A Fresh Start

GOD can do amazing things with the rest of your life. God specializes in giving people a fresh start.

-Rick Warren, in "Purpose Driven Life"

An atomic bomb was dropped before us yesterday. It was a five-minute announcement that forever changed my life... and the life of at least 1,600 employees. On second thought, multiply that by 4 and that's your total number (covering average number of dependents). There was a deafening silence in the Recreation Hall as everyone was stunned with THE announcement. I'd like to scream but only tears are allowed to come out from my eyes. I remembered everyone I cared for in Intel - my colleagues in manufacturing, my peers from other departments, the security guards, even the canteen and maintenance folks. This can't be happening, I said to myself with disbelief. I planned to retire in Intel, and at 35, I am definitely NOT YET in my retirement age. Our manager said thank you for the years we spent in the company. Then he said sorry that this decision had to happen. I felt he was sincere.

People came out of the forum with heads bowed down. Intel will be a great loss to the Philippines, being one of the top exporters, and one of the best employers this country has. I'm grateful that I've been a part of it. it has become a conduit of blessings for the community and to the employees whose lives it enriched to a full measure.

After much thought, I come to the following conclusions: I've been with this company for more than 11 years and my commitment remains unwavering. I will honor my commitment until my last day in office. I will comfort my co-employees who are still hurting. I will muster enough courage to reach out to those who find this situation unbearable. i will make myself available to remind everyone that there is hope, and that accepting the truth will set us free. Free to come to God again and inquire of His new gameplan for us & our families.

All the best to us, as we welcome a fresh start in life.

-Edna (0916-420-4052 personal CP :-)