Mercenary or Missionary?

     A few weeks ago I was talking to my dad. It was good to hear his voice again after so long. We were talking about our mission in the Philippines and how everything turned out better than expected. He also told me a funny story that happened at his local Veterans of Foreign Wars(VFW) meeting.
     So, after the VFW meeting, a bunch of old guys were hanging around talking about all kinds of things. They were all swapping stories of family, retirement, and whatever else jumping in while mixing Spanish and English every once in a while. This is how the story goes:


Guy: What do your kids do?


Dad: One of my sons is a cop and the other is a mercenary.


One guy: Oh, yeah, where at?


Dad: The Philippines.


Same guy: Where's he based at?


Dad: Some place in Louisiana.


Same guy: Fort Polk?


Dad: Haha, no not Ft. Polk. (Dad thinking...Why there? That's an Army base)


Same guy: Well, who is he working with?


Dad: Just him, his wife, and his six kids.


Same guy (totally confused): What? I've never heard of that before. The whole family?


Dad (equally confused): Yeah, why is that weird?


Another guy: Well, how many has he killed?


Another random guy: Yeah, what are they using? M-16's?


Dad(totally lost): No, not killing people. He helps them. Um, they're just using the Bible, I think.


Some guy in the back: You mean "Missionary"!! Your son is a missionary!!


Dad: Yes, of course! Wait, what did I say?


Note: Either it was the Spanglish or my dad's new dentures...I'm blaming the dentures.  :)

Christ the King!

(This was the speech I gave to the parish on the Feast of Christ the King on our last Sunday on Camiguin. I spoke in Visaya for this after it was translated for me. It was a blessed time.)

Maayong Buntag sa tanan! This is the first time that I will speak in Visaya in my own words and not in God's words as a lector. I want to make sure that my message is understood clearly so I asked Mrs. Lilia Gacus to help me translate this. It is also hard for me to get tears when speaking to you in Visayan since I don't know what I am reading. Haha.

First, I want to thank all of the people that made us feel welcomed here in Sagay. This was supposed to be our mission but in one way it turned into our home. Maybe you have heard the saying “Home is where your heart is”. We really poured our hearts out here with everyone we met and so our hearts are here with you and will always be with you. We would like to thank Father Joe for the invitation to work here. Father was a very good example to us and helped us to learn the meaning of being a missionary by always being ready to serve you and us. The Ladao family also is a good example by giving all of their time to the students of Holy Rosary High School while making sure students also grow in their faith. They also donated the lot where our cottage is. The Maintenance Group also gets thanks from us for building that cottage where we were able to hold the student recollections, Altar Servers Youth Group, and especially in sharing God's Word with those in need. Maybe there are too many names to mention at this time but we truly are thankful for your generosity to us.

Today is the Feast of Christ the King! This past week we have heard in the Gospels about giving of our time, talent, and treasure. We have all been given different tools to build God's Kingdom. It is up to all of us to work together and put to use these gifts to use. We can't hold on to them and not use them. We can't hide these gifts and let them rust or spoil. Christ the King gave His all to us, we should give our all to Him. How do we do that? He says today, “whatever you did to the least brothers of mine, you did for me.” We all need to be servants of each other and at the same time we are servants of the King.

In the USA, I used to always read the news. I would read about politics mostly because I was so worried about which direction my country was going and also the direction of the whole world. As I started praying more and reading my Bible more, I figured out one thing. It doesn't matter what my crazy president or the power-hungry leaders of the world think or do. They are all trying to be rulers of their countries and not stopping there. They want to take over another country or talk about growing in wealth. It doesn't matter! We already have a King! A King of the whole world! A King that rules His people with kindness and love. A King that forgives when we are truly sorry when we offend Him. A King that keeps His promises. A King that asks us only to love Him and be near to Him. He is Christ the King!

Nothing that humans will do to build their earthly kingdoms can ruin God's plan of salvation. They will only bring ruin to their own lives. One beautiful thing that we have noticed here is how everyone is so friendly. It is very easy to talk to anyone unless, of course, they are shy. Don't be shy. God doesn't want us to be shy. He wants us to share our needs and our gifts. He wants love, peace, and happiness. Isn't that what we want? I do. I am sure you do, too.

So, now our time and our mission in Sagay, Camiguin is coming to a close. Why do we have to leave? The answer is simple. We are missionary. We come and go as the King commands. It is His plan, not ours. Many people all over the world do not know who He is yet. The Word needs to get out. The peace, love, and joy that they are looking for will never be found in earthly things. It is not only our family's responsibility but yours too. Every baptized Christian should be a missionary. We all are required to spread the Faith by our lives. Not everyone is called to go all over the world to do this but everyone is called to love their neighbor. Here is an example of the full favor of the Catholic Faith: The next time you are going to make Nestea, do this. Pour in the powder and then the water. Do not stir. Take a drink and you will see that it is not very tasty. This is an example of a lazy Christian. Now, stir it until it is fully mixed. Does it taste good? Yes, of course. That is what it was made for. This is an example of an active Christian moving around and giving the full-flavor of the Catholic Faith. It is what we all were made for.

