Soulful Thoughts of Rachel

Q: “If you were to decide what advocacy would you like to campaign for as an advocate or being involved in a foundation, what sector of the society would you like to serve?“ - Greenbucks

A: I would like to be part of a campaign dedicated to help eradicate malnutrition in our country.  There are so many malnourished children in the Philippines.  It’s sad to think of a child resorting to sleep in order to avoid the terrible hunger enveloping him.  Yet when he wakes up the hunger becomes more persistent.  Malnutrition is a sad reality that many Filipino families face today.  I hope that someday every Filipino will be able to eat three meals a day.

Q: “If you were an Olympian, what sport would you be participating in?” - Greenbucks

A:  I enjoy watching the Olympics and swimming is one of the sports I love.   I admire the stamina and grace of the swimmers.  If I were an Olympian, it would be great to be one of those amazing swimmers. I guess my answer reflects my frustration about swimming.  It’s something I’ve never learned to do.

Q: What are the 5 simple pleasures that will give you, well, simple pleasures? - Greenbucks

A: Here are my 5 random simple pleasures …

1. Watching a feel good movie.

2. Watching my son having a wonderful time.

3. Receiving homemade cards from friends.

4. Yummy desserts. (Photo: Hubby’s homemade avocado ice-cream.)

5. Blogging ~ I’m sure you expected this.

Q: Can you describe yourself as a friend? Or how do your friends describe you as a friend? - Greenbucks

I edited my answer. Instead of answering it directly, I have compiled the following from friends…
A quote from my friend, Jackie:

“Rachel, I may say, is the best friend only a good person can have. Because she is really nice and it would be unfair for other people kung bad ka and yet friend mo si Rach…She’s gentle and calm but knows when to speak her mind out.”

A quote from my friend, Ces:

“Friend ko to since prep pa nga, tama ka diyan Rachel! Pati moms namin magkakilala din noon pa…Sobrang thoughtful nitong babaeng ito, may it be something that she made or wrote basta pag gusto niyang magbigay she will do it to show you she cares. Magaling mag-drawing (pa rin ba?), very patient, trustworthy, iyakin (o madaling paiyakin), at madaling kopyahan! A person who is very appreciative at may gentle nature.”

A quote from my friend,Iris:

“I have never met anyone as thoughtful as Rachel. If people can just be as sweet, this world would be full of smiles and cheerful faces.”

A quote from my friend, Kelly:

“I’m really blessed having rachel in my life and i must admit that having her around all these years through ups and downs have helped to be the person i am today, confident and happy, always looking at the positive things in life and counting my blessings.”

A quote from my friend, Sheryl:

“I value her friendship and I thank her for keeping me in her life and continuing to share her joys with me, especially now that we’re both moms. When we do get together, the years just melt away.”

A quote from my friend, MaryJane:

“This is one creative, thoughtful lady …when we were still into snail mail (and I was collecting the stamps) I’d get the most unusual looking letters from her … folded in different ways and full of artwork. Did you know she won a prize in an international children’s art contest?

She may be quiet, but beware - when she’s made up her mind to speak, especially in an argument, she doesn’t back down.”

Teacher Julie started a nice weekly meme at her other blog, GreenBucks. The rules are simple: Just post and answer the question provided by Teacher Julie weekly on your site. Enjoy reading about other participants’ answers by visiting their blogs.

Q: What valuable lessons have you learned from your father?

My Dad has taught me many wonderful things in life and he has inspired me in so many ways…

• Creativity - My Dad is a very artistic creative person. He inspired my love for art. He taught me the basics of drawing and painting. He encouraged me to join art contests in school and he always made me feel like a great whether I win or not.
• Honesty - My father taught me how important it is to be honest in everything I do. When I was a young girl, the cashier at a restaurant handed my Dad more than the expected change. We were already outside the restaurant when my Dad counted the change. He insisted we all go back to the restaurant to give back the money to the cashier.
• Faith - Both my Dad and Mom taught me to have good faith in the Lord. I admit I easily get discouraged in life but whenever I seek help from my parents, I always get enlightened. They always tell me to pray and ask for God’s guidance.
• Strength and Courage - My Dad is a kind and gentle man but he is always ready to defend his family against people with bad intentions. He taught me to be kind but at the same time to be strong and brave. He told me never to be afraid to speak up and pursue what I believe is right and just.