We are preparing for the big mission that is coming to Borongan. 51 amazing, generous people are coming to help those in need here. There is so much excitement among the kids who cannot wait for our visitors to come. Truthfully, they are most looking forward to the pool party ;) Can you blame them? I heard that last year Auntie Rita bought 40 pizzas and 5 cakes!! The amount of love these children and sisters have for the missioners, especially those who have been coming here for many years, is massive!!
I have been helping to prepare for the mission. There are 4 major parts to it. The medical mission is connected with the hospital. The screening of patients is going on there and the Diocese of Borongan is aiding with that part. Then there is a dental mission. Four dentists are coming and, along with Sister Michelle who is a dentist as well, they will spend the first week of the mission doing dental work in the barrios, the second week they will be in the hospital. There is a construction mission as well. This team will be building homes for people as well as constructing a fence around the property of the charity village. Lastly, there is an outreach mission that will go into the barrios bringing food, clothing, eyeglasses, shoes and lots of love to the poor people living there.
On Monday we went to visit a woman who will be receiving a new home. Her name is Margarita and she is in her 70's. She had 5 children, but one of them died, leaving 2 children. Margarita cares for her children and grandchildren. Their home was ruined in Typhoon Ruby. It looks sort of like a wooden tent. Their kitchen is outside and they have no bathroom. 4 members of the family have to sleep outside. Margarita is a sweet woman with kind eyes. She has worked hard all of her life. Even now, she is a farmer, but her farm is on another property a distance from her home. She walks to her farm, crossing a river on foot back and forth to her home. The joy on her face when we told her she would be the recipient of a new home was absolutely beaming, brighter than the sun.
Later on Monday, we went to another barrio to see if we could deliver our water blessings there. Water With Blessings is a water filtration system. Currently, clean water is available in most places on the planet... at a price. The people I have met on my missionary work cannot afford to buy clean water. Most people in the barrios only eat one meal a day. All you need for the filtration system is a 5 gallon bucket and a filter. The filters are donated, sponsored by generous people all over the world. If you'd like more information on Water With Blessings, check out their site at www.waterwithblessings.org. We have about 80 filtration kits to donate to families. Fortunately, the beautiful barrio we went to on Monday has fresh spring water to drink that does not have to be boiled. So, we will visit some other barrios and find one that is need of the system. However, this barrio is still in need of help. It didn't take the Oikos Sisters long to realize this would be a perfect barrio to begin their FAITH (Food Always In The Home) and Piglet Recycling Livelihood Programs here. They are always, always on the lookout for those in need. Amazing!!
On Tuesday, I went with a team to the barrios we are going to do the dental mission and outreach feeding program in. We were doing screening for the dentists. We saw close to 100 people, the vast majority has never been to a dentist before. I was given the task of interviewing the people for their personal info... name, where they are from, have they ever been to a dentist, if so, what was done, etc. It was good to use my Waray waray and surprise the people who were wondering how they would talk to a English speaking woman!! Children, men and women lined up to be screened and were so grateful to us for coming. The team of 4 dentists will have their work cut out for them, that's for sure! But you can see the relief on their faces and almost see the words: We weren't forgotten... someone does care.
The countdown is on... February first the mission begins, and the excitement is electric in the air. As the days get closer, we are continuing to work to prepare, and the kids are working on their presentations for the mass and program for the missioners. And, as the days get closer, it is never far from my mind that my time here is almost up. The mix of sadness about leaving and joy to see my family and friends is dizzying. I will seep each moment of love and fun from this experience and carry it with me always no matter where God's path takes me. xxoo
Tuesday, January 26, 2016
Friday, January 22, 2016
A Great Big Thank You!!!
In today's gospel, taken from St. Mark, Jesus was teaching people with His apostles and was so into it that He told them to continue teaching, they could eat later. St. Mark writes that when His family heard of this, they went to seize Him and told others that Jesus was out of His mind. Geesh... isn't that harsh? One of the things that surprised me so much in getting to know the Oikos Sisters is that most of them did not have the support of their families when they joined Oikos. Some probably even muttered to each other what Jesus' family said about Him. All of the sisters have the support of their families now, but it took a long time. When I decided to become a missionary, I had nothing but support from my family. Another blessing in a long line of them.
Over the course of this blog, I have told you a little about my family. It's hard to share experiences
about myself without including them as they are such a big part of who I am. The truth is that I carry a piece of each of them with me as I work day in and day out in the missions, encountering new people and new situations almost daily. Each of my brothers and sisters has enlightened me and helped me to become a better person, and I thank God for them daily, practically by the minute!
Lisa has taught me about patience. She is the mother of 9 children, and I'm not sure if I ever heard her raise her voice! As I am writing this, I can almost see her rolling her eyes as she reads this, letting out a half-laugh, half-unbelief noise, however I know... I've seen for myself. When I find myself in the middle of a situation that is chaos-strewn and crazy, my natural inclination is to try to be louder than the loudest person to get everyone's attention... but it never works. I just add to the fray and become annoyed. Thinking of Lisa helps me to do just the opposite... to gently summon order, not raise my voice and it works just about every time. In a mission with many children and lots going on, one more person adding to the loud confusion solves nothing. But, the kids stop and try to listen to what I'm saying in a quiet voice... magic!!
When I feel overwhelmed by a situation or am faced with something new, I look to my sister Linda for help. Linda is the mother of 5 children who has tackled obstacles in her path many times over. Having children with food allergies, Linda learned about them forwards and backwards and has become a local spokesperson for families dealing with this scary disease. She remains connected with all new information regarding them and works tirelessly to try to make her kids' lives as normal as possible. When her husband Eric wanted to have a family band, Linda learned how to play the fiddle, in her 40's, with 5 children whom she homeschools, and she's a really good fiddler!! Many times in Africa and the Philippines I am asked to do something new, something I never thought I would ever do, sometimes something a little scary, and I think of Linda and how she perseveres for the good of others she loves, and I find myself able to do it. By the way, check out the Apen Family Band at www.apenfamily.com ... they are a totally cool bluegrass family band!!
