We Are All Missionaries

I still struggle to call myself a missionary, especially to those who don't have a religious background. In December when I was caving in Sagada, I was waiting to climb through a small hole surrounded by a bunch of other cavers. I began talking to a couple from Michigan and I told them I was a missionary. When it came out I thought, what? you always say volunteer. Their response was, "oh aren't most people in the Philippines already Christian?"

Weekend Reading

Happy Second Sunday in Advent!

I cannot believe the first week in December is almost over! Sorry for the delay in this week's installment of "Weekend Reading." I got distracted by a wonderful skype call with Grace and enthusiastically delving into new packages on Friday night. Then, a successful but exhausting half-day trip to the market with my neighbor and a fun dinner with coworkers on Saturday. Today, Sunday, I finally have time to just relax, do menial tasks such as laundry and cleaning, and catch up on YASCers' blogs!

Scouting the Divine

I’ve been somewhat of a book connoisseur lately. I’ve read more books in the past 3 months than in the last year and a half. Before I say any more, I must thank my Mom for all the amazing book recommendations and buying them all for me to put on my Nook.  I truly love to read, but in college I only had time for the assigned reading instead of reading for enjoyment. I’ve found reading helps me escape into a completely different world or relate to the story of someone struggling along a journey.

During YASC orientation, the leaders emphasized the importance of maintaining our spiritual health, whether through daily prayer, meditation or reading scripture. I started with the Bible Challenge to help guide me through the scripture instead of blindly diving in. After a week, my diligence faded away. I had trouble connecting with some of the passages and would lose patience in my confusion. I know I’m not alone in my feelings about the struggle of tackling stories of the Bible.

Celebrating the Dead

As it is said, "a picture is worth a thousand words." And so, I believe they can display a deeper meaning of All Saints' Day than my description. Although, I will give a little background.

Here in the Philippines, Halloween is not widely celebrated or really even mentioned. All Saints' Day, the day after Halloween, is traditional, family holiday. Almost everyone has November 1st off of work. This year it fell on a Friday, so it was a long holiday for everyone. Our office closed at noon to allow people to travel. Buses and Jeepneys were completely packed. People even talked about how if some wanted a ride they would have to stand or sit in the aisle. It's one of the busiest travel times of the year.

Communicating through Laughter

Language barrier is currently the biggest hurdle I have to jump over. There is no substitution to a long, in-depth conversation in your first language. It’s icing on the cake when it’s with someone from your generation because you share common slang, pop culture.

This doesn’t mean I cannot communicate with those around me. Fortunately, most people speak or understand enough English. Merely different vocabulary is utilized, changes in intonation and pronunciation are made, and the speed is greatly slowed down.

I’ve been writing how much I laugh and smile in the Philippines. It’s true their joy and laughter is contagious.

Indigenous Sunday

I know last week I posted about finding a home parish. Nonetheless while I was having coffee with Fr. D’Abugao after helping with preschool, he invited me to attend their Indigenous Sunday service that coming Sunday at St. Stephen’s. There was a promise of gongs and native dance. How could I refuse?

I woke up early, 6:30am, to go. The Bishop drove us on his way to another parish, hence the early leave time of 7am. Emelda, her 6 year-old daughter, Amitess, Sandra, her 4 year-old son, Graynaan, Penny, and her 19 month-old daughter, Skye joined me in attending the service. We were about 2 hours early for the service, in the mean time we enjoyed coffee with Padi (the priest) and his wife, Myra.

Weekend Reading

Happy Weekend!

This past week I've been assisting in the Christian Education Office. One of the tasks was to help teach at a few local church preschools. As many of you know, I'm not always one for children or teaching but this week gave me great joy, the ability to get out of an office environment and left me exhausted. Look for a post more about this next week!

Unfortunately, Typhoon Santi is hitting this weekend. I was supposed to help plant trees for a church project on Saturday morning but those plans have now been canceled. Looks like it may just be a rainy few days for me.

Also, I love the front of this journal in the picture, "live life to the full!" I believe all my fellow YASCers are doing just that.

Please Read On....

As Student Minister at the Cathedral in Grahamstown, Paul schedules young adult preachers for the Student Services. He's been sharing their sermons on his blog and this one is quite powerful, a must read!

While there are differences between American and Filipino cultures, Margaret is learning there is more that unites us than divides us.

Heidi finishes her first term at the Canon Andrea Mwaka School in a fun way and is headed off on a safari!

