Time Out For Women: an Account of a One Day Wonder.

I have an attention span of a fruit fly. I picked this from working with little Children for over half my life now. I am not complaining. I do love them to bits. They make me happy but not only do we share love and laughters (and germs!) we also share the traits. Hence the need for me to Focus.
♥
I try to keep a list of all that I need to do. Keeping track of where I keep the list is another matter but I do manage one. In this time of technology when everything is just about techie, a nice pen and a piece of paper still do the trick. I can focus with a list. And I need a list to an important event.

This is my list: butter menthol, nutty muesli bars, Vitamin water, spring water, cheeseburger, apple pie, mints, pens, notebooks, camera, iPhone, my inhaler, starburst fruit lollies, scriptures and an open heart. Yes, the last one was written down, documented to be followed.

An open heart ♥  - A warning and counsel to myself to be 100% positive and absorb the goodness that will be given out later.

I am inside the Sydney Olympic Park with close to 2,000 women. Here, with these 1,899 ladies the song of Beyonce' rings in my ears - all single ladies, all single ladies, all single ladies... uh uh uh. I had to snap back and sing Sisters in Zion instead. To cheer and to bless in humanity's name!  Ole`!

This is my  Time Out For Women. With Women. Single, married, widowed, divorced, separated, younger, older, all women mostly of LDS background, in all walks of life! I looked around and every single one is BEAUTIFUL! My heart is beating with excitement, not the jump for joy kind but a calming reassurance that I am indeed happy to be here.

“The women of today are the thoughts of their mothers and grandmothers, embodied, and made alive. They are active, capable, determined and bound to win. They have one thousand generations back of them...”—  Matilda Joslyn Gage

4 months ago I pre-booked 2 tickets for this event in Sydney. I was hoping that my sister Angeline who lives and works in the Philippines would be able to join me. Same time I got the tickets I also finalized the airline bookings, hotels and car hire. I put in my leave from work and just waited for July 23 to kick in. Four months went like a blur. Unfortunately, my sister was unable to come.

I loved the DVD's of the event but this one is much more preferred. To finally have the chance to sit and actually BE in the audience. I want to feel the speakers presence, the umpph of their messages and weep a tear or two for those "hit the right spot moments". I want to be there in the flesh.

I have used the DVD many times as Ward Relief Society President. A calling I lovingly held for 3 years until May this year. I was their BFF (President is still an alien word!) and the lessons of TOFW helped me so much. I am so grateful for it. I even planned on going to one event in the US.




I did not even thought of bringing
the books for their signatures!
Heaps = excess baggage. Next time!

I feel special that they are here. TOFW is normally just a priviledge for those in the US of A. TOFW team travel to different States. Just 3 years ago they came up with their first DVD for those of us who were missing out. I love the music and the talks. The Ninety and Nine by Michael McLean is my song. I am not lost and just in the heart of the fold. But the Shepherd is calling my name. I somehow felt this was specially for me. I love Hilary Weeks, Brad Wilcox, Virginia Pearce,  Laurel Christensen and of course Sheri Dew. I have their books and cd's! I am a platinum member of Deseret Books for years now. It is my lolly shop. I even have an open library for the sisters to borrow in Relief Society. I love Deseret Books, I love all these authors!♥ ♥ ♥

And I will see them!  If I am lucky I can swim through the 1,899 others and have a photo with all of them, YAY! To be finally in the same place as the speakers made my heart sing! To be able to laugh in unison and to cry with the rest of the noble ones:-) I am blessed!

Here is the journey...

July 22, 2011 Friday early morn. I had only 3 hours sleep but I had to pack for Rich and myself. My beautiful husband, Richard of 11 years is my travelling companion everywhere.  He also graciously offered to pay for the trip, the hotel, food and to drive me around! Talk about blessings! And did I mention he also has a massive camera that makes me pretty in all poses?! Yeah!

Left our Melbourne home at 6:30 am, sun was ready to show its full force though the cold was still nipping at my sleeves. We arrived at the Tulla airport, parked long term and checked ourselves in. I wanted to have breakfast at Macca's but decided to have Boost juice instead and get some food in Sydney. Not knowing that our flight will be delayed over 2 hours. Gee.

Rich, the ever so positive handsome man that he is, made me laugh and we sat on the hard steel benches of the airport, he with his Galaxy Tab Suduku and me with my iPhone tweetering :-) The PA system announced that due to bad weather we had to wait til given the all clear sign. I glanced at the TV monitors and saw the breaking news: Sydney's wettest day in 40 years. Yeah, the day we fly out to Sydney - our 1st in 10 years has got to be the wettest day! Thank you Mother Nature. Sydney needs the water and frankly I was too excited to care. I said a few quick prayers, it has happened to me before - rain stops when I arrived at the destination. (Would it?)

