tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68384615146403597082011-06-08T00:06:52.858-05:00Come and Follow your crazy friends as we follow God's call to service in the Philippines! You can check in on what's happening with Jonathan, Beth, Dianne, Joanne, Heather and Patrick; see fun photos and share the spiritual journey with us here. Thanks for your prayers!Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08028184925789404388noreply@blogger.comBlogger611100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838461514640359708.post-60868061408818838712007-12-31T21:12:00.000-06:002008-01-06T21:12:46.336-06:00

These last few weeks no doubt give us all pause as we consider what brings us joy in our lives. I have found myself reflecting on and identifying with Mary and Joseph, as they journeyed from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Two Pilgrims traveling far from home, and in need of hospitality and care. That was us, this Christmas, as we were generously taken in by friends and strangers alike. To recount the

Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08028184925789404388noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838461514640359708.post-45231400314259644492007-12-15T21:09:00.000-06:002008-01-01T21:20:50.630-06:00

Take Lord, and Receive My Life, My Liberty, My Memory, My Understanding, My Will, My Entire Being. All that I am, and All that I have You have given to me. I give it back to you. Do with it what you will. Grant me only Your Love and Your Grace, And let that be Enough.

Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08028184925789404388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838461514640359708.post-53646902252725126152007-12-13T19:49:00.001-06:002007-12-13T20:27:35.542-06:00

"One prayer, one strand, one trip to the manger." This was the theme for the Advent Recollection that I attended this week at Ateneo (local Jesuit University with whom GK has a partnership), and it was exactly where I was supposed to be. (Thank you Patrick for extending the invitation.) The theme above fit right in to my last post. During the Recollection, for each of the prayers we held in

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04383743401853097958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838461514640359708.post-59040913603023407092007-12-11T02:32:00.000-06:002007-12-11T02:36:09.377-06:00

Join us for this unique Christmas celebration! SUNDAY DECEMBER 23, 2007, Bellarmine Field, Ateneo de Manila University, 6:00pm right before 8:00pm simbang gabi at Jesu. Tao Po is an original production born from the collaboration between Gawad Kalinga and TeatroFilipino Integrated. It showcases an insightful script, moving musical scoring, dynamic choreography and remarkable performances from

Diannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06754933347344618381noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838461514640359708.post-54903679550827547902007-12-11T02:26:00.000-06:002007-12-11T02:32:05.301-06:00

Hi everyone!!! Just dropping by to say hello and I miss everyone in GK!!! I hope you are all in good spirits and well. I send aloha love from Hawaii! Love & GOD BLESS, Dianne

Diannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06754933347344618381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838461514640359708.post-31843903277399965432007-12-04T03:29:00.000-06:002007-12-04T21:11:15.657-06:00

Ive heard that weather in Chicago is cold, cold and sleety and snowy and very Chicago. I miss it. I miss home a lot actually, and its far from just the weather that I miss. Here in Manila though, to give you an idea, its typically somewhere in the 80s. It really makes it difficult to accept that the Christmas season really truly is here, or at least Advent is. I know a few people who are

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04383743401853097958noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838461514640359708.post-73702570966127953802007-11-28T01:08:00.000-06:002007-11-28T02:26:17.065-06:00

Well, I have to start with HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!! I hope you've all been able to take the time to scope out the picture albums. There are quite a few, and many laughable moments captured in pixels. Scroll down and follow the links to visual memories galore!!!! And a special thanks has to go to the many people, especially tita Cecile and the Demano family who made our Thanksgiving possible,

Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08028184925789404388noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838461514640359708.post-91844872746966554392007-11-16T00:46:00.000-06:002007-11-18T20:35:02.355-06:00

These past few weeks have been full of many things, and not all of them positive. Being here however, is a process and a journey, learning to go with the flow and take all things in stride, remembering always that God is in everything, and would never give us things we can't handle. Sometimes we just have to figure out 1) why God trusts us so much? and 2) what we have to do with all that is on

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04383743401853097958noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838461514640359708.post-56626910466636651502007-11-13T10:12:00.000-06:002007-11-13T10:21:17.892-06:00

