Howdy everyone!
I'm going to really, really try to start blogging on a regular basis. I stopped blogging in Haiti because of a lack of internet connection, among other things, but I'm back online and I'm going to try to keep up, as well as start posting some more writings with Biblical topics and points.
To get you caught up, I finished my Spring '14 semester at TAMU about 3 weeks ago, and I'm about to complete my first week of working with the Holly Hill church of Christ in Frankfort (a.k.a. Franktown), KY. This first week has been outstanding. We have a lot of great things planned for the summer and I hope you'll pray with us that God allows His Word to pierce the hearts of not only those who do not know the Truth, but those who know it as well-all of us. I'll be working here until July 27th. Then, I'll be speaking at the church of Christ in Madisonville, KY's Bible Quest on Saturday morning, August 2nd. That evening Collin Fitzgerald (Mayfield, KY) and I will fly out of Evansville, IN for the Philippines, where we will be met by Daniel Horn (College Station, TX) and stay for two weeks working with congregations there.
I am so blessed to have the opportunity to be where I am, specifically at this moment. I am absolutely loving the Holly Hill congregation, and looking forward to what God has in store. To give you an idea of some of our activities, we are planning young men's and ladies' Bible study groups, planning for VBS (#HollyHillVBS2014) in a couple weeks (June 8-11), hosting a Summer Youth Series on June 2 (my birthday, and I'll be speaking-be there or be square), looking at doing a congregational garden to give produce to the local Soup Kitchen and Men's Shelter and volunteering there via service and leading worship services, and of course we have an assortment of activities like movie nights, etc. If you're in the Frankfort area we would love to have you! Sunday school starts at 10:00 with services following at 11:00, and Wednesday evening services at 19:00. Again, please keep us in your prayers.
In regard to the Philippines work, I'd like to
1) Ask you to pray for us,
2) Sign up for the newsletter - send me an e-mail: PhilippinesMissionsProgram(at)gmail(dot)com,
3) Consider supporting the work yourself, or getting your congregation on board-send us books, Bibles, song books, study material, monetary support.. if you plan on sending us something other than something listed, please ask first, so we can make sure there is a need and way to distribute, &
4) Join a trip-see the Lord work in the lives of Filipinos. We need teachers, but also those will agricultural and medical abilities.
God is good, all the time! All the time, God is good!
"Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you."
-Deuteronomy 31:6
Have a blessed day!
-Audie
Showing posts with label Philippines. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Philippines. Show all posts
Thursday, May 22, 2014
Monday, March 17, 2014
Planes, Passports, and People
ALOHA!
I just returned from Hawaii, where I spent my spring break with my family and visiting the University of Hawaii at Manoa looking at a Ph.D. in Natural Resource and Environmental Management in the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources. I have been very bad about updating my blog in the past week and a half or so, but before leaving for Hawaii there wasn't a whole lot to post about; we worked on a few small projects around the Live Beyond campus. Anyhow, back to the point of this blog post, which mainly focuses on a few my flights to and from HNL.
PAP to ATL:
I arrived with Paige around 07:15 at the airport, dropped off by David and Devin. Little did any of us know that DELTA's ticket counter would not open until 12:30. With no seating area for those pre-check-in, I found a nice cozy spot on the floor next to an outlet and took about 5 hours to enjoy my high-speed internet for research. Finally, the counter opened and I was able to check-in, still 3 hours early. With nothing but time I wandered around the pre-departure area of the airport until I found a lounge area with a few food options. I enjoyed a "chicken sandwich" (more like pulled chicken on some kind of sub bun, but I enjoyed it nonetheless). With the time dwindling down to departure I took the creaky steps down from the lounge to the DELTA gate area. After a long security screening, I eventually boarded the Boeing 737 and took the isle seat beside an elderly Haitian lady, who eventually moved to the window when we concluded it was just us two.
This wasn't just any elderly woman though; she was fragile, illiterate, and just in need of a good "bless your heart." I sat beside her and smiled, it was just us two in our three seat row, and asked how she was doing in Creole. Her response was so mute I could barely understand her, but I as looked into her eyes, saw the forced smile she wore like a mask pushing all the pain back, I knew this woman was desperate for something better and that I could not possibly imagine the trials she has and does face in her life.
