Welcome to Lotus Rainier
Four Days of Togetherness, Beauty, and Holiness
Through 4 days of shared togetherness, laughter, sharing, visiting basilica, aquarium, 17 mile drive, we had unabashed, sincere connections with one another. If this is heaven, I want to be entering the door towards holiness and being with these classmates who have...
Cannery Row to Monterey Wonders: A Journey Through Time
"Cannery Row in Monterey in California is a poem, a stink, a grating noise, a quality of light, a tone, a habit, a nostalgia, a dream...in the morning when the sardines fleet has made a catch, the purse-seiners waddle heavily into the bay, blowing their whistles."...
Remembering Lem Balagot: A Warm Heart, A Lasting Legacy
I am crying. My favorite caterer, friend, cheerleader, community recruiter for stories, Lem Balagot of Larosecafe Hollywood died. His cafe was my go place to introduce visitors and folks, new to the community. In his restaurant, we found a warm, safe, welcoming place....
Little Climber: #Maharlika2023la’s Milestones
I am so proud of #maharlika2023la who is adeptly skilled in climbing. I couldn't believe that he would balance himself then with another hand and foot in a corner, with help from his mom, he reached the top. Amazing feat! His sister #princess2015la is so good and...
Maharlika’s Mini-Mission
#maharlika2023la came in his stroller with his dad. He got inside the house still on the stroller. He wanted to eat. So, a banana was given to him. He ate half, so slowly then, wanted a bit more. I asked, which chair? He pointed to the dining room chair. He said,"Help...
Miles for Milestones: A Texas-Sized Birthday Bash and the Filipino Community’s Embrace
The Art of a Road Trip: Towards the Light, Water and Community Created Intentionally! Imagine driving 5 hours one way from Austin to Houston, and another 3 hours back to drop off friends to their respective homes in Temple, then, Austin. It might sound crazy, yet it...
Day 6 Early PM: The Church of the Annunciation – Houston’s Enduring Mother Church
Day 6 early PM The Church at the Annunciation since 1869 An enduring institution for 155 years! It is the oldest Catholic Church still in use in Houston today, making it the mother of all Houston parishes. The brick used for construction was purchased from the old...
Day 6 Early PM: Water Wall Park – Houston’s Iconic Oasis
Day 6 Early PM The Water Wall Park "Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park is one of Houston’s most beloved, iconic landmarks and community centerpiece for visitors of all ages. To stand in the Waterwall’s mist and be enveloped by the gentle roar of cascading water is one of...
Day 6: Our Lady of Lourdes in Houston – A Vietnamese Community’s Faith & Prayers for Honest US Elections
Day 6 Pilgrimage to Houston Churches Our Lady of Lourdes Campus in NW Houston, Texas. It is an impressive expansion of its campus, integrating the Vietnamese community. Or is it the Vietnamese community who built this impressive chapel underneath the grotto, the big...