live, laugh, love

I THANK GOD FOR SISTERS

We have our one and only “Kuya” (brother), he’s the first among us siblings then I’m next making me the eldest among my sisters.

me and kuya

Jhing, (Janice Arda) who’s now a mother of 3 boys is 2 years younger than me.. then came Bige (that’s what I fondly call her) or Kamil (Camille Abigaille) to most of her new friends, came after a gap of 13 yrs after Jhing.

me and jhing at miguelin street, sampaloc, manila where we grew up

high school days with jhing and mima

college days

swimming at lemery, batangas with mima’s office mates

at miguelin street, college days

Jhing and I went to the same school during our elementary days. I remember us playing “Little Miss Philippines” and I love making sash and crowns for her. I always thought she’ll be a beauty queen by profession since she’s taller and fairer than me. We may also have different set of friends and different interests, but we would always share the same passion for food, we both love to eat!

on our of our thursday family night dinners

We used to share the same bed when we we’re small, same room when we’re growing up and when she decided to be independent and left the house at 18, I felt bad. We may not be the buddy sisters that you imagine but it’s a secure feeling to always have her around. I maybe older than her, but i’m the “iyakin” (cry baby), and being the strong person that she is, she would always defend me whenever I’m in trouble.

she’s always mistaken as the ate 🙂

473116_10151137835943620_1006033759_o on one of our tripping dates

thursday famiy pig-out dinner

after her bday celebration

kulitan while watching movie

We may also have our own fair share of disappointments in life, conflicts and misunderstandings, but we would always be sisters by heart, and she’s dear to me. We would kiss and make up and unconditionally love, forgive and accept one another. I admire her for her courage, her strong character. Jhing would always speak her mind, but with wisdom. She’s bolder to try different things and learn from them. Many years have passed and we’re making up for the lost times, as a matter of fact, we get to spend much time together now than before.

…. Now let’s talk about my cool sister Bige. Cool in a sense that she’s always the wacky one, making us laugh, always with some fun joke up her sleeve. You will just know that she’s around simply because you can hear the doors banging, loud footsteps all over the place. Bige, being the youngest, just loves to be noticed. How will I get along with so many years without her is a mystery.

maybe about 3 days old, just got home from the clinic

isn’t she lovely?

I’m with mom when she had her and I’ve always watched her grow. Ever since she was small (well… until now, laughs), I’m always next to her, nursing her, changing her diapers, and I even bring her to the Pedia for her shots because Mom is busy working to provide for us. We always adored her, we we’re all so happy having a baby at home! We would always dress her up and we love playing with her, making her cry and laugh at the same time, hehehe! (sorry Bige, this sounded like we’re bullying you..er…sort of) She had brown eyes, blonde hair and a fairer skin just like Jhing.

playing with my nikki

tailored dress just for them 🙂

her nursery graduation picture

outing with family, its like I already have two daughters (Bige and Nikki)

high school graduation

She will always be my answered prayer. For some of you who did not know, she also has a strong personality and always challenged, yet passionate and has a heart to serve.. but I must say, I’d prefer God to use her in a different way. I know God designed her to be like that, always influential and I want her to serve her purpose. On nights when she’s not at home and committed to staying at quarters as a ROTC officer and President of a Student Organization on PUP, I would really pray to God. I told Him that I want that same commitment, that same passion and that same heart to serve be used for His glory alone, so again I prayed.

during an event at PUP

ang pogi dati ni sistah!

Many times I would cry out to God for the salvation of my family, and just when I surrendered and totally offered up everything unto the foot of His throne, her heart opened. God made an appointed time for Bige. God’s timing is always perfect… and about two years ago, Bige came to know the Lord.. There is a promise in the book of Acts and Galatians that I am still holding on.

now she’s currently helping out at Life Box

“They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved – you and your household.” – Acts 16:31

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” – Galatians 6:9

Now Jhing’s successful in her own right, have her own family, her own place and even own a car. Her diligence and hard work paid off and I pray that she would also one day encounter You and experience the fullest of life in Your presence.

blessing of her car and their new apartment

I know she’s happy now, but I know she can be happier with You. I claim that she would also know You in a more personal and intimate way. She’s always known You and I pray that you would also cause her to seek You more.

As for Bige, I’m humbled by the way I watch her serve You. I know we will always be imperfect but just the same, I honor her for taking up the cross as she took the mandate of discipling others.

Bige facilitates at Victory Weekend, experiencing victory on Christ alone.

No words can express how blessed I am to be able to share life with these two beautiful women. May You continue to uphold the destiny that You have for both of them. I can never thank You enough for blessing them and always loving them.

I know You’re not yet through with my family, we’re being changed from glory to glory. But whatever way that pleases You, I continue to commit their lives to You, my Papa, Mima and Kuya. I know I am favored for having them.

we have a happy, funny and hilarious family 🙂