Dec-24 at 11:AM:  Maligayang Pasko. Kapayapaan ay sa iyo.  Merry Christmas Upper Javier, and Peace be with you.   Philippines is 13 hours ahead of Houston, thus it is early morning Christmas Day in Upper Javier now.  

Hangad ko'y Joy, Faith, at Hope sa ito kahanga-hangang Christmas Day. Narito, isang Kristo bata ay ipinanganak sa araw na ito. Ipaalam sa amin magalak. Noel.  I wish you Joy, Faith, and Hope on this wonderful Christmas Day.  Behold, a Christ child was born on this day.   Let us Rejoice.  Noel.

Dec-22:  I woke up thinking of Upper Javier this morning as I frequently do, and longing for the word of God.  I pray for the Upper Javier community.  Today’s church service focused on Mary’s humility, Luke 1: 46-52.  I was also reading Zechariah’s Song, Luke 1:76-79, in summary..   The child will be called a prophet of the Most High God. He will go ahead to prepare the way for the Lord. He will tell people how they can be saved and that their sins can be forgiven.…

May His light shine ever so brightly in this world as it did one night so long ago.  Merry Christmas and God bless Upper Javier, Dr Angie Broncano and the Community Development team of Harris Memorial College including Rubylin, Tonette, Eduard, Olivia.   A very special Merry Christmas to
Virgene at Upper Javier from St Stephens United Methodist Church.   We pray that God wraps his love and grace around her as she continues to fight serious health concerns.
 

Three days remain til Christmas. 

Dec-21:  Father, we pray for your continued guidance.  Lead us in the direction you would have us serve today.  It's a few days before Christmas.  The rustle of shopping, wrapping, and abundance is a reminder that we need refocusing.  Jesus is the reason for the season. 

Isaiah 9:6 -->  A child will be born to us.  A son will be given to us.  He will rule over us.  And he will be called Wonderful Adviser and Might God.  He will also be called Father Who Lives Forever and Prince Who Brings Peace.

Father, may our work supporting the Philippines mission projects continue to be a blessing in your light.    Amen.

Dec-20:   Friday Fast.   Today was my last day of Fasting for the Philippines disaster relief efforts.  My total today was $18.23.  I had a wonderful experience today, in the form of a headache.  I woke up feeling poorly but knew that God would see me through the day.  When one focuses on others, then our trials become less.  We receive so much more in return than expected. 

My contribution made to UMCOR for Friday Fasting in December totals $75.00.   I am so very blessed.

Dear Lord, Thank you for this day.  Fill my heart with abundance, open my heart for caring, and let me share a smile of hope each and every day.  Father, please wrap those in need with your love and grace, and bless them with a seed of hope.   In your name Father we pray, Amen.

Dec-13:  Friday Fast.   Today was an overcast day with cool temperatures of 55 degrees Farenheit. This is the type of day one might wake up feeling hungry for a hot breakfast, but not today.  I am focused on the Philippines and those in dire need of fundamentals, ie, food, shelter, medicine, & any assistance possible.  Three Navy ships with 9000 Marines responded to the relief efforts.  CNN is reporting today that the death toll has risen to 6000 since typhoon Haiyan hit the Philippines on November 8, with 1800 still missing.  Let us not forget the least of these at this Christmas time.
My contribution today is $27.33.

Dec-6:  Total donation on this Friday Fast was $24.00.  After early morning prayer I felt prepared for almost anything.  Today's Friday Fast was a blessing spent in local community service, assisting one Boy Scout "Scott" working on his Community Service badge. We stood outdoors in the freezing cold with a few drops of sleet too!  Other senior volunteers (indoors) organized the collection of non-perishables at the library for the local Food Drive.  This food drive was held for approx 72 families in need.

Nov-30:   I received a new email from Rubylin (Dr Angie's team) re Harris Meml College students' food drive for PHI relief efforts. The repackaged the food items coillected and then traveled to
the communities of Tibiao, Barbaza and Culasi in Antique province, to distribute them to 1000 families.  God bless the students and their community work. 

