We celebrated our 23rd monthsary at the Blacktown RSL tonight. It was a first time for me and Chris to have dinner there. Since it was a Saturday, it was Seafood buffet.

This was our view from where we were seated.

I find it amusing that while eating, we can see the roof of our apartment (it’s the one with reddish/orangey roof, almost middle part of the photo above). We were two blocks away from the RSL, very convenient for us.

Here’s some of the food the we ate:

Fried galore: prawn, crabmeat, fish cocktail, calamari rings and pork dumplings

Fried rice, crab, salt and pepper prawns, sweet-chili mussels

Ham and sushi

For dessert, we had a few slices of watermelon, chocolate mousse and cheesecake. We were so full, had trouble getting up. Good thing we had to walk going home.

We are also celebrating a milestone for Chris’ career today, an answered prayer: he was made a permanent employee at work (woohoo!!!). We are very very happy for this new development in our lives.

The journey for Chris to find a job here was no joke. It took him three months to break in the job market. We’ve had a couple of tough times because we were helping our families in the Phils, trying to make ends meet. In August, he got a contractual job. According to the company, they were on freezed hiring but they really need a graphic artist so a contractual employee is all they can afford. My husband accepted the offer, the important thing was just to have a job and at least it was a graphic artist job. Better than nothing and knowing us, we never said ‘no’ to an opportunity given to us.

Two weeks ago, Chris had a surprise meeting with his boss, he was asked if he wanted to stay with the company. Of course he said “yes”, because he loved it there already. Last Thursday, he was officially a part of the company. 🙂 According to Chris, it was on Wednesday afternoon that he was made to sign the contract and his boss announced the good news to everyone on their team during an afternoon tea celebration (with cakes and all hehe).

As his wife and partner, I’m very happy and relieved for my husband. I know that since he arrived here, his goal was to find a job as soon as possible so that we can start fulfilling our plans. I know it wasn’t easy for him to get over rejections one after another. It wasn’t easy, but the patience and resilience my husband has shown is admirable.

As I end this entry, let me just say a few thanks: to family and friends who truly listened and empathized, may God bless you a thousand fold with all the support you have given us and to The One Above whom we give back all the glory–maraming-maraming salamat po!

During our darkest days this year, we have held on to one of the most beautiful teachings of Christ. It is in this teaching that we have found more hope and comfort.

THE EIGHT BEATITUDES OF JESUS
“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are they who mourn,
for they shall be comforted.

Blessed are the meek,
for they shall inherit the earth.

Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they shall be satisfied.

Blessed are the merciful,
for they shall obtain mercy.

Blessed are the pure of heart,
for they shall see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall be called children of God.

Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

Gospel of St. Matthew 5:3-10