Dancing With Daddy

Ash Breeze

2011-11-20T01:11:00.001-05:00

“Bah! Onlya weakling gives up when he’s becalmed! A strong man sails by ash breeze!”

….

Nat asked, “How do you ‘sail by ash breeze’?”

Sam grinned. “When a ship is becalmed-- the wind died down--she can’t move--sometimes the sailors break out their oars. They’ll row a boat ahead of the ship and tow her. Or they’ll carry out anchors and heave themover, and the crew will lean on the capstan bars and drag the ship up to wherethe anchors are heaved over. Oars aremade of ash-white ash. So-when you getahead by your own get-up-and-get—that’s when you sail by ash breeze.”

page47and 48 of Carry On, Mr. Bowditch! ByJean Lee Latham

Recently our family just finished reading Carry On, Mr. Bowditch! It had been a read-aloud before but it issuch an inspiring biography that is worth reading again. Although Nathaniel Bowditch was taken out ofschool at age 10, he still managed to win success with perseverant hard work.

This idea of hard work has been reinforced by anotherbook we have been reading. Alexie and Ifinished reading Up from Slavery byBooker T. Washington. Booker T.Washington shared his task of teaching African-Americans that work was not adisgrace but a calling and teaching them how to do their work well. While he realized that laws should applyequally to African-Americans and whites, he wanted to train African-Americansto strive for excellence and become people worthy of their neighborsrespect. He says “I have learned that success is to bemeasured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by theobstacles which he has had to overcome while trying to succeed.” If laws allow uneducated whites to vote butnot uneducated blacks, then the whites are the ones who suffer because theyhave no motivation to get educated. Ourcircumstances do not determine who we are; it’s what we do with them.

Ourassigned chapter of A Christian’s Secretto A Happy Life talked about circumstances as well. Often, people think that accepting Jesus willclear away all their problems. Manypeople believe a blessing gospel which says accept Jesus, and your mortgagewill go away, you will be extremely fit, your boss will give you a raise, andeveryone will like you. They forget thatGod promised us persecution. He told usto take up our cross and follow Him. Howcan we relate to non-Christians if everything goes perfect for us? Still, God promised He would be with us everystep of the way. He will never give usmore than we can bear. He won’t get ridof our bad circumstances but He will give us triumph over them.

My heart broke for a young lady at Sabangan but shealso inspired me. Her goal is to earn aneducation so she can help support her family. She feels like her relatives look down on her family as if they werejust a group of ants. She is strugglingwith algebra. Her parents never finishedhigh school so they can’t help her. One ofher brothers has a talent for math but he chooses to work in the field insteadof studying. When she was little, shewas told that the Philippines was a developing country. Why has nothing changed? But only the persistent hard work of such asher will ever change it. When I leftSabangan, I determined that I, who have so much more with two home-schoolingparents, would work harder and not give into my laziness.

So what are your dreams? Your desires? Your purpose in life? I encourageyou to first make sure they are right and good and then to fight through yourdifficulties to reach them. Ask someoneto pray for you and most importantly, don’t give up. If the wind won’t blow the right way, breakout your oars and sail by ash breeze.

If whatyou’re doing is good and right

Do notfear the enemies’ might

Just doyour best

And God will do the rest.

Love,

Adriana

“Character,not circumstances, makes the man.”
Booker T. Washington

Read more:http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/b/booker_t_washington.html#ixzz1eDiJc0KL

“Circumstancesmake men kings in the outer life, but in this hidden life men become kings overcircumstances.”

~TheChristian’s Secret to a Happy Life byHannah Whitall Smith

Adriana's a Godmother

2011-11-16T21:28:00.001-05:00

On Thursday, October 20,Daddy called me to read a phone text he received. Ourfriend’s daughter, Stevonnie was going to be dedicated in Saclit Sunday andthey had chosen me as godparent. Ourwhole family wanted to go but it was such short notice. Daddy and Alayna were going with part of theteam to Sadanga and someone had to stay behind and take care of the rest of theteam. I was very excited about the tripbecause it was my first village trip without a family member.

Kuya Steve picked me up. (Kuya and Ate are titles of respect for people older than you. Kuya means “big brother” and Ate means “bigsister”.) He was texting my Dad to ask ifwe liked guavas but hadn't got an answer. I told him that Daddy was inAnabel and so he was surprised. We went to the jeepney and got toride all the road to Saclit, without changing tires or slipping down mountains. We only stopped to let people on or off and to get water for the engine. Kuya Steve had forgotten to get something for supper. There was anold lady with two squash on the jeepney and she gave us one. Later, AteMindel confessed that she had been thinking: those are very nice squash, I want one, Please, God, give me asquash. An example ofanswered prayer and God's provision!

We hiked up the stairsand stepped over fences on our way to the church. Most villages don'thave fences, but Saclit doesn't have pigpens. Ate Mindel would stop totalk with people. Frequently, I heard the word Americano. We went to the parsonage (an empty room below church whereKuya Steve stays when he comes to preach) and I played with Stevonnie as theywashed dishes and prepared supper. I wanted to help with decorations butthere was a drunk man and so Kuya Steve didn't think I should go up and Iagreed with him. Kuya Steve had been going to ask our former host if Icould stay there at their house because he didn't think I should stay at theparsonage but it was 10 p.m. already so I just slept with Ate MIndel andStevonne while Kuya Steve slept upstairs. The parsonage has no CR(bathroom or comfort room) so if it was day, you went to the neighbor's houseand if not, you went outside. It was a little uncomfortable for mebecause I didn't know the neighbor and she didn't seem to know English and the CRhad no door. The biggest thing was the church has rats because it is"so prosperous". I wouldn't have been so scared if Ate Mindelhadn't said "Let's pray they don't bite us." I was ashamed because Iwoke her up. I thought I heard the clicking of many toenails on wood nextto me and it was too dark for me to find my flashlight. It was just amoth in a cellophane bag.

The next day, we allbathed and went up to church. Ate Mindel sat next to me and translated. She is very good about that and I deeply appreciate it. Thevisiting pastor said, "Oh, I see you have a white Saclit," and hopedthis would not be my last visit. He preached about thanksgiving and blessing. Then it was time for the dedication service. The parents andchildren sat on a bench in the front and the sponsors stood behind them. The pastor explained how dedication was different than baptism and he andthe parents laid hands on their child and prayed for them. Then he askedthe sponsor (godparent) to hold the baby and pray for him/her. Then thesponsors were asked: Whether we would help the parents nurture theirchild, physically, mentally, and spiritually? Whether we were willing totake this vow before the congregation? Then the sponsors came and signedthe dedication certificate. The visiting pastor invited me to ahomecoming service at his church 80 km from Saclit. There was a lot offood. Later, I learned it is okay to say no, I am full, but then Iover-ate because they served me so much and I thought if I didn't eat it all,they would think their food wasn't good enough for me and I would offend theirhospitality. After the service, Stevonnie got to open her present.

