New Builders Corps!!!!

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 your prayer lists, and look for links to their own on-line adventures in our link list in the future. Welcome to the Philippines guys! I hope you brought your umbrellas!

Zeus' Video Blog

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 returning home in November =( "But Zeus, we've only just arrived!!!" We're going to miss his fun and wacky presence, but he isn't gone yet, so check out his video-blogs, or "vlogs," as we call 'em, and get a fresh angle on GKBC! ****TIP FOR A BETTER VLOGGING EXPERIENCE**** If your download speed is slow (you have low bandwidth) let your computer stream the entire video once, and then watch it again from the beginning. It should be smooth, with great sound and video quality the second time. Enjoy!

Some things you do 'cuz you hafta...

...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 response to being immersed into a whole new world - a new culture - that is so foreign it overwhelms the senses. Well, like all living things, most humans have the capacity to adjust, and they do, and things which were once foreign become ordinary. Has there ever been a study done about when the process reverses??? Here's what 'm talking about: Two days ago, Heather and I were walking down the street, and a bunch of teens were going into a school. We both did a double-take when we noticed a young blond fellow standing a head taller than the rest of the crowd, but wearing the same uniform, and obviously also on his way to school. Then yesterday, I was walking out of the small street shop where we had lunch, when out of the corner of my eye I noticed a Caucasian man sitting on a stool behind the service counter. Catching my glance, he stood up and introduced himself. Terry is not just from the U.S., but he is actually from the west suburbs of CLEVELAND!!!! I learned that he had been in Naga for about 1 year, and that he would soon be married to the women who owns and runs the shop where we had lunch. Basically, he was just hangin there with his lady. As I walked away musing about my run-in with a man from Cleveland in the middle of Naga, I passed another tall Caucasian (I avoided his gaze, however, because I was late for my jeepnee). I hopped a trike to the jeepnee terminal, and while entertaining a thought resembling "Wow, my whole world is turning white!" (excuse the ego-centric racism for a moment) I looked up and landed my eye on the Nagaland YMCA! I couldn't believe it! These encounters filled my jeepnee ride with curious thoughts about the stages of culture shock- or getting over it- and what you call that stage when things that were once normal and commonplace are now so surprising they stop you in your tracks. Of course, little do I accept that even as we walk down the street here, most Filipinos will steal a second glance, if not outrightly stare at us. I guess don't feel entirely out of place anymore, and that was only confirmed when I came across these little reminders of life in the U.S. It's a curious mix between sometimes forgetting I'm so different and sometimes being deeply immersed in the reality that we're all just the same. -------------------------------- And now for the action-adventures ---------------------------- When I got to the Jeepnee terminal, I climbed into the Calambanga jeepnee, which filled very quickly. That is always a good thing because sometimes the jeepnee won't leave until it is nearly full, or the driver will drive very slowly still trying to get more passengers. Anyway, the jeep was so full that there was no room for the last passenger, so I offered to let her have my seat. Gentlemanly, you might think. In truth, it was a selfish move. See, when the woman took my seat, it meant that I got to ride on the back of the jeepnee, with my feet on a small platform, standing up straight holding onto a thin roof-rack welded to the top. This is a ride I have wanted to experience since I first saw it done in Manila! Because the jeepnee was full, the driver wasted no time. We sped away quickly, wind blowin through my hair, my back comfortably extended fully, and the muscles in my body flexing to maintain their balance on the small platform against the movement of the jeep. What a rush! We were riding along at about 40 miles/hour and I was thinking of the rush of jet-skiing. God must have decided that this was a good analogy because he felt the need to add a little water. So, here I am, cruzin on the back of the jeepnee, rain pelting me in the face - not lots, just hard- and still the wind in my hair and an ear to ear grin. I think the fare collector who was also hanging on the back thought I was nuts cuz I wouldn't stop smiling! Finally, when we were almost to Calambanga, enough people had got off the jeep that the fare collector insisted I sit down. I obliged him, but took home the sweet thrill of an on-road rollercoaster. I'll definitely take that ride every chance I get! ------- Today's adventure was my first ride on the back of a motorcycle. This story is probably less exciting to those of you who are motorcycle enthusiasts, but for me, it was another great ride. Of course, the jet-ski analogy returned immediately, but as we sloshed our way down the muddy path that leads to GK Bonot, I couldn't help but accept the reality that if you fall off a jet-ski, the water is much kinder than the land is if you fall off a motorbike. To add to the excitement today, the rain was thick and falling fast our whole 4 km ride. Riding the bike, I decided, was a little more like sailing- you're whole body flexed to maintain your balance on a constantly shifting terrain- especially in the mud! I should mention that motorbikes are a regular form of transportation throughout the Philippines. In spite of the obvious safety risks which are increased exponentially by the lack of driving courtesy here, the bikes offer an affordable and highly efficient mode of transportation. It was one more thing I really wanted to try. Now, for you motorcycle enthusiasts, a practical question: What does one do when the motorbike necessarily comes to short and sudden stops? The strain on my arms was quite intense. Any suggestions? ------- That's it for today(other than walking through ankle-deep typhoon rainfall). Heather and I are continuing our work in Bicol. I have been working with a new site - GK Bonot - that I hope to continue working with for several months. We'll see what mission control says. Keep us in your prayers, and know that you are in ours! Peace Out!

