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.