Hi everyone! Just passing thru to let you know the pics from "Tao Po" production are up on my blog as well as some updates =) Feel free to stop by and check it out.. my link is to the right: "Dianne's Blog" or go to: www.diannegk.blogspot.com Enjoy and have a great day! Thanks for all the continued love and support! God Bless~

Diannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06754933347344618381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838461514640359708.post-40612362997835658072007-10-24T01:29:00.000-05:002007-10-24T01:36:39.331-05:00

Hello Everyone, I just wanted to as everyone to keep all of the people effected by the fires in Southern California in your prayers. I just spoke with my family today and they are doing well and very positive, but they have said that these fires are worse than the ones that raged in 2003. The mix of dry land and relentless Santa Ana winds is making the fires hard to contain and many homes have

Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09270760470338316935noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838461514640359708.post-6292755863074010362007-10-22T04:18:00.000-05:002007-10-22T22:11:19.009-05:00

In light of recent events in Manila my mom asked me to inform all via blog that we are all alive and well and very busy. The past week all of us have been back in Manila working hard to prepare for the GK Expo taking place this weekend. It is a huge event designed to present the many programs of GK, their vision, the many accomplishments, and inspire all involved to greater action. I also

Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09270760470338316935noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838461514640359708.post-47101303374633575632007-10-21T20:53:00.000-05:002007-10-21T22:38:28.299-05:00

"Whatever town you enter and they welcome you, eat what is set before you, cure the sick in it and say to them, ‘The Kingdom of God is at hand for you.’” Luke 10: 1-9 A few weeks back I found myself feeling disconnected. Active, but not totally engaged. It was like I was wading in the shallow end of a pool too timid to dive into the deep end. Well.... I wouldn't say I have let myself be

Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09270760470338316935noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838461514640359708.post-82926642783360530032007-10-14T23:04:00.000-05:002007-10-15T00:20:14.189-05:00

A good friend of mine reminded me this morning that our friends and family members are reading this blog, and that they hadn't seen a new post from me or Heather in a while. So, here's what I've been meaning to write for two weeks ;-) - - - - - Heather and I are finishing up our frist stay here in Bicol. On Tuesday evening we will again brave the adventurous overnight bus ride back to

Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08028184925789404388noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838461514640359708.post-74372199497323881952007-10-08T04:56:00.000-05:002007-10-10T04:36:07.338-05:00

October 8, 2007 Hello all,...... I was recently given a reflection that had the basic question of “do you love the poor?” This made me laugh because this has been my prayer since I arrived here back in August. I was excited to begin finding the answer to this question. But as I struggled through the first 6 weeks trying to be affective in a particular job, I still felt that the answer to that

Jonathannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838461514640359708.post-58017082182109529892007-09-28T07:09:00.000-05:002007-09-28T07:14:17.628-05:00

Just when you think you're alone, God begins to multiply the harvest! That is, we started out as a group of six, and in just a short time, have already grown to TEN!!! (Ok, so two were here already, but still!) So, this post is to officially welcome Austin (yes, from Texas) and Santiago (a friend from Loyola, originally from Mexico!!!) to the Builders Corps!!! Please add these two gents to

Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08028184925789404388noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838461514640359708.post-7102883276001518402007-09-28T07:00:00.000-05:002007-09-28T07:21:51.575-05:00

We've just added this cool feature that allows us to post videos to our blog! Our first sample is from GKBC Zeus, who is spreading his wings in GK Vlogging (Video-Blogging, that is). Although Zeus calls himself the "7th GK Builders Corps member," the truth is that Zeus has been working at GH National with GKom since late 2006 (that actually makes him the FIRST!). Much to our dismay, he'll be

Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08028184925789404388noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838461514640359708.post-1378240044812542902007-09-28T05:27:00.000-05:002007-10-15T00:23:32.753-05:00

...But some things you do cuz you wanna! I've had some cool and crazy adventures in the last few days- adventures in ordinary ways, that is. But before that, I'm wondering if anyone out there has conducted or read any good research on phases or stages of Culture Shock. You probably know that Culture Shock is a common experience of travelers abroad. It is the physical and psychological

Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08028184925789404388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838461514640359708.post-1164741532674474242007-09-24T23:54:00.000-05:002007-09-25T01:18:33.724-05:00

This past weekend I attended a Bayani Build. This event brings in massive numbers of volunteers to work alongside of the beneficiaries to build their community. While GK is certainly significantly more than home building, the concrete actions of building house combined with the community building activities seem to bring out the Hero Spirit in one and all. When we let ourselves understand

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04383743401853097958noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838461514640359708.post-58140886799510554462007-09-17T05:05:00.000-05:002007-09-17T05:50:22.164-05:00

The past few days I have had that song running through my head. Day by day...day by day...Oh Dear Lord three things I pray...to see thee more clearly...to know thee more dearly...to follow thee more nearly...day by day... Each day here has been full of new information, new insight, and new challenges. Each day new ideas are sparked to meet this problem we see or address that issue they face.

Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09270760470338316935noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838461514640359708.post-25572497709363642802007-09-14T04:27:00.000-05:002007-09-14T04:43:34.705-05:00

I just wanted to share more quotes that I've heard while I've been here that have helped put GK and life in general into a new perspective. Enjoy :-) "Jesus was so far ahead of his time that 2000 years later, we still dont know how to love like him." "Dont compromise your values, compromise your methods." "Save the poor, save the environment. Save the environment, save the poor." "The work of

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04383743401853097958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838461514640359708.post-59677399179229296612007-09-12T22:52:00.000-05:002007-09-12T22:56:23.817-05:00

I just wanted to share some pics. here you go.. http://luc.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2078927&l=d56d9&id=20001885

Jonathannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838461514640359708.post-55299512174131527682007-09-11T05:46:00.000-05:002007-09-11T05:48:06.733-05:00

I have been debating for the last 2 weeks on how to share this experience of Gawad Kalinga with you. As much as I would like to share what's going on with myself, the story of GK is so amazing. So, I thought i'd do a compromise and share the similarities of our stories. Gawad Kalinga started not as a movement or a housing program but as an endeavor by some people dedicated to serving the

Jonathannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838461514640359708.post-71641899752632232912007-09-10T02:56:00.000-05:002007-09-14T02:12:48.015-05:00

Ok, so this is not a sheep (its mostly the back end of a Caribou), but its probably the closest thing to a sheep that I've got a picture of since I've been here. Actually, I don't know if I've ever taken a picture of a sheep... hmmmm... Ok, enough tangents. . . This Sunday I attended a rally where various Catholic groups put aside differences in charisms, differences in name and in songs of

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04383743401853097958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838461514640359708.post-11602960394137550802007-09-08T22:37:00.000-05:002007-09-10T08:19:40.225-05:00

It takes teamwork, great effort, and belief in one's self and friends. Today Heather and I joined the beneficiaries and caretaker team of our village, GK Libmanan, for fun and games in celebration of several birthdays, including momma Mary's. When we arrived we were treated to several dances, and of course had to dance ourselves (which was far better than our lame Karaoke attempt that

Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08028184925789404388noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838461514640359708.post-38834006559208348342007-09-06T21:57:00.000-05:002007-09-06T22:12:46.272-05:00

Dios Mabalos (Thank you)...Thank you for reading our blog...thank you for your prayers...and thank you for being on this journey with us. Patrick and I have moved to our assignment in Bicol. We have taken our long bus ride into the Province where roads only have two lanes, the houses are no taller than two stories and there is plenty of land next to each. The air is clean and the land is lush and

Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09270760470338316935noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838461514640359708.post-90362413422724938832007-09-05T04:12:00.000-05:002007-09-05T04:14:45.103-05:00

Just a little note to invite you to drop by my blog site. There's a link to the right "Dianne's Blog". Feel free to click on it for my blogs =) Salamat po and have a lovely day!

Diannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06754933347344618381noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838461514640359708.post-91528046126952656602007-09-05T03:34:00.000-05:002007-09-05T04:01:01.610-05:00

The other day a group of us were riding the bus when we noted that although we were traveling down what could be considered in the US a highwayesque type of road, the bus doors were still wide open. As a matter of fact, the bus doors here never close. It hadnt hit me before, but in the states, that would never happen. People would complain that it was unsafe or someone would get hurt etc etc...

