Prayer without words

There are many stories that have come out of election day - but this one I have to share. This video was taken by one of the PIOM groups here in the Philippines on May 10, 2010 - election day.




www.kodao.org

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yufgKrUwjas


Sometimes words fail and all that is left is prayer - prayer without words.

Guns, Goons, and Gold

*I wrote this immediately after the May 10 elections but have been unable to post it until now*


There is a saying here that is used to characterize elections in the Philippines - Guns, Goons and Gold. Having witnessed my first election here - I can see why - but I'd have to add a fourth G for Grit!

In Estancia, there is no mistaking the armed personnel presence. We did not enter a single polling location without passing by either members of the PNP, Barangay Police< Regional Mobile Group (RMG), or army, or some combination. All of whom were heavily armed, and whose loyalty was suspect.

And yet people showed up to vote.

Candidates reps. pressured voters with violence and intimidation to vote for THEIR candidate. They lined the streets outside the polling stations. Candidates went to vote with their private security forces (again armed) in tow.

And yet people showed up to vote.

Poor fisherfolk, often without enough to eat were provided with money to cast their vote in favor of specific candidates. 400 pesos (around $10) would mean feeding a family - in exchange for a vote.

And yet people showed up to vote.

Lines stretched out under the direct sun - some people having to wait for 12 hours in 40 degree heat in order to vote - and even then some were turned away, told they were not on any list and could NOT vote.

and yet people showed up to vote.

I don not have the words necessary to describe the determination I found in the Filipino voters today. And it makes me wonder...

What would you do to vote?

Fear VS. Faith

*I wrote this on May 9th, the evening before the election but was unable to post it until now*
Tomorrow morning at 7am the polls will open across the country and the Filipino people will be able to participate in the first ever automated elections here in the Philippines. All leadership positions form the local city council all the way up to the President are up for election or re-election. There is a chance, an opportunity for real and meaningful change. It should be a time of hope, optimism, and excitement.

But it isn't.

I'm in a small municipality, Estancia. It has been declared a "Hot Spot" for the elections. Previous elections saw heavy military presence and outbursts of violence.

This year there have been many reports of harassment including death threats, and acts of intimidation including grenade throwing and shootings. All of this for a mayor seat in a fishing town of around 40 thousand.

So, here there is an unofficial curfew of 8pm. While it has not been declared as a curfew - it is common knowledge that if you want to stay safe and avoid the gun battles, private militia, and corrupt PNP you don't go out past 8.

So why are we here?

Despite the palpable tension - and hint of fear in the air the PIOM lead by a group of dedicated Filipino volunteers are making preparations for tomorrow. We're visiting with the Comelec - and checking on the polling sites, ensuring the machines have been secured.

In this climate of fear - we the outsiders, impartial observers - are following a group of mostly youth and young adult volunteers as they walk in faith.

It is their faith that has us out on these almost deserted streets. One cannot help but be moved and overwhelmed by it.

So tomorrow morning - not really knowing what we will face - we will join in solidarity, and walk in faith against the fear.

Whistle While You Work...

For the last weekend in April I opted to go to the Christian Youth Fellowship (CYF) annual conference work and study summer camp rather than another exposure trip.

So halfway up the mountain in Milagrosa, Santa Catalina 50-60 youth descended upon a one room church. Some really got into the camping experience and brought only a tent and pillow - while others naturally came equipped with their air mattresses and laptops.

But when the time came to build the cement floor of that little church - every single one of them joined in.



They made new friends as they lived out the camp motto of "Bonding with God through Work and Play."

And youth being youth the world over - whether here in the Philippines or back home in Canada, they did manage to ensure there was play!

So besides the manual labour and intellectual labour (in bible studies and reflections)there was a talent show, Mr and Mrs. Summer camp Competition, and an Amazing Race.

The fun and camaraderie that began to build took on a unique expression on the final night at the Agape meal. There everyone joined in in feeding each other before themselves - all by hand - mouthfuls of rice and Pancit (noodles).



Throughout it all-laying in the tile cross in the floor - carrying sand, cement, rocks and water; racing through the hills, music filled the air.

So At first I thought of the old snow white song "Whistle while you work" - but the youth, as usual taught me something new. For it was invariably songs of praise and worship that filled that little church and spilled out to the surrounding village.

Thanks be to God!

Where The Stairs Lead

For Two days this April I spent some time in Vallencia, a town or small city up the mountain form Dumaguete. I had thought it was going to be for a series of meetings - but as luck would have it, it turned into more of a retreat, a chance to read, write,and enjoy my location.... And I took full advantage! One thing that the two locations I spent most of my time in had in common- was the number of stairs. Cassarorro falls is reached after 335 stairs. And the river behind the wellness center - also a large number of steep stairs.


But both of these staircases lead down. Every time I began climbing down these staircases an old song "Stairway to heaven" ran through my head. I even found myself singing it without even realizing. I had always imagined that staircase would lead up, somewhere in the sky or beyond. But when a butterfly landed on my hand - and stayed there for almost 20 minutes despite me moving - I was forced to consider an alternative. What if the real location of peace harmony, wholeness, was always supposed to be right here on earth? How differently would we treat our world and each other if instead of trying to make it to heaven - we tried to make heaven here? God's kingdom right here on earth?


When you picture the stairway to heaven - which way does it lead?