Tom, who has 4 children, has taught me about protection. As my older brother, I have always felt protected by him. He isn't stifling or controlling, just a solid presence always, someone I know has my back if ever I would need it. I remember when my dad was admitted into the hospital on Good Friday quite a few years ago. I was with my mom in the waiting room trying to be reassuring and helpful to her. My dad turned out to be ok, but later when retelling the story, I remember her talking about being in the waiting room and completely worried and scared, but she said as soon as she saw my brother Tom, she knew everything would be ok. At first I was like, HEY!!! What am I?? But... I have to say that I've experienced being soothed by Tom's protective presence myself. I know if ever I should need him, he'll be there for me, and that gives me a great amount of freedom to do what I do.
For me, being on a mission brings all of my emotions front and center... close to the surface, and it results in feeling like I'm on a rollercoaster all. the. time. One minute I'm crying and the next, laughing, one minute happy and the next upset. And it's constant, larger than life emotions that are always in my face, not to mention exhausting. When I feel overrun by crazy emotions, I call on what I've learned from Tim. Tim is the father of 11 children and I have to say, of all the people I know, he's probably the steadiest. He's funny and knows how to have a good time, but especially when things get tense or seemingly out of control, he masters his emotions. In my experience, being emotional during tense situations is rarely... probably never... a good thing, and missionary work can be pretty tense. Instead of helping, emotions tend to get in the way and can make a bad situation worse. Many times while on a mission, I have summoned the calmness of Tim to help settle myself down so I can be of help.
I am blessed to have a brother who is a priest, as all of my siblings are. Mark has been of untold help to me in finding the path God wills for me. Also having spent a year in Belize in the missions, he has offered support and aid in a way only a fellow missionary can give. He is an amazing priest, and if you want a sample, his homilies are online at www.stmarystmark.org, so you can see for yourself!! In Amherst, NY a few years ago, a small airplane crashed into a home on a suburban street in the evening. Everyone on board the plane and one person in the home were killed, there were two survivors in the home. My brother Mark was at my parent's home not far from the scene in Amherst when there was a news bulletin about it on t.v. Immediately, although technically done with his work day, he went there and ministered to the people, and went with the families to the hospital. When it's been a long day here and I am aching for a bath and my bed, but something comes up, I think of Mark. He helps to remind me that the work I am doing is not about time clocks, it's about people, and serving them.
My sister Margaret has 6 children and is the only one of us whose home is not in Buffalo. I know from personal experience now how it feels to be away from home when there is a crisis going on. It isn't easy, and it's something Margaret has been dealing with for 13 years. Margaret has the ability to let the little things slip by her without comment and save her energy and time for the big things. It is a great virtue to have. Sometimes I can get wrapped up in little things. There is a whole, big, wide world of important things going on and I focus on the little thorn in my foot. Not every little thing requires attention or comment; Margaret is great at picking her battles. Sometimes, in the midst of a mission or task, I find myself faced with a problem or issue that doesn't need my involvement, some little annoyance that will fizzle out if only I can hold my tongue, look the other way, stay out of it. When I'm able to recognize those moments, I call on Margaret's wisdom to help me let go of the little things, because for darn sure there are some big doozies that require my whole attention and skill. Better to save myself for the big stuff!!
My youngest sister Anne has 1 child, two step children and twins on the way!! She has had some hard knocks, as many of us had. One thing Anne is really good at is being silly. I am totally serious when I say this. Some people, like me for instance, are very self-conscience and have a hard time getting over ourselves, shedding our inhibitions and just plain having fun. Many times, on this mission in particular, I have been in a situation where I had to be silly, act out crazily, sing into a microphone (I don't have a good voice :-( ...) and I had a really hard time letting go of my insecurities. It isn't the best thing to not sing, dance or act crazy when by not doing so, you kill the mood or end the fun. I'm not a dud, I know how to have a good time...on my terms. Guess what, my terms are not their terms!! When I am being asked to be silly for silliness sake, to join in the crazy fun, I think of Anne and I try my best to get over myself and join in the fray. Usually afterwards, I'm glad I did... until I see the video camera I didn't know was there!!! :o
There may have been some times in my past when my family thought I was out of my mind, but thankfully, now they are all supportive of me and what I feel God is calling me to. My brothers- and sisters-in-law are just as loving and supportive, as are my nieces and nephews. They help me every day to get through the difficult times and make the most of the good times.
Here is a picture of my family on the occasion of my dad's retirement taken just before I left for the Philippines:
So, I would just like to take this opportunity to thank my family, who was supportive to me from the start, loving and understanding, generous and always helpful. Without them, I don't think I'd be able to do all of this (I'm actually somewhat of a wimp!) Thank you, dear family!
A vocation from God is always a gift. If you have a family member considering and discerning a call from God to the priesthood, religious life, consecrated life or missionary life, I urge you to support and love them. And, most importantly, pray for them... keep praying for me too!! Thanks!! xxoo
Over the course of this blog, I have told you a little about my family. It's hard to share experiences
about myself without including them as they are such a big part of who I am. The truth is that I carry a piece of each of them with me as I work day in and day out in the missions, encountering new people and new situations almost daily. Each of my brothers and sisters has enlightened me and helped me to become a better person, and I thank God for them daily, practically by the minute!
Lisa has taught me about patience. She is the mother of 9 children, and I'm not sure if I ever heard her raise her voice! As I am writing this, I can almost see her rolling her eyes as she reads this, letting out a half-laugh, half-unbelief noise, however I know... I've seen for myself. When I find myself in the middle of a situation that is chaos-strewn and crazy, my natural inclination is to try to be louder than the loudest person to get everyone's attention... but it never works. I just add to the fray and become annoyed. Thinking of Lisa helps me to do just the opposite... to gently summon order, not raise my voice and it works just about every time. In a mission with many children and lots going on, one more person adding to the loud confusion solves nothing. But, the kids stop and try to listen to what I'm saying in a quiet voice... magic!!
