me at the subway
• Get invited to a born-again service on a Sunday (No offense, but I'm Catholic)
• Spend $160 on clothes in less than a week
• Get stood up by my aunt's boyfriend (because he lost his wallet) and barely have money for the food we ordered at a Thai restaurant
• Ate a half rack of ribs on my own (I didn't think I can)
• Missed out an opportunity of seeing Emma Stone and Andrew Garfield at Union Square (and I was just there while they were filming The Amazing Spiderman 2)
• Rode a different route on the subway, went to Queens mall, then go home - all by myself
• Cooked and did laundry! (Yes, I know that's lame haha)

For some photos, you can check out my Instagram. :)

Xo,

L.

On to new beginnings

After a day of stressful packing, and no sleep, I began my 20-hour flight to my 2nd home, New York City. I can barely contain my excitement as I board the plane, but I also felt sad that I had to leave my family behind. Then again, I must do this on my own. I don't know what new life awaits me here during my stay but I trust Him to lead me and guide me to whatever His plan is. And my new life officially begins tomorrow (or later) and I can't wait!

Here are some photos during my flight going here:

Almost there

So, I'm leaving in a few hours, and yet I am still awake. I guess I can't sleep anymore due to excitement, or insomnia. I really can't believe that this is happening. I'm about to start my journey of finding myself in a city full of diversity, creativity and so much more. It's really going to happen! Yikes!

But before that, this past week has been quite stressful. Well, I am unemployed, yes, but I have so many things going on in our YFL community since last weekend was our Youth Conference. I was part of the team for our Praise & Fashion (P&F), a fashion show that showcases our convictions through our YFL shirts that are glam-ed up differently. It was quite a task since our conference's theme was circus, and the outfits has to be in-line with it. And together with my friends, Melea & Joanne, we managed to pull it off in just 3 days! Having so little time and not even a polished practice, it went really well! It was the very first time that I was able to push it to the limit for P&F since this year, it requires props for the theme which was really hard to do! I even broke down a couple of times because of the stress and lack of sleep. Thus, all the more that I am very thankful that it looked really amazing when we showcased it last Friday. It all went according to His plan. With unending problems with our props, models, music, costumes, make up, blocking, etc., this is one of those moments where my heart no longer cares and just let God be in control. And I am very thankful that it really made me realize that we just need to have faith in Him when we can no longer handle whatever it is that is difficult in our lives. That we should give the best we can and then leave it to Him to do the rest. And true enough, we witnessed a victory unfolded right before us when we thought that we already lost. He saves us and makes everything better again.

During our conference, I was re-affirmed of His message to me when I attended the World Singles Congress for SFL last March. It was to find myself and find Him in this journey that I am about to go through. That it was Him who made this trip possible, who made my dreams come true and will continue to let greater things happen in my life, as long as I have faith, I know that anything is possible.

Here's a photo of the models and the outfits we designed/styled. :)

Left to Right: Salve Fabie (Ballerina), Peter Rinoza (Aladdin), Monica Desengano (Harlequin), Joseph Quimpo (Pinocchio), Gab Toledo and Janessa San Juan (Toy Soldiers), Patrick Pasagui (Cannonball), Paolo Magtibay (Ringmaster), Tin Resurreccion (Stilt Woman), Madel Punzalan (Lion Tamer), and Faith Lebantino (Flyer)

You'll see me in some place different on my next post! :)

Xo,

L.

So free

It's been a week since I've become a bum once again and I can't believe how happy I am now that I'm free. In just one week, I've partied, went to a debut, supported a youth camp (and officially became a chauffeur), celebrated my best friend's grad, attended my bro's grad, overnight with my college buds, walked in a procession for 2 hours and so many more. I am not that busy! LOL. I wanted to share all of it here but I'm too lazy to type, so, I'll just share what happened to us yesterday.

Since we were tired from last night's procession and we still have to drive to Cavite, we decided to just have breakfast at McDonald's at Newport City. And luckily, we called our uncle there and found out that they were on the way to NAIA Terminal 3 to drive tita Rocky and tita Alma who will be going to Bicol. So we just waited for them there.

My lil bro, my mom, tita Alma, me and baby Isaac, Arlene, Julianne, Lolo Temeng and tita Flor.

Can't believe I finally get to meet this little cutie patootie even before I leave! He's so adorable!

A little vanity never hurt  anyone. lol.

And I am my lil bro's role model. HAHAHA

It was quite a long day afterwards. We still went to Cavite to drop off our tita back to her place and then stayed at our family home there to visit my other tita and cousin who just got back from Saudi the other day. So many relatives coming back this summer while I'm about to leave next week! LOL.