Home Sweet Home

The second week of 2014 was a frantic and tiring week both at work and at home.  During the day, we were busy bees at work and at home during the night, we were busy ants packing our stuff, tidying the house and entertaining future tenants. Yet, no amount of tiredness and weariness could keep our excitement from going down the hill. We were just too excited to move. And move, we finally we did!

A few memorable snapshots of our frantic week here before the house move:

Leaving the first home we lived in as husband and wife is a bittersweet thing. At one point during the week, I sighed an emotional sigh, a long one which worried my husband for a second until I told him I was just being emotional that we were leaving our tiny abode that witnessed our humble beginnings.    Our Home#1 was the silent spectator to the just-married dreams that we dreamt---those that came true and those that were broken, to the laughter of good times and to the tears of rocky roads, to the finally-we-have-savings days and to the super thrifty days. Needless to say, it was also the silent witness to all the burns, the cuts and the chapped skin I got from domesticating myself. 

The truth is we were not supposed to move (even if we were planning to) until that problem with the  noisy boiler occurred sometime in November when the winter season officially began. We would like to think that it was God's way of moving us out of that place since we've been praying and we've been on the lookout as well for an apartment away from the hustle and bustle of the city. So I reckon we moved earlier than we should.

My Instagram has some snaps of what our home inside looked like:

The seasons and the number thereof that we spent in our first home:

We will miss the local cafe that we used to frequent for breakfast, coffee and snacks. 

But we have to move on to something bigger and brighter.  And with that, I welcome you to our Home#2:

More of our new apartment in the next month or so, that I can guarantee. :)

First Valentines Together

Our first Valentines together, not literally, but physically. Our love story will tell you why. This is just one of our firsts that I've been trying to document and memory-keep while I can. 

***

The morning of the 14th was icy cold as expected from the weather app: 5 degree. Days leading to Valentines, there's a certain buzz in the air in the city of Dublin. Gigantic red hearts and Valentines signage were all over town where as flower vendors were noticeably taking over time and obviously taking advantage of this season high fever. 

Our plan for the day: Sneaked out from respective work at lunchtime to have a quick lunch together. 

My plan: Woke up early and secretly taped a cheesy Valentine note on his laptop while he was still sleeping. 

His plan (that I didn't know of): Roses in variety of colors to hand to me on the morning.

As it turned out, both of us had plans to surprise each other. We didn't have a grand date nor grand gifts for each other as you can see. We simply appreciated the day for what it was---our first Valentines together that we weren't spending in Skype screen, in different countries and in different time zones. The past two Valentines had been like that. More than the love story, we celebrate the blessing of being together on this day. At the end of the day, no amount of roses nor chocolates can replace that blessing. 

If you are in a long distance relationship, it is my hope and my prayer that you too will be reunited with the one you love. Choose to be together no matter what. All kinds of sacrifices will be worth it in the end. 

Two. Thousand. Thirteen.

Well hello 2013, we're so glad you came! :) Today, January 1, is one of our many firsts:

1) First new year away from our beloved Philippines.
2) First new year in Dublin, Ireland (silence at 12 AM almost killed me, haha! it was a complete opposite of what I was used to. I guess that goes to say that nothing beats the celebratory noise and warmth back home.
3) First new year as husband and wife.
4) First Blessings Jar! And we intend to make one year on year to cultivate gratitude in our hearts. We even plan to pass this tradition to our future kids (ehemmmm)! How fun it would be to look at the jars lining up our living room, wouldn't it? :)

5) First time to make a list of our commitments to God this year.

The past year was full of leaps and bounds, of love and forgiveness, of endings and beginnings. I've learned a lot in 2012, needless to say. It's always been God who held me in the palm of His hands leading me on, showering me with His TLC in so many ways that Has always left me in awe.