We also got to doministry. Every morning, Kuya Steve andAte Mindel have been reading a chapter of the Bible and discussing it. They are now in Psalms and invited me to jointhem. After church, we walked around andprayed for people such as a feverish baby named Julian. We also prayedwith the mother of Lazaro. One man saidhe knew me. He was one of the builders of the nepa huts for therestaurant below our Bontoc apartment. It amazes me how many people knowus. We visited our former hosts. They wanted me to stay there butall my stuff was back at the church. We stayed for dinner, though. Kuya Alex (our former host) wants a team to go to Saclit because he triesto share the gospel but it doesn't seem like the people listen to him. They sent us a backpack full of blankets so I wouldn't be cold andlet us borrow our flashlights. Kuya Steve said we would have to get upearly because the jeepney left at 8 or 9. I woke Ate Mindel up againbecause there was a squeaky scream. She said it was outside and then shetold me that rats only bite if you smell like food and not if you wash. In the morning, she said that a rat had probably fallen from the church. I hope I didn't shame myself too much but the scream woke Kuya Steve uptoo.

We missed the jeepney. You can't walk very fast on gravel. Kuya Steve was wondering if theroad from Saclit to the highway was the longest village road I had traveled. He couldn't believe that I had gone to Chapyosen. We caught asurveying van. It would stop and go backwards but it was verycomfortable. Then we finally caught the bus. Ate Mindel and KuyaSteve were worried that my parents might be worried about me. We hadlunch together at Bontoc and the rest of my family joined us. Mommy got aslight surprise when she saw me wearing Ate Mindel’s shirt. Ate Mindel would not hear of me re-wearingone of mine. I was given a squash andpeanuts. Later, Kuya Steve brought us a lot of guavas.

I really enjoyed my timeat Saclit. It was good to talk with AteMindel and Kuya Steve. I loved seeingStevonnie’s smiles and getting to hold her. I certainly enjoyed the adventure.

The very happy Ninang (godparent) of Stevonnie Bless,

Adriana

Poems and Thoughts by Alexie

2011-11-06T02:14:00.001-05:00

I have written two poems lately that can really express what I felt and have learned lately. Sohere they are:

Friends

Friends come,

They fill my heart,

With abundant joy.

Friends go,

My heart bursts

With troubled grief.

That is why

I hope for no good-byes

Only hi’s and sunny skies

To fill my world of friends.

Words cannot express

The pain it bears

To say bye to a friend so dear

That I may never see again.

That is why

I hope for no good-byes

Only hi’s and sunny skies

To fill my world of friends.

I wrote that poem because we have a team here but they areleaving very soon. I will really miss them especially Ate Krista who has been areal encouragement and friend to me.

In My Mind

In my mind,

I try to work it out.

In my mind,

I try to make it fine.

In my mind,

I try to figure it out.

In my mind,

I try to make it all paradise.

In my mind,

I try to make it all right.

In my mind,

Sometimes I succeed.

In my mind,

Sometimes I fail.

Out of my mind,

Many times I fail.

Just because I am trying too hard

To do it on my own

Not leaving room

For any help

From Him.

I really like to plan and work out problems. However I have beenlearning a lot about trusting God for everything and so that is what I thinkthat I should do.

Alexie

Am-Among, I Danced and the Mayor Played the Gongs!

2011-11-06T00:08:00.000-04:00

As I have said I enjoy the Lang-ay and Am-among festivals of Mountain Province. This Am-among, we had a team here from the U.S. so I was really excited. I love learning and I love sharing what I have learned. I am a legend lover and collector of fun facts. Annalise can testify because she likes my stories and I like a listener. I especially like learning about the Igorot culture I am surrounded with.

We started early in the morning. I was anxious to get going. After breakfast and sunscreen, we hurried to see the street dancing. Already, the best spots were taken but we found a place where we could see. As a dancer passed by, I took her picture. I didn’t recognize her at first because she was so very serious focused on her dancing. Then she winked at me. It was laughing, smiling Cassey! I gave her thumbs up. Cassey used to be one of our SSM (student sponsorship ministry) students but I was really sad when we came back from furlough and she had moved back to her village so I couldn’t see her anymore.

Cassey Seriously Focused On Dancing on the Right

Cassey as Her Normal Smiling Self and Adriana

It was difficult to see the dancing from the street so we headed to the municipal plaza where we were ushered to front-row seats. There was a cute little girl sitting with her Mama behind us. Nanu was a perfect example of Filipino open friendliness as she sat on my lap and accepted a water bottle from Zach. Ate Arielle was also making friends with a little boy.

Zack and Nanu Making Friends

"And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward.”-Matthew 10:42

We learned that the cultural presentations would be held after lunch. We hurried home for our HAM sandwichs. I tend to get a bit excited about meat. No cheese, though, that would be way too expensive for thirty some people.

Unfortunately, lunch is not a definite time. Some people eat faster than others. We thought that lunch meant a hour or two later but we ended up arriving near the end of cultural presentations. People who eat fast do not like to wait for the people who don’t. Of course to be fair to fast-eaters, there is the fact that I stopped to say good-bye to Cassey as she boarded the jeepney home. But that was important. Very, very important. I just hope that I will be able to see her again soon sometime when she isn’t going somewhere, unless it would be our house.

The cultural presentations were good though. I always learn something new. This time it was about the sacrifices of rice planting. Unfortunately, the sacrifices are still real here as I have seen some of the symbols of the sacrifice in rice fields today.

I just love the sense of action and motion in this photo.

Igorot Leap-Frog

The best part for me seemed to be impromptu. The mayor and other officials began playing on the gongs. Then a general invitation to join the dance was issued from the loudspeaker. I wanted to so much. As Kuya Patrick and Ate Rufina had recently noticed that I generally dance when they get the gongs out at YWAM parties. Not the courtship dance though, I try to avoid that because I am still too young!) However, I didn’t want to intrude. I didn’t want to be thought of a big white American who comes barging in where she isn’t wanted and I know they would never tell me that I was doing. However the doctora came over and personally invited. Alayna, Ariana, and I eagerly accepted though Ate Bridget didn’t, even though she was from this area. She preferred to sit and watch us under the shade of her elegant umbrella. I enjoyed the dance. I was only told to stop watching my feet and to make my arms like carabao horns. I had never heard it described that way. Later, I thanked the doctora for inviting us because I wanted to dance but I didn’t want to intrude. She said I didn’t have to worry about that because I was “part of us”. That meant so much to me.

This is where the past and the present collide.
The Mayor, Government Officials, Indigenous Dancers, and Police Officers All Playing the Gongs.

Sorry about it being so late,

Love,

Adriana

Missionaries Gone Military

2011-09-21T18:57:00.000-04:00

The title has nothing to do with any kind of violence but our water situation. I have nothing against the military. I respect them for being brave enough to risk their lives for what they think is right. However, the adjective military is rarely used with the synonyms: comfortable, relaxing, and luxurious. Military showers may be good for the environment and possibly for our health. However, they are not comfortable let alone luxurious. Here’s the description. You turn the shower on and get completely wet and wet your washcloth. Generally, the water is cold at the beginning and deliciously warm when you have to turn it off and soap your body and shampoo your hair. After you are all soaped up, which you try to do as quickly as possible so you’re not cold, you rinse, turn the shower off, and dry off. That is what you call a military shower. We have been forced to have military showers because a landslide destroyed our original water source and so we now only get one hour of water every other day. Hopefully, that will be fixed. But for now, I can be thankful:

1.Because of the water stored in our tank, we have running water most of the time.

2.We have water heaters on our showers.

P.S. When I am back in the U.S., I will have hot showers! Every day! Maybe even a bath! But I don’t think I will ever have a dipper and bucket shower there.

