As I look back and reflect this past few days, I thank the Lord for the year 2017. Not all the plans I made and listed in my first blog post in 2017 transpired but there were twists and turns that made the year still something to be grateful for.
I didn't take my driving tests, nor took classes at U of T or even pass the PMP designation exam. In early November, I was already considering this year not as fruitful as the previous ones but I think God intended it to be that way to show me that He's got better plans for me.
First Volunteer Experience
When I planned for the family to go on a major trip to the Walt Disney World on my birthday, it didn't materialize. Funds were not enough and the Ordaz family was not yet ready to go too. Because I already booked my birthday week as my vacation days, I ended up volunteering for the daily vacation bible school (DVBS) that my kids also volunteered / attended. It was a fruitful experience. I saw that there are lots of opportunities to see how God works in a person's life - be it the volunteer, the adult or child attending. Aloysius had the same opportunity and I was glad he agreed to take on a leadership role. This was a great character-building experience for a first-timer as he was able to test his patience with children.
Career Turnaround
The last quarter of the year at work was a whirlwind of training activities. I was getting bored with the routine and also frustrated with the culture or very slow pace of change. At some point, I decided to do something to change that scenario. With determination and a prayer for guidance, I sought to be part of a global project that will make an impact to people development in our organization. I was not chosen at first but miracle happened and in December of this year, I ended up going to our headquarters in Denver, Colorado to represent not only Toronto but the whole Canada for the project kick off and process reviews. I made it to the project team and this was not the only trip but also the start of many business trips scheduled in 2018. God is really good with surprises.
People-oriented
I believe that there are reasons why you are put in a certain role or situation or why you met a person. You are there because you have a mission. I think I was able to figure out why but only after the fact. It could be something to do, say or show and to prove that your presence has an impact. I am sure that my relentless reminders, to do lists made someone achieve something or sharing inspiration and hopeful comments brighten some else's day. I didn't realize this until some of them just came back to tell me they were grateful that I was there - to give a little encouragement, or a little push or shed light to something they were unsure of. I too have met people who inspired and gave me hope and I'm thankful. I just want to pay it forward and I told them to do the same. Maybe this is my calling, even if I could not make it in a management role but if the work I do will have a great impact to the people, it will be phenomenal. Whatever or wherever God wants us to do, we'll just do it because we will be blessed so it's important that we seek where God wants to lead us. This is done through prayer, reading the bible and having a personal relationship with Christ. I hope you will see the people around you through the eyes of God - to touch their lives as how God touch yours.
Trips all over Ontario
This year was Canada 150th year and our family is so blessed to have enjoyed seeing some of the beautiful nature that is only found in Canada. This year, our family went to these wonderful places:
1. Tobermory
2. Sauble Beach
3. Lion's Head
4. Elora Gorge
5. Parry Sound - Islands Cruise
6. Collingwood - Blue Mountain Resort
7. Niagara Falls
8. Cherry Picking at Cherry Avenue
9. Kelso Beach
10. Pingle Farm Hampton, ON
So that's it for 2017? There's more - lots of blessings and miracles not only for myself, but for my family, my friends and we are all grateful. I hope you are too. If you haven't figured out yet, let me remind you that God loves you, wants to bless you and will always be there for you. May your new year start in that perspective.
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