Julie is answering the questions we all want to know the answers to about her life in Haiti.

Will P. is taking full advantage of the saying, "you only live once" and couldn't imagine being anywhere else than Cuba.

Keri is trusting in her faith and realizing doubt isn't the opposite of it.

Alan is starting to teach English at a local vocational school in Haiti.

Rachel's new motto, "everyday is worth celebrating", and so she's sharing pictures of things worth celebrating during her time in Panama.

Becky shares gorgeous photos of where she's been living in Honduras for the past two months.

How are you living life to the fullest this weekend?

Thanks for reading!

{image via}

Making a Difference

Last week, I went with Jocelyn, Maritess, Tessa, and Sir Junior to run a few errands for the Foundation. One of them was inspecting an applicant, Sheryl’s, Internet and copy shop. As with most inspections, every last chair available was found for us to sit comfortably as we asked every last question about their business, personal life, current finances, and future plans. This time as Sheryl hospitably passed me a bottle of Pepsi from her sister’s adjacent sari-sari store she said, “I’m so happy you are here with us.”

The words left me speechless until I finally fumbled over, “thank you. I’m happy to be here too.” A woman, who I just met who I was basically interrogating in her second or third language, offered me the kindest words. She’ll never truly know what those words meant to me. I will also never know what impact I had on her by simply showing up, being present and taking an interest in her.

Lately, I have been asking myself some hard questions:
Why am I here? 
People are saying they are so proud of me but I feel like I haven’t actually done anything? 
Am I really making a difference? 

I shared these concerns with fellow YASCers and a few others. I received some wonderful advice and encouraging words in response.

Little Things

Growing up in such a thriving, community-oriented, active, and energetic parish, it can be hard for me to attend other parishes' worship services without comparing them. My home parish set the bar pretty high. I know that I shouldn't compare and I should take each service as another unique way to worship God. But I still want a spiritual energy connecting me to His word, His people, and His love during a church service.

{Women taking communion at St. Mark's in their native dress}

I decided to switch it up this past Sunday. Instead of attending mass, as they say here, at the Cathedral on the compound, I attended St. Mark's in Batal less than a mile away in another community. They worship in a small, wooden, airy building. It is supposed to function as a warehouse during harvest time for rice, but it stands as their chapel. Unbeknownst to me, it was "Indigenous Sunday" led by the ECW. All the women showed up in their native dress, a woven skirt in their tribal pattern. All the songs were song in Ilocano or the Igorot native language. Actually, practically the whole service was spoken in Ilocano.

Take Up the Cross

On September 23-24, the Episcopal Diocese of Santiago (EDS) held its Strategic Growth Plan (SGP) meeting. In 2009, EDS created goals focusing on membership, churchmanship and self-reliance. It is striving to meet them by 2018. Every three years, the staff of the diocese comes together to check-in on where the diocese as a whole and each department is on meeting its goals.

While listening to reports all day in a conference room is not something I would consider fun, SGP proved to be informative for me. I was able to see a clearer picture of the role of each department and the work it is accomplishing. One of the major projects is the building of churches for current parishes that worship in small, worn down buildings. A good number have already been completed or are near complete. The question was raised, “we have these beautiful churches now, but yet our numbers in members are stagnant or decreasing. What is happening? Why are people not entering our church?”

It is a wonderful, important question, one that is being asked not just in the Episcopal Diocese of Santiago in the Philippines but throughout the Anglican Communion.

Why do these beautiful buildings of worship stand nearly empty on Sunday mornings?

But my question is when did we become so focused on filling the pews inside the church that we’ve forgotten that worship doesn’t only happen on Sunday mornings?

If I’m not mistaken Jesus did not stand at a pulpit every Sunday proclaiming the Good News. He was on the road with his disciples. He shared God’s word in people’s homes, on mountainsides, on the sides of roads, in boats, really anywhere people starved to be fed by his word. Matthew 8:20 says, “Jesus replied, ‘Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.’”

I am not saying that people shouldn’t have a sanctuary to feel safe to explore their faith. I grew up going to a wonderful, thriving, energetic church every Sunday. Within the community they provided, they shared the bread I needed to be full which in kind taught me how to share with others.

I was then able to walk purposefully and exit the church doors to worship in another way by feeding the hungry, building homes for the homeless, cleaning up a destructed city, visiting those in prison, and providing light in a place of darkness.

