Dear C, The weather today was strange. The rain poured, the sun shone, and then it rained again. All within an hour. The next couple of hours, there was hail. So, this is spring? Spring is becoming more beautiful each day, despite the weather. Flowers and trees come back to life.
Linkeroever, Antwerp. (Thanks for the shot, Ha)
I came here in summertime, everything was vibrant. (I realize I do not have a lot of photos back then.)
In one of the Antwerp cafes. This spot looks inviting.
Summer berries at the market.
Then I watched trees and leaves transform into deep colours of reds and browns, and everything in between.
Taken from the train, along the Belgian countryside.
At a park in Vilvoorde, Belgium.
A stunning view in Brugge, Belgium.
The Antwerp cathedral, one autumn night.
In the old quarters of Luxembourg.
Then, the trees surrendered their leaves to winter.
Trees lining the open space beside Stockholm's town hall.
Of course, you remember the winter trees during your visit.
Now, I am seeing how the bare branches turn into bouquets of flowers.
Sakura in bloom, while the other trees wait for their turn. Linkeroever, Antwerp.
White flowers and green leaves on what used to be bare branches.
A small patch of tulips! (Thanks for the photo, Mawar!)
I have only known summer and rain all my life. I cannot wait to see spring in full bloom! I hope one day, you will get to experience all the four seasons too. Each transition reminds me that life is fleeting, but God is in control.
"He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart..." - Ecclesiastes 3:11
I am sharing one of my favourite songs, "Every Season" (I know you love to sing along with lyrics you can read!). I loved it since I was still a teenager, and it has taken on a whole new meaning for me now. It reminds me that the Lord knows every detail and season of our lives. May He give you a keen awareness of his loving presence as you grow.
I was missing in action yesterday because Tita Kathy and I had a quick tour in Paris.
When Papa and I visited this city last autumn, we came across a young Filipina on the metro. She started a conversation when she heard us speak Tagalog. She was touring Europe alone - a graduation gift from her parents who lovingly set aside funds for her. Her mother arranged her itinerary.
Inside the metro, where we met the young lady travelling alone.
Papa and I immediately thought of you and your future. We hope we can nurture your curiosity so you would want to see the world, and help you have the opportunity to do so.
The elegant iron curves of the Eiffel.
Love locks all over the bridges of the river Seine.
An interesting experience. (We didn't try it.)
One of the imposing facades of the Louvre palace. Not the main entrance, though.
At the Notre Dame Cathedral's portal. Can you see the man carrying his head?
Over the past months, I learned a few tricks on how to travel efficiently and inexpensively. While considered as a luxury by many, it really depends on your level of comfort (as I have learned from Dr Remo), and the goals you set for each adventure.
Going back to our trip yesterday, it had to be well-planned. We only had a day to spare and we brought a little boy along (yes, you will meet him soon when he is born!).
When I get home, I will show you more photos and tell you more stories about this beautiful city. Instead of buying little trinkets, I got coffee table books that I can bring home to you.
Yesterday was a sunny day, perfect for our class pictorials for the yearbook. Being in the garden with happy people made me appreciate this community I now belong to, and the friendships that have been fostered during the past months. When we all leave Belgium by the end of the school year (for some, in two weeks), we will never be gathered this way again.
I asked Papa to get you a world map so you will know where my friends live, some of them you have already met over Skype. And our hope is that when you grow up, you will be able to see the world through the eyes of others too while remaining true to your identity as a Filipino.
Here are some photos before my phone ran out of battery.
Love,
Mama
Mama proudly wore a skirt from ANTHILL, a social enterprise that promotes Philippine weaving traditions. (Thanks for the photo, Chandani.)
Tita Kathy and I are representing the Philippines. She is my classmate in one course, before the little baby comes out!
With friends from Indonesia, India, Cuba and Uganda. You have already met Sandip, my floor mate and the one who taught me how to make chapati. Isabel is the first person I met from Cuba :) Amy, my Indonesian friend works for the Ministry of Health.
These beautiful doctors were Mama's travel buddies in Spain .
You've met Patricia already, from Kenya and Kidist from Ethiopa.
Chandani is the first classmate I met in person. She is from Nepal and she has already been to Boracay! Bindu is from India, a dentist who shifted into public health, and she is like a sister. Kirsten is Belgian midwife who bravely worked for Medicin Sans Frontiers in sensitive areas like Afghanistan.
Counting the days will now be easier because I am just 99 sleeps away! I thank the Lord for keeping you and Papa strong.
Waking up to your photos and voice messages makes me smile :)
Mama's first weekend in Belgium coincided with a culture fair. It was fun, and it made me look forward to the many things, places and experiences I have yet to discover.
Mama wearing your Lola Loida's blouse from the '80s. (I always carry her in my heart.) I brought my colorful bag from the Philippines, made by community artisans from cloth scraps and traditional fabrics.
This is the town hall of Antwerp, a UNESCO world heritage site. Can you spot the Philippine flag proudly displayed?
This photo fascinated you because they converted the container van into a stage!
Little girls lined up for a free hairdo fix (mess). Stylists use air compressors, and clients wear ear muffs for safety.
This young couple collected money for their honeymoon. Every time a coin was dropped, they mimed gestures of gratitude. Against the background of workmen sculptures, the amusement they provide is beauty, and work in itself.
I still have hundreds of photos and stories I cannot wait to share!
It's been three years since I last visited this page!
In between, I pursued what the Lord has put in my heart in the best way I know how. This led me to advocacy and health system work related to maternal and child health. The deeper I got into it, the more I realize the complexity of hurdles for mothers and families who want to breastfeed.
Long story short, I felt the need to study again. I was granted a scholarship to study in Belgium. It was a tough decision to leave behind my boys.
Spending time in Bohol, Philippines just days before I left.
Alone on my second day in Belgium, 9pm view from my balcony. The building shown used to be a monastery, but now this is where we have classes.
Student again! First day of classes. I am doing a graduate course in public health, focusing on strategic management of health systems.
I have been living in the beautiful city of Antwerp for 8 months now. (What are the chances of me even making it to the city's promotional video! 1:40)
But today, I realized I only have 100 days left here!
To mark this, I will attempt to write short tales of the mundane, and not so mundane aspects of my life as an expatriate. I also need this creative outlet, so I can break from writing serious academic stuff.
My stories will be addressed to my little boy so when he is older, he will know I always carried him in my heart every single day we were apart. I know he won't mind that I am sharing this with you.
