Manila

I arrived in Manila around noon, to rain and wind. Immediately I took a taxi to my hotel, in downtown Manila. While we drove, I looked around at the "poor-ness" of the city. It was so dirty, trash laying around on the side of the street. I saw so many homeless people, huddled under a makeshift overhang. People where doing their laundry outside of what looked like their house, it was so sad. What is strange to me, is that people from Bohol move to Manila to get a better job which means more money and the ability to send financial support back to their family in Bohol. But what I saw in Manila, was much worse conditions that I ever saw in Bohol.

My hotel, somewhat in the middle of this, was very nice. There were butlers that greeted me, took my bags for me (initially so the guard dog could sniff them), and escorted me up to my room. My room was very nice and plush. Even though it was raining, I wanted to get out to see the sights. I took a shower, a warm one ;-), and then headed out. I had asked many people back in Bohol what I should see on my 1/2 day visit. Most of them had to think a while, as there is not a lot to see in the city. Most of the tourism is on the other outlaying islands. I had a few ideas but asked a butler downstairs his opinion. It had started raining harder, so the option of going to the zoo, the park, museum (outside), or fort was no longer. The butler's recommendation? Go to the Mall of Asia.... a mall? I'm not a big shopper, as I usually have my list in hand, buy the things on my list and get outta there. But I didn't want to stay in the hotel all day. So I went to Harrison Mall first, as I had an errand to run for Dennis, picking up cheap contacts for his son in the US. I have to admit I was a little.... frightened. It kind of reminded me of a Chinese market, crowded and full of cheap stuff. Guys were yelling at me to come buy there product. I found the store I needed and got out of there. On to the Mall of Asia... maybe they have a Starbucks? Yes, 2! I actually arrived and found a place to eat first as I hadn't eaten in many hours. I walked around for a while and realized how huge this place was. It was two stories, but very much spread out. I know I didn't hit every section of the mall before I was "done" window shopping. I eventually found a Starbucks and was able to buy a Manila mug... YEAH!!! I also ordered my first coffee in 6 weeks! I did order a tall and a decaf though, since it was 4pm and I did want to sleep that night. I left the mall and took a taxi to the Robinson's Mall. This mall I knew was two blocks from my hotel. I wanted to know if it had a Starbucks, how to walk to it from the hotel, and what time it opened.

It did have a Starbucks and it opened at 7am, perfect! I walked around this smaller mall a while, thinking I could come back for dinner, so I was scoping out places to eat. However, as I was leaving a short while later it was pouring outside! I didn't want to take a taxi because I knew my hotel was close, I could see it... two blocks away. So I waited a while thinking the rain would let up a little. It didn't so I went for it, trying to find any type of overhang to walk under. As I briskly walked the two blocks, 3 people came up to me trying to sell me an umbrella - I refused. The rest of the night continued to pour so I didn't make it out again. I watched a movie and read, and ordered room service. It was actually quite cheap for room service, I was surprised. So I hunkered down in the hotel, ready to leave the next morning.

This morning I woke up before my alarm, ready to go. I got ready and took a walk, only to go to Starbucks. Walking back with breakfast and coffee... mentally and physically preparing myself for American materialism again. It tasted delicious!

At eight I was ready to go and checked out. I got a taxi and almost didn't make it to the airport. Mom, you may not want to read this....we were going 120 km/h on a major road. I'm not sure how fast that is in comparison to mph but it felt WAY too fast. I thought of those video games I played on Nintendo as a kid, where you are racing other cars, weaving in and out. Coming up behind a car extremely fast, and then jerking to the right to get into the other lane, and then shortly jerking to the left to get back in that lane. It was... dangerous! As we started on the abrupt incline of a small bridge I literally flew up high enough that my behind left my seat and my hands went up to the roof. We did not slow down. Four seconds later as we started making the brief decline off the bridge, the driver came up on another driver way too fast. The other driver was starting to pull into our lane but my taxi did not slow down. Eventually he slammed on the brakes as the taxi started going horizontal screeching its brakes. I thought for sure we would either hit the car in front of us or hit the side of the bridge or both. PTL we didn't but it was definitely the Lord because we should have! I thought about saying something to the driver, "Slow down" or "I'm not in a hurry" but I realized it probably shocked as well because he slowed down considerably after that.

I arrived at the airport 2 1/2 hours before my departure. It took me less than 45 minutes to check in, go through security and go through customs. It has never taken that short of time before. I walked around for a while, until a woman approached me asking if I wanted to sit in an exclusive lounge for a small fee. It was quite a small fee, but it had a "free" buffet and WiFi. I decided to take the opportunity. That is where I typed half of the previous blog.

My flight from Manila to Taipei was uneventful. I read for a short while and then a Filipino man sitting next to me wanted to talk. He now lives in Texas, but I could still understand only about half of what he was saying. I just nodded a lot of the time. As I arrived in Taipei, I've been walking around until I found this free WiFi station. It's so great! I'll add a few pictures of Manila when I arrive home! I'll be home soon!

July 29th - August 3rd

Pictures to be added when I get home!

I feel a little out of touch from reality... I haven't had internet all week due to a virus on the school computer and no internet at a WiFi center I was using. I am now sitting in the Manila airport waiting to board. This week felt busy, yet peaceful as I was winding things down at BDA. During the day I continued to observe, teach and meet with teachers. My nights were filled with socializing with the students, gathering addresses and taking pictures.

Wednesday was a special night for me. The teachers and students had been secretive at the start of the week and eventually I found out that they were having a presentation for me and 5 other French volunteers (they helped build a canteen for 3 weeks). The school cooked a very delicious typical Filipino dinner consisting of rice, pancit (noodles with chicken and veges), fish, pork adobo, and pineapple. It was SO good! After dinner the students had created dramas. The first drama depicted the 5 French volunteers and the second drama represented me, and what I did at BDA. It was hilarious! One of the students who played me has become a good friend of mine, Miriam. She had her hair pulled back into a pony tail with clips on the side, just like me. She also carried around a notebook with a pen stuck inside the spiral, just like me. They acted out me teaching, including facial expressions ;-), talking with teachers, and talking with students. It was fun to watch. All of us volunteers were then presented with a gift, a t-shirt with the sign language alphabet on the front. We were asked to give a short "speech" about our time here. It was easy to share how blessed and welcomed I had felt during my time here but when I started talking about when I was leaving I started tearing up and finished speaking pretty quickly. The admin shared their thoughts and appreciated for the time and hearts shared, it was a blessing. The night completed by having a push-up contest and a dance off. It was a fun night, and I sure did feel blessed.

Thursday was my last "teaching" day at BDA as Friday is vocational day. I met with admin and shared my final thoughts and suggestions for the future. It turned into quite a meeting. They appreciated my thoughts and we brain stormed how to specifically implement my suggestions. The principal is new and not quite confident in her abilities to lead, so I was able to encourage her and give her suggestions with the teachers.

