Let's Join Our Hands for Nature

A Divine Appointment in Napa

Many years ago, my work in San Rafael was terminated because the position I held was removed.

It was a difficult time in my life. I was praying hard, asking God to provide me with a job.

One day, I went to St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church on a Thursday. I didn’t expect anything. I simply came with hope in my heart.

When I arrived, I was surprised—there was a free breakfast being served. It was my first time there.

I sat down at a table, introduced myself, and began sharing stories with the people around me. It was a simple conversation, nothing unusual.

Then one lady said something that caught my attention.

She told me she was looking for someone to take care of a family member.

In that very moment, I knew—

This was not coincidence.

This was a divine appointment.

God heard my prayer.

He provided not just any job, but exactly what I needed at the right time.

That moment became the beginning of my journey in caregiving.

Looking back, I realize—

God was already writing my story, even before I fully understood it.

God truly works in mysterious ways.

Thank you, Jesus.

Chapter 2 — An Exacto Moment with Saint Thérèse

For many years now, I have been caring for patients, and I have experienced both the beauty and the difficulty of this calling.

One day, after driving more than an hour, I accompanied someone I was caring for to a county office.

We waited for a long time. As time passed, the situation became tense. There was discomfort, frustration, and raised voices.

I did my best to help calm things down, working with the staff—but the more I tried, the more difficult it became.

It was exhausting.

Then, in the middle of everything, one staff member looked at me and gently asked,

“Are you okay?”

I didn’t expect that question.

She held my hand and said,

“Protect yourself.”

Those words stayed with me.

Because in that moment, I realized—I had been giving everything: my time, my strength, my patience…

But I had forgotten about myself.

Before we parted, I asked her name.

She said, “Therese.”

I paused and asked, “Is it from Saint Thérèse of Lisieux?”

She smiled and said yes.

At that exact moment, I felt something in my heart—

A quiet reminder that God was there.

Not removing the difficulty,

but sending someone to remind me:

“Protect yourself” means:

Maglingkod ka with love…

Ibigay mo ang best mo…

pero huwag mong kalimutan ang sarili mo—

dahil ikaw rin ay inaalagaan ng Diyos.

In the middle of that exhausting day,

God sent a “rose.”

A simple encounter,

a simple name,

a simple moment—

but deeply personal.

And once again, I was reminded—

The same God who called me into this journey…

continues to walk with me in it.