Here are only a few things that really stand out, but the list could go on, and on:
Roosters crowing every morning..and actually all day, and actually all night, and actually lots and lots of roosters...everywhere.
The workers sweeping the streets with stiff brooms creating a unique sound to accompany the roosters in the mornings.
A sweet rhythm of flip-flops, everywhere.
Wednesday morning trips to Palegnke (the farmers market). Waking up around 5am, while the rest of the city sleeps, and is completely quite, climbing into a packed jeepney with the other volunteers, watching the sunrise over the mountains, as we make our way there, and the hustle and bustle, and shouting voices of the venders and buyers when we finally arrive. Getting a weeks worth of fruit and vegetables for about 10 or 15 dollars, in about 10 or 15 mins, and then leaving our bags in the jeepney for a brisk jog home.
The laughter and songs from the social centers that seem to fill the whole valley where we live.
The tricycle drivers always asking us if we want a boat ride.
White, and oh so tasty, rice.
Everyone laughing at our English.
"Hey Joe" everywhere we go. Since that's what they call all Americans.
Tasty Halo-Halo.
All the love we received from the ever smiling Filipinos that never ceased to give us their time, or thoughtfulness.
Being immersed into a completely new culture, pushing ourselves to experience new, and sometimes very difficult things, so as to grow always as Christians, to always serve our neighbors, and to know God more fully.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Monday, June 8, 2009
June 9, 2009 - Still Going Strong
Hello Everyone!
Everything here is still going great. There is a lot of changes going on, with many volunteers going home, and new ones arriving. It is always a bit sad, but also exciting as we are continuously meeting new people, from all over the world, trying to do one important thing, "Love Thy Neighbor".
This coming weekend we have a Family Retreat, and we are very excited. One night there will be a fest, where Michael and I will be dancing a traditional Filipino dance! We jump over bamboo with some awesome and slightly complicated movements. Can't wait to show off when we get home!
Not much more to update, except that we just can't wait to see everyone!
Everything here is still going great. There is a lot of changes going on, with many volunteers going home, and new ones arriving. It is always a bit sad, but also exciting as we are continuously meeting new people, from all over the world, trying to do one important thing, "Love Thy Neighbor".
This coming weekend we have a Family Retreat, and we are very excited. One night there will be a fest, where Michael and I will be dancing a traditional Filipino dance! We jump over bamboo with some awesome and slightly complicated movements. Can't wait to show off when we get home!
Not much more to update, except that we just can't wait to see everyone!
Monday, June 1, 2009
Tuesday, June 2, 2009 - Splash Mountain, Camera Crew,and Oh So Sick
We were very sick. Michael and I are recovering from a ridiculously horrible stomach virus. We got sick the Sunday we came back from Manila, and it stuck with us for about one whole week, and then we finally went to a doctor on Sunday, to make sure it wasn’t something more serious. We are in recovery and would say about 90% there.
Things have been going well. I have switched work to try and experience something new, and I love it. We make lots of different things, like shirts for students, etc. I work with a variety of different people, from all over the Asian world; Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, Korea, and of course Philippines. It is nice to hear all their stories how they got here, and what their experiences have been.
Michael continues to work at Pagasa, and they are expecting a TV crew sometime in the next few days to do a segment on the Social Center there. After a few months of going without a haircut or shaving, “we” (and I mean “I”) decided that it would be a good idea for him to get one to be somewhat presentable. Unfortunately this backfired just a tad. Michael going back to the place we had gone once before, and were happy with the results, (50 pesos/1 dollar for a cut) just asked for the same haircut. Turns out that the barber didn’t quite remember what that meant, and just decided to take it all off. With a razor! Lucky for Michael he has a nicely shaped head, and is handsome as ever. And the cameras postponed for a future date.
We also went on a little field trip with Pagasa to…”SPLASH MOUNTAIN”! (This for me was a dream come true, for years I have been asking my Dad to take me to Splash Mountain, and I finally made it.) It was a nice place, lots of different pools, and slides, and we had a great time!
As our time is getting closer to an end, we are trying to live the present moment completely and fully, although it is a little tough as we are excited to see everyone again, and time passes so quickly with our days packed full.
We miss you all.
Things have been going well. I have switched work to try and experience something new, and I love it. We make lots of different things, like shirts for students, etc. I work with a variety of different people, from all over the Asian world; Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, Korea, and of course Philippines. It is nice to hear all their stories how they got here, and what their experiences have been.
Michael continues to work at Pagasa, and they are expecting a TV crew sometime in the next few days to do a segment on the Social Center there. After a few months of going without a haircut or shaving, “we” (and I mean “I”) decided that it would be a good idea for him to get one to be somewhat presentable. Unfortunately this backfired just a tad. Michael going back to the place we had gone once before, and were happy with the results, (50 pesos/1 dollar for a cut) just asked for the same haircut. Turns out that the barber didn’t quite remember what that meant, and just decided to take it all off. With a razor! Lucky for Michael he has a nicely shaped head, and is handsome as ever. And the cameras postponed for a future date.
We also went on a little field trip with Pagasa to…”SPLASH MOUNTAIN”! (This for me was a dream come true, for years I have been asking my Dad to take me to Splash Mountain, and I finally made it.) It was a nice place, lots of different pools, and slides, and we had a great time!
As our time is getting closer to an end, we are trying to live the present moment completely and fully, although it is a little tough as we are excited to see everyone again, and time passes so quickly with our days packed full.
We miss you all.
Monday, May 18, 2009
May 19, 2009 - Bukas Palad, Manila
Michael and I experienced a lot this past week, which has left a great impression on us, and we hope to never forget.
Bukas Palad in Manila turns out to be different in many ways from the social centers here in Tagaytay. Although the mission is quite similar, and many of the services they offer are the same, everything in Manila is on a much larger scale, including the poverty.
For example, while here in Tagaytay, a doctor or dentist comes twice a month, in Manila, they come everyday, and the amount of sponsored children is almost double.
Michael and I had the opportunity to work in the clinic with expecting mothers, and preparing some of the materials for the dentists. We also helped in the school, preparing materials for the upcoming school year. In the morning we taught swim lessons to the older children (I was happy to come prepared from many summers at Woodstock Water Works).