Friday, vocational day, was filled with socializing while intermittently packing. I would socialize a few hours and then go pack for a while. It was fun, but sad, knowing it was my last day with the students. I would be around Saturday but all the students were going home this weekend, so they would either leave Friday evening or Saturday morning. Friday afternoon was fun. I accompanied the Sign Language Club (about 20 students and 2 teachers) to Holy Name University. The students go to a nearby hearing school every other week to teach those students sign language. On the other week, the hearing students travel to BDA to learn. I had gone with the club to the hearing school a few weeks ago so the teachers asked if I could go with them to the University. We showed up and the Special Education students put on dancing and singing for our students. It wasn't very well thought of regarding the singing, because our students were Deaf and they forgot to provide an interpreter. So after prodding one of the BDA teachers, they got up to interpret. I was willing, since I wasn't really involved but a majority of the presentation was in Visayan so I didn't even understand what they were saying. Not really being involved eventually changed as well. The leadership team student running the program asked the teacher interpreting, who the white person was (me). She told him what I was doing in the Philippines and about my experience teaching. In the middle of a speech from himself, he announced that the Dean of the Education program was there to give a speech, Geraldine, a BDA teacher would give her testimony and then the "foreign visitor" would give an inspirational message. I was shocked, they didn't even ask me, they just announced it to all students, I thought it was funny... but also extremely unprepared! What would I say? Anyways, I was hoping they would forget about it, but they didn't. So I went up on stage, gave an "inspirational message" and sat back down. It must have been some what of an okay speech, because the head of the Special Education Department then asked if I would be willing to come back to the University the following week to be part of a forum of professionals to discuss special education and the needs of schools in the Philippines... wow, what an honor! Unfortunately and honestly a little relieved, I was leaving in a few days, missing the forum.

That night I spent with students, saying goodbyes... I will miss them.

Saturday, I was praying for sun. It had been raining and cloudy all week, and Saturday was my last day in the Philippines and one of my only days free. I planned on going to Panglao Island for a little R&R and sun, prior to leaving Sunday. I called a taxi and packed up for the day. I was waiting outside of the school and the Deaf pastor, Mart, asked what I was doing. He was concerned that I was going by myself... not safety wise, but it was my last day and he didn't think I should be by myself. So he went into the fly-tieing shop and told Emisan, my friend, that she was "ordered" to take off the day and go with me to the beach. We had a lot of fun and I was able to spoil her. We went to Alona Palm Beach Resort, which is one of my favorite places in the world. I laid in the sun (yes, it was hot and sunny PTL!!!) while Emison laid in the shade near me. We swam in the infinity pool, read, ate a great pancit lunch, and got $5 massages. It was Emisan's first massage! I also received a foot scrub. I'm not sure what type of chemical they use, but with this chemical and a lot of scrubbing my feet are now 100% callus-free. They feel SO great! Walking in the sand felt SO nice afterwards. I do have to admit that I did get burned this day... but for staying in the Philippines for 6 weeks and this being the only time I've been burned, I'd say that's pretty good, especially for my past experience ;-)

That night Emisan stayed with me and helped me finish packing, which wasn't a lot. We mostly chatted and hung out until we were both tired. Sunday morning, time to leave! It was so peaceful, as I had everything already to go, just the last minute things to throw in. We went out to throw away the trash and say goodbye to 2 teachers. When coming back to the house, we couldn't open the door. The deadbolt had locked on us and I didn't have a key. I think because Emisan had opened the door in the morning and didn't know that you have to secure the dead bolt open... so when I shut the door, the dead bolt activated... locking us out. I ran to get the dorm mother, as she has the master keys. Her key didn't work. Meanwhile, Dennis, founder of IDEA showed up to take me to the airport. He was concerned because now, we'd have to break in somehow. We were able to unlock the back door, but then the screen I had locked from the inside. Dennis found a knife and was trying to pry the screen off the door, to put a hand down to unlock the door. I was getting worried... but as Dennis was prying the knife down into the door, he must have moved the door so much that all of a sudden it became unlocked and swung open! Another PTL!!!

I said good-bye to Emisan and Dennis then drove me to the airport. I was plently early so I ventured upstairs where I received a 30 minute massage for under $2. I felt SO great! The woman was blind so she felt out the knots in my back and worked them hard. As I was lining up to walk out to the plane, there were also 5 men and woman who were blind singing, "I'm leaving, on the jet plane, don't know when I'll be back again!" They were great, but it made me chuckle as that is the song my Dad always sings when I am flying somewhere.

Bohol was beautiful, sunny, and hot. I was sad to see it disappear into the horizon. With less than an hour flight, I arrived in Manila where it was raining and windy. The first part of this message I typed using my computer, sitting in the Manila airport. Saved to the internet, I am now in Taipei, standing up in a free internet cafe continuing my blog. I love technology! I was able to add the one picture in Manila, but will add more pictures later when I return home.

Pictures added!

I added a few pictures to older posts, check them out! I was sitting in a coffee shop and they had a great internet connection and was able to download my pictures quickly. For those of you wondering... no I did not have coffee ;-) I do miss it, and have been wanting some the past few days, I do miss it. But it's 6 in the evening, and that wouldn't work well with trying to sleep tonight.

July 26th - 28th

It has been a crazy, yet fun few days.


Saturday I met up with one of the IDEA admin, Lee. He is Denis' assistant, meaning #2 within IDEA. He is American and has been working with IDEA for two years. He picked up me, the 5 French volunteers along with his mother from Virginia and his two sons, who are 4 and 6. He gave us a pretty thorough and VERY adventurous tour of the island. We left BDA and went to a very large tree. Pretty exciting huh? The tree's "wingspan" probably covers the size of a football field and the trunk is maybe a little smaller than the base of the Space Needle.


Then we went to the oldest coral church in Asia. It was originally built in the late 1500's and is still standing. I think it's amazing they used coral to build it. Our third stop was to the Python exhibit. Pongy, the Python, is the largest python in the world. She is 20 years old and over 400 pounds. They allowed us to go into the cage to pet her and take pictures. I was initially a little fearful... it's a python! But then realized, the snake actually cannot move to fast because of it's size. However, when I was having my picture taken, as you can see, the snake moved or spasmed where I was touching it. Yes, I let out a small yelp and quickly left the cage.



Our next stop was supposed to be the Loboc River, a river we often take a cruise on with our barrio students. Prior to arriving at the river, Lee noticed some rice farmers planting rice. Looking for new experiences for us "foreigners" he pulled over and asked the farmers if we could help. Off went my sandals, a little reluctantly I might add, and in went my feet... into the mud and caribou feces. We walked along the mud path in which our feet consistently sunk into the mud quite a few inches. Feeling the mug between my toes... it honestly made me laugh. Then we walked through the rice paddy, which was again walking through several inches of mud with a layer of water on top. This is a picture of a rice bundle. They gather these up for easy transport, and then replant them in an empty lot to grow into larger plants, which then produce rice. We developed quite a audience along the side of the road... us crazy Americans! My next picture is of my feet, you know how I like my feet pictures. This is while walking back to the road along the mud path.



When we arrived at the road, a Filipino man was getting our attention in offering for us to wash our very muddy feet in his store. While standing in line to wash my feet, one of the workers in the store was holding a tarsier, the smallest primate in the world. You can only find these primates on the island of Bohol. Every year I enjoy seeing these odd looking animals. I was SO excited when the man told me that I could hold the tarsier, and he would take a picture. It's little feet were very similar to a frogs feet... the shape but also texture. They were a little sticky and I guess that would make sense since they climb trees and hold onto vertical branches for hours at a time.





