Agape Art

Safely home.

After 40 hours of strenuous and eventful travel across the world, the Agape Art team arrived back in Cincinnati at 8:30pm on Friday, May 1st.  We were greated by a few of our family members whom we were all very excited to see.  Thanks for all the prayers and support that made this trip one of the best yet!

If you're just checking in to read about our trip for the first time, I'd encourgage you to scroll down and start at the beginning on the previous page if you have some time. . .Trust me. . . It's all good!

Becky

after the hospital and the ferry...

ok, well for starters, in this small airport in Cebu where we are waiting for our flight, I have a bandage around my foot! And yes, I said Cebu is where we are...a bit different from plan.

I had a pain in my foot increasing since last week. I talked to the staff nurse and she informed me that xrays only cost $4 and it might be a good idea since I have a long flight ahead, and for peace of mind, to see what exactly is going on with it. Being the last day, I woke up early and collected 5 journals to write in. I felt pressure to do this, because writing to them about what I see in them is helpful to process my feelings and my experience. Did I say that before? Anyway, my point is, when I discovered I may have to cut into this time to sit in a hospital, I was a bit worried. No actually, I was upset and afraid and mad and all these emotions. I didnt understand why I had to do this the last day. Of course, being around strong believers is also soothing in crisis moments. "God is in control." Ok, well, my options are to ignore my problem or take care of it. I chose to take care of it...Woohoo!!!!

So the staff nurse and I ventured to the hospital. It is a little different from the hospitals I know. We walked right into the emergency room to ask for a doctor. No waiting room really. The doctor was actually someone the nurse knew through church. He sent us to get xrays . While sitting and waiting for xrays, there were people rolled in on gurneys by family members. They lifted the person up by the sheet underneath them. One guy brought in was bloody from head to toe. The nurse assumed a motor accident. Another was an older man rolled in by who appeared to be 5 brothers or cousins who were his grandsons. The gurneys were about 1- 3' off the ground which the family members sat on while they waited for their loved one to be xrayed. The wheelchairs were interesting as well.. They were lawn chairs bolted to wheel chairs. So different.

Anyway, I spent 3 hours there , talking with the nurse. It was such a special  conversation . The doc said no fracture, but just some strained tenons or ligaments. He wrapped my foot and said to stay off it for 6 weeks. Hmmm....I go back to painting houses on Tuesday...hmmm....Well,  God is in control!

Speaking of that, there was a second time that was made clear to us. After saying tearful goodbyes to the girls, we arrive at the airport to find a cancelled flight that is not rescheduled until after our connector flight. Becky and Sheryl spent over an hour working with them about options. The only thing was to drive 1/2 hour to take a ferry with our car to another island and drive 3 hours to Cebu where we could get a later flight. That is where we are now. Our flight is due to arrive in Manilla at 2 am and we need to go to check in at 5 am for our 11 hour flight. Wow.

On our drive to Cebu, Mike was on a mission to get us to the airport!!! Becky was sure there were more than a few pedestrians who almost lost a leg.

So now, we are winding down and still going. It is evident the journey is not over.

See you soon!

It was a big Wednesday!

Kadie was right.  We had a super exciting day yesterday that we all wanted to write about but no one had the energy.  She gave you a great start, but I get to share some of the really exciting parts with you.

First, that conversation she spoke of in the missionaries home here at Rainbow was completely off schedule for us.  We were supposed to be shopping for souvenirs in town, but what happened in that kitchen was far more glorious than shopping could ever be.  . . Kelly Sankner accepted Christ!  It was certainly a journey that Kelly set out to explore through this experience, and I know that many of you back home have been praying for her.  Praise God for he answers prayers and has designed a new creation in her this week!  Kelly's heart has really been leading to this, in subtle ways over the past couple months as she prepared for this trip, and then in many experiences this past week at Rainbow including the Agape girls sharing testimonies with her, seeing her prayers for our team and this ministry answered, and the powerful messages that became very personal to her at church here this week.  I'm sure you'd all like to hear from Kelly, but said it was okay if I shared the good news with all of you.  I think she's still working on some of the words to say to describe the change in her heart this week.  She's getting great practice as she tells the Agape girls and they are eager to celebrate with her!

Following that, we shared a relaxing day with the girls.  Some of them did art projects that they really enjoyed and wanted to do more of.  Others just hung out and swapped sketch books to write rememberances to each other.  For a special treat in the evening, we took all the girls and a few of the missionary staff to town for pizza.  I got to ride on a motor (small motorcycle that is extremely common here) all the way to town.  Huge adventure for me!  Aren't you proud of me James?  I loved it!  It's a totally new view of Dumaguete from the back of a Motor.  Aaron, the 18 yr old son of the missionary family here, took each of our team members for a ride on it today.

