Taking a risk would lead us to two things, either success or failure. Many of us are dreaming of owning a house. Like our small family, we dreamed of having one.

Hello everyone! I hope we are all doing well. Let me share with you our experiences in achieving a dream despite life's trials and challenges we had encountered. I hope to inspire everyone here to be brave in facing problems and to grab every opportunity that could help us in the process of daily living. Aside from dreaming big, let us act to make it real. A small win is still a win and let us appreciate it.

Our wedding photo was taken by Kuya Dennis, the son of my grandma's friend

My wife and I were just dreaming and wishing for the realization of our simple abode. She knew me as a risk taker while she was fearful of what would happen next. After our wedding day last December 2017, we experienced a lot of crises. Health, emotional, or even financial crisis, but it will not stop there. If you let your fear conquer your life, you are letting it slowly bring you down. Sometimes risking it all will lead us to great opportunities and becoming someone with a helping heart.

Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Parish- Danao City, Cebu

We are both Teachers, supposed to have a stable income but because of our soft hearts, we easily lend our hands for help, especially to people in need. I am inspired by the life of the Patron Saint of Danao City, Cebu, St. Thomas of Villanova. Even if you left nothing as long as you are sharing what you have out of love with those in need. Our life was not as easy as others but I can Shirly (surely) pursue my dreams with my number one support, my wife. Despite the trials, we planned to start building our own house.

There are questions, "Where can we get the money?" "Can we make it?" "What if we fail?" struck our minds but it didn't affect my courage to make it possible. I trusted our Creator that He would make it happen.

Dream is About to Come True

In December 2019 we started our plan on how and when to start our journey of making our dream come true. Until the pandemic was declared in January 2020 we thought our plan would no longer be implemented. But I was so courageous and thought of other options. And on March 2020, we made it to the first step of our dream house journey. We never share our plan with others, we just let them know when we are there.

We ensured everything was set from the house plan to permits, buying the materials needed, and prompt monitoring of the budget as we can't deny the fact that we were worried about where and when to finish. But along the way, thinking of living together full of joy and love reigned as our impression of His goodness. Making a home and not just a house, where God will live amidst the stirrings of life.

As we were about to finish the remaining amount of our budget, we decided to stop on the 3rd month and started living in our humble abode even if it was not fully furnished. Planning to continue its construction once we can allocate another budget for skim coating of walls and installation of floor tiles was on our top list. Moving forward with a concrete plan and passion for making its realization led us to create more connections with people.

Aside from window glass and roofing companies, we also made a bond with some hardware stores that allowed us to have instalment methods for payments. They have given us a supersized opportunity to beautify our dwelling place.

Months passed by all of our resources were utilized as we started filling our place with furniture and stuff. Priorities were those things needed in doing daily perceptible efforts like cooking, washing, and more. Our continuous efforts caught the attention of some social media friends and college buddies. They inquired about our process of making it possible. I told them to persevere in what they wanted to achieve with their trust and faith in the Lord. They have drawn out their excitement due to our fulfilment of well-being.

Taken from my college classmate's post

Celebrate Small Wins

My college friends visited us with delightful phrases. They appreciated our hard work and despite the trying experiences, we were able to achieve our dream of becoming an independent family. They told us that they'd be back for a sleepover and go to a nearby beach for a simple celebration of our accomplishments. As seen in the picture above, my friends made their promise to come back for a get-together. It is nice to see the pictures posted by Fatima with our kids. They again extended their congratulations on our small win. Their gratified words made us feel content since we did not expect that our story could inspire others who are also battling the difficulties of human activity.

With Msgr. Dodong, our spiritual advisor during our house blessing.

We decided to let Msgr. Dodong, our former Cura Pàrroco to bless our house though it is not yet furnished. When I contacted him to ask if he could come for the house blessing, he immediately said yes. We had it during the Barangay Fiesta Celebration. He was glad to grace our occasion since it had been a long time then we were not able to see each other due to the pandemic. He gave pieces of advice as we continue journeying this life.

A Close Friend's Support

We are grateful to my former college student and now a close family friend Donna. She has been supportive of us from our wedding day up to the present. One call away supporter despite the long distance from the City. She made our simple celebration elegant with her Food Catering Service with approachable crew. Because of our bond, we support each other's livelihood. She also bought 40 trays of chicken eggs from our small backyard poultry farm. With her, our celebrations will go well and be memorable. Their aesthetic designs will catch the interest of the guests. Thanks to her talent and dedication.

Sometimes we sleep on our terrace to feel nature's existence

There were times we were sleeping on our terrace to feel nature's coldness at night. Our kids got excited since they assumed we were on a camp. The coloured lights add a vibe and a nice atmosphere to our place. We can also hear the onshore breeze at midnight which made the area very cold. Now that we have our own home, we feel comfortable and relaxed. It made us think of the sacrifices which strengthened us to overcome our lowest point.

There were lots of hard times as we went on this pilgrimage. We experienced conflicts and tormenting situations. But it doesn't affect our faith in Him. At the end of the day, we need our support system, our family, relatives, and friends. These hardships will someday become a memorable machinery of whatever achievement awaits us in the future. The bitterness of our hearts will lead us to tragedy. So let us learn to listen and understand. But most importantly, we need not stop correcting the wrong practices, as this usual manner of behaviour separates us from the way, the truth, and life.

Sometimes we just need to pause, reflect, and forget everything we have. With this, we can welcome the thoughts of various individuals who possibly have a massive effect on our present condition. Like our humble abode, which people look up to as their inspiration, let us aspire more to create significant events in our lives.

Courage, taking risks, believing in ourselves, and many other values can help us accomplish our vision. Who would have thought that someone who has failed in many aspects of life would learn to stand up and show the world the result of somewhat like a roller-coaster ride journey? Many would not believe it, but we made it. Looking back to the past strengthens us to face new challenges and exert more hard work to rise once again from intense humankind agony.

Happy Home, Happy Life

Our dream house is now our home. Making it a safe and happy place to stay where we create long-lasting memories with our children. May they remember our collective work which made them feel secure and prepared them for the forthcoming circumstances. Our home is a small structure yet has a gigantic impact on our lives. It surely gives us hope to pursue more to make our dreams a reality. Dream big, take the risk, and probably many opportunities will come on our way.

Let us remember, no matter what is happening right now. How bad situations come our way. Let us believe that a blessing is with us. We are blessed and let us be a blessing to one another.

Be the reason for the happiness of other people.

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A worth sharing: Our dream house is now a home

Dream is About to Come True

Celebrate Small Wins

A Close Friend's Support

Happy Home, Happy Life