As we departed, we then went on the Loboc river cruise, where we stopped to play on a rope swing. I did not participate because I didn't bring my swimming suit. I was a little bummed, but I got some great pictures of the others. We then went up to the falls and back to the Nut Huts. This is a restaurant near the river. We pulled the boat up to the shore and walked very steep stairs for about 10 minutes to a restaurant literally in the middle of the jungle. We ate lunch here and then went back down the stairs to head back to the boat and then back to our van.



Later along the trip, we stopped at a Butterfly exhibit. They had a few butterflies, nothing compared to the butterfly exhibit at the Seattle Center. They told us that with the typhoon 7 weeks ago they had a lot of damage and a lot of the butterflies escaped. Our next stop was the Chocolate Hills. I had already been here with the American team once before, but it's always a fun place to go. I had my picture taken of me jumping on top of a hill... it's a fun picture. I'll have to scan it and download it when I get home.


We were all tired after a full day, but Lee had seen an advertisement for a swimming pool. We followed the sign for what seemed like more than 2km... which is what the sign said. We went through thick mud and clay and we were very nervous about getting the van stuck... Lee wanted to continue. The road was under construction in many areas, but Lee was convinced more and more he wanted to find the pool. Eventually, after asking directions several times, we found it. A pool, in the middle of a barrio, it was SO odd! Again, I watched the group swim and then we headed back home. It was a long, exhausting day but SOOO fun!


That evening I spent preparing my sermon for the next day. I had been asked to preach at the Deaf church. I spoke on the Lord's unfailing love. It was so great how everything came together so smoothly during preparation. It was interesting how the enemy really tried to not have Sunday church work out. The students and teachers who attend the church get picked up at 9:30. But there was a substitute driver that day, and he didn't know he was picking up SO many students. He was also supposed to take a group of students to the Catholic church. He made one run to the Catholic church, went and picked up the bigger van and then came back for us. Church starts at 10:15 but we did not arrive until after 11. They waited for us though. We had a great worship set and then I got up to preach. It again went SO smoothly. I felt comfortable and felt natural being up there encouraging the students and teachers of the Lord's love. It was SO fun! Here is a picture of the church in the background and most of the students and teachers.

After church Emison, her boyfriend, and I hung out again. It was my last big shopping day for souvenirs and they helped me find things as well as carry them. It was fun just hanging out and socializing. Right now is Sandugo Festival time. We did go to Sandugo market. The last few years it has been on the pier and had over a hundred stalls full of... basically junk. It's fun to go to and there are usually a few good places to buy jewelry. But in the past few years there has been a lot of crime. Men get drunk and then they kill each other and then throw the bodies in the water, off the pier. I guess it happened so often last year they had to shut it down early and this year they moved it near the mall. The three of us ventured over to the market, but it wasn't worth seeing. There were about 15 stalls, all full of junk. Used clothing for about $0.50 a piece and pirated movies... none which I recognized. We went back to the mall where there were a lot more stalls, but with nice souvenirs, products made in Bohol. I was very impressed with the quality of the items as well as the prices. It was fun to look at all the different handicrafts from Bohol, especially with my friends here. We hung out for quite some time and even went into the city as well. Eventually I became extremely exhausted. I had been on my feet, walking around for two days. I went home and crashed. It was fun two days... crazy at time, fun a lot of fun!

Now, less than a week here! Agh! I was actually thinking about this yesterday and became sad to leave. I will definitely miss being here, with all my friends and the students. This year I have been able to spend A LOT more time with them. More intimate time. It's been a great experience and I will miss them a lot.

July 21st - July 25th

This week has definetely been a full one. After the weekend of the seminar and then Sunday going to church and then the mall, I was exhausted! Monday morning I woke up not feeling well. I was extremely queasy and my body was so physically tired, I could barely get myself out of bed to use the restroom. I slept in that morning, glad I was able to text the administration to let them know why I wasn't up at the school. Sleeping for 3 more hours worked and though I still felt weak, I made my way up to the school. I met with administration to discuss the seminar and what the next two weeks will look like for me. That afternoon I took it easy, making appointments with the teachers for the next few days.

Tuesday morning I woke up from a text message from administration saying there was no school, as it was Bohol day. What a blessing!! I slept in and then as the sun started to become brighter and brighter I decided to go to the beach. I called a taxi and laid out in the sun for a few hours, NOT getting burned! It was so nice to just lay there in the sun resting or the shade reading. I went to Alona Beach resort, which is a very nice resort on Panglao Island, a tiny island south of Bohol. This is where I can and did receive another $5 massage, laying on the beach. I think Alona is my favorite place in the world, so far.

Back to work on Wednesday, I spent the entire day meeting with teachers one-on-one to discuss their project for their next topic. It was something that was discussed at the seminar and they were asked to follow through and present their ideas to me. I was surprised as many of the teachers came with an activity rather than an actual project. I was warned by administration that this would happen, as the teachers are so engrained to lecture to the students rather than have then interact with their learning. This forced me to be bold with the teachers, explaining to them the difference, but to also have quick ideas on how they can turn their topic into a project. It seemed like the teachers understood and were very appreciative of the help. The administration said it's been very hard for the teachers to be creative themselves, to think outside of lecture, outside of the teacher's guide. I've also been teaching for some teachers in order to model using visual aids and manipulatives in the classroom.

This month in the Philippines is "Nutrition Month." Schools are supposed to do some sort of unit or celebration regarding nutrition with the theme of 'eating healthy while pregnant is beneficial for your baby.' Several things were on the agenda that afternoon, one including watching short bits from the movie SuperSize Me. I hadn't watched that movie, and with the brief bits I was able to see, I was shocked, as were the very skinny Filipinos! Each class had selected 4 students to represent their class. They picked a recipe and demonstrated how to make it. I was one of four judges that walked around, watched them prepare the meal and then was able to taste it... some of them I tasted several times! The above picture is one group of students. They made a noodle dish. The second picture is of one of my favorite dishes. It has potatoes, carrot and beans, I think... placed on top of a vegetable pancake. Does NOT sound delicious, but surprisingly it was!

Right now I am again sitting in a hotel in downtown Tagbilarin. My goal coming to this hotel was to upload photos of the last two weeks onto my blog and do a little research as well. The internet is intermittantly cutting out on me so the download function quits about half-way. So the pictures will need to wait. I was asked yesterday to preach at the Deaf church that I attended last week. So, I am doing a little research for that. Please pray for guidance and the right words (signs) to say. I'm not sure how many Deaf will be there, maybe about 25 students and 20 graduates of BDA. Pray for wisdom!

Here is a picture taken of the school after Nutrition Day. This is the majority of the students, most teachers, me and 5 French volunteers, working on building a canteen. I am in the 4th row from the bottom, on the right. I have a white shirt on with my judges medal (flower) on. This picture is taken on their basketball court.

