November and December 2014

It's already half way through January, but I need to catch up on the last couple of months of 2014... So here we go :) 

PCL, CHED, and a New Librarian

After a wonderful 2 week break in October, we were excited about the beginning of Semester Two, 2014/2015. We were in for a surprise in the first week back, when we were informed that CHED, the Commission on Higher Education, would be paying a visit the next day. While our school was approved by CHED for our 1^st and 2^nd year program, we needed further approval for our 3^rd and 4^th year program, with our first batch of CHED students due to begin 3^rd year in June 2015. Wanting to show the best PCL has to offer, we began another ‘all-nighter’, beautifying our bulletin boards and displays, updating our personnel photo charts, and even giving many of the walls, columns, tables and benches a fresh lick of paint. The place looked wonderful and the CHED representatives were certainly impressed with the appearance of the school, stating that the environment at PCL is very conducive to learning.

PCL students are so helpful! The all-nighter before the CHED visit

However, CHED had undergone some personnel changes and we soon found out about requirements that we had been previously unaware of. With a deadline of 5 weeks, we had to make a separate computer room (rather than inside the library, as it had been for the past few years), put in new benches and write up some development plans. The hardest part of all was finding out that we needed a full-time, qualified librarian. For the past few years, we had a part-time librarian who would visit us from time to time with instructions and advice. He was unavailable during week days, usually visiting us on public holidays. Now, we had to find a qualified librarian, who in the words of the CHED representative, is an ‘endangered species’ in the Philippines. For weeks we prayed for a librarian. We put advertisements on social media and bulletin boards. We visited colleges which offered library science degrees to look for new graduates. We used all the connections we had. Finally, with only a few days before our deadline, God brought Sis. Donna to us. He also provided the finances for her salary, largely through a generous couple at DBC. We are so blessed to have her in our school and she is already making improvements in our library. 

Sis Donna (left) and our faithful and hard-working library assistance, Sis. Mahalia

Semester Two, 2014

We are already half-way through Semester Two, and it is busy and eventful. This semester, I am teaching biology, indoor games, and an encouragement/support type of class called growth enhancement. I am also teaching a Korean student called Yun Ju, who has come to the Prayer Mountain to learn English. She wants to be a missionary one day, so learning English is an important step for her. I’m amazed at her progress as I consider how hard it can be to learn a second language. 

On December 19, PCL held its concert ‘Harana sa Hari 2’, which means ‘Serenade for the King 2’, as they had held a Harana sa Hari concert back in March 2012. Students worked hard and spent many hours planning, practicing and preparing. Unfortunately, the concert was moved from December 16 to December 19, which meant that while Juls and I supported the students in the lead up to the event, we were unable to be there on the night. However, the night was a wonderful success.

Our Home

We are still enjoying living in San Mateo. We have two new members of the family, lovebirds called Fifi and Freddie. Fifi came into our lives when she flew into a classroom. A student caught her but we were unable to find her owner. She bonded with Juls immediately and I knew that we had no choice but to keep her and to get a partner for her as well. They are beautiful little birds!

Fifi (green) and Freddie (blue/purple)

We continue to invite people to our house for meals. I personally love trying out dishes that Filipinos have never eaten before. My philosophy is that if they don’t know what beef stroganoff is supposed to taste like, then they won’t know if I don’t make it quite right. I’ve experimented with different soups, casseroles and dishes and done my best without an oven or most of the right ingredients. We recently celebrated our god-daughter’s birthday in our house with a meal and some close friends. 

Christmas in Perth

I must admit that the second half of 2014 was quite a difficult time for me and I found myself struggling with my emotions. Some difficult incidents, including a typhoon and especially the loss of our nephew in traumatic circumstances, had taken their toll on us. I was also wrestling with what I was constantly surrounded by - the day to day struggle for basics such as food and medical care of the people around us, including people who are very close to us. Juls and I realized that we really needed a time of rest and refreshment. So, although it wasn’t in our original plan or budget, we went to Perth, to spend Christmas with my family. We had a wonderful time in Australia, not forcing ourselves to go to many places or see many things. We enjoyed the simple things: a refreshing walk in a quiet park, watching birds by a lake, and especially spending time with our wonderful family. During this time, I felt the truth of those cherished words in Psalm 23. Truly, The Lord was leading me into green pastures and by still waters and restoring my soul. When our 2&½ weeks in Perth was over, I felt refreshed and ready for the next chapter of our Philippines adventure.  