Love,

Adriana

Teaching Time

2011-08-29T06:39:00.000-04:00

This week God has really taught me about prayer and how important it is. It all started with when we watched Letters to God. It is a really good movie about a little boy who has brain cancer and writes a letter to God every day. It is especially powerful because it is based on a true story.

This lesson was taught to me even more by reading the book Out of the Far Corners. It also talks about a true story of an orphaned Russian boy who felt that God as His best friend and it portrays the faithfulness of God. I learned that prayer is very important and is very powerful. God is always there even if no else is!!!!!!

Alexie

Questions for Alayna

2011-08-27T06:46:00.001-04:00

Alayna’s twelfth birthday is coming up on August 29 so we will be posting a birthday interview. All questions would be greatly appreciated. Please comment and we will post her answers later.

Thanks!

Fang-orao

2011-08-20T18:55:00.000-04:00

Last Sunday, we went to Fang-orao. Fang-orao is a part of Malicong we girls hadn’t seen yet. We wanted to go earlier but they were having a t-er which is a Pied Piper of Hamelin sort of ritual. So we were very excited.

We started off by missing the jeepney. When the trike dropped us off, we at first thought we had directed him to the wrong place. We found out that the jeepney we had been hoping to catch at 8 had left at 7:30 and there was no other jeepney in the morning. Dad was upset because he hates being late and he was scheduled to preach. So, I sat and waited while he texted the pastor and Mom asked trike drivers how much it would cost to go to Malicong.

I thought a great many random things in that time. I watched a cute three-year-old girl playing with her grandmother and a pair of yellow sunglasses. Mom found out that both her parents are working abroad in the Middle East. We didn’t take pictures because we didn’t want to seem like tourists. Someone had died nearby because they had a tarp shade and chairs out and many people had gathered. They were singing a funeral hymn or chant. I wondered what the words meant, whether it had a Christian or pagan meaning. The music was beautiful, sad and peaceful. A troop of boy scouts jogged by us, wearing white shirts and green bandanas. I then admired some wooden houses across the street. It is so rare to see wood instead of concrete due to termites. I wonder when they were built. I would like to have wood in my house. When it is polished, it feels good on your feet and is never so cold as tile. It has such a warm, welcoming color. I looked up and thought about how very blue the sky was.

The pastor replied that he was on his way to pick us up. We rode in his comfortable car along a beautiful road. I think that the road is one of the most beautiful in Mountain Province. It is lined with trees and greenery which I love.

Because we were so late, the pastor asked whether we would be willing to take the narrow shortcut. It was about four-inches wide and ran through a peaceful and beautiful part of Malicong I hadn’t seen. I much prefer the balance-beam path compared to steep stairs. At the end of the path, it was covered with slippery orange clay. Then we used our hands and feet to climb up the stairs cut in the clay hillside.

We girls taught the kids and then went back to the church to listen to the rest of Dad’s Bible overview. At the end, an old woman named Rita asked Jesus to be her lord and was bold enough to come to the front of the church and say so with the help of a friend.

Who knows what will happen this Sunday?

Love,

Adriana

Annalise's Birthday

2011-08-08T05:59:00.000-04:00

Annalise's thoughts about her birthday.

Before:	During:
Excitement	Excitment
Joy	Happiness
Wanting to Dance	Joy
It is twindlish	We made hats.
and windlyishus	Made pizza.
It is the most wonderful thing	Open gifts
I played	Made cupcakes
I am having a spa	Ate

My Place

2011-07-09T20:17:00.000-04:00

Sometimes I wonder if I’ll ever find,

The groove that was supposed to be mine.

Sometimes I wonder if I’ll ever get to,

The link in the chain that is supposed to be me.

Sometimes I wonder if I will ever locate

My piece in the puzzle.

Sometimes I wonder if I’ll ever find,

My place in the play.

I wonder when I’ll find out whom to be.

I’ve tried to be like someone else.

But I have to come to understand,

That it is not really me.

So I guess the secret is

To find who I am.

Then I will figure out what is my groove.

I’ll reach my link in the chain.

I’ll find my piece in the puzzle

And my place in the play

Because I will be

ME.

Alexie

The Bamboo and the Butterfly

2011-07-08T21:47:00.005-04:00

Recently, I have been inspired musically. It began when we met Kuya Eryk (“kuya” means “big brother” in Tagolog and is used as a title of respect). Kuya Eryk has the God-given talent of making instruments out of bamboo. He showed us a bamboo saxophone and flutes he had made. He also can PLAY by ear!! His flutes sound like Mr. Tumnus’ in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. However, I can’t make a sound out of the standard flutes so Dad bought us a clarinet. Maybe later, after practice, I will be able to play one of the flutes.

He told us the story of how he made the one of the instruments. Three times he passed the dirty bamboo root on the garbage pile. He felt God told him to pick it up. He cleaned it and felt as he was working on it, God was working on him. It hurt when he made the holes. Sometimes, he wanted to quit, crying “God, it hurts!” But over and over again, he heard God say “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you.” Finally, he carved it with scrimshaw and the stars of the Philippine flag and polished it so it shone. He felt such satisfaction and knew it wasn’t him that did it but God working through him.

When we were in Baguio, we went to see our friend, Arabelle, perform in the Musar School of Music recital at the mall. There was a black swallowtail butterfly fluttering around overhead the entire time like an elusive muse. It flew around the entire time, landing on instruments and hovering around one of the singers’ hands. Hurray for Arabelle! You did such a wonderful job singing!

I have to go practice my clarinet,

Love,

Adriana

Our bamboo clarinet with the case Alayna crocheted

Three Years...

2011-07-02T21:01:00.000-04:00

On Saturday, May 28, 2011, we celebrated three years of living in the Philippines. We also went to Baguio, but that was not my choice, and because nobody likes to hear complaining, I am not going to talk about that. This post is about the three-year anniversary not Baguio as anyone can tell by the title. So anyways, as I am trying to focus, I think it would be a good idea for us to say three things we have learned from living in the Philippines.

I, Adriana, will go first:

1. Being with people is important. Before when I was in the U.S., I did not enjoy being with people because I felt so awkward. I’d rather sit and read a book. The awkwardness hasn’t completely disappeared. I still need alone time and will always love reading, but I now have a desire to spend time with people.

2. Courage. Face up to your fears. Before I came here, I was afraid of change and heights. I have grown more flexible.

3. The world is a big, amazing place with so many people who are not that different from me.

Alexie

1. I learned what a great thing it is to have sisters. When I first moved to the Philippines, I remember crying because I did not have any friends. But now I have 3 good friends that live with me. I know that I will know them for the rest of my life.

2.I have learned the reality of the spiritual realm.

3. I have learned the trouble with having customs that tie in to your beliefs.

Alayna

1. The value of generosity

2. The difference between friendliness and true friendship

3. Crocheting

Annalise

1. That if you eat a lot of candy and don’t brush your teeth, they rot

2. How coconuts and bananas grow

3. What a banana tree looks like

Whew! Wow! Yikes! Yay! Awwww!

2011-06-07T07:45:00.000-04:00

In case, you didn’t understand the title, we had an extremely busy week. We finished school. (Whew!) We went to Baguio (Yikes!) on the same day we celebrated three years of living in the Philippines (Wow!). We heard our friend, Arabelle, sing in the mall, saw her new baby brother, Nathaniel, and went swimming (Wow! Wow! and Yay!). Mom and Dad celebrated their twentieth anniversary. (Awwww!) Now we are back in Bontoc (Yay!) and school started Monday (here we go again). Hopefully, we will able to post more details but I wanted to post this because it has been so long since we last posted.

