Island Life Archives - Princess Leah

Tres Marias at Hanasaki fusion, Aruba

It’s been a while since I went out with these beautiful ladies. Tonight, we planned to hang out at one of the Japanese restaurants in Aruba. It’s called Hanasaki fusion located at The Mill Hotel. It’s my first time here so, let me share with you my experience.

One of my friends, Khate reserved our seat beforehand. I was surprised that she did that, God bless her. For a working mum like me, I feel like I don’t have time for everything. So, I appreciate her calling for a reservation.

One of the reasons I go out is for me to recharge a little bit, and at the same time, I miss hanging out with friends. We all need a break sometimes. I thank my husband for letting me have this night with the ladies.

Ladies night out

A hostess greets us as we arrived at the restaurant. She’s very friendly and accomodating. We sat down at the table, and she gave us the menu. I can’t help but look around with amusement. I like the set-up, the decorations, and the ambiance.

In addition, the place is picture-perfect and Instagram-able. Wait..what? Is that even a word? Well, guess what? It’s a must to share good quality pictures on social media. We took selfies and groupies at every corner of the restaurant. HAHA, It’s an Asian thing, you know. We love taking pictures. Because… why not?

They even have those decorations on the ceilings. Like, wow! It’s unique and gorgeous. I googled what Hanasaki means, it means ‘blooming flowers’. Aww so cute! The flowers and butterflies around aren’t real but they really looked amazing. I loved the place, overall.

The waitress took our orders, and while waiting for the food… Ta-dah! Of course, it’s photoshoot time! 🙂

I admire Khate and Valerie who know how to perfectly angle the camera to capture a good picture. That’s a talent. I would normally, click it and that’s it. HAHA. I should take a photography lesson, don’t you think? In other words, I feel so behind. It’s one of the advantages when you are going out with people younger than you. You learn new things and try to be in a beat, go with the flow, girl!

Inside View

Going back, you can either choose to dine indoors or outdoor. We chose the table inside. I was honestly amazed at the place. It feels like I haven’t been outside for a long time, on top of that, the unique environment at this restaurant is very relaxing. It really feels like for a moment we’re in JAPAN. How cool is that? That’s why we can’t help but go around and take pictures at every corner. I wonder if the staff there got annoyed at us, I don’t think so.

Don’t judge my photography skill, I was told to straighten this a little bit. I don’t know what she’s talking about but my eyes tell me it’s straight. I tried my best to take good ones, you know? Likewise, I am putting my heart and soul into this. Let’s try harder, Princess (tap on my shoulder).

The Ladies who are blooming like flowers

From left: Khate, Princess and Valerie at Hanasaki Fusion, Aruba

Valerie and I are our first time here in the restaurant. I’ve known Val from church, she was a young girl when I came here to Aruba, now she’s taller than me. Well, what to expect? I don’t grow anymore. My family called me bonsai, now it manifested. HAHA

Khate is my cousin’s best friend that happened to be one of my close friends here in Aruba. She’s the sweetest, she used to visit me at home when we lived nearby her house. We would talk the whole day, order food, watch movies or teleserye. Just being lazy at home. I missed those days.

Also, Khate will never forget me no matter what. I am on her skin. I mean, she chose me her tattoo artist? Is that how you call it? I didn’t do the tattoo itself but my it’s my handwriting. HAHA. Check it out : This Beautiful Lady Will Never Forget Me For The Rest of Her Life

Certainly, they are one of the people closest to my heart. I always enjoy hanging out with them.

Posing Time

Indeed, good vibes only! I really enjoyed the vibes tonight.

These are some of the pictures we took, I appreciate them being my photographer for the night. They will surely post on their social media soon, follow them on IG : @valeriejsx @thekhatedeluna. Surely, they have spectacular IG feed, SanaAll.

After our Hanasaki experience, we went to Starbucks, Paseo.

Above all, I thank God for the experience and chance to go out for a short time. Mommy Princess needs it! We would try to do this more often, and I share with you bits of experience, pictures here in One Happy Island, Aruba.

Thank you for checking this out. Don’t forget to follow my blog, and subscribe to my email list. I would really appreciate it. (feeling blogger talaga!)

Please be safe, everyone.

Princess Leah

princessleah.co

Categories: Blog, Family & Relationship, Island Life

Lunch at Tierra Del Sol

So excited to share with you a little bit of my life here in Aruba. I’ve been always wanting to give some ideas of where we go, and how we kind of live our lives here.