With takeoff approaching, I bucked my seat belt. We watched and listened as the safety presentation that is redundantly given on flights started. Typically, this is when I put in my headphones and lay back and go into flight mode, a.k.a. catch some shut eye (you can ask Mallory Warmack - it's impressive). However, this time I didn't; no specific reason, I just didn't. When we got to the seat belt part of the presentation, the sweet, frail woman next to me mumbled something to me as she analyzed her seat belt along with the one between us. I soon figured out via non-verbal communication that she had no idea how to buckle her seat belt, even after I tried to demonstrate for her. After seeing a few moments of confusion on her face, I unbuckled and fastened her belt for her. She mustered, again, that pain stricken smile to me and mumbled thankfully.
Later on in the flight, my co-pilot had to use the restroom. As she fumbled around, I demonstrated with the belt next to her how to take her seat belt off; which she successfully accomplished. Minutes later she walked by and I tried to reach for her, but she walked on by. A woman in the same row, opposite the isle, got her attention with Creole and pointed to her seat. This poor woman, flying solo, had forgotten where her seat was. Furthermore, I had to buckle her in once more. However, the worst was yet to come.
The flight attendants soon started passing out the customs forms to come into the US. The woman next to me had a huge look of confusion on her face and the flight attendant and I (using my handful of words in Creole) were failing to effectively communicate with her. This time the woman across the isle from me translated and we discovered the woman knew she was going to New York, but that's all she knew; on top of that she couldn't read or even write her name. The woman translating took her passport and customs form and politely filled it out for her.
I could write about this experience for days, but I think I will let your own heart and mind ponder the thought of an aged woman who is unable to write her own name, unable to read and copy information, unable to figure out how to buckle up. My heart found its way back to that experience multiple times through the week and was pricked each time. There are people in Haiti-people all around the world-with the same problem. The best way to help a developing nation and help a people help themselves is through education, whether that's agricultural education, basic education, or ESL, education is the foundation of a better life. Don't take yours for granted. Use the empowerment you've received to empower those around you and increase their quality of life; in the US, the Philippines, Haiti, wherever you are.
ATL to LAX:
I often hear stories of people who sat beside so-and-so before they "got big" or, as Mrs. Pride, my 5th grade teacher told us once, saw Michael Jordan at a hotel. How cool would that be?! Well, I can't say that I sat beside a celebrity (after all, I was flying coach) or saw one. However, as I sat cozily in my seat waiting to see how I had rolled the die in terms of who would sit beside me on the plane, a thin blonde headed guy walked up and pointed. I later found out he was 20, but I didn't think he was a day over 18.
He sat down, and trying to be friendly, I struck the conversation up. Whoa! This dude was fresh from Germany; direct flight to ATL. I asked what his business was in LAX and he responded with training for motocross. That was all I needed to hear. We talked MX for quite a while, and I told him how a girl I was staying with in Haiti, Lexi, was friends with Trey Canard; he said he had raced with Ken Rozken. This was a total trip! I messaged my motorcycle crazy family (the group message with my parents and sister) and got them excited. Well, I would say I didn't do anything weird, but I was that guy. I had him sign my notebook and date it, so that I would have it when he hit "the big time." He was such a chill dude. Kim Lehmann.. look for that name in motocross in the upcoming years.
You know, you never know who you will run into at the airport, or anywhere else for that matter. You never know who you will see, or what they will become. The bigger thought: no one ever knows what YOU will become.. we each have the opportunity to follow God and make something of ourselves. It doesn't have to be a world class motocross racer or a movie star, but simply someone called according to His purpose. What will you become?
LAX to JFK:
With travel back and forth between the Philippines, I am a DELTA Silver Medallion holder; not THAT legit, but it has its perks nonetheless. One of those perks is having an upgrade automatically requested. I checked my DELTA app and it showed 10 available upgrades for business class, but I wasn't eligible for the upgrade. Don't think me as one of "those people," but I had the opportunity to spend a 5 hour flight a lot more comfortable, so I wanted to find out why I wasn't eligible for upgrade.
In front of me in line to talk with the whatchamacallit guy that handled tickets was an elderly man who was trying to get a seat with his wife; they were separated. As I thought about how much more enjoyable the flight would be sitting beside your other half (not that I actually know what that's like), I spoke up and offered my seat if it were to be useful. The guy took the seat down and said he would let me know.