Love,

Adriana

Mother's Day

2011-05-15T02:18:00.004-04:00

I know this is a little late but oh well. I want to wish all the mothers (and those who someday wish to be a mother) HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!!!!!!! J But the person who I want to thank the most is my Mom. Thank you so much Mom. Here are 7 reasons I love my mom:

1. The first and foremost reason I love my Mom is because she loves me no matter what I do or say. She still loves me even if I yell or stomp my feet.

2. Mommy likes us to spend time as a family. Sometimes after dinner we can play a game or watch a movie. In the afternoon we might go to the market together.

3. Mommy reads aloud to me, she just finished Homer Price.

4. Mommy has homeschooled me all my life. She taught me to read and now I love to read.

5. Mommy plans me wonderful birthday parties for me. Everything goes along with the theme. For example when I was 6, I had a duck party. We did a relay race with flippers on and other duck games. My birthday cake was in a shape of a duck. There was blue punch with ducks floating in it.

6. She is an awesome hair stylist. She can make any hair style imaginable and do it well.

7. She is always happy for a hug or kiss. Even when Mommy is very busy she will stop for a hug or a kiss.

These are only 7 of the many reasons I love my wonderful Mommy!

Love you Mommy,

Alayna

Lang-ay A Little (Okay, A Lot) Late

2011-05-01T03:07:00.004-04:00

A girl wearing an abaca fiber shirt waits nervously for

her group's turn to compete in the street dancing contest.

It appears she's not the only one.

Other girls talk while they wait.

An Igorot Princess

(or Obing nga Babae nga Napintas, if my Ilocano is correct)

Street Dancing

Boys in g-strings watching the cultural presentations.

(Don't worry, these tattoos are just ink and will wash off. In the past, the thorns would be used to prick patterns in the skin and ash would be rubbed into the holes. Much more painful.)

The Same Boys After They Saw My Camera

I love Lang-ay! I always enjoy learning about different cultures and Lang-ay and Am-among Festivals with the street dancing and cultural presentations are the perfect opportunities. Unfortunately, we were too late to get a good place to watch the most of the street dancing presentation. Thus, I took many pictures of the spectators. This was good because they were focused on something else and after two and half years of living here I try really hard not to appear like a tourist.

However, having white skin makes that difficult. We were approached by many journalists and we heard that Mom was on TV Patrol. I don't mind so much because it's fun to answer questions.

Sorry, we did not have many street dancing pictures. You can see a video from a previous Lang-ay at my parents' blog or you could comment and ask for more pictures.

Love,

Adriana

Strangers

2011-04-30T06:45:00.000-04:00

Sometimes it is hard to remember that we do not live here and we are just passing through. Sometimes we forget all that God did on the cross and only think of colored eggs, chocolate bunnies, and peeps. But do you remember everything that you ate on Easter? Probably not. But most likely you do remember everything that Jesus did for us. The things of this world, sweets, will pass away but what Jesus did on the cross will remain.

Happy Late Easter,

Alayna

Our Perspective

2011-04-25T22:08:00.003-04:00

News By Annalise

2011-04-22T23:39:00.004-04:00

Hi, I'm Annalise Joy.
I'm 8 years old now.
I'm in 3rd grade.
I like playing with my pet shop toys.

An Easter Story

2011-04-22T00:44:00.006-04:00

“My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken away from me. Yet not as I will, but as You will.” The stillness of the Mount of Olives was broken by the urgency of the Man, who was so much more than just a man, in prayer. What was this cup? A cup of betrayal and death for the son of God. Why? Was it because of love?

The Man continues to pray with urgency. Sweat like drops of blood from his brow fell staining his cloak. To add to his sorrow of the Man, He sees friends asleep. He wakes them. He urges them to pray.

Soon the clash of armor breaks the peace of the Mount. Judas Iscariot walks forward. The sorrowful man turns to him saying, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?”

His friend betrays him. Why would God let that happen?

The Man turns to the crowd, “Who is it you want?”

“Jesus of Nazareth.”

“I am He.”

No one steps forward.

“Who is it you want?”

“Jesus of Nazareth.”

The Man says, “I told you that I am He.”

Peter struck off the ear of the servant of the high priest. The Man rebukes him and heals the servant.

The Man was bound and led to Pilate. Pilate finds him righteous. He sends him to Herod, who also finds him guiltless.

Those who praised Him as king just a week before, sentenced Him to death. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter. Why could this happen? Was it for love?

The Man is led to Golgotha and is nailed to the cross. He is to die the most shameful death. Why? Was it for love?

“My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” The cry came from the lips of a Man, forsaken, scourged, jeered at, and betrayed.

He calls for wine. Yet turned away, refusing the pain relieving liquid.

He promises the thief on His left a place in paradise. Why? A thief in paradise? Did the Man love even a thief?

“Into Thy hands I commit my spirit!”

In the unusual darkness of the morning, the Man says, “It is finished.” The Man collapses, dead. The ground quakes and rocks split. People rush away. The curtain in the Holy of Holies is ripped from top to bottom. The Man is dead.

Joseph of Arimathea buries the Man. Then in three days women with spices come to the tomb. The tomb is empty. They spread the news. Two disciples confirm the discovery.

The Man is risen! He has conquered death; all for love.

Myth Busting

2011-04-16T02:41:00.001-04:00

The Myth Busting Of the Common Theory That You Can Use Roosters as an Alarm Clock

Procedure: live in a country that has a lot of roosters

Results: After living in the Philippines for 3 years, I can now call my hypothesis a theory. Roosters in Samoki, Bontoc, Mountain Province can be heard crowing at all hours of both night and day.
If any of you have any arguments, I accept after you have visited for awhile.

Alexie

Leaving Home

2009-05-07T10:29:00.005-04:00

It was a very sad day when we slowly drove away from the white house in Michigan where I had lived almost all of my thirteen years of life to go to the airport. We were going to be missionaries in the Philippines for two years. (In case you don’t know what the Philippines is, it is an Asian country made of 7,107 islands. It is north of Australia.) Not visiting, not vacationing, moving! This was frightening to me since I had never moved before. I had planned on living in our house all my life. Visit other places? Yes! Move? NO! I had decided that I would visit lots of different countries especially Korea, Kenya, and Brazil (the countries that have always interested me but I haven’t gone to yet). Then I would always return to Michigan, United States of America. Besides, two years is a very long time. I wouldn’t have minded two days or two weeks or two months; in fact, I had already spent two months in the Philippines. But two years? That was too long as far as I was concerned.

I was frightened and sad about the move. I loved the Philippines, but I loved Michigan, U.S.A. too. I loved the seasons, especially winter. I loved our home and our yard. I loved my room which my daddy had transformed into a butterfly garden by painting it yellow with butterflies and wildflowers on the walls. I liked my garden which was somewhat a miracle the way it survived with very little help and how mysterious but beautiful plants appeared in it from nowhere. There was even a nest of cheerful robins in the tree near our driveway. I was sad I would miss seeing the baby robins grow up. The worst thing was that our family who at most had been a half-hour away would now be half-way around the world. I think though that the biggest reasons I disliked the move were that I hated change and I disliked not knowing what was going to happen. Moving to a third world country is a big change and we did not know what we would do next after the two years were over.

