This book was my companion during my stay at an airport in FL. I stayed the night at the airport since my flight back to TX was scheduled the next day. I tried to sleep, so hard, but it wasn't even a sleep. Nap in between waking up was a better term for it.
I had a long chair all by myself so I could stretch out my legs and sleep in comfort even just a little, thank God, but the bright lights and the tall Christmas tree screamed at me as if telling me I should be wide and awake. I kept an eye on my things just in case, because no one else would.
The book, Dandelion by Gabbie Hanna, reminded me of the books I also wrote. Yes, you heard that right, I write books, I tried to write. God knows I tried.
Her writings brought me back to the times when I was so scared to tell the dark little secrets I kept in me out of shame, out of guilt. I bottled up all my feelings, the good and the bad, until I ended being depressed.
I needed a savior, a healer, someone who would accept me for who I was, someone who would lift me up from the dirty pit.
Someone. I needed someone.
But nobody came the way I expected it. I waited and waited. God knows I waited. I started to question Him. I thought He didn't listen. He ignored my prayers, my mourning, my lamentation.
I cried for help, for someone who could save me from all the misery, pain, and shame I willingly took under my care. I nourished them with all the negative and bitter thoughts I once had and gave birth to a perfectly healthy depression.
Then, someone returned to my life. I was lost but found. Again, always. He pulled me out of that dirty-muddy dark pit. He saved. Jesus saved me. The answer I didn't want to accept but what I badly needed. He is the answer to everything! Jesus is the answer to every problem!
You might also be a dandelion on a bumpy ride in your life right now, well I hope you also find Him, because He will definitely find you in a way you never imagine.
The book Dandelion by Gabbie Hanna was a good read. I bought this copy from Goodwill for a good price. It kept me company for two days. A short read I badly needed. Haha.
FL was great! I was blessed even when my friend's aunt and uncle drove us all the way to South Carolina. We were beyond grateful to them for spending Christmas with us. They have been in the US for decades.
Spending holidays away from home truly makes someone emotional. I thought it just happened in the movies or tv shows, but it was real. So real, I missed home.
Walterboro Downtown
My friend's housemate toured us around the Walterboro Downtown. It felt so vintage and classy. It felt like a mini theme park, but it is actually an old business center. Some stores were thriving and some weren't anymore.
Anywhere and everywhere you look appears to be aesthetic and historic.
Walterboro Wildlife Sanctuary
A tour in a wildlife park ended our first day in Walterboro, South Carolina. It impressed a creepy atmosphere at first since we went there in the afternoon already. I thought the place was scary and a wild animal might suddenly appear on the path walk or a serial killer hid in the forest. I had those extreme thoughts but as we entered the sanctuary seemed more relevant and inviting. It was a literal and figurative sanctuary. The park with all its forestry demonstrated security and peace for the animals and human beings. It is a fortress.
Charleston Downtown
The downtown in Charleston was something I didn't expect and something that shouldn't surprise me. It felt like I entered a time machine. The place screams royalty, class, kings, queens, princes, and princesses. The structures are all well preserved. The place turned into a shopping district of high end brands I couldn't afford. (Haha)
Charleston Downtown felt surreal and magical.
Angel Oak Tree
Angel Oak Tree is a historical landmark in Charleston, South Carolina. It is a 400 year old oak tree. I thought it was just an ordinary tree on our way to its location. I was in awe when I encountered the humongous tree face to face. It wouldn't be called a historical landmark for no reason, a tourist destination you shouldn't miss.
Waffle House
The Classic waffle of Waffle House is one of the tastiest foods I have tried in SC. It was simple yet tasteful, just the way I wanted it. The place imbibed the concept of old American restaurants like the ones I saw in the movies. My friend's housemate boasted of its goodness and savory taste. Waffle House is a food chain all over the US. Their steak sandwich didn't disappoint me, the meat is juicy and tender. Chocolate milk brought me to nostalgia as I remembered my favorite chocolate milk drink back home.
SC is a green place especially in Walterboro. There are tall trees all over the place. It is a peaceful little town to fall in love with once you visit the place. It is a peaceful place and may the true peace be always with us!
Winter Break in TX, Christmas Vacation in PH!
Two-Week Winter Break calls for a trip or gala as we all call it in the Philippines. It's time for the gala we planned more than a month ago.
Universal Studios
We planned to go to Disney World, but fate led us to Universal Studios. The ticket was pricey for us but we ceased the opportunity and pikit-mata (eyes closed) we bought the ticket on their website.
The theme park exceeded our expectations. The experience was great! These are the rides we got to visit.
- The Bourne Legacy Stuntacular
- The Krusty Land
- Men In Black Alien Attack
- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
- Transformers: The Ride 3D
- Revenge of the Mummy
- Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon
- Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
The blockbuster ride is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter because of the long cue. There were a lot of people waiting in line for the Harry Potter ride. Many love Harry! But the scariest one is Revenge of the Mummy.
We missed some rides because we went to the theme park at noon so I suggest you go early. They have three (3) parks, my estimate is one day per park if you plan to visit them all. We just visited one park, budget and time wise.
Daytona Beach & Ormond Beach
My uncle's friend said that you've never been to Florida if you haven't visited some of their famous beaches.
It was raining when we left the house. I thought it was wrong timing to do beach hopping in such cold and rainy weather.
There were not many people at Daytona Beach. The waves were a bit strong even though there were two or three people surfing. I was in awe. There were also people who fished with their fishing rods. It seems like the cold never bother them anymore.
Ormond beach is more family and old people friendly. It has free and aesthetic tables and benches to sit on for some donuts and hot coffee.
My friend, since she'd been to, said that the beaches in FL with all the modern accommodations seem similar to our famous Boracay, back home.
Teddy Morse's Harley-Davidson
My friend's uncle and aunt are fans of big bikes and they love anything that has something to do with it. They brought us to the second largest Harley-Davidson shop. We saw brand new and vintage bikes, some were even historical. There were lots of merchandise in the store like hats, t-shirts, mugs, wine glasses and many more.
There are still a lot of places to visit in FL. It offers surprises that can or cannot exceed your expectations, depends on your perspective.
If you have the chance, grab it and cease it. Be grateful and show your gratitude the best way you can! Our Christmas this year 2023 felt like home away from home. Thank you LORD!
It took us 6 to 7 hours to reach Oklahama City. It was long yet fun and exciting drive. We visited a lot of beautiful, historic, and artsy places around the city.
A two-day trip from Texas to Oklahama was something we can afford from the one week Thanksgiving break. We weren't able to visit places with entrance fee. We tried to limit our expenses on this trip.
Oklahama is the second state I got to visit among the fifty in the United States of America. It's still feel surreal sometimes that I am already here. It wasn't an easy journey and I am grateful to God for sustaining me every single day, every hour, every minute, and every second of every moment.
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| Okay na okay sa Oklahama City! |
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