Thanks again to all of you. There were some nights when we were about to go to sleep and we thought “Are we doing what we're supposed to be doing? Does God really want us here?” Our prayer was answered every time we read “Be still and know that I am God.” It was His plan to bring a family of 6 children here at this time (and one with blonde hair). It is His plan to take us out also. We have to be willing and ready to serve. It was almost a year ago that we were wondering where we were going to be sent. We waited and waited and finally the invitation from Bishop Ledesma came opening the doors to us here in Camiguin. Every day we spent in prayer asking God to help the people welcome us and to be open to the message that God wants us to say there. We were always praying for the people and we didn't even know their names. Now, after 8 months of being here with you and praying with you and loving every one of you and the Parish of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary, we will continue praying for you but this time we do know your name. We will never forget you. Please don't forget to pray for us also.

Finally, I would like to close with a simple request. Since we are not able to experience the Christmas celebration here, please give this gift to each other or to those who are not here today. Treat each other the same way you treated us. Share the love and spread it. Don't let it spoil or go to waste. Doing this you will give glory to God at the same time. Remember, we serve a great King. Viva Cristo Rey!

Leavin' Camiguin

     Well, in case you don't already know, we are back in the United States from our first mission post in a foreign country. We left Camiguin on Monday the 21st of November and began our very long journey all over again in reverse order. So, here we sit at George Bush Intercontinental Airport awaiting our next orders from the Lord. No matter what we have planned, His will rules. His will was done on Camiguin and He provided for us every step of the way. He is the same yesterday, today, and will be forever.
     Now, speaking of yesterdays, I will be posting some of our experiences from our past year that really stuck out and touched our lives forever. I will have a lot more time to do this for those "in-between" points where we were too busy to even think about looking at our laptop and putting a sentence together. This time back at Big Woods will also be a time of reflection of our entire first year in mission and reviewing with the Founders of FMC. It will be a good time to get recollected and fired up again! Already we feel the burning starting to grow as we think about how much we had with so little.
     Please join us in prayer to discern our next step in our mission lives. Should we return to Camiguin or continue in a different direction? Either way, let God's will be done and pray for us to hear His voice guide us. All for Him!

Our Busy-ness With The Lord

Busy, busy, busy! That's how these past few weeks have been.  In this time we were able to join in the harvest of rice from the experimental farm, begin the monthly recollections for the high school students, start the Sea Wall project, prepare for the Parish Fiesta, and sleep (well, not very much). Thank God for the Holy Spirit! We couldn't have done it without Him.

We thought it would be very fun to join the harvest of “palay” with the Parish Maintenance Group...and it was! But it was also very itchy! I had no idea how much work it takes a farmer from beginning to the end. And we were just doing the end part. I'm sure it was a lot more work plowing and planting the seeds than it was to cut and haul the reward. I know it is probably a lot easier in the States with all of the machinery. We did all of this work by hand. Father Joe said that this was a “very primitive way of doing it” as I watched Lop-lop gather the rice stalks and then twist and turn them with his feet over the bamboo floor. Little by little the grains sifted through the cracks on the floor and unto a tarp that we laid underneath. Meredith, Abram, and I continued hacking the field with the others and then transferred the heaps into a giant mound. After a while, our skin was starting to show some bumps as we scratched and scratched and scratched some more. Wow! And there was Lop-lop “dancing” away  with a huge smile on his face. It was when I was cutting the stalks that I remembered how true the parable of the weeds and the wheat is! The weeds grew right next to the palay and along with it. It would be so time consuming if one were to try separate the two. Anyway, in the end all that is not for eating is thrown into the fire.

The high school recollections are going well. The students get to meet at our house for some fun with games and activities to enhance a sharing of God's Word from the Holy Bible. The theme for the 1^st and 2^nd year students was about being ready for battle. We are always being attacked by the devil and he will keep trying to distract us from the ultimate goal. Stacie handled most of the talking parts as I prepared the powerpoint presentation. We also had them decorate paper plates as Shields of Faith. After a short snack break, they got their shields and lined up for a “dodgeball”-type war. They tried to go from HOME to CHURCH and vice versa while not getting hurt by sin (7 balls representing the Deadly Sins). If hit, they must spend some time at Confession. (Thanks to the Blue Knights Leaders Guide) At a brief pause in the game I talked about how we must always be aware of the devil's temptations. If one is to walk with their shield of Faith lowered and not paying attention, WHACK! they will get hit! And sometimes as we sin, it not only hurts God and ourselves, but we may be bouncing it around and hurting others.