I am from The Philippines, currently living on the beautiful island of Aruba.

By doing this, I would be able to tour my family and friends from the Philippines, as well. Through my blog, I wish I could inspire you to live and enjoy life wherever you are. Because I really do miss home but then I decided to enjoy whatever I have here.

Find the beauty of every day in simple things, including eating out sometimes. Thank you, Jesus.

I don’t mean to boast about my life here because, to be honest, it’s not that WOW. If you really know what I went through, going through you’ll understand. But I am grateful for whatever I have now. The WORD reminds us to be content all the time. And I am trying to do that every day.

Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:11-13

The Lunch Date

Going back, I and my husband had a lunch date at Tierra Del Sol, restaurant. Surprisingly, their menu price wasn’t that bad. And the view was spectacular. Just wow! I loved it.

I always thought that the price will be extremely high because it’s an affluent residence.

Maybe because of the current situation these days, they kind of lower their prices. We are just thankful that we get to experience this.

Gift Certificate

We used a gift certificate that expires soon. HAHA, It was a gift from the Church of Zion last year 2020, on my birthday. Literally, I am using it after a year. Oh, Lord!

Their main courses range from Awg 20 – 30. (Around $11.00-$20.00) I was really surprised that the prices are not that bad. For my Filipino friends who want to know the conversion in peso, it’s P500-950.

The View

It is truly a great place to unwind and relax. The view truly refreshes us.

By the way, they follow the protocols. When you enter the restaurant, you should wear your mask, sanitize your hands and write down your names on the log book.

When you dine in, they request you to put your name, the date, and your contact number. I guess this is for tracing purposes just in case one of the people got the Covid virus.

The Menu

I ordered a fish fillet and Brandon had carbonara. We had also calamari as an appetizer. 🙂

Food is life! OH gosh! Thank you. They’re all delicious. 🙂

I got thrilled to eat fish again because this Pandemic made us eat chicken every single day. HAHA The cheapest meal. It’s fine, we are still grateful for the provision.

But first Selfie

I try to capture pictures whenever we go somewhere. Though I am not that pro, images could speak a message just like this one.

No camera, please. HAHA I think he’s tired of me taking pictures here and there. It’s an Asian thing, you know! sorry! HAHAHHA

Let’s do the solo!

Grateful for the experience.

We are very grateful for this time together. We needed it during this season of our lives. It is not bad to go out alone with your spouse. It’s not being selfish. We actually set our minds to do this once in a while, for us, for our marriage, and of course for Zoey.

IF we want our daughter, Zoey to grow up understanding what LOVE really is, we have to show that ourselves.

Thank God for this 🙂

February 15, 2021

Today, we had a blast! A coffee date at Santos Coffee with Soul for our breakfast. Lunch date at Tierra del Sol, restaurant. A well-spent day celebrating love!

Time to pick up our daughter. I look forward to bringing her here next time. Thank you for reading. 🙂

Princess Leah

princessleah.co

Categories: #MomLife, Family & Relationship, Island Life, Motivation, Personal

Feel it again. Be confident + the Beach

Today, I have time to share something. Yey! My husband had to drop me so early to work 7;45am even my shift is 12pm. You see it right! But Why? Because we only have one car, okay, that is not actually the best excuse. The truth is I don’t drive.

While typing that… I could hear you people saying “Girl, you should learn how to drive, you need to, for you and for ZOey” It is a necessity in Aruba.

I got it! I got it!

My fear. My fear hinders me to do it!

But I also know I have to face it. I have always been scared at everything, I guess. The only time I remember that I was confident was when I was pregnant with Zoey. And brave when I push her down there into this world. It was definitely the most beautiful season of my life. 🙂 Thank you, Jesus for the experience, for my baby.

But I still want to feel it again,to be brave, to be confident. Should I get pregnant again? HAHAH OF course not, my husband wants another one, though. He thinks that it would be great if Zoey has sibling to play with. And, I think I would have one again when this pandemic is over. And he’s like “Would this even be over?’

Yesterday, we went to the beach! Yey! We don’t actually plan it, we do this spontaneously. “Oh today the weather is great (Which is almost everyday) Let’s go to the beach.

So we prepared and grabbed our things quickly and went to the beach. Zoey kind of knows that we are going out, she’s happy. When we were in the parking lot, funny thing, my stomach was weird. (Oh gosh! not today!) The nature calls, we need to go back home. Brandon, my husband was okay with it and turned the engine back on. Poor Zoey cried, and kept saying “NO, No, NO!”