It was a beautiful sunny day despite how sad it was. There were some flowers in my garden and the two maple trees were holding tightly to their green seeds. The sky was as blue as I was.

In the Philippines, when someone is leaving for a long time or for good, they give and are given small gifts called “remembrances”. I had nothing to give to the U.S. but I wanted something to remember her by. Then I thought that I had never seen maple trees in the Philippines. Soon I had a pocketful of the helicopter seeds. The maple trees in our front yard were rather stingy since it was only late May so I had to tug a little. I decided I would keep those seeds as my remembrance.

We piled into our silver Honda van. We kids were singing all the patriotic songs we knew and saying good-bye to everything. Once I said, “I am going to write down everything you say.” By then we had run out of songs and nobody really said anything. I guess they all wanted quiet to think and sort out their feelings. I was glad and sad about that. I wanted to sort out my feelings but I didn’t want to think about leaving anymore.

When we arrived at the airport, we saw that most of our friends and family were there. The airport looked like a black and white photograph. It was dim, quiet, and rather empty because it is a small airport. We were basically all the people in sight there. We hugged and cried and waited. We were given different remembrances: a yellow lock, coloring and puzzle books. We were also given letters and envelopes to open when we got on the airplane.

Then I had to go through security, where my friends and relatives couldn’t go. I was crying so hard I couldn’t see. I almost turned around and ran back. I don’t know why I didn’t but I kept on. When I got on the airplane, a feeling of peace and excitement settled over me. This was going to be an adventure!

I settled into my seat. I read the letters and opened the envelopes. I was still a little sad about leaving but now I was excited about going. I think one of the saddest things in the world is a good-bye. The good thing about it, though, is that a good-bye is always followed by a hello.

I have since settled into our small, isolated city of Bontoc, Mountain Province. I love it here. I can’t imagine how I could ever leave. I now say “This is my home. Here is where I belong.” That is what I believe is true, at least for now. I have some good friends here who make me laugh. We talk to our family on Skype almost every week. I love the rice paddies and the mountains. I love the food: rice, papayas, mangos, bananas and chicken adobo (chicken and potatoes cooked in a yummy sauce). I love that our landlady has chickens and ducks that we can watch. I like the ducks the best even though they are afraid of water. We weren’t allowed to have farm animals in the U.S.A. because we lived in a subdivision. Bontoc isn’t a lot like the U.S.A. The nearest mall is eight hours away and we don’t always have water. I don’t care; I have never liked going shopping anyway. It is not the mountains around Bontoc that look like they have been cut out of green construction paper and glued to the sky that make it beautiful, it is the people. It is how friendly and kind the people generally are that made me love the Philippines in the first place and they are the reason I will continue to love it.

Adriana

My First and Last 12th Birthday

2009-04-03T19:18:00.006-04:00

For my birthday, I had a lot of new experiences.

I made my own birthday cake. It was the first cake I made with minimal help.
I was almost done with school for the year because in the Philippines the school year is June - March.
I also enjoyed a Skype call,which gave me my favorite present that my grandparents and cousin [my best friend] are coming :)!
It was my first birthday in a foreign country.

On my birthday, I enjoyed opening my presents and making mac &cheese. I had a lot of fun watching a movie, eating pizza, and drinking pop on Saturday after my birthday with some friends.

Alexie

6 Hour Bus Ride

2009-03-09T09:00:00.003-04:00

What’s good about a six hour bus ride?

We have been trying to think like Pollyanna, (see our parents’ post). Here is my list of good things about the six-hour bus ride to Baguio we sometimes take.

1. That’s eight hours without school.

2. We get to eat lots of snacks.

3. We don’t have to do dishes.

4. When we return we will have lots of books and it will be a long time before we have to go to Baguio again.

The list of bad things? No way! I don’t have time to type all that!

Love,
Adriana

My Birthday

2009-02-13T08:38:00.003-05:00

January 19 was me and my Daddy’s birthday. I had planned to ask Ate Flore to play with her ducklings in the morning and play games with my friends in the afternoon. But sometimes things don’t go as planned they are even better. We had a snow day for my birthday. After Daddy left to Moral Recovery Program, we got a Skype call from my Grandma’s house. They had invited the whole family over to celebrate my birthday. Grandma held a piece of cake with a candle on it up to the Webcam so I could blow it out. Then I unwrapped the present Grandma had sent me, a Rummikub game. Grammy and Papa had helped so I also got a keyboard. What I really wanted for my birthday was a list of all the good things about me. Grammy read it out loud. Later in the afternoon, my friends came, Ruffie, Rhealyn, Roselyn and Charmain. We played Twister together. Then we ate pizza and popcorn. Roselyn gave me a bracelet and some cards. Charmain wrote me a card that touched me very much:

First of all I would like to greet you a 14th birthday and thanks for being friendly. I hope that you can not change your good attitude (like trying harder to do the best that you could) and I wish that many years from now you become a successful woman. Cause I believe you so I know that you can reach your goal in life. I hope that you enjoying to stay here in Bontoc. I’m so proud to you my friend.

Adriana

Adriana's Birthday

2009-02-13T08:38:00.002-05:00

First of all I would like to greet you a 14th birthday and thanks for being friendly. I hope that you can not change your good attitude (like trying harder to do the best that you could) and I wish that many years from now you become a successful woman. Cause I believe you so I know that you can reach your goal in life. I hope that you enjoying to stay here in Bontoc. I’m so proud to you my friend.

Adriana

Language Lessons

2009-01-26T06:07:00.001-05:00

We have begun the long road of language learning. I must correct myself and say a more-fun-than-not, long road of language learning. I, myself, love learning the new sounds, words, and sentences. I also am encouraged to keep learning by the people that have said I have a good accent. The only part that is hard for me is the system we are using is sometimes hard for me. We pretend we are babies and so we have to keep hearing the word before we say it. My parents say I like to rush ahead so I don’t like to wait until I have heard it so many times that I can say it. I like to say it whenever I learn it.
Our language helper is Rengie, an SSM student. She does a great job being patient with us. We normally meet on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday to do lessons. Tuesday and Thursday are supposed to be set aside for studying. ;o)

Still Dancing,
Alexie

Encouraging Words

2008-12-25T22:27:00.002-05:00

People in just the past year have given me encouraging words. This month someone said that I had good accent. He had asked me what I knew in Ilokano and said that. What he said really encouraged me to keep on learning Ilokano and plus it is fun to learn a new language.

Also last year, Peter Helms did this: He was going to speak that night, but before he began he asked me to stand. He asked my name as he had not met me before. He continued to tell me, “I saw you at lunch today looking at a baby. I could only see your face, I saw light all around you, it was Jesus and His angels ministering to this little one through you. This is what He will do continually. You will lift up the downtrodden. You will look into their faces and see the Lord Jesus and as you see the Lord on them, the people will see the Lord. You will minister life, hope and faith to them.

The gift of creativity is big on you. Areas of dance and music are part of God's expression in your life. Flow with that because people around you will meet Jesus and His healing through your expression. The Spirit of the Lord is upon you. I see a great joy and light of God upon you."

I thank God for the blessing He has given me of encouraging words.

Alexie

We were tagged!

