Upper Javier 2013 blogsite launch 4-25-2013

Elizabeth Jackson (“ate Elizabeth”), a native Houstonian and life-long Methodist, has always followed her 2 passions.  First, her overwhelming love of plants from an early age motivated her to obtain an Associate’s Degree in Horticulture Science (including Landscaping & Small Farming).  Elizabeth continues working on a Bachelor’s Degree in Agronomy at A&M focusing on trees and propagation.  Her second passion is volunteer work in the local community.  In 2005 Elizabeth’s mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and Elizabeth served as primary caregiver for nearly 5 years until her Mother passed.  Another family member was diagnosed with a serious illness that same year, and Elizabeth has helped them adjust.  They are doing very well today thanks to God, persistence, and assistance of MHMRA.  In late 2010 God pointed Elizabeth in a new direction, combining the 2 passions.  She traveled with Together in Hope (non-profit organization) as part of a missions team in 2011 to Manila, Philippines to work in the  impoverished community of Upper Javier. 

In 2012 Elizabeth returned to Upper Javier and held a sewing class thanks to the spontaneous ideas + extra pattern from Rev. Sharon Sabom!  This class contributed to the sustainable development of the sewing work program.  After the sewing class, an impromptu creative session resulted in a showing of new items designed by the students of that sewing class.  

In Elizabeth’s home church, St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church, the Missions Committee has designated a communion offering for the past three years to assist in education at Upper Javier’s Pre-K School and also to assist in the feeding program of malnourished children.   The need is great.  

Elizabeth is returning to Upper Javier in May 2013 to continue the missions work and to assist teaching English Second Language (ESL) in the community.  Immersed in the culture, she is hopeful to learn the native language Tagalog and in her free time improve  her guitar playing.   

Elizabeth is also working with Jon Fripp, Chapin Living Waters, to educate/implement the Bucket Irrigation System in impoverished rural communities of Philippines.  Tentative plans are to visit the indigenous Dumagat tribe of North Luzon mountain area. Chapin Living Waters:  http://www.chapinlivingwaters.org/

 “ate Elizabeth” will appreciate your ongoing prayers as she continues working in the Philippines.