I had to explain, “Zoey baby, mommy needs to go home first and we will go back okay?” Struggling to say these word because my stomach was acting really weird. Oh okay.. too much info? Sorry. HAHA

The point is, Zoey’s emotion amazes me. She’s 18 months and she knows what she wants. She’s outgoing, she would say “EEETTT GO (Let’s go) and would go to the door telling us to open it. Which I think she got that from me. I remember my younger years, I would spend my day outside with my friends. Lola Nena, my grandma gets mad at me and would say kababae mong Tao Hindi ka napipirmi sa bahay. It means that I am a lady, and I should stay home most of the time? Something like that.

HAHA I miss Lola, I know you’re happy there in heaven. 🙂 How I wish you could see Zoey now.

Going back back to this island quick getaway. Here’s my baby! My boss baby! 🙂

Did mommy see me eating the sand? Oh no! -Zoey

Be confident

So, today, let me brave and confident! Showing off my bloated body. HAHA

One thing I realized, our body doesn’t define us. HAHA Whatever, tapping my shoulder, saying, It’s okay to be bloated! 🙂

I may have flaws, insecurities, and fears in life, but these things shouldn’t stop me from loving who and what I am. I don’t even know if these thing will even stop but whenever I feel it, God taught me on how to handle it.

I am perfectly imperfect but perfectly loved by God. And that’s all that matters.

I am grateful that whenever the enemy will try to mess with my head, instilling lies like “You are not good enough” ‘You are a failure” “You won’t ever measure up” etc. , I would run to the TRUTH. That God has created me fearfully and wonderfully.

My life story is HIS story.

I have flaws, I still have stretch marks, cellulites. I have weaknesses. I am insecure at times. I don’t drive. I am scared.. all the time. I finished studies but I am not using that field. I am scared to step up and try other things. Thinking I am not good enough.

I am not ashamed telling these things because it’s real. Actually, makes me brave and confident that even though I have these negative feelings, I know that one day, I would step up and be the person God wants me to be.

I would be patient with myself because God is. One step at time.

For now, I just want to be grateful that I have Zoey, Brandon, family and friends who genuinely support me. And also, that we are all healthy. Thank God for life.

Who really makes me brave? It’s definitely not the position and stability in life. It’s Jesus, it’s HIM. That whatever happens in this world, I am confident that God would never ever leave me nor forsake me. Till the end of time… It also means that HE loves everything about me. I don’t really need to be someone else but be who I really am.

It was truly a fun family day! Though it’s quick, that’s all I need, we need to be reminded that Life is indeed beautiful. ME too! HAHA

Enjoy yourself, enjoy your life, enjoy your journey.

Have a great day, everyone! Don’t forget to drink your coffee!

And my sweet husband what I like. Happy wife, happy life. HAHA

Princess Leah

princessleah.co

Categories: Blog, Family & Relationship, Island Life

Lovers in Santos Coffee with Soul

I looked around to see if they have high chair for baby. I didn’t see any. Even I would see one, I won’t use it anyway. My one year old daughter, Zoey isn’t with us, this time, anyways

It was 15th of February, 2021. We decided to have breakfast date as a celebration for Valentine’s Day! If I would be honest with you, I am in this of stage of life where I don’t really mind whether he has gift for me or not. Either way, I am just grateful that we are well.

In general, I am not really a materialistic wife. If he gives me something, thank you. If not, I am okay with it. Whatever it is, I am just grateful we are still able to do this together.

From time to time, we would spend time together. Don’t get me wrong, we love our daughter. Though I would love her to be around, it is also good to have some quality time with your spouse. We were busy with work, with Zoey, with everything.

Having this time together alone is also a way of showing our love to Zoey. We want to be good parents. So, we need to take care and build our relationship as married couple as well.

I am grateful for Brandon, my husband because he is a hands-on-man. He helps me with household chores and taking care of Zoey. It’s a blessing! Thank you, Jesus. Not to mention, MY HUSBAND IS A GOOD COOK! So, Hallelujah! HAHA

Going back, Morning date it is!

COFFEE with SOUL

I love the name of this cafe, Santos Coffee with Soul.

I have a thing for cafe. Not only because I love the smell of the coffee, and of course, the coffee itself. Who wouldn’t love it? But also. I love the ambiance. It calms you down. It makes you reflect on your life. It’s cozy and you feel like you can do anything just a sip or two from your mug. HAHAH Adik lang?