Virgin Blue hovered over the airport for a few minutes to get the landing perfectly in such a condition, our flight was extended a few more minutes and I was feeling seasick. I call motion sickness that. Force of habit coming from an archipelago of 7,000 islands. I was seasick. Bad Boost decision. Should've just given in to the Macca's cravings. By the way Macca's is Aussie speak for MacDonald's. Good ol' fastfood bff.

Finally we landed and picked up our car. As we were late, we were given a different one. We did not really mind. From A to B, anything is good. But blessings in disguise, we got the exact car that Rich wanted to get soon - Holden Cruze! Now we get to test drive it for 3 days around Sydney! Yay for delays! ♥

But the prayers for the weather to ease was not immediately answered. Instead, the answer was for me to stay positive and smiling amidst the literal storms of Sydney.

I can hear my tummy rumbling. The world started to spin. I needed to have something warm, pronto! Sydney was not only wet it was also dark. Though my heart was open and happy, I was starving.

We punched the GPS on the face, ops, we gently punch the GPS to get us to the nearest Asian restaurant. GPS are funny, not the ha-ha way but when we were in Europe it lead us to places we did not want to be. Hope this one behaves. Esp in the wettest day ever.

Soon we were navigating Sydney with oar and rudder to the nearest Noodle bar. Food is always my source of comfort but hot steaming noodles  is something else! It warms my heart not just my belly! Most especially on a rainy day. The wettest day of Sydney ever! Yummy noodles. It is in the suburb of Mascot. Floody Mascot has the best noodles.

I looked at my ugg boots and thought: is this water proof?! My feet are still warm. And dry. Like the water just bounced off it. Rich noticed the same with his trench coat. Gee, this is better than the answer we asked. :-)

After the noodles we drove around killing time for the 2 pm hotel check-in. We went to DFO! An outlet shop! It is one of my favourite places in Melbourne. Sydney's Homebush DFO is smaller about half the size of the one we have in Essendon. But I was able to get some bling 70% off so it was a great start of a rainy day!



Trust Rich to find an extra-terrestrial
object in his Olympic Park Tour! Glad
he wasn't beamed up by this Torch!

Our hotel was just a stone's throw away from the TOFW conference venue. I have only read about Sydney Olympic Park in the papers and have seen it on TV. I feel like a kid as I walked where the great athletes trod. Wow, this is where gold medals were achieved! This place is a part of history! I am on it! I feel proud that I was able to come and see it for myself. Thank you TOFW. Thank you Richard.

Our room was much bigger than expected. It has a huge bathroom and huge TV. On our way in we looked at the door and perplexed with the 2 peepholes. One on my navel level. Rich said is this for a child? Then as we entered, it became clearer to us that it was a room for persons with disability, hence the wheelchair level peepholes. We learn new things every day. Such a spacious room, I felt blessed and a bit guilty at the same time. I hope that the managers will not hesitate to knock and take the room back if someone with wheelchair needed it. With that thought I kept most of my clothes in the luggage.

I crawled under the doona and slept. Crisp white linens on a rainy day is the best sleeping aid. Rich as usual took out all his techie stuff and began hooking plugs and sticks on his Mac and cameras while I snore the afternoon away. Ah Sydney, I did not know you can be relaxing.

I woke up after 7 pm. The sky outside is still gloomy and crying. I unpacked some and we decided to go to the supermarket for next day brekkie and snacks. Coles is the best bet - where Masterchef shops! We got what we needed and more. Rich then drove me to get some cheeseburger and apple pie in MacDonalds. He knows I need it. The GPS took us there with no problem. I got my burger, flattened it paper-thin and wrapped it to take to TOFW the next day. This is not a blatant disregard to the no food policy but just an emergency solution if the queue is long and I am hungry. I have a condition that if I am low in sugar I get migraines. And, Mr MGee you wouldn't like me when I'm hungry. Bear in mind: 2,000 Women. Hungry women. I cannot imagine running the errand of angels but also elbowing each other for the last salad wrap. So I also got muesli bars and the list stuff.