Ministry

We are excited about the progress in our area of San Mateo. We have been informed by our Korean missionary pastor that construction of the building will begin very soon, as the title of the lot has finally been released. Juls and I have already made some connections with people in the area, who know us a bit now as we have been regularly visiting the lot for the past couple of months. On returning to the Philippines in early January, we found out that our PCL 4^th year students will be partnering with us for a month, doing programs in the area as part of their final internship. We also now have the ability to finance a small feeding program and buy some items to be used before and after the construction of the church, such as chairs and a very basic sound system, due to the generous contribution of DBC. We are pulling back from our commitments in Gethsemane Dweller Church Hillside, as our focus increases in San Mateo. We really appreciate your continued prayer.

Our cute neighbours in San Mateo

Finally, I will include some pictures of a golden retriever riding on top of a tricycle in heavy traffic because that is something I have never seen in Australia!

Thank you to everyone who supports us in prayers, friendship, encouragement and finances. We appreciate you all so much! 

September and October

New Additions to the PCL Worship Team

Life at PCL continues to be busy, challenging, fun and exciting. One of my roles here at PCL is to oversee the music ministry for our weekly Chapel service and 5:00 a.m. Dawn Watch service every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. As we have been getting to know our first year students, we have discovered that we have many singers and musicians keen to be part of our worship team. In September we had a special opportunity for our new students to worship together, while demonstrating their musical ability. With more than 30 students keen to be involved, and a few false starts due to black-outs (or brown-outs as they are known here) it took two afternoons. We had a wonderful time worshipping together and we are excited that many of the students will be joining this ministry.

We had two visits from Korean guests this October, including a visit from Pastor Pal-Yeon Wan, chairman of the board of trustees. The PCL students are very happy every time a group from Korea comes to the Prayer Mountain, as they are usually treated a special lunch. We enjoyed the special numbers of our Korean guests as well our lunch fellowships. 

Gethsemane Prayer Mountain Anniversary

October 18^th was the 18^th Anniversary of Gethsemane Prayer Mountain. To celebrate, all the Gethsemane churches were invited for a special service, lunch, and intercessory prayer. I was surprised but honored to be the song-leader, as our church was asked to lead the praise and worship. I really love the Prayer Mountain, not just as the home of PCL, but also as a place where people can come for extended prayer. I know that in this place hope is restored, dreams are birthed, broken lives are healed and much more, as people seek God and He touches lives. I am thankful for this place.

Song Leading

With some of the Gethsemane Pastors

 Typhoon Mario

In the very early hours of September 19^th, Typhoon Mario hit the Metro Manila area. Typhoons are a frustrating reality here in the Philippines, with about 20 hitting this country every year. Juls and I had stayed on the mountain on Thursday 18^th, but when we tried to go home the next day, we found the roads impassable. Our neighbor informed us (by text) that there was waist-high water at the gate of our subdivision. It’s hard to describe my feelings on that day. I really wanted to go home. I was so tired, stressed (it wasn’t the best day for our car battery to die; we were push-starting our car in the rain) and cold. We tried to wait a few hours to see if the water would go down, but eventually we gave up and went back to the mountain, which was not a particularly easy drive, especially as we had to dodge a fallen power line on the mountain road. By the next day, September 20^th, the water was low enough for us to go home.  Our electricity came back on within a day. Thankfully, our house was fine, with water coming up to our front step but not inside. We had been concerned that our things would be ruined, as we were not expecting a flood, and we had things on the floor.  