While in Manila we actually got to stay in the housing units built for some of the poor families, and some of the workers at the social center. Just to give you an idea. The units are about the size of a small dorm room, two story, and fit two people semi comfortably for one week. Much longer and claustrophobia would start to set in. These units normally house a whole family, with multiple children. As you can imagine this means that the streets are filled with children playing because the homes are so tight. Builds much stronger community, because everyone is forced outside of their homes. Every time we opened our door about 5 children would run in, and play. It was nice to be immediately part of the community. But also hard to know that while we were only staying a week, this was permanent for them.
After this first experience, the social center is now building units twice this size.
But most striking was the home visits we made from which many of the sponsored children come from, and which Bukas Palad serves. The only description I can accurately give would be to imagine what a concentration camp might look like. People literally piled upon each other. Taking turns to sleep at night because there just isn't enough room on the dirt ground to sleep. And garbage everywhere. The houses are so crammed next to each other, on top of each other about 4 stories high, with pathways extremely narrow which children use as a bathroom. And this we are told is better than what most people have. Many push a small wagon around filled with family belongings which they unload at night in order for a place to sleep. Or they live under bridges over garbage filled rivers. The pain of seeing these communities, and hearing many heartbreaking stories was overwhelming.
And extremely confusing, because just across the rivers where these families live is extreme wealth. Thousands of people driving by everyday, and never accepting what over half of the population is living in.
It gave me a true examination of my own conscience and what I do not make myself see in my own city. What am I passing by everyday, what poverty exists that I refuse to see or help, allowing the culture of materialism and wealth cloud my vision. Michael and I realized how much of a responsibility we have to always keep our eyes open, and to not stand idle. We are very happy to have had this experience in Manila as it allowed us to grow, even if it was painful, and we hope to continue growing.
I will post some pictures soon which will help to illustrate in a tiny way what we experienced, and what others live.
Love you all.
Bukas Palad in Manila turns out to be different in many ways from the social centers here in Tagaytay. Although the mission is quite similar, and many of the services they offer are the same, everything in Manila is on a much larger scale, including the poverty.
For example, while here in Tagaytay, a doctor or dentist comes twice a month, in Manila, they come everyday, and the amount of sponsored children is almost double.
Michael and I had the opportunity to work in the clinic with expecting mothers, and preparing some of the materials for the dentists. We also helped in the school, preparing materials for the upcoming school year. In the morning we taught swim lessons to the older children (I was happy to come prepared from many summers at Woodstock Water Works).
While in Manila we actually got to stay in the housing units built for some of the poor families, and some of the workers at the social center. Just to give you an idea. The units are about the size of a small dorm room, two story, and fit two people semi comfortably for one week. Much longer and claustrophobia would start to set in. These units normally house a whole family, with multiple children. As you can imagine this means that the streets are filled with children playing because the homes are so tight. Builds much stronger community, because everyone is forced outside of their homes. Every time we opened our door about 5 children would run in, and play. It was nice to be immediately part of the community. But also hard to know that while we were only staying a week, this was permanent for them.
After this first experience, the social center is now building units twice this size.
But most striking was the home visits we made from which many of the sponsored children come from, and which Bukas Palad serves. The only description I can accurately give would be to imagine what a concentration camp might look like. People literally piled upon each other. Taking turns to sleep at night because there just isn't enough room on the dirt ground to sleep. And garbage everywhere. The houses are so crammed next to each other, on top of each other about 4 stories high, with pathways extremely narrow which children use as a bathroom. And this we are told is better than what most people have. Many push a small wagon around filled with family belongings which they unload at night in order for a place to sleep. Or they live under bridges over garbage filled rivers. The pain of seeing these communities, and hearing many heartbreaking stories was overwhelming.
And extremely confusing, because just across the rivers where these families live is extreme wealth. Thousands of people driving by everyday, and never accepting what over half of the population is living in.
It gave me a true examination of my own conscience and what I do not make myself see in my own city. What am I passing by everyday, what poverty exists that I refuse to see or help, allowing the culture of materialism and wealth cloud my vision. Michael and I realized how much of a responsibility we have to always keep our eyes open, and to not stand idle. We are very happy to have had this experience in Manila as it allowed us to grow, even if it was painful, and we hope to continue growing.
I will post some pictures soon which will help to illustrate in a tiny way what we experienced, and what others live.
Love you all.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Monday, May 4 - 2009 Quick Udate
Life has been going well this week in Tagaytay.
We have been busy, continuing the experience from last week, a baptism, and lots of people over for lunch and dinner. We are really trying to take advantage of our time here, as we are realizing we have already passed our 2 month mark!
We have one more week here in Tagaytay before our short stay in Manila, to volunteer at the Bukas Palad Social Center there. We are looking forward to the experience as our living situation will be with the poor families, and much different from the comfortable place we have currently. After this we will be back to Tagaytay to finish up our trip.
Miss you all, and always thinking about all of you!
We have been busy, continuing the experience from last week, a baptism, and lots of people over for lunch and dinner. We are really trying to take advantage of our time here, as we are realizing we have already passed our 2 month mark!
We have one more week here in Tagaytay before our short stay in Manila, to volunteer at the Bukas Palad Social Center there. We are looking forward to the experience as our living situation will be with the poor families, and much different from the comfortable place we have currently. After this we will be back to Tagaytay to finish up our trip.
Miss you all, and always thinking about all of you!
Monday, April 27, 2009
Monday, April 27 - 2009 Give and Receive
We have had a very good week.
But first I must give you the background.
Michael and I started to have a hard time these past couple of weeks with understanding how we might truly help the social centers and the very poor communities here. We felt that we weren't being given anything concrete to do, and it was frustrating because it had taken a lot for us to come to the Philippines. With these questions we decided to pray harder, just asking God to help us find some concrete way in which we could help.
This being said, we went to the Mariapolis. Mariapolis is a family retreat the Focolare hosts in all the different countries it is present. It is only once a year, and usually takes place over the weekend. It is a nice time for families to get together, learn more about how to truly live the Gospel in daily life, and hear experiences of those that do, and the impact it has. While we were there Michael and I met a couple from Brazil that has lived in the Philippines for 5 years working with a group called Facienda that helps recovering drug addicts. The program does not cost anything, it is a self-sustaining farming system, where they work to go through the program, sell and live off of the food they grow and the providence they receive. This couple is amazing. Even as volunteers, they live completely off providence! Even now that they two small children! I was astonished by the courage it would take to rely and trust in God that much. They said that they really do not worry about anything, as long as it is God's will for them to volunteer with this group, then God will provide.