When I feel overwhelmed by a situation or am faced with something new, I look to my sister Linda for help. Linda is the mother of 5 children who has tackled obstacles in her path many times over. Having children with food allergies, Linda learned about them forwards and backwards and has become a local spokesperson for families dealing with this scary disease. She remains connected with all new information regarding them and works tirelessly to try to make her kids' lives as normal as possible. When her husband Eric wanted to have a family band, Linda learned how to play the fiddle, in her 40's, with 5 children whom she homeschools, and she's a really good fiddler!! Many times in Africa and the Philippines I am asked to do something new, something I never thought I would ever do, sometimes something a little scary, and I think of Linda and how she perseveres for the good of others she loves, and I find myself able to do it. By the way, check out the Apen Family Band at www.apenfamily.com ... they are a totally cool bluegrass family band!!
Tom, who has 4 children, has taught me about protection. As my older brother, I have always felt protected by him. He isn't stifling or controlling, just a solid presence always, someone I know has my back if ever I would need it. I remember when my dad was admitted into the hospital on Good Friday quite a few years ago. I was with my mom in the waiting room trying to be reassuring and helpful to her. My dad turned out to be ok, but later when retelling the story, I remember her talking about being in the waiting room and completely worried and scared, but she said as soon as she saw my brother Tom, she knew everything would be ok. At first I was like, HEY!!! What am I?? But... I have to say that I've experienced being soothed by Tom's protective presence myself. I know if ever I should need him, he'll be there for me, and that gives me a great amount of freedom to do what I do.
For me, being on a mission brings all of my emotions front and center... close to the surface, and it results in feeling like I'm on a rollercoaster all. the. time. One minute I'm crying and the next, laughing, one minute happy and the next upset. And it's constant, larger than life emotions that are always in my face, not to mention exhausting. When I feel overrun by crazy emotions, I call on what I've learned from Tim. Tim is the father of 11 children and I have to say, of all the people I know, he's probably the steadiest. He's funny and knows how to have a good time, but especially when things get tense or seemingly out of control, he masters his emotions. In my experience, being emotional during tense situations is rarely... probably never... a good thing, and missionary work can be pretty tense. Instead of helping, emotions tend to get in the way and can make a bad situation worse. Many times while on a mission, I have summoned the calmness of Tim to help settle myself down so I can be of help.
I am blessed to have a brother who is a priest, as all of my siblings are. Mark has been of untold help to me in finding the path God wills for me. Also having spent a year in Belize in the missions, he has offered support and aid in a way only a fellow missionary can give. He is an amazing priest, and if you want a sample, his homilies are online at www.stmarystmark.org, so you can see for yourself!! In Amherst, NY a few years ago, a small airplane crashed into a home on a suburban street in the evening. Everyone on board the plane and one person in the home were killed, there were two survivors in the home. My brother Mark was at my parent's home not far from the scene in Amherst when there was a news bulletin about it on t.v. Immediately, although technically done with his work day, he went there and ministered to the people, and went with the families to the hospital. When it's been a long day here and I am aching for a bath and my bed, but something comes up, I think of Mark. He helps to remind me that the work I am doing is not about time clocks, it's about people, and serving them.
My sister Margaret has 6 children and is the only one of us whose home is not in Buffalo. I know from personal experience now how it feels to be away from home when there is a crisis going on. It isn't easy, and it's something Margaret has been dealing with for 13 years. Margaret has the ability to let the little things slip by her without comment and save her energy and time for the big things. It is a great virtue to have. Sometimes I can get wrapped up in little things. There is a whole, big, wide world of important things going on and I focus on the little thorn in my foot. Not every little thing requires attention or comment; Margaret is great at picking her battles. Sometimes, in the midst of a mission or task, I find myself faced with a problem or issue that doesn't need my involvement, some little annoyance that will fizzle out if only I can hold my tongue, look the other way, stay out of it. When I'm able to recognize those moments, I call on Margaret's wisdom to help me let go of the little things, because for darn sure there are some big doozies that require my whole attention and skill. Better to save myself for the big stuff!!
My youngest sister Anne has 1 child, two step children and twins on the way!! She has had some hard knocks, as many of us had. One thing Anne is really good at is being silly. I am totally serious when I say this. Some people, like me for instance, are very self-conscience and have a hard time getting over ourselves, shedding our inhibitions and just plain having fun. Many times, on this mission in particular, I have been in a situation where I had to be silly, act out crazily, sing into a microphone (I don't have a good voice :-( ...) and I had a really hard time letting go of my insecurities. It isn't the best thing to not sing, dance or act crazy when by not doing so, you kill the mood or end the fun. I'm not a dud, I know how to have a good time...on my terms. Guess what, my terms are not their terms!! When I am being asked to be silly for silliness sake, to join in the crazy fun, I think of Anne and I try my best to get over myself and join in the fray. Usually afterwards, I'm glad I did... until I see the video camera I didn't know was there!!! :o
There may have been some times in my past when my family thought I was out of my mind, but thankfully, now they are all supportive of me and what I feel God is calling me to. My brothers- and sisters-in-law are just as loving and supportive, as are my nieces and nephews. They help me every day to get through the difficult times and make the most of the good times.
Here is a picture of my family on the occasion of my dad's retirement taken just before I left for the Philippines:
first row: GGB, my mom, my dad, and Gramp
second row: Jason, Margaret holding Theo, Linda, Lisa, Anne, Lisa, Katie and me
third row: Fr. Mark, John, Eric, Jon, Tim and Tom
And this is one way my family has supported me... with cards, pictures, leaves from Buffalo during the fall... little ways of letting me know they are thinking of me and loving me:
So, I would just like to take this opportunity to thank my family, who was supportive to me from the start, loving and understanding, generous and always helpful. Without them, I don't think I'd be able to do all of this (I'm actually somewhat of a wimp!) Thank you, dear family!
A vocation from God is always a gift. If you have a family member considering and discerning a call from God to the priesthood, religious life, consecrated life or missionary life, I urge you to support and love them. And, most importantly, pray for them... keep praying for me too!! Thanks!! xxoo
Monday, January 18, 2016
Lightening Heavy Burdens
It never ceases to amaze me to hear the story of one of the children helped by Oikos. When I look back on my life and see the difficulties and challenges I have had to overcome, they seem like nothing compared to what these kids have been through. And their most painful and hard to overcome experiences seem to be rooted in their families, particularly their mothers.
