Chicago has easily become tops on my list of "Cities I'd Like to Live In."
I had some free time to explore the city before the workshop I was scheduled to attend. It was really only the second time in the windy city so I wanted to take advantage of the opportunity while I had it.

As a tourist I've found the city to be easy to navigate. And since I am incredibly directionally challenged, so I loooovvvveeee THAT.

I visited the Navy Pier, Millenium Park, Art Institute, and walked along the theater district.

I loved Millenium Park. I spent pretty much the whole day in the park -- mostly in the Lurie Gardens. Actually, I was there so long that the security guard walked by as I was eating my lunch and said, "You're still here. You telling me you haven't left yet? It's been about three hours already." Ha. Yup. And after he left me I stayed longer still.

I enjoy time to myself. I enjoy exploring and doing things on my own. It doesn't really bother me. I was able to find plenty in Chicago to keep me busy -- without having to spend tons of money. There is so much to do there.

But, I'd have to say, it's a city probably much more enjoyable with a friend or two.

I love Chicago.

Thanks, Kuya for hooking me up with a great place to stay!!!

The Walters Crew

Oh what fun it was to have even just a short amount of time to visit with the Walters family. Emily, Marshall and I all used to live in Orlando. They are good friends of mine. Now, the Walters live in Charlotte with their new baby boy - Alexander.

It was so fun to just be with them - to see them, hear their stories, see their new home, see them as parents, laugh, and just sit and talk.

I was reminded of that first year when we met. Emily, Sarahjoy and I would meet for Bible study and during that time they prayed with and for me as I wrestled with the idea of possibly doing this work and going overseas. And now... here I am in Manila.

So many people have been a part of this journey with me. Offering me advice, praying with me, encouraging me, helping me take risks, and on and on and on...

Oh, the sweet, sweet gift and blessing of prayerful, supportive friends.

The open road before me.
The wheel in the grip of my hands once again.
Jason Mraz providing the soundtrack.
What a feeling!!!

I've missed driving more than I realized.
Maybe experiencing this freedom in driving again will motivate me to take to the road back in Manila.
Maybe.
We'll see.

Check out the TINY trunk of the little rental I was driving in NC!
And the VW is a pic for Kuya -- reminded me of your car!

Tomorrow I leave Philly and start my "mini-tour" of the U.S. A lot will be going on over the next couple of weeks. Lots of work stuff, lots of fun stuff, and lots of meeting up with people. I'm anticipating that it will be tiring. I know that it will all be good.

May 21:
- fly from Philly to Raleigh, NC
- meet up with an old OSP '97 friend
- meetings with a partner organization (DOOR International)

May 23:
- drive from Raleigh, NC to Charlotte, NC
- visit with the Walters Crew!!

May 25:
- fly from Charlotte, NC to Chicago
- work and play in Chicago!

May 27:
- meetings and workshop in Chicago

May 28:
- fly from Chicago to Dallas, TX
- work and play in Dallas!
- lots of family and friends time
- meet the newest family member, baby Odegard!!

June 1-2:
- attend meetings with Wycliffe International
- get together with my friend, Ruth!!!

June 3:
- return home and prepare for June 5th departure

Pray that the next couple of weeks would be well-spent and that I would be a blessing to those I meet along the way.

... the Kinaray-a New Testament!

On Thursday, May 21, 2009 the Translators Association of the Philippines will submit to the Philippine Bible Society, to be published for the very first time... the Kinaray-a New Testament.

The reason why I travelled to Antique in April was to document some of the final stages of completing the translation work before it was sent to be printed. The translation team wanted to give a group of about 15-20 of their fellow Kinaray-a speakers (among them were pastors, lay people, and Christian leaders) one last opportunity to do a final read-through to proofread for typos, misspellings and give any other feedback on the translation.

I am so thankful that I had the chance to travel to Antique and see this all happen. I was impressed by the men and women -- so committed and dedicated to this project that they took two days to review the completed work and give their input. I was touched by hearing their stories of faith and obedience. I was inspired by the sight of seeing them read God's Word in their own language with such engagement. And then seeing it pour out of them as they were often compelled to share their insights from their reading with other reviewers. I was excited to hear about how the people in the community were eagerly anticipating God's Word in Kinaray-a. And I was grateful to hear about the ways that the translated Scriptures were already making a difference in lives there.

It was such a wonderful trip. I am thankful that I had the chance to see what God is doing in Antique and all He's doing through His faithful followers.

ever on a pay phone.
In 2009-- the era of cell phones, iPhones and Blackberries.

At least I don't ever remember ever using a pay phone before :)

I was running errands at Wal-Mart before getting together with my friend, Cheeryl for dinner. I had tried to text her with my cell from the Philippines asking to meet near Wal-Mart instead of my house. It didn't work. I tried to call her with my cell. It didn't work.

And so with that, I got change from the Wal-Mart customer service lady... and called Cheeryl from a pay phone.

