PINOY AT THE OVAL OFFICE

Ferdie used to call the Oval Office his turf.

I seem to have been caught in a fog recently---unable to blog as I used to; but hopefully I'm back.

Even with my jet lag from an excruciating return flight (20 hours more or less including layovers) from the US, my eyes still continued to be riveted to things and events stateside.

Because, frankly, with my son's family in the US, I've taken interest in everything affecting his and his family's future. 

The US sorely needed a change in leadership to turn its ship of state around. President Barack Obama has been given a second chance. 

Let's pray his bluster is matched with lustrous solid performance this time around; because honestly, the entire world's power cords are plugged into the US main frame---economically, militarily and in a lot more areas than we could ever imagine.

But if I may downshift, while we're still on things "White House..."

Did you know that a Pinoy used to call the Oval Office his turf?

Meet Ferdie Garcia, currently US Navy Master Chief, then President George W. Bush's personal valet during his entire eight years at the White House. He likewise served Bill Clinton eight months prior to the Bush presidency and Barack Obama six months after he occupied the Oval Office.

"I was excited and eagerly looked forward to working everyday," Ferdie refers to his stint with George Bush, whom he fondly refers to as "Tatang." The latter always called him "Son."

In Ferdie's sanctum sanctorum or man cave, his house basement, White House mementos abound. One photo shows him in action with a flyswatter, in the oval office (with President Bush at the background), with the President's note attached: "Fine form but you missed, (signed) George Bush."
 
Another photo with GB: President and Senior Chief in boxers' cloaks and gloves---in a sparring pose.

With our hosts Ferdie and Cora (center)

His photo albums reveal a close bond between the President and the First Lady and their children, and Ferdie and his wife Cora and kids, with photos upon photos to prove the relationship. 

Some personally scribbled notes from George and Laura Bush:

"Dear Ferdie, thanks for the lovely tie. I will wear it with pride. GB."

"Thank you for the fine looking tie and shorts. You were kind to remember me on my 60th birthday. I am grateful for your dedicated service at the White House and am proud  to call you friend. Best wishes. Sincerely, G.W. Bush."

"To Ferdie, with thanks and love. Laura; the President." 

Of her character, he says, "Very motherly, hindi mataas (not haughty)."

A page in his album detailed his Commander in Chief's last appraisal of Ferdie's outstanding performance: "... will be an outstanding senior chief. He should be promoted now. GB."

And to complete what I dubbed as our White House treat, Ferdie and Cora gave us a garden tour of the White House south lawn, with Carlo, Opal and our granddaughter Natalie; and my new-found friends Bessie and Horst Friedrich.

On that fine fall morning, The White House looked glorious. 

But one wonders, does the glory of God still rest here? Do its residents still bow down to the sovereignty of God in their lives? Or are they listening more to the voice of the multitude, like lobbyists fighting for legalizing abortion, gay marriage, and banning God altogether from public places? 

We need to continue to pray for America, as well as leaders of nations and nations elsewhere. We need to pray for the Philippines and our leaders! 

Proverbs 29:2: 

"When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan." (New International Version)

"When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice. But when the wicked are in power, they groan." (English Standard Version)