Whenever we travel, Rich always get our things ready. This time is no different: Food, drinks, snacks, technology gadgets, even ice and cooler. He also set himself apart to the calling of my forever loyal Paparazzi. Someone once said that one can see the true character of a person by how he manages tangled christmas lights. No one can see my true character because I refuse to touch the lights. I just don't. I give them to Rich. He has the patience and love for each and every tiny chrissy light. He is very patient with me. He loves and respects me, even to the point of getting me what I need for the conference. My conference. :o)

Ahh Sydney. What have you done? It was not only raining cats and dogs I think the whole Old McDonald Farm joined in. It was not only the wettest Sydney day ever in 40 years. It was also the wettest of my 42 years. And I am from the South of Philippines. We eat rain for breakfast!
GPS must know other navigation systems and this one is a relative of our TomTom in Europe. They share the same attitude! Know-it-all!  After our Supermarket trip, it decided to be cheeky (read: took us all over Sydney in that rain before taking us back to Macca's. Twice. The Freeway and then finally, our hotel.) Whew! We lost our parking spot so we took a tiny one and squeezed in. Hotel was full of Mormons I think :-) That night Rich decided to study the intricate brain waves of GPS.

July 23, 2011 - After eating the salami and ham breakfast sandwich, I got ready to go to the Olympic Park. Got my possibility pack of a Journal and small Body Wash. The last one has glitters on it, was the only one I could find in the DFO. I know I could have gotten a simplier one but I left it in Melbourne. Everybody loves glitters, don't you think?

Rich pulled out the map and tried to see which was the best way as there were road works. Then at 8:15 am I was in the queue to what would become an amazing day of my life. Rich took photos of me and I asked a sister to get one of us. I love the photos. "I'll pick you up at 4:00 pm". We hugged and I joined the queue. Rich will busy himself around the Olympic Park with Canon. And Suduku.

There were only a few sisters lined up so I thought I was early for the 9:00 am start. But as we walked in the Olympic Sports Stadium, there was this maze of smiling women, snaking through a loopy zigzag tunnel into the inner sanctum of the stadium. A thousand of them beat me to it! There were only a few of us from our Stake who travelled to NSW, some sisters were affected by the Tiger Airways cancellation of flights. Some at the last minute was not able to come. I briefly saw Carol, our new Ward Relief Society 1st Counselor. She was with her daughter. Then I was back to being alone but not lonely.

The arrows led us to a flight of stairs, my left knee started to wobble. I had to remind it to behave as I had my magnetic knee strap on, so both relaxed. :o) As we were going up and down the steps I can hear the sisters. Hushed voices just a tad over a whisper. Bless. LDS women, you rock.

I still have my sister's extra ticket, I was ready to give it to anybody. One sister was slumped on the side floor and I asked if she was okay she smiled and nodded. Everyone has tickets. All were ready, all did not fear. I was handed my bag. This will be my 3rd TOFW bag. I bought the last two in Deseret website. Then we were led to an open area with tables and tables of books. I have most of them just delivered a forthnight back. I smiled observing the glee on the sisters' faces as they got the books they wanted. I know that feeling.

As I made my way into the arena, it was quickly filling up. Seats were taken and reserved for friends and families. I got a seat just off the floor on the second level on the left side of the stage. I can see the big screen on either side clearly. The speakers might be as small as my thumb but I can see them.


I can hear Hilary Weeks' voice filling up the air. Oh, how wonderful! Here I am already crying even before the opening remarks. The fruit fly was replaced by an attentive young woman eager to learn more about herself:  Choose to Become.

Laurel Christensen was the first one who welcomed us. She is hilarious. But she also made me cry! Love her already! I am treadmilling with you Laurel! I am telling my kneecaps to not stand in the way! I love sharing the unseen shore and the .5 mile story. I can see clearly now the rain has gone, and the fog has lifted, with my father's guiding voice. I will make it!

Sheri Dew. I know we are all of Royal birthright but she is like the Queen Bee. I almost curtsied when I saw her up close. She came in with a walk and talk of a CEO but with the warmth of a favourite sister. Sheri, I too want a house full of boys. We are still waiting for that miracle. When I was called to be the Relief Society President 3 years ago, I shared with Sheri the feeling when she asked: was it inspiration or indigestion? That was the best 3 years of my church service life. Just recently been released. I accept that in my whole life - 1,000 lives will be directly or indirectly influenced by me. I have fulfilled my calling the best I could. 1,000!!! Tall order for a 5'4- but our God wants powerful people. Our Father in Heaven is a God of high expectations. With Him nothing is impossible.

  Hilary Weeks - adorable Hilary. She looked like an Aussie Sheila with red boots and all! Oh yeah, Hils! Her music made me feel warm and cosy. Life is good when her music is on. I realized that although I name my teddybears (Mrs King, etc) even my bedroom slippers (Mr and Mrs Perkins) - I do not have a name for my washing machine! I think it will remain anonymous. But I assure you it is loved and appreciated. I also loved how you relish this time with your young children,fully aware that you'll know them as adults in the eternities. That is so sweet. And Hilary, I too believe I can fly. Clicking away as I go :-) 

Virginia Pearce - Sister Pearce somehow evokes reverence. President Gordon B. Hinckley's daughter is such a sweet lady with eternal lessons. Indeed all of us are not limited to having just one mother. There are mother figures in our lives who through their influences nurtured us in ways only a true mother could. Like Virginia's mother, mine used to remind me to put lippy on as I am always wan and pale. I miss Mama dearly but I am sure that I will be with her again someday. My family is forever. Thank you Virginia for not lecturing me in keeping a journal. I will put your name in, as soon as I get that pen again.



