Boracay WwoW 2013

Last Dinner and Shower !!

This shot was so fun to take :P It took me more than 3 tries to get a perfect shot!

This is sort of weird, but I was thinking about it when i was walking up the stairs to take a shower and when i was walking to dinner. The last supper (sounds so cool!) took place in this fancy restaurant on a hill at the end of the beach :) and we even had a beach devotional where everyone took turns and just told stories and thanked their fellow classmates. Taking this time to reflect on the trip, i must say, i think (i hope) i grew a lot both spiritually and mentally. There's so much that I've learned here. Many things can't be learned in the classroom and although that has become a "cliche" saying, it is definitely, absolutely, 100% true.

This is Gavrielle :) He's 4y-o, Claude's adorable
son !

These are  the shells that Hannah Ditz collected in Puka Beach!

 Experience accounts for most of the decisions we make in life and this trip will definitely affect many decisions i make in the future. Seeing kids with nothing smile as if the world was one giant piece of candy and the Sun was butter, I learn to appreciate that in which our Creator has created. To appreciate the friends I have. In this trip, I've grown closer to many other friends that I haven't spoken much to all year, and I've learned the true meaning of trust and to be confident in myself. So when I looked around my almost sand-free (AmyC is VERY particular about bringing sand in the room...) room, the dustbin that gave me SO MANY scratches on my knees, the noisy air conditioner that is so freezing cold, the cold, wet bathroom floor, the little dots of dirt and spider webs in the corners of the bathroom, and all the other things around this Jungle Barn, they'll contain memories that nothing else can compare to. So, to end this whole post, I give a great big shoutout to my fellow Senior Classmates of 2013, Mr dHT, Ms Foerger, Mr Kuang, and Mama Goetz for this whole amazing trip :)

I believe Melody took this shot :) the little girl is called Nicole,
she ate 2 big bowls of porridge! but only if I fed her. hahaha :) 

 Lots of love, Jackie Leonardo ^^

Is this really the end?

Every year at the end of a Week Without Walls trip, I come back home to Singapore with so many amazing memories, gifts, and stories to tell. I also come back every year excited for the next Week Without Walls trip that I would be going on. But as the final Week Without Walls and my Senior Trip comes to an end, I ask myself, is this really the end? Will I ever be able to go on amazing trips like this anymore in my life? What will I be doing this time around next year? Will the people going on Week Without Walls next year be able to live up to the things we did this year?

The sad truth is that we don't know the answers to any of these questions.
However, I am so grateful for the amazing journey ICS has been able to give me. Being somewhat of a social recluse back in Singapore, the opportunities to be able to go overseas and serve always gives me a better perspective of life outside a first world country like Singapore. I learn so much from each trip I go on and it will be hard for me to see everyone going on their Week Without Walls trip without the senior class next year.

I thank the amazing Senior Class for being so close knit. It is true that the Seniors mirror the Seniors they had when they were freshman.

This senior class is like a fruit salad from the Philippines. You have the very big vibrant fruits which represent the life of the parties in the class, and then you have the nestle cream which hold everyone together. You also have the raisins which would be the people who do not stand out as much in the class but make a difference.

Many memories can be taken out of this senior trip such as going snorkeling, banana boating, sunset sailing, and other funny inside jokes. Making fun of people's sun burns and peeling the nasty dead skin off of Jonathan Hane's back haha. Eating local food such as Halo Halo, which by far I think is the goldmine of nasty food. Shave ice that melts with dyed yam haha.

Everyone is leaving Boracay with more than just gifts for people back home. We are all going home with memories from each other. Right now as the Senior Class is writing in each other's farewell notebooks, I can tell you that this isn't the end. Instead, it might be the beginning of a new chapter in everyone's life :)

- Amy Chan

Jackie's post for the day!

 IT'S JACKIE POST TIME!!!

Hello guys... So due to reasons I can't disclose.... I can't go into the water and play and snorkel like the others T.T so I dutifully stayed on the boat and took pictures of them having fun :) like always. Hahahhahahah !!