When I think about mothers, I usually pull from my own experience... I think of my mother. While not perfect, as none of us are, my mother has always been and is our biggest supporter. When we are challenged and hurting, she is too and can often not sleep for trying to find a solution for us. When we are happy and have reached a high point in our lives, no one is happier for us than she. She is always there for us, praying for us, helping us, and , along with my father, always there with open arms to welcome and accept us. I know we have had differences of opinions, arguments, and difficult times... all a part of growing pains, but even through those times, I always knew she loved me.
Many of the children here have no mother, and one of the major causes of that is abandonment. They left the barrio to find a job in the city and never returned or attempted communication. It stifles the growth of these kids. Even the ones in college have a harder time than the others because those feelings of abandonment are always with them. There is no solid foundation for these kids to take root in and grow. And, probably for some of them, they may think they were the cause of the mother leaving.
But it is not just that, not just maternal abandonment. In some cases both parents let go of the children they made together as their marriage falls apart and they enter into new marriages and new families, not wanting memories of the failed one around. For some of these kids, their parents have died and they were left in the care of a grandparent or other relative.
These children carry the burden of their family situation around with them. It always seems to be a cloud over them. There are many children here whose families are intact and love them very much as well. However, poverty creates a harsh environment and can be brutally cruel. As these kids try to combat poverty and pull themselves out of the cycle, they get lost often, and the decisions made while struggling aren't always the right ones. I am not saying this standing in judgment of them, for I am the least person on the planet who should judge others. Rather, I want to explain the heaviness they carry around with them, much, much more than I ever had to carry, which makes their struggle even more difficult to overcome.
As I talk to them, one ray of light usually shines within all of the muck they hold, and that is Oikos. These sisters are creating a new foundation for these kids. One of stability, love, prayer and generosity. Not only are they being helped, but the fact that all of the kids take an active part in the mission and in helping other people trapped by the cage of poverty gives them the added benefit of being able to immediately pay back the kindness and generosity of the Oikos Sisters and share it with others. It still isn't easy, the path still isn't clear, just as it isn't for any of us. These kids still have Mt. Everest to face as they continue on their education and becoming adults themselves, and it is difficult for them to release the emotional burdens they carry. But they know they have the rock solid support of Oikos behind them, and are learning to trust in God, learning to pray to Him and to find rest in Him.
Once again, I find myself the recipient of untold blessings from God. It makes me all the more determined to give what I have to others. As I give thanks and celebrate my mother's birthday today far away from her, I ask God to bless her and keep her in His loving grace. It's too bad that I can't bring all of these kids home to experience the love of a mother who takes her job to heart and loves without ceasing. I mean, she has 8 kids, what's 35 more??? But I can share with them her love through me, and while it's not the genuine article, it's the best I can do... and that's all God asks of any of us.
Happy Birthday, Mom... Love you!! xxoo
A Bustling Market Place
I have been to the open market, or wet market, many times while here in Borongan. It is always fun for me to go... see all of the fresh veggies and meats and fish with everything intact!! It is a great place to people watch and is so funny to see people's reactions when I speak in the vernacular! It is not like a typical market in the U.S. The closest I can come to describe it is a huge farmer's market with a maze of booths it has taken me 4 months to be able to understand. Usually I go to the market in the late afternoon, but the other day, I went to the market at dawn...(well, dawn for me is 6am not the Filipino 4am) and it almost seemed like a different place.
In the area we always park in was roped off for people selling vegetables. While usually a vacant area, at dawn people are sitting all around with their veggies strewn out in front of them cutting and packaging while laughing and chatting with other sellers around them. Immediately I was transferred to the set of "My Fair Lady," in my mind, of course! It was just like being there with all of the flower girls gathering their buds to sell with Eliza Doolittle among them singing about a comfortable chair, a cozy fire and lots of chocolates. Walking among them, I was greeted and wished a good day, along with being shown the stock of vegetables. I think there was a bounce to my step as I hummed the tune of "Wouldn't it be Lovely" as I meandered among them.
Next we went to the meat area of the wet market. Now, usually in the late afternoon, there isn't much to behold, however at the opening of the market, there is pork and chicken galore. So much that once again I was reminded of another movie. Looking around at the huge pork legs and other various pork parts, I thought of the scene in "Rocky" when he is in the butchery punching huge cuts of meat. Seriously, the pieces of meat were that big, just hangin' around. I guess I never really liked that scene in "Rocky" because, you know, meat is not usually dry... it's pretty wet, and when you pound it, little drops of meat juice sputter about. Now, imagine punching the meat with all of your strength... how many meat droplets of salmonella and other various bacteria are ejected off the meat and onto you??? Ick. The other thing that sort of jeeves me out is that the meat market vendors do not wear gloves and there is no bleach bucket around. With the same hands, they cut and bag up your meat, take your money and give you change. This could be a game changer for me... I mean, talk about ick. And any time you get change from the grocery store, the gas station, anywhere... chances are it has been through the meat market at some point. But, you know, part of becoming acclimated to a new place is accepting the culture and the ways of the people, beginning to make them part of your own. So, I add another layer to me, accepting the bacteria-ridden money with a smile and "Salamat!" But, I keep my hand sanitizer with me... hey, it's all about compromise!!
Then it was on to the fish with their big fishy eyes looking at me... hundreds of them! Most of the fish have teeth and a look of shock on their fishy faces. The colors of them mirror the rainbow and the sizes range from XXL to teeny tiny wormy looking fish. I didn't describe that very well, I don't know how else to say it, but yesterday I had the wormy looking fish for lunch (deep fried, of course) and they were really good. Don't judge a fish by my inadequate description!!!