So to You, my Awesome, Wonderful, Magnificent God, I offer this year with all the faith my heart could muster. :)

Day 24: A Walk to Remember

24/30: Wedding Ceremony Pt1. So it came to this very moment. I was finally being ushered to walk down the aisle after one final touch of make-up.  From where I was sitting, about 30 feet away from the garden ceremony set up, I could sense the crowd's anticipation and weariness (the program was running late by 30 minutes) and it was a humid 4:30 PM, I could never blame anyone. My heart was simply overwhelmed with gratitude: all seats were taken and half of the attendees were even standing. They had taken time to travel all the way to Tagaytay for this one chaotic day of an event. For me. For Lando. For us.

"Ms Lai, Godbless!" I heard my make-up artist uttered while walking away. It was about time. From the open space, a soft intro to our chosen bridal entrance song started to fill the air:

"Ikaw ang pangako taglay ng isang bituin...

Tanging pangarap sa Diyos ay hiling

Makapiling sa bawat sandali..."

I stood up from the golf cart, my knees wobbly from being the center of attention. I had never been one in my lifetime. As I took my first step, all the wedding preps stress were finally being lifted off my shoulders. All the struggles we had gone through started to melt away.

As I took another step forward, it was just him that I was thinking about, the people faded to a soft blur.

"Ikaw ang pag-ibig sa araw at gabi...

Ikaw ang pag-asang tanglaw sa dilim

Napapawing hirap at pighati"

It was then that I saw you near. You were half-smiling, and you whispered from where you were standing, looking straight to my eyes, "This is it." 

"Langit ang buhay sa tuwing ika'y hahagkan

Anong ligaya sa tuwing ika'y mamasdan

Sa piling mo ang gabi tila araw

Ikaw ang pangarap, ikaw lamang..."

And the song went on... and is still playing in my ears up to this very day. :)

Day 23: Thanksgiving List

23/30: Thanksgiving. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, which surprisingly fell on hubby's birthday, I'd like to pen down 10 things I'm grateful for in the past 11 months because really, there's just an abundance of things we can and should be thankful for. To stress a point, let me share this one status I read in FB: Nothing to be thankful for? Check your pulse. To the wonderful, to the magnificent, to the awesome Author of my Life, I give you my praise and thanks.

"Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good.

His love endures forever."

~ Psalm 136:1

Same with my previous year's list, this would be short. :) Thank you dearest God:

1. for our wedding.
2. for my husband.
3. for the gift of forgiveness and the grace to reconnect with my family esp my parents.
4. for friends, old and new.
5. for new church community and the opportunity to serve.
6. for the gift of contentment and living within our means.
7. for the 30-day blogging challenge, which makes me appreciate more God's goodness on our wedding, on our early months of being married, and beyond.
8. for photography.
9. for dreams.
10. for salvation, grace and hope. 

And here's our simple celebration yesterday: a sweet fix at Anne's Bakery (mind you, for only 3.85 euro each for a mocha/coffee and a piece of cake, a real treat!) and the Pinoy style Spaghetti that we labored to cook for hours. I am truly grateful God, I really am. :)

How about you? What's on your list? Have you thanked God for them? :)

Day 22: Happy Birthday Hubby

22/30: Birthday. The love of my life turned 31 today at exactly 6:00 AM (yep we checked his birth certificate for the time, the nerd that we are!) And as such, I want to take this once-in-a-year life event to honor him (publicly, through this post). :) Links to his past birthdays: 2010 (courtship stage) and 2011 (engaged).

Last night after our dinner, I asked him what his birthday wishes were. He said he only had two: (1) He wants to be closer to God and (2) He wants me to be happy. "But I am happy!" I exclaimed. "Yes, but I want you to be always happy!" his reply. And at that moment, my heart just melted, once again, for the man that God willed to be with me in this life journey.

