Sentimental

The warm(ish) weather today has me feeling rather sentimental. I'm sure if I just ignored this feeling it would go away, but alas I chose to blog about it instead.

Reflecting on the past 9 months of living in New York has made me realize how much I'm going to miss when I move to the Philippines. I've only got 2 more months here before going back to Indiana, for an uncertain length of time before moving to the Philippines.

First and foremost, I'm going to miss people. Lots and lots of people. I can't even begin to mention specifics otherwise I'd never stop. (So don't have hurt feelings, because if you're reading this I'm probably gonna miss you too!)

I'm going to miss Reed family reunions in my backyard and Reed family Christmas Eves.

I'm going to miss Thanksgivings with the Ache family and Ford reunions in the summer.

I'm going to miss family game nights.

I'm going to miss K Love Radio.

I'm going to miss my independence of driving wherever and whenever I want.

I'm going to miss playing board games all night long at the Henry's on New Years eve.

I'm going to miss the smell of Spring rain.

I'm going to miss Brookhaven Wesleyan Church and Epicenter youth group.

I'm going to miss English church services, Bible studies, and prayer meetings.

I'm going to miss Mississinewa Valley Band concerts (did I really say that???)

I'm going to miss riding my bike around town.

I'm going to miss family dinners on Sunday with grandma.

I'm going to miss hearing my family yell at the TV when it's on Game Show network.

I'm going to miss my favorite restaurants - Bob Evans and Ivanhoes.

I'm going to miss having a pet cat.

I'm going to miss meat not on a bone.

I'm going to miss girl nights at Janna's.

I'm going to miss watching my Henry and Vinluan kids grow up.

I'm going to miss watching my family grow with more nephews and nieces.

I'm going to miss American pizza. I'm going to miss frozen pizza.

I'm going to miss corndogs and tenderloins.

I'm going to miss James Dean Days and the 4H fair.

I'm going to miss Junior Bible Camp, Jr & Sr High Camp, & Family Camp at Fairmount campgrounds. I may never get to experience a "Married Couples Retreat" there either.

I'm going to miss carry-in dinners at church... They have them in the Philippines, but it won't be the same.

I'm going to miss Pastors appreciation month, kids programs, and the Easter pageant (still not the same)

I'm going to miss microwave and toaster ovens (do they have those in the Philippines? I don't think so...)

I'm going to miss family birthday parties, Mothers Day with my mom, and Fathers Day with my dad

I'm going to miss ice-cream cake with my twin on our birthday.

I'm going to miss sleeping without fear of cockroaches.

I'm going to miss watching fireworks at the Wolfe's and at RJ Basket for the 4th of July.

I'm going to miss Starbucks dates with Andrea.

I'm going to miss understanding everyone and everyone understanding me.

I'm going to miss texting or calling my friends and family.

I'm going to miss breadsticks at Circle K.

I'm going to miss Missions Month at my church.

I'm going to miss leaves changing color in the fall.

I'm going to miss wearing "hoodies".

I'm going to miss playing games in Walmart.

I'm going to miss my home and my neighborhood, where I've lived nearly my whole life.

There have been two family weddings and one family funeral since I've moved here. I already missed my youngest niece's first birthday and I'm going to miss her second birthday because I'll still be in New York. I'm going to miss many birthdays after that. I'm going to miss graduations. I'm going to miss weddings.

The only thing I probably won't miss is snow and winter.

I know I'll make new traditions. I know I'll love my life there. I know I'll make great friends. I know I'll enjoy time with my Filipino family. I know I'll make new hobbies. I know I'll have a great man on my side who loves me very much. ....

Lord, grant me the strength to do your will and to go where you want me to go. Help me to be brave like Ruth, Esther, and Abraham! Who as foreigners in the land were used in mighty ways. Help me to be supportive of my fiance/husband when he goes through the same things I'll go through in the Philippines.

Engagement Pictures

"This is my fiance"

December 26, 2011 was a wonderful, life-changing, forever memorable day =D A great great great day. In fact, one of the best days of my life! That day Aldean Wayne Arciaga Pablo asked me to marry him! I absolutely said yes. So, I am the soon-to-be Mrs. Aldean Wayne Pablo. Ahh I love it! After that day, Aldean began introducing me to his friends as "this is my fiance". That new phrase became one of my favorite things to hear :) When he was in a funny mood (which is almost always), he would sometimes introduce me as his ex-girlfriend. When he got odd looks he would say "she's my fiance so she's no longer my girlfriend" and I would just giggle.