I enjoy going to the market at any time, but at dawn there is a sort of magic around that fizzles by the afternoon. I'm glad to have had the opportunity to experience it. xxoo
In the area we always park in was roped off for people selling vegetables. While usually a vacant area, at dawn people are sitting all around with their veggies strewn out in front of them cutting and packaging while laughing and chatting with other sellers around them. Immediately I was transferred to the set of "My Fair Lady," in my mind, of course! It was just like being there with all of the flower girls gathering their buds to sell with Eliza Doolittle among them singing about a comfortable chair, a cozy fire and lots of chocolates. Walking among them, I was greeted and wished a good day, along with being shown the stock of vegetables. I think there was a bounce to my step as I hummed the tune of "Wouldn't it be Lovely" as I meandered among them.
Next we went to the meat area of the wet market. Now, usually in the late afternoon, there isn't much to behold, however at the opening of the market, there is pork and chicken galore. So much that once again I was reminded of another movie. Looking around at the huge pork legs and other various pork parts, I thought of the scene in "Rocky" when he is in the butchery punching huge cuts of meat. Seriously, the pieces of meat were that big, just hangin' around. I guess I never really liked that scene in "Rocky" because, you know, meat is not usually dry... it's pretty wet, and when you pound it, little drops of meat juice sputter about. Now, imagine punching the meat with all of your strength... how many meat droplets of salmonella and other various bacteria are ejected off the meat and onto you??? Ick. The other thing that sort of jeeves me out is that the meat market vendors do not wear gloves and there is no bleach bucket around. With the same hands, they cut and bag up your meat, take your money and give you change. This could be a game changer for me... I mean, talk about ick. And any time you get change from the grocery store, the gas station, anywhere... chances are it has been through the meat market at some point. But, you know, part of becoming acclimated to a new place is accepting the culture and the ways of the people, beginning to make them part of your own. So, I add another layer to me, accepting the bacteria-ridden money with a smile and "Salamat!" But, I keep my hand sanitizer with me... hey, it's all about compromise!!
Then it was on to the fish with their big fishy eyes looking at me... hundreds of them! Most of the fish have teeth and a look of shock on their fishy faces. The colors of them mirror the rainbow and the sizes range from XXL to teeny tiny wormy looking fish. I didn't describe that very well, I don't know how else to say it, but yesterday I had the wormy looking fish for lunch (deep fried, of course) and they were really good. Don't judge a fish by my inadequate description!!!
I enjoy going to the market at any time, but at dawn there is a sort of magic around that fizzles by the afternoon. I'm glad to have had the opportunity to experience it. xxoo
Monday, January 11, 2016
4 MONTHS!!!
So, my fourth month here is going really, really fast! We are so very busy, which I will explain in a minute, but I just wanted to share with you some great moments I had in December...
We had many Christmas parties... these were taken at the college scholar party. There were about 300 scholars there, some sponsored by the Diocese, some by Karitas Germany and the rest are sponsored by Oikos. However, regardless of who sponsors these kids, the Oikos Sisters are in charge of their religious formation and keeping up with the requirements of their sponsorship. They also hosted the Christmas party.
We had many Christmas parties... these were taken at the college scholar party. There were about 300 scholars there, some sponsored by the Diocese, some by Karitas Germany and the rest are sponsored by Oikos. However, regardless of who sponsors these kids, the Oikos Sisters are in charge of their religious formation and keeping up with the requirements of their sponsorship. They also hosted the Christmas party.
I was given the task of coming up with a Christmas play for the in-house Oikos scholars to put on. This was something new for Oikos. Usually their programs consist of singing and dancing, but Sister Minerva wanted us to do something very Christ-centered. So, our play began with a silent reenactment of the first Christmas with "Mary's Boy Child" playing in the background. These are some of the scholars with their costumes on for Act 1. Then, Act 2 had a modern-day setting and asked the question, how would you respond if Mary and Joseph knocked on your door today asking for a room to have their baby in? Joseph and Mary knocked on 5 different doors... an elderly couple, scholars, party boys, a mother with children and finally a couple house-sitting for friends. The script was funny and entertaining, and the message in the end was a good one, about opening our hearts to everyone this Christmas because it really is Jesus we are welcoming in and helping. Sister Minerva was very pleased with it, which made me really happy!! And the kids had a really good time with it.
Below are most of the Oikos Scholars after singing at the Singba Gabi mass. They were magnificent!!
I mentioned in one of my blogs that my family sponsored the food given out to the poor on Christmas morning. Below are pictures of the preparations for the giving and pictures of the people we gave food to. Many thanks to my parents, brothers and sisters and one of my nieces, Margaret, who helped to pay for the candy bags the girls are filling below for the poor children.
The following preparations were made on Christmas morning at 4am... after going to bed around 3am!! But what a fun day it was, and I experienced with the sisters and scholars the true spirit of giving on Christmas. So beautiful!!!
Here is a picture of our Christmas tree!! It is made out of empty prescription boxes, courtesy of Oikos' newest sister, Sister Michelle.
In between Christmas and New Year's we went to the south to the Pilgrim Church, St. Anthony's Parish. It is where people go to ask God for special, important things or to give thanks to Him for answered prayers. We went to give thanks for a year of blessings and to ask for God's continued love and guidance for the new year. We stopped here for our breakfast.
One side of St. Anthony's Church is all statues. The custom is that you kneel down and ask for your prayer, then you get in line with people and stop at each statue, asking the saints and Mary to join you in your prayers.
On my birthday, December 31st, I was greeted, at 4am, with singing and this birthday cake!! It was really sweet, even at 4am!! The rest of the day was fun, with baking and cooking, celebrations and prayers. A beautiful birthday!!
Sister Michelle and I have taken to going to mass early, then walking on the beach. It is so beautiful, and is the perfect start to the day!! I just have to learn how to take a selfie and look good at the same time!! Ug!
Here is a picture of me and Abby. She was very shy with me for about 3 and a half months, but now we are best friends. She gives the best hugs in the morning!!