Hearing this set my mind to turning. I thought, why can't Michael and I asked God for providence for law school, if it is truly His will that we study. Since we will have no income, will be only spending money for the next 3 years, we will be very poor...it sounded like a fair request. I talked with Michael about it and he also agreed. We started praying right away!! Hahaha.
On that note, Sunday came around and we were very tired from the retreat, but knew we need to make a trip to the a larger market as we were almost out of food and expecting guests for dinner the following week. This particular market is quite far and takes a lot of effort for the travel; many jeepney changes and lots of walking. Michael said...well if its really God's will to go to the market, why can't we ask Him to provide us with a ride. I at first wondered about this. Even in the small things can we ask? We went ahead and asked. Starting on our way we ran into another volunteer. She asked if we were going to the market (seeing the bags we carried). First thought? This is our ride!! We immediately said yes, only to find out that she needed us to pick something up for her. Hahaha, we of course agreed, but wondered also why we didn't receive our ride? A couple of minutes later, after discussing the fact that maybe God was asking more of us, but we still really could use the ride...someone stopped, and offered us a ride. (We had met them at the Mariapolis!) It was amazing, Michael and I couldn't stop smiling. We had traveled many times to this market, never before offered a ride. This was really an answer to our prayers.
From this experience we felt so confident in the ability to trust and also to have the courage to ask God for anything, if it is what He wants for us.
And then another prayer was answered. Our prayer of knowing how to help, in a concrete way.
Michael and I had planned an awesome trip to visit many different islands. Although the plane tickets are really pretty cheap, combined all together with the hotel, food, and other sight seeing, as you can imagine our trip was getting more and more expensive. And this realization was weighing on Michael and I for two reasons. 1)Although many people kept saying to take advantage of being in the country, this was not the original reason we had come here. 2)After we had bought our transportation Michael had shared our plans with one of the older students from the social center, later learning he had just been dropped from the program because his donor couldn't support his funds for school anymore. This second reason, Michael had shared with me a few weeks ago, and we immediately felt guilty. Why hadn't we thought of it before? We could have used the money for our trip for a student instead. But we had already bought all the plane tickets, and boat tickets. Only after the "ride experience" did we think, "lets ask God to help us get a refund on the tickets!". And that is exactly what we did today, and we got a refund on all the tickets we had purchased! So now we can offer this money to the student. This is a real, true concrete contribution.
And then we received. This same day I received an email from a Filipino priest that is at the University of Illinois Newman Center. Michael and I had met him while we lived there. He wrote me saying that after hearing of our trip, and the work we are doing, he thought we might need a little break. His sister lives in the country still, could send us a ride, pick us up and take us to where she lives, in a beautiful part of the Philippines! Hahaha, pretty cool right!?
We also had another realization. Many people here are volunteers like Michael and I, but the social centers also employ workers from the varying poor communities in the area, trying to provide them with jobs and money. Remembering this we decided to focus more on the relationships we build with these co-workers, since these are the people we came to know, and offer our time. And we have learned that it is these relationships that matter the most, learning from each other, not just giving money or material goods. But respect, charity of heart, and love.
So we learned a lot, and really wanted to share this with you. God truly has a special love for each of us, and we should never be afraid to ask anything of Him, providing it is His will. And perhaps to be ready to give what He asks of us, whether it is picking up some extra groceries for another volunteer, or giving up a trip so another student can continue her studies. Give and you shall receive!
(We'll let you know how the providence for law school works out!)
We miss you all.
But first I must give you the background.
Michael and I started to have a hard time these past couple of weeks with understanding how we might truly help the social centers and the very poor communities here. We felt that we weren't being given anything concrete to do, and it was frustrating because it had taken a lot for us to come to the Philippines. With these questions we decided to pray harder, just asking God to help us find some concrete way in which we could help.
This being said, we went to the Mariapolis. Mariapolis is a family retreat the Focolare hosts in all the different countries it is present. It is only once a year, and usually takes place over the weekend. It is a nice time for families to get together, learn more about how to truly live the Gospel in daily life, and hear experiences of those that do, and the impact it has. While we were there Michael and I met a couple from Brazil that has lived in the Philippines for 5 years working with a group called Facienda that helps recovering drug addicts. The program does not cost anything, it is a self-sustaining farming system, where they work to go through the program, sell and live off of the food they grow and the providence they receive. This couple is amazing. Even as volunteers, they live completely off providence! Even now that they two small children! I was astonished by the courage it would take to rely and trust in God that much. They said that they really do not worry about anything, as long as it is God's will for them to volunteer with this group, then God will provide.
Hearing this set my mind to turning. I thought, why can't Michael and I asked God for providence for law school, if it is truly His will that we study. Since we will have no income, will be only spending money for the next 3 years, we will be very poor...it sounded like a fair request. I talked with Michael about it and he also agreed. We started praying right away!! Hahaha.
On that note, Sunday came around and we were very tired from the retreat, but knew we need to make a trip to the a larger market as we were almost out of food and expecting guests for dinner the following week. This particular market is quite far and takes a lot of effort for the travel; many jeepney changes and lots of walking. Michael said...well if its really God's will to go to the market, why can't we ask Him to provide us with a ride. I at first wondered about this. Even in the small things can we ask? We went ahead and asked. Starting on our way we ran into another volunteer. She asked if we were going to the market (seeing the bags we carried). First thought? This is our ride!! We immediately said yes, only to find out that she needed us to pick something up for her. Hahaha, we of course agreed, but wondered also why we didn't receive our ride? A couple of minutes later, after discussing the fact that maybe God was asking more of us, but we still really could use the ride...someone stopped, and offered us a ride. (We had met them at the Mariapolis!) It was amazing, Michael and I couldn't stop smiling. We had traveled many times to this market, never before offered a ride. This was really an answer to our prayers.
From this experience we felt so confident in the ability to trust and also to have the courage to ask God for anything, if it is what He wants for us.