Then, it was my turn. I asked about the upgrade and he said that upgrades weren't offered like that for flights to JFK. I just said it was no big deal and I just wanted to try my luck. He reminded me that he would let me know if he needed to swap my seat.
I sat, waiting to board, and business class was being called. Right before I got up to get ready to board with Sky Priority the man at the counter said my name, "Mr. Cherry." I looked up, "yes?" "I needed your seat," he said, "here's your new ticket." I looked; business class! I thanked him and went to board. It amazed me how something so little as offering your seat if it's needed God would reward. He truly is great!
I sat there thinking I had my row all to myself; extra room for my junk, extra bottled water, and no risk for crazies to sit beside me. However, God wasn't finished. Right before the doors were closed a Chinese man came and sat in the seat next to mine. Noticing my A&M cap, he asked about it. We discussed my studies, research, Johnny Football, and plans for education while he intently asked questions and listened, sharing bits of his own life. This Harvard grad had some cool stories, did some great work to help the people in China, and knew some awesome people; awesome people as in those high up in the Philippine National Bank and the Philippine government. We chatted quite a while before both going to sleep.
Upon waking, talking some more, and landing we exchanged handshakes and business cards. He was interested in the work in the Philippines, agricultural development, and was just an all around genuine guy. God not only gave me an upgrade, but he placed me in he path of someone that can help me benefit His Kingdom. Again, you never know who you might meet. This guy had no idea he would run into me, but he took the opportunity, thanks to God, to network with me because he knew he might could help me. Perhaps, I am in his path as well to help him. We often notice how God places people in our paths that can help us improve out lives or help us in some way, and that's okay, but how often do we look to see if we are placed in the path of someone else to help them? All it takes is you striking up a conversation because of something like a university ball cap..
God is good.. All the time. All the time.. God is good. I pray that He blesses you!
I am back in Haiti and we start the work week back up tomorrow. I will be trying to update my blog based on that, as well as having a post about my time in Hawaii. Look for it!
"And we know that all things work together for good, for those who love God and are called according to His purpose."
Romans 8:28
-Audie
I just returned from Hawaii, where I spent my spring break with my family and visiting the University of Hawaii at Manoa looking at a Ph.D. in Natural Resource and Environmental Management in the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources. I have been very bad about updating my blog in the past week and a half or so, but before leaving for Hawaii there wasn't a whole lot to post about; we worked on a few small projects around the Live Beyond campus. Anyhow, back to the point of this blog post, which mainly focuses on a few my flights to and from HNL.
PAP to ATL:
I arrived with Paige around 07:15 at the airport, dropped off by David and Devin. Little did any of us know that DELTA's ticket counter would not open until 12:30. With no seating area for those pre-check-in, I found a nice cozy spot on the floor next to an outlet and took about 5 hours to enjoy my high-speed internet for research. Finally, the counter opened and I was able to check-in, still 3 hours early. With nothing but time I wandered around the pre-departure area of the airport until I found a lounge area with a few food options. I enjoyed a "chicken sandwich" (more like pulled chicken on some kind of sub bun, but I enjoyed it nonetheless). With the time dwindling down to departure I took the creaky steps down from the lounge to the DELTA gate area. After a long security screening, I eventually boarded the Boeing 737 and took the isle seat beside an elderly Haitian lady, who eventually moved to the window when we concluded it was just us two.
This wasn't just any elderly woman though; she was fragile, illiterate, and just in need of a good "bless your heart." I sat beside her and smiled, it was just us two in our three seat row, and asked how she was doing in Creole. Her response was so mute I could barely understand her, but I as looked into her eyes, saw the forced smile she wore like a mask pushing all the pain back, I knew this woman was desperate for something better and that I could not possibly imagine the trials she has and does face in her life.
With takeoff approaching, I bucked my seat belt. We watched and listened as the safety presentation that is redundantly given on flights started. Typically, this is when I put in my headphones and lay back and go into flight mode, a.k.a. catch some shut eye (you can ask Mallory Warmack - it's impressive). However, this time I didn't; no specific reason, I just didn't. When we got to the seat belt part of the presentation, the sweet, frail woman next to me mumbled something to me as she analyzed her seat belt along with the one between us. I soon figured out via non-verbal communication that she had no idea how to buckle her seat belt, even after I tried to demonstrate for her. After seeing a few moments of confusion on her face, I unbuckled and fastened her belt for her. She mustered, again, that pain stricken smile to me and mumbled thankfully.