And if that wasn't enough adventure. . . we all headed to the Boulevard after pizza to try some belut.  For those of you that are not familiar, belut is a Filipino specialty that was actually featured on FEAR Factor!  It's a fertilized egg (that means baby chick) that is then boiled in a uniquely flavored vinegar. The vendors sell it each evening on the Boulevard and you order it by day.  That means 16-day or 18-day since fertilization.  The most developed is a 21 day.  It looks just disgusting as the body is beginning to form and the smell doesn't add much to tempting you either.  But it was a challenge and our Agape Art team proved to be up to it.  With the Agape girls and missionaries behind us as our cheering section, all three of us actually tried it!  Kadie and I actually chewed and gulped the whole thing!  This is kinda a first for me:)  After visting 4 times, this was certainly a first to actually eat the whole thing!  It was not the most pleasant taste and I couldn't chew fast enough to get that texture out of my mouth, but by golly I was proud of my feat!  Here's a picture to help you all understand.

Sadly, we say our good-byes at Rainbow this afternoon and then head to Manila to spend the night.  We will begin our long 24-hour journey home as we board a plane from Manila tomorrow morning.

It was a big Wednesday!

Kadie was right.  We had a super exciting day yesterday that we all wanted to write about but no one had the energy.  She gave you a great start, but I get to share some of the really exciting parts with you.

First, that conversation she spoke of in the missionaries home here at Rainbow was completely off schedule for us.  We were supposed to be shopping for souvenirs in town, but what happened in that kitchen was far more glorious than shopping could ever be.  . . Kelly Sankner accepted Christ!  It was certainly a journey that Kelly set out to explore through this experience, and I know that many of you back home have been praying for her.  Praise God for he answers prayers and has designed a new creation in her this week!  Kelly's heart has really been leading to this, in subtle ways over the past couple months as she prepared for this trip, and then in many experiences this past week at Rainbow including the Agape girls sharing testimonies with her, seeing her prayers for our team and this ministry answered, and the powerful messages that became very personal to her at church here this week.  I'm sure you'd all like to hear from Kelly, but said it was okay if I shared the good news with all of you.  I think she's still working on some of the words to say to describe the change in her heart this week.  She's getting great practice as she tells the Agape girls and they are eager to celebrate with her!

Following that, we shared a relaxing day with the girls.  Some of them did art projects that they really enjoyed and wanted to do more of.  Others just hung out and swapped sketch books to write rememberances to each other.  For a special treat in the evening, we took all the girls and a few of the missionary staff to town for pizza.  I got to ride on a motor (small motorcycle that is extremely common here) all the way to town.  Huge adventure for me!  Aren't you proud of me James?  I loved it!  It's a totally new view of Dumaguete from the back of a Motor.  Aaron, the 18 yr old son of the missionary family here, took each of our team members for a ride on it today.

And if that wasn't enough adventure. . . we all headed to the Boulevard after pizza to try some belut.  For those of you that are not familiar, belut is a Filipino specialty that was actually featured on FEAR Factor!  It's a fertilized egg (that means baby chick) that is then boiled in a uniquely flavored vinegar. The vendors sell it each evening on the Boulevard and you order it by day.  That means 16-day or 18-day since fertilization.  The most developed is a 21 day.  It looks just disgusting as the body is beginning to form and the smell doesn't add much to tempting you either.  But it was a challenge and our Agape Art team proved to be up to it.  With the Agape girls and missionaries behind us as our cheering section, all three of us actually tried it!  Kadie and I actually chewed and gulped the whole thing!  This is kinda a first for me:)  After visting 4 times, this was certainly a first to actually eat the whole thing!  It was not the most pleasant taste and I couldn't chew fast enough to get that texture out of my mouth, but by golly I was proud of my feat!  Here's a picture to help you all understand.

Sadly, we say our good-byes at Rainbow this afternoon and then head to Manila to spend the night.  We will begin our long 24-hour journey home as we board a plane from Manila tomorrow morning.

Thursday morning

Good morning, friends,

All three of us were so eager yesterday to blog about our day, as it was a very powerful day. But, at the end of it, we all just needed to rest.

First of all, yesterday caused me to ask myself this question.... "What exactly is a mission?"These are my thoughts.