Nanding Ocaba

A few months ago we asked God to help our friends with a sea wall to protect their home from the damaging waves and bad weather. With your help, we were able to start this project right at the end of September! The sea wall is now in its final stages and should be completed by mid-October at the latest. Praise the Lord! When we received the funds we were only thinking of how blessed the Ocaba family would be to have a dry home. God is so good with His timing! The man of the house, Nanding, is also the leader of the group of fishermen in his area. The men had not been able to go fishing because of the typhoons in the north causing rough waters for us here in the south. So, this came at a good time for these men to be able to feed their families by working as masons and laborers. The whole area now has been blessed by this one sea wall. The need is so great here. People have been doing hard labor here and all for 150 pesos per day. This is just under $4 in the U.S....not per hour but per day! That is a fair rate here and they are happy to do it, but it is just enough to scrape by on in these desperate times. Please consider sending a donation to us through Family Missions Company in Louisiana so that we can help feed our brothers and sisters in Christ. One Value Meal at your favorite fast food stop can feed a whole family rice and fish for at least one day or maybe even two days (they are good at making it stretch!)

The Fiesta of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary was on October 7^th. We had about two weeks to go and then one and we were thinking of how routine all of the Fiestas that we had been to in the past two months had been getting. We attend the Mass, we share a meal with the parish priest and his staff, and then decide to stay to visit vendors booths or leave (which we usually did). But this had DIFFERENT written all over it. With four days to go, Father approached us and asked if we could prepare the Youth Group to fill in a one-hour time slot between Masses. “Sure, no problem!” we replied without any clue as to what we were going to do. We went home and talked about it. Since this was the time for the Holy Rosary, I thought that we could have the students line up and present a Living Rosary. I pictured them as a rosary with sky blue paper mache balloons as the Our Father/Glory Be beads and the others with candles as the Hail Mary beads. Stacie added a sweet and simple Marian song to go between reflections of the mysteries. With the help of Gogoy (guitar) and Mag-mag (music/dance/director) we practiced and practiced. We also were able to put a little dance number to the song “I Lift Your Name On High”. It was all good! Father Joe had a group with him from Magsaysay and heard many compliments from them and the rest of the parish. “This has never been done before!” The kids get all the credit though. They did all of this while practicing their band routine for the day before the fiesta! Amazing! Maddie got to participate with the band while her proud parents watched from front row seats in the gym.

I threw sleep in there because even though there has been many nights with few hours of it the cooler weather has allowed me to sleep way better. Quality over quantity. I think of Ms. Genie's saying also that goes a little something like this: “...no better feeling than going to bed exhausted in His service.” Thank you for reading and thank you for praying for our mission. We can feel your prayers.

      Endure trials with patience. That is something I like to think I do pretty well most of the time. Some have asked me if I ever get angry. Little do they know. When the right button is pushed, yes, I can be mad. It is frustrating at times because I think that after I have cooled off, that I could have done better if I would have just suffered a little longer or turned the other cheek. And then I read about our Lord being led like a lamb to the slaughter. Not one single word to confirm His innocence or to retaliate. That's when I know I should have done better.

      A few weeks ago, I had to rush off to the mainland to renew our visas five days earlier than planned. I had to go in on a Friday instead of the usual Tuesdays because of the Fiesta of St. Augustine shutting down the office for two days. If I didn't renew now, I would have to pay a huge fine. So, I left the house on Thursday and rushed off for the port. Then came the trials.

I decided to take Samuel (6 yrs) since we were not able to fully celebrate his birthday earlier in the month. We got to the port thinking we could make the 2pm ferry. We made it at least 15 minutes earlier except that the schedule had changed for all afternoon trips to now leave at 5pm! “Ok, ok. Three hours is not that big of a deal. I got my little buddy here. We'll find something to do,” I thought to myself. We waited and waited, watched some fish dart in and out from under the pier, walked around awhile, and waited some more. We finally boarded the ferry and headed to the mainland with very few passengers on board still. Thank God a few big cargo trucks came on at the last minute or else we may not have left until the next day.

      We got to “the other side of the pond” and were very hungry. We had only munched on some small snacks and hadn't had anything to eat since breakfast. We also had a two hour bus trip left to reach the city so we bought our dinner and ate. We waited another 40 minutes and Samuel was starting to feel tired. I prayed that he wouldn't fall asleep so that I wouldn't have to try to carry him onto the bus. He fought off the sleep and we got a front row seat. Yes, I said seat...singular. “Two hours is not that bad. Maybe the guy next to me will get down sooner than the city anyways (he didn't),” I thought. There wasn't much room for both of us to get too comfortable for too long. Still, I was glad that I hadn't brought Abram (8 yrs) also. Finally, we arrived at 9pm.