Later on in the flight, my co-pilot had to use the restroom. As she fumbled around, I demonstrated with the belt next to her how to take her seat belt off; which she successfully accomplished. Minutes later she walked by and I tried to reach for her, but she walked on by. A woman in the same row, opposite the isle, got her attention with Creole and pointed to her seat. This poor woman, flying solo, had forgotten where her seat was. Furthermore, I had to buckle her in once more. However, the worst was yet to come.
The flight attendants soon started passing out the customs forms to come into the US. The woman next to me had a huge look of confusion on her face and the flight attendant and I (using my handful of words in Creole) were failing to effectively communicate with her. This time the woman across the isle from me translated and we discovered the woman knew she was going to New York, but that's all she knew; on top of that she couldn't read or even write her name. The woman translating took her passport and customs form and politely filled it out for her.
I could write about this experience for days, but I think I will let your own heart and mind ponder the thought of an aged woman who is unable to write her own name, unable to read and copy information, unable to figure out how to buckle up. My heart found its way back to that experience multiple times through the week and was pricked each time. There are people in Haiti-people all around the world-with the same problem. The best way to help a developing nation and help a people help themselves is through education, whether that's agricultural education, basic education, or ESL, education is the foundation of a better life. Don't take yours for granted. Use the empowerment you've received to empower those around you and increase their quality of life; in the US, the Philippines, Haiti, wherever you are.
ATL to LAX:
I often hear stories of people who sat beside so-and-so before they "got big" or, as Mrs. Pride, my 5th grade teacher told us once, saw Michael Jordan at a hotel. How cool would that be?! Well, I can't say that I sat beside a celebrity (after all, I was flying coach) or saw one. However, as I sat cozily in my seat waiting to see how I had rolled the die in terms of who would sit beside me on the plane, a thin blonde headed guy walked up and pointed. I later found out he was 20, but I didn't think he was a day over 18.
He sat down, and trying to be friendly, I struck the conversation up. Whoa! This dude was fresh from Germany; direct flight to ATL. I asked what his business was in LAX and he responded with training for motocross. That was all I needed to hear. We talked MX for quite a while, and I told him how a girl I was staying with in Haiti, Lexi, was friends with Trey Canard; he said he had raced with Ken Rozken. This was a total trip! I messaged my motorcycle crazy family (the group message with my parents and sister) and got them excited. Well, I would say I didn't do anything weird, but I was that guy. I had him sign my notebook and date it, so that I would have it when he hit "the big time." He was such a chill dude. Kim Lehmann.. look for that name in motocross in the upcoming years.
You know, you never know who you will run into at the airport, or anywhere else for that matter. You never know who you will see, or what they will become. The bigger thought: no one ever knows what YOU will become.. we each have the opportunity to follow God and make something of ourselves. It doesn't have to be a world class motocross racer or a movie star, but simply someone called according to His purpose. What will you become?
LAX to JFK:
With travel back and forth between the Philippines, I am a DELTA Silver Medallion holder; not THAT legit, but it has its perks nonetheless. One of those perks is having an upgrade automatically requested. I checked my DELTA app and it showed 10 available upgrades for business class, but I wasn't eligible for the upgrade. Don't think me as one of "those people," but I had the opportunity to spend a 5 hour flight a lot more comfortable, so I wanted to find out why I wasn't eligible for upgrade.
In front of me in line to talk with the whatchamacallit guy that handled tickets was an elderly man who was trying to get a seat with his wife; they were separated. As I thought about how much more enjoyable the flight would be sitting beside your other half (not that I actually know what that's like), I spoke up and offered my seat if it were to be useful. The guy took the seat down and said he would let me know.
Then, it was my turn. I asked about the upgrade and he said that upgrades weren't offered like that for flights to JFK. I just said it was no big deal and I just wanted to try my luck. He reminded me that he would let me know if he needed to swap my seat.
