The last week here is at its halfway point.  It really does not seem like we have been here this long.  I will miss it very much, but more importantly I will miss the people.

Sunday, after preaching (with an interpreter) I jumped in with brother Salvador's group to check on congregations in Negros Oriental.  We went back down to Bago where we had a HUGE meal, which included lechon (whole roasted pig) and they sang happy birthday to me.  As I have said again and again, the people here are so friendly.

Monday, we went to the Lalimar Resort, a modest but very nice beach-side resort that only cost about 40 USD.  We had lunch there where I had the best fillet Mignon I have ever had.  That evening, there was an appreciation banquet for those who have volunteered to help rebuild Negros after the devastating earthquake.  Pictures will be up ASAP, but yet again I am at an internet cafe and cannot upload pictures.

At the end of the banquet we had a meeting with the volunteers, where I was called on to speak via the on-the-spot method.  That's okay though.  I whipped out some ancient FFA impromptu techniques.  What I said was truly from the heart though.  Up until this point, I was always proud to be 25% Filipino.  I mean hey, who wouldn't be when you get minority scholarships?  However, the more time I spend here and the more I get to know people the more pride I am filled with that even a portion of my blood has been blessed by God and is Pinoy.

We spent all day yesterday traveling (with the help of our "tour guide" brother Orwen Emperado). We stopped in Ormoc to eat with one of Danny's former students and his family who was very friendly (no surprise).  Today I will be snorkeling.  Then, this evening Danny and I will be holding a Gospel meeting here in Bato, Leyte.  Afterward, we will be going to Obay,  Bohol.  There we will check with the congregation there and most likely have a meeting or teach in some way.

I do not know all of the details of this week, but Friday or Saturday should land us in Lapu Lapu, Cebu to stay with brother Salvador again.  We will worship in Cebu and then fly out for Hong Kong Sunday night, stay there until our flight late Monday morning, and land in Chicago on Monday via CST.

Continue to keep us in your prayers, and may Dios bless you!

In Him,

Audie Cherry

Well.. Happy birthday to me; today, and tomorrow!

This morning I received cupcakes made from ground rice.  Yesterday we ventured into the mountains of Negros; where an earthquake hit in Fe3b.  the whole island is trying to rebuild.  Some are still living in tents made from bamboo and tarps.  It is truly sad.  On the bright side, congregational attendance is around 100 in these small communities.

We met a widow who was a member of the church with a son who has had cancer since he was 18 and was paralyzed.  The church there was building her a new house and getting him a wheelchair so they could attend worship again.  It was a very emotional experience.  These people literally have to start over from nothing.

I also traveled up to a mountain village that has a house with a family of 7 orphans.  We had some singing in Cebuano (or Visaya, same thing) and I had an encouraging devotional with them via the translation of bro. Orwen, who is a famous rapper in the Philippines.  Afterwards, I led a prayer in broken Cebuano and English.  The children were very happy and thankful.  Their story is remarkable!  If you want to know it please let me know.  I will post it at a later date for the sake of time, but I can share it with you personally.

Thursday, or Wednesday in the states, we viewed other earthquake damage.  Churches are trying to be rebuilt.  The great thing about the Philippines, is everyone comes together.  Americans do after disasters, but the people here are never not together.  It is such an inspiration.

I think this journey has put my thoughts and heart here.  I want to gedt a masters here and I will be planning on a trip back in December to help Sunrise Christian College and the agriculture work there and of bro. Salvador.  (So if you could help support that would be incredible).  After I graduate, I am considering teaching for a period of time.  God has done wondrous things here and for me, but there is still much to be done for the Master.

I will try to write again ASAP.  Sorry for no pictures, I am at an internet cafe.  Keep us in your prayers and "sa Dios ang himaya" (to God be the glory).

God Bless!

In Him,

Audie Cherry

Wilderness Adventure

Last night Danny and I stayed at Salvador Cariaga's camp in a village.  We started bright and early at 5 o'clock and went for a hike, using a machete to cut our way through.  After a long walk we get to a cave where a natural spring runs through and supplies the village with fresh clean water.  The cave was deep enough they had a leaf blower connected to tubing so you could have oxygen once you got to the cistern.  

After a much easier, but less fun, walk back we had a vinegar taste contest with Danny as the judge.  Needless to say, he kept them entertained.  Afterwards, we had lunch; goat, rice, vegetables.. oh and goat intestines.  It was very good!  Additionally, they presented Danny and I with Philippine flags and shirts.  It was an honor to be there.  

Salvador has an operation in which he uses goats to help break the cycle of poverty in the Philippines.  He teaches them how to maximize their livelihood with goats; using their milk for drinking and other products, their horns to make crafts and sell, the meat, the skins for clothing and various other uses.  Being an agriculturalist, I was fascinated by what he has the people doing.  He has the whole village using goats and then harvesting earth worms and composting.  There are simply too much details to go over in this blog.  He has transformed a rocky mountain terrain into a bountiful farming area.

Salvador teaches people to be self-sustaining.  He gives them goats and once their goat has kids, they split them with the farmer so that each person gets one goat.  This gets them on their feet and prevents him from losing too much money.  It is a great practice.  The influence and the methods of which he gains influence are phenomenal.  I cannot say enough how impressed I am.

You can check out some of the things he does (and I suggest you do) check out the following links:

Give-A-Drink

Give a Goat Now

Tonight we are staying at his house in Cebu and heading to Negros at 4:00 am to catch the ferry.  Once there Danny and I will start our journey once again, with Jenjan.  Jenjan will be with us until Saturday, June 2nd.... also my BIRTHDAY!!!

Nonetheless, keep us in your prayers and some updates will come when possible. 

God Bless!

In Him,

Audie Cherry