      We hopped on a motorela but had to stop at an internet cafe to email the mission base a request to have enough funds transferred to our account to cover the cost of the visas. When we finished that, we finally made it to the Convent at the Cathedral. After a long day I still wasn't ready for bed...neither was Samuel. I wanted to complete all eight forms for renewal to save time at the office the next day. I only got a few lines done on the first form when the pen ran out of ink. Grr. Oh, well. This will have to wait til the morning. Prayers, then bedtime.

We woke up early, ate breakfast, and borrowed a pen to finish up. We stopped by the ATM and withdrew some money. Everything was going great. We got to the office a little earlier than planned and passed a room before the visa office where we usually get copies of our passports. It was closed and I had forgotten to get copies. “No big deal. I'll just go find another place.” It gets HOT in the Philippines early in the morning. So, we found a place and sweated getting there and back. Everything all set up and still we were the first in line. This will take no time.

      We turned everything in and waited to pay. When it was my turn to pay, I handed over the money and got back more than I expected in two ways. One was that it was a lot cheaper than we figured and the next was a bombardment of rudeness, anger, and frustration. “Whoa! What's up with this guy?” I thought. He was raising his voice in this small office that had quickly filled up. After a little break, I finally understood what he was trying to tell me. He was mad because I had not completed the process for this thing called an I-Card. It didn't take too much longer for me to lose my cool this time, and I began to reply with the same anger. “Why as a paying customer was I being treated this way?” I thought to myself. It seemed like everyone in the room disappeared and it was just me and him. Back and forth this went on for a few minutes. As a Christian, I knew I failed. Then, a very patient soft-spoken lady offered to explain the situation.

      Back in April, I was told we “needed” the I-Card. To my understanding, this card is for foreigners that want to open a bank account or for other official business. That was part of the reason for the high cost that month. Anyway, I was not told then that I needed to do anything else to get this card except pay for it-which I did. By the end of June, however, I returned to renew our visas again, and was told the I-card was not available because I didn't turn in the family's pictures or have copies of the receipts with it. “Ok. I will have to do that next time because my family is back at the island.” Since I rushed off this last time I totally forgot about bringing those things. I think what made me angry this time is that another item was “missing”-- I also didn't have a copy of the application. So, even if I had brought my items, the process would have been incomplete. When I calmly asked to make a list of everything that I needed to bring for sure next time, the man refused and started his rant. I knew that a new trial was beginning. I knew I should have stayed calm and not retaliated. I knew that I should have waited just a few more seconds and turned the other cheek. But I failed. Though the whole thing lasted just a few minutes, it seemed like an eternity. Also, while I was firing back I heard a little voice that sounded like Ms. Genie's saying, “Our enemies are not flesh and blood.” That's when I knew that I lost the battle against the evil one. I gave in and gave a bad example to the faith and to our Lord.

      Forgetting all about the blessing of how much we had saved on the visas, Samuel and I headed for lunch. We had been at the office waiting for 3 hours. He picked McDonald's as his treat for being patient. We took our tray over to our table and set it down. I don't know how it happened but the table was kicked or bumped from underneath by either Samuel or me and the drinks went everywhere! All over my shirt. All I could do was smile and laugh to myself. “The devil HATES missions!” Ms. Genie said again in my head. It was true. No matter how small the mission is, even if it is just to enjoy a nice meal with one of your lil ones, the devil will do whatever it takes to break it up. Not this time!

      Immediately, I started to replay everything that had happened since we left. I quickly forgave the man at the office and prayed for whatever was bothering him that day. I also asked for forgiveness from our Lord for failing to be a light for Him. Why didn't I just do that there at the office right away?

      When I got back to the island, I told Stacie what had happened. I told her that I felt like I was being called to go back the following week and turn in everything for the I-card as well as formally apologizing to the entire office staff. I did. Just before entering the office I said a quick prayer to have everything go smoothly (and that I wouldn't get arrested - -j/k). I turned in all the required paperwork and noticed the man talking to someone. There was a temptation to say, “Oh, well. He is busy. I'll just go on my way.” I shrugged that off and sat down a few more minutes until the opportunity opened up. I felt a peace all around me as I got up and walked over to him. I asked for forgiveness and apologized to him for raising my voice that day. He seemed like a totally different person as we shook hands and he accepted my apology. I also stopped on my way out to apologize to the soft-spoken lady as others watched on. I told them all that it wouldn't happen again.

I left the building feeling like a ten ton boulder was lifted off of my shoulders; the same as when I leave the Confessional. Our enemies are not flesh and blood. 

