I wasn't really sure if I was going to write about this. I would describe myself as a spiritual person, but my faith and beliefs feel private and personal to me; I share them with very few people. Even as I type this, I'm not sure if I'll post it.
Over the last three years, I've struggled with my faith. Life changes have caused me to question things I once knew for certain. In hindsight, my life was full of stress in January of this year. I tried to prepare for my trip physically and ended up neglecting my emotional needs. One night, nearly exhausted, I said a quick prayer asking for a spiritual experience in Manila. I had read that not only are the Philippines nearly 90% Catholic (thanks, Spain!) but The Church and the government share some fuzzy lines - almost sharing the power.
My second Sunday in Manila, we toured Intramuros (read more here) and the tour ended at St. Augustin's Church. My home parish is also named St. Augustin's and it had been too painful for me to attend mass there in recent history.
As we arrived at the church, a wedding had just ended (Sunday weddings are standard there) and I stepped inside. Short on funds, the church had painted frescos on the ceiling; creating the illusion of more expensive detailed work. It reminded me of my trip to Europe in 2007, specifically touring The Vatican. My trip to France and Italy was to attend the beautiful wedding of two friends, and the feelings and excitement of that day and that trip flooded my thoughts.
Calla Lilies (my favorite) were everywhere and I was hit by this rush of calmness and peace in the church. My friends walked around and admired the beautiful architecture and tried to guess the statues of the saints as I sat in a pew to pray. On my knees, I prayed to God for the first time in a long time. I started crying out of relief. I knew this was the moment I had asked for. I wiped the tears from my face, but couldn't hide my smile as I rejoined my friends for the last few minutes of our tour.
Over the last three years, I've struggled with my faith. Life changes have caused me to question things I once knew for certain. In hindsight, my life was full of stress in January of this year. I tried to prepare for my trip physically and ended up neglecting my emotional needs. One night, nearly exhausted, I said a quick prayer asking for a spiritual experience in Manila. I had read that not only are the Philippines nearly 90% Catholic (thanks, Spain!) but The Church and the government share some fuzzy lines - almost sharing the power.
My second Sunday in Manila, we toured Intramuros (read more here) and the tour ended at St. Augustin's Church. My home parish is also named St. Augustin's and it had been too painful for me to attend mass there in recent history.
As we arrived at the church, a wedding had just ended (Sunday weddings are standard there) and I stepped inside. Short on funds, the church had painted frescos on the ceiling; creating the illusion of more expensive detailed work. It reminded me of my trip to Europe in 2007, specifically touring The Vatican. My trip to France and Italy was to attend the beautiful wedding of two friends, and the feelings and excitement of that day and that trip flooded my thoughts.
Calla Lilies (my favorite) were everywhere and I was hit by this rush of calmness and peace in the church. My friends walked around and admired the beautiful architecture and tried to guess the statues of the saints as I sat in a pew to pray. On my knees, I prayed to God for the first time in a long time. I started crying out of relief. I knew this was the moment I had asked for. I wiped the tears from my face, but couldn't hide my smile as I rejoined my friends for the last few minutes of our tour.
 |
| The bell tower |
 |
| Looks like a carving, right? |
 |
| View of the alter from the back of the church |
 |
| Beautiful carved door |
 |
| Good luck removing that smile from my face |
The Experience of a Lifetime
Monday, August 22, 2011
I wasn't really sure if I was going to write about this. I would describe myself as a spiritual person, but my faith and beliefs feel private and personal to me; I share them with very few people. Even as I type this, I'm not sure if I'll post it.
Over the last three years, I've struggled with my faith. Life changes have caused me to question things I once knew for certain. In hindsight, my life was full of stress in January of this year. I tried to prepare for my trip physically and ended up neglecting my emotional needs. One night, nearly exhausted, I said a quick prayer asking for a spiritual experience in Manila. I had read that not only are the Philippines nearly 90% Catholic (thanks, Spain!) but The Church and the government share some fuzzy lines - almost sharing the power.
My second Sunday in Manila, we toured Intramuros (read more here) and the tour ended at St. Augustin's Church. My home parish is also named St. Augustin's and it had been too painful for me to attend mass there in recent history.
As we arrived at the church, a wedding had just ended (Sunday weddings are standard there) and I stepped inside. Short on funds, the church had painted frescos on the ceiling; creating the illusion of more expensive detailed work. It reminded me of my trip to Europe in 2007, specifically touring The Vatican. My trip to France and Italy was to attend the beautiful wedding of two friends, and the feelings and excitement of that day and that trip flooded my thoughts.
