Day 3-4...Visiting the Homeland

So if you thought the last post was long, sit down for this one ;)

So yesterday, Monday, I had breakfast again (as I probably will every day that I stay at the Ignacio's) with Lola and Tita and Ernie, who is Tita Merch's cousin and the family driver. I got to call Cameron and both parents which was very cool and then went to Rosary and Mass at the Chapel next door with Lola.

Honestly, (sorry Uncle Pat) I don't remember the last time that I've prayed the rosary so hard. I was kind of like meditating in the repetitive prayer and just asking Mary to intercede for some more guidance for me. For all the non-Catholics, I'm just gonna throw in that I pray to Mary to intercede, just as you all are interceding for me :) Anyway, then there was Mass and the Homily definitely spoke to my heart. The priest was talking about not living an empty religious life, but to actually LIVE out your faith, in whatever way God gifted you to live it out.

I am learning more about Lola (Merch's mom) which means Grandma in Tagalog, and she is a great example of someone who lives out her faith. Her whole life is devoted to the Lord by helping serve in her congregation. At St. Stephen's in Valley Center, I would say she is the ultimate steward ha. Years ago, she pushed in her community and felt God was telling her to build a new church in their neighborhood of Loyola Heights. She started painting out of melted recycled crayons and a eye shaped cut out aluminum can as her brush. She paints mostly flowers which have a very Realist feel. She raised enough money on her own to start building the church and has since become a very well known elder in her town. Since I have been here, she has had lunch with different priests, nuns and other high status Filipinos, who come to her for advice.

I guess I am telling you all this because this woman is so inspiring to me. She has dedicated her whole life to the Lord, in her own specific way. It stands out to me because I am searching for MY way to serve him. What is YOUR way?

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After mass, I went to Greenhills with Ernie, which is an even HUGER mall than the first and bought my first pair of freshwater pearl earrings for only 150 pesos which is about $5.00!!! WHAT?! Ha, I also learned that Filipino men aren't as fun to shop with as my bartering Tita Merch haha...

On the way back, stuck in traffic of course, I got to talk to Ernie. God seemed to bring himself up in conversation and Ernie started talking about his walk with the Lord. Long story short, he was cradle Catholic, but not until he mete his bride did he really get to personally know and love God. His wife Veron was diagnosed with Lupos, cancer of the liver, and told that she was going to die. Her wish was to marry and so Ernie asked her hand in marriage. All of their family and friends prayed and prayed and now, after many years, Veron and Ernie have 3 daughters, all in college and Veron dedicated her life to being a Catechist at the local Elementary school. Because her cancer is coming back, she must quit her job and have more rest. Love and prayers for Veron's health, but many thanks and praise to the Lord who answers prayers and sustains life.

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Then last night, I got the chance to accompany Merch to an exclusive Art Exhibit in Makati (the La Jolla or Banker Hill of Manila) of her dear friend Mrs. Dans. She is being considered to be a Philippine National Artist, which is the highest honor an artist can receive as a Filipino. Needless to say, she is a VERY talented woman. If you have seen Eat Pray Love, like Julia Roberts marveled at the beauty of Rome, I got to marvel at some of the most beautiful artwork I have ever seen. Mrs. Dans is a precious little Filipina Realist who uses many different mediums, but my favorite was her watercolor of calado, which is a hand embroidered lace handkerchief. Google Araceli Limcaco Dans and check out her art :)

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Today I woke up by a knock on my door and Merch told me I had a visitor! My friend Richard from the plane over here surprised me and came to take me to Subic Bay, as I had told him I was born there. He was so sweet to drive me a whole 2 hours up to Subic, but it was kind of a weird deal since the Ignacio family doesn't know him. Tita was very protective, and gave him an interrogation, which reminded me of something a Father would do to a boy taking his daughter on a date. Tita was very classy about it, and I am so grateful for her care. Lola was the one who was still skeptical haha...anyway, I headed off with Richard and we ate at my first abroad Starbucks! Let me tell you, it was exactly the same except they have even MORE pastries! Delicious and much needed caffeine boost.