I've often looked at grungy pay phones (that are usually blocked by random merchandise and shopping carts) and wondered. "Who uses those things anymore? Does anyone?"

Now I know. Glad that pay phones haven't totally gone none existent. :)

On a side note... I got to eat some "Mexican" food tonight. We had dinner on "On the Border" -- Mexican chopped salad, chicken flauta, chicken enchilada, refried beans, chips and salsa. Oh... and some disappointing guac. :(

It was fun seeing my friend again. Enjoyed a fun evening of food, talking, laughing and flipping through mags at Barnes and Nobles.

Ok, not really.

It's just Hershey's Chocolate World.

After Cindy's graduation and celebratory lunch our family took the short trip to Hershey, PA.

The land of flowing chocolate. Hershey's kisses. Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. Take 5. Sigh.

When I asked my nephew, Xander, if he had a fun visit with us, he said "My favorite part from yesterday was going to Chocolate World and getting my Hershey's Kiss."

Now, he wasn't talking about the chocolate. He was referring to his little stuffed Hershey Kiss. The boy actually turned down the free chocolate bar at the end of the chocolate world tour. He opted for a free Twizzler. I'm questioning now if we're really related. Hehehe. Of course I'm just kidding!!!... But really, turn down chocolate??? :)

Messiah College
Commencement 2009
Saturday, May 16

Cynthia Katrina Agoncillo

• Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art, Graphics and Technology Concentration
  
• Magna Cum Laude
• College Honors Program

An excerpt from the commencement program...
The mission of Messiah College is to educate students toward maturity of intellect, character, and Christian faith in preparation for lives of service, leadership, and reconciliation in church and society. The College affirms its educational mission by reference to five foundational values....

As the community of Messiah College, we affirm the unity of faith, learning, and life; the importance of the person; the significance of community; the importance of disciplined and creative living; and the importance of service and reconciliation.

As members of the Messiah College community, we are compelled to serve and to lead as we share God's love with all people, build bridges of understanding and peace across the dividing lines of race, class, age, gender, religion and ethnicity, and as we faithfully work for justice.


President Phipps Prayer (Messiah College President - Kim Phipps)
Almighty God, on this day of celebration we pray for the Class of 2009. Open their hearts to your grace and wisdom. Fill them with your holy and life-giving Spirit. Keep them in the faith and communion of your holy Church. Sharpen their intellect toward the service of your kingdom. Teach them to love others as Jesus Christ loves the world. Send them into the world in witness to your love. And bring them at last to the fullness of your peace and glory. Amen.

I got to go to Target today. [BIG SMILE]
I know big deal. But, for those of you who are from the States and live overseas -- you might relate to my excitement.

It was such a nice feeling walking into the store. It was like seeing an old, familiar friend.

As I walked around the store. I realized that I didn't really need to get anything. There really wasn't anything there that I couldn't get back in Manila. As my mom and I finished our trip through the store and paid for the things we picked up I realized what made my trip to Target so special. It was just that it was sooo familiar.

I am comfortable there. I know when I walk into a Target (or a Wal-Mart or most any other store here) I know what I can and can't get there. I know where to go. I can pretty much know upon walking into the store which one of the 2-3 layouts it is and I know where in the store to get a specific item. Rarely do I need to ask where something is or even if they have something. It's familiar. I know it.

What made me happy on that trip was realizing that one day... maybe ... I'll feel the same way about stores in Manila. One day.

Side note: There's McDonald's across the street from our office in Manila. I often go there for lunch. I don't think I realized that one of my favorite things was missing from their menu. I enjoyed it while shopping at the mall with my mom (she needed a dress to wear to an upcoming wedding). Medium Hazelnut Iced Coffee. Yum. Really??? Do they not have this in McDonald's in Manila? Must remember to check on that when I get back.

I've found traveling through Asia that there are a number of travelers who choose to take precaution wearing masks on the plane and in airports. This trip I found that there even more people who were wearing masks on their travels.

I was chatting with one of the flight attendants on my flight to the States. She told me that I reminded her of one of her friends. Her friend, a fellow flight attendant, was in quarantine. She had been working a flight and 5 passengers on it had the Swine Flu.

There didn't seem to be extra, extra concern in the airports about it -- no special health checks that I noticed.

I'm glad -- there didn't seem to be any problems on our flight and I'm feeling fine :)

"But as for me, the nearness to God is my good;..." - Psalm 73:28

While the week was busy and packed with activity, my time in Antique was blessed with moments of strongly feeling God's presence, hearing His voice... being near to Him.

When we arrived at Ate Bea's home I immediately felt my heart sigh. The feeling I had when I first passed through the gate was the same feeling I'd get when I'd visit Leu Gardens in Orlando. I think I've described it before as like the scene in the "Wizard of Oz" when everything goes from black and white to color. It's that feeling when everything comes to life. That feeling when everything seems like all will be right.