While I felt so frustrated, I realized how blessed we were that we could go to a safe place and our home was not damaged.  Thousands of people were displaced and had to stay in schools and churches. My dear friend, who I call my ‘lil bro’ and is truly like a brother to me, had his tiny, poorly constructed house flooded to the second floor for the second time in one week! I also remembered last year’s Typhoon Yolanda, which killed thousands of people, caused so much destruction, and touched our family as my parents-in-law had a hole in their roof and no electricity for more than a month. Life is really hard for so many here. This world is really hurting. I confess that I struggle with my emotions as I consider the suffering I see. At the same time, I am so thankful for the love of Jesus, demonstrated on the cross. I do not doubt the love of God, because of the incomparably costly gift He gave us. I have hope as I see Him moving in our lives and in the lives of the people around me. I ask Him, “God, what should I do?” He answers me in Micah 6:8. “Act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with my God.” I am so weak, but I pray that God will give me strength to obey His Word. 

There was so much water flowing down the mountain

Typhoon Mario left our church with three large holes in the ceiling

Anniversary Vacation in Subic

As I have really wrestled with emotions after the death of our nephew in August, a typhoon which kept us away from our home, and the daily struggle I see in the people around me, Juls and I felt that we needed a vacation. October 25^th was our first wedding anniversary. It was also semester break. We decided to go to Subic, a popular tourist destination only 3-5 hours away. It is also the home of our dear friend, Bro. Philip. We had four nights in a small and simple resort room that had… wait for it… a flushing toilet complete with toilet seat! It also had a hot shower! How I enjoyed these luxuries! Subic is really beautiful with stunning beaches and wonderful attractions. While we were there, Juls preached at Philip’s church and I gave a special number. Juls and I were really able to relax and leave behind our stress and anxieties. It was the perfect way to celebrate one wonderful year of marriage. I am truly thankful to God for the husband He gave me and the opportunity we had to rest and enjoy a lovely experience.

Juls found a turtle's nest. Sadly, some people had dug up the eggs.
He found one unbroken egg and reburied it in the hope that it might survive. 

San Mateo

Our lot in Divine Mercy, San Mateo, has now been purchased with all papers officially completed. For the past month, Juls has been working hard to clear the ‘jungle’. I know that I would be a danger to myself if I attempted to do any cutting or clearing, so I am doing prayer walks and just saying hello to as many people as I can. As the weather has been improving, we have more opportunities for this. I pray that we can slowly start to build relationships in this sub-division. 

We Welcome Visitors

At the beginning of this year, we thoroughly enjoyed the small team from DBC visiting PCL and two church communities. We would love more mission trips from Australia, which could be arranged to fit with the gifts and interests of the people involved. We also welcome anyone who just wants to visit. Please, let me know if anyone feels a trip to the Philippines might be a good idea. 

August

Buwan ng Wika

August is ‘Buwan ng Wika’, which means ‘Month of Language. It is a time to celebrate the language, culture, history and traditions of The Philippines. As part of their P.E. and Filipino subjects, students prepared dances, dramas, songs and pieces of art for a special service on August 20^th. The first year students had been separated into five groups during their PE, and had to practice and perform dances incorporating different elements. The first dance was with ‘ipit-ipit’, small hand-held pieces of wood which were clicked together with the fingers. The next group performed ‘maglalatik’ with coconut shells strapped to their knees, hips and shoulders, which they hit with hand-held coconut shells. The next group had flowers along a bent piece of bamboo, called bulaklakan. The fourth group performed ‘tinikling’, using long pieces of bamboo, which were clapped together on the floor. The dancers had to jump in between them and avoid getting hit (in a graceful manner, of course). The final group ‘pandango sa ilaw’ used candles, dancing while balancing the candles on their heads.

After the traditional dances, a larger group performed an interpretive dance while students sang a solemn Filipino song. Following this performance, the third year students performed a drama, incorporating their unique comic talents, which had the whole audience in fits of laughter. With my limited  understanding of Tagalog, especially when it is spoken quickly, I had a hard time following the storyline, but I was thoroughly entertained by their crazy antics.

The final part of the program was a display of artwork produced by the students, incorporating the theme of unity. We have some talented artists at PCL!

It was such a wonderful day, especially because for that 1 day, students were allowed to break the golden rule of PCL, which is ‘always speak English’. For that day, I even tried to speak in Tagalog, much to the amusement of the students.