July 18th - 20th

Every Friday is "Vocational Day" at BDA. Each of the students has picked a possible vocation class in which they participate all day. They learn different vocational trades such as wood working, pottery, fly tieing, paper making, restaurant serving, hair cutting and styling, manicure and pedicure, frame building, sewing and glass making. After the students graduate, they either have an opportunity to apply for employment in the IDEA fly tieing business or restaurants. If either of those two are not options, at least the students have some experience in real-world job-type work. Since the students were not in classes, I took the opportunity to walk through the last of my power points, making the final changes. After lunch, I took advantage of the Vocational Day and helped some students with the manicures. Helping, of course, meant volunteering my toes. My pedicure was 20 Pecos which is less that $0.50. ;-)

That afternoon I became restless, feeling like I've been in my house all week, working on my computer. I had about an hour before dusk, and because it wasn't too hot that day, decided to go on a walk in the neighborhood. I hadn't done this before, but needed some exercise. I went east and walked until the paved road became dirt. I turned around and through my iPod hearing a pack of screaming children behind me... wanting my attention. I stopped and talked with them for a while. They told me that I was very tall and had a big nose, but was very beautiful. There were a bunch of boys that would say something and laugh, and their cousin, a girl, probably told me 20 times during my conversation with them, "They are laughing without you!" in her Filipino accent. It was very amusing. They begged me to come back the next night, but I haven't made it out yet. We'll see this week.

As I walked back to BDA, I heard a woman call out my name. Surprised to hear it, as I had heard many people on my walk say, "Hello" to me, I turned around and saw a teacher from one of the Deaf elementary schools that we visit. This school is not associated with IDEA but has a Deaf program. I sat with her and her family in her house a while talking... it just seemed so strange to be sitting their with a friend I only see once a year.

The next day, Saturday, was the seminar. All 11 of us (me, 2 admin and 8 teachers) boarded a BDA bus and headed to Panglao Island. We had rented a cottage on the beach (first picture) for 300 Pecos ($6) for the day. I'll upload pictures later this week, as now I'm at an internet cafe. I had my computer along with my power points, and stood in this 5' by 5' cottage, made of bamboo, looking at the ocean delivering my presentation about Deaf education. It was amazing, and just made me chuckle at the entire situation. I presented power points on teaching vocabulary to the Deaf (including different strategies and methods), general teaching styles for teaching Deaf students, and using a project-based teaching method in the classroom. All power points were well received by the teachers and they participated well in my discussions. I gave them time at the end of the day to use what they learned surrounding project-based teaching in their next teaching topic. The teachers diligently used that time to plan. Overall, it went very well. We had a nice rice and pancit lunch in between presentations and even had time at the end of the day to rest or swim in the ocean. At the end of the day... after arriving home, I realized I was exhausted. I figured out that I had been standing and signing, while talking, for about 5 solid hours. The last picture is of most of the teachers and myself.

I wanted to rest, but the necessity of clean clothes over-rode my desire to watch a movie or read. I attempted, for the first time on this trip, to wash my clothes by hand. I assumed I would have done this sooner, but I've been able to access the Sunrise House where they have a washer and dryer... I missed that this weekend! So I sat on my bathroom floor, with my legs in the 2 inch drop of the shower, washing my clothes by hand. I took quite a while, as I wanted to make sure all the soap was out. I have a spare bedroom with a rack and hangers. So I hung up my clothes on the rack, put it next to the window and turned the fan on that room on high. This morning I checked and some are a little wet still. It wasn't too bad... my hands are still sore though from ringing out the clothes to get them as dry as possible.

Today, Sunday, I went to the Deaf church that IDEA sponsors. The BDA bus picked me up at 9:30 and continued to pick up several Deaf on the way to the church. It was interesting as there were only 3 of us hearing people there. This week, the BDA students all went home, so there were only about 20 Deaf in attendance. These are mostly students who had graduated in the past. I knew most of them and was excited to experience their church. It's very much like a typical church service, lots of worship in the beginning, and a message. However, it's completely silent, except for the "Deaf noises" they make, especially during worship.

After church, the driver dropped a few of us off at ICM to socialize. Emison, Russel (her boyfriend) and I went to lunch. Emison is a 20-year old friend that I met the first time I came over here. She has been a good friend since, and is a leader amongst all the students, especially the Christians here. She comes and eats lunch with me in my house once in a while. Her boyfriend has been asking a lot of questions about Christianity and Emison had asked me to talk with him about it. He is still learning sign language and Emison wanted him to know specifically what it meant to accept Jesus Christ. So before our food came, I talked with him about what it meant to have a relationship with Jesus, rather than just following a church. He seemed to be encouraged and desired to make a decision. He wanted to pray to accept Jesus!!! Yeah! So right there in the middle of the mall, in front of Dunkin' Doughnuts I led Russel though a prayer to become a Christian! It was amazing! He even had teary eyes as he prayed, it was SO touching! Later we went to the bookstore and I bought them both a Bible. Emison had given her Bible away to a friend and had wanted one for her own. She and I picked out Youth Bibles, as the English is a little more simple. For a total of 500 Pecos ($10) they each had a new Bible. What a great Sunday!!

Week of July 14-19

This week started out with another adventure, trying to get to BDA from the Sunrise house. I had asked one of the caretakers to give me a ride into Loay, to the main road, early Monday morning. Instead of the motorcycle, I rode on the back of the ATV. Initially I was relieved as the motorcycle was a little weak, but as we continued along the barrio road, I soon was wishing we had taken the motorcycle. I had my heavy backpack on me, with everything in it from the weekend and was trying to hold onto the back piping. With the motorcycle and two wheels, Along was able to maneuver between the holes and rocks jutting out. But with the ATV and 4 wheels, this was impossible. I was jostled around like a Mexican jumping bean, trying to hold on, with the weight of my backpack tossing me backwards. In the 20 minute ride to the main road, I think my entire body was tensed, holding on with everything I had. When we arrived onto the main road, we continued to the town of Loay, 2 minutes down the road, yes on the ATV. The caretaker found me a jeepney and made sure that it would go into Tagbilarin, the main city. It was, but it couldn’t drop me off at BDA, instead at the junction. I asked where the junction was and he told me the diver would let me know when to get off….. I still didn’t know what the junction meant. The caretaker had thankfully placed me in the front seat with the driver. We took off down the road stopping many times to pick up people standing on the side. This is when I realized why the caretaker was insistent that I sit in front. The back was absolutely squished. Jeepneys are little buses or trucks with a bench on both sides to sit on. However, when those become full, you can sit on a two-legged stool in the middle of the isle. There were probably 25-30 people squished in the back of that little space. I tried to figure out how fast we were going down the road, slamming on the breaks several times to pick people up, but all of the instruments in the front were not working. No km/h, no gas gauge… nothing.

Eventually I made it to the “junction” and the driver motioned for me to walk down the road. I knew I was semi-close to BDA but not entirely sure. So I started to walk and eventually came to a group of motor cab drivers. These are little trucks with a tall canopy, the same idea as a jeepney, yet smaller. I told one man where I needed to go, and he said it was walking distance, to the left, saying it was about ½ a kilometer. This is about a third of a mile. I continued my walk and arrived at my house, shortly after. I think I spent the next hour sitting in front of my fan on high, with a cold water towel to my forehead. I was SO hot!

Later that morning I observed in a classroom and then actually did a little teaching. There is a new teacher, fresh out of college, who really doesn’t know what he’s doing. Not only with the teaching aspect, but also doesn’t understand the concept he is teaching. Every time I’ve observed him I’ve had to correct him. I think the next two weeks I’m here I will be heavily mentoring him. I set up a plan for him. I’ll teach his first lesson, and then the next day to another class, he’ll teach the same lesson. Hopefully this will get him on the right track.

