29 October 2010

A wonderful gift ...

...of life.

This morning we received a text message from my brother in Toronto. He said that my sis-in-law (his wife) would have CS operation in advance. In a couple of hours. Actually she was due to give birth in a few days' time. He was asking us to pray for the safety of both mother and baby, and for safe delivery.

I forwarded the text message to my sisters in the Philippines and to close friends here in Bangkok for prayers. We did not inform yet our Mom so she would not worry.

I immediately called a sister also in Toronto. Good thing I have deedial on my phone, which charges very cheaply for international calls. I still had more than 100 baht load and I was informed after dialing her number that I have 4 hours and 20 minutes to talk with her!

A few hours later around lunch time, my brother sent another text message to inform us that the delivery went well! Healthy baby and mom! All praises to God for answered prayers and for the gift of life - a bundle of joy. According to my bro she looks just like her older sister when she was born. We are all excited to see the photos!

So I also forwarded the message to my sisters in the Philippines, and this time also to my Mom. She has now 17 grandchildren! Of course I also informed the friends here to thank them for praying.

It is good that over there in Toronto they also have a support group among fellow pinoys, composed of relatives, friends and colleagues at work, and also non-Pinoys. For e.g. before going to the hospital my bro and sis-in-law left their eldest daughter with another sister and her family who live nearby. They will help to take care of her until the next day to prepare for school. Then another sister will help out during the weekend. I am sure many more will be coming to help out, relatives, friends, brethren at church, colleagues, in so many ways.

This is great that even though they are far they can still experience this family relationship among themselves. People learn to reach out and expand their 'family' unit, keeping the Pinoy spirit of helping and encouraging one another alive. May this be always the case wherever there are Pinoys who are in need.

Congrats bro & family ... and thanks to all who are helping out over there and for those who are praying! Praise God for He is in control over everything!

"Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen." - 1 Peter 4:8-11 NIV

2 comments:

Unnamed Psalmist said...

congratulation "Tita" hehehe and to you Brother as well!

Really God is sooo amazing :)

Carnation said...

@psalmist thanks!!!