You see, I happened to marry someone who prioritizes my needs more than his (that annoys me at times to be honest because I want him to think of himself too). But Rolando has been like that with me ever since he courted me. For example, that recent issue of the socks. I came to Dublin with only a pair of socks while his were already thinning and inhabiting holes. I  begged for him to buy new ones because I knew how awfully they must hurt against his leather shoes, but instead he insisted on buying new pairs for me (Me who didn't have to go to work 5 times a day, and who didn't have to come home for lunch and walk 40 minutes to and fro!) I grabbed two pairs for him alibi-ing he probably needed a thicker pair for the cold weather, and with that he conceded.

That, and so many countless sacrifices he has made for me never fail to touch a big part of my heart in ways that humble and bless me and oh yes, spoil me! I also happened to be married to someone who is not the typical "Pinoy" guy whose idea of having a good time consists of staying late at night with friends and beers. He would rather be branded as kill joy than compromise his values. He loves his family so much and he cares and thinks for his beloved parents more than one can count. He reads his bible. He strives for excellence at work. He sings to me when I'm feeling down. He massages my foot and washes the dishes though he is tired from work. He rebukes me lovingly.  He cheers for my dreams.

I could go on and on... But at this time of writing, he's waiting for me in his office (he's taking a half-day VL so we can celebrate and cook his requested dish, the Pinoy Style Spaghetti, wish us luck!).

Dearest hubby, I love you so much and I can't thank God enough in this lifetime that He blessed me with such a wonderful and loving husband, a faithful prayer partner, an awesome photographer, a funny travel buddy, and an honest-to-goodness bestfriend. I celebrate life with you and I love you with all the love my heart can ever contain! 

Us on our recent trip to Galway :)

Day 20: No Return, No Exhange

20/30: The Rings. It's the 30th again, a date that is so precious to us. Let our love story in typography amuse you and tell you why. To date, we've been a couple for 22 months and married for 4 months. Time flies eh? But there's no grand celebration nor a romantic dinner at a posh restaurant nor a getaway trip today. Just us in the confines of our tiny but cozy home singing to Kenny Loggins' song:

"And eventhough we ain't got money, I'm so in love with you honey,

And everything will bring a chain of love.

And in the morning when I rise, you bring a tear of joy to my eyes,

And tell me everything is gonna be alright."

Just four months in this marriage and we've already been overwhelmed both by the blessings God has showered us and by the things that God is teaching us. Happiness doesn't really have to cost too much and that everyday is an answered prayer. Most importantly, our marriage means persevering together, bearing all things together, and as cliche as it sounds, sticking with each other for better or for worse. Our wedding rings will forever remind us of that commitment to stand by each other forever. Simply no returning. No exchanging. *Hubby dear, eventhough we ain't got so much, I love you this much! Hugs! (photos by me). 

Day 18: Family Portraits, Part2

18/30: Family. Still on family portraits but don't cha worry, I have less to say than the first part. :) I am really blessed to have joined this family, the Ebunas. From the first time I visited them in Ilocos, to the Pamamanhikan, to our Prenup Shoot in Ilocos where Nanay and Tatay arranged for all our needs, to the preps, to the wedding and beyond, I've been really blessed beyond measure having these people around in my life and to be carrying the surname they have. Sometimes I wonder what I did to deserve this extension of family. Sobrang bait nila, sobrang simple. The most awesome thing is that I have their son to be with me for the rest of my life!

So now the portraits of my Ebuna family:

Hubby and his awesome family

Nanay and Tatay would only smile on "Wacky"

I've known the simplest, kindest and most hard working parents in the world, that's Nanay and Tatay.

My beautiful sisters-in-law with hubby. Whereas I'm the only girl, he is the only guy. 

Thanks again Ate Jane and Ate Leah for all the help!

The Ebunas (extended and complete edition).

Day 9: My New Home

9/30: New Home. Dublin, Ireland is my new home, a place where hubby lives and works. Being here was another answered prayer just recently added in our ever growing list of blessings. Long distance no more, skype dates no more, time difference no more. Finally, our first year of marriage can actually start rolling.