So, for all who are interested, here's the story <3

Wayne woke me up at 6:30am before breakfast to music outside my window. (I love it when he came to my room to wake me up!) Actually I woke up a few seconds before he came in, but was confused by the music. Two of his friends were playing romantic music outside my window - a classical guitar and a violin. They played one of "our" songs - La Via En Rose by Louis Armstrong. The funny thing is I joked and told them "tawad" which is what you say to Christmas carolers to go away. Haha, I only said it loud enough for Wayne to hear :)


After lunch we went to Luneta Park (zero kilometer). It's a historical park and a common dating place. I knew something was up because he was pretty tense. The funny thing is that he got pulled over (which happened the last time we went to that part of town) for something he didn't really do, and the traffic enforcer was a jerk :/ Which made Aldean more tense so then we got lost, haha. We took one lap around the park and then relaxed at the flag pole for a minute before the Magsaysay choir came up to us one-by-one. (Aldean's brother works at Magsaysay and Aldean' has worked with the choir through leadership camps and devotions for four years. We both attended their leadership camp last June. This is also the same choir wherein a taught a few members things about the US before they came and toured here last summer). There were probably 10-12 members and they sang around 10-12 songs. It was a lot of fun and a joy to see them (so talented) again. They sang some romantic songs (You by the Carpenters), some classic love songs, and some funny songs (Mahal Kita Kasi by Nicole Hyala) in both English and Filipino.

Then we went to dinner at a really romantic restaurant - Vieuz Chalet, a swiss restaurant. We had pasta and pizza and a delicious lemon-grass tea. The view was beautiful, the table was candle-lit, and the server was really hospitable. I just loved the quality time sitting with my boy and soaking up the special moment.

After dinner we went to our favorite dating place  - Cloud 9! It's a restaurant and resort at the top of the city. At night the view is gorgeous because you can look down the mountain and see the city lights as far as you can see. We sat on the viewing deck of the resort for over and hour and just talked. Then Aldean had the band from the restaurant come sing to us, which was serenade #3 :) It was funny because they weren't technically allowed to come to where we were, but they did anyways. They were out of breath from carrying their big instruments up the hill to us, but after taking a couple minutes to catch their breath they sang two more wonderful love songs to us. I loved it. It was romantic and its our place.

I was getting tired so it was time to leave. Aldean had other plans, but changed them to accommodate me, aww how sweet ;) On the way to his brother's (where we were spending the night) we came to one of the trees with my favorite Christmas lights. (They are white & blue LED lights in the shape of ice-cycles, and the lights fall down like it's dripping). He pulled over and suggested we go under the tree. So, we parked and walked around it once then he told me I had one more present to open. I said "what" (fully knowing by then what it was), and he pulled out the box and said "Will you marry me?". I was speechless at first, so he said "does that mean yes?". I said "Yes! Of course! Absolutely!" The ring was gorgeous, everything was perfect. I could not have even dreamed he would come up with a plan that was so special! He made makes me the happiest girl in the world! My smile was so big, and still is as I write this blog post :D

A week later we had our engagement pictures taken by a dear friend and fellow district pastor - Stanley Rabago. First we went to Paco Park. Then, we went to MOA (Mall of Asia), which was one of the places where 'it all started' as a group date.

Update on Life

Wow, so much has happened since my last post!

I have one semester of grad school behind me and only one more to go! I finished last semester with awesome grades, if I do say so myself ;) and an overall GPA of 3.92. For those who don't remember/ didn't know, I'm going to Roberts Wesleyan College in Rochester, New York for my Masters of Social Work with a Child & Family concentration. I'm only taking five classes this semester (instead of six last semester). So, that's 14 credit hours and a 19 hour/week (unpaid) internship. I'm interning at an elementary school 3 days/week. My caseload is heavy but the staff is supportive. Everything is hectic, but I'm really enjoying it and learning so much!