So many candid pictures (ha.ha.ha.ha) so many people dove! I heard there were tons of fishes. There was also a cave with...nothing in it. Honest. Nothing. It's all dark. SENIOR TRIP IS AWESOME! Jen was afraid of the water because she can't feel the bottom of it, but she was a trooper and went in anyway :P under the great care of her awesome friends~
I saw lots of people try out back flips and all that fun stuff. Jacob and Andrew kept doing backflips! Sophia was doing them too, but i couldn't get a picture of her doing it... stay tuned for VIDEOS of them doing it ! (Sophia is in it!) Watching them snorkel was pretty fun ! Being able to take their pictures was an honor too hehehe. Being the trip photographer takes up quite some time.... But it's stinking awesome! please do check out Snapfish for the rest of the pictures :D they're all up there already! i've snapped almost 2500 shots. you can download any picture you like :) you've got my permission!

 The kids are amazing :) They won't stay away, they're all full of smiles and just sooo amazing ~The sunset! was amazing! The crescent moon was all that was shining but the whole moon could be seen. I love this sunset sillhouete! It' s Jacob on the left and Brooke on the right :) Dinner was awesome~

Ok now I'm just chilling out, waiting for my food baby to go away coz lunch was so yummy.... Afterwards, 8 of us got henna!

 the picture of the two awesome guys is Sam on the left and Jacob on the right :) they both got crosses, but Sam's got a dragon around his, and Jake's got flames around his. Brooke has a feather henna, Jen - a sun, Amy S - a star banner, Jackie - an owl, Mrs Goetz- spongebob! Jun - hello kitty (HAHA) and an intricate banner. The guy was super friendly. i cant believe that it's almost the end of this whole trip :( sunset afterwards was amaaazing.... i dont wanna leave this place!~
HAVE A NICE DAY READERS :D i'll be backkkk for tomorrow! (last day tomorrow :( )

-  Jackie Leonardo

Boracay Children Photos by Syndi and Jackie

Tuesday:  Senior Trip Day 2
Some of the students went back to the Agape School to help the students prepare for their national math exams.  This was a huge help to them and to the school.  I have been told that there never seems to be enough help.

Local Crafts at the Market

Another beautiful day in Boracay.  This morning Brooke, Janessa and I went for a walk and ended up teaching several of the local ladies who were selling beaded necklaces, a few new beading techniques so that their products would be more marketable to the tourists.  They were so eager to learn.  When we come back to Boracay again I should bring my beading materials and books.  Tourism is a growing industry on the island.  Anything that we can do to help the local people be self-sustaining will help them long term.  I will be going back again tomorrow to bring them some beading patterns and to see what they made.





At this moment;

• Some of the students are playing basketball against a local team 
• Mr. Den Hartog is grading senior papers
• Some students are on the beach talking
• I can hear local music being played at the restaurant next store
• A few students are reading
• I can smell tonight's dinner being made
• The sun is starting to set and I'm looking at a gorgeous sunset

Thanks to all the parents and the school for allowing the students to experience Boracay.  The seniors have worked so hard this past year and especially these past few months.  It's nice to see them connecting, making new friends, laughing, and making a difference for the Kingdom.
 -Mrs. Tammy Goetz
 

HELLO EVERYONE! Today is the first official day of Senior Trip!

It's been a great Week Without Walls, full of laughs and hard work! It's amazing to see how fast it has come to Senior Trip! Today some of us went to Puka Shell Beach where they have nice waters without the dreadful algae! Some of us went shopping for things to bring back home too! Borocay is pretty nice so far and it is easy to bargain for things here! And they have this really nice ice cream here called Chocolate Twin Popsicle which is quite nice! Tomorrow some of us are going to Scuba Dive so I can't wait to take photos there! - Amy Chan


<3BORACAY!