And then another prayer was answered. Our prayer of knowing how to help, in a concrete way.
Michael and I had planned an awesome trip to visit many different islands. Although the plane tickets are really pretty cheap, combined all together with the hotel, food, and other sight seeing, as you can imagine our trip was getting more and more expensive. And this realization was weighing on Michael and I for two reasons. 1)Although many people kept saying to take advantage of being in the country, this was not the original reason we had come here. 2)After we had bought our transportation Michael had shared our plans with one of the older students from the social center, later learning he had just been dropped from the program because his donor couldn't support his funds for school anymore. This second reason, Michael had shared with me a few weeks ago, and we immediately felt guilty. Why hadn't we thought of it before? We could have used the money for our trip for a student instead. But we had already bought all the plane tickets, and boat tickets. Only after the "ride experience" did we think, "lets ask God to help us get a refund on the tickets!". And that is exactly what we did today, and we got a refund on all the tickets we had purchased! So now we can offer this money to the student. This is a real, true concrete contribution.
And then we received. This same day I received an email from a Filipino priest that is at the University of Illinois Newman Center. Michael and I had met him while we lived there. He wrote me saying that after hearing of our trip, and the work we are doing, he thought we might need a little break. His sister lives in the country still, could send us a ride, pick us up and take us to where she lives, in a beautiful part of the Philippines! Hahaha, pretty cool right!?
We also had another realization. Many people here are volunteers like Michael and I, but the social centers also employ workers from the varying poor communities in the area, trying to provide them with jobs and money. Remembering this we decided to focus more on the relationships we build with these co-workers, since these are the people we came to know, and offer our time. And we have learned that it is these relationships that matter the most, learning from each other, not just giving money or material goods. But respect, charity of heart, and love.
So we learned a lot, and really wanted to share this with you. God truly has a special love for each of us, and we should never be afraid to ask anything of Him, providing it is His will. And perhaps to be ready to give what He asks of us, whether it is picking up some extra groceries for another volunteer, or giving up a trip so another student can continue her studies. Give and you shall receive!
(We'll let you know how the providence for law school works out!)
We miss you all.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Life at Tagaytay
Here are some various pictures,from "moving-up days (pre-school graduations), more home visits, Michael and his friend the pig (I feel they are both looking at each other thinking,"food?"), the hot springs trip, etc.
Monday, April 20 - 2009 The Hot Springs
Hello, Hello.
This week has been great.
Most exciting adventure for the past seven days was visiting the Hot Springs in Laguna. Michael and I helped take the children from the social centers swimming at the hot springs. The kids were so excited about going, many of them arrived two hours prior to departure! We crammed about 25 kids, and 3 adults per jeepnye (a total of 3 jeepnyes) and traveled into the furnace that is metro manila. The hot springs were great, although different from what we expected, maybe something like a pond, in a remote area, surrounded by trees? These hot springs were basically like pools that receive water from a spring up the hill. I wasn't so sure of the water, so I mostly waded...but Michael jumped right in, only to feel a little uneasy afterward, haha. The other swimmers at the pool were excited to see Americans and often commented on how handsome Michael's nose is. They were also shocked to see me spread a towel out and try to get some sun, it is more common for the Filipinos to want fair skin, and to avoid the sun. It was funny to see their reaction!
We also learned how to eat mangoes from the kids, pretty much just like a banana. They peel and go right at it, Michael and I certainly enjoyed this experience and have vowed that this is most definitely our favorite way to eat this delicious fruit. (Just a side note, as you can imagine, the mangoes here are so extremely delicious...like nothing I have ever tasted in the States.)
Michael and I have discovered that the ability to communicate is not as easy as we always expected, even though many people speak English fluently. For example, the Filipinos will very often raise their eyebrows in order to say "yes". Not knowing this I would ask questions, get no verbal response, or shake of the head, so would repeat myself many times, or walk away confused! They also say "uh-oh" instead of "uh-huh". Also very confusing when asking a question. They find it very rude to point at something with your finger, so they use their lips. Something I just discovered very recently!
Miss you all.
This week has been great.
Most exciting adventure for the past seven days was visiting the Hot Springs in Laguna. Michael and I helped take the children from the social centers swimming at the hot springs. The kids were so excited about going, many of them arrived two hours prior to departure! We crammed about 25 kids, and 3 adults per jeepnye (a total of 3 jeepnyes) and traveled into the furnace that is metro manila. The hot springs were great, although different from what we expected, maybe something like a pond, in a remote area, surrounded by trees? These hot springs were basically like pools that receive water from a spring up the hill. I wasn't so sure of the water, so I mostly waded...but Michael jumped right in, only to feel a little uneasy afterward, haha. The other swimmers at the pool were excited to see Americans and often commented on how handsome Michael's nose is. They were also shocked to see me spread a towel out and try to get some sun, it is more common for the Filipinos to want fair skin, and to avoid the sun. It was funny to see their reaction!
We also learned how to eat mangoes from the kids, pretty much just like a banana. They peel and go right at it, Michael and I certainly enjoyed this experience and have vowed that this is most definitely our favorite way to eat this delicious fruit. (Just a side note, as you can imagine, the mangoes here are so extremely delicious...like nothing I have ever tasted in the States.)
Michael and I have discovered that the ability to communicate is not as easy as we always expected, even though many people speak English fluently. For example, the Filipinos will very often raise their eyebrows in order to say "yes". Not knowing this I would ask questions, get no verbal response, or shake of the head, so would repeat myself many times, or walk away confused! They also say "uh-oh" instead of "uh-huh". Also very confusing when asking a question. They find it very rude to point at something with your finger, so they use their lips. Something I just discovered very recently!
Miss you all.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Monday, April 13 - 2009
Happy Easter Everyone!!
We miss you all and would love to spend this very important celebration with each and everyone of you!
This week we have been very busy with all of the Holy Days! As you can imagine in a country where 90% of the population is Catholic, Easter week is quite the event. There is no way you can get anywhere without sitting for hours in traffic, and on Good Friday there were processions everywhere you could look, everywhere. Tagaytay was packed because of the summer vacation, Easter week, and it is one of the coolest temps you can get in area, especially compared to the furnace that is Manila.