In the afternoon, after a meeting with administration I had to take yet another adventure. The next day my time in the Philippines was going to expire. I ventured into town, getting onto another motor cab into the city. I had to find the Immigration office. I was warned by Dennis that I had to wear long pants and no flip flops. I guess there was a sign on the door, and if you didn’t follow the rules, they wouldn’t even talk to you. So I, for the first time in the Philippines, had on longer pants. They were only capris, but they did the job. I knew the area in which the office was, but when I arrived I couldn’t find it. After searching and finally asking someone in the Philippine Airline office, I arrived. I had seen the sign when entering the office, but as a looked around, both women working in the office had flip-flops on. It's interesting that it’s a rule for customers but not for employees. I filled out the paper work and then was told I needed a copy of my passport. Off to find a copy machine… back to the office was then told how much I had to pay…. I was 500 Pecos ($10 short). Off to find a money changer… back to the office and then I was done. Yikes! But now I can stay until my original time of departure. Since I was in town, I took advantage of eating at pizza hut for dinner, using the internet café, and doing a little grocery shopping. I didn’t leave town until dark, I felt safe enough. I took a trike (a motorcycle with a cab on the side) back to BDA. I was exhausted and my body hurt. The next two days I was in pain, I think from tensing my body so long on the ATV.

I feel as if this week has brought me back to my graduate study days. Last weekend I spent two days researching for a seminar that I will be presenting this Saturday. All day Tuesday and Wednesday, I sat in my little house at my 2½ x 2½ foot table making three different power points to present. I know it was only two days, but I felt so stiff just sitting their typing for that long. It makes me thankful my job allows me to move around a lot, interacting with students. I don’t ever want to be stuck at my computer all day, researching. The power points are now done, just a little tweaking for Saturday and planning a project as an example. More researching on the internet, but it should be fun and quick.

Today I met with Dennis in order to show him my power points. I then ventured into town to watch the “Disability Parade” that 20 of the BDA students are in. After the parade they danced and performed sign to a song that is well-known in the Philippines, Jewel’s “Hands”. It was a great break from sitting in my little house all day. It was also fun to get out and socialize, and see the event in town. I am now sitting in a hotel restaurant downtown Tagbilarin. They have WiFi that I had to pay $2 for 10 hours. I think I’ll be back, because I’m not sitting here for 10 hours today! At least I’m able to use my computer to sit down and use the internet. I just finished chatting with a friend, Erin, through facebook. It’s so fun to connect with friends SO far away over the internet! Thank you all for your emails! I’ll try to upload more pics soon, but there’s not really a lot to see now.

Back to BDA

I'm sitting here in the nice AC, enjoying WiFi at the Sunrise House, listening to music, chatting on Facebook with one of the team members who recently arrived back in the US. Amy has extreme jet lag, so while it is 5:30am in Bothell, she is still awake chatting with me on Facebook. So relaxing! I spent the weekend here at the Sunrise House in Loay in order to do research for my 8-hour seminar next Saturday. I downloaded WAY too much information, but I guess too much is better than not enough. I also read a lot, caught up on email, and enjoyed the sun.

This week I'll be modeling teaching for specific teachers and putting my PowerPoint together. I have somewhat of an idea of how the PowerPoint will be organized, but it'll probably take a few hours, while also thinking of activities to go along with them. This will be my last time at the Sunrise House, as next Saturday I'll be teaching the seminar. I'll have two more weekends after that. The last one I'll be packing as I leave the next morning, but the one in between... I might head to the beach to get one more $5 one-hour massage and enjoy the sun. We'll see.

I'll have almost daily access to email, so I'd love any emails! It's always fun to hear about what is happening back home.

Week July 8th - 11th

Tuesday the team went to Alona Beach Resort. This was my final day with the team, and also the first day of rest for me. We woke up early, had Bible study and headed off to the Resort. We arrived there while it was still overcast. It was still warm and the pool was very inviting. We ate lunch and that is when the sun decided to shine through. After lunch we all went out to the ocean where 4 of our team members decided to be baptized. It was such a touching moment as Joshua baptized them, including his daughter. I then was blessed to receive my $5, one-hour massage, lying in the beach, in the shade of several palm trees. It was heaven! I then attempted to lay out to get rid of my farmer tan, but it was SO hot in the direct sun. I could only last 10 minutes laying there, and have to jump in the pool to cool off... I know, life was hard! I got some good sun, a tan though, not a burn. Since it was the last free day for the team, they wanted to go shopping for gifts for people at home. I tagged along, as they were my ride home later that evening. We went for our last dinner at Pizza Hut in the city. They know Joshua now by name. I think it was our 4th time eating there in the 3 weeks I've been there. They dropped me off at BDA later that evening.

Since being back at BDA, I guess it was really only been 3 nights that I slept there this week, it hasn't been too busy. The Filipino cultures is extremely laid back. And for me, coming in volunteering, there aren't too many expectations. I arrived back at my house, around 9, to hundreds of ants dead and alive. I went to town sweeping them up and spraying my Raid on every windowsill and doorway. I then found a ton of ants coming out a tiny hole in the wall. I sprayed continuously wanting the Raid to soak in. I came back a while later, after unpacking, to see hundreds of ants struggling for their lives in the pool of Raid on the floor... including bigger ants and bugs. I let them be as I was sopping wet with sweat as I tried to clean everything up. I took a cold shower. There isn't any warm or hot water in the shower or the sinks. It's taken some getting used to but I'm actually thankful for it now. This night, I took a shower just to cool off a bit. I was SO hot. So I just stood there, waiting for my body to cool down.

The next morning I woke up casually as I didn't really have an agenda at the school. Only, I had no water. I HAD to take a shower. I hadn't washed my hair the night before, and our electricity was out for quite a while that night, which meant no fan for a while. I was sweaty again. Actually, I don't think there's not a time when I'm not sweating... except for now, sitting in the AC of the Sunrise House. Having no water has happened a few times before, usually lasting only a few minutes. So I turned on my kitchen sink water and sat down to do my quiet time. Four hours later, I was still waiting for the water to come on. I guess the Lord needed some good quality time with me, as I had a nice long quiet time! At 12:30 the water finally came on and I jumped in the shower. Later on that afternoon I met with the administrator. I shared with her some concerns and positive things I've seen on campus. I gave some suggestions as to what I could do in my remaining 3 weeks here. Her and Dennis, IDEA founder, had met on Monday and decided that they want me to give the teachers a seminar on a Saturday while I'm here, yikes! We discussed possible topics and have a very broad idea of what the 8 hours is going to look like. I guess by broad I mean, I know that I'm going to do a PowerPoint discussing three topics: DHH Teaching Style, Visual Aids, and Vocabulary. Other than that, that's why I'm back here at the Sunrise House. I need to have accessible internet using my computer in order to do more research as all my books are home. I'll be here Saturday and Sunday and leave Monday morning. I'll be able to do all my research at least and then start putting my PowerPoint together as my seminar will be next Saturday, the 19th. Pray that it will all be put together smoothly!