I sat, waiting to board, and business class was being called. Right before I got up to get ready to board with Sky Priority the man at the counter said my name, "Mr. Cherry." I looked up, "yes?" "I needed your seat," he said, "here's your new ticket." I looked; business class! I thanked him and went to board. It amazed me how something so little as offering your seat if it's needed God would reward. He truly is great!
I sat there thinking I had my row all to myself; extra room for my junk, extra bottled water, and no risk for crazies to sit beside me. However, God wasn't finished. Right before the doors were closed a Chinese man came and sat in the seat next to mine. Noticing my A&M cap, he asked about it. We discussed my studies, research, Johnny Football, and plans for education while he intently asked questions and listened, sharing bits of his own life. This Harvard grad had some cool stories, did some great work to help the people in China, and knew some awesome people; awesome people as in those high up in the Philippine National Bank and the Philippine government. We chatted quite a while before both going to sleep.
Upon waking, talking some more, and landing we exchanged handshakes and business cards. He was interested in the work in the Philippines, agricultural development, and was just an all around genuine guy. God not only gave me an upgrade, but he placed me in he path of someone that can help me benefit His Kingdom. Again, you never know who you might meet. This guy had no idea he would run into me, but he took the opportunity, thanks to God, to network with me because he knew he might could help me. Perhaps, I am in his path as well to help him. We often notice how God places people in our paths that can help us improve out lives or help us in some way, and that's okay, but how often do we look to see if we are placed in the path of someone else to help them? All it takes is you striking up a conversation because of something like a university ball cap..
God is good.. All the time. All the time.. God is good. I pray that He blesses you!
I am back in Haiti and we start the work week back up tomorrow. I will be trying to update my blog based on that, as well as having a post about my time in Hawaii. Look for it!
"And we know that all things work together for good, for those who love God and are called according to His purpose."
Romans 8:28
-Audie
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
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
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
Friday, June 1, 2012
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
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
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
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:
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
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Hello from Lapu Lapu City
Greetings from the future! It is Wednesday 8:42 AM
Well.. 1 1/2 hours from Evansville to Chicago, 4 1/2 from Chicago to LA, 14 from LA to Hong Kong, and 2 1/2 from there to Lapu Lapu City, Cebu.. but I'm here!!! It's amazing! Had Brother Elmer Palacio meet us at the airport; he was very nice. No one ages here. I figured he was about 30, but he had 4 kids and the oldest is 14. It's near impossible to guess ages. Below is a picture of us going through customs (a lot easier than American or EU customs).
After getting settled in to our hotel, we went out on the town to Cebu City. The trip there was as interesting as the actual city. They turn 2 lane traffic into about 4-6 lanes. There is a line in the middle of the road and other than that, you drive where you can. On the way there I may or may not have had motion sickness from the hours and hours of plane rides and vomited out of the cab window (the cab only cost about 5 dollars)...
Some of the poverty was just unbelievable. I had two little girls, no older than 5, who were picking up trash come up to me and just stare. I gave them each 5 pesos (about 12 cents in US money) and they were so happy. Then, another little boy came running and I gave him 5 too.. he just said thank you and ran off happy. It is so sad. Some of the houses were just sheet metal slabbed onto whatever can be found. Then, they bathed in the marshes.
On the other hand, the mall in the city was overwhelming! There were 5 or 6 floors and everything from McDonald's to KFC (I've seen more KFC than anything). No matter where you eat, they have a chicken leg and rice as a meal. Burgers were as low as 25 pesos (about 60 or so cents). Below is our dinner at a Filipino restaurant.
[Top left, rice. Top right, crab rangoon (NOTHING like what we eat; it was a huge hunk of crab. Bottom right, some sort of amazing chicken. Bottom left, some kind of pudding that taste like meringue. The rolls in the middle were awesome, but I can't remember the name. The cups are sweet and sour sauce.]
This morning (evening for you all), we ate at a continental breakfast (that costs nearly 800 pesos if you don't have a room).
[blue plate; watermelon and pineapple. White plate; taters, toast with an unknown, heavenly jam, white rice, ponset, bacon, and fish. To drink I had coffee, mango juice, and orange pineapple juice.]
We are about to head out from the hotel. Our flight leaves this afternoon for Butuan City, where we will get together with the Sunrise Christian College.
God Bless! [And sorry for the rambling.. after all there's a 13 hour time difference]
In Him,
Audie
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