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04383743401853097958noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838461514640359708.post-52775648747706674272007-08-27T02:07:00.000-05:002007-09-08T10:47:26.188-05:00

Ever dream of being a part of recorded history? Ever have that rare opportunity when you know that you are? That's what happened to us this weekend. The concept is simple, but the reality is truly revolutionary. The GK Builders Institute is an academic adventure that is first being undertaken by the Jesuit Ateneo de Manila University and the University of the Philippines. Both schools have

Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08028184925789404388noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838461514640359708.post-8311197932676977082007-08-23T23:56:00.000-05:002007-08-24T00:07:06.290-05:00

Hello Friends...I have only a moment, but I wanted to leave a note to share just a bit of my thoughts, feelings and prayers from the last few days. Each day we have been almost inundated with an abundance of enthusiasm and joy for the work being done in GK. We are continually meeting more and more people who have found themselves immersed in the work of restoring hope and dignity to the poor of

Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09270760470338316935noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838461514640359708.post-13584017546321205412007-08-22T21:07:00.000-05:002007-08-22T21:11:13.738-05:00

Hey all, Gawad Kalinga which describes itself as Radical Service with a mission to serve the poorest of the poor. I visited the Philippines last summer with GK, and I have been excited to return to work here because GK is just that, a radical take on service to the poor. As you can probably tell, I am pretty excited to be working with Gawad Kalinga and unfortunately it is not all for

Jonathannoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838461514640359708.post-83637905475010265472007-08-20T20:56:00.000-05:002007-08-20T21:08:09.283-05:00

So, we do a lot of that here. But it should be considered a nice contrast to the busy-ness of navigating traffic, or running from meeting to meeting. Later today we will travel to the GK sites that are partnered with Ateneo University. Last week we saw sites in Baseco(urban metro-Manila) and Calamba (in the Laguna Province). The houses and communities are beautiful, and there is a general

Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08028184925789404388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838461514640359708.post-70545791872403412112007-08-20T20:30:00.000-05:002007-08-20T20:53:42.189-05:00

We're here as has already been said. It's been amazing, but also overwhelming. The generosity of everyone we've met, and especially our host families has been astounding. We haven't had much immersion yet as we are still in our orientation phase. However, one of the full time workers reminded us to remember when we are going to the sites, we aren't just tourists. We need to look at the villages

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04383743401853097958noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838461514640359708.post-7915347119329485752007-08-16T03:25:00.001-05:002007-08-20T21:16:22.949-05:00

(pic 1 - Layover in Taipei; Pic 2 Heather and Beth leaving the Manila airport) ...the current outside tempurature is 30 degress celcius, and the weather is mild rain. On behalf of Philippine Air and this flight crew, we'd like to wish you a wonderful stay here in Manila. Mabuhay!" _____________ Yup, we've landed. And then some. Actually, it took our plane two tries to land, probably because

Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08028184925789404388noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838461514640359708.post-60721839842951493982007-08-16T03:25:00.000-05:002007-08-16T03:37:10.249-05:00

Hello Friends and Family! After 20 hours of travel, three in flight movies, and a five hour layover in Tai Pai, we have arrived in Manila. The welcome has been incredible and the people we are surrounded by have embraced us with open arms. It has been such a comfort. There has been so much to take in these last 48 hours that I haven't even really begun to process. From the moment we stepped off

Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09270760470338316935noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838461514640359708.post-91197296006162630402007-08-13T20:26:00.001-05:002007-08-13T20:33:37.838-05:00

In a few short minutes Heather and I will be headed to the LA Airport where we'll meet up with Beth and Jonathon, and then board an early-morning red-eye flight to to Manila. This is it. We're outta here. Needless to say, there's a bit of surreallism. For those of you that have checked in on this blog over the summer, you're probably feeling a bit of the build up too. All I have to say now

Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08028184925789404388noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838461514640359708.post-48545724532963461872007-08-12T16:19:00.000-05:002007-08-13T11:44:39.718-05:00