I went to the Philippines for Christmas, which deserves its own blog post (hopefully coming soon!). I spent 20 days with my sweet fiance Aldean Wayne and his family. Surprise, we were engaged on December 26! It was a wonderful day full of memories. Though the 20 days were short, my heart was warm and I left full of joy. It was just what I needed to 'finish strong' and be patient in looking forward to my future with Wayne. However, I already miss him terribly! Time to begin the visa process. Hopefully Jewel & Titus (my sister and her husband) can help with the process, since they just finished it themselves before getting married in October :)

I was able to spend a few days with my family in Indiana over break (before and after the Philippines). I missed them so much. We played lots of card games, board games, and Dominos. If you like funny board games and you've never heard of Quelf you are missing out. Hilarious game. I think everyone in my family took a dashing run to the bathroom at least once so we didn't pee of pants of hysteria. It's great, haha :) My nieces are growing more and more adorable. I miss them already, but I bought my train ticket to go home for winter break, which is in the middle of February... 5 weeks away (we don't have spring break, lame).

I didn't make New Year's "resolutions" per se, but my goals for 2012 are to:
Graduate with my Masters
Get Married
Grow more Mature in Christ

Because posts are always more fun with pictures:

Titus with Mallory (20 months) at Christmas in Indiana

Christmas Eve with my Pablo family <3

Merry Christmas! (Christmas eve)

Merry Christmas! Christmas morning at church

With the Magsaysay choir. Part of our big Engagement day :)

Picking strawberries in Baguio with JB & Edard (nephews)

Happy New Year *2012*

One of our engagement pictures :)

How to pray for me:
* Pray that I can be a LIGHT FOR CHRIST at my internship, where the kids stories, situations, and struggles break my heart. The teachers also need loving.
* Pray for DISCIPLINE in my studies and that I would continue to LEARN and soak everything up
* Pray for WISDOM, GUIDANCE & PATIENCE for Wayne and I as we put our future in God's hands
* Pray for my FAMILY... my dad needs work and Jesus

From Haiti to Honduras to the Philippines

Before my birthday I sat down and replayed life in my head. I thought about all the people, places, events (good and bad), and opportunities God has blessed me with. Those things have all played a part in shaping the woman I am today; I've learned so much and have been stretched. In reflecting on the past 22 years, I am amazed and truly in awe of God's hand in my life. I can look back and see how He has orchestrated things perfectly, in a way that I could never see at the time. He shut doors of opportunities, sometimes infuriating me, though now I can see why and how it really was for my good. I'm going to talk about one of those now. I'll do a more general birthday post later.

In March 2009 my great friend Mackenzie and I began to talk and dream about leading a World Impact missions team to Haiti. She'd been there multiple times and felt God calling her there. I was enthusiastic and passionate about missions, pretty much willing to go anywhere if even only once. I'd been to the neighboring country of the Dominican Republic a few years before and was excited about the prospect of ministering on the other side of the island. So, together Mackenzie and I interviewed with Steve Pettis, Jeff Miller, and Julia Hurlow. A week after the interview World Impact said we weren't allowed to go to Haiti due to risk management issues, but that we were accepted as team leaders and could pick another destination for approval. I was confused and frankly angry. The door was shut.

Mackenzie and I were shocked and upset. We had prayed intently and dreamt big. We didn't have peace about their decision but there wasn't anything we could do. Mackenzie still felt called to Haiti so she decided to go anyways without the umbrella of the school, but I still wanted to be a team leader. So, we started praying for each other and our new direction. The school said there was a need in Honduras, a country I've already been to. I quickly became interested in this new prospect - I was familiar with the language, comfortable with the culture, and excited about returning to a country I've already been to and work with missionaries I knew (something that was on my bucket list). A new door was opened.

Then I got in contact with the World Gospel Missions organization and they informed me that the missionaries I wanted to work with (Travis & Lori Hawk) were no longer serving on the field. If I still decided to go there (Escuela El Sembrador) I would be working with new missionaries. I was so disappointed. I already knew that I wouldn't know any of the new students and now I learned that I wouldn't know anyone. It would be a totally new experience. I felt like they might as well send me to the jungles of Africa (which would have been cool too!). Again, I didn't have peace about this. I was so frustrated. Another closed door.