So, that was a picture synopsis of my last month. Now, for the month ahead, we are already preparing for the medical/feeding/dental/construction mission coming on January31st from the Joliet Diocese in Illinois. Today we spent the day going to barrios in the south to find a few that we can go to for the feeding program. It makes me both happy and sad to visit barrios like we did today. I mean the people there have lost everything in the typhoons and are unable to climb out of their misery alone. They have little to no livelihoods and some are almost prisoners in their barrios because they have no way to drive themselves to the bigger towns and to pay for a ride is just too expensive for them. However, hardly ever have I met more smiling, welcoming people. People who have nothing else to cling to, so they cling to God, and it gives them a kind of hope that I wish to have. And when angels like the Oikos Sisters come and offer help, give these people what little they have in thanksgiving. I am so grateful to have these experiences of meeting amazing people and have the opportunity to help them, as little as that may be. I hope God has more of the same in store for me!! xxoo
Monday, January 4, 2016
You Look SSSOOOOO Good!!
Is it totally sad that so many instances in my life can are mirrored in a Seinfeld episode? The answer, unfortunately, is undoubtedly yes!! But there really are times that something happens to me and I think, that happened on a Seinfeld episode, and inevitably I tell whoever I am with about that episode. Here in the Philippines, I can't do that because nobody here knows Seinfeld... so I'm going to tell you!!
Well, whenever I've sneezed while here in the Philippines, I realized that no one said "God bless you." Sometimes the person who sneezes will excuse him/herself, but that is all. That seems so unnatural to me because I say "God bless you" every time someone sneezes. Usually it is met with laughter... sort of oh-that's-weird nervous laughter. It seems even in sneezing there is a culture clash!! So I explain that when you sneeze your heart stops beating, so if you should die while sneezing, you die with God's blessing and you'll go straight to heaven. Now I've got everyone believing that their heart stops beating and saying "God bless you" all the time.
There's only one problem... I don't know who actually ever told me that your heart stops beating when you sneeze, but it is so not true!! After explaining it a few times to people, I finally questioned the truth of my claim, so I looked it up. Yeah... the heart is like a built-in pace maker, something my grandmother sweetly called her pacer, and can continue beating through all sorts of bodily interruptions, including sneezes. There is also a claim that when you sneeze evil spirits can enter your body and saying "God bless you" can keep them from coming in. Another one is that your eyes can pop out of your head if you sneeze with your eyes open. All of these are myths and have no medical or scientific evidence to back them up.
So, what is with the "God bless you" then? Why say it? In one Seinfeld episode, Elaine and Jerry were sitting on the couch in Jerry's apartment discussing nothing as usual, and they began talking about sneezes and were asking each other why people say "God bless you" after sneezing. Then Jerry said that he thought it would be nicer to say "You look sssooooo good" whenever anyone sneezed; that it would make people feel really good about themselves. For me, even knowing that no harm can come to you from a normal sneeze, I still will say "God bless you." For one, it is a habit so ingrained that I don't even think about it any more... someone sneezes and I automatically say "God bless you." For another reason, bringing God into normal every day living is never, ever a bad thing!! So while you may look ssssooooo good, even after sneezing, I will continue to give my blessing and ask for God to bless you.
However, now there are a bunch of Oikos scholars roaming around Borongan thinking that your heart stops beating when you sneeze... what to do...what to do...
Next post is my 4th month post!!! xxoo
Well, whenever I've sneezed while here in the Philippines, I realized that no one said "God bless you." Sometimes the person who sneezes will excuse him/herself, but that is all. That seems so unnatural to me because I say "God bless you" every time someone sneezes. Usually it is met with laughter... sort of oh-that's-weird nervous laughter. It seems even in sneezing there is a culture clash!! So I explain that when you sneeze your heart stops beating, so if you should die while sneezing, you die with God's blessing and you'll go straight to heaven. Now I've got everyone believing that their heart stops beating and saying "God bless you" all the time.
There's only one problem... I don't know who actually ever told me that your heart stops beating when you sneeze, but it is so not true!! After explaining it a few times to people, I finally questioned the truth of my claim, so I looked it up. Yeah... the heart is like a built-in pace maker, something my grandmother sweetly called her pacer, and can continue beating through all sorts of bodily interruptions, including sneezes. There is also a claim that when you sneeze evil spirits can enter your body and saying "God bless you" can keep them from coming in. Another one is that your eyes can pop out of your head if you sneeze with your eyes open. All of these are myths and have no medical or scientific evidence to back them up.
So, what is with the "God bless you" then? Why say it? In one Seinfeld episode, Elaine and Jerry were sitting on the couch in Jerry's apartment discussing nothing as usual, and they began talking about sneezes and were asking each other why people say "God bless you" after sneezing. Then Jerry said that he thought it would be nicer to say "You look sssooooo good" whenever anyone sneezed; that it would make people feel really good about themselves. For me, even knowing that no harm can come to you from a normal sneeze, I still will say "God bless you." For one, it is a habit so ingrained that I don't even think about it any more... someone sneezes and I automatically say "God bless you." For another reason, bringing God into normal every day living is never, ever a bad thing!! So while you may look ssssooooo good, even after sneezing, I will continue to give my blessing and ask for God to bless you.
However, now there are a bunch of Oikos scholars roaming around Borongan thinking that your heart stops beating when you sneeze... what to do...what to do...
Next post is my 4th month post!!! xxoo
Happy New Year from Borongan, Eastern Samar!!
Happy New Year!!
It has been a year of crazy ups and downs for me. When I celebrated the new year in 2014/15, I never could have guessed the plans God had in store for me. Parts of those plans
were very painful... probably the hardest and most painful experiences for me to date, and I am still emotionally dealing with some of it. Parts of those plans God had for me during
2015 were the most joyfilled and wondrous moments of my life. I think that is par for the course for most people. Each and every day we wake up perhaps with plans of our own
making in our minds, but none of us no matter who we are or where we live have any idea of what will really happen to us that day. I had no idea when I was greeting the new year
in 2015 in Ghana, Africa that I would go to three other missions in that year and end it in the Philippines. And while I had a difficult time with some of the transitions, one thing I have
learned here in Oikos is how to not plan on plans... how not set my heart on any one event or person. Calamities and crises happen and people can easily let us down... we can
even let ourselves down, all of which create road blocks in our path. But with a heart set on God, we can power through anything.
