How to send a gift to the pope

photo from SpecialAchievers

How does one give a gift to the pope? Apparently, it is not that simple specially when you don't have the right connections but it can be done.

Exactly, 25 hours before Pope Francis leaves Manila, Philippines, I was able to hand the gift of 10 child artists with disability to Capt. Skee Tamayo, the pilot of Shepherd One who will bring the pope back to Rome.

Here are the 5 things I learned from that experience.

1.  Keep your eye on the goal
It's surprising that the ones close to me were the same people dissuading me.  "Dear, we have a ticket to his mass. We're only  three rows away from him but I doubt if we can get near him.", explains my father who never says no to me until now.  "You're still at it? You're wasting your time in that!", says a close friend.

I gathered that my family and friends don't want to see me get tired and hurt. So to spare me the pain, they asked me stop midway.  However, it was crystal clear to me that it can be done.  I had this image in my head of Pope Francis receiving the gift- nothing else. That kept me going inspite of whatever everyone's saying.  

My two-cents worth: People will dissuade you.  Move forward anyway.  They do not know what you see.

2.  Do whatever it takes     
After 6 hours of waiting in line, I said I will not do it again.  Come next day, I was running to see Pope Francis again and I never stopped looking for all sorts of ways to hand him the gift until I got it done.

I think that making the seemingly impossible possible is like hammering a metal.  At first, you will not even create a mark.  However, if you keep on pounding the same spot over and over again, you will create a dent.

My two-cents worth: If you want to make things happen, keep on hammering!

3.  Keep the faith
Two days before the pope leaves, I still have no clue how to get the gift to him.  However, the pure desire to get it done is very strong.  I believe it is possible and that strong belief attracted allies.

The article asking for help to have the gift sent to the pope was published an hour after it was submitted.  A stranger was moved by the story and contacted Capt. Skee Tamayo, the pilot of Sheperd One who will fly Pope Francis to Rome.  

My two-cents worth: If you believe with all your heart.  Doors will open.

4.  Storm the heavens
They say "take a step of courage and God will give a thousand-fold help".  After all has been said and done, there's nothing else to do but wait.  The waiting time though can make the heart falter of even the fearless.  To anchor me, I kept on holding on to The One who inspired me to do it.

My two-cents worth:  Pray and meditate.  It works!

5. Never, never, never, never, never, never, never give up
Did i say never give up?

My two-cents worth: Never give-up.

Pope Francis in his mass in Luneta said, “We forget to remain, at heart, children of God.”  

That for me translates to, sometimes forgetting that I am powerful enough to make the seemingly impossible possible.  If I am a child of the Almighty Authority Father then I am heir to his might and authority as well.  As long I remember who I am, anything is possible!    

A gift for the pope of children

How do you give a pope a gift from children? Apparently it's not that simple.

HOPEFUL. The author (with the gift) camps out 

by the island of Quirino Avenue while waiting for Pope Francis' arrival.

"If you think you've done everything you could, then do something more," my colleague shared over lunch.

That's the advice her hopeless romantic friend told her. And it's exactly what I need to hear.

You see, I have this inspiration to send Pope Francis the calendar which features the works of 10 child artists with disability. It's the perfect gift to the people's pope who loves children and who lives and breathes his teaching of mercy and compassion.

I tried to look for contacts who would have access to him during his 5 day visit to the Philippines. There were a few but all of them were convinced that it is impossible to go near him; more so, present him a gift. So, on the day of his arrival, when my friends coaxed me to wait for his motorcade I eagerly obliged; not knowing that the waiting time will take forever (6 hours to be exact). I enjoyed the experience of being one with the whole nation in prayer and excitement but I didn't get to hand him his gift in the 10 seconds that he passed by my line of vision. I found the perfect spot behind the policemen's line along the stretch of Quirino Avenue. If he went down his pope mobile, I could have easily handed the gift to him. Also, my friend made it a point to befriend all the policemen near us so there would be a high probability that they'll allow me to give the item without any commotion. But then, he didn't come down.

On Day 2, I got word that someone was able to hand him a gift at the papal nunciature where he was staying. So, my colleagues and I trooped there. We braved the empty streets and walked miles and miles on end to be able to pass by the back of his residence. Apparently, they decided to barricade the entrance of his home for security purposes. I had my 3 seconds view of Pope Francis and a wave this time around but again I wasn't able to give him the gift.

Then on Day 3, my colleagues, friends and family were all telling me to drop it. But, I am not one who easily gives up. Instead, I sent copies of the calendars to Cardinal Tagle and the bishops involved in the papal visit. I tweeted, sent inquiries online, posted an open letter on Facebook, and wrote messages to the organizations involved via Instagram, but still no word. 

