Little Things

I've been to just about every diocese within the Episcopal Church in the Philippines. There were just two left to check off. The first was the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Luzon which neighbors EDS. I had no excuse not to take the two hour trip to visit with Bishop Abibico, who was recently elected the next Prime Bishop of ECP.

{St. Thomas' Parish, Tabuk where we attended mass}

Little Things

During the first week of June, St. Mark's and the Diocese of Santiago welcomed nine members of the SE Asian Anglican Communion who are here in the Philippines for six weeks of intensive Church and Community Development Leadership training. St. Mark's felt honored to host them for only a couple of days. They trained them on cooperative financial management, bookkeeping, and governance and management. In addition, the trainees, who are mostly from Myanmar and one from Papua New Guinea, visited an SRI field and the Processing Center.

{The group at dinner on the first night/}

Little Things

I'm in Palawan with my cousin, Lindsay! I'm super psyched to have family here and be on vacation! The two weeks prior, I was catching up on things around the office and cleaning my house - nothing too exciting. I don't even have many little things to share with you. But there will be plenty of fun stories and adventures to share upon my return!

{Please Welcome the new members of the neighborhood}

Little Things

Last week I attended a baptism, a wedding, and a funeral. Now that's celebrating the true circle of life.

{Funeral of Fr. William Codpayas celebrated by Bp. Wandag}

Little Things

There's something about a visit from friends that recharges you, gives you a new surge of energy.

As some of you may have seen on Facebook, Buck Blanchard and Emily Cherry from the Diocese of Virginia came to visit me for 10 days. Not only are they former co-workers but also friends. So while it was a work trip for them, it felt like a mini vacation for me.

{Buck, Me and Emily at my placement}

Little Things

It's funny how you can stumble on something that brings back a rush of happy memories. Last week, I was shopping around a local grocery store or mart. This place's skinny aisles are packed with product and sometimes if you get lucky, you can stumble upon hidden gems imported from the USA. I happened to be wandering the aisles for nothing in particular when I saw it - Kirkland Chocolate Covered Raisins!

{The infamous chocolate covered raisins}

Little Things

I don't know what happened to February and now March is quickly going by in a flash. This Friday and Saturday we're hosting a Social Entrepreneurship Training at the Diocesan Center. You may remember when I attended it back in October at the National Office. I recommended to my manager that the Foundation and Diocesan staff should attend it. He jumped on the idea. So since December, I've been working hard to plan, organize, and implement the training. I can't believe it's finally happening!

{Sunday Afternoon chillin' and trip planning}

Little Things

This week has been filled with catching up on paperwork, loan releases, interviews, inspections, and everything in between since the office was officially closed for a week due to convention. It has been so busy, I don't even know where the week has gone! On top of regular office work, I've been finalizing all preparations for the Social Entrepreneurship happening here next week and Buck and Emily's visit, which is happening the week after that. Many exciting things coming up but it's busy, busy, busy!

{Rice fields are almost ready to be harvested, again}

Little Things

After my whirlwind trip to Baguio, I had to come back to help finalize preparations and reports for the Annual Diocesan Convention, which started Tuesday, February 25. The worst thing during a busy, stressful time is to get sick but that's what happened. I got an awful cold/headache thing on Monday after arriving from Baguio. I think the quick turn around, two night bus trips, and stress were too much on my body. But after some rest on Monday, I was ready to tackle convention.

{Lining up for the procession to the Cathedral}

Little Things

I had a nice little surprise this past Sunday afternoon. Two of my co-worker's children, Roxanne (11) and Sikh Fi (5), stopped by my new place. We enjoyed some coloring and then Sikh Fi demanded asked to watch a movie. The only kid-friendly movie I have is Harry Potter. I figured even if it was in English there is enough magic in the first movie they don't really need to understand what's going on. I popped some popcorn in the microwave which they were astounded by, got a couple cans of coke, and we were ready for an afternoon flick. Of course, after an hour Sikh Fi was over it but I was proud he stuck it out for 1/3 of the movie!

{Sikh Fi and Roxanne having fun taking selfies}

Little Things

This week is seemingly normal and low-key compared to last week and the upcoming weeks. It's like the calm before the storm. We were supposed to have a scheduled brown-out from 8am to 6pm today but it never occurred. We'll see tomorrow if it was rescheduled. 

In the meantime, I love this quote:"Every day may not be good, but there's something good in every day." I think it goes perfectly with the theme of this series. Remember to enjoy the little things!

{Another glorious day in the Philippines!}

Little Things

It's only Wednesday and I'm already exhausted. Monday initiated the craziness of February with the Brotherhood of St. Andrew's (BSA) District Assembly. I consider it the men's version of the ECW for the church. Andrew and his new partner in crime at the farm, Nayoden, came down from Tadian to present not only to the Brotherhood of St. Andrew's but also the Clericus, which immediately followed the BSA. So there has been about an additional 50 people on the compound this week.

In addition, visitors, Sean McConnell and Sara Delaney from Episcopal Relief & Development, are visiting today and tomorrow. Talk about a packed schedule but a lot of free, delicious dinners!

{Engineer Rebecca putting final touches on my new place}

Little Things

Not to rub it in everyone's faces back home but this past weekend was glorious! We've been having no humidity, sunny, 75 degree weather. But it's supposed to start warming up.

I found a talipapa not too far from my house. It's a little roadside stall that sells chicken, live tilapia, fresh vegetables and some odds and ends. I enjoy getting a good walk in and buying fresh food. Also, it's better than taking a 20 minute tricycle ride into the busy market center.