 

"For we are not contending against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places." Ephesians 6:12

 

 

"Be sober and watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking some one to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experience of suffering is required of your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, establish, and strengthen you. To him be the dominion for ever and ever. Amen."--1 Peter 5:8-11

Here I Am Lord

We spent this last week in Cagayan de Oro in deep prayer for a special intention. Our family retreat was a much needed break to review our time and our mission in the Philippines. I read a passage from the Gospel of Mark that was so real as it spoke to my heart. Even Jesus needed quiet time to go to a field early in the morning to pray (Mark 1:35). Yeah, it was the opposite for us. We had to go to the city to hear the Lord speak, but in the busy-ness of the city I saw the Lord in a blind man.

I was walking home that night from the store with a small birthday cake for Samuel. I didn't know Pippi was blind when I first saw him. He was crouched down by a minivan. With one hand he was making a circular motion on the vehicle and the other one was on his metal cane. “This man must have had a rough night drinking” was my initial thought. It was when I saw the metal cane that I started to kick myself for having that horrible thought to begin with. Still, I passed him as I took one more last glance at the cane. I hadn't seen a metal one before especially with what was sticking out from the handle. “Could that have been a harmonica? Nah, probably not.” As I was going farther away from him I was trying to suppress the strong inner voice telling me to go back. “I wasn't even supposed to come this way,” I thought to myself as I learned of the road construction on the way to the store. I slapped my right leg in a kind of “Aw, shucks!”-way, thinking it was too late to have turned back. When I did that I hit my harmonica that I forgot that I had brought with me on this trip. “Thank you, Lord!” I said quietly as I knew I had to turn back.

A little rewind action. I started to practice on the harmonica again after many failed attempts while in the States. I especially started to learn “Happy Birthday” within just a few days until Samuel's birthday...and learned it well enough to play it until I annoyed my kids. “Play something else!” is what the looks on their faces were saying. So, I started to learn “Here I am Lord” one of my all-time faves. I practiced for a few weeks and had this strange feeling that I should play it for Pippi even though it wasn't Carnegie Hall-ready:)

I turned back and prayed to do my best. I introduced myself to him and he replied in Visaya. I could only catch a few words but I replied with a quiet note on my harmonica. He stood up when he recognized the sound. I told him I was going to play a little of what I had learned. So, I began. I was so nervous with everyone passing by and staring that I could tell that I was not playing as best as I could. I knew I wasn't letting the Holy Spirit work. It wasn't terrible but it wasn't the best that I knew how. As I finished, he gave a little bow and picked up his harmonica. WHOA! Pippi proceeded to play the familiar 80's tune. “Whatever it takes, or how my heart breaks I will be right here waiting for you...” NO WAY!!! As I write this, I am just now thinking of those words. HE was right there waiting for ME! I never would've met him, never would've shared our music, and never would've been blessed by his skill. His tune was so perfect it sounded as if I was listening to the radio! I applauded when he finished as he gave a shy smile.

How awesome it is to finish an appointment set up by God like that! I hurried back to the Cathedral where we were staying to tell the family of all the good news I had read on the internet (we got a message from back home that our first care package was on its way!) and from Pippi.

Day #2 of our retreat had me going the same way only to find the store had closed 20 minutes earlier. I made sure to bring my harmonica but I didn't see Pippi. I felt a little disappointed at both. I found a pharmacy still open and bought a 4-pack of T.P. On my way back, I looked ahead and saw a familiar shadow just waiting there. It was him! “Hi, my friend! It's me, Odilio.” He moved his head in my direction and started talking super fast in Visaya. He could hardly control his excitement. I told him that I was going to play again and play better. I did. It felt great going through the whole chorus without messing up. It was a blessing too as those who passed by slowed down and wondered what the heck was going on. Even Pippi accepted with a huge grin and a quiet laugh. He then played a cool tune unknown to me but still very smooth. Then he spoke again. I tried to stop a few people to translate but they walked on. I HAD to know what he was saying. Finally, a young guy named Ryan stopped to help me out. I reintroduced myself, using the translator to relay the message, and told him that I was a Catholic lay missionary from the USA. This brought a big smile to his face and then he asked, “Do you have any good news to share with me?” WOW! A chance to share the Faith and there I was ready to pass him by as “just another beggar”--a horrible thought. I answered him, “Yes! Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world! He wants us to continue talking to Him in prayer and never let go of Him. He loves us all so much.” He smiled and told me that he prays every day when he wakes up and every time he eats because he doesn't always have something to eat. Later that night I opened the Bible and turned to Sirach 7:10 “Never get tired of praying, and never miss a chance to give to the poor.” As I reflected on this verse I remembered what Pippi said through Ryan. “I am very grateful for the amount that you gave me (equivalent of $20 USD). I have never held this amount in my hand in all my life!” A part of me was thinking that maybe that wasn't such a good idea. I was thinking that someone might take advantage of his disability. Then I heard the Holy Spirit tell me to “Let it go.” At the same time, he assured me that his helper is a good man and trustworthy. So, I let it go.