Calla Lilies (my favorite) were everywhere and I was hit by this rush of calmness and peace in the church. My friends walked around and admired the beautiful architecture and tried to guess the statues of the saints as I sat in a pew to pray. On my knees, I prayed to God for the first time in a long time. I started crying out of relief. I knew this was the moment I had asked for. I wiped the tears from my face, but couldn't hide my smile as I rejoined my friends for the last few minutes of our tour.
Over the last three years, I've struggled with my faith. Life changes have caused me to question things I once knew for certain. In hindsight, my life was full of stress in January of this year. I tried to prepare for my trip physically and ended up neglecting my emotional needs. One night, nearly exhausted, I said a quick prayer asking for a spiritual experience in Manila. I had read that not only are the Philippines nearly 90% Catholic (thanks, Spain!) but The Church and the government share some fuzzy lines - almost sharing the power.
My second Sunday in Manila, we toured Intramuros (read more here) and the tour ended at St. Augustin's Church. My home parish is also named St. Augustin's and it had been too painful for me to attend mass there in recent history.
As we arrived at the church, a wedding had just ended (Sunday weddings are standard there) and I stepped inside. Short on funds, the church had painted frescos on the ceiling; creating the illusion of more expensive detailed work. It reminded me of my trip to Europe in 2007, specifically touring The Vatican. My trip to France and Italy was to attend the beautiful wedding of two friends, and the feelings and excitement of that day and that trip flooded my thoughts.
Calla Lilies (my favorite) were everywhere and I was hit by this rush of calmness and peace in the church. My friends walked around and admired the beautiful architecture and tried to guess the statues of the saints as I sat in a pew to pray. On my knees, I prayed to God for the first time in a long time. I started crying out of relief. I knew this was the moment I had asked for. I wiped the tears from my face, but couldn't hide my smile as I rejoined my friends for the last few minutes of our tour.
|
| The bell tower |
|
| Looks like a carving, right? |
|
| View of the alter from the back of the church |
|
| Beautiful carved door |
|
| Good luck removing that smile from my face |
Here are some pictures from the first half of my trip - enjoy!
The teams leads created a great video with photos from Greg's stay up to that point. Greg's fiance and daughter back home also created a video birthday message that we played to surprise him during the event!
 |
| Everyone out for breakfast at Salcedo Market, a local farmers market with YUMMY food! |
 |
| Karaoke! |
 | |
| Our employer hosted a dinner for all of the ambassadors |
Mardi Greg!
You read that right. We titled our first town hall meeting "Mardi Greg" as it fell on Mardi Gras and coincided with Greg's birthday. The teams went all out - no birthday will ever compare!
 |
| Performing a medley of Greg's favorite songs |
 |
| Wave 2's Choreographed dance to one of his favorite songs |
 |
| Greg next to his birthday cake! The team leads also catered in dinner for everyone! |
 |
| Wave 1's Choreographed dance |
 |
| The grand finale! |
The teams leads created a great video with photos from Greg's stay up to that point. Greg's fiance and daughter back home also created a video birthday message that we played to surprise him during the event!
More Pictures from the Philippines!
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Here are some pictures from the first half of my trip - enjoy!
The teams leads created a great video with photos from Greg's stay up to that point. Greg's fiance and daughter back home also created a video birthday message that we played to surprise him during the event!
|
| Everyone out for breakfast at Salcedo Market, a local farmers market with YUMMY food! |
|
| Karaoke! |
| |
| Our employer hosted a dinner for all of the ambassadors |
Mardi Greg!
You read that right. We titled our first town hall meeting "Mardi Greg" as it fell on Mardi Gras and coincided with Greg's birthday. The teams went all out - no birthday will ever compare!
|
| Performing a medley of Greg's favorite songs |
|
| Wave 2's Choreographed dance to one of his favorite songs |
|
| Greg next to his birthday cake! The team leads also catered in dinner for everyone! |
|
| Wave 1's Choreographed dance |
|
| The grand finale! |
The teams leads created a great video with photos from Greg's stay up to that point. Greg's fiance and daughter back home also created a video birthday message that we played to surprise him during the event!
Last fall, I posted about my new luggage (which I still love!). Over the last few years, my domestic carry-on has become my normal bag. Yup, how crazy is it that I don't bother changing out my bag between trips? You can usually find me with a large tote-style bag like this.
