Juana in NZ

28/01/2024

First time to ride a bus in NZ. ☺️

I don’t know how this is going to sound to other people, but after almost two years of living here in Auckland, I finally took the courage to ride a bus yesterday. Wag nyo po ako ibash, pero po kasi I live five minutes walk away from my working place and I don’t need to commute or use the public transportation. 😁

This is just one of the things that I really wanted to try and figure out how to do. Ewan ko lang kasi kung saan nanggaling yung ganitong fear ko. Kasi before I became a mum, I have always been spontaneous and not afraid to go to places I have not been. Like, kahit saan, go ako kahit ako lang mag-isa. Mas madali pa nga sana ngayon kasi meron nang google maps and internet, mas madali mo mahahanap kung san ka papunta. Pero, I can’t remember where that courage went. Sana may makarelate. Lol! 😌

So, going back to my very first bus ride, going there was easy. I had to ask a nice lady if I was in the right station just to make sure na tama ang pagkakaintindi ko sa google maps. Then yung tuwa ko pagkababa kasi successful yung papunta ko, para akong bata. Promise. 🥰😆 Pero yung challenge, yung pauwi na ako. Wow! Ilang sakay ako ng bus. Yung dapat 15 mins lang naging 2 hours! 🤣 I was almost near to asking my husband to pick me up, but I said “No! Diri ka mapakuha, kaya mo ini. Figure it out!”. I did call him though to tell him that I was having a hard time, and he offered to pick me up, kasi malayo na ako sa address namin. 😂 but I was firm and I insisted na kaya ko and I need to learn. 💪🏻

And finally after almost 3 hours of struggle, I was able to catch the right bus and was able to come home safely and most importantly, happy. This is something that I should have done long ago. I need more of this to ignite that inner me who is unafraid to try new things. 🥰

17/08/2023

“My career is coming together. My purpose is becoming clearer and clearer. My circle is beautiful. My life is thriving. I am so grateful to be present and to be healthy. I am so grateful to have people rooting for me as I chase my dreams. Life is amazing. I am choosing positivity.”

10/08/2023

“Outer order contributes to inner calm.”

Ask yourself, Do I need it? Do I love it? Do I use it?

Well, for most of us, a messy environment just doesn’t seem right and will always trigger our inner calm. Today, I picked this book and I have been really looking forward to read this. Fun fact, I found this book from a Facebook group named “Pay it forward (west Auckland). Lucky me! And since I have been advised to rest, it is time to feed our minds with a good read.

And oh, just in case someone wants this after I finish it, I would be more than happy to pass it on. Just drop a comment below.

Keep safe Whanau. 🫶🏻🩵

29/07/2023

Blessings hit different when you remember what you went through to get them. ❄️

17/02/2023

Just finished watching “True Spirit” and it’s really one of the best true to life movies I have watched. It’s another worth watching movie that proves that behind every individual’s success are plenty of courage, faith and people who support you.

Goodnight everyone! Have a blessed weekend. 🤍

18/02/2023
•joansjournal•

11/02/2023

“A cycle breaker is one who grew up without any example of the life they wanted or needed, and fought like hell to build that life later.”



Blessed Sunday everyone! 🤍

10/02/2023

☺️

👏 👏 👏

06/02/2023

Waitangi Long Weekend 🇳🇿

Day 2:

Though the weather during the past weeks had been terrible, we tried to be optimistic that the weather would be more considerate during this weekend. Lucky enough Day 2, Sunday was a sunshiny day! It was the perfect weather we have been praying for. Warm skies and a slightly cold breeze! Just what we needed. ☀️🌈 💨

Day 2 was all about the beach, the playground, the zipline (which was fun but not fun, ask me why 😅😅😅), the conversations under the lovely blue skies, the cooking, the food, the drinks, the people, and most of all the undeniably stunning beauty of the campground.

As we were walking around the campground, I couldn’t stop thanking the Lord for bringing us to New Zealand and for letting us see his amazing works. 🥰🤍 Thank you so much, Lord! 💗

06/02/2023

Waitangi Long Weekend 🇳🇿

Day 1:

Camping/glamping is one of our fam’s to-do lists here in New Zealand. It could have taken a long time before we could realize this plan if not for The Ong family’s efforts. 🥰 Truth be told, I was quite hesitant as I felt we weren’t ready yet, but, thanks to Ronald and Jessema for helping us with everything we needed. 🤍

Day 1 turned out the way we planned it to be. (skipping the part where we actually forgot some things because… nevermind! 👵😅) Anyhoo, couldn’t be more grateful for this experience for we would have been just stuck at home during the long weekend if we didn’t pursue the trip. ☺️

Indeed God is working with you and is helping you with your plans by sending His angels. He sends people that will help you with whatever good your heart desires. 💗

03/01/2023

First day of work of 2023! 💨
Expectation vs Reality 🤣
Mahangin girl! 😆

04/01/2023
•joan•

01/01/2023

Thank you, 2022.

You were truly an unforgettable year. You were a year filled with answered prayers and silent battles. A year where I truly learned the true meaning of taking risks and sacrificing. All the memories I had throughout the year, good and bad, have been imprinted in my heart, and will forever be grateful. As we enter a new chapter, I pray to the Lord God almighty for more answered prayers, and may He strengthen us in every challenge life may throw at us.