It's been the best so far. spending time with amazing people, meeting new incredible people,
life is good! :):):) laying in&on the water for hours at a time, that's been my favorite thing to do :D
 hey family! if you happen to see this! i love you!! -Janessa

Sunday and Monday (Can't remember what day of the trip it is anymore)

We had a great day on Sunday.  Started the day by attending an Interdenominational Church here on Boracay.  Jacob, Sophia and Hannah shared their testimonies.  Jackie, Lee and Wynonna sang a song and Mrs. Goetz preached.  While the service was going on some of the students helped out in the Sunday school classes.  At the end of the service Mrs. Goetz asked people to come forward if they wanted to be prayed for.  The Spirit of God was truly present.  Many people came forward for prayer and the students prayed with them, hugged them, cried with them and just simply poured out the love of Jesus on these beautiful people.
In the afternoon the boys had a chance to go sailing while the girls swam and shopped.  In the evening we split up and went to three different feeding sites again.   Our hearts continue to be touched by these people.  Even in the midst of such poverty, the children still smile and thank us for coming.  We all wish that we could do more.  I met a child, around 3 years old with a clubbed foot and both of his hands were deformed.  One hand didn't have any fingers and the other hand had three fingers but two of them had grown together at the tips.  There is such a need for medical help.
In the evening we returned to the Jungle Barn, ate dinner and shared in a devotional.  Another fulfilling day.  No one was sick today, so thank you for all your prayers.

Prayer Requests:  continued good health and safety.  Pray for the people of Boracay:  food, medical help, clean water, education.  Some of the students have been tutoring the students at the Agape School in Geometry.  They have math placement tests coming up so they have been studying very hard.  The extra tutoring couldn't have come at a better time. Pray for these students.

Monday afternoon starts the Senior Trip.  The students will still have the option to participate in the feedings.  About 10 of the students opted out of starting their Senior Trip this afternoon and instead are helping to pour and mix concrete at the Agape school.  These are amazing students!!!!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANDREW

TODAY IS ANDREW NGUYEN'S BIRTHDAY.

He is eighteen, so in dedication, we will list things that we love about Andrew.

1. He wears awesome tank tops.
2. He is really good with kids!
3. Andrew has a contagious laugh
4. He never wears brown on brown
5. He always notices girls who smell good
6. He tells girls when they need to shave their legs and armpits
7. He really takes care of his friends
8. He says "oh my gosh" a lot
9. He has a good sense of style!
10. He is amazing in every drama production he is in
11. He is willing to make a fool of himself for the sake of the children
12. He eats..., A LOT.
13. He knows how to make awkward situations less awkward
14. He was voted most likely to blow out his own kids birthday candles
15. HIS NICKNAME IS NUGGET
16. He dances well
17. He is a sucker for girls with short hair
18. He was willing to shave his legs and carry bags of rice in his chest for the play!

So there you have it! Today is Andrew's 18th birthday and we are so glad that he was born today! Thank you for all the great times and laughs you have given to us, Nugget! Wherever you may be in the world 10 years from now, remember that you are loved and that you bring joy into people's lives!
If you are reading this right now, remember to wish him a happy birthday when you see him!
(Jen, Nugget, and Melody)

-Amy C, Hannah, Amy S, and Jen WEEEEEEEEEE

Day 5:

Hello Everyone! Brooke here,



Today I am taking the morning off and staying at the Jungle barn due to an upset stomach. The others have just left for church, and I thought I'd take the time to update you on yesterday's events.
Saturday was AWESOME :) We spent the morning doing construction at Agape school, moving more dirt and rocks off the site. After lunch the boys had some bonding time and went sailing, while the girls went for ice cream and a bit of shopping. We then went to feeding sites where we sang songs, played games, told stories, provided medical care, and served food for the children. The feedings are probably the highlight of the day for most of us. Although construction is fun, it is nice to spend time with the children. The contrast between the wealthy resort side of Boracay and the local side of Boracay is so hard to ignore. The poverty on this island is truly heart-breaking.
After the feedings, we spent some team-time at Jonah's, a famous fruit shake place on the Island, followed by pizza for dinner at the Jungle Barn, on the beach.
Today the rest of the team are currently at church. Mrs. Goetz will be preaching, other students will be helping to lead worship, and a few others will be sharing their testimonies. The rest of the day will be quite breezy as it is Sunday, and we would like to rest up a bit. Our neighbors last night decided to have a karaoke party late into the night, and many of us did not get a lot of sleep. In the afternoon we will be heading out to more feeding sights, which I am pretty excited for.
Today is also Andrew's 18th Birthday, YAY! :)