Nov-29:  This 'Friday Fast' was a blessing, without the sense of needing food.  I was relaxed and confident.  I spent most of the day with family and friends, staying active.  It is interesting that people will choose not to eat in front of you while you are Fasting, even though one is comfortable.  The total donation for today was $26.33. 

Nov-23 AM:   Received email from Harris Memorial College Community Service Development team (Rubylin, Tonette, Olive, Eduardo, Ted, plus Dr Angie).  Harris College held a food drive to contribute to the PHI relief efforts.  The team wiht Harris students and Harris' Chaplain, Rev Charles Mendoza, packaged food items in preparation for the long transport, picture attached.  Some students joined the caravan for delivery to the impacted area of eastern Visayas, approx 13-1/2 hour drive, or 839 km (521 miles).

Harris Memorial College students food-drive 

 

Map of Philippines from Manilla area to eastern Visayas

Nov-22 Evening:   The amount saved in today's two meals for the "Friday Fast" total $13.66.  

Now, here is the rest of the story:   I woke up feeling terrific Friday morning, great attitude and energy.  After volunteering in the morning, I stopped for a late-lunch, and after praying over the food I was receiving, a light-bulb went off.   It's Friday, and I had taken several bites of sandwich already.  I asked the Lord for forgiveness towards the Friday Fast.  I have been focused on serving 3 local communities which lead me to forget my Fast commitment.  

Dear Lord;  Please help me stay on track for the Friday Fasts and to serve as you would have me.  Let me be a blessing to those in need in the near and far communities and in the Philippines. These things I ask each and every day in Jesus name. Amen.

Nov-18:  Good morning Lord.  Today is a great day.  The United Methodist organization asked congregations on Sunday to consider making a donation to UMCOR disaster relief in the Philippines, UMCOR International relief #982450:  http://www.umcor.org/

UMCOR website Nov-17 article indicates that Volunteers & UMCOR staff in Manilla, PHI with a caravan of 2 vehicles + a 42 foot cargo truck, began a 26-hour trek to typhoon-stricken communities in central Philippines.  Photo below from UMCOR website is Rev Alan Cabas, UMCOR Manilla office, loading a truck.  God bless their journey.

Nov-16 AM:  My donation totals $25.25 USD for Nov-15 Friday Fast for 3 meals.  I was very hungry by the end of the day. Next Friday will be better.  Following is a passage from reading this morning:  "Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful."  Hebrews 10:23.

Nov-15 AM:  Today starts the "Friday Fast" with Dr Angelito Broncano, Harris Memorial College, &  the 100+ Deaconess students in Taytay, Rizal province, Philippines.  God Bless Dr Angie and her team as they commit to save the money (Pesos) they would spend on food on Friday in the Philippines. They will donate it to UMCOR for disaster relief efforts.  My joining them in this goal seemed like a simple way to support their cause.

Waking up this morning at 6:30 am with my cat NaiPaul meowing for breakfast, I got up to feed him and realized I was hungry too.  OMG Oh my gosh....  It's Friday Fast day and I can't eat food today!  This will be quite interesting since there is so much advertising everywhere we go related to food & eating.  Ooops.. did I just really say that.  All I have to do is stop to pray, find that Peace and be still, and restart the day again.  

I can do all things in Him who strengthens me.  Philipians 4:13

Nov-13:   Prayers are requested for Virgie in Upper Javier.  Virgie is one of the leaders at Upper Javier's sewing center.  Recently she has been hospitalized with fluid on the lungs & I pray for her  recovery.  Virgie is the second person I met in the Upper Javier community and I always remember her smile.  Please keep Virgie and her family in your thoughts and prayers.

Nov-13 Late Evening:   Dr. Angie Broncano emailed an update regarding Philippines.  Dr. Angie &  the Deaconess students (approx 110) at Harris Memorial College have committed to Fast on Fridays for 2 weeks starting Nov-15.  Each will donate the money they would have spent on their meals to UMCOR disaster relief efforts in the Philippines.  God bless Dr Angie & the Deaconess students.
I am joining the Friday Fast starting Nov-15 and will continue through Dec-20.  I will make a donation to UMCOR representing the amount I would have spent on meals.  This should prove interesting in calculating the varied costs.  And Yes, I do remember how to use a calculator!
If anyone is interested in joining me in the Fast, please let me know. 

