A Refreshing Sunday Retreat: Returning to Our Home Ward

Introduction:

This past Sunday brought a welcomed change for our family as we decided to take a break from our stake calling responsibilities. This decision opened the door for us to return to our cherished home ward in Bocaue, creating a day of rest, rejuvenation, and connection within our close-knit community.

A Respite from Stake Responsibilities:

As parents with stake callings, Royce and I recognize the importance of contributing to the broader community of believers. However, this week, we made the conscious decision to take a brief respite from our stake responsibilities. This allowed us the rare opportunity to reimmerse ourselves in the familiar embrace of our home ward.

Reconnecting with Our Bocaue Ward:

Stepping back into our home ward felt like returning to a familiar haven. The friendly faces, the warmth of the community, and the sense of belonging welcomed us back with open arms. Taking a break from the stake business allowed us to fully engage with the activities and services that make our Bocaue Ward uniquely special.

Renewed Appreciation for Home Worship:

The act of returning to our home ward served as a reminder of the importance of local connections and the intimate bond shared within a close community. Worshipping in the place where our spiritual journey as a family began brought a renewed sense of appreciation for the relationships we've cultivated over the years.

Sunday Service with a Lighter Heart:

The absence of stake calling responsibilities lightened our hearts and allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in the Sunday service. Kendrick and Charlotte's musical talents once again graced the congregation, filling the chapel with a melodic harmony that resonated with the spirit of the day.

Youth and Missionary Work Tradition:

It has been a longstanding tradition in our Bocaue Ward for the youth to actively participate in missionary work every Sunday. This week was no exception, and we were pleased to see Kendrick's eagerness to join the full-time missionaries. It's heartening to witness him embrace this tradition, as it serves as a valuable training ground for his future full-time mission.

Kendrick's Enthusiasm for Missionary Service:

We're delighted that Kendrick is always excited to work alongside the full-time missionaries. This collaboration not only strengthens the bonds within our ward but also provides Kendrick with practical experience and a glimpse into the responsibilities he will undertake during his own full-time mission someday. His enthusiasm for missionary work is contagious and adds a vibrant energy to our Sunday activities.

A Glimpse Through Kendrick's Eyes:

To share a glimpse of the fun Kendrick had during the missionary work, here's a video he captured. In watching the video, you'll witness the joy, camaraderie, and sense of purpose that define our Sundays in the Bocaue Ward.

Reflections on the Decision:

Taking a break from our stake calling this week was a decision well worth making. It provided us with the opportunity to recharge, refocus, and strengthen our ties within the Bocaue Ward. While our stake responsibilities hold great significance, the occasional retreat to our home ward reinforces the foundation of our faith and community.

Looking Ahead:

As we reflect on this refreshing Sunday retreat, we are reminded of the importance of balance in our spiritual journey. While our stake calling remains a vital part of our service, the occasional return to our home ward serves as a grounding force, nurturing the connections that form the heart of our religious experience.

Conclusion:

This Sunday's deviation from our stake calling routine brought a sense of renewal and joy to our family. Returning to our home ward in Bocaue allowed us to reconnect with our roots, appreciate the strength of our community, and enjoy a Sunday filled with worship, music, and meaningful connections. As we look ahead, we carry with us the lessons learned from this restful Sunday, understanding the value of balance in our service and the importance of nurturing the bonds that make our faith journey truly special.

Setting Sail into 2024: A Symphony of Adventures with The Cruising De la Cruzes

Introduction:

Ahoy, Cruisers! Happy New Year! It's been just 12 days since we set sail into 2024, and oh, what a journey it has been already. Join The Cruising De la Cruzes as we navigate through the seas of joy, technology, spirituality, and the enchanting world of classical music. Our ship is adorned with laughter, love, and the echoes of melodies that will stay with us throughout the year.

Section 1: A Magical New Year's Eve in Cavite

Our ship gathered in Cavite for a magical New Year's Eve celebration with Karen's mom, Lola Carol, and the rest of the De la Cruz Family. Together, Lola Carol, Royce, Karen, Kendrick, and Charlotte witnessed the enchantment of Disney on Ice—a fitting celebration for Disney's 100th Anniversary. This magical experience unfolded the following day, during New Year's Day.

Section 2: Karen's Smart Watch Marvels

As our ship sailed to Karen's side of the family, the marvels of technology took center stage. Karen's smart watch, a beacon of innovation, effortlessly commanded her phone to capture moments of joy. Our Cruisers were astounded by the seamless blend of modern technology with timeless family moments.