Finally, Day 4, I think I have done everything I could except have this article published. If you're reading this, I hope you share it so this plea gets to Pope Francis and his entourage before he leaves on Monday. I do not intend to present the gift to him face to face. In behalf of the children who will never ever bug anyone to acknowledge them or their works, I pray that I can simply get an address or a contact person so we can send Pope Francis our love and our very special calendar. This, my friends, is my 'something more'.

The author hands the gift to Captain Skee Tamayo, the PAL head pilot who flew 

Shepherd One from Manila to Rome. Tamayo had already confirmed that the gifts
have been given to Pope's closest aide, Dr. Gasbari.

This article was first published in rappler.com.

It's not mine

painting from SpecialAchievers

I promised myself that I will never be a mother- at least in this lifetime.  I broke it. 

Two years ago, I gave birth to an idea (with 3 other colleagues and a 65 year old consultant).  Just like any mother will tell you, carrying the concept around for months is not convenient at all. Then the process of bringing it out to the world is painstaking.  The months that follow is even more difficult- it requires so much attention that I missed out on my oh-so-precious sleep and me-time.  It is so demanding that there were moments when I wish it was never born.  However, it was too late to sack it.  

Moreover, I do not have the strength to crush it.  It is too beautiful to behold.  I am head over heels over with it like a hopeless romantic.  I don't like it though that it makes heart go up and down like a rollercoaster.  If it's doing well, then I am happy.  When uncertainty creeps in, I shake in fear. And, when things get tough, my heart falters.

For awhile, it became an extension of me.  For a time, my life hanged on its thread and there were moments when I value it more than myself.

I guess, this is what my Teacher calls attachment.  He always say "remove your heart from this old world because it will only give you sorrow".

Now, I understand.  Anything which I label mine can pull me up, down or around.  I thought it makes me bigger and better but it only makes me a slave just like a dog tied to a rope.

Now, I know.  I will let it live but I will not write my name on it.  It is Yours now.  I don't want anything from it.  I will hold it only for as long as You want me to oversee things.  I can let it go in a blink of an eye.  It is Yours.  So, You will have to carry its basket of burdens. I am simply a caretaker.  I am not responsible, You are.

Now, I can sleep. 

And so this is Christmas

The click of the keyboard made me nostalgic.

It's been a long while since I visited this place.  I have a good reason though---FOCUS. 

Since early November until December 23, I've been putting all my energy on the calendar's release- a project of  Special Achievers, the non-profit organization my colleagues and I started.  So when I'm not working (in the clinic cause the NGO's my hobby) or healing my old but still useful body (which cannot function without it's 10 hours of daily sleep. btw, i'm not complaining, just stating a fact), I'm coordinating with the sponsor, meeting with the graphic designer, e-mailing the editor, talking to the artists' parents, answering interviews, etcetera, etcetera.  Yes- it's a lot but I enjoy every bit of it.

For a long while, you see, I cannot find my place in the sun.  I have this humongous heart that wants to give but I do not know what to do with it.  

So, like a headless chicken I was running around looking for that one thing I was meant to do.  Fortunately, I got into meditation which calmed me down.  

Then, I realized I want to be a monk.  I would really be very happy and content if all I do in this lifetime is open the door of the retreat center.   But, the Director had other plans for me- at least for now.  Hence, the NGO came into being.  

Why am I telling you all this?  I really don't intend to.  Just thinking out loud and writing it all down to help me process things.  You see, this is something I have let go of.  Now, it's handed back to me.  I guess, this is my gift this Christmas.

Dear God, I am not sure I can take on this big responsibility but how can I not accept what you want me to do?

Miggy, one of the 10 special artists featured in the calendar poses with his artworks
photo from Special Achievers

          

Ode to my 60 year old friend

I don't know why we click

Is it because you're really a child trapped in an old body?

You enjoy hip-hop classes

Even when the tempo's too fast for you

You dance in your own beat anyway!

Or because you allow me to be the grown-up sometimes?

You don't mind at all if I correct you

"You have to be quiet before meditation class"

"Touch down is for airplanes not for smartphones"

"There's an s after Starbuck or Rustan"

Is it because you enjoy exploring as much as I do?

You'll try out qigong even if you think it's boring

Coax me to go boxing instead 

Head to the pool even if you can't swim

Even go to a remote forest to farm

Probably, it's because you let me be

Though you believe (with all your heart) 
That I don't have the makings of a master chef
You teach me anyway 
Even when I sleep in the middle of a baking session 

We're as different as day and night

For one, I'm young and you're super old ( kidding :) )

I am pensive, you like talking

I am carefree to a fault

You are accurate to the dot 

I still cannot pinpoint exactly what it is 

But, I am very grateful for the friendship

Even when you call me a pest at times 

And I retaliate with the loudest, "I don't like!"