Nov-13, 2013 evening:   The Upper Javier community in the Philippines, Dr. Angie Broncano and the Community Development Team at Harris Memorial College in Taytay, Rizal Province, PHI are  well.  I have been in sparse communication with Dr Angie since Nov-7.  Super Typhoon "Haiyan"  moved over the Philippines islands and left great devestation in/near Tacloban.          
UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) is sending disaster relief contributions to the Philippines immediately.  Following is the UMCOR site: http://www.umcor.org/ where you can make a contribution directly and all donations will go directly to the relief efforts in the Philippines.  It will be greatly appreciated by thousands. 

Nov-13, 2013.  Three months have passed quickly since my last blog entry.  I have spent some of this time sorting out what to do next.  When Life's journey takes a turn, one must have Peace and be still to recognize the change.  It was a difficult decision to leave the Philippines last June, but I knew it was the right decision: family comes first.  God used that experience to remind me, on a deeper level, how many blessings we have each and every day.  Also that we can be a blessing to one and to many in the simplest means, by supporting the local community and at a distance, giving of ourselves and our resources.  Thank God.

07-31-13:  Thanks to Jon Fripp, Chapin Living Waters organization, providing the Bucket Irrigation kits to take to the Philippines in May 2013.  HMC Community Development team member, Eduardo Jocson, took the kits to the indigenous community in Sitio Manggahan, Brgy Laiban, Tanay, Rizal Province.  Eduardo reviewed the procedures to install and maintain the irrigation kits with the  farmers in their native Tagalog.  The farmers plant twice annually and are excited to see the outcome since installing the irrigation kits.  I look forward to returning to the Philippines next year to visit the community to discuss learnings since the kits were installed in July.   Due to thePhilippines' rainy season during the summer months, travel to this area is challenging. 

Thanks to Brother Eduardo Jocson for his effort to carry the kits to the community, training the farmers, plus taking the terrific photos!

 

 

 

 

07-28-13:   Rev Kevin Otto, Sr. Pastor, St Stephen's United Methodist Church, Houston, TX, this morning discussed the Lord's Prayer in his sermon and that near 50% of our children today are unfamiliar with the Prayer.   This reminded me of the one-day spiritual retreat I attended on May 29 with Dr. Angie Broncano and faculty at Harris Memorial College, Taytay, Philippines.  The retreat focused on the topic "Reflections on the Lord's Prayer" based on the book "Fifty Seven Words that Change the World" by Darrell W. Johnson.  I believe this Prayer is most profound and Rev Otto suggested that we use the Lord's Prayer as a guide when we need help praying.  It is comforting to know that we can all use the same prayer, no matter what.

As a reminder, tune in to radio station KSBJ (89.3 FM) for the Lord's Prayer at 12 Noon daily. 

[It was presented by Mrs. Malou, World Vision Development Organization. ]

If you would like a scanned copy of the participant guide from the retreat, send an email to upperjavier2013@gmail.com. 

07/17/13:    Upper Javier's Pre-K school teacher, Olive Oliveros,sent updated photos of the Feeding Program at Upper Javier for the pre-K school children.  In addition to photos of the pre-K school  children, photos of Ka-Ricah with the mothers who volunteered to prepare and cook the food are included.      

 

   

07/16/13:  Personal highlight:

Upon special last-minute request, I volunteered for Vacation Bible School in Mauriceville, LA on June 28-30.  Rev Sharon Sabom, one of my Philippines mission buddies, contacted me asking for help and I answered the call.

I had planned to volunteer at VBS at my home church, St Stephens United Methodist Church, and this would be a great refresher practice.  I had completed the required new online Safe Sanctuary training prior to my Philippines trip, so I thought I was thoroughly prepared.


I served as AV tech (though my sister labels me as AV challenged.)  The new AV system had just been installed the day I arrived.  Oh my gosh what did I get my self into now?  Anyway, I  had the very best time and met a lot of wonderful people.  I have included a few photos including Pastor Sharon. 