There was also a retreat for the youth here, and Michael and I were asked to share our "experience", meaning how we met, what role God plays in our relationship, and why we came to the Philippines. It was a moment of reflection for us as well, you can imagine I'm sure, and also working together because sometimes we had different ideas! But it came off well, and the youth loved it, and we felt a new commitment to why we came.
This week begins the sports camp, and tomorrow there will be swimming at a hot spring nearby! Exciting and a new experience for me, and curious to how this will be with the weather so hot. Can't wait to tell you about it!
Much love to all.
We miss you all and would love to spend this very important celebration with each and everyone of you!
This week we have been very busy with all of the Holy Days! As you can imagine in a country where 90% of the population is Catholic, Easter week is quite the event. There is no way you can get anywhere without sitting for hours in traffic, and on Good Friday there were processions everywhere you could look, everywhere. Tagaytay was packed because of the summer vacation, Easter week, and it is one of the coolest temps you can get in area, especially compared to the furnace that is Manila.
There was also a retreat for the youth here, and Michael and I were asked to share our "experience", meaning how we met, what role God plays in our relationship, and why we came to the Philippines. It was a moment of reflection for us as well, you can imagine I'm sure, and also working together because sometimes we had different ideas! But it came off well, and the youth loved it, and we felt a new commitment to why we came.
This week begins the sports camp, and tomorrow there will be swimming at a hot spring nearby! Exciting and a new experience for me, and curious to how this will be with the weather so hot. Can't wait to tell you about it!
Much love to all.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Monday, April 6 - 2009
This past week has been fairly uneventful as we are slowly achieving somewhat of a routine.
We had a nice little get together with many of the volunteers (gen girls and gen boys) from all over the world; Germany, Brazil,Italy, Thailand, China, Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Argentina!
It was a great night, lots of games which tend to increase in hilarity due to language barriers!
I am now helping to prepare a summer sports camp/school for the children here in the area, because it is now summer break.
Michael continues in helping with the distribution of items to the families of the social center, while taking on two students for English lessons! One student from China, and one from Thailand.
We had a nice little get together with many of the volunteers (gen girls and gen boys) from all over the world; Germany, Brazil,Italy, Thailand, China, Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Argentina!
It was a great night, lots of games which tend to increase in hilarity due to language barriers!
I am now helping to prepare a summer sports camp/school for the children here in the area, because it is now summer break.
Michael continues in helping with the distribution of items to the families of the social center, while taking on two students for English lessons! One student from China, and one from Thailand.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Sunday, March 29, 2009 - SOR and Graduations
Hello to all! Sorry it has been so long since the last entry! I am thinking that about once a week is all the time I have to really devote to the blog! From now on, I will try to update the blog every Sunday.
This past week has been very full. Last weekend we had the "School of Oriental Religions". It was a very interesting time of lectures on the history of our Church and its relationship to other religions, and the relationships it is trying to foster today. We had a total of 3 bishops here giving lectures, including one archbishop along with some members of the focolare, all of whom truly live inter-religious dialogue in their daily lives. So amazing are the experiences from these countries where Christianity is the very tiny minority (excluding the Philippines of course, where it is the mass majority something like 90%).
You realize how much there is to receive from other religions, and how much there is to give from ours. We learned that in "Nostra Aetate" from Vatican II states, "The Catholic Church rejects nothing of what is true and holy in these religions...which often reflect a ray of truth which enlightens all men" (NA2). And that in the Catechism it teachs, "The Church considers all goodness and truth found in these religions as a "preparation for the Gospel", and given by Him who enlightens all men that they may at length have life" (CCC 843). It only strengthens my faith in my own religion every time I learn of others, and how God does not abandon any of us, but reveals himself in many ways.
Other points focused on the need for common aspects needed for dialogue; respect for life and a need to build a common community. The nature of dialogue; internal-meaning an accpetance of oneself without blindness to one's imperfections and external-truly welcoming without fear and keeping an openness to see beauty and truth in the other. There was the language of dialogue; listening must be reciprocal - "resonating with awe and profound reverence through which the other experiences the divine". (Sounded like a good basis for a marriage prep class as well!)
This week has also been full of graduations from the surrounding schools, including Bukas Palad and Pagasa, where Michael and I work. The summer time here is from April to the end of May. The graduations are fun, lots of games and dancing, and gifts as well for the children who are moving on.
From Bukas Palad we gave away new black leather shoes to all the children (even those that weren't technically graduating) because they received a huge discount. This meant a lot of work for us, organizing and finding which shoes would work for which feet...and then we had to wrap them with gift wrap...I am definitely a professional gift wrapper now.
Another interesting thing is that at the graduations they have a type of pinata as well, except instead of being made out of paper it is a clay pot! An influence from the Spanish, I am sure.
Michael and I are also learning how to venture out a little more on our own now. It adds a little excitement to our lives, trying to figure out jeepnies and tricycles for ourselves, as well as where we are! By the time we leave, we are sure to be fluent in all the ways of travel here in this beautiful country!
Thanks for staying interested in all we are doing, and for all your prayers. We miss you all.
This past week has been very full. Last weekend we had the "School of Oriental Religions". It was a very interesting time of lectures on the history of our Church and its relationship to other religions, and the relationships it is trying to foster today. We had a total of 3 bishops here giving lectures, including one archbishop along with some members of the focolare, all of whom truly live inter-religious dialogue in their daily lives. So amazing are the experiences from these countries where Christianity is the very tiny minority (excluding the Philippines of course, where it is the mass majority something like 90%).
You realize how much there is to receive from other religions, and how much there is to give from ours. We learned that in "Nostra Aetate" from Vatican II states, "The Catholic Church rejects nothing of what is true and holy in these religions...which often reflect a ray of truth which enlightens all men" (NA2). And that in the Catechism it teachs, "The Church considers all goodness and truth found in these religions as a "preparation for the Gospel", and given by Him who enlightens all men that they may at length have life" (CCC 843). It only strengthens my faith in my own religion every time I learn of others, and how God does not abandon any of us, but reveals himself in many ways.
Other points focused on the need for common aspects needed for dialogue; respect for life and a need to build a common community. The nature of dialogue; internal-meaning an accpetance of oneself without blindness to one's imperfections and external-truly welcoming without fear and keeping an openness to see beauty and truth in the other. There was the language of dialogue; listening must be reciprocal - "resonating with awe and profound reverence through which the other experiences the divine". (Sounded like a good basis for a marriage prep class as well!)
