07/03/2025
I was a bit upset with myself for not being able to get marked with ash last Wednesday. As much as possible, I want tangible proof that I am His daughter, and that I live life through His ways. But because I did not get marked with ash, I felt like I had failed Him.
But upon reflection, I thought deeper as to why I even missed mass last Wednesday. It was not in vain, it was not because I didn't feel like it, and it was not because I chose to do something for myself instead. I missed it because I was given the opportunity to be His vessel, for the love of service.
I am honored and grateful to have been given the opportunity to be one of 4 volunteers to represent The University of Santo Tomas. I am so proud to say that I've managed to screen 20 kids' hearing my first day, and totaled with more than 50 patients, from kindergarten to senior age for the entire mission. The past three days were no light task, I knew I would have to take into account that this was no vacation, that I would be living in different circumstances, that I would have to brave multiple commutes praying my vertigo won't be too bad, I would be doing my duty in places that could trigger my allergies, my very sensitive skin that's taken years of heavy-dose steroids to clear, and my asthma. But the positives have outweighed the negatives. This was something bigger than myself.
This has been one of the most memorable three days I've had in my whole life. Thank you so much Santa Cruz and Boac, Marinduque having us and to The Starkey Hearing Foundation for letting us work with them. All love. Happy Lenten Season, everyone! All for Christ and Saint Thomas Aquinas πππ»