CHAPTER II - WELCOME TO PARANAQUE - May 11th 2015

The day after graduation, April 12th 2015, we started apt hunting.  That week we only found 1 bedrooms and way over our budget.  

2nd week we were standing outside a locked gate of what seemed like THE perfect 2 bedroom. 

I mean, check this out, it's a 2 bedroom, it's walking distance, yes that's right, "walking distance!!" from the KH 5 min - within our budget.  But, like I said, we were standing in front of a locked gate.  Our communication is with the builder.  The mystery owner is undecided to rent or sell these newly refurbished units.  So as I stand under my UV umbrella letting my feet absorb the burning intense sun (and mind you, I hate suntan lines on my feet)  sweat pouring down my brow, I ask Jehovah, "Why? . . .Why would you have me stand in front of a perfect place and then not let us in?  " Meanwhile, my Philippino partner is talking to the tricycle driver who agrees to drive around the subdivision to locate the owner.  

But no.  

I am bummed. 

Ridiculously bummed out.  

The next day:  I ask Jehovah, " Am I being too hasty? Should we just move in June, I thought You wanted us to move in May?  " 

I receive a text message: "Potential tenants want to look at your apt tomorrow, is that ok?  And can you move out by May 10th?" 

That was from my current landlord. It's Friday. 

hmmmmm . . . .

Operation apt hunting is on hold because Sunday we have a Branch Visit NY HQ, Brother Weaver. 

Sunday night I receive a text message from a local elder: 

"I bumped into an elder from P.Que cong. who said he owns 2 bedroom apts which he wants to rent out to you, located in the ----- subdivision.  Wasn't that the same subdivision you were standing outside the other day?"  

Yes. It is.  But what what are the chances it's the same unit?! 

Monday - we meet the owners secretary who drives us there. 

We turn left, then right, then straight, I can see the unit. 

We're driving towards it - 

'pls don't pass it,pls don't pass it, turn left, turn left, turn left . . ." Talk about wishful thinking. 

Here's what happened. 

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IT WAS THAT UNIT!!!!    

The mystery owner was that PQ elder.
NO ONE knew the owner was a JW!
So we got the 1st unit in the back.
The rest of the neighbours will be JW's.

We went from high-rise condo living to . . .

A normal neighbourhood

From a view of a brick wall to . . .

Those green things are called trees.  

(No joke: I actually prayed for a view of a tree from my window!) 

 

Alis from Hayward PJ Cong. in the past has helped me move from Castro Valley to Castro Valley - then from Castro Valley to Hayward and then from Hayward to Newark, and now! She's helping us to move from QC to PQ!!! What a gal! 

PQ is a town vs QC is a city.  

Mostly housing neighbourhoods vs high rise condos. 

NO where near as crowded as QC but it feels hotter here.   

PQ = 2,761,720 persons (based on the 2010 Census of Population and Housing (CPH) VS QC estimated at over 3 Million!
 Only 17 miles between QC and PQ but depending on traffic and weather it has taken us from 1-2 hours to get there.  

Our PJ Territory includes Muntinlupa, Las Pinas and Taguig. 

 Yes, that's the bay.  Metro Manila's Bay Area.  They say it gets pretty cold July-Feb - we'll see about that - right now it's sobre mainit (very hot!).