It's All About Me
From a small barangay in the town of Tabogon, Northern Cebu, Philippines. I am thrilled to share my very own story. I am Brenda Jumao-as Ornopia, 49, a public school teacher, mother of two, and grandmother of one. Let me give you a glimpse of my life story.
Colossians 3:23-23 always reminds us that “Whatever you do, do it from the heart for the Lord and not for people. You know that you will receive an inheritance as a reward. You serve the Lord Christ.”
Born and raised in a small barangay, second among ten siblings, I always make sure to prioritize my younger siblings in all aspects. We weren’t born with a silver lining so we had to make sure to work hard to get whatever we want in life. Life back then was not as easy as everyone thinks it is. My parents were low-wage earners and had a hard time sending us off to school. But since then, I always had the vision of success and being able to finish my studies. I always strive to do my best in all that I do.
I graduated from my basic education years in one of the public schools here in our district, where my teachers and facilitators helped me a lot and shaped me to be a better person than I am now. During high school, I enrolled at National High School and graduated there. It was a challenge traveling to school and back-forth home. But then, I managed to finish high school and proceeded with my college degree.
Getting the degree did include baby steps, I wasn’t able to enroll on time as I was a working student back then and I was supporting myself. I then graduated from Cebu Roosevelt Memorial Colleges in Bogo City, Northernmost City in Cebu. I became a Licensed Professional Teacher and I am currently a fourth-grade teacher here at Caduawan Elementary School, Caduawan, Tabogon, Cebu.
My Life as a Mother
I am a single mother. I had my firstborn baby at the age of 24 however, she was a premature baby. She needed intensive care from the doctors and me. We stayed for about one month in the hospital because she had to be incubated. She was sick and needed medication. She was a sickly baby. The big problem was about finances, I had no work. However, I surpassed all these trials, and thank God I'm so proud to say that my eldest child is already a licensed teacher now.
Then, it so happened that James Brian my second child, got a dengue fever when he was at eight. We brought him to a known private hospital in Consolacion, Cebu City. The doctor said that he needed to be placed in the intensive care unit or (ICU) because he was in critical condition.
As a single mother, I cannot understand my feelings, I cried bitterly to ease the pain a little bit. In ICU, I need a bigger amount of money to pay my hospital bills. I told the doctor about my financial status. I don’t have a job, and nobody can help me financially. Good thing they understood my situation and were given an option regarding the payment. God is so good and we were able to good home after 7 days of admission.
I also learned many good things in life, how life is important. I am blessed because there are kindhearted people who helped me, with all my needs and necessities. I am so grateful to God because He is sending an angel for me.
My Life as a Teacher
It was always been my dream to be standing in front of a huge crowd and teaching other people about the things I have known in life. I used to motivate myself before and aspired to become a teacher someday. By God’s grace, I achieved my goals and got an answered prayer. I am now a Licensed Professional Teacher currently teaching the fourth-grade learners here in my hometown.
As a Teacher, I always did my best in delivering lessons to my learners and always integrate values. Life lessons that my learners will surely cherish as they go on with their individual lives. Teaching is indeed a life-changing and fulfilling career. I always consider my learners as my children and always provide them with the best learning experience.
My Life As a Plant Enthusiast
During my free time, I spend most of my time gardening. I have a lot of plants and flowers in my backyard. I feel at ease once I spend my time taking care of them. I had harvested fresh fruits and vegetables as well. The abundance of my garden helped me a lot. This simple life here in the province is amazing and full of pleasure making lives happier.
Where Life Took Me?
One of my favorite things to do is to travel. I have been to several places. I have indeed traveled a lot. My first international travel was a two-month vacation in Germany. It was one of the best travels in my life where I got to experience their different cultures, traditions, and beliefs.
Back in the day, I also traveled to a lot of beautiful places here in the Philippines. I went to Bohol, Bantayan Island, Malapascua Island, and all the local tourist destinations here in our province. Traveling is indeed one costly thing to do, but it serves as a stress reliever for me, and leaving me with many good memories to cherish. I do believe that I must travel when I am still capable because life experiences and happiness cannot be paid for by any amount of money. I must always make sure to live my best life because I only live once.
Writing has always been my passion. When I learned about Blurt, it made me so happy as I found the perfect place to express all my thoughts and feelings, and I’m excited to read the stories of other people as well. As life will always teach us to learn and unlearn new things, and with that, we can also learn so much from the stories of different writers and bloggers here. I am so thrilled to be able to write more anytime soon.
I am looking forward to writing more blogs so do keep in touch. How I love to be able to share my stories with the whole world.