I would like to thank all of our benefactors right now. All of those who have donated to our mission in the Philippines you are greatly appreciated. This is your part of the mission here. I don't make the money. I don't work in the aircraft factory anymore. It is your generous contributions that we use to bring the message of the Good News of Jesus Christ! Please continue to keep us in your prayers and tell your friends about us and our mission. We can sure use the help at this time to continue our work here. Please pray for God to send us those who need the most help and please help us help them. I return to the mainland in two weeks to renew our visas (our biggest expense) and maybe then I can get a few pics of Pippi to post. There is so much work needed to be done here. I know He called us here for a reason.

Here I am Lord.

Is it I Lord?

I have heard You calling in the night.

I will go Lord

If You lead me

I will hold Your people in my heart.

Help(er) Needed...Granted

What is life like being a foreign missionary?, you may be wondering. Well, sometimes it is a nice day living on one of God's most beautifully created islands with not much being asked of you except to relax and enjoy the quietness (like when we first got here). Then, there's weeks like this past one. Both ways are part of His plan.

Monday-- Normal schedule shows that this is the day when we all, minus Maddie, visit a day care center for 2-4 year olds and sing a quick song before a teaching of God's Truth. This week Fr. Joe called up and asked for us to go with him to St. James Chapel for the patron saint's Fiesta Mass. We agreed to have Stacie and Meredith stay behind and be with the young-uns while I took the boys (yes, even Julian. I was feeling brave). The Mass went well and then the chapel was cleared for the meal. Wouldn't you know that right before Fr. Joe was to say the blessing his celly goes off? And wouldn't you also know that right after saying “Oh, I gotta take this call. Very important. I will hand it over to our chaplain now (pointing to me).” Well, now you do know. “Come, Holy Spirit.”

Tuesday-- I put the finishing touches on the bunk bed I was building and we all pitched in to get the house ready for our first, unofficial short-term mission group from India and one visitor from Kahayag sa Dyos in Cagayan de Oro. We postponed our teaching on Tuesday at the high school and excused Maddie for the rest of the day so that we could pick up our visitors at the port. We all greeted each other and then headed out to Cantaan's White Beach. It was a super blessed time as we had the entire beach to ourselves. The high winds didn't stop us from having a great time and I thanked God that the rain clouds were swept away. We enjoyed our picnic lunch, fellowship, swimming in the big blue, climbing the coconut trees, and I had a revelation. I finally realized why we curve to one side with our hands pointed together while at the same time singing in the song “I'm Bananas for the Lord”---because we look like bananas! Ohhhhh, 1+1=2!!!!

We finished up at the beach and headed home to rest before going to the convento for dinner courtesy of Fr. Joe's staff. Dinner was excellent and we all accepted Fr.'s offer for transportation for our mountain visit the next day. We settled on being ready early, which for us non-Filipinos means 8am or after. We stayed up late(r) than we normally do. Yes, it was almost 10pm! We talked about biting the snake's backbone to keep it from squeezing the life out of you or something like that because my eyes were getting droopy by then.

Middle of the night comes and the power goes off. Sleeping here is great with the fresh air from the open windows (when it's blowing), but I still need my fan. I tossed and turned and could not get settled in. I finally got up and went to the front porch and lit a candle. It's still hard to believe how dark it gets every time the power goes out. In the open fields of Kansas, we at least had a lot of moonlight to work with. This time I had to use candlelight to pray and to search Scripture for a topic to preach at tomorrow's visit. With the sea breeze at my back and my drowsy eyes, I soon fell asleep and awoke with the candle just a few inches away and no Bible verse or topic in mind. Ok, time for bed. I finally crawled in and fell asleep with my prayer to have the power back on before too long. “Whizzzz..,” the fan clicked on and my sleep was blessed again. Praise the Lord!

Wednesday-- My plan was to wake up before everyone, eat breakfast calmly, and then go shopping for the food supplies at 7am. That didn't happen. I woke up after a few earlier riser-uppers, skipped breakfast, and headed out from the house at about 8am. I then got a text from Father that said we would be leaving at around 9am! “Sure, Father, we'll be ready,” hit the send button and relayed the message to the group. We split up into two groups-- I went with our Indian visitors Nick and Jeremy to get the 60 kilos broken up into 30 bags of 2 kilos each while Susanna and Eric bought the rest of the items like sardines, noodles, brown sugar, and a powdered drink. So, when my group got done, we headed to the store where Susanna was and texted for Father's jeep to pick us up. Ahhh, everything was going well as we were only a few minutes behind schedule. Screeeeecccchhhh! (insert record scratching noise here) Father called us up and said that he had just been invited to attend a speaker's address of our town of Sagay's 102^nd Foundation Day Celebration. There was no telling how long he was going to be! Oh, I forgot to mention earlier how this was a real “short-term” trip for our visitors. They were only going to be with us for about 24 hours total! That meant that they had to leave by 2pm to get to the ferry that departed by 3pm! The devil really hates missions. And I mean REALLY hates missions. I say that because after feeling a little relieved to see Father Joe come out of the meeting his news of the 2^nd vehicle we were taking was not so good. He said to wait just a little longer because there was something that became loose under the Mad Max. If you have seen Mel Gibson's 80's movie Mad Max, then you can see where this one jeep got it's nickname. Anyway, just another delay. No big deal. It's only 11pm......11pm!!! Time was really flying and we weren't even on the way up yet! Some sacrifices were going to have to be made. The life of a missionary. Carry out your mission, sacrifice all the extras. Yes, we were all ready to give up our lunch to give the poor all the help we could and share with them God's Word. Nothing was going to stop us.

