Sim-Shem's bonding turns 8

Our special commitment to God and to each other always conquers all odds. It was during our eighth year together that a cyst was discovered in my left ovary. My medical condition elevated my faith and made me enjoy every moment of my life. While I was trying my best to recover emotionally, pressure in the workplace went even higher. I was chosen by the management as one of the witnesses in the arbitration court. I went there to represent the company not just once but thrice – it was totally agonizing! Our church was with me throughout the battle. Prayer marathon played a big role on how I was able to testify in the witness stand. It was also during this time that my mother was struck with an annoying illness. Praise and thank God that she has fully recovered after a couple of months. After the new year, I and my husband agreed that I undergo an operation (laparoscopic procedure). My days in the hospital were truly a battle against the enemy. I even had some complications and I was too scared to swallow the capsulated medicines. I wrestled with so many emotions deep within me. I praise God that He continually rescued me, assured me, and healed me. I was also touched by my husband’s gestures. Though I felt terrible and looked physically ugly, he appreciated me – as if I’m the most beautiful woman in the world. That thought strengthened me all the more. I took two months off from work and I was truly refreshed. I missed my Ph.D class for three weeks. Thank God that I was able to catch up. After more than a month, I went with my churchmates to Pangao Christian Center in Bauko, Mt. Province (my first time) and attended a district convention. My husband was also elected as the Auditor of our church (BCC) and the church organization (MBDC). Two months after my operation, I and my husband were invited to be one of the guest speakers (Love, Courtship, dating, and Marriage)in the TANEPA district of MBDC in Sison, Pangasinan (Calunetan Christian Center). After another month, Sim and I attended the National Convention in Cauayan, Isabela. Sim conducted a seminar on how to handle money matters in the church. While I’m in the process of recuperating, Sim and I found our common passion – baking. He bought me a little convection oven and I really am delighted! It was a year of fun and pain and yet God blessed us and allowed us to overcome the trials and tribulations. He is a God of victory!

 

Sim and Shem marks 7th year as a couple

For us, marriage gets sweeter every day. On our seventh year, we started to relish in the beauty and comfort of building our dream house. The house is not completely done but the “work-in progress” status enables us to live by faith and live according to God’s daily provisions. We went through a series of financial struggles but our faith never faltered. God really fulfills His promise in His own perfect time. He delivered us from the financial burden brought about by the house construction. Another trial came when Sim was hospitalized for a week due to “syncope” or temporary loss of consciousness. My moments with him in the emergency room were really heart-breaking. The initial diagnoses were cardiac arrest and stroke. I could not accept those medical impressions because I know in my heart that he’s healthy and that God is the wonderful and mighty healer. After going through a battery of tests, he was released and I am greatly relieved. Praise God! I have also decided to pursue a post-graduate study that inspires me to aspire for greater things. After quite a while, I lost all my staff simultaneously. It was a stressful time and yet God gave me strength and wisdom to cope with the demands of my work. Truly, God is in control of any situation. Nothing is too difficult for God to handle. Victory is always a consequence of a life that is lifted up to Him. Praises and honor unto our God!

Sim and Shem together at CJHGCI's Company Outing 2013

My university comeback restricted me from frequenting out of town travels. That’s why I was elated when Sim told me that I was being invited to take part in his company outing as one of the judges of their annual team games. San Luis del Mar Resort in Bauang, La Union is one the best places to be during summer. As expected, the trip was especially refreshing. Sim and I were able to have fun in the pool. It was also a wonderful time to meet and mingle with my husband’s colleagues in the workplace. The “sunburn” is all worth it! Thank you Lord for the all-expense paid summer trip!

Our Kkeia's Academic Honors for God's Glory

Neilkkeia Sheryce Macaraeg Aquino is the eldest grandchild in the Macaraeg and Aquino families. She's our very first angel in the family. We are truly blessed and proud for having her in the family. Without an iota of doubt,her stunning look and wit are a duplication of her Dad and Mom's - Noel and Shel. She's a consistent honor pupil from kinder until grade six. She graduated as Salutatorian of her batch at the Gospel of Christ Montessori School. She was also the GCMS Little Miss Montessori (Pre-School) and Miss Montessori (Grade 1 - Elem.). We praise God and we remain grateful for all her achievements. It's always our fervent prayer that she will become the kind of person that God designed her to be.

My First Article in PH.D - An Introduction

Teaching has always been my passion since I was eight years old. But due to the turn of events in our family, I ended up taking Accountancy at SLU as an undergraduate degree. I'm now on my 14th year as a practicing professional in the field of Accountancy and Finance. I'm currently holding the position of Accounting Manager at Camp John Hay Development Corp. Through the years, my desire to become an educator did not die down. I took up MBA and eventually I enrolled in PH.D with a firm belief that the higher studies will further enhance my training and hone my skills and will prepare me for a fulfilling career in the academe. I'm a born-again Christian and I give glory and honor to God for who I am and what I've become. I always believe that God is the substance of my existence. Human as I am, I'm very much a goal-driven person but I never forget the fact that life here on earth is just fleeting. I always put myself on check and see to it that I live to please my Master - the God who sent Jesus Christ so I can have eternal life. For me, Christianity is not a religion but a relationship with a Savior. I'm married for almost seven years now to a man who made my life complete. We're still hoping and praying that a baby will grace our union. There are times that I'm on the brink of giving up and letting go of my desire to become a mother someday but as I look up to God in prayer, my hope is renewed. I'm a bookworm and a homebody. I'm a self-proclaimed writer, counselor, blogger, event organizer/program coordinator, comedienne, and cook. Family and friends remember me as a leader, a speaker, and a hospitable person. My elusive dream? I want to explore the world of fashion and I want to become a fashion and style icon someday =).

Memories of Yesteryears Made Alive

My flair for organizing events urged me to reconnect with my High School classmates through a simple yet heartwarming get together that was held in my Ate Shel’s “bahay-kubo” on the first day of 2013. I organized our FB group and we’ve gotten to know more about each other’s whereabouts. Time and distance gave birth to a handful of changes in us. Nothing has really changed in our relationship and for me it’s the best thing. It’s as if graduation day was just yesterday. As part of our preparation, we solicited the support of able donors. Most of them are based in other countries yet they shared the spirit and joy of giving. We had our reunion shirts, tokens, and we also bought raffle items from the funds we’ve raised. We all agreed to bring foods ala “potluck” style and encouraged everyone to bring something for the exchange gifts. In spite of every ones’ lack of sleep due to the New Year’s Eve festivity, we still had the energy to show up at the venue. We opened the program with a prayer and acknowledged God’s supremacy throughout the event. We gave out special awards that left everyone at a loss for words. It always feels great that our special qualities are given recognition. We really had fun time as we played games. The Pinoy Henyo portion made us really laugh and shout at the top of our voices. Games brought out the kid in us. Foods were overwhelming and we even had our take-outs! One of the things that we enjoyed most was the Raffle Draw. The raffle items were a great source of enjoyment – from “arinola” to stand fan. No one left the venue empty handed. Everyone enjoyed the fellowship. Indeed, memories of yesteryears were made alive. It’s always great to start the year with a bang. To God be the glory!