I have always want to write about cafes here in Aruba, it’s my kind of thing. When I talk about blogging about coffee shops in Aruba with my husband, he would remind me not to use “coffee shops” in my writing. Cafe should be the word, then.

I will tell you why. In Netherlands, coffee shops are place where you can buy weeds, the maryjane, legally. HAHAH so that’s noted. Still, I would use it. In Aruba, coffee shops are just simple cafe. That’s it!

Santos Cafe had been one of my favorite hangouts. (when I have extra money) HAHA It’s a little pricy but it’s good. Coffee is always good! 🙂

I wish, I took a picture of the menu so you guys have an idea of the prices. Hmm.. So next time I go there, I would definitely take a pic.

Zoey at Santos

Actually, when ZOEY …. (I can’t stop talking about her, huh? Forgive me, I just love her so much HAHA) was a baby, She was only 1 month old when I first take her out with her Tita Trish.

Tita Trish was one of the good people who had helped me cope up with postpartum – extreme sadness and exhaustion. Thank you, Tita Trish! Santos Cafe was our first out, just right after Zoey’s first vaccine from Yellow Cross.

Let’s look back 🙂

With the Girls

This cafe is also good for Bible study and fellowship. It’s one of our choices. We just talk about life and God in here.

From left : Rose, Me and Jeriah. Insert Kimberly, something urgent came up and she wasn’t able to join. This was taken July 2020. It’s still during pandemic. But this was before the second wave in Aruba. We had a chance to catch up.

My circle of friends in Aruba is really small. Unlike when I was in Philippines. I think every week, I go out with some friends there. But it’s fine. I had to embrace the big changes in life. I am glad I have these amazing people in my life.

Thank you guys for reading! Have an awesome day ahead. Blessings!

Princess Leah

princessleah.co

Categories: Family & Relationship, Island Life

This is how we go on a date in Aruba on a budget.

During lockdown or shelter in place, the government demanded people to stay home.

I am sure that a lot of people, especially extroverts were impatient to go out and have some fun. I am going to share how my husband and I managed to have quick quality time outside the house.

Mostly, restaurants were open for deliveries and drive-thru. Now, even though they are open, we try not to stay or dine-in as much as possible. Why? We are parents of an 8 month-old-baby. In order for us to protect her, we have to be careful ourselves.

COVID-19 pandemic changed our lifestyle. We have to get along, go with the flow, and embrace the new normal living.

Drive-thru order.

Wendy’s on the beach. It’s a dinner date!

There was this time, on an afternoon, we went for grocery, and decided to eat something afterward. Zoey, our daughter was taken care of her Oma (Grandma) at that moment, for a while.

We ordered Wendy’s drive-thru. We had the Biggie Bag special, which costs Awg 10.95. And for us to enjoy it a little bit, we went to the beach, stayed in the car, and ate our delicious food. Simplicity is beauty.

The view was amazing. It wasn’t a sophisticated restaurant but our quick date became fancy, because of the beach view in front of us.
It was a whistle-stop on the beach yet it’s fun.

Food Truck.

My husband had to go to work. It’s Saturday, and it’s my off day. Saturday mornings were settled to meet the young ladies for discipleship. My mother-in-law takes care of Zoey on Saturdays.

I wanted to spend time with Brandon even for just a little while, only the two of us. We went early to a food truck called Shoco snack. Same thing, we ordered our food and went to the beach. We enjoyed our view and the food.

I ordered carne empanada with orange juice. He had chicken and carne empanada plus we shared a chicharon slice. Dushi! The total amount we spent was about Awg 19.00

He dropped me to the place I had to go, and he went to work. And that’s it! We had a great time for a very short time.

Make Time for Each Other

My mom will always tell, and remind me to have quality time with my husband. Just because we have a baby doesn’t mean we won’t go out, or go on a date.

It is not easy but we are trying. Being new parents to Zoey is challenging yet fulfilling. Though it is exhausting, yet she is the greatest blessing we ever had.

With that being said, spicing up the relationship is also important. We will be good parents if we are good partners. No matter how busy you are, make time for each other.

It doesn’t have to be in an expensive way. I think, we only need to be creative, and elegant at the same time. The important part is the quality time you spend on each other.