Bayani Build

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 that the houses we are building are the basis for the community to have a home, hopefully our perspective on the event changes. We go from the task oriented mentality of "what work is next?" to the more of general focus of "what gifts do I have to share?" This second question understands the significance of giving back all that we have been given. So even though the building may be a central focus, the event involves so much more. Throughout the build there are challenges in athletics (throwing the buco), singing contests (random karoake songs), dancing, and telling stories of both beneficiaries and volunteers. We begin to see that work of building homes cannot be separated from rebuilding and remolding lives. Its about understanding and engaging people on all their levels. Everyone has some value, some talent to contribute. We all need each other if things are going to work out. For example, I now know that while my gifts may not be those of physical construction, or even karaoke or dancing, I have many other things to contribute. Without even knowing where or how best to apply the gifts which I have, I know I have a place. I pray that I will let God work through me until I find which program I can call home while I am here. Know I continue to pray that each of you is able to find your home and your community with which you are able to best serve and share your gifts with the world as well. Love and God Bless as Always.

Day by Day...

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. It's exciting and quickly becomes a tad overwhelming in the process of transforming it from an idea to a program being implemented in the real world. In realm of health care there are a million causes that could be taken up in the Philippines. Hypertension, hygiene, tuberculosis, motor vehicle safety, sanitation, tobacco use...the list goes on and on. When I first I got here there were things everywhere that popped out at me. I could hear the voices of my nursing instructors talking about how bad soda is for kids, pregnant mothers should have this supplement and eat this kind of vegetable, make sure to wear your mask when you take care of the tuberculosis patient. There became a lot to pray for. Reality bites hard. The truth is life doesn't always happen by the book. I knew this coming in, but the reality has much more impact when the faces of poverty become the faces of your friends. Each new friend needs so much, but it all comes down to the basics...water, food and income. Day by day I learn more and more that what is being asked of me is not to think of ways to solve all the problems, but to serve with love. To love by allowing myself to be all that I am. Praying day by day.

More Quotes I Like

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 human development waits for nobody." "Every person's calling is to live as a human being and therefor needs to live in conditions fit for a human being." "We cannot create a sustainable corporation when the community is mired in poverty." "Get mad, Madly in Love." "Goodness is not enough. You have to be a great person, and to be a great person, you need to be great for others." "Be the yeast that brings it all together." "Walk the Talk" Thats it for now. Talk to you all soon. God Bless and Know you are Loved.

here are some pics

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

Humble Beginnings

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 poor. They went into the largest squatter area in the Philippines to learn what makes people turn into thieves and gang members and possibly serve them however they could. After teaching a bit of values formation, they realized that the message of self love was not being understood because the residents they were teaching were not able to focus on their message. They'd return home to their squatter homes and go back to the values they know. That's when GK was born back in 1995 (i think). They realized that they needed to care for the basic needs of the people ( i.e. food and shelter) before any form of values formation could be taught. GK started over 10 years ago with a simple mission to love the poor. I came here over 3 weeks ago with the same mission, but I too have had to struggle to understand how I can best serve. For the first 2 weeks, I was being shipped around with the other volunteers going from speaker to speaker learning about GK, seeing villages, talking to GK residents, and eating lots of rice. Now, I am in the southern region of Mindinao beginning to learn how to best serve. I arrived here a week ago and have spent my time learning how to make organic fertilizer, raising pigs, harvesting crops, and planting for the next season. As I am learning the means to making money for the different villages, I am better able to help them develop more efficient means of production and marketing of the products. So, I am actually learning quite a bit about things I never thought I would know about. But I believe in time, I'll be able to be a part of a growing industry of GK Productivity. So, that is exciting. This is all for now.. i'll be back soon with the next step in the journey.