Mission work means going where God calls you, one step at a time. You find purpose in missions. God is involved in everything about it. Its actually for him that you go.

I remember a few years ago , I realized I wanted everything about my life to be a miracle. I love miracles! This trip has reminded me that is a lifestyle. If I go back to the US and keep my same job,or if I move to the Phillipines, (examples) , no matter what, I am a changed person after this mission trip.

That means to me that God called me to this mission to change me. There have been so many things -little things- relational mostly, that have impacted my need for God in my life. I have been looking at myself and seeing how I have been surviving the past 3 or so years, and its so far from where I really want to be.

Here at Rainbow, the people are rich. They know who they are in Christ. I think that is what it comes down to. They believe in God's love, and know it well. It has touched my heart.

Yesterday, the lead missionaries here spent the morning with us. There were tears and prayer. Something about their readiness to share lead us to many beautiful realizations. It felt so good to be in a safe presence and just open up, so tenderly.

We then proceeded to town. We shopped. We had an hour, so it was quick. It really is what I suggest ,if ever you go shopping in a different culture!!!There is so much to take in!

We came back to the going away party for the one of the missionaries here. The food was AMAZINGLY SCRUMPTIOUS!!!!!  O my gosh! I dont know how to spell the words but very good. You have to ask us when we come home to describe it!

After that, the girls began handing us their sketchbooks...."Draw or write in my book Ate Kadie"

Well, for those of you who know me, writing is such a good way for me to pour out my heart. I really tend to open up and experience my true feelings when I write. So, as I began, I tried to keep it light and funny...little comics reminscent of the week's projects. One girls scrunched her face at the drawing I did...."Is that it?!"

Oh, ok, I thought. I am not getting it. So, of course, one of them helped me to understand. This is my time to really tell them how I feel. To share my heart, this is what they are after. Of course this means getting more emotional, but it is better too, really!

As I wrote to each girl,my heart started to really feel sad. I cant believe we are leaving this place. My heart is here. How do I let go and process these deep feelings in a healthy manner?

Well, thankfully, in that conversation with the lead missionaries I mentioned earlier, they confronted this struggle with us. Apparently, its part of it. So, I ask your prayers for us about this. It is really hard.

There was more exciting things that happened, but I am going to stop here!

Love, Kadie

Putting it all together

Wow!  What a day!  We worked hard today from 9am to 8pm with a short 2 hour lunch break that seemed very short.  Over breakfast, our team exerted lots of effort as we made our plans for the day and tried to figure out how to tie all of our activities this week together.

We began with what we called a "paint circle dance". We arranged 16 pieces of paper in a circle in the grass and gave each girl a color of paint.  We walked around the circle each adding a stroke to each paper.  First we did it as a color wash, and then we used some thicker paint.  We were learning to not be attached to our artwork so much, but rather to work through layers.

The abstract pieces then became backgrounds for the final embellishment projects we had the girls working on today.  We encouraged them to take a character that they created earlier this week and put that character into a scene.  The concept part was really hard for them, and learning to work with the background or layer over it was even harder for them.  They pushed through though and after a while they were all busy working through the process.  We taught a few mixed media techniques including using some natural resources to add texture.

Their final projects turned out great!  Plus, we got some great compliments from Mama Sheryl that she noticed the girls enjoying the projects this year more than ever before.  I think they have all really matured as individuals and as artists.  And these projects are really challenging them to create and fine the art from within themselves.  We were quite proud today.

                

Those that know me well have often heard that I don't always consider myself an artist, but more so the visionary that puts this all together.  Kadie has been very encouraging and has said many times "Becky, this is your body of work.  I get it now!"  I think she's really right.  This is my portfolio.  Orchestrating all of this is using the creative gifts that God has given me.  This is my art ( just a little challenging to have everyone else see it sometimes).  I am just as proud of the work they create as I am of my own. 