Tomorrow we leave and begin our arrivals to an entirely new and unknown part of our lives. So much goes through my mind when I think about all the possibilities and probabilities - those of you who know me probably understand this. But this past week I've been blessed to continue a traditional family vacation (dad's been going for about 35 years). It reminded me a lot about what I value and

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04383743401853097958noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838461514640359708.post-86520666489936745212007-08-09T05:42:00.000-05:002007-08-09T06:08:45.677-05:00

Hi yall! I know your all waiting in anticipation for tha GK adventure.... don't worry its right around the corner and before you know it you'll all be here! I'm really excited to finally be together in the Philippines!!! I pray that you all arrive here safely and in good spirits! May the Lord's angels watch over you and guide you... may they guide us all for an amazing, inspiring, productive,

Diannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06754933347344618381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838461514640359708.post-11076774799998238702007-08-06T14:27:00.000-05:002007-08-06T14:32:23.102-05:00

I just wanted to share with everyone that I am officially a NURSE! The day I arrived home in San Diego my mom checked the mail and found a large envelope from the California Board of Nursing...she screamed and dropped all the mail. At home we opened it to find my license! WooHOo! Thank you for your prayers and encouragement. Now all there is to wait for is this whole crazy Philippines thing...

Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09270760470338316935noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838461514640359708.post-11765174731216525532007-08-03T10:20:00.000-05:002007-08-10T16:20:47.150-05:00

driving - packing - driving - moving - driving- packing - driving - driving - unpacking - STOP. Finally. Did you notice a theme here? As Heather and I drove from Chicago to Cleveland she announced that we are now homeless (nothing personal, mom & dad). There is a striking reality, though when you realize that everything you own is packed into the back of a van and you are driving to a place where

Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08028184925789404388noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838461514640359708.post-51421368007597925652007-07-22T00:31:00.000-05:002007-08-03T10:34:36.510-05:00

I'm not sure exactly why, but I have in my mind the image of sailors preparing their vessel for a long voyage. Adequate preparation takes a bit of time, and all those trips up and down the gang-plank stir in one's self the desire to face the open sea, to be already departed. No, we have no boat to ready, and we will only face the open sea from about 60,000 feet up, but in many ways, all the

Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08028184925789404388noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838461514640359708.post-86818070889289954882007-07-11T22:11:00.000-05:002007-07-16T10:49:37.723-05:00

Based on what I'm going to be doing, I've gotten a lot of questions from people about my faith. Today, I was asked if I was a Christian. As a Catholic, I consider myself Christian, so I responded that yes I was. However, the person I was speaking with apparently does not consider Catholics Christians and what came next was a rant about the faults of Catholics, and why his denomination was correct

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04383743401853097958noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838461514640359708.post-66168841625949450052007-07-11T02:53:00.000-05:002007-07-11T02:55:59.005-05:00

Many find it hard to understand how I could just quit my job and fund a 6 month mission to serving the poor (mind you I’m not exactly rich), leaving behind my comforts and “securities” I have in the States. But actually, it is exactly THAT which has given me more life! It is a high honor to serve the poor. I have realized my true value as a human and a child of God thru such an honor. We call

Diannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06754933347344618381noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838461514640359708.post-44461714110541279492007-07-11T02:40:00.000-05:002007-07-11T02:46:35.547-05:00

Congratulations on your fight ticket purchases =) I'm so excited for you guys, I can't wait till you get here!! It’s going to be an amazing life changing experience! You will see yourself transform magically.... lol i like romanticizing things sometimes. But in all honesty, it's true. And it'll be nice to have the whole BC "1st batch" growing together!! yaaaay Joanne's coming sooner!!!!

Diannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06754933347344618381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838461514640359708.post-35607525835183209882007-07-10T18:05:00.000-05:002007-07-13T16:59:32.939-05:00

While so many things seemed to almost miraculously fall into place for all the initial GK prep, now the details and the little stuff needing to be done before we leave seem to have accumulated quickly to a whole lot of work. It's been difficult to keep focused on the fact that all the little steps (moving out of my apartment, leaving work and saying goodbye to a lot of people who have impacted me

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04383743401853097958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838461514640359708.post-66075402149175347452007-07-09T22:20:00.000-05:002007-07-10T17:34:50.581-05:00

STUFF We finally bought our tickets!!! AAAHHHHHHHH!!!! I guess this really means we're going!Joanne was able to get her schedule moved up so that can start volunteering at the same time as the Chicago 4! That's great! Heather and I got our VISAs - when we were down at the consulate, the staff noticed "Gawad Kalinga Volunteer" on my application and commented on the work that GK is doing, as well

Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08028184925789404388noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838461514640359708.post-5527804507279013442007-06-29T10:34:00.000-05:002007-06-29T11:05:30.857-05:00

The time just seems to be flying as it usually does during the days of summer, but this time its different. The anticipation of leaving the country and being immersed in a new culture and work that will exciting, undoubtedly challenging, and moving is difficult to manage. Another difficulty is realizing how little time I have been able to spend with my family. I love them and I miss them. I have

Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09270760470338316935noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838461514640359708.post-34495402658895583402007-06-28T22:37:00.000-05:002007-06-28T22:48:55.874-05:00

It's true, blessings are everywhere. I hope that's obvious by the content of this blog - AMDG. With little money in my pocket, and even less set aside for our 6 months in the Philippines, God has begun to fulfill his promise: "Go, and I will take care of you." Whether it's the individuals who have hunted down affordable tickets, or the generous folks who have offered to buy them; whether it's

Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08028184925789404388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838461514640359708.post-58394220008271427772007-06-12T01:41:00.000-05:002007-06-12T01:55:33.880-05:00

Ah yes, I thought I might as well admit it: we have to do fundraising. No one is ever excited about fundraising (Ok, I actually know two people who get VERY excited about fundraising). But most people aren't excited about fundraising. It's horrible to constantly have people asking you for money, and all for good causes. Whether it's the guy on the street who may or may not buy boos with your

Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08028184925789404388noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838461514640359708.post-63194833061459080612007-06-10T01:55:00.000-05:002007-06-20T22:44:09.589-05:00

Heather had a conversation today with a friend that went something like this: "So, any plans for the weekend?" "Well, this afternoon, Patrick and I are going to a graduation party for a student of his." "Oh, that sounds nice." "Yeah, and then we're going to a ballet recital for one his swimmers." "Oh, that sounds...busy." "Yup." Heather told me she stopped their because she thought her friend

Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08028184925789404388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838461514640359708.post-89598187937639734142007-05-29T22:44:00.000-05:002007-05-29T22:52:30.380-05:00

This is a special and personalized post just for tita Oma and tito Mon who played host to the 6 of us during our weekend in San Francisco. Tita and Tito, we all had such a great time meeting you, and your generousity made us feel more than at home. Thank you so much for everything you have done to encourage us and bring us into the GK Builders Corps fold. Thanks for all of the rides and the

Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08028184925789404388noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838461514640359708.post-39544850391820624582007-05-25T23:50:00.000-05:002007-06-12T02:17:21.889-05:00

One of my favorite images in the Bible comes from the book of Genesis... I think we all too often think of God as the Almighty Creator, white flowing gowns, curly beard, and all-knowing intellect. Thus, when it the writer says the God made Adam out of clay, it's like God waves his hand and the dust of the desert takes the shape of human being. Instead try this: the desert dust is blowing around,

Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08028184925789404388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838461514640359708.post-48358949527057516572007-05-24T18:00:00.000-05:002007-05-24T18:17:13.812-05:00

Okay...I have another confession...I thought managing a blog was going to be tedious. I thought it would be a little lame, but I was very wrong. These reflections are pieces of our innermost self. These our thoughts that truly reflect what drives our love and passion. Every person faces doubt and fear. I struggle with feelings of inadequacy more often than I let myself admit, but in our weakness

Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09270760470338316935noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838461514640359708.post-10343790299440748802007-05-24T12:39:00.000-05:002007-05-24T13:04:18.011-05:00