Living apart after our wedding was definitely not an option. We knew it was God's will for husbands and wives to be together physically. So no matter how hard, long and expensive getting here was, we knew we were under God's grace. God provided everything, we only needed to pray for the right timing.

On another note, I've been sick since the day I got here. I've suffered from headache, muscle pain, colds and fever. When hubby realized it was more than just a travel fatigue (poor hubby, he's seen the worst of me), he brought me to a medical clinic and we found out I had a respiratory tract infection. Nothing too serious the doctor said and I should be better in 3 to 4 days time. Thank God I'm actually feeling a little better now enabling me to write. I know the 30-day blogging challenge has taken a halt, but after receiving my visa, two weeks were spent on doctors' appointments (dentists, ob, optical), buying stuff, meeting people, not to mention 5 idle days of house arrest because of the habagat. But I shall continue on. I promise I'll keep writing on. :)

For now, here are some photos taken the day I arrived here (August 11, 2012) when the infection hasn't taken its toll on me yet. Our first home is a tiny house built in a quiet neighborhood within Dublin. We know this is enough for us now. We have a place where we can fellowship together, where we can dream together, where we can cook or possibly burn food together, where we can start piling our books, our photographs, our travel souvenirs, and other mishmash of stuff. Feels awesomely good to start life with that one person you love to spend your day with in a home full of love (and flowers!). Home, yes I'm home! :)

Day 5: That One White Dress

5/30: Bridal Gown. I looked far and wide for this one white dress that changed my life forever. :) 

"After all there is something about a wedding gown 
prettier than any other gown in the world."

~ Douglas William Jerrold

Yes, there is really something special about a wedding gown. In my opinion, it has earned a right to be prettier than any other dresses in the world because it speaks of finding LOVE. :)

I thought of writing this post because my gown received a lot of compliments (thank you very much! *wink). It actually took me three tiresome months of gown and designer hunting before I finally ran to someone who had a good portfolio but wasn't too pricey. I was losing weight dramatically so I settled for something that would wrap me up and make me look like a princess, even for a day. Thanks to Carmen Lazaro Couture for creating a simple combination of Princess Kate's and Nicole Richie's gown for me.

To be honest, I've never worn too many gowns in my life and my slim physique is both a blessing and a curse. Just saying that I do have insecurities you know :). But God, as He always did, took care of every worry in my heart. It turned out to be a wedding gown that's just right for me. It wasn't overwhelming, it wasn't heavy. To top it all, some fairy godmother from the other side of the world waved a wand for its creation, a wonderful blessing indeed! :)

          (photos above were taken from CL's FB page, for more photos of this gown, please see link.)

Day 4: So Much Love Out There

4/30: Another Wedding. It sure feels like everyone is getting married. In the last three months, I've known about seven couples who tied the knot and sealed their love stories in marriage. Exactly two weeks after my own, my friend Hazel from my discipleship group got married in one intimate wedding. A preview for you:

It wasn't a long time ago when Hazel and I partnered in prayer one Thursday night. We were in the same boat: the Wedding Preparations Struggles Boat. It was both our prayer that God would shine on our wedding day and that we would love our partner even more during the crucial times of preparation. Months after, we took the plunge, said our vows and adapted to different surnames, by God's grace. :)

There's so much love out there, if I may say it. That's why I love attending weddings. Each wedding is a unique love story on its own. When I was still single, weddings made me believe that the Author of Love is at work and He writes love stories and makes them happen in His perfect time. In a world of increasing divorce rates and self sufficiency, I am happy to learn that people are still taking the risk of committing their lives to one person. I believe marriage is a beautiful thing because God Himself created it.

So for all of you who just took the risk, signed up a marriage contract and vowed to love (and annoy) that one person for the rest of your life, cheers! We just received that beautiful gift called MARRIAGE. :)

Just M.A.R.R.I.E.D.

It's about time I write about my current status and let me say that in all caps: JUST MARRIED. :) I'm giddy over the two diamond rings on my left hand and can't help it, I am really married! It's past 13 days after the wedding and you'll still find me swooning over the countless photos from guests and photographers.