Wednesday night is Bible study night at BDA. The team came for their last night to see the students. They performed two of their dramas again, as a lot of the students were not able to come to our weekend retreat to see them. The same person who wouldn't allow our friend to come see us at the elementary school (see previous blog), wrote on the permission slip that Joshua's team was a "born-again Christian" group. While that is true, the "born-again" vocabulary is very shunned here in Bohol. Many parents told their student that they couldn't come because of that. So, we brought the dramas to them! They were SO powerful! The team gave 110% while performing these dramas, I was brought to tears and I've seen them many times! We had the Bible study with about 80 students (the school has 86), while I voice interpreted for our team and a few French college students who are here for a while. They will be building a canteen for the campus. It was a great night, though hard to say good-bye to the team. They were to be leaving Friday morning. They were a great team, and we've had some great discussions. I've had some wonderful opportunities to share freedom and spiritual warfare with them. Hopefully I'll be able to remain in contact with those I've really connected with, as I wasn't around a bunch during their down time. There are more conversations that I'd like to have once I get back. They are hungry for more of Jesus!

Thursday and Friday were pretty low key. I observed and hung out in classes both days, but with a relaxed schedule. This means that I was able to come and go as a pleased. A nap was taken both days, mid-day! Pretty rough huh? BUT, for those who don't know, I haven't had a drop of coffee since I've been here! They have excellent coffee but I decided I wasn't going to drink it here, knowing I would get sleep. Obviously now I am, taking a nap in the middle of the day!

Today I observed four dramas by the senior students, and helped the teacher critique them. That was fun, seeing what they came up with. Next week I have many times scheduled for observing different teachers. One teacher specifically has been asking me a ton of questions. He recently graduated, in May, and has now just started his second month of teaching. He is Deaf himself and has great communication with the students. I've observed him a few times before and have discussed some things with him. He feels frustrated a lot but is very humble, asking for my advice. I'll be teaching a few math lessons for him next week and will then observe him teach the same lesson I taught. Other than that, I'll probably be working on my PowerPoint getting ready for the seminar next week.

Pray for continued peace here! I'm fortunate to have a lot of spare time on my hands. I've been spending a lot of time in the Word, listening to pod casts, reading books and watching MacGeyver. Yes, MacGeyver for those of you who remember watching that in the 80s! One of the teachers has the first season so I'm watching that while I eat. It's so funny, the 80s. I will continue to have email at BDA. I can check it and respond on an almost daily basis. But I won't be able to post pictures from my computer as I have to use their computer. Thank you for those of you who have emailed and/or commented on my blogs! Thank you for your continued prayers as well!

Back Home... My Philippine Home

Well, I'm back at the Sunrise House in Loay, Bohol. It was SO nice to take a quick dip in the pool overlooking the jungle, take a warm shower, shave, and use the internet while sitting in an AC room. I'm taking a big, deep breath! Aaaaah! (sigh with smile) But I do very much miss the American team. It is SO quiet here, as usually I'm here with 20 or so people, where there is always something going on. I'm here by myself, which is VERY weird! I will update you on my week, but first I wanted to tell you how I even got here, it was quite an experience!

I left BDA today at 3pm, standing by the road with my backpack and purse. Big buses and motorcycles were whizzing by but I was waiting for a trike (a motorcycle cab)to take me to ICM (Island City Mall). This is where the bus depot is. I was praying that the Lord would provide a trike quickly as I was sweating profusely standing there with gnats flying around my ankles. A Deaf girl who works at BDA, in the fly tying program, came down the road and stood by me. She was also going to ICM to catch a bus to a different location. I was SO thankful because she told me that all the big buses that whizz by, that say "Tagbilarin", are ones that go directly to ICM. The next bus that came by we got on. Wow, I remember when I was in college in Cheney, not wanting to ride the bus to Spokane for classes because of the scary people on the bus. This time it wasn't so much of the people as it was the driver. It was seriously like a ride at Disneyland or something. We were literally FLYING down the road, taking corners as I halt my signing conversation to two-hand grip the seat in front of me. I was praying under my breath that the Lord would just get us there safely. It's funny how the Lord works sometimes, as I instantly look at the driver's over sized rear view mirror. It said it big red paint, "Lord you are my defender and protector... you are my God... in you I trust." I had to laugh.

Well obviously we arrived at ICM, the bus depot safely but that's not the end of my story. There's not some big climax, but it was just so interesting. I say good-bye to my friend and look for a bus that says, "Loboc" which is the town after my destination Loay. I couldn't find any buses, and that's when several men decided they would help me. I kind of felt like a celebrity as I had an entourage of Filipino men leading and following me to make sure I found a bus to go to Loay. I find a seat on the bus next to an older woman and sit down. A little while later, the bus becomes more crowded sitting 3 to a seat and even though I have a large backpack on my lap, an older man attempts to sit down beside me. So the three of us are squished into that small seat, and the bus pulls away. Several stops are made before we hit full speed again. Again, we are FLYING down the main road in Bohol, that is along the perimeter of the island. Because it was about 4, most of the houses were starting to cook their food over their open fire... which meant smoky air. Did I mention the bus does not have windows? I guess it's the free AC idea as it blows hard in your face, ;-) I was trying to pick out one distinct aroma that I was smelling as we flew... smoke from fire, smoke from the cigarette in front of me, ocean water, seaweed, diesel gas... it was definitely a distinct 3rd world country variety of smells. The man comes around asking for fare... 20 Pecos, so far my trip has cost 25 Pecos, a whopping $0.45. I verify that the bus will actually stop in Loay, as since we've left town it hasn't made a single stop. He assures me it will and as we get closer to Loay he motions to me to come up to the door. I gradually make my way through all the people and he yells to the driver, something in Visayan. As we pull up to the market, still moving quiet quickly the guy jumps out motions to me, I jump out and he jumps back on... I made it! I instantly call Along, the old care-taker of the Sunrise House who had agreed to come pick me up.

I call and assuming he'll be on his way I shop for fresh mangoes at the market and a hum bow for dinner. As I walk up near the street, I hear a whistle, it's Along. I hop on the back of his small motorcycle, with my large backpack, and we turn back to the barrio road. This road is through the jungle, rock and clay mostly, with patches of pavement. There are more "pot holes" than flat road. We go bouncing through the barrio, one hand around Along, the other holding onto the handle on the back of the seat. That hand now has a blister on it from holding on so hard. Going up the extremely steep driveway, was a challenge for this motorcycle holding both of us, but we arrived safely.

It was quite an experience, now I feel I can go anywhere, after doing that by myself! Several times I had wished my camera wasn't buried in my backpack, I wanted to document my adventure with pictures... but it wasn't accessible. Maybe when I go back to BDA Monday morning, I'll keep my camera out.

Sagbayan

Today, Monday July 7th, we went to Sagbayan Elementary School. At this school we did the normal routine of games, crafts, dramas and balloon animals. This is one school, where it is evident the students were impacted last year. They look into the bus windows upon our arrival, and before we can even open the door they are signing our names. Just to see a group of students look at me, widen their eyes and start signing my name sign.... makes my heart melt for them. It was a fun day as we were able to perform our dramas not only for those 40 Deaf students but as well as for the entire school. Then as the dramas are over and we've said our final prayer for them, the stage is overwhelmed with all the hearing students. They want our autograph. Every year they do this, it's so funny! I signed a few autographs, told them Jesus loved them and was then grabbed by a Deaf student and escorted back to their dorms. They seem very protected of our time with them. This group also LOVED getting their picture taken, doing any sort of pose or trick for us to take a picture.