Happy new year everyone. 🎉

01/01/2023
•joan•

24/12/2022

Our first Christmas in New Zealand. Dreamt of this three years ago. Thank you, Lord, for making this happen. Though we miss celebrating Christmas with our family back home, we are grateful for everything, especially for the people the Lord sent for us here. No matter where you are, we hope your holiday season is full of peace, joy, and happiness.

25/12/2022
•joan•

16/12/2022

To all the newly LICENSED PROFESSIONAL TEACHERS, congratulations! You are one step closer to your dreams. To those who did not make it, do not be disheartened, instead keep going, try again if you must. Trust in the Lord’s plan for you.

08/12/2022

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
-Jeremiah 29:11

The first picture popped out from my FB memories. It was taken in December 2018 at Uniqlo, Robinson’s Tacloban. Went to Uniqlo to buy shorts for my son for an event. Then, we saw these winter jackets na super cute. We just tried it on, but we didn’t really buy it. Ito yung time na nangangarap lang kami bumili ng winter clothes. At that time we were working on our Canada dream. Yes, opo, isa po kami sa nangarap makarating ng Kenede. 😅 Subalit, datapwat, may ibang plano pala si Lord God para sa amin ng pamilya ko. An opportunity came knocking on my door, and I gave it a shot, convincing myself that this will be my backup plan. The backup plan turned out to be God’s plan for me and my family.

Fast forward, after four years, second pic taken June 2022 shows my children finally wearing winter clothes during the winter season on day of their enrollment, hindi nga lang Uniqlo, but still, very grateful looking at these two photos. Time flies, we are already here in New Zealand, and they’re all grown up. Finally, I was able to bring my plans to reality to bring them to a place where they can have a brighter future.

I am happy I followed God’s plan for us. Sometimes, we just have to listen to God’s directions. No matter how much we insist on our plans if God’s answer is “Not yet.” or “I have better plans for you.”, we just have to listen.

I just want to thank the Lord God almighty for guiding us. For giving us this opportunity. For always always communicating with us. Thank you so much Lord for everything.

•Joan🤍•
08/12/2022

02/12/2022

My little corner for my thoughts, experiences, and stories. Looking forward to hearing yours, too with the hopes that we could inspire each other. 🤍

01/12/2022

First of December! 🎄🤍

🌟This Christmas tree reminds me of our first few months here in NZ. It was gifted by one of our kababayans as they were moving out and was giving away some stuff. My heart jumped when she told me she’ll include a Christmas tree and some decors. It was around August and I already wanted to set it up for I was so excited for Christmas. Good thing my husband stopped me. 😁 I always melt with anything about Christmas. My favorite season of the year. 🥰

Would love to see your Christmas trees and their stories too. ☺️ Drop them in the comments. 🤍

03/10/2022

It’s funny how the Lord answers your heart’s desire unexpectedly. 🥰

So, last week, I and my flatmate talked about how expensive milk teas are here in the langyaw. 🤭It’s about $7 to $10 and you can already buy one pack of chicken nibbles with that amount that we can eat for two to three meals. That expensive that you don’t want to buy anymore coz you know the cost of living here in NZ is dili sayun. I can’t remember the last time I bought milk tea, that was ages ago! Lol Hahaha (migrate pa more)

But anyways, today was one of the best Mondays at work. One of our parents today surprised us with 🧋! Omggg! My heart! Sorry mababaw ang happiness ko. 😅 This is my comfort food/drink, but I always have to choose between my wants and my needs, so yeah I am grateful for this treat.

For me, there are no small blessings. I appreciate everything including the people who recognize our dedication to our work. ☺️👩‍🏫

14/09/2022

Change is not easy.

It may be your job, your surroundings, your routines, or even a change in your haircut. Really, seeking a change is one of the difficult decisions. You can't simply say, "Okay, I'll change from tomorrow," because, believe me, planning out that change will set you in a loop.

You must give it everything you've got. It won't take place immediately. Without your desire to alter your behaviour, it won't happen. To change, you must have the desire to do so. Persistence is required. Make it happen by acting and taking action.

Despite how lengthy the process is, your faith in God will see you through. Ask for direction and offer Him the transformation you sorely need.

12/09/2022

Them: You’re so lucky you’re a registered teacher in New Zealand.

Me: I wasn’t born lucky. I have to work hard and make some sacrifices. Nothing comes easy. Prayer is one of my biggest secret. I pray for everything.



Disclaimer: Please note no copyright infringement is intended, and I do not own nor claim to own any of the original music used in this video.

21/08/2022

I try to read the bible as much as I can. Though, oftentimes I feel guilty for I am always distracted and busy with life. But, whenever I can sit and be with my bible, it never fails to communicate with me. It always has the exact message I need at the right time.

I want to share how I do it and I hope you could also start today. So, what I always do is pray and then I ask for guidance before I open it. I would just close my eyes, then randomly open my bible while praying in silent. Yung tipong bubuksan mo lang and just let your hands bring you sa right page, parang ganun. Then, I would read the whole page to find out what the Lord is trying to tell me.

I always feel happy and relieved after reading the Lord’s message for me. Basta, it really feels good. Nakakatuwa. For today, I did it again randomly and here’s what the Lord wants me to know.

“Do not be afraid or discouraged, for I, the LORD your God, am with you wherever you go.”

Palaging on point and nakakagulat. He never fails to send me the right message. Try mo today and share mo naman ano message ni Lord sayo.

Have a blessed Monday! 🤍🙏🏻😊

19/08/2022

19/08/2022

Welcome aboard! 🤍⛵️🙏🏻

18/08/2022