Sure, our wedding was not perfect. But we knew it happened the way God wanted it to happen. It was, in my and my hubby's definition, a beautiful, chaotic mess---the sound of the rain, the purple and pink colors here and there, the colorful people scattered all over Splendido, the clicking of the cameras, the shouts of best wishes and congratulations--these and more made our wedding day special!

Despite all the hardships and trials we endured during the preps (oh you have no idea), I will say it now: Ang sarap nga pala talagang ikasal and it was all worth it!  Our biggest joy was definitely the people from all over the world who took time and shed resources to grace our special day. We had guests from Hong Kong, Singapore, Bermuda, US, Australia, Indonesia and Ireland! We had friends and relatives who traveled to Tagaytay despite the foreboding rain! If richness can be measured in terms of friends, then we are truly rich and blessed!

When the rain poured on us, I just looked at Lando and told him, "I-enjoy lang natin, minsan lang to, love pa rin tayo ni Lord!" And we did! We smiled unceasingly and we just let everything flow. At the end of the day, God's message of salvation and love was proclaimed (hopefully), and we were pronounced and blessed as husband and wife!

Cheers to this new phase of my life,
Laidel May Pilapil Ebuna :)

P.S.
Photos and 30-day wedding blog coming soon! :) | Photo credits to Flickerhappy (except #3 and 5), all photos edited by yours truly :)

Rolando+Laidel (A Love Story Invite)

*35 more days! Here's our love story in typography (*made by yours truly) :) This may not capture all of God's goodness in between thousand miles, time differences and airport goodbyes that we have gone through. But God has been truly awesome in writing our story---He has shown us that when LOVE is true, nothing is too difficult and no distance is too far. :) Wedsite coming up tonight. :)

Surprise-filled Birthday!

Surprise! Surprise! I received this awesome greetings from all over the world---Singapore, USA (New York, L.A & Missouri), Greece, UAE, Malaysia, Australia, British Virgin Island, Bermuda, Jersey, Gibraltar and PH (Tagum, QC).

I was overwhelmed with joy when fiance told me about this, exactly at 12 AM of my birthday! He said he had been in contact with friends since December 2011 behind my back! Hahaha! The reason, at one time, he couldn't allow me to read his messages in FB. He just asked me to trust him so I knew he was up to something. I already received this cutest Instax so I wasn't anymore expecting for anything. But my man knows how to surprise me! I love you fiance! So much!

As I turn 30 (yikess! hahah!), I can say I am a much grateful person. I'm grateful for life and love. Most importantly, I'm grateful for knowing I have a God who is in control of my life and I literally have nothing to worry. He has given me the desires of my heart. Truth be told, I'm still far from being the woman God wants me to be, I have dreams that are yet to come true. But as I learned to grow in my walk with God, I know that everything happens for my good. So bring it on dear 3-0! Let's rroooolll!!! :-)

Instax and Instant Photos!

Yay!!!! I received this uber awesome birthday gift today:

I think there's something magical with having your photo taken and printed, minute apart, no downloading to pc, no post-processing. In an instant, there's your photo, right exactly to where it was taken! Galing diba? I'm an old soul, really. Whereas everybody wants digital, I find myself wanting to go back to Polaroid a.k.a. film days! But since Polaroid is hard to come by, not to mention expensive, Instax is a very good alternative! It's so cute pa, diba? :)

I've been dreaming of Instax for two years. Now, it has come true thanks to ehem... my fiance for granting another photography wish! He already gave me a Lightroom in December, much to my surprise! :) Lando is really matipid but he never minds splurging for me. That's why I take care of everything he gives me, small or big, for they magnify the love he has for me. He always finds a way to make my smallest dream come true. For that, I couldn't be more thankful. :)

A happy happy birthday to me! 

Traces of Faith

Tonight reminds of some traces of Christianity I captured in Dublin, Ireland.