This is another reminder that you never know what God has in store for each one of us or how God will use us on any given day.   Amen.

On July 14 at St Stephens United Methodist Church service Elizabeth Jackson presented Rev Kevin Otto, Sr Pastor, St Stephens United Methodist Church, Houston, TX USA with the recognition plaque of appreciation from Harris Memorial College, Taytay, Rizal, Philippines.  The plaque was presented on behalf of Harris Memorial College's President, Dr. Cristina N. Manabat, and Dr. Angelita B. Broncano, Director Community Education & Service Development.  The recognition was presented for St Stephens' ongoing support of the Upper Javier missions project in the past 3 years, specifically the support of education for the pre-K school, the feeding program, and the work program of the women's sewing project for substainable development.  The benefits of this support have a rippling effect extending throughout the community, continuing today.  

Thank you to all St Stephens' church members and to the Missions Committee for their generous giving.

07/14/13:   Update:   There are 36 students attending pre-K school in Upper Javier this school year.    Remember:  in the Philippines the school year starts in June!  This is an increase of 10 students from last year's attendance of 26 students.  It is wonderful to have the increase of students. 

Note, due to the increased number of students, the supplemental feeding program, which St Stephens UMC supports, is stretched to schedule for twice weekly.  Last year the weekly feeding program was scheduled three times weekly due to the smaller group.   

God bless the Mothers of Upper Javier who volunteer to prepare and cook the food for the feeding program. 

Also, God bless Olive, Upper Javier's pre-K school teacher, & teacher's assistant (unnamed), for their ongoing commitment, undying effort, high energy, and love for the little ones. 

Education is our most valuable tool for a brighter tomorrow! 

   

07/12/13:  Following are updated pictures from last week of Upper Javier's Sewing Center capturing the volunteer worker installing the electrical and ceiling lights.  

The major construction completed in June included:   moving  one wall to enlarge the building; adding 2 windows to the new wal;, & raising the roof with a slight pitch to improve air circulation.   

Keep in mind the rainy season started extra early in June which greatly impacted the work schedule for completion of this project.  The volunteer workers have made great strides, working in high heat, humidity, & the rain! 

The Sewing Center is near completion, with some basic flooring work pending.   We are hopeful the Center will be backup running by early August.

Thanks to the young men in the Upper Javier community that volunteer(ed) to work on the project with Ta-Reuben and Alan Miller.

Upper Javier update with photos of PreK classes

07/07/2013:   Today is Sunday following 4^th July celebration.  I have been back in the states now for 3 weeks and my heart is still in Upper Javier!  I am making an effort to stay connected to Upper Javier through the summer with updates to the blog site.    

Attached are recently received photos of Upper Javier’s PreK-1 class of 4 year olds (left photo) and PreK-II class of 5 year olds (right photo).  Classes started mid-June.  Aren't these kids absolutely the cutest?  Thanks to the dedicated efforts of Olive, preK school teacher and the teacher’s assistant.   Also I want to send a thank you to the parents of these children, whom clean the school twice daily and prepare and cook the food for the feeding program.   

06/24/13:    Thanks to Pastor Sharon Sabom for her continued support and prayers during this challenging time.  I greatly appreciate it.   God bless you,

06/23/13:   Attended church this morning at St Stephens United Methodist church.  It is the first sermon in English I have heard in over 1 month.  Listening to the choir sing this morning was also different …  as I still hear (in the back of my mind) the Deaconess students' angelic voices filling the church with the native language, Tagalog.  Obviously I am still adjusting to life back home in the states.  

I am reminded that I left Dr Angie with 2500 Pesos to purchase some story books in Taytay for the Upper Javier Pre-K school children.   I advised Dr Angie that I would also purchase books from the local MAM resale shop and ship them to Olive for the Pre-K school.   I will followup with Olive in the next week.

I am also reminded that Sandy at St Stephens UMC has a closet of material collected for sewing projects, and I am thinking about shipping some to the Sewing Center.  

