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.