Finally, Fr. Joe tells us of the completed repairs and that there will be a shortcut we can take to the mountain chapel. Most everyone fit in the blue Suzuki as they drove off without me and Nanding and Arlyn Ocaba. We got the newly repaired Mad Max. All in all we were at least 18 hiking that mountain trail. Many slips and near plunges into certain death (just kidding) but we still made it! The scenery the whole way was spectacular. God knows how to give one a boost at the right time. Just as your legs are throbbing from the climb, it levels out into a clear path or He gives you a great view of the sea or of giant rocks where the next rain will turn into a beautiful waterfall. God is good...all the time.

We made it up to the chapel in different spurts. We rested and caught our breath while some served us some green coconuts and coconut water. With one eye on the clock, we finally worked our way into the chapel where the people had already gathered. We read the beginning of Psalm 56. Our theme was about the importance of prayer and how great a gift it is to know that we can always talk to our Lord. He wants us to talk to Him. Have you talked to Him today? He is waiting...

After thinking, “What the heck am I going to talk about today?” it was time for the Holy Spirit to take over. I had my Visayan Bible and had only paraphrased what Psalm 56 was about. I had a little note that read, “God is on our side. Nothing to fear.” That's it! I was so thankful Teresa had brought an English copy so that I could quickly glance over some more of the key words. As I wrapped up, I gave the floor to Susanna and anyone else who wanted to share. Susanna talked about how someone must have prayed to God for help because here we were. It was true. Carrying food, babies, and the Holy Bible through narrow, muddy, and slippery trails and we were all safe! God willed it. I was also blessed by Nick's sharing of how awesome it is to work together. An even greater feeling is when we visit a foreign land and work side by side with other Christians and sharing the Love as God intended- encouraging and building each other up. I definitely felt very blessed and re-energized to be working alongside others who share the same values. Great visit!

The trek back was not as bad as the other. In fact, it went by way faster. I think mostly because by the time we were done praying over the group and distributing the food packs every minute was ticking down. I think we all had an imaginary clock hanging over us in big red letters saying that we were not going to make it. When we reached the parking area, it was a huge relief to see the two jeeps ready to go. Everyone loaded up the same way and Father double-timed it back to our cottage to get everyone's things together and leave immediately for the port. Our quick mission was successfully carried out and God's will triumphed once again over all of our “roadblocks”.

That was still not the end of the day for me. I have been assigned as a lector at Holy Rosary Parish. True, this was a Wednesday night and not as many people were there as at my first time during the 2^nd Mass on one Sunday. Still, I want to try my best and sound a little less like a 1^st grader reading Exodus and the Responsorial Psalm. It went fairly well and I think most in attendance got the message...probably because they had to listen really hard to what was being said :)

Thursday-- The day started out with my trying hard to connect to a Skype chat session with the home base in Louisiana. I messed up and clicked something accidentally and thought that I had entirely deleted my Skype account. After almost one hour from our scheduled chat, I finally gave up trying to re-load everything and found the original sitting right there on my desktop. At least we'll be ready for our next try.

Father Joe called us to the convento for a quick meeting. He asked us to go with him to the island's capital city of Mambajao to meet the Governor. He really wanted to introduce us to him because of his strong opposition of the Reproductive Health Bill (RH) which is trying to pass into a law that limits a couple to only 2 children per family. Crazy! If something like this would've passed years ago in the States, I never would've been born as Mom was the 5^th of 9 children. Anyway, we penciled in the visit.

Stacie's day to teach in the afternoon for one hour. She usually makes lunch for all of us then puts Julian down for his nap. Today was a little different though. While waiting for Maddie to show up for her lunch break, we were surprised to see her coming down the street with 4 of her classmates. We welcomed them up the stairs and invited them to have lunch with us at our table. The lunch breaks here are from about 11:30am- 1:30pm. Many kids live too far from the school to go home for lunch so they bring their lunch and stay in the classroom, using their desk for a table. On this particular day(as they had a few times before), the girls came to eat at our home. Maddie said we might as well expect them to come everyday. Fine with us. The more the merrier. Each brings her own small portion of rice and maybe a sardine or two. If still hungry, they taste a little “American” food.

