Saturday photo

Or, perhaps, 'photos'?

Seeing others realize their dreams...
...as you did a while back.

I know, I complain about busy schedule and all that... and yet, when 'connections' on the other side of the Pacific howler for assistance on something, I (almost) automatically move things around in my calendar to do my best to accommodate.  Sometimes, admittedly, I try to ignore... but, at the end of the day, I feel absolutely rotten for not trying.  So, I try... I always do.  And, I know why, too.  

These guys helped me fulfill a dream I didn't even fully realized I can be so passionate about... until very recently.  I just wanted to be of service to my country.  I did 'this and that' to try to do that... but I've never gone close to feeling like I've done something remotely related to 'service'.  And then, they gave me this opportunity to study in an Ivy League Institution on that lovely, lovely hill somewhere full of beautiful lakes... I was actually opting for something else before that, just because I didn't know better.  I thought I just wanted to get away from all the overwhelming boredom I was feeling then... to find a 're-start' of sorts, 'sprint' from there... and then slow down to run a 'marathon'... all the hopes of "service" all gone. 

The 're-start' at the hill was splendid!  So awesomely splendid!  And, the 'sprint' was the most exhilarating thing I've ever known.  All the wonderful experience even made me think that, perhaps, I didn't need to run a boring marathon and actually go on a real 'journey'.  I found much encouragement from my 'connections' that that is actually doable.

And then, as I slowed down for the final inhale-exhale to run that 'marathon'... something shone in the horizon, and it says "service".  Through it all, my 'connections' have been there for me... in a way, making sure that I see how that thing in the horizon shone as beautifully as I've always imagined it would.  And it really is breathtaking, too!

Now, whenever I get an invitation, I try to make time... 'cause, ya know, it's nice to have people around you who also see the beauty of that 'thing' shining in the horizon.  Those moments are priceless... and they get you focused on the journey.

***

Photo credit: I took most of the photos; two were taken by other guests at the USAID STRIDE reception for scholars and grantees at the Makati Diamond Residences on 18 June 2015.

***