It is easy to be negative during this time. But one thing I realized, your family is your greatest treasure. Finances will be tight at the moment, but I would love to strengthen my relationship with God, with my husband, and my family.

Keep safe, everyone!

Princess Leah

princessleah.co

Categories: Island Life, Travel

Labor Day is Beach Day

This is how we spend our day on Labor Day, May 1. At the same time, we are celebrating my daughter’s 6th month.

We are blessed to be in Aruba. We can just simply go to the beach anytime we want and enjoy the sun, the beach, and the breeze.

It’s great we could spend time with family today. My husband has been working during the lockdown.

It’s also a celebration for us because Zoey, our daughter, just turned 6th month old yesterday. Time flies by so fast.

As promised, baby Zoey. Here we are – Beach time. 🙂 She loves the sand, she didn’t complain. She’s a happy baby.

In Aruba, during ‘Shelter in Place’, we still go outside and continue to live. But there are precautions like you cannot go to the beach as a group. The maximum is 3 people.

We need the vitamin from the sun and vitamin sea. 🙂

There’s the fun part. Zoey’s first on the seawater. She cried at first maybe because it’s cold but then she tried to adapt. She surely had fun! 🙂

Thank God for the gift of family. They are both my blessings! 🙂 We may not know what would happen next but when we look at the good things in life, you calm down and just breathe thanking God for everything.

While walking at the beach and in deep thoughts, I received a Word from the Lord “I will direct your steps”

Just like the lines from the poem Footprints in the Sand:

He whispered, “My precious child, I love you and will never leave you
Never, ever, during your trials and testings.
When you saw only one set of footprints,
It was then that I carried you.”

So when we worry, remember that God is always there. He still wants you to enjoy life. Hang in there, this pandemic will soon be over.

When we were on our way home, daddy bought me doughnuts and iced coffee from Dunkin Donuts. It’s his treat for me. I’m the photographer. HAHA (Yes, DD at Alhambra, Eagle beach is now open again)

We all find ways to enjoy life during crisis. How did you spend your Labor Day? Whether you’re at home or you go outside, REST and RELAX are the best gifts you can give to yourself. You work hard. You deserve that.

Happy Labor’s Day! Keep safe.

Princess Leah

princessleah.co

Categories: Family & Relationship, Island Life, Personal

P&B Prenuptial Photos

January 1, 2016, I said Yes!

One of the best days of my life. Woah. What’s next? The prenuptial photoshoot was a blessing to us. It’s free! Yey! Thank God for my cousin Christopher Grajo for his patience and talent. I am not really good at posing, you know? It’s not my thing. I wanted to be my thing but it doesn’t like me. I could really see my cousin during the photo shoot having a hard time for my smile and pose. HAHA! I am so sorry! But it was a great day.

Actually, this is just arte! It’s not really necessary to have this, you know. Practically, you just want to get married to your partner. That’s it! When you really look at how the world nowadays when it comes to events, it’s creative and elegant.

But to be honest, I just want a simple one. I want to stay on that main reason why you’re getting married. But we are so blessed that I have a talented cousin who didn’t charge us anything. God bless him abundantly. Such a blessing!

1…2…3… Smile!

Okay, not bad.

Thank God that I didn’t need to smile there and pose. Just stand up and hold hands. The Ring has to be seen. HAHA

Okay. For a better view:

Could you imagine how our neck is getting stiff and tired? 1…2…3 pose! click! one more, move a little, look up! His eyes are beautiful. Really! mas mahaba ang pilikmata nya.

Yeah, right. He’s tall and I am short. Perfect combination. LOL.

Ayan na ‘te! Pose na! He’s lovely, isn’t he?

What I love most when I get to hug him, I could hear his heartbeat.

And he can freely kiss me on my forehead… gentleman!

I know this is a photoshoot, scripted. But in real life, he is like that. I love it when he kisses me on my forehead. It made me feel secured and respected. I am.

Thank God for him.

For the love of nature. Vitamin SEA. We were under the sun during the photoshoot. But it’s windy…always in Aruba. 🙂

See that? Ano shampoo mo te? Rejoice ba yan? When hair covered my face, my dress filled with air. Dami ko din atang gas nyan’. Too windy. HAHA

I can’t help but smile while looking at the pictures. I’m just happy being with him. He is a blessing to me.

He carries me when I feel like falling. He encourages me to stand up strong. And helps me to see how God looks at me and reassures me that I am loved.