Feed My Sheep

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 worship to acknowledge that there is something greater than these differences. There is the call to end poverty - the call to feed the sheep of the Lord - to be shepherds to all. In putting aside their differences they also each acknowledged that they recognized that this call is being fulfilled through the work of Gawad Kalinga. Beside the multitudes of people, the spirit that I felt was awesome - the power, the passion and the promise of results when that many people come together makes one pause and be grateful. Stories of leaders recognized and of heroes typically unsung- the spirit of the generosity of the poor - woke the attendees up to know again that this call is not just about being generous when its convenient or when we want to - the call to serve all our fellow humans is constant, and honestly quite often inconvenient. This does not lesson the call any; quite the opposite; it only strengthens the necessity to respond. Yes, it requires work. It requires sacrifice. It requires pushing past the limits we thought were our own only to realize that when you are doing the work of God, there are no limits because God never gives us what we can't handle. If we have been called to eradicate poverty and to restore the dignity of all peoples, we shouldn't consider it impossible or ideal - we should just open ourselves to the reality of God at work in each and every heart. As I challenge myself to work through my own imposed limits, I challenge each of you as well to see what may be knocking on your door - what do you ignore because you think its not possible or plausible? What could you do if you allowed God full control of the reigns and weren't put off because had to ask you 3xs to Feed His Sheep, when each time you had already responded positively. There is always more work to be done. Cheers to getting it done happily and joyfully. As always God Bless and thank you for what you do already.

Pole Climbing 101...

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 ended the day), coconut milk straight from the nut, and an incredible dose of blessings from about 50 Bikolano children, most under 7 years old. The whole day was filled with food and fun, games and contests. Among our favorites were the Tomato Dance (pictured) and the the pole climbing. Two poles were mointed in the ground the day before. Each is about 15 feet tall, and they were about 15 feet apart. When we first got there, several youngsters, mostly boys, were testing and showing off their strength by quickly scurrying to the top. When it came time for the contest, however, the poles had been coated with a red grease. The boys 7-12 were put on one pole, the boys 13-18 were put on the other. The objective, of course, was to be the first to the top to retrieve the Philippines flag, and thereby claim the cash prize. The result was a solid 30 minutes of laughter, effort, and teamwork. Of course, this activity occurred under close supervision of a medical professional. DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME. ............... (PS This is Joel. Guess who's in love with him...)

Dios Mabalos

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 green. In the midst of the hustle and the bustle of Manila with the million jeepneys, trikes, buildins and people it is a welcome burst of freshness here in Bicol. I believe more than the space and beauty the renewal in my spirit comes from knowing that this is where I can invest my heart. These are the people I will be living and working with, at least for the next month. This is where my purpose with in GK becomes a bit more defined. It is funny how finding purpose can bring with it such a feeling of renewal. It is not that anything has actually been accomplished, but rather that a direction has been found to do the work we feel called to do. So once again thank you for being with us. Thank you for you thoughts and prayers of encouragement that give us strength and empower us to embrace this opportunity and all of its blessings. I pray for you and your journey as well.

Hi There!

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!

Doors Wide Open

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... Yet before it was brought up, I never even really felt it was odd or unsafe. It just was how things worked. I think this concept of the doors open riding down a highway is a good image for what working with GK can feel like. GK does things a lot of people would consider crazy and impossible. They've brought housing and peaceful communities to the poorest of the poor, violent areas that now not only have a shot at peace and livelihood, but are now on their way to self sustainability. They are bringing together organizations and people from all levels and all walks of life. The things that GK has done has turned what many people would consider idealism into reality. Yet that reality certainly means taking risks, and being open for whatever the road brings. At this moment, the road brings lots of changes - constantly. The challenge is certainly to be able to respond positively - that ok, its not what I'm used to, and hey, it may not even be my preference (I am one much more for the not gray areas in life), but this is something that is working to restore dignity, to restore hope and honestly seems to be love in action. Being open and active in my discernment and awareness is key to being able to contribute to this program - where ever and however I best fit in. So its ok, I tell myself, that my project is lax in definition or goal, or when I do get goals that they seem so big as its impossible to complete. The longer I am here, the more certain I am that this is where I am supposed to be, and that as uncertain as it seems to me now, God definitely has a plan for me here. So please join me in prayers for not just myself, but all my fellow GKBC travelers as we journey and now as we part to our individual challenges and locations. I pray that we all are able to respond to greatness before us welcomingly, positively and with hearts full of faith and love so that we are able to fully serve our greatest purpose in God's design in each moment. Cause thats how GK works. Thanks as always for your continued support in our adventures. Love and God Bless