Quick story. . our newest Agape girl is nearly 15, but socially extremely far behind and operating more like a 7 year old in some way.  Cutting shapes out of paper with scissors is even a little new for her.  It has been a challenge to help her keep up at times because she really needs someone to walk through it with her and even do some parts for her.  She has a heart of gold though and all she really wants is to spend time with us and be included with the other girls.  The past couple of days, she has laid low a bit as she realized how challenging our projects became.  She's enjoyed learning to trace from coloring books and some other simple projects we have given her.  Yesterday, we spent the day working on making our own journals, photo books, etc through book binding.  She quickly recognized the challenge and opted out.  While Kadie worked out the process of teaching us all, Kelly and I got really into making our own books since we didn't have to give so much attention to the little one.  Just as I was collecting all of my paper to put inside the book, she came and stood right between Kelly and I, eager to be a part of it.  I asked her to be my helper and her eyes lit up!  She LOVES to help.  As I punched wholes in each page, I gave them to her to collect on a thread to hold them all together before be bound the book with wire.  She sat with me as we then bound the book and picked out a few beads for the cover.  A short while later, I heard her shouting with enthusiasm, "Look what we did, Ate Karen (one of the missionaries here)!"  She was so proud of it!  She had helped in the smallest way, but she was really proud and felt accomplished as if she had been the one labouring over every detail.  It totally warmed my heart and reminded me of the way I feel about each of their work.  I am so proud of what THEY have created!

Becky Palmieri

good Tuesday morning!

Wanted to say hello to our loved ones. At dinner last night, Becky and Kelly and I all talked about those back home we miss. Getting emails from you and hearing how your life is going and things are happening, really makes the distance feel real.

The girls did a great job yesterday. We started out the day, collaging mats. The girls cut out shapes and coordinating colors. Lots of small talk and happy smiles during this session. We moved into teaching book binding. This took all day, but was well worth it. The girls have the start to finish instruction that they can make these books after we leave. Very nice!

The girls came to class yesterday sporting their yo-yos. In their hair , on their shoes. It was great. They really liked that lesson too. Yo-yos are fabric decor that resemble a flower. You put a button in the middle of the bunched up fabric and flatten it out. Very charming. They took these and ran with them. Kelly lead this night time lesson. We all sat in a circle. Again, lots of laughing and happiness.

Last night, as we were finishing up the books, a few of the girls shared some dance moves with us. I cant believe it, but I forgot how to do the cha cha, even though I have had a few lessons back home! Thankfully, the girls reminded me how to do it!

You know you are growing closer when you start dancing with each other!!! And Becky, got it all on film. O my!

Good times we are having here. Please continue to pray for us as we are starting to turn towards home in our hearts.

Love you and cant wait to see you!

Kadie

good Sunday morning!

Good Sunday morning!

It’s around 6 am. I am waking to the girls outside and the multiple roosters. A handful of the girls slept outside because of a “brown out”. That means all the electricity is out. It is cooler outside than in. Wow, and talk about dark! It was pitch black, when I woke up for a moment in the middle of the night.

Yesterday the three of us plus 2 more missionaries went to Apo Island. Apo means  grandchild. As if Negros is the grandmother, Apo is grandchild. It is a small island of only 700. It was very interesting to see. There is no running water on this island, nor electricity. They have to take the 35 min boat ride to the main island to transport water. So, for example, we ate lunch at the resort on the island. In the bathroom, the water to wash my hands was in a large bucket. I had to take a smaller bucket to scoop out water.

Apo is known for its snorkeling and scuba diving. A few of us saw water snakes, periwinkle starfish, sea turtles! Really truly amazing! We had a guide named Kenneth, a younger local boy who went with us the whole day. He was so nice to have along. We all got stung multiple times by little jellyfish. That was really a hindrance, but we kept exploring. All the amazing colors and shapes were so beautiful.

 

Being on the ocean got me thinking a lot about my life. I grabbed my sketchbook and began to draw a house on the cliff of the island.  Then I began drawing some of the fisherman in small boats around us. I felt really good to draw.

I am thankful for this day.

 

The missionary woman we met, who went with us was really neat to talk to . She  works with the children up in the mountains. I understand the mountain people here are similar to country folk back home. They are more craftsman ,living off the land, and have less things and less money. She had some really cool stories about her life. She lived in Romania for 1 ½ years doing mission work. She talked about how different it was there from here, for her.

It has been very enjoyable to talk about different cultures. There was a German diver on the ride to the boat for 

Apo

. He was talking about

Germany

and some of his experiences traveling. It was really cool to meet both of these people and hear their experiences.

After our long day yesterday, and coming home to a brown out, we went to sleep very early. It was a very long sleep, lots of dreams, and very well rested this morning.

Today we go to church with all the children from Rainbow, even the babies! We come back for a big lunch on the patio. And later we go to a Scandanavian mission and serve food to some of the people there. This mission is really neat. I hear they built housing to transfer a lot of people who were living in the city dump, out and into this housing. Every week Rainbow helps minister by serving food. I am looking forward to going there today.

 

Well, signing out for now. Love and miss you all!

Kadie

why did the chicken cross the road?