So fast-forward a few months to May when I went on a World Impact team with Steve Pettis, the director of World Impact, as team leader. We decided that after the trip we would get together and talk about another new destination for me to lead a team the following summer (this summer). My team went to the Philippines and worked with Jun Rafael and Joel Pascua - two amazing men of God. We did VBS's on various islands and I fell in love with the people and the culture. The team was the first team that Joel hosted and he didn't want it to be the last. He talked with Pettis about another team returning next summer, but Pettis said he couldn't promise anything. I overheard this conversation and my heart leaped, like I had a call that I should be the one to bring a team back. I pulled Pettis aside later and we talked about this. He was very supportive and suggested I talk with Joel about it. So, I did and Joel was so enthusiastic about it - we made plans for my return with a team. The door of opportunity opened!

So now as I think about that - the swell of emotions I experienced, especially the pain and frustration - I realize that it was for my good even though I didn't see it at the time. God's plan wasn't for me to go to Haiti or return to Honduras - His plan was for me to return to the Philippines! What if I would have gone to one of those places instead of the Philippines? I may not have had the team that I took this year, which means those relationships wouldn't exist. I would not have developed the deep friendship with Jun and Joel. I would not have gotten to see all those people again - the pastors and the kids. I would not have met MJ or May-Anne, Robin or Marc, Dennis or Grace, Francis or Leah, Michael or Joshua, Ronald or Romhar, Reyn or Elymar, or Mark and Daislyn. My only tour-guide would have been Algen (yikes), no Jerome. I wouldn't have eaten ice-cream with Richard again, I wouldn't get to play with Jed and Aiah. I wouldn't have visited all those new places. I wouldn't have ministered in Mindoro or at Onesimo. I wouldn't have killed any ipis (though I wouldn't consider that a regret). I wouldn't know the pleasure of jackfruit. I couldn't say I actually tried balut or dinuguan or bagoong. And, I wouldn't have met my Aldean Wayne! BUT God worked out His plans and I did all those things! He sent me 8,400 miles away to figure all this out - to find life and love and passion. I am so so so glad :)

This was not just an open door of opportunity, it was an open door to a new chapter of my life. I must remind myself of this lesson the next time He shuts a door in life. He knows what needs to happen to have a happy ending. He always does what is best for me. I hope He does whatever it takes, even when I'm obstinate and stubborn, or yell at Him for messing up my plans. I must remember that He wrote my life story.

Moments to cherish:

Home From the Philippines

I've had this letter written forever but haven't printed it out to send it like normal. That may happen eventually, but online it will get to more people :)