I can honestly say that I have no idea what will happen to me in 2016. As of right now, I have no plans or designs in the new year. Is that totally cool or completely crazy?? Even at
this moment I have no idea! I know that I have 41 days left in this mission, and then I will return to Buffalo. That's it. Yikes!! It is a little weird and scary I must admit. I know
other people have plans... my sister Anne will give birth to twins in March, my parents will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary in July, one of Tom and Paula's daughters will get
married this summer, this year people I know plan to graduate from high school or college, are planning trips and vacations, surgeries and medical procedures... everyone around me
has plans. Even in Oikos, they have plans for building their charity village, adding more scholars to help through school, and are planning more immersions for the new year. Me...
no plans. It seems dangerous, and a teeny bit freeing, and a lot scary. My life is in Your hands, Oh Lord... do with me whatever You will. (shiver)
I celebrated my birthday on December 31st. As with many things in the Philippine culture where traditions and customs abound for many occasions, there is a tradition with
birthdays as well. It is called Mañanita. People wake up at dawn to sing Happy Birthday to you. Not only happy birthday, but a beautiful ballad about how special you are and
how you should forget all your worries and be happy that you are here and people are celebrating your life. I cannot do the song justice in print, but trust me, it is really a sweet
song. I was in bed slepping, of course, because it was 4am, when I heard the strumming of the guitar and then the sweet voices of the children and sisters. I went to my door and
right outside it they all were singing and one was holding an angel food cake decorated with fresh flowers and candles. After the singing, I made a wish and blew out the candles.
Then, we had cake and coffee, well sometimes it has been snacks and pop, but on my day we had cake and coffee. Then it was off to mass. Since it was Thursday, after breakfast
we had a holy hour, which was extra special for me to have that time with our Lord on the day He gave me breath and life. After lunch, I spent the day as I usually do on my
birthday (out of choice, not obligation)... in the kitchen!! I made meatloaf, pizza dough that we grilled, prepared toppings for the pizza and baked homemade cookies... chocolate
chip and orange cinnamon shortbread. The sisters, with the exception of Sister Minerva and Sister Ethel, were with me in the kitchen busily cooking their own offerings for our
midnight New Year's supper. We were cooking all afternoon and finally finished in time to have a little snack then it was off to 8pm mass at the retired priests home. Father Peter
said a beautiful mass. He is a sweet man who seems to be suffering a lot but has a huge amount of love for these children. The mass was offered as a birthday gift for me... what
more could I ask for?? Then after mass they sang to me again. We ate fried squid, meatloaf, fried ribs, pancet, rice and cake!! Around 10:30pm we returned to our home in
Sohutan and I took a nap! As the countdown to 2016 started, the kids grew more and more excited and they had their sparklers ready to light. What an uproar they caused when
midnight hit!!! Firecrackers and big booms of noise could be heard all around us as we welcomed in 2016, 13 hours before my family did in Buffalo!!! After all the shouting and fire
works, we played a few games and then ate again. This time we had make-your-own-pizzas, fried chicken, spaghetti, fruit, cookies, ubi jam, casaba cake and yet another birthday
cake!!! I also picked up a bottle of wine while we were in Tacloban for this occasion. It was one my father likes, so I toasted my parents and said a prayer of thanks to them as I
drank the delicious dry red shiraz.
On January 1st, after mass we invited the priest, Fr. Jay, and some friends in for lunch. (I don't know if I ever wrote about our chapel in Sohutan. It is right outside our home, so it is
quite convenient!!) Since we had a lot of food left over, it worked out great!! I even made a pizza for Father Jay, and then he asked me not to ever leave!! (or leave the recipe
behind!) I told everyone there about my grandmother, Cecilia, who celebrated her 99th birthday on January 1st. I shared a few of my favorite stories about her, like how she works
each day making rosaries and blankets for the missions and knits hats for cancer patients. And how she makes the best cinnamon rolls ever, with caramel and pecans... hope she
makes me some when I get home (hint, hint) She just amazes me!! Happy Birthday, Gram!!
So, now the year 2016 has begun all over the world and, here in Oikos, we have a mighty task in front of us. At the end of this month, missioners from the Joliet Diocese in Illinois
will be coming, up to 35 of them I believe. Among them will be doctors, a dentist, teachers, construction workers and more. It is a three-fold mission. First, it is a medical mission
in which doctors and nurses work with the medical staff here in Borongan to do surgeries and see patients, along with a dentist who will work with Sister Michelle, who is a dentist
as well. There also is a priest who comes, this year it is the vocations director in the Diocese of Joliet, who will visit patients in the hospitals. Next, there is a construction mission.
They will be working on building a fence for the charity village and building homes. Finally there is an outreach mission that goes out into the barrios with food for people, along with
providing some spiritual uplift for the people there as well. I am super excited about the mission coming here. I have heard so much about it from Tom and Paula Radel, and since I
have been here, the kids and sisters have spent a lot of time talking to me about all of the amazing angels that come from the States. There is a ton of love here for each of the
missioners who come. So, next week we will begin preparations for the mission. Fun, fun, fun!!! I can't wait to tell you more about it as I prepare for and join in the mission.
And when the Joliet mission is done, so will mine be...I will leave Borongan on the same day. Already the kids have begun talking about my leaving, already I am feeling pains in my
heart with thoughts of leaving. And although I wrote in the beginning of this blog that I have no plans beyond this mission, which is true, I can hardly imagine never returning here. All
I can do is put my trust in the Lord, for the Lord says,
"'For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and hope." Jeremiah 29:11... Amen!! xxoo
It has been a year of crazy ups and downs for me. When I celebrated the new year in 2014/15, I never could have guessed the plans God had in store for me. Parts of those plans
were very painful... probably the hardest and most painful experiences for me to date, and I am still emotionally dealing with some of it. Parts of those plans God had for me during
2015 were the most joyfilled and wondrous moments of my life. I think that is par for the course for most people. Each and every day we wake up perhaps with plans of our own
making in our minds, but none of us no matter who we are or where we live have any idea of what will really happen to us that day. I had no idea when I was greeting the new year
in 2015 in Ghana, Africa that I would go to three other missions in that year and end it in the Philippines. And while I had a difficult time with some of the transitions, one thing I have
learned here in Oikos is how to not plan on plans... how not set my heart on any one event or person. Calamities and crises happen and people can easily let us down... we can
even let ourselves down, all of which create road blocks in our path. But with a heart set on God, we can power through anything.