I know from the day we started dating, I have someone I can share my laughs and cries with. Isn’t it amazing how the Lord allowed two different people from different culture and race to meet and get to know each other and desire one thing? To LOVE GOD more than anyone else so we could love each other the right way. GOAL. Purpose.

When you love someone you always want to see that person happy, right? We hope that we will stay like this forever. May forever! Maniwala tayo!

When I think about the purpose why am I still here in Aruba, the ring will always remind me why. Him. It was the hardest decision ever to leave your comfort zone to go to the unknown. When it was blurry, he showed me clearly. God sent him to me. There is a purpose I stayed. The past years, I was wrestling with God, telling him “I want to go home” (Philippines). He never answered me, I thought. I was home all this time. With GOD always by my side and with him who God sent for me to feel secure. I am home.

HOME. Where you feel safe. When you are yourself. BE silly. Freely! 🙂 Where LOVE is.

You will feel weak sometimes but you will help each other to stand up again…

Pata ang labanan ‘te! HAHA

Gotcha! Am I heavy? :p

REST is essential to everyone, to any relationship. To pause for a while and reflect how you guys doing. I remember one of our anniversary celebrations where we talked only about how grateful we were that the Lord answered our prayers. He prayed for someone like me and I prayed for someone like him. And how we met was truly God’s plan. In a relationship, we all argue and have misunderstandings but to pause for a while and look back on the day you first met and fell in love is also good to do. Talk about it as much as possible and be always amazed what LOVE can do. What GOD can do.

And strike a pose. Selfie? Click. HEHE Back to the ball game. Life goes on. Love always.

Are you still there? There’s more. HAHA

At this point, we got tired already but had to laugh about it. You want a prenup photoshoot, huh? HEHE… Magdusa ka! LOL

Okay. That’s it. The reason for this photoshoot… SAVE THE DATE! arte haha.

The two unggoy(s) [monkeys] are getting married. When is the BIG DAY?

“Are you ready?” I asked this question many times, I asked him too. When you say, YES, no turning back. Leaving the person behind in marriage isn’t an option at all. You will look at marriage as good thing, not a scary one. I’ve learned that. For me, who has a lot of fears, God reminds me of his Word.

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. 1 John 4:18

No fear. Just LOVE. God will teach us how to love the right way if we will keep our eyes fixed on HIM. And he never fails.

Hand in hand…with JESUS and with the one He sent.

The princess found his prince. Finally!

Are you ready?

Yes! We’re ready…

***

Woah! Finally, I finished this post. It took me a while, well years. HAHA I got engaged, January 1, 2016. We had this photoshoot for fun and for memories. This is kinda late, but yeah! I haven’t shared my photos on my social media (Facebook, IG). I mean I have but not all. Dito lang sa blog site ko shared, first. Thank you so much for your time.

God bless!

-Princess

Photographer: Christopher Neil Grajo.

Thank you, boy! The best ka. Love yah. 🙂

Forty-Seven Months

I want a Beach Wedding!

I said Yes!

NExt… The BIG DAY!!

Princess Leah

princessleah.co

Categories: Christianity, Island Life, Random Thoughts

“Why Me?” Or should I ask “Why not Me?”

Published: May 8, 2017

“Why Me?” I heard this again today from the missionaries we’ve met in the ship called LOGOS HOPE. It is a non-profit organization, an international ship that brings knowledge and Hope through literature. They sell books and, at the same time, ministering to people by their kindness and care to the people coming in the ship. You won’t only be happy with all the books in the library but also by their genuine and pure hearts that inspires me to keep believing and seeking God. Their passion for sharing Hope and love of God is very exhilarating.

Why Me?

“Why Me?” “Why are you sending me here?” Why am I even here?” Living in Aruba for quite some years, the Lord might be tired of hearing me asking these questions to Him? As if they weren’t answered. I can tell that God reveals His answers, but sometimes I am just busy thinking about the situation without even realizing He’s been answering all this time. If only I take my time listening and hearing His voice instead of complaining and murmuring about the circumstances, maybe his purpose will be much more precise.

LOGOS HOPE

I heard about LOGOS HOPE a long time ago, but I didn’t have a chance to visit the ship. It visited the Philippines, I believe. But I wasn’t able to go. Logos Hope was here in Aruba 7 years ago, and I wasn’t here yet at that time. Last April 21, up to today, May 7, they’re here on the island.