We got talking about everything as we drove past the most beautiful Kelly green rice fields and little NepaEy-reen?" (ha) "Do you believe in fate?" In the the back of my mind, I kind of dreaded what was coming, because our easy friendship seemed too good to be true. I said yes, I believe that God has a plan for us already...? and here was what he said:

"I really think that it was God's fate that brought us together. You know, this is the first time being back home since me and my ex broke up, and so if I wasn't with you, I would be sitting at home doing nothing. When I found out you were doing missionary work on the plane, I thought, wow, I want to spend my time doing something good like that. Sunday, when you called, I was so excited. My mom said it was the first time she saw me smile since i had been back. (I think he is sad being back and not with his gf) I am so excited to hang out with you and go help people who need it." (Hope I got all that right Richard haha)

Behind my aviator glasses were tears welling up. I was so flattered and so thankful that God made us cross paths. No matter what Lola says, ha, I know that Richard and I have many future adventures to come. The Lord definitely put us in each other's lives for a reason and I am very excited to see what that is.

On to Beautiful Subic Bay, I was SO excited to see the sign for it, I could not believe I was there. I had always thought about what it was like, and Mom and Dad- you guys did not do it justice! Ha, you guys, it is so green, so luscious, so clean and has so much richness. We drove past the airport that my Dad probably did a thousand landings and take-offs, and after asking several times for directions, we found my old house in Bayani village off of Mango Dr. Honestly, I wasn't sure exactly which one was my parents, but Richard and I took enough pictures to ensure we got it ha. We just sat at the bus stop at the top of the street and soaked in the little history that I had there. It was such an awesome feeling- like an overwhelming presence, and a marveling, retrospective aspect of God's creation. (That was a jumble of words ha but that's the best I can do) It was a beautiful moment for little Erin Murphy the Filipina :)

We then drove up to Cubi which is a little hill above the actual bay and had lunch and got fat and walked down to where we thought the Cubi "O" club was. (Dad, I think they must've either torn it down or built over it) We did find the exact viewpoint that my Dad described which was also breathtaking. rich green surrounding that blue bay, and I could only imagine the memories my parents had had there. Then Lola called all worried so we had to head back to get back "before dark" ha. Needless to say, it was only 3:30 but too late because it took almost 5 HOURS to get home!!! Worst part of Manila is the traffic and careless Jeepney drivers. We finally got home and everyone was relieved, except Richard who felt so horrible for getting me home so late, even though there was nothing we could do about it. Lola and Tita still love you Richard! :)

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So! There are my past two days! I guess what I learned, or "got out of it" was the intricate stories that God has woven through these wonderful people. He really does write straight with crooked lines, Ellen :) and Uncle Brian- I have seen Jesus in almost EVERYONES eyes that I've come in contact with!! ha, I am in tears right now, just thinking about how amazing God works, in SO many different ways. It is just up to us to accept Him and accept his will upon us. He us just so obviously present here, His spirit overwhelms me. I am so so thankful to be here- I feel like the Grinch, my heart is growing so big and full, its about to pop out of me!

You guys, this is just so beautiful. I can't even tell you how He is moving me, and those around me. I am so in love with Him and all He has created.

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My awesome Father-
You have created such a handsome and detailed universe, your Glory shines through all living things. I can only imagine what heaven must be like since there are earthly things so beautiful that I could just stare and marvel for hours. Thank you so much for these wonderful people you have put in my life.


Lord I ask your blessings for Lola Remy Ignacio. She is a true handmaiden of the Lord and I thank you for her as an example of stewardship. For Ernie and Veron, that Veron will fufill your will for her here on earth, and to be with her family in good times and bad. For Araceli Limcaco Dans, that she continues to glorify you with her talents in the rest of her years. For my new friend Richard, that you light his path and guide him closer to you. Flood his heart with your spirit, as you have mine, and help me to be his a good sister in Christ. For my wonderful Tita Merch, that you may bless her for her never-ending generosity and love. For everyone back home that is reading this, that you may speak to them in whatever way they need to hear. 


Lord you are the Holiest of holies and the Almighty Father of all. I praise you so hard and with all my might for your love and mercy. I am so grateful for everything in this life. I ask you to be further present in me and guide me on my trip to Malibay to be with the Sisters tomorrow. I love you. 
Amen.

Day 2- March 6..Adventures with Merch

Today was a little less jet-lagged and I feel like we packed a million things into one day. Let me just tell you guys that Manila is one crazy city.