As Rev. Rich Smith said in this sermon, “The Church is not a service center for its members so much as a launching pad for mission.” On Sunday morning a service may end, but once you walk out those doors your service begins. Jesus doesn’t wait in the empty narthex until the next Sunday. As we said in the Office of Mission and Outreach last year, “Jesus has left the Building.”

Jesus has left the building and so have you. He said, “Come and follow me.” Are you ready to follow him?

Take up the cross and bring it to those who are in need of knowing God’s love. Crowds of thousands journeyed to hear him, to be fed by him, to be healed by him. While he fed and healed them literally, he also fed and healed them with community, love, and a relationship.

As the Rev. Dr. Margaret Ann Faeth said, “it is hard to draw what we have not seen. It’s hard to share which we do not know.” People can only know Christ if shown to them by those who are their neighbors and co-workers by creating a community, developing relationships and showing them love. They need to know He is alive in this wide and wonderful world beyond the sanctuary. They need to see the reflection of Jesus within each and every one of us.

If the people aren’t walking in through the doors, meet them outside and invite them in. Take up the cross, go to the streets, to the fields, to hospitals, to food banks, to prisons, and do as Jesus said, “be love like me and no one will hunger and thirst again.”

Thanks for reading!

What kind of work do YASCers do?

Today, I'm sharing another wonderful video done by the Episcopal Church. Again, it features YASCers from last year, Holly Milburn, Cameron Spoor, Stephen Smith, Andrew Joyce, and Grace Flint who were located in South Africa, the Philippines, and Hong Kong.

The video gives a wonderful overview of the various types of work YASCers are doing all over the world. With this year having a larger group, the type of work has grown to include healthcare, economic development and more. You can check out what each individual is doing on my fellow YASCers page.

While we all have job descriptions, I think we are quickly learning that they don't even begin to cover our day to day work. For me while I work at the Foundation of St. Mark's, I am also rotating to different offices of the Diocese throughout the year to help out in whatever way possible. As Holly says in the video, "I do whatever is needed." And I try to convey the same attitude.

However, the quote that stuck with me those most in the video was Holly's,

"The one's doing the work here are the one's who care most and the one's who give all of themselves when needed." 

A Visit from a YASCer

Last Wednesday, Andrew Joyce, another YASCer in the Philippines, came into town with Bishop Alawas of the Diocese of Northern Philippines for the Joint Clericus. It was a lecture and workshop for priests and deacons of the Diocese of Northern Philippines, where Andrew lives, and the Diocese of Santiago, where I am. It worked out because Andrew wanted to come to see where I'm living and working, anyways.

Bishop Alex of the Diocese of Santiago introducing the speaker.

Around the Compound

I thought I would take you on a photo tour of the Episcopal Diocese of Santiago (EDS) compound today on the blog! The Diocese was founded only 13 years ago due to the large size of another diocese. The Episcopal Church of the Philippines (ECP) broke part of the larger diocese off to create EDS. At first the compound was a plot of land with one small building where the Bishop and a few staff members lived, had their offices, and held meetings. From what I've been told, it was cramped!

Front of the Cathedral which faces the main road.

Welcome to the Team

Wednesday morning after driving 9 hours on Tuesday, I arrived to the Episcopal Diocese of Santiago compound where I was welcomed in the best way possible by the whole staff! First we had Morning Prayer, which is usually on Monday mornings but they changed it this week for my arrival. Then, they sung me a beautiful song. If you did not know Filipinos love karaoke and it seems as though they are all musically talented. I’ve posted a short video below of them singing to me in Ilocano.

FAQ

Today on the blog, I thought I would answer some frequently asked questions about my upcoming year in the Philippines. Hopefully, it will provide a clearer picture about my upcoming year of service in the Philippines.

What is Young Adult Service Corps (YASC)?

Young Adult Service Corps (YASC) is a ministry for young adults who are interested in exploring their faith in new ways by living and serving in communities around the Anglican Communion. It is specifically designed for Episcopalians ages 21-30. Service begins in late summer/early fall of each year. Missionaries have been sent to over 33 countries over the past 13 years. They have managed websites, provided administrative support, participated in medical programs and contributed to the mission and ministry of our Anglican Partners around the world.

Why have you decided to do this? What has called you to be a missionary?