2008-12-12T01:36:00.008-05:00

We have been tagged. So here it is:

Here are the rules:1. Link to the person or persons who tagged you. 2. Post the rules on your blog. 3. Write eight random things about yourself. 4. Tag six people at the end of your post and link to them. 5. Let each person know they’ve been tagged and leave a comment on their blog. Let the tagger know when your entry is up.
I was tagged by apulseandapurpose.blogspot.com/ .

Annalise

1. I got shot in the head with an arrow.

2. Carrots are my favorite veggie.

3. I have flown half way around the world 3 times before I turned 6.

4. My favorite subject in school is handwriting.

5. I like to sweep the floors.

6. My favorite number is six.

7. When I grow up, I want to own a cat and a chick.

8. My favorite books are fairy tale books.

Alayna

I fell off a bridge headfirst fully dressed into a creek.
I have the same middle name as my mom.
My favorite book is ''Clementine''.
I wish I could have more freckles.
My favorite puncuation is !!!
I read the whole Bible before I was 9!!!!!!!!!!!!
I was in a parade before I could walk.
I have a doll that I always sleep with named Sugarplum.

Alexie

I really like books about Egypt.
I want to take a DTS with Jordan, my cousin and best friend, before I begin college.
I love to be with young children.
I always wanted to have brown skin and black hair.
I want to be a nurse.
Some day I want to write a song album.
Some day I want to be fluent in a different language.

8. I love cheese.

Adriana

I hate morning doves because they make me think of proud old ladies.
I want to become an author.
My favorite book is The Horse and His Boy.
I collect almost everything: rocks, coins, Indian beads, etc.
I love trying new foods.
I used to have an imaginary friend called Sashi Dotie
I want to go to Kenya, South Korea, and the Amazon Rainforest.
I have been on TV and in the newspaper.

Now we want to tag

Glenice, finggayan.blogspot.com
Dad and Mom, garden-of-grace.blogspot.com
Emily,Lauren, Amy, lifefor5kids.blogspot.com
Miss Valerie, valerieterpstra.blogspot.com
Mikayla , sjhagen.blogspot.com

My 2 Little Special Friends in the Philippines

2008-10-25T03:25:00.009-04:00

One of my friends is Jenny. She is 4 going on 5. I first meet her when she was 3. She lives in Naic at the Valley Cathedral. I had a lot of fun tutoring her and carrying her and carrying her. I was kind of surprised that people would tutor a 3 year old. She was good at shapes. Even though I was only with her 3 weeks and 2 days, we are friends. I love her.
The other one is Teah. Teah is 2 going on 3. She lives in Baguio, but since her grandparents are Ate Rufina and Cuya Patrick, she comes to Bontoc to visit. I have enjoyed holding her. Even though she has only visited twice, we are good friends. I love her.

On Top of the Jeepney, On Top of the World

2008-10-18T19:55:00.005-04:00

Yesterday we got to go to the Mainit hot springs again. It was fun and we didn't get sunburned as much as last time. The big pool was full. The highlight of the trip for me, however, was on the way back. I got to ride on top of the jeepney with Daddy! I had always wanted to but last year Dad said no. I didn't actually think I could do it because of my fear of heights but I did it!

It has the best view and is the most uncomfortable place to sit. Daddy told me I was to sit in the "cage". But the bars dug into my bottom. I learned that if you take off one flip-flop and put it under your bottom it makes a more comfortable seat.

There was nothing but sky and trees overhead. I could feel the wind in my hair. It was a little chilly, but who cares? It felt like I was on the top of the world.

We passed a few caribous and cows. We saw a mountain that looked like a perfectly symmetrical volcano. Later in our trip, we saw the swimming pool in Bontoc (from above) that we had heard of. The best part was when I was able to see our house from high up on the mountain. It's so nice to be able to point from somewhere and say "That's my home."

We had two encounters with other people: one good and one bad. The first one was bad. As we were going past, an unseen somebody threw mud at us . The second one was good. As we passed another jeepney, they seemed to be talking about us. When we asked one of our fellow passengers what they said, he said they were calling me a doll. We get so many compliments here.

Love,

Adriana

Ube, Snails, and Puppies

2008-10-05T08:35:00.001-04:00

In Baguio, I got to try ube. Ube is basically a big purple sweet potato. I liked it. I peeled the skin off and put peanut butter on some of it. It was very good. There is even ube ice cream.

Ging-Ging, Lyka, and I went on a snail hunt. We caught about 30 snails. Some of them were very small. We made a Special Snail Playground for them. We used moss, rocks, mud, sticks and leaves to line a cardboard box. The snails looked as happy as snails can get.

Ging-Ging has a puppy. It is a brown male. It is a Labrador - Dalmatian mix, it was going to be Lab-Lab but the neighbor’s Dalmatian got out. She asked me “What would you name my puppy?” I said “Mud Puddle or Puddles for short.” She named her puppy like I suggested!!!! I am so happy. We got to play with Puddles and his unnamed siblings. Puddles is a very good puppy. He has blue eyes.

Annalise got her picture in the newspaper! Our landlady gave us a copy. In the picture, Annalise is playing with a young Filipino girl at the Am-Among festival.

Love,
Adriana

Food

2008-09-28T22:32:00.000-04:00

Everything in this post has something to do with food. So pay very close attention!

After having church with a pastor friend of ours (Daddy preached about salvation), we went to Jollibee’s for lunch. I began comparing Jollibee’s to McDonalds. Of course, I was slightly biased since my grandma, who I love so much, works at McDonalds. Jollibee’s has better fries, more meal choices, and it delivers. However, its hamburger tastes like meatloaf. (I caught a bit of a carrot in mine.) It uses a different sauce, which tastes like salad dressing, and cheese than I am used to. I predict though, Jollibee’s will give McDonalds a run for our money. I hope, though, that McDonalds will win.

Later we each got a doughnut from Mister Doughnut which is really popular in the Philippines. Yummy! Thank you, Mom and Dad!

Then for dinner I even got to have pizza! We had Hawaiian and four cheese pizza.

I suppose I had better start exercising...

Good bye, pumpkin pie,
Adriana

Jenny

2008-09-27T05:26:00.000-04:00

I love Valley Cathedral. The facilities are nice and the people are great. I had fun with everyone but Jenny was my special friend. I loved being with Jenny. Jenny was the 3 year old that I held, last year. She will turn 5 this year. I read to her as I did to some others there. I held her. She and I were almost always together. She called me, “Mama” before I left and she did not want to be put down. I really want to go again. I love the children there.

Alexie

Manila and Naic

2008-09-23T08:05:00.002-04:00

Ok, I know you haven’t heard from us for awhile, but no worries! We’ve been too busy having fun to write. Well, ok, having to wait for our documents that we needed for our visas to be shipped back from the United States AGAIN just because FedEx didn’t tell us they would only hold them for three days was not fun. And having to wait one and a half hours because the bus broke down on the way to Baguio was not fun either, but the rest of it was basically fun.
In Baguio, we got to try clams. At first, I had a silly thought that they might have been served just to see those white Americans have to try it. I did try them and liked them. They had a rubbery texture and a salty-shrimp taste. My sisters, well, lets just say they didn’t like them very much.