This week has also been full of graduations from the surrounding schools, including Bukas Palad and Pagasa, where Michael and I work. The summer time here is from April to the end of May. The graduations are fun, lots of games and dancing, and gifts as well for the children who are moving on.
From Bukas Palad we gave away new black leather shoes to all the children (even those that weren't technically graduating) because they received a huge discount. This meant a lot of work for us, organizing and finding which shoes would work for which feet...and then we had to wrap them with gift wrap...I am definitely a professional gift wrapper now.
Another interesting thing is that at the graduations they have a type of pinata as well, except instead of being made out of paper it is a clay pot! An influence from the Spanish, I am sure.
Michael and I are also learning how to venture out a little more on our own now. It adds a little excitement to our lives, trying to figure out jeepnies and tricycles for ourselves, as well as where we are! By the time we leave, we are sure to be fluent in all the ways of travel here in this beautiful country!
Thanks for staying interested in all we are doing, and for all your prayers. We miss you all.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Tuesday, March 17, 2009 - Been Busy
Rollarcoasters, sushi lessons, book launching, more home visits, and English lessons.
Sorry for the long pause in entries. Life has been full here, and in trying to live every moment to it's fullest, we have unfortunately been unable to find many moments to get online.
I have now started to teach some of the other volunteers, youth of the Focolare movement, english. Both girls come from Indonesia, and are very good students, eager to learn and patient while I sometimes struggle to express in simple words our English language.
With more home visits and pre-school lessons in the afternoons, combined with the excitement of our first arrival starting to wear off, and the ability to look at just how desolate the situations is for some of these families is sometimes very overwhelming. My only consolation is knowing that God loves them more than I could ever comprehend. The Philippinos always continue to smile, and at first it was preventing me from really understanding what many live with, but now I am starting to realize there is a far deeper meaning to there beautiful smiles.
Last week was tough with news of a gen 2 (member of the focolare youth group) girl passing away, along with 2 of her friends while walking on the side of the road near their school. It has truly had an effect on the everyone here, and it is hard to know the sadness of her family that loved her so much. Michael also had the opportunity to visit some homes that were destroyed in a fire the same week. This was overwhelming for him to see just how much each family truly lost.
Wednesday I learned how to make sushi, and couldn't be more excited to share this new talent with all of you. Vicki, from China and her husband Anthony had us over for dinner, and we ate very well. They have also moved in with us for the rest of their stay here (they leave March 24) because of the arrival of more people and the limited rooms available.
On Saturday was a book launching for "Essential Writings" by Chiara Lubich, the founder of the Focolare Movement. It was hosted in Manila at the University of Saint Thomas, where she also received her honorary doctorate. It was a great chance to hear want people had to say on the book and the impact the movement continues to have here in the Philippines.
Sunday we spent a day with Eugene and Anne a newly married couple (last May) and our Chinese couple (also newly married, Sept. 1). We got up at 5:30am and didn't end the day until 12:30am. Very full, but so much fun. We went to a small amusement park, called Enchanted Kingdom and had fun being kids again on roller coasters, watching fireworks, and eating mango smoothies.
I hope to write soon, more on my impressions of our stay here, but wanted to just give you all a quick update!
Sorry for the long pause in entries. Life has been full here, and in trying to live every moment to it's fullest, we have unfortunately been unable to find many moments to get online.
I have now started to teach some of the other volunteers, youth of the Focolare movement, english. Both girls come from Indonesia, and are very good students, eager to learn and patient while I sometimes struggle to express in simple words our English language.
With more home visits and pre-school lessons in the afternoons, combined with the excitement of our first arrival starting to wear off, and the ability to look at just how desolate the situations is for some of these families is sometimes very overwhelming. My only consolation is knowing that God loves them more than I could ever comprehend. The Philippinos always continue to smile, and at first it was preventing me from really understanding what many live with, but now I am starting to realize there is a far deeper meaning to there beautiful smiles.
Last week was tough with news of a gen 2 (member of the focolare youth group) girl passing away, along with 2 of her friends while walking on the side of the road near their school. It has truly had an effect on the everyone here, and it is hard to know the sadness of her family that loved her so much. Michael also had the opportunity to visit some homes that were destroyed in a fire the same week. This was overwhelming for him to see just how much each family truly lost.
Wednesday I learned how to make sushi, and couldn't be more excited to share this new talent with all of you. Vicki, from China and her husband Anthony had us over for dinner, and we ate very well. They have also moved in with us for the rest of their stay here (they leave March 24) because of the arrival of more people and the limited rooms available.
On Saturday was a book launching for "Essential Writings" by Chiara Lubich, the founder of the Focolare Movement. It was hosted in Manila at the University of Saint Thomas, where she also received her honorary doctorate. It was a great chance to hear want people had to say on the book and the impact the movement continues to have here in the Philippines.
Sunday we spent a day with Eugene and Anne a newly married couple (last May) and our Chinese couple (also newly married, Sept. 1). We got up at 5:30am and didn't end the day until 12:30am. Very full, but so much fun. We went to a small amusement park, called Enchanted Kingdom and had fun being kids again on roller coasters, watching fireworks, and eating mango smoothies.
I hope to write soon, more on my impressions of our stay here, but wanted to just give you all a quick update!
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Sunday, March 08, 2009 - Home Visits, Santa Rosa, and Open City
The last few days have been full and good.
Starting with Thursday as the first day of work for both me and Michael, I can truly say that it has been eye opening. In the mornings I work at the Clinic, helping to organize things such as prescriptions, and then in the afternoons I work with the Pre-school students. I think the most important part of my day there was a conversation I had with one of the teachers/volunteers. She said, "You know, this really is meant to be more than just a charity center. We don't give away food or school supplies for free, we discount them greatly. By paying for the supplies this allows for the parents and students to preserve some dignity in being able to provide for their families. And we also try to create a reciprocal giving. Not that we expect them to give back to us, but to give in return to others." It was a beautiful moment for me, a moment of realization of the ability we have to give more than just money to those in need.
