Sexy, Innocent Child-Woman

Loving greetings from Angola Part II

Having edited case studies till about 930PM or so (!) last night, I was pretty out of it when I went to work today. I practically dragged myself out of bed this morning. I was up by 6:30AM or so, but I didn't get out of bed till 7:30AM because my body wouldn't cooperate with me. I guess I was really tired. I tried to do some quick editing of a more problematic case study before reporting to my job at the women's archives, but the moment I looked at the pile of articles and other documents that one of the writers sent me after I asked him to indicate his sources (which, by the way, did NOT even match any part of the text that needed to be referenced), my brain shut down, and I just thought, "Screw it, I have to report to my editing job this afternoon anyway, so I'll just look at all that stuff later." I had a quick breakfast (less than five minutes) and headed to work.

I got to check my e-mail this morning, and I was surprised to see a note from Sr. V, a Filipina nun working in Angola who I met when I was a senior in high school and reconnected with earlier this month. I didn't expect her to write me so soon (if at all), since she only has Internet access when she's in Luanda, the capital of Angola (as I learned from her), and I could just imagine the many things she had to do. I was so happy that I skipped an e-mail sent by one of my close friends from high school just to read her e-mail (hehe). And the moment I read her letter, my heart melted.

She began her e-mail with this line: "Receive my loving embrace." I could have sworn I felt her hug, all the way from Angola to Chicago. How her words echoed in my mind the whole day. And how I treasured--and continue to treasure--them in my heart. Her letter just made my day. I had such a long day, lagare pa ako because I went straight to my editing job as soon as I finished my work at the archives. And I ended up staying late at the office for the nth time so I could finish editing all the case studies give to me, once and for all. But for some reason, I wasn't as tired and crabby as I was before. Something--or Someone--kept me going, and I believe Sr. V's letter had a lot to do with it. During my more impatient moments, I would recall what she said: "Receive my loving embrace," and that was a source of comfort for me. Just knowing that someone out there truly cares, despite the time and distance that separates us, means so much to me.

I'm so TOUCHED and words aren't enough to convey the depth of my feelings. I can't believe she took time out to write me and touch base with me despite her busy schedule. Her sweet letter just melted my heart. Here I am, some random person who crossed paths with her more than eight years ago and virtually a stranger, and there she was, reaching out to me in all sincerity, as if we'd known each other for a long time. I'm just so happy. =) =) =)

I told a close friend all about it tonight, and I was gushing like anything the whole time. (Mababaw ang kaligayahan ko, obviously.) He told me there are just some people with whom you share a spiritual connection that's strong enough to turn virtual strangers into friends, and I believe him. I've felt such a connection with certain people who have touched my life, and Sr. V is one of them.

God bless her. Really. Bless her heart! I hope and pray she has a safe trip to Holland and back to Angola. I look forward to hearing from her again. All this is such a gift.

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Have a great weekend, everyone. Dops, NV, and Anonymous Diyosa ng Yahoo (you know who you are), I promise to REST!

found herself @ 6:14 PM