It is hard to think that we have been here almost a week. Time goes so slow here, Boracay definitely runs on "Island time". The people here are so friendly, and have been nothing but welcoming.
Please continue to pray for us, especially for good health and rest, as some of us have been unwell. Also, pray for strength and unity as we head into the last few days of this trip.
Thanks and God Bless
- Brooke

Ryan's Adventure Fall

              Ryan and the Mound of Rock

Today, Ryan heroically stood on a mound of rock. However, as he reached down to lift a large bucket of broken down boulders, the ground gave way. He fell down, down, down into the deep grey pile. Unable to call for help, he was left alone until Jonathan and Jun began a search party. His life was saved, however, when Jun cried out, "Don't worry, Ryan. I will find you." Ironically, Jonathan found him seconds later and slowly lifted his legs out of the sharp rocks that were encasing him. After having arisen from this darkness, his battle wounds were dressed by Sir James Kuang. Today, though he is weak, Ryan Yee lives as a hero among us all. -Hannah and Amy C-

Day Four:

The Students had an amazing day today.  We started the day by doing the Chapel at the Agape School.
Wynona opened in prayer, Sophia, Jackie, Brooke and Jonathan led the worship music, Jonathan gave the message and Sophia ended with prayer.  The rest of the students interacted with the kids, hugging them, high fiving them, letting them sit on their laps and making them feel very special.

After chapel we took a ferry over to Panay Island to spend the day doing construction, helping out in classrooms and playing basketball with the Ati people.  Here is an excerpt from Dan and Tori Beaver's Blog, written in November of 2011.  How exciting it was for us to be part of blessing these tribal people and to also be a part of the mission that God placed in Dan and Tori's heart in 2011.

"Dear Praying Friends,
The Ati people are a minority tribe living in poverty and isolation on the island of Panay in the Philippines. They have dark skin and curly hair, and they are similar to the Aborigines living in Australia. Rejected by the majority of the population, four Ati clans live on a mountain side with no school, poor nutrition and health care, and little knowledge of Jesus Christ. We were shocked when we found these Ati, who lived so geographically close to us, but were completely isolated from the larger of society. Along with our Filipino co-workers we began to visit three times a week; to feed the Ati mothers and children with nutritious food, establish a relationship with them by telling them about Christ and the hope of Salvation. From these visits a strong desire grew in our hearts to communicate the message of Jesus Christ to the Ati people not only in words but in action, so the Ati would have hope and a better way of life. Now, we have already purchased land where the Ati live. We will soon start constructing the first school building for the Ati children, a powerful symbol of God’s love and hope for their future."

At dinnertime the students went to three different feeding sites.  At each of the feeding sites the students lead singing, play games, tell a Bible story, teach a dance, help with the feedings and then take care of whatever basic medical needs the village may have.  The students are being God's hands and sharing God's heart.

Prayer Requests:  Sunday we will be helping out at one of the local churches.  A few of the students have colds, bruises, sore muscles and one with dysentery.  Continue to pray for health, bonding, friendships, connection and for all us to make a difference in these people's lives.  -Mrs. Tammy Goetz

STRANDED :]

Dear Boracay blog readers,

There are 47 shells, 32 plastic chairs, 15 pairs of flip flops, and 1 trash can in the dining hall. There are also approximately a billion grains of sand so far on the floor. On the buffet table, there are 6 bottles of jam, 56 cards in a deck, and 1 empty Haribo gummy bear bag. Obviously, we are quite bored. And by "we", we mean the ones left behind -- Amy Sung and Jen Wui Quan.

Why were we left behind? Why were we stranded in this shack of boredom? Two words: overprotective mother, a.k.a. Mrs. Goetz. (We love you Mrs. Goetz) Jen Wui currently is suffering from two head-banging sessions yesterday by the river. Amy Sung's nose is like a blocked dam because of a sinus infection of mysterious sources. Oh, and please pray for Janessa, who has been sick with a flu.

While the three girls and Mrs. Goetz are holding down the fort, the rest of  the group is continuing the construction work at the Agape school. It's 10:46 A.M., which means they've been off working for about an hour and a half now. Jen and Amy have been very productive too. They've taken a nap, read some books, rolled around by the beach, (attempted to) build towers out of cards, and blogged for the parents.