Family and Friends,
Wow, I just don’t know where to start. My visit and ministry in the Philippines leaves me feeling so blessed, called, convicted, and encouraged. I had more than the time of my life. I want to take this opportunity to again thank you, my faithful supporters, for your support, prayers, and encouragement for me while I go on this venture we call life. This trip to the Philippines was not an isolated event; it is just one step in the journey God has called me on. He worked in me and through me in miraculous ways, continuing to prepare me for what He has in store for me in the future. I hope that by my sharing with you what God did and is doing, you will in the same way be encouraged to take part in your own ministry and continue to support those who feel called to missions. I know that I am who I am today because of these opportunities that I have had.
I returned to the Philippines for the second time and stayed May 3 – June 25. It was a tremendous blessing to be able to return and see familiar people and places, especially those who remembered me from the previous summer. I led a team of 8 IWU students for 3 weeks. During that time we did 8 VBS’s on 3 different islands – in a dump, at a Bible College, local churches, isolated mountain church, in remote villages with different tribes, and a Compassion site. With anywhere from 30 to 80 kids we told Bible stories, played games, colored pictures, sang songs, fed them bread and juice, laughed and had a great time. At the dump (right), we also painted the floor and pews in the church and passed out clothes to families. Most importantly, we bonded with the children and their families, sharing the love of God, and were impacted by their love. Aside from VBS we spent lots of time with the youth from the local churches. Many times we partnered together in ministry to do VBS. They taught us Tagalog, their language. We played lots of games, sang songs, shared our stories and testimonies, and bonded in fellowship. This was an invaluable part of our ministry.
The experience of leading a team was more difficult than I ever anticipated it to be. I had to force myself to take leadership in situations when it was not easy. However, I was extremely blessed with an amazing team. We united together as one to accomplish our purpose. We never had disagreements or quarreling. God really blessed and provided for us. Our team faced some health issues, but God provided healing. One team member broke out with a severe allergic reaction, after a few days without cessation he had to get a couple shots and take some steroids, it helped for a while but he continued to break out. We prayed over him and God healed him! Some of them have become my best friends. I am hoping that next year when I return (yay!) some of them will be able to come with me again. My team taught me the value of friendship and accountability, the importance of taking advantage of opportunities we are given, and the rewards of sharing our triumphs and struggles. Together we learned our strengths & weaknesses.
After my team left my internship in Urban Ministries began. My teammate, Megan, stayed for an additional week to do her Intercultural Nursing internship. This was such a blessing. We moved into my small room off the church where I stayed for my internship. Megan helped me adjust to what it would be like once I was on my own. That week I spent a lot of time bonding with my host, the pastor, Joel Pascua, along with his family. I also grew very close to Pastora MJ (left), who is doing her placement at the church before graduating from Bible College. She was a gift straight from God – He used her to teach, encourage, and stretch me. We spent hours together talking about life and what God has in store for us, dreaming about the future, and deciding what we need to do to be prepared for His service. I consider these irreplaceable moments because they gave me a chance to refocus on the purpose my ministry and internship, especially when I was stressed or distracted.
The majority of activities during my urban ministries internship revolved around youth activities. I was the speaker for two different youth services. I also shared my testimony in churches twice. On a daily basis I spent my time in casual, relational fellowship with the youth. We spent hours playing games and getting to know one another. They taught me about their culture while I taught them about mine. On weekends we went swimming, to the malls to hang out, and the market to go shopping. I also went with them on their weekly ministries to the campus outreaches (youth group for college students), Sunday school extensions (VBS), Bible studies, and prayer meetings. I grew to love these youth; we become close friends and I miss them so much! I am so thankful for facebook and skype so we can stay in touch! They were a real encouragement. Before this trip I did not place high value on relational ministry, I would rather chose to be doing something physical. However, God really used these youth to open my eyes to the importance of relational ministry. Now I can’t imagine doing ministry without involving and making relationships!
I also worked with a couple of organizations, where I was exposed to immense poverty in urban settings. We went with “Servants” into a squatter’s village where people move illegally into cramped, horrible living conditions. “Servants” is an international network of Christian communities living and working within the slums of Asia and the West, participating with the poor to bring hope and justice through Jesus Christ. At first it was pretty scary walking around, but so many people we met were friendly. A couple days later, Joel and I decided to collect clothes to provide for families whose homes the government had just burned down to intimidate the people and scare them off the land. Afterwards we spent a few days at Onesimo, a shelter for street kids who come from abusive homes, are abandoned, neglected, orphans, children of addicts, or even addicts themselves. They provide shelter, clothes, food, tutoring, and the opportunity to have an actual childhood. We took a family of 3 boys to Onesimo to live because their father is an alcoholic and cannot provide for them. I was extremely humbled – it was heartbreaking and encouraging at the same time. The youth and I painted murals in their classrooms.
Both of these are the types of programs I can see myself involved in later in life. My passion was rekindled as God reminded me of the calling He has on my life. I am so blessed to have grown up in such a loving, Christian environment. But, there are many children who do not have this privilege. I’m convinced those are the settings God is preparing for me to minister. At the same time I am comfortable and uncomfortable there. I want to help eradicate the social injustices, show love to children who would not see it otherwise, and bring the Message of Hope to seemingly hopeless environments. God has a plan for them, just like He does for you and me. I want to be part of it.
So, until I have the privilege and blessing of returning to the Philippines again next year, I will recount my memories and the lessons God taught me. I know that by doing this I will continue to grow into the woman God created me to be. Now I am working my way through reading the Bible in one year – it is as if I am reading some stories for the first time, very exciting! Faithfully I remain committed to His call for me and open myself up to whatever He asks of me or wherever He takes me. I ask that you would continue to keep me in your prayers – that God would continue to reveal His plan for my life and give me wisdom and guidance, and that I would continue to fall deeper in love with Him and stay focused on our relationship. I am a new person – I know the life changes and lessons from my time in the Philippines will last and continue to deepen.
In Christ Alone,
Jessie Reed

Visayan Kids

Let me a tell you a story...