I can honestly say that I have no idea what will happen to me in 2016. As of right now, I have no plans or designs in the new year. Is that totally cool or completely crazy?? Even at
this moment I have no idea! I know that I have 41 days left in this mission, and then I will return to Buffalo. That's it. Yikes!! It is a little weird and scary I must admit. I know
other people have plans... my sister Anne will give birth to twins in March, my parents will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary in July, one of Tom and Paula's daughters will get
married this summer, this year people I know plan to graduate from high school or college, are planning trips and vacations, surgeries and medical procedures... everyone around me
has plans. Even in Oikos, they have plans for building their charity village, adding more scholars to help through school, and are planning more immersions for the new year. Me...
no plans. It seems dangerous, and a teeny bit freeing, and a lot scary. My life is in Your hands, Oh Lord... do with me whatever You will. (shiver)
I celebrated my birthday on December 31st. As with many things in the Philippine culture where traditions and customs abound for many occasions, there is a tradition with
birthdays as well. It is called Mañanita. People wake up at dawn to sing Happy Birthday to you. Not only happy birthday, but a beautiful ballad about how special you are and
how you should forget all your worries and be happy that you are here and people are celebrating your life. I cannot do the song justice in print, but trust me, it is really a sweet
song. I was in bed slepping, of course, because it was 4am, when I heard the strumming of the guitar and then the sweet voices of the children and sisters. I went to my door and
right outside it they all were singing and one was holding an angel food cake decorated with fresh flowers and candles. After the singing, I made a wish and blew out the candles.
Then, we had cake and coffee, well sometimes it has been snacks and pop, but on my day we had cake and coffee. Then it was off to mass. Since it was Thursday, after breakfast
we had a holy hour, which was extra special for me to have that time with our Lord on the day He gave me breath and life. After lunch, I spent the day as I usually do on my
birthday (out of choice, not obligation)... in the kitchen!! I made meatloaf, pizza dough that we grilled, prepared toppings for the pizza and baked homemade cookies... chocolate
chip and orange cinnamon shortbread. The sisters, with the exception of Sister Minerva and Sister Ethel, were with me in the kitchen busily cooking their own offerings for our
midnight New Year's supper. We were cooking all afternoon and finally finished in time to have a little snack then it was off to 8pm mass at the retired priests home. Father Peter
said a beautiful mass. He is a sweet man who seems to be suffering a lot but has a huge amount of love for these children. The mass was offered as a birthday gift for me... what
more could I ask for?? Then after mass they sang to me again. We ate fried squid, meatloaf, fried ribs, pancet, rice and cake!! Around 10:30pm we returned to our home in
Sohutan and I took a nap! As the countdown to 2016 started, the kids grew more and more excited and they had their sparklers ready to light. What an uproar they caused when
midnight hit!!! Firecrackers and big booms of noise could be heard all around us as we welcomed in 2016, 13 hours before my family did in Buffalo!!! After all the shouting and fire
works, we played a few games and then ate again. This time we had make-your-own-pizzas, fried chicken, spaghetti, fruit, cookies, ubi jam, casaba cake and yet another birthday
cake!!! I also picked up a bottle of wine while we were in Tacloban for this occasion. It was one my father likes, so I toasted my parents and said a prayer of thanks to them as I
drank the delicious dry red shiraz.
On January 1st, after mass we invited the priest, Fr. Jay, and some friends in for lunch. (I don't know if I ever wrote about our chapel in Sohutan. It is right outside our home, so it is
quite convenient!!) Since we had a lot of food left over, it worked out great!! I even made a pizza for Father Jay, and then he asked me not to ever leave!! (or leave the recipe
behind!) I told everyone there about my grandmother, Cecilia, who celebrated her 99th birthday on January 1st. I shared a few of my favorite stories about her, like how she works
each day making rosaries and blankets for the missions and knits hats for cancer patients. And how she makes the best cinnamon rolls ever, with caramel and pecans... hope she
makes me some when I get home (hint, hint) She just amazes me!! Happy Birthday, Gram!!
So, now the year 2016 has begun all over the world and, here in Oikos, we have a mighty task in front of us. At the end of this month, missioners from the Joliet Diocese in Illinois
will be coming, up to 35 of them I believe. Among them will be doctors, a dentist, teachers, construction workers and more. It is a three-fold mission. First, it is a medical mission
in which doctors and nurses work with the medical staff here in Borongan to do surgeries and see patients, along with a dentist who will work with Sister Michelle, who is a dentist
as well. There also is a priest who comes, this year it is the vocations director in the Diocese of Joliet, who will visit patients in the hospitals. Next, there is a construction mission.
They will be working on building a fence for the charity village and building homes. Finally there is an outreach mission that goes out into the barrios with food for people, along with
providing some spiritual uplift for the people there as well. I am super excited about the mission coming here. I have heard so much about it from Tom and Paula Radel, and since I
have been here, the kids and sisters have spent a lot of time talking to me about all of the amazing angels that come from the States. There is a ton of love here for each of the
missioners who come. So, next week we will begin preparations for the mission. Fun, fun, fun!!! I can't wait to tell you more about it as I prepare for and join in the mission.
And when the Joliet mission is done, so will mine be...I will leave Borongan on the same day. Already the kids have begun talking about my leaving, already I am feeling pains in my
heart with thoughts of leaving. And although I wrote in the beginning of this blog that I have no plans beyond this mission, which is true, I can hardly imagine never returning here. All
I can do is put my trust in the Lord, for the Lord says,
"'For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and hope." Jeremiah 29:11... Amen!! xxoo
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