After leaving this school, we traveled shortly to the Chocolate Hills. These are one of the tourist destinations of Bohol. Attached you'll see a picture of Amy and Lindsey. I took a bunch of pictures but my camera was acting up in the bright sun, and this picture portrays the Hills the best. As you drive on the roads through the rice patty fields there looms several hills, in the shape of chocolate kisses... hence their name.

Tuesday after a beach day with the team and shopping at the Sandugo Market I'll be heading back to BDA. The intense "mission" part of the trip will be concluding for me as I say goodbye to the team. I will now be focusing on the academic part while of course doing a little back door ministry on campus.

Prayer request: We found out tonight that one of the sponsorship coordinators was not allowed to come out to the school today to visit with us. She normally will come out and take pictures with the kids who are sponsored by us. However, she was told she is not allowed to go out to any schools were we are. The person who told her she couldn't come is a very influential woman in IDEA, a strong Catholic. The more fruit we have with the kids each year, the more that are saved and experience more freedom, the more resistance we have from her. Pray for me as I will be a constant body on this campus in the next four weeks. I know I will come against a few people working for IDEA whose faith do not follow Jesus. Pray I will be a light to them, and even a bigger light to these kids... for them to know the Truth.

Barrio Weekend

This weekend we hosted the Barrio (neighborhood) high school students for a weekend retreat. The weekend was mostly organized in the same way as the previous weekend, with the Deaf high schoolers. The only major changes was the preaching was all done in Visayan, their language. All of the students could hold a decent conversation in English, but the teaching was done in their first language. It was a fun weekend with about 80 high school and college students.

This weekend was a real spiritual fight. There is a strong religious spirit here, mainly a cult-like Catholic upbringing with the students. However, many of the students themselves don't practice Catholicism or believe in the rituals. There is still a strong opposition to Jesus and having a relationship with him. Some of the students are scared to accept Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior, because of fear of being physically persecuted by their family.

Saturday night we had a talent show. It was very interesting. Most of the acts, 9 out of the 12, were made of up Americans. One of the Filipino acts was dancing... very provocatively. There is a spirit of rebellion and a mocking spirit with many of the youth. During one performance, all Americans were standing up front, singing a worship song, "Rescue" by the Desperation Band. In the back sat many boys who tended to talk during most of the "challenge" times. During the song, they flipped us off several times. I just sensed more rebellion this year than in years past. I had to "babysit" the common area on Saturday because boys were going into the girls' dorm and not respecting the authorities when asked to leave. I've never had to deal with that there. Oh, one eye opener. We gave all the students a white t-shirt in which they were able to paint. I was walking around taking pictures. I saw one that said "crips" in graffiti-like writing. I asked them what it was, and they said it was a fraternity. An American fraternity... then proceed to snicker and talk in Filipino. It's so interesting that gang-related activity can get to the middle of the jungle where they don't have internet or cable TV.

After the talent show we performed our dramas and then a "challenge" was given. During this time, the team gathered and prayed to intercede for these students. It was a long "challenge" as the pastors asked the students to write their questions about Jesus on a piece of paper, as to remain anonymous. Two questions were posed. 1)How do I really accepted Jesus into my heart. 2)How do I stay focused on Jesus when there are so many temptations and pressure from friends. Such great questions! So we labored and interceded in the back. It was a great to see the team unify for such an important cause. In the end, 13 students accepted Christ as all the students' heads were bowed. Praise Jesus! There were even 4 boys, in the back, that raised their hands too!

The next day was just a day of praise, to talk to those that accepted Christ but also have more one on one conversations with all students, as we floated down the Loboc River. We had three dinner boats that took us down the river, to the falls, then near the springs. The springs is usually where we dock and swim, jumping off the 6 foot cliffs. It typically has nice clean, clear water, as the river is a murky brown. But this year even the springs was the murky brown. We said goodbye to our friends at the end of the cruise and headed home for much needed rest.

Life at BDA

Since Monday, June 30th, I have been living at Bohol Deaf Academy (BDA). I have a little, two bedroom house in the back of the campus. There are 3 other houses back here that house the principal and other teachers. My house is reserved for guests. I will be staying here until I leave, except for this last weekend with the team. The barrio high school students will be coming up to the Sunrise House for their weekend retreat. I’ll be going back to the house to help them out.

So far this week, all I have been doing is observing teachers. I’ve made sure I’ve observed all the teachers. I’ll be meeting with administration on Wednesday of next week to talk about what I saw and ideas for me for the remainder for the four weeks I’ll be here. One interesting lesson I observed was in a Biology class. They were studying the parts of the microscope. When they were done, the teacher wanted the students to have a quick look under the microscope. So she asked the class, "Who here has lice?" Luckily, less students raised their hands than not. But the students then went to town with their lice combs, getting a louse out of the volunteer students' hair. I only observed.

Living here has been interesting. I’ve had to make a few adjustments. Another seventeen year old American girl lived here prior to me. We had one day overlap where both of us were here. When she left on Tuesday I realized how dirty the house is. I went about cleaning and have realized how important it is to leave the counters and floors absolutely spotless. Ants are EVERYWHERE! If I get any food out, I see them instantly. I eat a mango every morning for breakfast. One morning I left about a 1/8 of a teaspoon sliver of mango in the sink while I was getting ready for my morning. When I was about to leave, I realized the sink was crawling with red ants, several them working together to haul the mango. I pulled out my Raid and let them have it… then wiped them up. I didn’t enjoy that. When arriving here, I was told by the girl that she hadn’t seen any cockroaches, PHEW! But SO wrong! I killed two on Tuesday as I was cleaning! At least they are a fourth of the size of Chinese cockroaches.

Loon Elementary School

Well, I'm back at the Sunrise House, Happy Fourth of JULY!!!! I haven't had internet for a few days so I'll play catch up on my blog in the next few days while I'm here. I'm excited to have AC, a semi-warm shower and filtered tap water at least for the next 4 days.

Last Monday, July 1st, we went to Loon Elementary School. This has always been my favorite school to visit for two reasons. One, the dorm father and mother are Christians which makes for such a peaceful dorm. The children are always so well behaved and have hope. Two, my first sponsor child, Iris, is there. It’s always such a joy to see her!

She is now 14 years old and in 2nd grade. Remember, IDEA found her a few years ago and two years ago was finally able to convince her family to send her to school through IDEA. Two years ago, right when she started school she enrolled in pre-school as a 12 year-old. When I asked her her name, she could tell me… but that was about it as far as conversation went. Last year I saw a huge improvement in communication and this year even more. She actually asked me questions this year. She asked about my family and my work. It was SO fun and pleasing to be able to interact with her at a more intimate level.

We did the typical games, crafts and dramas with this group. The first picture is of Iris and I. The second is of our group and the Loon Elementary School students. I’m up top right, with a light blue shirt on.

Bohol Deaf Academy Weekend Retreat

Wow, has it been an amazing weekend! About 40 Deaf high schoolers came to the Sunrise House this weekend to learn about Jesus and have fun. We welcomed them here Friday night with signs (paper and hand) and big hugs. We saw most of these students on Wednesday night for Bible study, but were SO excited they could come be a part of the weekend. We ate dinner, had organized game time on the court and then settled in the community room for a word from one of our team members, Jen. I interpreted her message as she did a great job! In for the night, we woke up to a beautiful, hot day. This picture is of Rosaly, one of my favorites. We met last year and she has an absolutely horrible story... yet look at her face. She loves Jesus!!