And I am really blessed to have experienced the uplifting ambiance and admiring hospitality of the crew members. I needed this for all the seeking and healing process I’m going through. God knows how to comfort me. Just in time, you know? Never early and never been late. Perfect timing.

I went on the ship five or six times since they arrived in Aruba. I bought some books. The first day I went, I was totally in awe. While looking around, observing every single crew in there, doing their task for this ministry melt my heart once again.

They are not getting paid. These are volunteers who gave their time and efforts, their lives for the Lord, following their calling in their lives, and doing the will of God – sharing the good news.

JESUS unites

There are 400 or more crew members on the ship. Different nationalities and cultures. Isn’t it fascinating how God unites these people together with different languages, and yet they have a common understanding that makes them united? JESUS. The love of God for them and for the people.

I think it is one of the bravest thing to do in one’s life. Leaving your family, love ones, and your career behind for the sake of following Christ. Some of them are professionals, but they left their good jobs because they are called to seek the One and be the light to the World.

They don’t think about the position, but they have the hearts for service – a spirit of a servant. They are doing what God’s will is. – to go and share the Gospel. These people are doing the right thing and selflessly obeying God in their lives. Who wouldn’t melt their hearts towards these people?

“When God calls you, HE will enable you.”

“Why Me?” There will be times they will ask God why they are there. They are humans too. Sadness and loneliness will hit them at times. Homesickness will be very overwhelming, for sure. But they are holding to God’s promises. God bestows them peace and joy. The more they feel it, the more they run to the Lord, which makes them more closer to Him.

God’s revelations and wisdom are very active in their lives because all they do is to seek God in their lives while staying on the ship. They have personal and group devotions, worship times, lessons, Bible studies, and discipleship lessons. And I love all these things.

One of the crew members is having a hard time ( I think everyone over there experience this) she was tired and sad; she went to the prayer room, grab her guitar, cried out and ask God, “Why Me?”

She can’t speak English so well; She just started learning for nine months now. One of the requirements, if you want to participate with them, is you can at least understand and speak English at a reasonable level. God still sends her there, anyway. For the reasons? I don’t know why.

I’m sure that this is her training ground for greater things in her life. And after days of crying to God, HE sent someone for her to be her teacher in English. They are now like sisters, caring for each other, building each other up. And yeah, she is doing great because she can converse with other people now.

“When God calls you, HE will enable you.”

Why not me?

Listening to their stories makes me ask a different question this time. “Why not me?” I admire them so much. Their courage and for being brave are inspiring.

The third time I was on the ship, we attended a prayer event called “Pray for the Nation” we prayed for some unreachable countries like North Korea, Venezuela and more to open doors of opportunities to share the good news. We also prayed for what the world is going through like poverty, addiction, slavery, human trafficking, etc. that people would know that there is hope in life.

JESUS is the answer. He is the only one who can heal us within. And after the event, we got home and all. I was about to sleep, turned off my lights, but my heart is still overwhelmed. I prayed, and I cried so hard like a baby on my bed that night. I needed this. I needed that moment. I missed that time where my heart’s only desire is to obey Him, to seek Him, and to love Him.

The World and My Selfishness

I was like a baby crying and telling him everything I feel. I felt so bad for not doing anything for His kingdom; I felt so sorry for not loving the lost anymore, I sobbed for I know God is calling me to do His will, but I am too stubborn. I only look at my ugly situation; I only care about myself.

While I am busy being selfish, some are suffering and dying from starving. Children are being forced to work for some countries. There are little ones who can’t see the beauty of life because they are abused. People end up ending themselves because they are broken and don’t see their worth. Teenagers find their happiness in the wrong ones like pornography, smoking, and alcohol and drug addiction, shopping, and everything they thought will complete and satisfy them.

They are lost. And what am I doing? I live in fear, no confidence to speak about the truth, keeping to myself. Am I selfish? I know the goodness of God. But I wasn’t on my self these years; I cried all the time to seek and understand what was this thing that He wanted me to do. There is something inside of me that I know He wants me to share, to get out on my shell and see the world and do something.

The Desire

“Why Not Me?” I want to be part of this ministry. But is this something God wants or just me? I prayed and told Him wherever I go; I want to be a channel of His blessings. I will speak what He says; I will go where He goes. At the end of my prayer, “I want to be with you,” I want to know you more” ” I want to do your will” It doesn’t need to be in Logos Hope.