My second day of work, on my birthday, I was given the opportunity to accompany a teacher on her "home visits". This is when the teachers go to visit students and their families. It was a huge eye opener for me. Not so much by the immense poverty that exists here, homes made from bamboo and items found in the forest, or metal scraps. But it was more of an experience of building a relationship with the people I met and the similarities I discovered between us. Although the homes were extremely poor, there was a great attempt at creating a harmony in the home, and a welcoming atmosphere (something that is taught here at Bukas Palad). The social center helps teach the families how to budget and plan for their families, and home visits is an opportunity to help them with struggles they are facing or questions they may have. One mother was concernced with not having enough money for the expenses of her son in order that he might graduate. So she gave her friend all her money to hold and save. This way she said she wouldn't be tempted to buy the little things her children ask when they go to the grocery, because she wants to give them everything they ask for and knows the money would be gone. I relate to this because of how often we want to spend and give others everything that they ask for, even though sometimes this isn't this best way to love. I realized also that many of the problems they faced were the stresses that are associated with wondering if they have enough money. A stress I think that never goes away, even if you have a lot of money. The social center here is offering them something much more that just money, and resources but hopefully a way to really find something meaningful and a way to "love their neighbor".
Michael's work has been good as well, although more of a physical nature! The first day he worked at Pagasa, the other social center helping to distribute food to the poor families. But the second day he worked on cleaning the roof of Pagasa a 3 story building. This also offered him a chance to get closer to the sun, and even though I strongly encouraged sunscreen he suffers from a nice burn.
Friday night we went to Santa Rosa for a Word of Life meeting, where we study a phrase from the Gospel from this months readings. It was a good chance to meet the families in the area, some newly married just like us.
We stayed with one of them, in a very large, beautiful home. A stark contrast the the homes I had just visited earlier that day. It gave me an opportunity to see two very different social settings in which the families and the social centers are trying to help teach a Christian lifestyle.
We went swimming at the local country club and played some tennis, just long enough for Michael to get an even worse sun burn, hahaha.
On Sunday, today, was open city, a chance for people to visit the social centers and for the volunteers to share about the mission here. So many people from different countries and religions volunteer here and come to live an experience of "love thy neighbor". What a view into how the world could live harmoniously.
Miss you all!
Starting with Thursday as the first day of work for both me and Michael, I can truly say that it has been eye opening. In the mornings I work at the Clinic, helping to organize things such as prescriptions, and then in the afternoons I work with the Pre-school students. I think the most important part of my day there was a conversation I had with one of the teachers/volunteers. She said, "You know, this really is meant to be more than just a charity center. We don't give away food or school supplies for free, we discount them greatly. By paying for the supplies this allows for the parents and students to preserve some dignity in being able to provide for their families. And we also try to create a reciprocal giving. Not that we expect them to give back to us, but to give in return to others." It was a beautiful moment for me, a moment of realization of the ability we have to give more than just money to those in need.
My second day of work, on my birthday, I was given the opportunity to accompany a teacher on her "home visits". This is when the teachers go to visit students and their families. It was a huge eye opener for me. Not so much by the immense poverty that exists here, homes made from bamboo and items found in the forest, or metal scraps. But it was more of an experience of building a relationship with the people I met and the similarities I discovered between us. Although the homes were extremely poor, there was a great attempt at creating a harmony in the home, and a welcoming atmosphere (something that is taught here at Bukas Palad). The social center helps teach the families how to budget and plan for their families, and home visits is an opportunity to help them with struggles they are facing or questions they may have. One mother was concernced with not having enough money for the expenses of her son in order that he might graduate. So she gave her friend all her money to hold and save. This way she said she wouldn't be tempted to buy the little things her children ask when they go to the grocery, because she wants to give them everything they ask for and knows the money would be gone. I relate to this because of how often we want to spend and give others everything that they ask for, even though sometimes this isn't this best way to love. I realized also that many of the problems they faced were the stresses that are associated with wondering if they have enough money. A stress I think that never goes away, even if you have a lot of money. The social center here is offering them something much more that just money, and resources but hopefully a way to really find something meaningful and a way to "love their neighbor".
Michael's work has been good as well, although more of a physical nature! The first day he worked at Pagasa, the other social center helping to distribute food to the poor families. But the second day he worked on cleaning the roof of Pagasa a 3 story building. This also offered him a chance to get closer to the sun, and even though I strongly encouraged sunscreen he suffers from a nice burn.
Friday night we went to Santa Rosa for a Word of Life meeting, where we study a phrase from the Gospel from this months readings. It was a good chance to meet the families in the area, some newly married just like us.
We stayed with one of them, in a very large, beautiful home. A stark contrast the the homes I had just visited earlier that day. It gave me an opportunity to see two very different social settings in which the families and the social centers are trying to help teach a Christian lifestyle.
We went swimming at the local country club and played some tennis, just long enough for Michael to get an even worse sun burn, hahaha.
On Sunday, today, was open city, a chance for people to visit the social centers and for the volunteers to share about the mission here. So many people from different countries and religions volunteer here and come to live an experience of "love thy neighbor". What a view into how the world could live harmoniously.
Miss you all!
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Wednesday, March 4, 2009 - Lunch with Magda and Cinti
Today we found out a little more about what we will be doing here. We had lunch with Madda and Shinti the two in charge of the Focolare Centers here, and it was great to catch up with them. I had met Cinti in Loppiano, and he knows the rest of the family as well from our stay there in 2001. He remembers Mary well, and the experience she gave with the Iranian girl her age, and how they became good friends.
Anyways, I will be working in Bukas Palad right across the street from our house. It is the social center that has a small Pre-school and health center. Michael on the other hand will be working in the other social center 4K away, that works with slightly older children. He might also work in the carpentry shop they have here. We're not sure yet though. I think he is a little unsure of the traveling he has to do everyday, taking a Jeepnie or tricycle, definately a new experience. I am posting a picture of the tricycle, and will post a picture of the jeepnie later so you can get a better idea.
Can't wait to start work tomorrow.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Monday, March 02, 2009 – Volcano Tour
This morning we got up very early to visit the volcano. The volcano is in the middle of a lake that Tagaytay overlooks. It is a gorgeous scenic view from where we live.
The group was numbered 6. Two Italians visiting their aunt, a member of the Focolare movement that lives here in Tagaytay, Attim and the driver, and Michael and I.
