CHRISTMAS time is here! Time to reflect…not only from the time of year that have passed but also today and the next. I have had so many blessings and I thank God for that, and for the people who gave their utmost part in making things happen to people like us who are living far from our loved ones yet we fel that, all of you are just right by our sides. Thank you so much.

I also appreciate the fact that somehow I have found here a motherly love from an 86 year old neighbor named Elsie. She always come to check on me when in fact I must be the one checking on her because of her age but anyway, she drives and take me to work whenever my Bob is not available. I work on second shift from 2 or 3 in the afternoon and by that time my husband is still at work so Elsie would offer me a ride. She even joked about "adopting" me as her daughter because she never had any.

At this time I had started thawing a 14-pounds Turkey (my Employer's way of showing gratitude to individuals who has been so dedicated in their jobs and has touched so many lives). There are only 2 of us at home on Christmas. We do not have any visitors or guests as Bob's son and daughter are too busy in their jobs.

Anyway, here are the names of people that I want you to greet for me. Some of them has been my inspiration, some of them has given me help with my questions on Immigration process, and some of them are my friends who always put a smile on my face.

Steve & Leva Murray of Clear Lake, Iowa, Harry & Nilda Vermeer of Charles City, Chad & May Leer of Greene, Iowa, Elvie Miranda & Family of Charles City, Iowa, Arlene Estrada & Family of Charles City, Sherine Torio & Family of Charles City, Ester & Kurt Eggerich of Gilmore City, Iowa, Charlotte of Charles City, Cleo & Family of Charles City, Eileen Winters of Charles City, Pat Beaver & Jody Janis, Gail Nordman, Anna & Dave Isom of Mulkey Town, Illinois, Strawberryblush of Vermont, Jewellyn & Family of California, Sammy Ricardo of California, Drs. Francis & Cecille Peralta of Dodge, Iowa, Mr. Manny Flores of Fort Dodge, Iowa and Analou Godoy-Park of South Korea.

All my friends in Hong Kong - Sim, Nancy, Jaycee, Fe, Loida, Diego, Beth, Agnes and my sister, Rita Jardiolin, all of Taiwan Filipino Community, Macau Filipino Community and LilyGrace of Washington, D.C., special mention to Derla Family, Santos Family, Durana Family, Irene Aquino, Lucy Godoy Family in Caloocan City, Philippines…Mabuhay! Dios Mabalos Saindo Gabos mga Tugang kong BICOLANO.