Then we went to Manila. We also visited Valley Cathedral Children’s Home where we had spent three weeks last year. We were so glad to see the old faces and some new ones too. Some weren’t there anymore. Natalie and Leon you were asked about. Traptows, almost everyone was asking about you guys. Jenny is no longer the baby, three year-old Annie is the new cutie. Annie also has two brothers, nine year old Alex and one year old Alan. Novie has glasses. Emun has returned to his parents. There is a new boy Tom-Tom who suffered child abuse. They have a new playground with two slides and lots of swings. I loved almost every minute of it. The almost is that I didn’t know that the water in the blue purified water tank was only tap water. I drank three glasses of it. I found out that Filipino tap water does not always agree with American stomachs.

We also went to Kakabay because Dad wanted to see Robuan the man he had baptized last year. We had to walk through the garbage dump, but I could tell Dad really enjoyed the time with his friend.

When we returned from Naic to Manila, I had an accident. I didn’t notice Miss Penny’s really hot iron until I touched it and so I got a second degree burn on my wrist. Miss Penny was really sorry but it really was my fault. After Daddy prayed for it, it stopped hurting.

We went to the Mall of Asia, the BIGGEST mall in the WORLD. I was surprised. It was big, but it wasn’t crowded. I spread my arms apart and spun in a circle and I didn’t touch anyone. We got to see the skating rink. It was very expensive there.

See you later, alligator,
Adriana

Matalec's Fruit Store

2008-09-09T10:09:00.002-04:00

If you go into the market where the vegetables are then go out the other side, then you will be at Matalec’s Fruit Store. This small store is owned by Mrs Meriam K. Buane.

At Matalec’s Fruit Store there are many different kinds of fruit including oranges, apples, pomelo, coconut, pineapple, and santol. There are also bananas including dippig [cooking bananas], latondan , amorosa, and native lacatan bananas.

Their fruit comes from the Quirino province, Philippines which is an eight hour drive away from Bontoc.

From,
Alayna

The Pest

2008-09-08T07:31:00.000-04:00

The Pest

She’s the pest,
We all detest.
Flying in at night,
She finds us to her delight.
She pierces the skin,
And soon digs in.
But she doesn’t just take, for that isn’t her way,
She leaves a little gift; you’ll find it the next day
A reddish bump,
An itchy lump
She dances away when you spy her
That mischievous little vampire
At night she’ll come near
And whine in your ear
Oh, how we hate you!
You, naughty mosquito!

By Adriana

Anyone Else Want an Interview?

2008-08-28T08:26:00.002-04:00

Ok, more people knew us than we thought. Word about the family of six white people gets around when teenagers have to interview a foreigner for school. It was pretty amazing. We met several people because of their school assignment. It was great opportunity to witness. Here are some of the questions and my answers: Why did you come to the Philippines? God called us to serve the people of the Philippines. What are some natural beauty spots around your place? Lake Michigan and other lakes as well as the forests. What are your favorite Filipino foods? Fried chicken and sticky rice. What are some differences between the Philippines and your place? There are no mountains in our place. We have four seasons, the Philippines only has two. We have more extreme temperatures in our place, -10F to 99F. We have corn fields, not rice terraces. There are no caribou, geckos, palm trees, papaya trees, jeepneys or trikes in our place.

Happy Fairy Birthday!

2008-08-08T18:54:00.002-04:00

Fairy Annalise
Today, Annalise turned 6. She finally got her fairy wings. She’s been waiting 6 years for. Annalise has a new name Flower Fairy.

Love,
Alexie

Rain, Rain, and More Rain

2008-07-31T05:19:00.001-04:00

In the afternoon, dark clouds gather over the little mountain city of Bontoc. People carry umbrellas and walk with hurried steps, eager to reach their desinations before the rain begins. At first, there is just a sprinkle which serves as a warning to the remaining stragglers to either open their umbrellas or seek shelter. Then it pours, giving new meaning to the word rain. The wind howls around the houses. The sun may shine during this downpour, giving false hope to those who have not yet experienced the mysterious ways of the rainy season. Finally the rain lets up and children rush outside to inspect the puddles the rain left.

Love,
Adriana

Five Thousand and Some Words

2008-07-25T04:39:00.002-04:00

Hey they say a picture is worth a thousand words, and I know you want us to say something after our long absence. Well, I don't have a thousand words so I thought I'd show you some photos.

Thought you would like to see how blue the sky is. The landscape isn't gray, that's just one cool effect from my camera.
After the rain, there's always a rainbow.
No, we didn't put the gecko in the jar. He got in by himself. He's in a strawberry preserves jar, but we didn't have gecko preserves. We put him on the floor after he got in, so he got out safely.
Isn't this cool? I'm still trying to figure out what I did to make that flower look like that.
This is Auntie Flor, our kind landlady, making fried chicken. Annalise is watching, maybe one day Annalise will be making fried chicken herself.

Funny Tales

2008-07-21T23:09:00.002-04:00

I was doing my school and Mommy found this cool thing when we were finding how salt was in the ocean. We found this funny Philippine tale and wanted to share it with you.

Why The Sea Is Salty

Many years ago, the sea tasted like ordinary rainwater. It was bland and tasteless. Fortunately, the people living in the islands knew about a friendly giant who kept mounds of salt in his cave.

The people would cross the ocean on their boats to reach the gentle giant's island, and that is how they were able to bring salt back to their villages, in order to prepare tastier meals.

One time, however, the ocean was quite rough and they could not sail out to gather salt. They eventually ran out of salt and the villagers no longer enjoyed their tasteless meals. They wondered how they could get salt again, when a child suggested they ask the giant to stretch out his legs over the ocean so that they could walk to his island instead.

The kind giant agreed, and villagers with empty salt sacks walked along the giant's leg. Unfortunately, the giant's foot landed on an anthill, and the ferocious red ants started biting the enormous leg.

"Hurry!" pleaded the giant, who strained to keep his itchy legs still.

As soon as the people reached the giant's island, he immediately withdrew his foot and scratched the itchy bites. The villages just smiled at how a giant could be bothered by tiny ants.

Anyway, the people got their salt and the giant again stretched his leg over the ocean. Immediately, the ants began biting his swollen foot. Once again, the giant asked the people to hurry up, but the heavy salt sacks slowed them down.

Besides, the people didn't believe that the tiny ants could really affect the giant, so they idly chatted away, and walked rather slowly.

Before the villagers could cross the ocean, the giant cried out and thrust his ant-bitten foot into the ocean. All the packed salt fell into the plain-water sea and melted.

The giant saved the people from drowning, but no one was able to recover the spilled salt. From that day onwards, the sea became salty.

Retold Stories Copyright © 2001-2005 by http://folktales.webmanila.com Photographs Copyright © 1998-2005 by Manuel Viloria. All Rights Reserved. Homepage globe is derived from the cover of The Mythology Class, Copyright © 1999-2005 by Arnold Arre. All Rights Reserved.

Where, Oh Where?

2008-07-21T23:05:00.001-04:00

So you’ve probably been wondering “where have those beautiful girls been?” We’ll give you three guesses. Way down yonder in the paw-paw patch? Nope. In Never-never land? Nope. Give up? We’ve been without internet. We’ll try to bring you up to date so please be patient.

Goodbye Traptows!