People have been asking me what I am up to next year and I keep responding telling them about this program called Gawad Kalinga. Every time I do that, I feel like I am not giving GK the credit it deserves, because GK is more than a program. It is a Mission to Restore Dignity into the Lives of the Poor. It is a holistic approach to serve one another starting with the poorest of the poor, which I

Jonathannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838461514640359708.post-49796195616055996962007-05-24T10:40:00.000-05:002007-05-24T10:55:52.789-05:00

"GK is Radical Optimism." "Hope Ignites, Hope Attracts, Hope Knows No Boundaries, Knows No Borders." "Good News Sells. We just have to be responsible for creating it." "It is important that our hearts are pure, & it is Love that can make us pure." "Bring the Poor out of Hell in this life, Don't just promise them heaven in the next." "It is Love, not Pity, which will save the Poor." "Plans Change

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04383743401853097958noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838461514640359708.post-54659695024213307882007-05-24T10:09:00.000-05:002007-05-31T08:39:10.202-05:00

As Patrick has made quite obvious to us and now made public on the post, the other members of this blog have been noticeably absent. For me it comes down to not knowing what to say – not that there isn’t anything to say -but that there is just so much that it is easy to be blown away by the sheer power of God at work in our lives. There have been so many things that have just made this seem right

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04383743401853097958noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838461514640359708.post-58157845345381439082007-05-24T02:16:00.000-05:002007-05-24T02:50:26.304-05:00

So as Patrick has said...it begins. This crazy adventure we have talked, joked, and prayed about is coming to be. This weekends summit was packed full and at some points was almost overwhelming, but it was so incredibly needed. Prior to this weekend my nerves were starting to get the best of me. What are we doing? Does it make sense? Are we just being crazy idealists? Well the truth is...maybe

Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09270760470338316935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838461514640359708.post-63838683348799824112007-05-23T22:51:00.000-05:002007-05-23T23:01:18.073-05:00

While in San Fran this weekend I made Beth and Jonathan and Heather promise to write their own posts. So, for those of you that are their friends and are looking for stories from them and are tired of having only one perspective on this chaos, encourage them to check in and share their stories ;-) We had a great time at the Summit. Here's a few highlights, and I'll update some pictures, and

Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08028184925789404388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838461514640359708.post-2530887836251968472007-05-18T12:15:00.000-05:002007-05-23T22:49:42.106-05:00

So-- TODAY is the day. Up to this point, much of this inspired mission has been talk and prayer, but this afternoon the four of us will get on a plane and actually begin to walk along this journey. Are we excited, for sure. But to be honest, Beth and Heather and I joked this morning that about the time we are going to fly over Denver we'll have a Freak-Out moment and all four of us will let

Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08028184925789404388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838461514640359708.post-58540218682461555482007-05-14T00:25:00.000-05:002007-05-14T00:27:44.504-05:00

We'd like to congratulate Heather on her graduation from Loyola- she is now officially a BSN, and no longer a college student!!! We're proud of you, and blessed to be your friends (and more ;-) )!! Good Luck on your Boards, Heather!!! (Just imagine what God might do with all of that compassionate medical know-how!)

Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08028184925789404388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838461514640359708.post-24024739123661027622007-05-09T23:32:00.000-05:002007-05-14T00:25:23.930-05:00

So, this post is a little late, but I have a feeling that's how it will be once we actually get to Manila, or other places where we'll be working- and computers are not around. Last Thursday, the four of us were summoned to San Francisco (which I can't say we lament), to attend the annual GK summit. Following this exciting jam-packed weekend we'll be having our orientation- a couple months early

Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08028184925789404388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838461514640359708.post-33228036921598750912007-04-15T16:57:00.000-05:002007-04-15T17:29:43.238-05:00

Well, it's true. Some of you have heard. Jonathan, Heather, Beth and myself have all applied for the Gawad Kalinga Builders Corps. If accepted, our GKBC Mission will start in mid-August, 2007. If you care to know what's happening to us and like to go on crazy adventures, check back here for weekly postings. Go with us in spirit, and your prayers can help make a difference! If you'd like more

Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08028184925789404388noreply@blogger.com0