Saturday was our big day. We woke up very early and started into our day. We had more organized games (see picture to the right), including a huge, well organized obstacle course. It was so fun! I went around taking pictures to show the kids later for a slide show. We then designed t-shirts with paint, hence my new blog picture with the blue hand. After lunch came time for a siesta, which meant organizing a obstacle course picture powerpoint and a collection of weekend pictures put into a movie for the show later that night. Pool time was fun. Many of our female team members gave the Filipino Deaf students pedicures and washed and styled their hair. After dinner, another team member, Scott, spoke as I interpreted for him. After I showed the powerpoint and movie, our team and the Filipinos had a talent show. It's really like any talent show, but what was SO amazing, is these Deaf students are such great dancers! You start them off with a beat, to the music for us hearing people, and they keep the beat while dancing. They were break dancing, hip hop dancing and papaya dancing (I think a Filipino dance).

This morning, Sunday, was my time to preach (picture). I brought the word about the power of salvation. The students were really into it, answering my questions, and participating. They seemed to really grasp the severity of what sin does to us and how much it separates us from God. Along with that I taught about repentance and how, after accepting Christ, it mends the separation. It was quite a long sermon, for me, but Filipinos are used to hour, hour and a half sermons (this isn't counting worship and everything else). We then headed off to the beach... in the rain. However, arriving at the beach, the sun was out, ready for us to go play (picture). Most of the students, Americans and Filipinos, headed out in the warm, perfect blue water. Some students played link tag in knee deep water, which allowed for some serious diving. Some played chicken fight... actually I participated in this one and remember only seeing girls in this. This game I had a Filipino girl sitting on my shoulders and we were trying to get another pair or pairs of girls to fall down in the water. My partner and I took the group, we won! This afternoon is fun, but also a great time to sit one on one, or with a small group, in a comfortable setting to talk to them about Jesus. Many students fear raising their hands or accepting Christ in a larger setting, because the Catholic church always sends a "spy" to this "born-again Christian" camp. In years past, this "spy" goes back home to tell the church who raised their hand or accepted Christ. Those students, or most of them, are then persecuted physically or sexually for their decision. I've heard awful stories, but looking at those students now, am just amazed at the fruit in their lives. Some of them are now encouraging other students in their faith. Some students have help their families realize who Jesus really is. They have SO much FAITH! Because of this "spy" and the persecution these students face, we decided to have them come up and sign a book if they want prayer. They could accept Christ or get prayer for anything. At the end of the beach day, 14 students had signed up. So the team is going to BDA Monday night to pray for these students. This is so encouraging to me, as I will be with these students for 5 more weeks. I'm excited to see all the friendships that are formed.

Tonight I will sleep in the middle of the jungle, on top of a mountain overlooking the jungle running into the blue ocean. I am now sitting in an air conditioned house, typing away using their satellite wireless internet. Tomorrow, after going to our 3rd Deaf school and then to the high school to pray for the students, I will sleep on the outskirts of the city, on the BDA campus. No AC, no wireless, and currently... no food. Tuesday and Wednesday I will be at BDA watching, meeting teachers, learning about their school. I'm not quite sure what is expected yet. I won't be back at this house until Friday night, so I may not be able to check internet or blog until then.

Talibon Elementary School

Our second Deaf school was a two and a half hour drive up north. We follow basically the same routine with each school we go to. Talibon performed for us today, it's always so moving when they do. The video is now on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhFS7M_Jf_M, I love it! It brought me to tears. I didn't recognize the song, but it was moving nonetheless. You may have to turn up the volume to hear the song.

Also today the Lord spoke to sponsoring another child from this school. My other sponsor child is from Loon Elementary School, in which we'll visit Monday. This girl is in preschool and 5 years old. Her name is Rogelle and her family is very poor. She started school three weeks ago, as their school starts in June. Right now she has no language base and will only copy signs. I'll ask her what her name is and she'll just mimic what I sign. It's so sad, but I know when I see her again next year, she'll have a language base and will be able to communicate. I took MANY pictures of her and of her and me... I think my paparatzi-type behavior intrigued her though, because then she started following me everywhere. It was cute. I think she was a little scared of my big camera though. The picture is of her and I.

Jagna Elementary School

Today we drove an hour and a half to Jagna Elementary. This is the team's first visit to a Deaf school. We arrived and it was blazing hot! We played dodge ball, various ball games, parachute and tug-o-war out in the sun.

We then headed undercover where we performed our dramas. We have four dramas this year. One of them is one we have done the past few years: The Redeemer. We have three new dramas: Jonah, Sticky Chair and Everything. Jonah was scripted by one of our team members and tells the basic story of Jonah disobeying God and then finally realizing his sin, once inside the whale. Sticky Chair is a Young Life script where there is a chair with a sign saying, "Do Not Touch." Many people touch the chair and get stuck to it. It isn't until they confess and repent of their sin (touching the chair) where they are able to let go of the chair. The final drama Everything is the most touching. It's hard to describe this drama or at least put it in perspective for you. If you feel led, you can watch it yourself at http://youtube.com/watch?v=U_M33GcJAmU I am still moved every time I watch it, and I've seen it many times. There are some hard things to watch, but when we perform this drama for the younger students, we adapt it for their level.

Our last activity with them were crafts. We have white stuffed bears in which they use markers to decorate. They receive a white, Styrofoam plane in which they also decorate. The last craft is making a beaded necklace or bracelet.

We said goodbye to the students are proceeded to eat lunch at one of the four Garden Cafes on the island. This is a restaurant run by the Deaf and funded by IDEA. The students are trained in high school and have the opportunity to get a job at these restaurants, following graduation. It's a great opportunity for these students. There is one friend that works at this particular restaurant, Francis. I met her the first two years I came here, when she was in high school. We made a connection then and now she's working at this restaurant. I'm always excited to see her.

From here we traveled home for a brief stop before going into the city to shop for supplies. One thing that surprised me and Josh, the leader, was he had asked the team if they had wanted to eat dinner at McDonald's, just around the corner. Not one person raised their hand. Instead, we chose Pizza Hut. We then headed to BDA, my future home, for Bible study.

Every Wednesday night, the Deaf pastor, Mart, leads a Bible study for about 50 Deaf students. We arrive plenty early and socialized while they ate dinner. That's when the monsoon hit. Most of us become sopping wet, including me. I don't remember even being chilly in the Philippines, except for this night. Because the monsoon lasted around two hours the roads were not safe, as the pastor rides a motorcycle. He didn't come, so they asked me if I would preach.... yikes! I came prepared with my glasses to interpret for the Deaf pastor, but now I needed to prepare something on the fly. I decided to have the team perform "Sticky Chair" and then I expanded on it for several minutes. The students were interacting and it just felt good to be up there again teaching about Jesus.

I also saw MANY students that we had prayed for last year. Two students specifically, I had really bonded with and had some deep conversations with, came. I was SO excited to see them and to see them still running after the Lord, after knowing they've had some pretty hard, physical abuse this year.