Cooking Lesson

Here is another cooking lesson with Vanessa! Unfortunately, Vanessa left for another job on September 15th. It's been quite different without my neighbor and friend. She's greatly missed! However, there is a search for a new Vanessa, even though she can't be replaced. Hopefully, another twenty-something will be moving in within the next couple of weeks and I'll have a new neighbor and friend.

In this lesson, Vanessa taught me how to make Pork Adobo, a simple but delicious dish. You can also do Chicken Adobo but she advised pork is better. And you can add potatoes to the dish, if you so desire.

As with any good cook, there are not specific ingredient amounts. You just go with what you feel and what you think will taste the best. Although, I hope the video gives a little more direction.

In full discretion, I attempted to make this the other night. I did exactly as Vanessa did in the video, however I ended up burning half the dish. I'm not sure exactly what went wrong; the type of pan, the temperature of the hot plate, not having the Filipino touch. But as some of my coworkers said, "you'll just have to try again." And that I will!

Thanks for reading!

Weekend Reading

Happy Weekend! Hope you all have a fabulous one!

Read about....

Processing Center

As I mentioned in a previous post, last week I worked with the Development Office of the Episcopal Diocese of Santiago. One of their most recent projects is the Processing Center.

They found that farmers weren’t able to sell all their vegetables because it may have one, small bad spot or there’s too much supply for not enough demand or another reason. The Development Office thought of a way for them to utilize their extra product and still gain a profit. It’s exactly what the name, Processing Center, implies. The center processes the extra veggies into other products like chips or peanut butter to be sold at markets or at the center’s store.

Me working at the Processing Center

Last Wednesday, I spent the day with Cindy and Penny making veggie chips. While the chips are made with carrots, when it is all said and done, I wouldn’t say there is much nutritional value left. But they are delicious!

Little Things

This past weekend was exactly what I needed to recharge. I finished an amazing book, The Fractured Road, Part I: East & West, which I recommend to all and is written by a fellow resident of Loudoun County. I do warn you, though, that the sequel won't be published until Summer 2014 and the ending leaves you wanting more!

I, also, walked around the compound with my neighbor and chatted for hours. Then on Sunday, the priest's wife invited me over to learn how to bake her delicious carrot cake! Next week, I promised to teach her how bake my mom's banana bread. Hopefully, baking on Sundays will become a regular event!

Another YASCer and I came to the realization that most of our days will not be filled with great travels and over-the-top excitement. We are settling into a normal daily routine, going to work, grocery shopping, cleaning our apartments and so on. But then something happens or I see something that reminds me I'm living away from anything I've ever known.

{Tried Bugnay Fruit Wine made by a local. It has an after taste of rice wine with a sweet but sour tang. Can't say it's my favorite.}

What's it like to be in YASC?

Most of you probably remember this teaser video from my previous post. The Episcopal Church center has now posted a full version of the video titled, "What's it like to be in YASC?" I've already watched it about 15 times. No lie! I love what all of the YASCers from last year had to say and the imagery of the video. Also, it was great to see the Philippines featured!

My favorite quote comes from Andrew Joyce,

"It's a life-changing, transformative experience, especially for those who are kind of wondering what they want to do and are trying to find themselves. When you come to a place where you are different from everyone else, it makes you step back and take a look at yourself. You really see what's important to you, what you value. You learn so much and it winds up giving you more than you give it."

I've already found myself coming to small realizations about what in my daily life is important, how I view myself and what I truly value. One of my goals of doing YASC is to grow in my relationship with myself and with God. And already after one month, I can see myself making tiny steps towards that goal. I'm interested to see how I'll be transformed in 2 months, 6 months, and a year from now! 

Watch the video here!

What's it like to be in YASC? from The Episcopal Church on Vimeo.

One Month, Already?

Today marks one month since I arrived in the Philippines!

There is a quote that has inspired me to persevere throughout this process, “Change doesn’t mean failure. It means bravery.”  People kept telling me that being a missionary with YASC was a brave adventure. I simply thought of it as a next step, accomplishing a life-long dream. After a month, I’ve realized it does take strength and bravery to move halfway across the globe, alone.

However, that strength and bravery is drawn upon by the support I’ve received from family, friends, the Diocese of Virginia, its parishes and congregation members. In the moments of isolation and loneliness, I remember the words of encouragement everyone shared before I left. I remember all the prayers being spoken for me. They put wind in my sails to continue on this transformative adventure.

I wouldn’t be here without you all and so I want to share this journey in any way possible. I hope you enjoy the first of my monthly newsletters!

Read it here!

Thanks for reading!

Weekend Reading

Happy Weekend! Happy reading about other YASCers' recent adventures!

Maurice had the chance to preach at the monastery to wrap up a retreat.

Read about Margaret's version of our weekend. She's a better describer of the imagery that surrounded us.

Julie is starting a monthly series where she paints a portrait of an inspiring character who she's met in Haiti.

Sara is settling into her emotionally challenging work with Filipino Migrant Workers in Hong Kong.

Through an Episcopal weekend camp, Rachel expressed herself through theater, dance, and music in Panama.

Heidi answered some frequently asked questions about her life in Tanzania.

Anchors Away! Will B. is loving his work of "playing pirate priest" in the harbor of Hong Kong.

Thanks for reading!