06/21/13:   I will be checking in with Olive Oliveros, Upper Javier Pre-K school teacher, routinely for updates regarding the Pre-K school activities and the feeding program which St Stephens UMC is sponsoring.  The construction work for the Sewing Center should be near completion within the week or so, if not already.   I hope to have updates of the Sewing Center and also photos of the women beginning to sew again.  

A special Thank You for all those that contributed to the Sewing Center's construction project.

Ka-Ricah and I previously discussed the opportunity for the women to sew floor mats at the competitive market price, and buyers have been identified.  This gives the sewers additional options contributing to the work program.  I will followup with Olive to check that she has arranged for the box of non-cotton material at Harris Memorial College to be delivered to Upper Javier Sewing Center so the women can begin designing and sewing the floor mats.  

06/16/13:  After a lot of prayers, I made a difficult decision to return home in order to address an urgent family matter.  It was one of the hardest decisions I have had to make.  I departed 6/18,   arrived home 6/19, and am not ready to stop.   My heart is still in Upper Javier today.   I will continue as best I can but from a distance (so to speak). 

I am so grateful for the relationships developed at Harris Memorial College and at Upper Javier, specifically Ka-Ricah, Virgean, Ruby and all the women Sewers.  I am also very grateful for the opportunity to learn about teaching English as Second Language (ESL).  I hope to work with the ESL program in the Houston area so that I can share learnings with Harris Memorial College. 
Attached is photo of the dress sewn at Upper Javier which the women gave to me as a parting gift.  I am humbled by their generosity and love the dress.  The women used and modified the pattern they recently learned to sew.  These women are amazing!   I am very, very proud to call these women my friends and look forward to returning to Upper Javier

. 

06/14/13 PM:  Tentatively planning to hold a meeting with Upper Javier community to discuss if there is interest for another basic class on Sewing & separate class on Gardening.  Apparently more women in the community want to learn to sew & a few expressed interest in gardening to feed their families.
I am hopeful the men & youth will also be interested in basic gardening.  Over time this could  develop into a community-wide activity everyone participates in, benefits from, & takes pride in.  IF we can teach a small core group in the community to grow their own vegetables to provide for their families, then they can teach others in the community as well as sharing their bounty with the community & beyond.   I pray that God will open the doors to provide this opportunity, but obviously will wait to see how it develops. 

In the meantime I can do some homework, for example:  research the common pests & local plants that may help minimize pests; where to buy local seed and soil (if needed); review soil content in Upper Javier.  Some common vegetables grown nearby include:  cabbage; green onions; white radish; okra; tomato; bell peppers; squash; string beans.  All of these are used routinely in soup (“Sopas”) which is eaten year round.  Dr Angie’s team will plan a trip with me to a local farming community in order to observe & learn about local farming.  [PS: I may start a small test garden near the Canteen on College campus which would benefit Chef Hector & his kitchen staff. Not sure how the rainy season will impact it though.]

06/14/13:  In the morning I attended the Pre-K Orientation meeting with parents & met the mothers & children.  Children are very excited to start school.  Parent volunteers were identified  to cook the meals for the feeding program three times weekly, plus volunteers for cleaning the school twice daily.  Parents involvement in the school keeps them directly connected to the program & provides them with a voice in the community while setting a positive role model example for their children too.   Though everyone may not attend Pre-K school due to economics or the class limit of 30, they are trying to accommodate as best possible.  Currently there are 28 students ready to start pre-k & the photos reflect their excitement.  I wish good luck to the Pre-K teacher, Olive Oliveros, who also serves as my interpreter.  

The afternoon was spent shopping for some educational toys for teaching the 4 & 5 year olds, ie, abacus & building blocks.  All other school supplies for the 28 students have been collected.  We may go shopping one more time to the open market for some flash cards. 