All I want is to be with you. I was lost and weak because I didn’t want to follow Him. I lost my motivation because I only look at myself. But these days since I came to that amazing ship, God has been talking to me, God has been shaking me and getting me back on track. He’s revealing me His words and promises to me.

“Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalms 37:4

PURPOSE

I believe that everyone is called for a specific task in this life. It’s just a matter of obedience. If it’s God’s will for me to be in that ship one day, it’ll happen, and he will give me confirmation through His word, prayers, from the people around me.

In the meantime, while living in Aruba with a different culture and language, I have to know and seek my purpose here. I am sure that I am not only here for work. He’s been telling me to do something. I pray, and you can also pray for/with me that the Lord will give me the courage to do His will on this island.

Milk and Honey

I can say that the island is so beautiful. Life here is comfortable and relaxing. Some Filipinos call this place as milk and honey place where abundance is present everywhere. I am thankful for that, but life isn’t all about it.

Aruba is called One Happy Island. Like what I have said, I am grateful for the opportunity to be able to enjoy the beauty of God’s creation. But for me, this is also called “Temptation Island” where everybody is busy making money, making life very comfortable, relaxing, bars everywhere, prostitution in a particular place which is legal here.

It is very comfortable that not everyone is willing to take time to gather for the name of the Lord. I honestly got used to being relaxed. But in my heart, I know that this isn’t the life for me. I want to see people, Christians who are willing to give their time for the work of the Lord, who can really take time teaching people about the knowledge of God, who worship God in Spirit &truth, not a performance, I want to see a generation in this island who seek God and knows God’s holiness. IF I want to see it, I must begin to be one.

The Revelation and Realization

I shouldn’t be asking “Why me?” this time. Should I ask, “Why not me?” If God can use those missionaries in the ship mightily because they are willing and made themselves available? Why not me?” It doesn’t have to be on the ship. If God calls you, he will enable you. It would be great if one day I can participate with them, but now my mission field is in Aruba.

A revelation that God has been telling me that didn’t get into me until Logos Hope arrived. Thank you so much for this ministry. You guys are amazing, Logos Hope!! 🙂

Princess Leah

princessleah.co

Categories: Island Life

Aruba, You are Gorgeous.

I walked by the hotel areas and by the beach. I was stunned and made me say, “Gosh, Aruba, you are gorgeous.” Aruba is known as One Happy Island, the reason why many tourists come back and forth on the island. It is a great place to relax and be away from stress at work, family and all.

People also walk or run in here, especially in the hotel area. You would love to see the view, hear the sound of the waves, the sand, the people wearing swim attire with their beautiful body.

Life is beautiful. Life is a beach.

There is so much to be thankful for I used to stay home when I am sad and going through some difficulties in life. Exercising is the best cure for anxiety and depression. Get out of your room and see the beauty of your place. So, I’ve learned to embrace the place where I am now. No to homesickness or depression. Yes to appreciating life and be positive every day

A perfect spot for lovers, huh? While walking, I see them, and my heart is so happy to see couples spending their time together at the beach. It’s so romantic. 😍

Kids love the beach so much. Their voice and laugh while playing are good to ears; they are the sound of joy and happiness. Life is a beach.

Let me not label them as old. They are young at hearts. They are enjoying the view and waiting for the sunset. Cameras everywhere, you’ll see.

It was a beautiful walk. I enjoyed it so much. My heart was so happy! 😘 Life is a beach. Enjoy it.

Princess Leah

princessleah.co

Categories: Island Life

One healthy day in the beautiful Island of Aruba

Last week, I had a chance to walk/jog with some of churchmates. Everybody has problems in life, but when you get out and see how beautiful God’s creation is, you won’t feel any anxiety or sadness. The beauty of Aruba calms my heart. I have to embrace the place where I am at. God leads me here, and I have to seek His will and do His will joyfully.

Exercise is right for your heart and health. It is needed physically, but for your mental and emotional state as well.

Yes, I am the youngest, but I feel so at home and comfortable with them because they are cool. I thank God for them. The place becomes more beautiful with awesome people around.

God brings us to a place where he doesn’t lead. I am trusting God for today and tomorrow and the next days. Thy will be done.

Bunita! It is a Papiamento word that means beautiful—Aruba ta Bunita.

Of course, lastly, I thank God for who I am. I have flaws, but because of His great love, I still feel loved, accepted. Today is one of those days where I need to remind myself no matter what happens, God loves me, and He remains faithful.

#photoblog

Princess Leah

princessleah.co