In order to get to the volcano we took a Focolare vehicle (a very nice modern car) and went down the mountain that Tagaytay is located on. It was such a windy road that Michael and I were both thankful we don’t get motion sickness (this attribute came in handy later on as well). After this we stopped to meet Attim’s aunt who set us up with a boat to take us across the lake to the volcano and to our surprise would help us find a guide to take us to the inside of the volcano. This was a special treat because not everyone normally gets to do this, and inside the volcano is another smaller lake with some hot springs.
The boat ride was extremely choppy but so much fun, and it took us about 40 mins to reach the volcanic island. The hike to the inside took us another 60 mins and was tough because we had to climb up the side of a crater. It was just an amazing experience, and well worth the work and time. The lake was beautiful and peaceful, and pretty warm (although I expected it to be warmer).
There are still people who live on the volcanic island even though it is only dormant. There livelihood is giving tours or making charcoal. They are very, very poor, but very friendly. Offering us drinks (which we declined unsure of how our stomachs might react) and seats after our long hike (which we accepted).
We were treated to a lunch in a nice restaurant by the Italian visitors. It was delicious but Michael was still hungry, haha. We had to eat again when we got home.
The group was numbered 6. Two Italians visiting their aunt, a member of the Focolare movement that lives here in Tagaytay, Attim and the driver, and Michael and I.
In order to get to the volcano we took a Focolare vehicle (a very nice modern car) and went down the mountain that Tagaytay is located on. It was such a windy road that Michael and I were both thankful we don’t get motion sickness (this attribute came in handy later on as well). After this we stopped to meet Attim’s aunt who set us up with a boat to take us across the lake to the volcano and to our surprise would help us find a guide to take us to the inside of the volcano. This was a special treat because not everyone normally gets to do this, and inside the volcano is another smaller lake with some hot springs.
The boat ride was extremely choppy but so much fun, and it took us about 40 mins to reach the volcanic island. The hike to the inside took us another 60 mins and was tough because we had to climb up the side of a crater. It was just an amazing experience, and well worth the work and time. The lake was beautiful and peaceful, and pretty warm (although I expected it to be warmer).
There are still people who live on the volcanic island even though it is only dormant. There livelihood is giving tours or making charcoal. They are very, very poor, but very friendly. Offering us drinks (which we declined unsure of how our stomachs might react) and seats after our long hike (which we accepted).
We were treated to a lunch in a nice restaurant by the Italian visitors. It was delicious but Michael was still hungry, haha. We had to eat again when we got home.
Sunday, March 01, 2009 – Palengke (Real market) Philippino Meal with Attim
Today we had a true Philippine market experience. We took a tricycle down to the Palengke (Market) with Attim and bought lots of vegetables, fruit, and to my dismay fish and meat (I was a little unsure of the sanitary measures used here). Many people stared at Michael and I because we look just a little different, and I am sure that if we were not accompanied by Attim we might have spent much more money. But instead the prices were extremely low compared to the other more commercial market.
For lunch Attim gave us a lesson on how to cook Philippino food. It was with pork (that we boiled twice to clean, which made me feel only a tad better) and lots of vegetables and rice. She also fried up some egg/fish patties which were actually very delicious. It was a great time, and a good chance to get to know our new friend Attim. She comes from a small island off of Cebu (another island near Manila) and met the Focolare in her high school.
Saturday, February 28, 2009 – Tour of Mariapolis Pace / Bukas Palad
Attim has been our tour guide of the Mariapolis Pace (Focolare Center, pace means peace), and the social center Bukas Palad which means “Open Hands”.
The area has three main parts, the women’s side, men’s side, and the families. We are on the women’s side. Both men’s and women’s side have a Bukas Palad, the women’s side has a very small health clinic and pre-school, while the men’s side has a grade/high school.
The health clinic and schools serve over 400 children and 360 families. The children are provided with most of the essentials for school through a Focolare program called “Adoption at a distance”. This is where families in other parts of the world send funds for a particular child in order that they might receive an education. Occasionally the clinic will have a doctor or dentist come by and they will treat over hundreds of families over the course of two days. Otherwise the provide basic help, some physical therapy, and try to teach the children health lessons.
We toured the men’s side which is a little ways away and requires transportation. This got pretty interesting. First we took what is called a tricycle. A tricycle is actually a motorcycle with a small covered side car attached to its right side. It doesn’t go very fast, and doesn’t take you very far. The next was a vehicle called Jeepney. This is basically a tin low ride SUV crammed with up to 20 people, and provided a very interesting experience, hahaha. The cost is extremely cheep.
There is a carpentry shop and metal shop on the men’s side and they do beautiful work. They send there work to various countries to be sold. Unfortunately the demand is low so the work is of course much less. In order to keep all the workers, and continue to provide a livelihood to some of the surrounding families, they decided to let some of the workers work 3 days, and the rest the remaining 3 work days.
The area has three main parts, the women’s side, men’s side, and the families. We are on the women’s side. Both men’s and women’s side have a Bukas Palad, the women’s side has a very small health clinic and pre-school, while the men’s side has a grade/high school.
The health clinic and schools serve over 400 children and 360 families. The children are provided with most of the essentials for school through a Focolare program called “Adoption at a distance”. This is where families in other parts of the world send funds for a particular child in order that they might receive an education. Occasionally the clinic will have a doctor or dentist come by and they will treat over hundreds of families over the course of two days. Otherwise the provide basic help, some physical therapy, and try to teach the children health lessons.
We toured the men’s side which is a little ways away and requires transportation. This got pretty interesting. First we took what is called a tricycle. A tricycle is actually a motorcycle with a small covered side car attached to its right side. It doesn’t go very fast, and doesn’t take you very far. The next was a vehicle called Jeepney. This is basically a tin low ride SUV crammed with up to 20 people, and provided a very interesting experience, hahaha. The cost is extremely cheep.
There is a carpentry shop and metal shop on the men’s side and they do beautiful work. They send there work to various countries to be sold. Unfortunately the demand is low so the work is of course much less. In order to keep all the workers, and continue to provide a livelihood to some of the surrounding families, they decided to let some of the workers work 3 days, and the rest the remaining 3 work days.
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