. . . which is a little less mighty these days.
A dollar was worth about 52 pesos when I came here in 2002. If I remember correctly, the dollar strengthened to over 54 pesos within that first year or two that I was here.
Times have changed. The dollar has been weak, which hits me directly in the pocket (my support comes in dollars). A 5,000 peso withdrawal now costs me over 110 dollars (Compared to 100 or less a while back). Those extra dollars and costs have been adding up.
I guess I wouldn’t be writing about this if I saw that a relatively stronger peso was helping the Filipino people. Maybe it is helping, but I just don’t see it in my immediate surroundings. Since many of my friends are tied to the American economy, the weaker dollar is actually hurting them, too. I also don’t really see any decrease in prices. The only exception is a lower power bill, which is probably unrelated to the exchange rate.
Though life is a little more expensive, I really can’t complain. My supporters take great care of me, and the weak dollar really hasn’t greatly affected my life. If anything, I’ve been reminded of something Jesus said in one of his most famous sermons:
“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.”
-Matthew 6:19-21
Maybe today Jesus would warn us not to store treasures where “economies weaken and dollars depreciate.”
Yes, the dollar is weak, but God is still so good! There’s no use in worrying about something I can’t control. After all, it’s only money.
well God holds the world’s economy..
kuya kevin,
that above, was my comment.. with all thats happening around the world, US, Europe, Japan & South Korean economies in difficult times, would you say the end is near?
and “how then should we live?” sometimes I already want to enter some seminary.
thanks,
I think we have to live as if Jesus were returning tomorrow and as if His return will not be for another 1,000 years.
We just don’t know, so as long as we are following Jesus, we are always prepared.
good point. thanks. I guess the issue is not when but on the condition of our hearts.
and when I listen to news, i feel a sense of urgency with the times, preoccupied with petty things..like my life is not making much impact and the last time I invited someone new to church was 10 years ago.