We somehow get along

I am glad you're my friend, Sister Norie!

I'm back!

I just came from the boondocks.  I learned that I can survive without internet connection for a whole week- and no tv, movie or online games to boot!

A shout out to all netizens, "Hey, you will not die if you log-out!"  

In fact in was very refreshing.

Tuning out from all the outside noise allowed me to commune with myself, nature and the Divine.  I would like to rattle on but pictures speak louder than words.  So, allow me to give you a glimpse of my life in the farm.

This is the river I cross daily to get to work.

In a week, I together with 3 other farmers were able to plant

 174 narra, 50 marang and 50 cacao trees.

We also started a vegetable garden.

Honestly, all I wanted to do is sleep and let the others do the work.

But my father says, they will follow my lead.  So, I got my hands dirty.    

It was worth it!  Nature rewarded me with its bounty every single day.

I also had time for rest and relaxation with friends.

I now know where I'll head off next vacation.

**Pictures courtesy of Nory San Juan

Ooops I did it again

cartoon from one.brahmakumaris.org

I mean I was able to blog daily for a whole week again.  Hooray for me!

Truth be told, I don't feel that I'm the one doing it.  I feel that I'm only the typist.  The title or the first sentence will come to me out of nowhere.  Then when I sit down and type, the next words will just flow as natural as water gushing from an opened faucet.

Most of the time, I don't know where it will bring me.  Even if I have a draft in my head, it winds down to a different path.  I, myself am amazed at the finished article.

I guess, this is what it feels to be inspired.

Paolo Coelho said in his book 'The Zahir' that when the writer's in the zone, a stream of ideas and words effuses that he could not stop typing for hours, even days.  I heard even Stephenie Meyer of 'Twilight' articulated that she just had to write the story in her head.

I'm far from these two famous writers.  I am just in awe that I'm actually experiencing the same thing.

Yesterday, I was reading through some of the older posts and I honestly didn't feel that I wrote it.  Though the interviews and experiences were very real to me, I could not claim ownership to how the story unfolded.

I have to confess that I am beginning to fall in love with being a typist.

I'll be going on a break for one whole week a day after tomorrow though.  I am most willing to continue this love affair but I'm not sure if my internet connection will work where I am going.

It's been a beautiful continuous two week run.  I will definitely keep on writing wherever I am.


P.S.  If there's anyone reading this blog, thank you for spending time with the ideas and stories here.  I hope it helps you and I would really love to hear from you.  Will keep you posted as soon as I can.

Meanderings of a soul at a crossroad

image from learnmeditationonline.org

I've learned to stop asking 
"Why is this happening?"
More often than not
The answer always comes  
Usually, not in my own set timeline



It will magically appear
When I am ready to 
Accept the situation 
Learn the lesson 
Take the next step



I confess there's this tendency 
To storm the heavens
Wrack my brain
Go to a mentor
Even escape the inevitable



Being of the  'instant age' 
I scream out loud
"I want the answers right now!"
I've forgotten there is no remote control
Like nature, everything in life has a season 



Things which ought to happen will happen
Not in my own time
But, at the right time
I have to trust that
My right will always come to me



When I'm ready

What kind of flower are you?

image from archangelsanddevas.wordpress.com

This question was asked in meditation class today.

I immediately answered, "A white rose".

A few years back, the same question was thrown at me when I was in India for a retreat.  Since, I couldn't see myself as a flower, I asked for a clue during meditation.

The answer came as I walking quietly in the campus of Gyansarovar.  The white rose called my attention amidst the numerous flowers along the sidewalk.

It's just so beautiful to behold and yet it does not boast of it's beauty.  Its fragrance also fills the air with sweetness- subtly and quietly.  Then, inspite of its seeming gentleness, it can protect itself with its thorns.  

How about you, what kind of flower are you?

Do you celebrate the small things?

image from learnmeditationonline.org

"I'm very good this week.  So far, I have perfect attendance in morning meditation class.", I enthusiastically told my friend over tea.

"Well, I am late today but I still came so kudos for me!", I added.

"What are you so happy about?  It's such a small thing.", she grunted.

"But, I celebrate small things!", I happily answered back.

I wasn't this bubbly person who sings for joy at the smallest sign of progress before.  I was this it's-all-about-the-end result kind of gal.

But, I realized that the path to self-development is a marathon- not a sprint.  If I'll only be happy when I reach my goal but too worn out and miserable during the race, I figured it's not worth it.

My monk friends from the retreat center always tell me, "Be happy now!"

It's such a simple statement yet it has so much depth.

How about you, what did you do today that's worth celebrating?