2008-06-08T22:24:00.000-04:00

Goodbye Traptows! (4 of whom are crazy Canadians the rest of which are not so crazy Canadians)

We had spent a few days with our friends from Canada in Baguio. They gave all us girls umbrellas. We needed them because it rained every afternoon there. They share the house with some of our Filipino friends who own a sari-sari store which is like a small snack store. They also live by a pool with freezing cold water. (We swam in it anyway.) They also had HOT showers. (Thank you, thank you, and thank you!) The crazy Canadian part is that Jesse and Ben are also trying to make us wrestle them and we always win! And Xander and Josh have always been crazy! We’re just teasing them you know! They were excellent hosts! They took us swimming; they showed Mom and Dad the best places to shop and Mrs. Traptow gave us books! CLAP! CLAP! HOORAY!

Home, sweet, Bontoc
We are now home. The bakery underneath us only bakes cakes not bread and meals. Our house is wonderful. We have two bathrooms; EACH one has a western style toilet. I have my own room. It has yellow walls and a horse picture on the wall. Sounds like I got lucky! We have two geckos (always a necessity in my opinion). We have a living room, a kitchen and a laundry room.
Our landlady Ata Flor is very nice. Yesterday she invited us to lunch at her bakery. She has come every day to see if we need anything. She has chickens. There is a papaya tree in the courtyard. Papaya is a year- round and very delicious fruit. Her husband teaches algebra, calculus, physics and geometry. I have a scary feeling about how this might affect my math classes.

This little family went to market….
Yesterday I saw a monkey on the top of a jeepney. No, he was not in a cage.
We went to market to get food and pots. We had two Filipino guides. Everything is sold by the kilo here. Besides food, we bought 2 buckets, several pots, and two laundry baskets. You should have seen us coming home. Two Filipino strangers asked to help though.
The rice didn’t turn out so well. We’ll have to keep trying.

Fun Facts
Yesterday I tried some food cooked in pig’s blood. It was good.

There was a lady selling snails in the market.

Monkey is an insult here.

Bike Trikes and Rice

2008-06-02T18:24:00.004-04:00

I miss my family and friends. I want to come back, but I am making new friends here. I want to say I love you.

Butterflies are my second favorite, favorite thing. It is my nickname, too.

There is lots of rice. That is my favorite food (it is) in the Phil – i – ppines .

My favorite book is Fancy Nancy. The Fancy Nancy book I brought with me is Fancy Nancy and the Boy from Paris. I haven’t read it yet.

We were going to the YWAM office. We went in a bike trike (that rhymed). There were 4 of us in each one. We had 2 friends with us.

Grandma, I am doing great.

My cousins, I miss you. (I do!)

I wish I was with my team from last year. Then I could be with Abby. Abby is 5. I am going to see Abby in a couple days.

Love,
Annalise

The WET WORLD

2008-05-31T07:40:00.004-04:00

We have landed in Manila, Philippines. It is hot!!!!

We went to Manila Ocean Park. We brought a Filipino friend with us, Penny. She had never been to the aquarium and it was a treat for all of us. We even got to touch a starfish. There were stingrays, sharks and eels. They also had these glowing cubes that you can sit on that change color. I want one of them. They had a fish spa for 120 pesos. People had their feet groomed by fish. It sounded cool but we didn’t do it.

Love,
Adriana

KEEPSAKES KICK!!!!

2008-05-31T07:32:00.004-04:00

Congratulations to the Keepsakes team! They did wonderful and finished the season undefeated with only one tie. Daddy has been coaching the team for five seasons now but this is a new record. Alayna and Alexie were on the team this year. They both managed to score some goals. Grandpa, Mommy, and Mrs. Criselda were the assistant coaches. We will miss the girls. (For those not familiar with this splendid team, it is a 3-5th grade girls’ soccer team. The soccer games are organized by Optimist Soccer. My Dad sponsored the team through this side, just-for-fun business where he draws black and white pencil portraits.)

Annalise’s team, the red team also did well. Mommy coached them and Alexie was the assistant coach.

Love,

Adriana

Moving

2008-05-23T09:59:00.003-04:00

I’ve never moved before. I will miss my family and friends. Two years is a long time. In two years, I will be 13 and most of all, I will be different. I am glad that we have a place to live in, in the Philippines. We are blessed to be able to live above a bakery. We think the smell will be great.

Love,
Alexie

Last, but not Least, Alayna

2008-05-21T10:57:00.004-04:00

My name is Alayna. I am 8. I played soccer. We had our last game Tuesday.

I like to ride my bike. I like to play outside. I like to color. I like to go to friends' houses.

My favorite foods are ice cream, cookies, cake, and sugar.

I just finished 3rd grade in April.

My favorite color is teal. My favorite animals are monkeys, ducks, dogs, and horses.

I look forward to going to the Philippines because I can be with the friends I made there and I can bathe at the waterfall.

Sincerely,
Alayna

INTRODUCING THE GREAT AND WONDERFUL ADRIANA!!!!!

2008-05-09T10:57:00.003-04:00

Hello, my name is Adriana. Some people just call me Nana. I am thirteen years old. My favorite color is yellow. I like reading, making crafts, drawing, and playing outside. I love being with animals, especially horses. Horses are my favorite animals.
I want to be an author, artist and zoologist when I grow up. (A zoologist is a scientist who studies animals.)
Love,
Adriana
KEEP VISITING FOR MORE NEWS OF THE SUPER, FANTASTIC, AND WONDERFUL "A" SISTERS!!!!

Alexie

2008-04-30T09:35:00.005-04:00

My name is Alexie. I am 11. I am in 5th grade. I play soccer and help coach Annalise's team. I play all positions except fullback. My favorite position is forward. I also play basketball. I am very tall. I love to be with little kids. I want to be a nurse when I grow up. I love to sing. Here is a song I wrote:

Remember

Remember, your love, it is in your heart
Bring it, bring it out
Show it to the world
They need Jesus's love
Show it,show it
The world's counting on you and I
Show His love to them
So they might believe----
Let them believe.

Love to you all,
Alexie

Introducing Annalise

2008-04-20T18:58:00.003-04:00

I am Annalise. I am 5. I love that I am making a blog and introducing myself to you. I am in kindergarten. I like kindergarten. It is easy and I get done fast. My mommy reads to me and I read to her. I write about the things we read about. I do math...counting, calendar, money, learning my numbers. My favorite animal is a cat. My favorite fruit is strawberries. I play soccer. This is my first year to be in soccer. I like to be in the middle and kick off. My team is red and the number on my shirt is 5.

We're going to the Philippines again. I like the Philippines. I like to be with the people. The kids most of all. I am a missionary. A missionary is one that teaches about Jesus. We are getting ready to pack. My birthday is going to be in the Philippines.

I love you.
Good-bye,
Annalise

Set the World on Fire

2008-04-12T19:45:00.000-04:00

Welcome to our very own blog. After much discussion we are finally ready to make our debut. Our blog is finally up and running...Woo Hoo!!! We hope you visit us often as you might guess four girls have plenty to talk about...

This is one of our favorite songs. We like it because it expresses what we want to do.

I wanna set the world on fire
Until it`s burning bright for You
It`s everything that I desire
Can I be the one You use?

I, I am small but
You, You are big enough
I, I am weak but
You, You are strong enough
to
Take my dreams
Come and give them wings
Lord with You
There`s nothing I can not do
Nothing I cannot do

I wanna feed the hungry children
And reach across the farthest land
And tell the broken there is healing
And mercy in the Father`s hands

My hands my feet
My everything
My life, my love
Lord, use me

I wanna set the world on fire
I wanna set the world on fire, yeah

I`m gonna set the world on fire
Set the world on fire

by Britt Nicole