We had our staff meeting this past Monday and I learned it's going to be a very busy February with conferences and conventions one after the other. We have our big annual Diocesan Convention from February 25-28. Lots of preparation to be done!

{Moving into this place hopefully next week!}

Little Things

This past weekend was pretty low key. Lately, I've been enjoying just reading, journaling, exploring the market with Jocelyn, and hanging outside with Zoe.

After mass this past Sunday, some of us from the congregation piled into Fr. Clarence's car to go bless the boarding house of Grace and her husband, Brian. Supposedly, they've been seeing a "White Lady" aka a spirit. I'm not one to believe in ghosts but if that's what someone believes, I will gladly help bless their house to ward off any lingering spirits.

Hope everyone's had a wonderful week!

{How I spend my Saturdays}

Little Things

Last week, Peter Ng, Global Partnership Officer for Asia and Pacific Anglican Relations, quickly visited Manila to check in with leaders of the Episcopal Church in the Philippines and us YASCers who are volunteering here. Margaret, Andrew, and I traveled down to meet him.

While our meeting wasn't until Thursday, Fr. Clarence of EDS was traveling down on Tuesday for a meeting on Wednesday. I chose to ride in a personal car instead of taking the bus. Along the way we visited one of communities supported by the Development Office, Galintuja. I always cherish opportunities to see more parts of the Philippines.

I wasn't part of any of the meetings on Wednesday, so I just hung around. Curiosity got the best of me, I started job searching for the Fall. Not only did I feel completely overwhelmed but also gave myself a headache. I need to start small and take baby steps!

Thursday was our day with Peter Ng. We met with some staff of ECP and Peter, went out to lunch at a delicious buffet place, Dad's. Then it was time for YASCers to meet one on one with Peter for our check-in. Later, we went to dinner and celebrated Margaret's 28th birthday!

On Friday, I took an 11 hour bus ride back to Santiago. Talk about exhausting!

{Viewpoint over Pantabagan Dam on the way to Galintuja}

Little Things

Christmas this year resulted in a lot less hustle and bustle than previous years. No last minute errands or gift shopping. No rushing to wrap presents. No moving from one party to another. I showed up to Christmas Eve and Christmas Day church services. I only needed to be present with friends and community. The focus was on celebrating together. I enjoyed the change of pace.

A slower pace allows you to take a moment and look around you. Soak up the little things.

{Staff Holiday Lunch at Sir Patrick's house}

Little Things

The post office is my new favorite place! I mentioned it last week but today was the best trip, yet. Not only did I receive a package from my Best Friend and my Aunt, but my Mom sent a padded envelope stuffed with cards, drawings, and well wishes from the St. James' Community!

I can't even put into words how much it filled my heart and overwhelmed me with love. This community has supported me throughout my entire spiritual journey starting at the age of 7. I couldn't imagine my life without them. Thanks for the love and support, St. James'!

In addition, this week is filled with last minute tasks before the office closes for two weeks and preschool Christmas parties which have been chaotic but hilarious. On Friday, the diocesan staff has its gift exchange and Christmas party. I cannot wait for fellowship, games, and karaoke!

{A cobra found by my building! They killed it and made a stew but I couldn't bring myself to eat it}

Little Things

In my mind I know it’s December. Two Sundays of Advent have passed. Christmas decorations are out and I’m on the hunt for great gifts. However, it’s still strange for me to realize it is the Holiday Season. While it has gotten cooler, I’m still sweating every other day and blasting my A/C.

Christmas for me is baking in the kitchen, sipping hot cocoa underneath cozy blankets and snuggling up by a warm fire. I hate the cold but for me that is the Holiday Season.

One thing that’s helped me cope about not being around close family during this time of year is the love I’ve been receiving from home! I’ve been making quite a few trips to the Post Office recently. It’s gotten to the point where Michelle who handles the packages knows my name and got my cell number so she can text me when I get mail!

Not only is it wonderful to hear from my parents and other family members, but also a recent package was full of Christmas cards from family friends from Church and former co-workers. It’s incredible that I can receive their love halfway across the world. I almost cried when flooded with such love and support while reading the notes! I now have them hanging on my wall as a constant reminder.

{My new weekly stop}

Little Things

My life has been so crazy busy lately that I forgot to share about my favorite holiday, Thanksgiving! Actually, it probably helped that I was busy. I didn't have time to dwell on missing sweet potatoes, pineapple casserole, Grandpap's homemade stuffing, pecan pie, and of course, being with my large family!

I returned to Santiago City at 3am on Wednesday morning last week from Hong Kong. Recovered a little bit during the day before going back to work. Thursday, Thanksgiving Day, celebrated a co-worker's civil wedding followed by a huge lunch, which I took as my big "thanksgiving meal." Then, Friday got up at 6am to catch a bus for a weekend in Mountain Province! Phew!

{Penny, Me, Rebecca, Charity, the bride, Dex, the groom, and Sandra together after the marriage}

Little Things

I had the most wonderful trip to Hong Kong! Perfect weather, great friends, scrumptious food, and impressive city - I couldn't have asked for more! I'm exhausted after climbing many hills and non-stop walking, but it was good for me. I'm sad to leave my fellow YASCers but ready to get back to the Philippines. This week and next I'll share in more detail about my trip but in the mean time here are some of my favorite little moments!

{I had to indulge in a cupcake}