Friday-- We excused Maddie out of her classes again and headed out to meet the Governor. We drove up and parked within walking distance of his front gate. Apparently, the whole town was there celebrating his birthday! We entered and met his father who is also a Congressman from Manila. Anyway, we shook hands and were invited into his home to share a birthday meal. Everything was very nice and so tasty. Finally, the festivities were starting to pick up steam as different singers took the stage to show their karaoke skills. Then, all of Camiguin's 5 priests were asked to go up and sing the traditional birthday song. They sounded great, to my surprise and maybe to a few others. Then, Father Joe, being the leader that he is, grabs the mic and starts to introduce our family. I can pick up on a few words describing our mission. Everyone's heads turn to us and suddenly everyone's looking at us! He motions for us to get up on the stage as well as for the Governor. “Oh, this won't be so bad. He'll just have another few words, give a quick handshake, wave and smile a bit longer then we can go,” I silently thought to myself. Wrong-O! I looked over after I heard Father say my name mixed with some Visayan and then he was handing me the mic asking, “Can you say a prayer over the Governor?” My face was saying sure thing but my innards were trembling! It's very difficult being put on the spot like that, but that's why God gives us the Holy Spirit, the Helper. “Come, Holy Spirit, I need You.” I truly believe in the gift of speaking in tongues because my mouth may have been moving and my voice being projected over the speakers but I never heard anything. I later had to ask Stacie what I said :) Whew! 3-pointer for the Holy Spirit!

On our way home, Father gets a call that says he will be hosting the priest's district meeting at his place and that he should have dinner ready. This also means that his missionary family should also be in attendance. The meeting started after a delicious meal and I was the only one left when Stacie went home with the tired children. The ENTIRE meeting was in Visayan. I really gotta learn this language.

Saturday-- Another meeting request at the convento. This was really a nice gesture by Father to translate everything that was said the night before. And wouldn't you know that he closed with a request to have me take his place and open that night's Talent Show for the town's continued 102^nd celebration? Well, now you do know.

I guess I must have said the right words at the Governor's place even though I still don't know everything that was said :) At least this time I had a nine hour warning. Evening came and the Talent Show was underway...but not until I opened with a prayer. It is so weird praying at a huge gym and hearing the loud crowd suddenly become quiet and then having my voice fill it with the power of a mic and giant speakers the size of a house! All for God's glory!

Father and I took our seats next to an Evangelical pastor, the Mayor, Vice- Mayor, and other city councilmen. The whole time I was thinking of Ms. Genie back at Big Woods saying how you just take everything as God gives it and follow His plan. Well, we stayed for the opening act of a magician trying his best to entertain the crowd. For us sitting at the very front and at a lower angle, it was easy to see that magic is purely illusion and not a power or force. I now know how 85% of the tricks are done. There is a reason for very loud music(to drown the clicking of buttons), wearing long coats (more pockets to hide the 42 umbrellas), and everything being black (not as visible). Just saying.

Sunday-- Day of rest you say?....hahahahahahahahaahhaahahhahhhhhh. Too pooped to start the day with 1^st Mass starting at 630am so we slept in and went to 830am. Before going on our way, we get stopped by our friends, Tata and Tony Credo. They invited us to visit their Kids 4 Christ meeting at 2pm they have only once a month. We accepted thinking we could still make it back to our house and have our Youth Group at 3pm. Everything's fine according to our plan, right? Well, the Holy Spirit was definitely guiding us this week and wouldn't you know that we were invited to come to the church at 2pm for Tita Dolores' anniversary Mass of her late husband's death only we didn't know that's what it was for and we assumed it was for the Credo's prayer meeting? Well, now you do know and are probably as confused as we were.

So, we celebrated the Anniversary Mass and sorted everything out. A dinner was waiting for us at Tita Dolores', but we also wanted to share at least a little bit of our time with the Kids 4 Christ group. Tony introduced us briefly and immediately asked us to share something...anything...ummm....Holy Spirit. Bingo! Just like that we were lead to share how the youth of the world are so important in turning the way this world thinks. It is good for them to start meeting like this and to begin forming their spiritual life through prayer, faith, and good works. We closed with a children's praise song that they really enjoyed. We ended up doing it twice. Good thing, too, because we built up an appetite just in time to celebrate at Tita Dolores' place. Praise the Lord! P.S. In case you're wondering, yes, we had to cancel our Youth Group for this week.

There it is! Our crazy-busy, action-packed, Spirit-filled, Kingdom-building, super blessed week in a nutshell...kind of. We start all over again tomorrow and see where the Spirit blows us this week.

“The wind blows where it wills, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes; so it is with every one who is born of the Spirit.” John 3:8