First, I went on a little run this morning around the neighborhood which is so peaceful and green and beautiful. Everyone just stares and smiles, and most say "Hi mom" meaning "Hello mam" but it cracks me up that everyone calls me Mom haha. I'm already falling in love with the Filipino culture. Merch's mom Remy, a glorious 80-something-year-old, makes sure that I eat a lot and try all the Filipino dishes. We sit down for every meal, which is so foreign to me since I am used to Starbucks drivethru's and grabbing something on my way out the door. It's nice to sit and talk and never be rushed. That's "Filipino time".

Merch took me to a Sunday Flea Market which was so busy and had so many distracting but rich, sights, smells and faces. It's even more LA garment district-like then the Tiendasitas from yesterday. It's a bunch of tarps over tables of ALL different kinds of food, and of course theres a clothes section, and also an exotic plants section. It's kind of like a Farmers Market but 5x bigger and 10x more intense. I got to try some Filipino specialties, but the one that stands out is what Merch calls "Chocolate soup". It's pork in this chocolate colored broth that is salty and flavorful and delicious. She told me AFTER that it was BLOOD SOUP!! Ha gross, but actually pretty tasty.

After the shopping, we went into downtown Manila. It is a dirty and stinky of people and deisel, but it is the reality of the native culture. Traffic was crazy and there are Jeepneys and Trikes all over (you should google both of those ;)). We went to Quiapo Church (DEF google that) which is the biggest Catholic church in the Philippines and the largest one I've ever seen. Merch's brother is the Parish Pastor there. It was the most overwhelming feeling to push through the sea of people into a huge rectangle building with very very high ceilings. Its probably as big as a football feild- crammed with people. We walked through the church, with tears building up behind my wide eyes into the Sunday market, another flea market but different. The first one was more "middle class" and this one was just EVERYONNNEEE, from dirt poor, to wealthy- everyone goes to Quiapo. Vendors were selling everything from sandals to purses, to seashells, to nasty smelling dried sardine-looking-fish, to toys and balloons. Merch was great at bartering, because everyone tries to rip off the white chick :)

When i get a chance, I will put up pics/video and you guys will get a little taste of how absolutely overwhelming it is. I was just shoulder to shoulder with people, guarding my purse and eating a weird orange. Let me just say, I was very happy to take a shower tonight.

Then we went to Old Manila, called Intronuros, where there is a big wall surrounding a few churches/cathedrals and old houses and buildings. We ate at a restaurant run by the Bishops of the Philippines called Restorante delle Mistre which means restaurant of the Bishop's hat. It refers to the headress that the Lord instructed Moses to make for the sons of Aaron, check out Exodus 28:40. Anyway, the whole reason we went there was because Lola (grandma) Remy told us to ha, and how funny the Lord works because here is where the good stuff happens...

So, my camera died and we decided to get lunch before we started to head back. Lo and behold, in the restaurant were three nuns, just chillin, and I went  up and started talking to them and Merch helped me explain that I wanted to do Missionary work etc. Ironic that they were the order of sisters called Missionary Catechists of St. Therese. Missionaries ha. They were so happy when I explained about what I felt called to do and directed us to the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent De Paul, which is the order of Nuns that I have been in touch with! We went to St. Vincent De Paul orphanage and met the sweetest Sister and I got to meet some kids there. They were all playing with my wild red hair and were so facsinated with the feathers. The girls kept asking me if I knew Taylor Swift ha. The kids were older so its hard to find things for me to do, especially because not many speak English. The Sister then directed us to El Hospicio de San Jose which houses orphans AND SPECIAL NEEDS KIDS!!!! Um hello. Yes.

Soooo....(sorry this is exhaustingly long, but I am so excited!!) we talked to the administration and I have to write a letter to the Sisters, explaining my purpose in coming and wanting to help there. They were more guarded about their kids, but I think we'll be able to work something out.

And ALL this happened because God let my camera die. He was telling me "Stop being a tourist Erin, and be a MISSIONARY!" lol. Merch and I had many laughs about how He was just guiding us all day long.

I feel like I already have a thousand more stories, but that's enough for now :)

Sweet sweet Lord. Thank you for being such a bright light today. Thank you for bring my ultimate guide. I promise to keep you in the front of my mind and remember why I am here. Please keep showing me the way. I am listening. 
I love you with all my heart and soul. 
Amen.