Section 3: Finding Serenity at the Temple

In the spirit of balance, our ship set anchor for a visit to the temple. Amidst the excitement of the new year, we took a moment for spiritual reflection, finding serenity and grounding our souls for the adventures that lie ahead.

Section 4: A Special Family Home Evening

For our Family Home Evening, we extended warm invitations to the Elders over for dinner. Elder Montaño from Negros Occidental, Elder Paanan from Laguna, Elder Dumoulin Morphis from Canada, and Elder Orallo from La Union joined us for a delightful evening filled with good food, laughter, and the sharing of uplifting stories.

Section 5: A Symphony of Emotions with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra

The highlight of our journey was a recent rendezvous with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra's 39th Season – Concert V "Fate." Led by Maestro Grzegorz Nowak, our ship sailed through the classical masterpieces of Johannes Brahms and Peter Ilich Tchaikovsky.

Jerome Rose, known as "the Last Romantic of our own age," graced the stage with Brahms' powerful Piano Concerto No.1 Op.15 in D minor. The concerto's rich orchestration and virtuosic piano passages left our Cruisers in awe.

Tchaikovsky's Symphony No.4 Op.46 in F minor, aptly named "Fatum" or "Fate," stirred our emotions with its exploration of destiny. The symphony's enduring popularity attests to the profound impact of Tchaikovsky's orchestration and melodic richness.

In an unexpected delight, our Junior Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra Subscribers, Kendrick and Charlotte, received special freebies during the event. This added a touch of magic to our experience, reminding us of the beauty of supporting the arts.

As we reveled in the enchanting melodies, we couldn't help but reminisce about Karen's granduncle, who was once a principal clarinetist for the esteemed orchestra. His legacy resonated through the concert hall, creating a poignant connection to the past and a deeper appreciation for the musical journey we were privileged to undertake. If only he were still here to witness the continuation of this beautiful tradition.

Conclusion:

As The Cruising De la Cruzes reflect on the first 12 days of 2024, our hearts swell with gratitude for the magical moments shared with Karen's mom, Lola Carol, and the rest of the family, the spiritual journey at the temple, the symphony of emotions experienced with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, and the cherished memories created with our special guests during Family Home Evening. Here's to a year filled with more enchanting adventures and a sea of unforgettable memories for all our fellow Cruisers!

Cheers to a Wild Ride: Our 2023 Recap and a Toast to New Beginnings

Hey there, amazing readers! We hope your holiday season was filled with joy, laughter, and maybe a touch of chaos—because let's face it, that's what makes the best memories, right? As we usher in a brand new year, we couldn't resist taking a stroll down memory lane to relive the rollercoaster ride that was 2023.

But before we dive into the highlights of the past year, we want to extend a belated but heartfelt Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to each and every one of you! We hope your celebrations were as bright and unforgettable as the fireworks that marked the beginning of 2024.

Now, let's rewind the clock and revisit the whirlwind that was 2023. We've put together a little something to capture the essence of our journey – a visual feast that encapsulates the highs, lows, and everything in between. Drumroll, please! 🥁

Sit back, relax, and join us on a cinematic adventure that unfolds the chapters of our 2023 story. From triumphs to trials, laughter to tears, this video is a testament to the incredible community that stood by us through thick and thin.

Here's a sneak peek at what you can expect:

1. Milestones and Achievements:

Discover the milestones we conquered and the goals we smashed. Spoiler alert: There might be a few surprises in store!

2. Heartfelt Thank Yous:

   A special shoutout to YOU – our fantastic readers and supporters. Your encouragement fuels our passion, and we can't express our gratitude enough.

3. Lessons Learned:

   Because what's a year without a few life lessons, right? Join us as we reflect on the wisdom gained from the school of 2023.

So, grab your popcorn, hit play, and let the nostalgia wash over you. We're not just celebrating the past; we're embracing the future with open arms.

As we bid adieu to the rollercoaster that was 2023, we're raising our glasses to new beginnings, fresh adventures, and the unwritten chapters that lie ahead. Here's to a spectacular 2024 filled with joy, growth, and, of course, more shared moments with you!

Thank you for being a part of our journey. Cheers to the past, present, and the exciting future that awaits us all!

With love and anticipation,

The Cruising De la Cruzes