06/13/13 Evening:   The evening was spent clarifying my schedule of volunteer activities: 
- On Monday & Friday mornings (8-Noon):   I will conduct a one-on-one ESL session with a Japanese student.  Student’s name is “Kota”, 17 years old.   Kota loves to sing per his mother.  In addition to  the ESL syllabus developed by the College, I am thinking that music may be a useful tool in teaching Kota.  He is currently at Pre-K level of understanding & speaking English as a second language.  Kota desires to learn English in order to write music.  The ESL sessions start Monday 6/17.
- On Tuesdays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays (7:30 – 4:00pm):  I will assist Upper Javier women with the feeding program for Pre-K children.  The feeding, 3 times weekly, supplements their  meal.  I will also attend Pre-K school when available in afternoon.  Pre-K 1 class for 4 year olds is held in the morning from 8-11:30, and Pre-K 2 class for 5 year olds from 1-5pm.   It will be interesting to learn the logistics for the feeding program, ie food purchase & cooking preparation. 
- On Tuesdays & Thursdays (6 - 7:30 pm):  I will audit the Tagalog-1 Language class in order to learn the native language fundamentals.   I look forward to this class starting on Tuesday 6/18.

06/13/13:   The trek to Upper Javier this morning was different.   A heavy rain fell all night into early morning.   My goal for the day was to capture photos of the foot path the workers use to walk-in the construction materials, from the delivery point to the construction site, the “Sewing Center”.   This foot path, approx. one-quarter mile, is narrow at many points & a very steep climb for anyone.  With the heavy rains, it makes it treacherous walking in the mud.   Part of the pathway is actually paved with concrete, approx. 20” wide, though this makes it even more slick & challenging.  Typhoon season started early this year and one has occurred already in the south near Mindanao.  The College is located high in the mountains & less chance of flooding.   As a reminder, Upper Javier community is built on the side of a mountain & I wasn’t sure I would ever visit before, during or after any rain.   Today was the day though.  The workers continue walking in material from the drop point.  Two windows were purchased & delivered today.   This will increase the airflow in the Sewing Center.  

 

06/12/13:   Today was an early start departing at 8AM for Upper Javier.   The team of teenagers from Bellaire UMC and the Deaconess students were energized and ready for a day full of activities.   Children’s activities were held in the morning, and then a snack + school supplies distributed to each of them.  Of course it seems like there is never enough. Due to Rizal holiday, the number was adjusted from the original count of 60 children to 200!  There was still a shortage of snacks by approx. 20 children.  Rest at lunchtime was well deserved & the team returned to the College to regroup.   In the afternoon the team held an activity for Upper Javier youth which was thoroughly enjoyed.  The youth also received an appropriate "youth" snack and school supplies.    

06/11/13:    This morning Olive and I traveled to market by tricycle to purchase material for the curtains for the Pre-K school & Golud Church of Upper Javier (TUMC).   "Ginjee" material was purchased for 20 Pesos/yard at 45" width.  This is very reasonable considering 42 Pesos = $1 USD.    White lace panels were also purcahsed for the 2 church windows, plus 4 cotton floor rugs for the entry doors at 25 Pesos per rug.  

We visited Upper Javier in the afternoon with the team of teenagers & Pastor that arrived from Bellaire UMC.   They conducted the children’s extension program with the group of Deaconess students from Harris Memorial College as interpreters.   I spent time with Ka-Ricah practicing  English with her, building relationship, & discussing sewing the curtains for the Pre-K school & church.   After showing Ka-Ricah the floor rugs we purchased earlier at market, another light bulb lit up & I began inquiring if the women would be intersted in learning to sew the floor rugs.  A commitment with Dr Angie, Harris Memorial College, was agreed to that the Upper Javier women  could learn and begin sewing floor rugs to sell to Harris’ faculty and students.  This gives them several items to be able to sew and sell.   The sewers can use the material not appropriate to use  for clothing in the tropics, & make floor rugs.   Also there will be ample scraps that can be used for “mug-mug” (stuffing).   I shared with Ka-Ricah that she & the sewers can sew the floor rugs easily without a pattern and their skill level continues to improve.  The women can ask 25 Pesos per floor rug which is the current competitive rate.  I was & still am very excited that we stumbled on to this.  God is definitely keeping his finger on the pulse of the women's sewing livelihood program.   