Destiny Christian Church 
It's a relatively small church but with a great Pastor :)

The green poster made me smile. ;)

Yes He does! 

Someday, God willing, fiance and I will settle in Ireland. We hope we can find accountability group and a church community where we can grow more in Him, where we can pat a shoulder and give encouragement to other toddler Christians like us. I believe God is already preparing and moving for this desire of our hearts.  Wherever He leads us, be it in Ireland or elsewhere (wag naman sa Timbuktu Lord! hehe), I know it will all work out for our good. :)

Happy Birthday Fiance!

First things first: Happy happy birthday Ce! :) I love you and I thank God for you. I couldn't help but smile at the thought of spending two of your birthdays with me, albeit virtually. Let's recap your two birthdays! :)

November 22, 2010

Same time last year, we were messing around in Skype. I was somewhere in Mindanao and you were in SG. It was your birthday and we were chatting through the night till the clock struck 12. We talked. We laughed. We prayed. You were still courting me then... I was still weighing things, somehow content that eventhough we're miles apart, you looked sincerely head over heels in love with me (hahaha!) and anxious at the same time, giddy anxious. 

November 22, 2011

How time, days and even years fly so fast. It's the 22nd of November again.  You are surely in the office at this time while I'm writing this post. I've already said my prayers for you on your birthday. We both know the power of prayers, and right now, that's what I can give you. Ce, you know how much I love you and I can't wait to be with you. Right now, I thank God that eventhough we are miles apart again (for the second time), He is holding the two of us. There are some sacrifices to be made, some dreams to be chased and in between I know God is preparing and molding us for the future.

Happy happy birthday Lando! I celebrate life with you today! Oh, and I'll be marrying you soon!

All the love,
Lai

***
Happy 30th! :)

Happy Birthday Tito Lando! (my nieces' song)

Pansit for long life! Fiance clapping for Mama's yummy pansit bihon!

Blessing Overflow

God is at work today! Whew! I can only thank Him over and over again! See my sequel of tweets today:

Yes friends, I made a leap of faith today! I bounced and I lept with faith and God granted me the desire of my heart! Oh what a great thing to trust God more! This blessing is a humbling experience! Thank You Lord for this one big favor! :)

Hillsong's Aftermath Concert!

June 2, 2011 was a dream come true: to be singing my heart out loud for God, to be with fellow Christians, to just cry out in worship, to surrender my life completely, even for one night, even for two good hours, to buy a Hillsong's T-shirts for me and bf. :)

I missed last year's concert and it had been my dream early this year to go this year, no matter what. So I added them on FB, became a fan and waited patiently for the announcement of MANILA Concert!

That Day

Note: This note was posted in my FB in 3 January 2011, but for this personal blog, I have posted it the day it happened, the day Rolando and I officially became a couple.

***

 “I love you," he said, not for the first time since he confessed his intentions and crossed the line of our six-year friendship, but for the first time on that particular day (December 30, 2010). In a move that suprised us both, I finally uttered the words he waited patiently to hear for months---no hesitations, no stopping to reconsider, no more risk assessments, no more what ifs.

A moment of great silence enveloped us followed by mishmash of emotions.  I was scared, I was happy. Suddenly, everything that happened in the past---failed relationships, broken dreams, hurtful pruning from God---made sense.

As he locked me in a bear hug, still acting crazy and not absorbing the whole thing, I thanked God for the gift of Love and for answered prayers---my prayer, as a friend years back that he’d be able to meet Christ, my prayer that I’d be able to meet the right one and his fervent prayer for my YES.

I thank you, Author of Love, for writing this piece for him and me. May your other grander plans for our lives come true according to Your will.

    ***

Its all so strange. How can it be?

All along this love was right in front of me!

And for the first time, I am looking in your eyes.

For the first time, I am seeing who you are.

I can't believe how much I see,

When you're looking back at me.

Now I understand what love is...

Love is... For the first time.