Alumni Homecoming

On August 25^th, PCL held its first official alumni homecoming. Since 2011, we have had 4 groups graduate – Batches Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus and Numbers. PCL invited all graduates to return to the Prayer Mountain for a special celebration, an update on their lives and ministries, and the election of the Alumni Council.  It was so wonderful to see the students again. I was a guest at the first graduation, as the honorary ‘parent’ of Elvy, who just happened to be about 20 years older than me. For the following three graduations, I have been involved as a staff member and the MC at each ceremony. Of course, not all graduates were able to come, especially as some live in the provinces, but for those who came, it was such a joyful experience.

We were encouraged as students shared about their growing ministries and teaching opportunities. We also met the first PCL baby, as two 2012 graduates, Ptr. Ryan and Ptra. Divine, got married last year and had a baby earlier this year. I’m some kind of ‘grand-godparent’ to her, as I was ‘Ninang’ or godparent in the wedding of Ptr. Ryan and Ptra. Divine. (Since coming to the Philippines I have gained many god-children, or ‘inaanak’, as it is customary to have many godparents for baby dedications and weddings.) During our delicious lunch, one member from each batch was asked to give a special number. We look forward to having more alumni activities in order to encourage one another and reflect upon the great things God is doing in the lives of our PCL graduates.

Library

One of my tasks here at PCL is to oversee the library. August has been a very busy month for the PCL library. It seems like the work is never-ending! While our dedicated library assistant, Sis. Mahalia, has been encoding book after book into the new electronic system, we decided that we really needed some extra help in physically rearranging the books, many of which had been incorrectly labelled during the schools earliest years, and completing some other requirements. For three weeks in August, we asked for 15 volunteers to stay at the school for an extra day. They created book-pockets and book cards for the books and searched through the 10,000+ books to check that they were in the right section. We created a single reference section, rather than having different reference books in separate sections. We transformed the ‘halo-halo’ or ‘mix-mix’ section of books into a proper fiction section. I got so excited to see many classic books that I would love to read if I ever find more time. I am pleased with the progress we made, and while there is still work to do, we can work during regular school hours again. I’m so pleased with the arrangement of the books that I will sometimes go to the library, look at our beautiful reference or fiction section, put my hands on my hips, and give a contented sigh and smile. 

Some Sad News   

August was a very challenging and sad month for Juls and I, and his family, as our 4 month old nephew, Aquilles, passed away. With Juls’ family in the province, we were the ones who helped his sister, Erica, looked after the 3 other children, did the hospital visits and organized the funeral and burial. It was such a sad and stressful time, but through it all, we felt God’s love and support. We were so grateful to family and friends who helped us financially, taking away the financial strain of hospital and funeral costs. After little Aqui was buried, Erica and the children went to the province to stay with Juls’ parents. God has been our comfort and strength and we know that Aqui, who was very sick for his whole life, is now in the arms of Jesus, where he will endure no more suffering.

Aqui's family - Even though it was a sad time, we will miss having them with us

San Mateo

Now that the lot where our new ministry will be has officially been purchased by a Korean sponsor, Juls and I do weekly visits and prayer walks and Juls and his friends will soon start clearing the area.

More August Photos

Another Rainy Day at PCL

Playing in the Rain

Sweet Nadine, my goddaughter (inaanak)

Pi-Jo, our godson (inaanak)

June and July

The Beginning of 2014-2015 School Year

At the beginning of June, the new academic year at PCL began. With more than 50 new students we now have about 130 students in all. Our new first years have made a great start to the semester. They had a bit of a shock, however, as it is a PCL tradition to throw a very dramatic welcome party for the new batch. It began when the student council called a meeting, which all students were required to attend. Some matters were discussed in a heated manner and a few students began to feel a bit tense. When the school chaplain and secretary became involved in an ‘argument’, the students really started to wonder about the school. Then some students from our senior levels came in, raised their hands and shouted, ‘Welcome First Year Students!’ With great relief, they realized that everything had been staged and it was actually a party in their honor. We had worship, prayer, an encouraging message, a crazy dance performance by the funniest students in the school and an activity where ‘old’ students write encouraging messages on papers taped to the backs of our new students. The students recovered quickly from their shock and thoroughly enjoyed their special welcome.