I saw that happen the other day when we were driving home. I was so excited. But I am easily amused.

Lots of activity the last few days. Thursday, we took the girls on an outting to Bahura, a beach resort. So pretty, as usual. Crystal clear water, and sparkling sand. The pools were nice too. And the food we had for lunch was delicious! One of the girls said she was in heaven after her first bite. They really had a lot of fun. It was sort of a once in a lifetime opportunity for them, so I am glad we got to be a part of that memory. Poor Becky and Kadie are covered in sun burn. It's really bad and painful. :(

Yesterday, just our Agape Art Team and Ate Karen & Theresa went to Apo Island. It's an infamous diving spot, but we went for snorkeling. I was scared out of my mind because the ocean scares me a little, but I went for it because I knew I was being watched over and it was totally worth it. Kadie's first time too but she caught on right away as well. A whole 'nother world down there. Saw lots of little Nemo's and other colorful fishies. Periwinkle starfish and a few of us were lucky enough to see some sea turtles. All was relaxing and enjoyable until these little translucent jellyfish invaded. Ouch! The boat ride back and forth was nice too. I liked looking at the water. It was a royal/navy blue color in the some parts, and aquas and teals and seafoam green in others. But you could still see the coral through it pretty easily.

I feel like I'm leaving so much out, but I'm just grateful to get the chance to write. There was a brown-out here since 2pm yesterday. Luckily we had running water still. Didn't matter so much at that point that it was cold. Felt good on the sunburn. Power came back right before noon which was perfect timing. Sundays are group lunches so we all ate together. Now everyone's resting before outreach in an hour. And later tonight, I'll get to teach the girls to make yo-yo's. We haven't had art lessons in a couple days so I am looking forward to it.

Losing power on the laptop so I have to go.

xoxo

-Kelly

Bahura Beach Resort

April 24, 2009

Wow, what a special day spent with the Agape girls!  Today we took a little break from the artwork and we were able to bless the girls with a once in a lifetime experience . . . a day trip to Bahura Beach Resort! 

As the girls were loaded in the car, ready to go (30 minutes before departure time showed their excitement), Papa Mike came over to the car and asked if he could share something from his heart with them.  He reminded the girls of how special this day truly was. Due to the blessings poured out to the Agape Art team, we were able to share this blessing with the girls.  “Bahura is a very special place”, he reminded them.  “A place that you have never been and may never be again.  It is a truly unique experience.  So it is my prayer”, he said, “that you have as much fun as possible and enjoy this blessing of time and fun that the Lord has given us through the Agape Art team.”

With that special reminder of how the blessings we received back home are having a special impact on these girls lives, along with the beautiful sound of the girls singing songs to the Lord in the car, my heart was warmed and my day was extraordinary long before we ever arrived at the resort.

 

The resort left us with no disappointments (other than some painful sunburns).  Our day was filled with beautiful pools surrounded by tall palm trees and tropical plants.  Just beyond the pools was pure green grass that led to a little beach with the vast ocean before us and two other islands in sight.  In the distance on the other side, we could see the beautiful mountains of Dumaguete through the trees.  A few of us began with a long walk down the beach that included some time swimming through the refreshing salt water of the Pacific.  Next we splashed (literally) into the turquoise pools.  Kadie had her own little diving class going with some of the girls in the 13 foot pool.  She was so good, a European man came and asked to join in her class.  It was funny, he really seemed to want some help with his diveJ I had the privilege of teaching two of the girls to swim free-style and how to breathe out the side correctly.  A three course lunch with appetizer, entrée and dessert was included in our $10 admission fee.  A few of the girls had a hard time finishing as they are not used to more than one course.  After lunch we got to do some kayaking in the ocean.  Some of the girls who are not strong swimmers were very timid, but they were happy to ride along with a stronger counterpart.  There sure are some competitive athletes in this bunch.  They did great!  While we took turns on the few kayaks we had, a few of us made a fascinating discovery of the fun to be had bouncing on a fallen palm tree over the water.  This was one of my favorite partsJ  What a wonderful day of connecting with the girls and each of their unique personalities!

Thank you to everyone at home who poured out blessings upon us and this vision of Agape Art.  Whether it was an encouraging word to push forward with my vision, a financial donation to make it all possible, a donation of supplies of all kinds, or even for just allowing me to take off from work for two weeks . . . I thank you from the depths of my heart!  Your generosity impacts lives and pours God’s love upon us all that get to experience His blessings through wonderful places and time spent together.

-Becky Palmieri

Exhausted, but full of love and gratitude!