   

06/08/13:   Spent the day in Upper Javier at Ta-Reuben and Ka-Ricah’s home.   Project material was delivered & volunteers walked it into the community, approx 4+ hours.  The morning was spent with the women building relationships.  Everyone took a one hour rest period after a wonderful lunch of  fried Sardines, Rice, and Vegetable soup with Pork, all prepared by the local women.  The afternoon was spent piecing “ruugs” together to be sewn.  “Ruugs” are round hot pads made of scraps of material, and they are used for anything you can imagine!  It looked so simple to cut out and sew, but ahhhh contrare.  They do not use a pattern, they cut out the pieces (freehand), and then piece  it together which looks like artwork.  Young children are taught at an early age and help with piecing.   Anyway, there is an art to it, and I finally figured it out after several hours of piecing.  We had a very enjoyable day. 

06/08/13:   The pre-K school which is held in the Golud Methodist Church of Upper Javier, was cleaned thoroughly by the teacher and local women of the community.   It was decided that children’s’ interlocking, rubber floor mats will be purchased for the pre-k school.  [There is actually a Toys R Us Manilla!]  The rubber floor mats can be easily cleaned and both sides used.   This will protect the children from the concrete floors.   Once the sewing center project is completed, the women sewers will then sew new curtains for the pre-k school and church.

06/07/13:  Today I accompanied the team (RubyLynn, community facilitator; Alan Miller, construction lead; Olive Oliveros, pre-k school teacher) to various hardware stores to price construction materials for the sewing center project.  Alan Miller and Ta-Reuben (Upper Javier leader) adjusted the project goals,  modified the list of materials, and are now on track to have materials delivered 6/8 (Sat) morning.  We will be praying that the seasonal rains hold off for the next week!   Lumber, concrete mix (bags) & sand, metal roofing, rebar, tie wire, etc., will be dropped at the “overlooking” place.   Refer to the photos and it will become very obvious.  The materials will be walked into the community by many volunteers as no vehicle or trailer can maneuver the narrow foot paths.   [We sure could use a helicopter!]  Construction work will start Monday.
  

06/06/13:   The 3-day (12 hour) ESL sessions for the Korean students completed today.   The Korean organization, GENY, which chose Harris Memorial College for English grammar tutorial of their students was extremely pleased in the outcome which had a greater benefit then expected.  For example, one student is now speaking with more confidence.  The teachers were and are excellent in their teaching skills, and also do it care, love, and respect.  They are hopeful these students will continue their studies to excel in English as their second language.  Attached are a few photos, including my teen-age student, Joon Young Lee.  Dr. Christy Mannabat, President of Harris Memorial College, is shown in the pink suit.

 

 

06/04/13:   The ESL class started this morning at 8:00 AM with the group of Korean students.  Harris Memorial College Dean provided a syllabus focusing on English Grammar including Conversation.  The Korean students know English at various levels & are smart, but need more practice.  The group of students consist of 10 elementary students + one 8th grader.  "John", the 8th grader & 15 years old, is my student.  He is extremely shy, tall, & speaks softly.  John plays classical Violin + Piano.  I located a Piano in one of the conference rooms in the College, & at my request he played a classic composition that was beautiful.  The acronym "O...M...G..." is the only thing that came to mind.   This young man is talented.  His family moved here 3 months ago from S. Korea, and both parents are missionaries.  John is taking his time to adjust.  He bowed with respect to me as he left class today.  I am so pleased to have such a smart student.  I am hopeful that I can motivate him to become more comfortable in the next day or 2.  I will introduce him to the young male student attending school at Harris for pre-Seminary studies.  He too is very shy. I will incorporate this as part of our Conversation practice activities on Wed.

06/03/13:  More productive sewing of the blouses and a Dress now thanks to the wonderful sewing by Virgean!  These women are so talented.  One of the sewing machines is down due to high use, and waiting on technician for repair.  Thanks to Olive for modeling the dress.  Tentatively the women are hopeful to be able to sell the dresses to students at Harris College in addition to neighbors of Upper Javier community or surrounding areas.  They have to develop a plan of action first to be competitive with the open market, if at all possible.  