Day 1!! March 5, 2011 6:30PM

I cannot believe I am sitting at a computer on the opposite side of the world from all you. This has been the most exciting, and absolutely longest day of my life- in a good way :)

I got to Manila at 4 AM after a 14 hour flight, and took a crazy drive to the house where I am staying, which is in Quezon City. The wonderful woman I am staying with is Merch who has generously opened her home to me. She lived in San Fransisco for 28 years, so her English is flawless but also knows the ins and outs of the Philippines. God seriously placed me into the perfect hands for my young and naive heart.

I'm telling you right now, I am going to come back with a little extra LBs because they eat 5x a day! The food is delicious, and I get to have Japanese food tonight after church at 7.

Merch took me around Quezon City to a little outside mall called Tiendalitas (I think) that had tons of antiques and then a whole clothing section that was kind of like the garment district in LA. Then we drove- which is crazy because no one follows driving rules here- south towards Makati. On the way we stopped at a HUGE mall, which is seriously 10x the size of our dainty North County Fair. Then there was Makati, the La Jolla of the Philippines, so gorgeous and wealthy, and so ironic only blocks away from the poorer villages of "squatters". It breaks my heart to see thousands of people living in tin, cardboard and cement blocks. At the same time, it is so uplifting to drive by and see them with a huge smile and a wave.

Besides a little staring at the white girl, everyone has been so kind and has a generous amount of hospitality. I will be meeting some nuns and priests tonight who can help me figure out a plan for my stay here as far as missionary work goes. As of right now, I am completely at peace with reading the Word and journaling my rapid thoughts since being in this beautiful creation of a country. Just me and God.

Thank you Lord for this amazing opportunity. It is only my first day, and I am already anxious to be your tool. Use me, I beg You, for whatever your will may be. Prepare the hearts of those that I will soon encounter, and send your spirit to guide my tongue to use the perfect words. Help me to help my Filipino brothers and sisters, in whatever way- only You know theirs hearts Lord. I praise you with all my being for creating this artistic and gorgeous place. Amen.

One Week

This past week has been an emotional whirlwind for me, for several different reasons, but mostly just the overwhelming feeling of leaving everything here- my whole life, my comforts, my family, my boyfriend, my friends, my favorite foods, my messy car, my comfy down comforter...I feel like I'm putting myself in an uncomfortable situation on purpose ha who does that? It's like this scary jump that I have to make and the only way I'm going to make it, or make it positive and amazing is with God. Putting myself in that situation where I have nothing else to depend on but Him for comfort. I think that's a huge chunk of what this whole journey is about, is learning to depend on Him more and more...eventually for everything.

Dear Lord,
Prepare my heart and soul for whatever you have waiting for me. Keep You in the front of my mind. Reveal yourself to me in all Your glory. I am your handmaiden and your servant. You are all I want. Fill me up.

I ask You, precious Lord, to send Your blessings to all my family and dear friends who have made this possible. The fruit of their support will surely be some wonderful fruit :)

Thank you for my wonderful parents. I am truly blessed. Be present in their hearts always.
AAAAYYYYYYYMMMMEEENNN!!!!!!!!!!

Two Weeks

I officially have an e-ticket in my inbox from Los Angeles to Manila on March 3rd!! Waaahhhhh!!!!!!
I could not be more excited.
I have no idea what the Lord has in store for me.
My heart could not be more willing.

Joyful Joyful

The other night I paused Gossip Girl and was talking to Cameron about plans and life etc. and I ended up in tears just thinking about how great God is for pulling everything together. I don't think I've ever been SO incredibly happy. Praise God, seriously, just for making the unthinkable happen. The more I turn myself over to Him, the more he blesses me with such a deep joy. I just had to share that because this happiness has been so prominent this week-

There is a new beautiful babygirl in the Chadwick family, Grace Elizabeth. Austin (Cameron's brother) and his wife Becky have brought such a bright new soul into the world and the whole fam is just gushing.
Cameron also just signed his letter of intent for a football scholarship to Robert Morris University in Pittsburg. My Grandma is going far out of her way and spreading my letter to I think just about everyone at her church, which makes me just wanna squeeze the love out of her. Kevin and John both got big awards for waterpolo and are bringing their friends to youth group and one of Kevin's friends is actually getting Confirmed in the spring.