This year, I am only teaching two subjects, and have taught them before. I therefore have more time to focus on some of my other roles. The library is still undergoing a lot of change as we are in the process of going electronic and fixing the layout of the books, as advised by our visiting librarian. We are also monitoring the students’ library study hours more closely, and have seen a great improvement in this area. I am now in charge of the worship team, and am enjoying putting some ideas into practice to help make our rehearsals run more smoothly, develop our less-experienced singers and musicians, and foster a greater sense of unity within the team. I will also be setting up a web-page for the school, which is slightly daunting, but with the help of a simple ‘drag-and-drop’ website builder, I’m looking forward to seeing what I can do. I have two sessions per week with a Chinese student, Joseph, who is learning English, with the hope of enrolling in PCL next semester. 

My English Grammar class

Students using the data projector donated by DBC

Joseph, my Chinese student

Gethsemane Dweller Church – Hillside: New Building Dedication

If you have been following my updates for a while, you may remember that in 2012 we had a dedication at my church, as a new, two-level building was completed. Well, thanks to our generous Korean sponsors, Hillside added a third story and on June 17 we had another building dedication. The Korean sponsors came again, our church members were there, and all of our 3^rd and 4^th year students were invited. I have been so blessed to be part of a church that is growing in physical size and number, as well as in the way the Holy Spirit is moving through the services and activities.

Can you find me in this picture? I'm wearing black.

Typhoon Glenda

Typhoon season seemed to come a little earlier than usual this year, with Typhoon Glenda hitting in the early hours of July 16. Classes in Metro Manila were suspended for two days and most places lost electricity. Juls and I discovered that we weren’t really prepared for living without electricity, as our charcoal cooking stove we use as an alternative to our electric stove can only be used outside – not such a good idea in heavy rain and strong wind. We bought a little gas camping cooker and a bunch of candles. By the Saturday (19^th) evening, the electricity came back on.  This typhoon caused less flooding than some others I have experienced here, but the strong winds caused a lot of damage and affected many of our friends. We were very thankful that our house was not damaged, as it is a lot stronger than many other houses. 

Dinner by candlelight... because there was no electricity

Now we can cook without electricity

Answered Prayer

The month of July has been an unforgettable month in our prayer life. We have had some circumstances that have really tested us. However, we knew that God was giving us an opportunity to completely trust in Him, no matter what. We have already seen amazing answers to prayer and believe that He will continue provide for us and give us wisdom. We are so thankful for the way it has drawn us closer to each other and to God. 

Birthdays

June 14 was Juls’ birthday, and in an attempt to fit in with the Filipino tradition of dramatic surprises (well, that is the excuse I will use) some friends and I concocted quite a plan. Juls and I came home that night to find our gate open, the door unlocked, the television, DVD player and laptop gone, and some chairs knocked over. Juls checked our bedroom and started to go outside to ask the neighbours if they had seen anything suspicious. I stopped him and directed him to the kitchen, where his friends jumped out with a cake and sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to him. It took him a few moments to work out that it was all just a plan to surprise him. We had a lovely night after that, together with his friends. 

My birthday seemed to go by on a much more subdued level. My wonderful husband bought me my favourite doughnuts and lovely flowers, I received a lovely card from the 3^rd year students, I shared a cake with another staff member at the school and I was greeted with cake and cards at church. Then, a week and a half after my birthday, the 1^st years surprised me in my class with a beautiful, huge card, lovely cake, enthusiastic singing and prayer. I felt so blessed!

The best doughnuts ever... do you like our beautiful candle holders? 

My class praying for me

San Mateo Progress

We are very excited (and a bit nervous) to say that a lot has been chosen for our future ministry. It is in a subdivision in San Mateo called Divine Mercy. How’s that for a name! This subdivision is in the very early stages of development – the road is very rough and there are many vacant lots. There are people living there, however, and there is no church in the area. It is our intention to visit the lot regularly for a prayer walk and to slowly get to know the people in the community. In time, we hope to open Bible-studies and other ministries while we wait for our building to be constructed. Due to bad weather this month, we have only had a few short visits. We honestly feel a bit overwhelmed, but we strongly believe that this is God’s plan for us and that He will give us wisdom and strength. Papers for the lot should be signed within the next month. We also pray for the Korean sponsors who are financing this new church.