warm greetings from a cold country

I love my country!

This is what I always say under my breath whenever I’d have to get out in the cold and subject my body to the freezing temperature here in the birthplace of Mickey Mouse. I am not particularly fond of the cold. In fact, I can even survive some nights in my room back home without turning on the fan. Of the many things I miss about the Philippines, I miss our tropical weather the most (never mind that it’s still considerably cooler now in Manila).

What makes me come back to the US again and again is not what the mall aisles of this country can offer me but the warm living bodies that I can only touch here, most especially these four kids I kiss and hug whenever they’re within my arms’ reach.

(Our first picture together taken this morning, which explains the blank stares. We just woke up!)

I should log off soon and spend time with the little guys and a tiny girl I flew thousands of miles to reach. But before I go, let me send you an early Christmas greeting.

I wish you love this Christmastime, something that cannot be had by opening your wallet but can only be found by opening your heart.

Merry Christmas and a hope-filled New Year to everyone. May the love of the Greatest Lover of all fill your heart until it overflows to those around you.

For a child is born to us,
a son is given to us.
The government will rest on his shoulders.
And he will be called:
Wonderful Counselor,[a] Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6, NLT)