I got this bag in Manila and it has been the best! The large opening means I can toss in keys, iPod and whatever else I need. On the downside, it easily becomes a blackhole for receipts and loose change.
Here are my essentials:
Chapstick - 2 kinds, pretty much my entire makeup routine.
Small pill box - Tylenol, Excedrine and Allergy drugs keep me prepared for anything - I stash my chapstick and pill box in the embroidered make-up pouch from 31 Gifts.
Nikon Point and Shoot - great for a quick picture
Flip Video Cam - totally fell in love with the one my sister and I got our mom for Christmas, it is so handy!
Wallet - I have a slim wallet from Coach that holds my ID, Credit Cards and a little bit of cash
Business Cards - both for my career as a trainer and for my photography business
iPad - I'm in love with my iPad2, it keeps me entertained when I'm stuck at an airport (like right now!) and keeps me connected to my friends, family and business while I travel. My mom wanted to get me a Nook, like the ones her and my sister both have, but I decided I wanted something that would multitask - something I could read on or watch movies or surf the internet.
BlackBerry - I'd be lost without my BB; work emails and calendar sync keeps me on top of my tasks and appointments while I'm on the road.
iPod Touch - this loyal companion provides hours of music or movies on flights. Paired with SkullCandy brand ear buds, they drown out a lot of the engine and cabin noise and y retractable aux cable allows me to play music in my rental cars.
International trips require a little bit more, but this is the gear that is usually on me year round. On travel days, you can usually find a couple gossipy magazines stashed in there as well. What am I missing? What should I add?
I got this bag in Manila and it has been the best! The large opening means I can toss in keys, iPod and whatever else I need. On the downside, it easily becomes a blackhole for receipts and loose change.
Here are my essentials:
Chapstick - 2 kinds, pretty much my entire makeup routine.
Small pill box - Tylenol, Excedrine and Allergy drugs keep me prepared for anything - I stash my chapstick and pill box in the embroidered make-up pouch from 31 Gifts.
Nikon Point and Shoot - great for a quick picture
Flip Video Cam - totally fell in love with the one my sister and I got our mom for Christmas, it is so handy!
Wallet - I have a slim wallet from Coach that holds my ID, Credit Cards and a little bit of cash
Business Cards - both for my career as a trainer and for my photography business
iPad - I'm in love with my iPad2, it keeps me entertained when I'm stuck at an airport (like right now!) and keeps me connected to my friends, family and business while I travel. My mom wanted to get me a Nook, like the ones her and my sister both have, but I decided I wanted something that would multitask - something I could read on or watch movies or surf the internet.
BlackBerry - I'd be lost without my BB; work emails and calendar sync keeps me on top of my tasks and appointments while I'm on the road.
iPod Touch - this loyal companion provides hours of music or movies on flights. Paired with SkullCandy brand ear buds, they drown out a lot of the engine and cabin noise and y retractable aux cable allows me to play music in my rental cars.
International trips require a little bit more, but this is the gear that is usually on me year round. On travel days, you can usually find a couple gossipy magazines stashed in there as well. What am I missing? What should I add?
Carry On Luggage
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Last fall, I posted about my new luggage (which I still love!). Over the last few years, my domestic carry-on has become my normal bag. Yup, how crazy is it that I don't bother changing out my bag between trips? You can usually find me with a large tote-style bag like this.
I got this bag in Manila and it has been the best! The large opening means I can toss in keys, iPod and whatever else I need. On the downside, it easily becomes a blackhole for receipts and loose change.
Here are my essentials:
Chapstick - 2 kinds, pretty much my entire makeup routine.
Small pill box - Tylenol, Excedrine and Allergy drugs keep me prepared for anything - I stash my chapstick and pill box in the embroidered make-up pouch from 31 Gifts.
Nikon Point and Shoot - great for a quick picture
Flip Video Cam - totally fell in love with the one my sister and I got our mom for Christmas, it is so handy!
Wallet - I have a slim wallet from Coach that holds my ID, Credit Cards and a little bit of cash
Business Cards - both for my career as a trainer and for my photography business
iPad - I'm in love with my iPad2, it keeps me entertained when I'm stuck at an airport (like right now!) and keeps me connected to my friends, family and business while I travel. My mom wanted to get me a Nook, like the ones her and my sister both have, but I decided I wanted something that would multitask - something I could read on or watch movies or surf the internet.