Point in short is just that there is so much great stuff going on- big and small.

1 Corinthians 2:9
"...No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him..."

Lord, I am on fire for you. I am so in love with you. You are so Holy and so worthy and only You could provide this intense happiness that is in me. I cannot wait to see what you have in store for me. My heart is yours and only yours.

Lord watch over Rasta girl and T and Maria's kids. Prepare their hearts for the wonderful families they will be brought into. I pray for the team that is going to Uganda and Ethiopia, that we can all come together and do your will, whatever that may be. We are your servants. Thank you for blessing me with amazing parents who have passed on so much wisdom and taught me everything they know about you. Thank you for Cameron Chadwick, strengthen us with your spirit and drown us in your knowledge. I love you with everything. Amen.

Updates and a Pep Talk

First of all, I just have to say that this picture is hilarious. Not only because my old man had a FAT uni-brow, but I just love the matching blue eyes and the fact that this was me in the Philippines!

Today has been such a high for me. I am so joyful in the Lord. I felt untouchable. I have tried my very hardest to remain trusting and not be skeptical about the funding situation, and the more I just leave it up to God, the more He provides. It is a TOTAL witness to God's love. With all of my heart, I thank God for providing through everyone who has helped me out so far. You guys have no idea how many lives you are touching.

I feel like I haven't written in so long, I guess I will begin with some updates about the trip. Since my last post, I had a jewelry show at this adorable coffee shop off Grand Ave with Itzeluna and 31Bits. Honestly, I didn't raise that much money doing that, though I thuroughly enjoyed the experience. (I need to work on my marketing skills ha). I have also received some donations from fellow St. Stephen's peeps and some Murphy/Bachman family love. My generous boyfriend gave me a nice chunk, which meant the world that he is so truly supportive, in more ways than one. I am still about a grand short of my goal, but with those good old On the Border tips and maybe some future babysitting/household jobs in VC, I should meet my mark. I also hope to have a few more jewelry parties so if you are interested in hosting one with some girlfriends, or guyfriends who need Valentine presents :) let me know!

I have been in touch with the wonderful Sisters in Manila and they say they are excited to have me come stay with them. They way that Sister Anne writes me is so precious, I cannot wait to meet her. I asked her to send me a little itenerary of a typical week so I can let you all know exactly what I'll be doing over there. My Uncle Godfather, Fr. Pat also set up a family to do the pick-up/drop-off from the crazy airport, which is essential.

Africa planning is great- it's easier since everything is pretty much set up for me. The only things I really need still are my shots and some insurance and the rest of the money. I've also been in touch with the team I'm going with and am stoked to meet them all. If you haven't already, check out ProjectHopeful.com- the founder is the leader of our team!!

Enough details, here's the meat:
Matthew 10:16-43. READ THE WHOLE THING. It's Jesus' pep talk to the apostles and a little taste of what I feel called to do. Here's a little preview...

"Behold, I am sending you like a sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and simple as doves."- 10:16

"You will be hated by all because of my name, but whoever endures to the end will be saved. When they persecute you in one town, flee to another. Amen I say to you, you will not finish the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes"- 10:23

"Do not think that I have come to bring peace upon the earth. I have come to bring not peace, but the sword."-10:34

This is what I got- Hey guys, so here's the deal. It's a dark and sketchy world out there, people are gonna be out to get you. The word God is very powerful and they are going to hate you because you are following my teaching. There will not be a lot of peace on this journey of yours, you're going to have a hard time. But- if you can do these things, and live out my Father's will- if you can have the endurance and strength to not falter under temptation or the evils of the world- you will be in heaven for eternity.
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Here's the Joan of Arc in me coming out, but I am so down God. I have never felt so strong in my life. I know that there's going to be people and situations that might get me off track but my heart is yours and I am begging you to take the steering wheel. You know that I am struggling, but only with Your help can I overcome. You are benevolent, magnificent and all powerful. I want to be your worker bee and your tool to get through to others so that they too can have eternal life. No matter how heavy my cross is, or how many wolves are in my neighborhood, I pray that you give me that endurance to get to You. Make me your Joan of Arc.


Lord, send down your guardian angels to all of the little ones who are lost. And for all the big ones who are lost. I pray for all married couples, that they find strength and understanding in you. I pray for Cameron John Chadwick. I love you. Amen.