Photos of Valencia Church Service on 6-2-13 with Pastor Mendoza.

06/02/13:   Attended Harris College Valencia Methodist Church service for the new Chaplain/Pastor Charles Mendoza’s first service.  Their service was conducted in Tagalog and was lovely, 1-1/2 hours of praise singing and worship.  I am working on my diction and pronunciation, but as you can imagine it will take me a while.  I can share that Hesus is Jesus, and Amen is still Amen.   This church’s small congregation have voices like a large angelic choir.   Attached are photos of the Deaconess students and Pastor Mendoza and family.  PS: I participated in Methodist Communion with wafers and grape juice, though I was not able to follow the reading in Tagalog.   I share the following from the service:

Scripture:    Tawag Sa Pagsisisi    1 Juan 1:9
  “Kung ipinahahayag natin an gating mga kasalanan,
maasahan nating ipatatawad sa atin ng Diyos ang mga ito at
lilinisin tayo sa lahat ng ating kasamaan sapagkat siya’y matuwid.”
Following is an excerpt from a song this morning:
Imno Ng Pagtatalaga At Pasasalamat  
[Where He Leads Me I Will Follow]

Si Jesus ay tumatawag, Ito ang isniasaad;
Krus mo’y pasani’t lumakad, sa aki’y sumunod ka agad.
Kung saan ako akayin,  Ay duon ako lalakad,
Hanggang sa aking sapitin,
Ang hangganan ng Kanyan landas.   Amen.
 

 

06/01/13:  Upper Javier Pre-K School needs additional curtains.  We went to the open market to search for ready-made curtains but to no avail.  This is another teaching opportunity & we will sew them.  Note the material has to be very sheer in order to dry quickly to avoid mildew (the building is open to weather).  Ready-made, simple curtains are 100 Pesos per panel.  We can purchase material at 20 Pesos per yard at 60” width (equal to one panel).   I love material and was in Heaven while roaming from market to market, looking at bolts of material of exquisite colors and designs.  Philippines is known for its garment industry.  Will upload photos when curtains are complete.   Remember, recent rate of 41.45 Pesos = 1 USD.      

05/29/13:   Recent days’ chaos is indicative of preparation for June school start.  Discussions held to  work through expectations, schedules, logistics, and start of the rainy season which impacts everything!  For example, when it is raining you cannot easily (safely) walk into the Upper Javier community, thus Pre-K school is not held.   Rev Diane McGehee and team will arrive June 5.
Several days of children’s activities at Upper Javier will be held.  Alan Miller and local workers will work on repairs of Upper Javier’s Sewing Center, including patching the roof. 

05-25-13.  Attended Upper Javier Vacation Church School graduation for a group of 25 children, ages 5 years old to teen-age. They were so excited & proud to be graduating.  Missions Pastor Orlan Leal, Taytay United Methodist Church, lead the graduation with the teachers, 7 Deaconess students from Harris Memorial College.  After praise singing & worship, the students received their Graduation Certificates for Best Attendance, Most Energetic, and Completing Vacation Church School.  Pastor Leal is moving to a new church June 1 & will miss Upper Javier.  Pastor Leal's email is orlanleal@yahoo.com.

   Pastor Kevin Otto of my home church, St Stephens United Methodist Church, reminds us on Sunday mornings to “..use words when necessary..”.  I had a feeling I would be called to speak at graduation, thus I wrote down my thoughts (to be prepared this time).  

   Thank you for inviting me to join you today. A very long time ago I also attended Vacation Bible School when I was your age. I learned about Jesus, that Jesus was born on Christmas Eve, that he loved all the little children all over the world, that he died on the cross for all of our sins so that we may be renewed in life.  Let us remember:  to practice what the teachers and Pastor teach us form the Bible; that we should follow God’s laws, and when we do this God will smile upon us with His grace and love. Let us bow our head to pray, repeat after me:

     Dear Lord.  Thank you for our wonderful teachers and Pastor. Help us to continue growing and learning more about Jesus. Help us when we pray and to remember others in our prayers. God bless our mothers and fathers every day.  In Jesus name. Amen.