Many of you who know me know that mission and outreach has always been a huge part of my life. I also have a passion for traveling and learning new cultures. Also, the Episcopal church is a community which has helped me grow into who I am today. I feel YASC is the perfect fit for me. YASC lets me explore my faith and grow in my spiritual journey by serving in a community in whole other part of the Anglican Communion. Most importantly as a missionary of the Episcopal Church, I will be developing relationships and connecting the Diocese of Virginia, its parishes, and parishioners with the church in the Northern Philippines.

We have all been called to share God's love and carry out his work. We are called to serve the least of these. And they don't just live in Richmond or Virginia or the United States. We have brothers and sisters in Christ throughout the world who we need to reach out to. As God once asked, "who should I send?" and Isaiah responded, "Here I am. Send me."

And so I say to God, "Here I am. Send me."

Continuing YASCers and YAHSCers

In addition to the YASCers for this year, there are four Young Adult Service Corps members from the 2012-2013 continuing for another year.

Ashley Bingaman is from the Diocese of Virginia and has been serving in the Diocese of Haiti. This past year she has worked as a music instructor at the Holy Trinity Cathedral music program in Port-au-Prince. For her second year, she is going to work with Bishop Ogé in Cap-Hatïen in Northern Haiti.

Nina Boe is from the Diocese of Olympia and is serving in the Episcopal Anglican Church of Brazil. She is working in the Provincial Secretary's Office in São Paulo. Due to visa complications, Nina didn't start her service until January 2013, therefore will finish her year in January 2014. 

Andrew Joyce is from the Diocese of Kentucky and is serving in the Diocese of the Northern Philippines. He works at the Tadian Learning Center and Demonstration Farm. He will continue serving there for another year. 

Jared Grant is from the Diocese of Western North Carolina and has been serving in the Diocese of Lesotho in the Anglican Province of Southern Africa. This past year he has worked at St. James Mission Hospital and in the Office of the Bishop of Lesotho. For his second year, he will be serving in Rome, Italy with St. Paul's within the Walls American Episcopal Church.

Team Latin America & Caribbean

Zachary Baker is from the Diocese of Michigan and will be serving in the Diocese of Haiti. He'll be teaching and providing administrative support at the Bishop Tharp Institute in Les Cayes. 

Julie Burd is from the Diocese of Pennsylvania and will be serving in the Diocese of Haiti. She'll be teaching at the Faculte des Sciences Infirmieres de Leogane (School of Nursing Science) and providing support at Hopital Sainte Croix in Leogane. 

Rachel Carter is from the Diocese of East Carolina and will be serving in the Diocese of Panama. She'll be a teaching assistant (history) and the Social Outreach Assistant at St. Christopher's Episcopal School in Panama City. 

Becky Gleason is from the Diocese of San Diego and will be serving in the Diocese of Honduras. She'll be a teacher and counselor at El Espíritu Santo Bilingual School in Tela. 

Team Asia

Sean Brown is from the Diocese of Hawaii and will be serving in the Nippon Sei Ko Kai (The Anglican Episcopal Church in Japan). He'll be serving as a volunteer at the Asian Rural Institute in Nasushiobara.

Will Bryant is from the Diocese of Western North Carolina and will be serving in the Diocese of Western Kowloon. He will be the Chaplaincy Assistant with the Mission to Seafarers in Hong Kong.

Margaret Clinch is from the Diocese of Southern Ohio and will be serving in the Episcopal Church in the Philippines. She will be working at Easter College in Baguio. 

Charlotte File is from the Diocese of Indianapolis and will be serving in the Diocese of Yokohama. She'll be the Education and International Exchange Program Assistant at the Kiyosato Educational Experiment Project in Kiyosato, Japan. 

Team Africa

Emily Barker is from the Dioceses of Nebraska and New York and will be serving in the Diocese of Cape Town. She'll be the Project and Administrative Assistant at HOPE Africa in Cape Town, South Africa. 

Paul Daniels II is from the Diocese of North Carolina and will be serving in the Diocese of Grahamstown. He'll be the Student Minister at the Cathedral Church of St. Michael and St. George of Grahamstown, South Africa. 

Maurice Dyer is from the Diocese of El Camino Real and will be serving in the Diocese of Grahamstown. He'll be an assistant teacher at the Holy Cross School in Grahamstown, South Africa. 

Meet My Fellow YASCers!

I feel blessed to be a part of such a wonderful, enthusiastic, caring, and passionate group of young people! There are 24 of us this year, two of whom are from the Dominican Republic, being sent out across the world to serve our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Watch the video below which I put together during orientation to learn who these people are, where they are from, where they are going and why they are excited about being a part of YASC!