Wish all teachers are like him
loving,funny, spiritual and straightforward!

Brad Wilcox. Where do I start? You are the teacher we all wanted to have! Then all of us would have done much better in our lives now! But I am here in TOFW so I guess I am doing okay. From a teacher to a teacher - thank you for such inspiring powerful words. Heaven will not be heaven to those who doesn't want to live heavenly. How you answered a question I asked a long time ago, a question I forgot I have. I felt the surge of gospel energy akin to my MTC days. I am powerful!I can do this! Thank you Brad Wilcox.



I have a notebook full of the insights the speakers have shared with me this day. I am glad I came. the weather did not even dampen my enthusiasm one bit. The words spoken and music heard made me feel closer to heaven.

For some reason, everyone looked familiar. Have I seen you before? I thought maybe they were from my Stake, but they were not. It seemed that the Saviour's image shone in each of our faces that day. The lady who sat next to me said I have a wonderful countenance. I should have told her that her voice is like an angel whispering softly like she was on hallowed grounds. But I was welled up to say more than Thank you.

While teaching in Zarahelma, Alma asked the question that we should ask ourselves, as we liken the scriptures unto us, Alma 5:14 - "Have ye spiritually been born of God? Have ye received his image in your countenances? Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts?" Then he asks another powerful question in verse 26 of the same chapter: "And now behold, I say unto you, my brethren, if ye have experienced a change of heart, and if ye have felt to sing the song of redeeming love, I would ask, can ye feel so now?"

Though I mostly prepared for my day to be comfortable physically, I was doing it so my focus will not waver when spiritual truths poured in. The powerful, sweet words and music were indeed balm to my needy and at times broken heart. The gospel is always where I am most comfortable at. I never ever feel out of place. The doctrines are there to guide me through this tunnel of life. Though at times it might be challenging to fully comprehend and accept -I face it all with grace and faith. I feel a change of heart for the better. My heart is singing.

Feeling full spiritually opened up my heart and my tear ducts. I actually had a few glances from others as I wiped my tears copious times even before a new speaker came in. I was flooded with memories of the past and how glorious is the gospel message that I will be reunited with my father, mother and eldest brother again after this life. That I will see my whole family generation. My tears were reassurance that all is well, that my family is forever.



Rich was able to hear his talk! Sneaky Rich
went at the back an hour before TOFW ended!
I did have an extra ticket :o)

About an hour before the conference ended I got a text message from Rich. He wanted to know where I was exactly because he was in the stadium! When the conference ended I directed him and he came in with Canon, his camera. He took photos of the event and he waited patiently as I joined the long line of people who wanted to have the presenters' autographs and photos.

What an answer to my prayers. I wished Rich was here to hear all this. All along he was at the back and caught 2 last speakers.

I will always cherish this day. As we walked back to the hotel, the rain has subsided. The place was calm and breezy. Hand in hand I regalled him with how my day went. I felt like I was floating on air. I was very happy. I have always tried to recapture the feelings I had when I was serving my mission in Cebu, Philippines. I was always on a Spiritual High. That feeling is fleeting like the wind. I have to work hard to capture it. Today TOFW took me there again.

Time Out For Women, you helped me in ways I did not even thought I need assistance. Thank you for coming Down Under. I am grateful that you endured long flights, the wettest day in Sydney's history. Time away from your family just to convey your love to each one of us. It is received and reciprocated.

Once again my testimony was strengthened by the choiced topics that the Saviour wanted me to hear. He lives. He hears my prayers. He hears all of our prayers and answers them. He knows each one of us by our name.

Life indeed is easier when the load is shared and the pathway toward eternity is walked hand in hand together. I feel hands with me as I live this life. I feel that I was lending my hand to a stranger with my simple Possibility Pack contribution. I feel that as I magnify a new but familiar calling of teaching the sisters, I am holding their hands. I feel that I matter, that anything I do is received with appreciation by the Lord.

In Mosiah 5:2 we read, "And they all cried with one voice, saying: Yea, we believe all the words which thou hast spoken unto us; and also, we know of their surety and truth, because of the Spirit of the Lord Omnipotent, which has wrought a mighty change in us, or in our hearts, that we have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually."

I choose to do good continually. I choose to become - His daughter forever.


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