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.