My friend Ruth introduced me to the idea of "Sacred Pathways," based on the book by Gary Thomas. He identifies nine different pathways through which people tend to prefer to relate to God. For me, music, nature and spending time journalling or doing some creative work definitely help me in connecting me to the Lord. Realizing that these are ways that I do best connect with God, these are the things that I need to make sure to make allowance for in my life.

I don't think I realized how "thirsty" I was for this connection until I lapped it up during the week.

• in the sounds of rain, thunder and wind at night when going to sleep
• in the sound of the ocean
• in the green that was all around me in the grass and trees
• in the time in the early morning reading, journaling
  
• in the views through the camera lens
• in the waves flowing over and across my feet
• in the beauty of the rocks and flowers
  
• in the lyrics and melodies of songs of praise and prayer
  
• in the words of hope, love and truth in His Word
• in the even small spaces of quiet and solitude

I'm thankful that on top of the "work-related" blessings of the trip, that the Lord also used the time in Antique to remind me of this. Now to apply this reminder in my daily life. :)

I did an online assessment and found these are the "pathways" that I scored highest in...

• Naturalists: draw near to God through nature. Most inspired to love God out-of-doors by being in a natural setting
• Contemplatives: draw near to God through personal adoration and heartfelt devotion
• Ascetics: draw near to God through solitude and simplicity
• Sensates: draw near to God through the senses, who loves God with the senses - through awareness of taste, smell, touch, sight, and sound.

What are your Sacred Pathways?

I'm back in the States.
I got a nice warm welcome when I arrived in Detroit.
The special treatment.
For the first time ever I had all of my bags thoroughly checked at customs. And, when I re-entered security check to get on my connecting flight I had to go through another special screening. They had me stand in this special circular phone booth type thing-y and took all-around images of my head-to-toe. Thankfully I had enough time before my connecting flight to Philadelphia, so I didn't mind the extra attention too much.

I'm mostly just glad they didn't take the pasalubong I brought for my Kuya that I forgot to claim. Heheh. :)

I've hugged my mom and my dad. Showed them tons of photos. Ate my first Chic-Fil-A #5 meal (of many). Took a nice long, hot shower after 24 hours of travel. Pet Snuggle the cat. Watched American Idol (Yay Kris Allen!!!). Feels good to be home.

What also feels good is that I wasn't as emotional as I had expected I'd be when I arrived. On the flight over I journaled about things I like and am looking forward to returning to in Manila. I think it helped. While I have moments when I'm in Manila of discomfort, homesickness or just change... I do believe I am where I am supposed to be. I'm doing what I'm made to be doing. There's a great peace and confidence I have in that. So, it's good to be home... in PA. And to know that I when I leave here in a few weeks, I'll be going home... to Manila.

Kind of strange to feel at "home" in so many different places.

April 28, 2009 - May 2, 2009

It was a great trip.
More about it in future posts but for now...

I spent some time reflecting on the trip and processing different things from my time there.
During my time of reflection I felt a need to just journal words and impressions.

Sharing some of those with you...













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Hug my Mommy and Daddy!!!

• Eat lots of Chic-Fil-A
• Give my nephew a BIG BIG squeeze
  
• Enjoy spending time with my family
  
• Catch up on "The Office"
• Walk into Target and breathe deeply
• Get together with friends in PA!!!!
  
• Meet with DOOR International (Raleigh, NC) about our shared media needs
• Work on a proposal and plan for a video about work happening in Sign Languages (in Asia and worldwide!)
  
• See the Walters family -- including new son, Alex! (Charlotte, NC)
  
• Attend workshop in Chicago about social media
• Connect with college professors and others about opportunities to serve with Monsoon
• Explore Chicago!!!
• Meet my new niece in Dallas!!!
  
• Spend time with family in Dallas
  
• Have good Mexican food and/or BBQ in Dallas.
• Attend meetings with Wycliffe International Communications and other Communications Hubs
• Get together with Ruth!
• Add Metadata to photos from Antique
• Work on a proposal for a possible video featuring the Kinaray-a language project.
  
• See my sister graduate from Messiah College!!
  

Yes, I'm alive and doing well. Very well.
I know that it's been a looonnnggg time since I've updated my blog.
My last blog was about my feeling so disconnected, sad and missing home.
Just so you know... I'm doing better :)
Since my last post I've continued to have my up's and down's. But there have been more up's :)

Because of my schedule and lack of internet at home, I haven't been able to blog as frequently. Sad.

I'm heading out tomorrow to fly to PENNSYLVANIA!
My sister is graduating from college and I'm so thankful that I can be there to celebrate with her and our family. After some time at home I'll be hitting some other U.S. cities doing work for Monsoon stateside. It will be a busy month, but I'm looking forward to it.

I'm hoping to post some post-dated updates from the last month while I'm on the road. There's a lot that has happened -- things I've experienced, things I'm learning -- and I want to share it with you.

So... stay tuned for updates from the States and from the past month or so :)