BlackBerry - I'd be lost without my BB; work emails and calendar sync keeps me on top of my tasks and appointments while I'm on the road.
iPod Touch - this loyal companion provides hours of music or movies on flights. Paired with SkullCandy brand ear buds, they drown out a lot of the engine and cabin noise and y retractable aux cable allows me to play music in my rental cars.
International trips require a little bit more, but this is the gear that is usually on me year round. On travel days, you can usually find a couple gossipy magazines stashed in there as well. What am I missing? What should I add?
I got this bag in Manila and it has been the best! The large opening means I can toss in keys, iPod and whatever else I need. On the downside, it easily becomes a blackhole for receipts and loose change.
Here are my essentials:
Chapstick - 2 kinds, pretty much my entire makeup routine.
Small pill box - Tylenol, Excedrine and Allergy drugs keep me prepared for anything - I stash my chapstick and pill box in the embroidered make-up pouch from 31 Gifts.
Nikon Point and Shoot - great for a quick picture
Flip Video Cam - totally fell in love with the one my sister and I got our mom for Christmas, it is so handy!
Wallet - I have a slim wallet from Coach that holds my ID, Credit Cards and a little bit of cash
Business Cards - both for my career as a trainer and for my photography business
iPad - I'm in love with my iPad2, it keeps me entertained when I'm stuck at an airport (like right now!) and keeps me connected to my friends, family and business while I travel. My mom wanted to get me a Nook, like the ones her and my sister both have, but I decided I wanted something that would multitask - something I could read on or watch movies or surf the internet.
BlackBerry - I'd be lost without my BB; work emails and calendar sync keeps me on top of my tasks and appointments while I'm on the road.
iPod Touch - this loyal companion provides hours of music or movies on flights. Paired with SkullCandy brand ear buds, they drown out a lot of the engine and cabin noise and y retractable aux cable allows me to play music in my rental cars.
International trips require a little bit more, but this is the gear that is usually on me year round. On travel days, you can usually find a couple gossipy magazines stashed in there as well. What am I missing? What should I add?
As promised, I'm finally getting around to sharing photos from my trip earlier this year to Manila. I hope you enjoy!
This first round of pics was from my first two days in the office - team effectiveness training! It is so funny to look at these pictures six months later, having built relationships with each person. I barely remembered any names the first day!
The rest of these pics are from my first weekend where I took pictures of every random thing I could think of. Hahaha.
More to come :)
This first round of pics was from my first two days in the office - team effectiveness training! It is so funny to look at these pictures six months later, having built relationships with each person. I barely remembered any names the first day!
 |
| Our skit in team effectiveness training. "Write it down, Jem" |
 |
| Planning our strategy |
 |
| Don't drop the ball! |
 | |||
| We WON!!! |
The rest of these pics are from my first weekend where I took pictures of every random thing I could think of. Hahaha.
 |
| This Shabu-Shabu place reminded me of previous trips to NYC with Kristen |
 |
| Aerobics in the park? :) |
 |
| After a quick trip to the grocery store |
 |
| Homemade food & movies - a good evening in. |
 |
| The view outside my living room, during the day. |
 |
| Surprisingly, not the worst I've seen. |
 |
| Fish shopping. I purchased....none. LOL |
More to come :)
Philippines Photos
Friday, August 5, 2011
As promised, I'm finally getting around to sharing photos from my trip earlier this year to Manila. I hope you enjoy!
This first round of pics was from my first two days in the office - team effectiveness training! It is so funny to look at these pictures six months later, having built relationships with each person. I barely remembered any names the first day!
The rest of these pics are from my first weekend where I took pictures of every random thing I could think of. Hahaha.
More to come :)
This first round of pics was from my first two days in the office - team effectiveness training! It is so funny to look at these pictures six months later, having built relationships with each person. I barely remembered any names the first day!
|
| Our skit in team effectiveness training. "Write it down, Jem" |
|
| Planning our strategy |
|
| Don't drop the ball! |
| | |||
| We WON!!! |
The rest of these pics are from my first weekend where I took pictures of every random thing I could think of. Hahaha.
|
| This Shabu-Shabu place reminded me of previous trips to NYC with Kristen |
|
| Aerobics in the park? :) |
|
| After a quick trip to the grocery store |
|
| Homemade food & movies - a good evening in. |
|
| The view outside my living room, during the day. |
|
| Surprisingly, not the worst I've seen. |
|
| Fish shopping. I purchased....none. LOL |
More to come :)
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