Times are getting better....

A few months ago, i was depressed due to a misunderstanding with my friend. Now, things are getting better, thanks God! We finally went on a five-day tour of Paris last June. I didn't have a problem with my departure from Athens and arrival in Paris even without a visa because I already have my 'sticker' which serves as my residence certificate here in Greece. We rode on an Air France and the flight was fast and turbulent-free. 

Paris is a lovely city, with beautiful sights and cheerful people. I was impressed by its very efficient and safe transportation system. It enabled us to go to our destinations within the city, and even outside the city with ease. I loved the metro most of all, as we changed from line to another line until we would reach our destination.

Of course the historical and archaelogical landmarks of Paris like the Eiffel tower, Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame, D' Moursay Museum, to name just a few are sites not to be missed. 

                                          Eiffel Tower

                            Arc de Triomphe

The Versailles Palace was spectacular indeed!

We wanted to visit other sites in the suburbs but we didn't have enough time. My friend was given only five days vacation.

Since June, we have also been to other islands here in Greece: Zakynthos, Lefkada and Aegina. I am beginning to really love this country, such beautiful islands with cool, blue waters, remarkable historical landmarks really make one go back again and again to experience the moment....

                                         Sunset at the Cape Sunio

                                          Spectacular caves of Zakynthos

For all these and other travels to come, thank you Lord, thank you Mama Mary! Thank you for giving us the eyes and ears to see and hear and good health to enjoy it all! Most especially, for keeping us safe always....

I am Depressed

I am depressed. Just this morning, i woke up with excitement since we had a good time last night. We attended the commencement exercise of Indianapolis University here in Athens. There was the Filipino graduate, the first in this university. I liked specially the musical interludes, done by the University Athens Bios Orchestra.

But today i am depressed. My friend and I had a disagreement over travel plans. She got angry and I felt I have lost my sense of worth. I am so dependent on her  and I feel my life has lost its luster.

At home i prayed the rosary and asked for God's help and guidance. Please, Mama Mary, show me the way. I am bored and I have no sense of fulfillment in what I do. Sometimes I ask myself, have I done the right thing- retire and follow her as her private staff? Yes, I can travel to different places. But could I have done this also on my own? Would life have been more satisfying, more exciting?

As I look beyond the Olympic stadium from my veranda this warm Thursday afternoon, I try to ponder over my life for the past 7 years on retirement. Have I done something positive not only for myself but also for others? Has my spiritual enlightenment been enhanced as I relate to other people of diverse religions persuations and beliefs? And simply put, have I been really, genuinely happy?

It is during these times when I cry out to high heavens for anwers. Because I know the Lord will provide the answers.I am confident He will not forsake me.....

Mama Mary, please intercede to Jesus for me....He knows what I need....

Thank you very much....

Easter Weekend

It has been more than a month since my last post. Several good things have happened since then I got my sticker. Within the same week that I got the sticker, the designation of my friend as the Consul General of our Embassy was approved! All of these through work and constant prayers.

On Easter weekend, we all travelled to Peloponesse. The group included embassy staff and their families. We stayed at Anigraia apartments in Kato Vervena, Arcadia. The owner brought us to their village church to witness Good Friday. The residents were all very accomodating and friendly.

On Easter Sunday, the owner, Mr. Mavrias, showed us how the lamb is prepared and cooked for the celebration. He also introduced us to his family where we had bread and wine.

During the day, we were treated to Greek dance by his family.

Our Easter weekend at the Peloponnese with the Mavrias family is a unique experience I will never forget.

The Lord is Risen! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Pleasant Surprise!

On March 22,  I got a pleasant surprise! Zha, one of my friends and I went to the Municipal Office to follow up the release of my sticker, or the permanent residence visa. I applied for this 6 months ago, last September 2011. I was told that Greek red tape is such that the sticker would not be released in a month, two months or even six months. In fact, one of my friends whose temporary visa is about to expire next month has not received his sticker.

So we did not want to be disappointed, we just wanted to know when my sticker would be released. But surprise, surprise! I was told by the office that I already had my sticker !  I could not believe what I just heard. After only 6 months, I had my sticker, ahead of all the others in the embassy.

Thank you, Papa Jesus. Thank you, Mama Mary. And now, I specially wish to thank St. Expeditus, the Advocate in Urgent cases. In fact, I had been praying to him for Charmaine's exam and designation as Consul General. And through his intercession to the Virgin Mary, I had my sticker in 6 months, not 1 year as the others. And on the same day, the designation of Charmaine as the Consul General was also released.

God is really good all the time!