There was once a girl who went to the Philippines. She visited Visayan Wesleyan Bible College on the island of Cebu. It had been a whole year since she was there, but when she arrived again she remembered that last year it was her favorite place to do VBS. She thought the kids were amazing there. They had such a different mindset than kids on the other islands she had been to. They were more interactive and eager to be involved. They weren't as initially shy as other the kids she had played with. While some of that can be considered personality she was told that it was think that much of it is cultural.

This year when she returned she remembered three kids from last year - Fransis (her absolute favorite kid ever), Brian, and Mary Rose. (These are pictures she took this year ).

Fransis

Brian

Mary Rose

This is a picture she took last yearMichael in red and Mary Rose in striped dress
When she arrived this year with her team she was reminded why she fell in love with these kids. On May 12 they did their first VBS at the Bible college. Michael remembered her and warmed up fairly quickly but he wasn't interested in the games she was playing. She found other kids to love on and they became her new favorites. She was told you're not supposed to have favorites, but she just couldn't help herself but to fall in love!

Dil John on the first day of VBS watching her play with chalk

Dil-John the second day of VBS when he warmed up to the girl
Dil-John fell off the chair and was bleeding and crying. She picked him up and nursed his wounds and held him till he stopped crying. After that he didn't want to be put down and so she held onto that cutie for over an hour. When she finally put him down he continued to walk behind her like a shadow. It was adorable to watch.

She was trying to learn the kids names (and did fairly well!) but there were so many of them. She pulled out this notebook and the kids jumped at the chance to show herthat they could write their own names. These boys are Dorwin and Ezekil. It was a lot easier to remember their names when she could see them written down :) It's also a good exercise for the kids and a chance for them to have pride in showing off their skills to her!

While the team was playing basketball the girl continued to bond and play with her favorite kids. The kids would all scurry up the basketball goal while the action was on the other side of the court. Sometimes she would climb up after them and they would scream and climb faster. They were so ticklish; she would grab their feet and they would try to cling on as they were laughing.

Dil-John had these two homemade guns. It was just a piece of pipe with a rubberband tied to the bottom with string. He'd put a rock in the pipe, stretch out the baloon, and let go as he watched the rock fly. One time he shot the girl in the eye with a little pebble. It hurt and he knew what happened so he felt bad. She couldn't get upset because he was so cute.

Dil-John shot Fransis in the leg with his homemade gun. Fransis was crying and so she went to him. He wanted picked up so she sat down with him and comforted him till he stopped crying. He was tired and just relaxed in her lap for about 30 minutes. When he looked up at her with his big brown, watery eyes she about melted. While she held him she just prayed over him - for his physical safety and health, for food for him and his family, for an opportunity to have a good education, for spiritual growth and maturity, and that the peace and love of Jesus would surround him and his family.

These are the bonding moments she had with Fransis while he sat on her lap. Even though he's not smiling she knows he is happy, and that makes her happy. She loves that little boy and wanted to slip him in her suitcase to bring him home with her. But she knew that wasn't possible so she just loved him hard while she had the chance. This picture represents one of her favorite memories of her whole Philippine experience.

The kids hung around all day even though the girl's team didn't do a VBS - that day the team just painted. The kids only had the bread and juice we gave them for snack and the team's left-overs from lunch. So they found some mango jello to give the kids as a snack, knowing that they wouldn't have food when they went home. They loved it!

After playing super hard all night the kids were so thirsty. The girl didn't have drinks to give them but she found some ice in the cooler and took turns giving the kids some ice cubes. She even got the kids to say please and thank you.

Here she is at the end of the night when the rest of her team joined in playing. You can tell she is so happy doing what she loves.





Jeremy (white) and BJ- Beryl John (green)

Icho (Jericho) and Hannah

Jeremy

This girl had a blast with these kids. She would say their names and they would run. She'd chase them, grab them, and tickle their. Their smiles and joy were contagious, the girl caught it and was filled with love. These kids - Fransis, Stephen, Icho, Luto, Jeremy, BJ, Dil-John, Hannah, Christian, Dorwin, and Ezekil will forever be etched in her heart. Well I know this girl and I know for sure that she will not pass up an opportunity to return next summer and love on these kids again! But until then she is praying for them everyday!