Here are some funny quotes from our trip that we've gotten a good ab work-out from:

"Are you lost? Like the hard drive?"
"Did you hear the Jungle Barn is haunted? The ghost took my hard drive."
"What happened to the pizza? It's gone. Like my hard drive."
- Amy Chan

(really calmly) "Sung Woo, open the door. Sung Woo, ooopen the dooor."
- Aaron Vosburg, with his finger stuck in the car door.

"Give some advice for a newly married couple."
-Mr. Kuang, during his devotion

"Simon says, take pictures of the white girl."
-Andrew Nguyen, at the feeding site.

As you can see, both Amy Sung and Jen Wui Quan are fine :) They'll be back at work in the afternoon, when the group will split into three smaller feeding site groups and travel to different locations. Have a wonderful weekend everyone!! More updates to come. 

Mucho love,

Jen Wui Quan and Amy Sung

Day Three:

its morning. and its freezing x.x yes, cold, freezing.... hahaha :) we're going to Panay Islands today for a community feeding! it's really awesome, you get to meet new people, and little kids cling on to you and try to say your name... hahahaha :D Chapel will start off the day. Honestly, it's a great trip and there's so much that these little kids will teach you that no one else can. Super blessed here :D - Jackie Leonardo

Woke up kind of sore, but feels good from all the construction we did. Got to try a Choco Bannana Peanut shake which tastes excactly like a reeses cup in liquid version. Having a pretty good time here, and today were traveling to Panay Island where we will help the real natives of Boracay and minister out to them. - Andrew Nguyen

hello outside world! its been a pretty amazing trip so far. Right now everyone is still eating breakfast. The food is really good here. Today on the brekky menu is fried rice, egg, spam, and of course breadrolls and jam. Today we are headed to Panay Island to help out the original native people of Boracay. I'm quite excited, especially for the feedings, where we will get a chance to feed, provide first aid, and interact with many families and children. Please continue to pray for us, for safety and for good health. God bless! - Brooke

Can't believe that it's already day three! Today we are going to a mysterious island where they sacrifice us to their gods. Kidding. We are going to an Island to do more construction and feed the community there. Apart from that, Den Hartog lost my hard drive and memory card. So it looks like this year's Senior Video will just be a bunch of slideshows :( - Amy Chan

Magandang Umaga!!! this place is beyond INCREDIBLE!!!!!!!!!!



i dont even have words to describe the people. they are so open hearted, humble, kind, warm, generous, open, honest. i could go on and on. :') loving the Philippines. <3- Janessa

Day Two:  
Today is LAUNDRY DAY!  A cute little boy gave me a flower. - Amy Chan
We miss you David! Love you!! - Hannah D. and Amy Sung

I love you MOMMY! I'm having fun. I'm getting a lot of exercise with Jon and eating well.  I got a sunburn on the first day but that's OK. I'm putting on lots of sunscreen now. :) (jacob looks like a lobster, award for best sunburn goes to him hands down ;) -sam)   Miss you a lot.  Dad we need to go running when we get to Corrigedor.  See you guys later. -Jacob

Day 2 at Borocay and to be honest, I am quite enjoying this trip... Had some fun (swimming in the sea until my arms almost gave up, shoveling, lots of food), had some troubles (the bathroom is over-primitive that it sometimes makes me wanna cuss!), and in the end of the day, I am always tired. Don't know why but I feel like I need a wild chase of death along this beautiful beach... -JZ

"your rich in love and your slow to anger, your name is great and your heart is kind
for all your goodness i will keep on singing, 10,000 reasons for my heart to find!"
-10,000 Reasons Matt Redman

having such an incredible time. love this place, love this team, love the sea (:
love you mom, dad and sabrina!!
officially coming back to the Philippines!!! :)
-Janessa


Prayer requests:  health; a few students have colds, Strength;  some of the students came into WwoW pretty tired, Tutoring starts this morning; English and Geometry, Feedings: some communication issues, we don't speak Tagalag and not all of them speak English.  Lastly: pray that the students hearts are affected and broken for God's people and his Kingdom work.  -Mrs. Goetz-