Monthly Archives: February 2009

Reflections

February 28, 2009 – 7:29 am
By Aaron Rasenberg | Posted in Uncategorized Comments (0)

Throughout the trip there has been a recurring issue that has been at the forefront of my mind that I would like to discuss a little. The issue put in words is the conflict between the organized program and the self-directed happenings of individual students in regards to what provides an overall better experience of culture, history, religion etc.  For John0 and myself, we side towards the  self-directed adventures that we like to embark on. But the question is whether that is just our own personalities at work.

At one point in the trip we made a stop at a grand old cathedral built by the Spanish. The spectacular part was that even the sight of the large and very old building  gave me, the student, a sort of connection with the past, a fixed place in history (and a bone to Prof. Gregg). Seeing grand new structures that are triumphs of human ingenuity and then seeing these very old structures that were triumphs in their own time always amazes me. To say that “history is not dead” is to beat an old cliche to death, but that very realization is paramount to one’s experience with culture, community and religion ( a bone to Joel Mason). It is these encounters in our SE Asia trip that will continue to educate and develop me as a person. Included in this would be the random and spontaneous group shin-digs that we initiate in our search for adventure and experience. When we invite a few friends over, or just happen to be at the same place at the right time, and we go for walks, we explore, we build something and play with it, or we just sit around and kick back with the locals and talk about ourselves, our lives, and our ideas, we have connected, shared, and developed our identity in the world.

So I say that the best way to live and learn in a new culture is not through planned activities, but to engage on a personal level with people and let activities happen in their own time under the initiative of the individual. It is only when the individual takes ownership of his/her education that ideas will connect, relationships will be made, and knowledge retained.

Cheers!

so far…………

February 25, 2009 – 11:20 pm
By Cara Lehocki | Posted in Uncategorized Comments (1)

We have arrived in Kota Kinabalu for our final few days in Malaysia… after weeks of rice, veggies and the occasional pig snout KK offered us the foods we have all been craving. I forgot how easily the words “non-fat chai tea latte” rolled off my tongue until we were faced with our beloved Starbucks.  Although it’s been nice to have the comforts of home here, I have yet to feel homesick. The days are always packed full of new experiences and sights that I just don’t have time to be homesick… sorry mom.

Our time in the Philippines was spent in lectures at North Western University, hanging out with our homestay family or exploring the city of Laoag. I was blown away by the hospitality we were shown in the Philippines and will always have fond memories of our time spent there.
Malaysia has offered us an experience most tourists don’t find. We have found ourselves in beautiful jungles surrounded by mountains and even got to live in a Muslim village. In the village we were able to eat their food, wear their clothing and attend their mosque, an opportunity not many 21 year olds have.

My favorite experience of the whole trip was waking up at 5am to the sound of the Muslim “call to prayer”. There is something peaceful and even enchanting about living in the jungle and hearing these beautiful prayers on speaker throughout the village.
Tomorrow we leave for Thailand, I am ready for the next adventure and what Thailand has in store for us.

Point of Difference

February 25, 2009 – 10:30 pm
By Lindsay McKay | Posted in Uncategorized Comments (0)

As I sat down to write this blog, a whole flurry of possible topics tumbled around in my head. The experiences so far on this trip, great and small, enjoyable and not have lent themselves to creating the Southeast Asia 2009 trip as seen through my eyes thus far. The problem is not analyzing and articulating these events objectively; but rather trying to come to an understanding of how these experiences are changing me.

So as I often do when I find myself being stretched by new circumstances, I look for something familiar to gain strength from. This situation is no different from others, I have found strength in God; not necessarily through reading my Bible, praying or worshiping, but through relationships. Many times, I do not set out to have a “spiritual” experience as it were, but it almost always happens, like my spiritual life is an animal out of my control. I suppose I should not be surprised by this, but I find that I am.

So I guess the thing that I have been reflecting on the most is that no matter how deep differences run through humanity, God is the constant. No matter how much I do not understand these differences, God is in them. I am thankful for the growth that this experience is causing in myself and the rest of the group. I am excited by the different person that I am becoming over the duration of this trip. As I continue on this trip I hope to be able to continue to celebrate difference and let it change me even more.

Self Identity – Tira Ingersoll

February 25, 2009 – 10:19 pm
By Tira Ingersoll | Posted in Uncategorized Comments (0)

Only a few days after landing in the Philippines I learned that “Tira” is a word in one of the dialects spoken there. You can only imagine my excitement when I learned that it was spelled and pronounced the same way and even more so when I learned its meaning: “Go for it.” The example the woman gave me was, if a bunch of people are in a bar or drinking together and someone starts chugging, people would start chanting, “Tira! Tira!.” How encouraging it was to know that my name is being chanted in bars all across the Philippines.
I decided that I would keep this in mind during the trip; that I would transfer it to situations in which I felt a little apprehensive and let it serve as a reminder that I am there to experience all that I can. Though one thing I’ve been learning is that experiences cannot be compared. Not in the sense that you can’t exchange them, but in the sense that you can’t measure your experience against someone else’s. It is also true that the same experience is not meaningful in the same way for each person; therefore what is significant for one person, may not be significant for another. It’s hard not to do this though. It’s hard to be the person who hears about all the exciting things people are doing and feeling like the things you’re doing aren’t as fun, and you’re not taking advantage of opportunity. It’s also hard to be the person who’s having the great adventures and still being sensitive to others, and not coming across as arrogant or demeaning to the experiences of others.
I’ve decided to keep my name in mind and “go for it” when something interests me; and let my experience here in Asia be significant to myself.

Filipino Family = Fantastic Fun

February 25, 2009 – 10:16 pm
By Dan Snyder | Posted in Uncategorized Comments (1)

Dinner - Filipino StyleWhat impacted me most during my time in the Philippines was the concept of family life. From the moment that I arrived, I was accepted as a son in my homestay family. I participated in all of the family activities and even met their large extended family. For a couple meals during my time there I ate at the grandmother’s house, also known as the family house. This house was still run by the matriarchal grandmother who was in her 80′s and she had some of her children, grandchildren and a great-grandchild living there. Although she was not as mobile as she once was, I could still see how much she was respected and revered. To illustrate this point, when her daughters wanted to renovate the family home, the grandmother would not allow them to since she preferred the tradition and the attached memories that the home contained. This is very similar to many situations in Canada that I know of where the decisions of the elders are respected; often times the older generation prefers tradition and the younger prefers change.

What is different in the Philippines though is that the families take care of the grandparents within the family homes. When I asked my family if there were any nursing or retirement homes, they said that there weren’t any in their province, but maybe there was one in Manila. I think that this is something that North American culture misses out on for the most part and I really admire the way Filipino culture places such a focus on the family.

Through food, fellowship, fun and most of all family I learned about and experienced Filipino culture. I am looking forward to getting to know more families and cultures as I continue on this travel term!

what makes the difference?

February 25, 2009 – 7:17 am
By Nicola Gladwell | Posted in Uncategorized Comments (0)

I almost forgot to take off my sandals before entering the outer premises of the Mosque. As my white feet touched the carefully swept cold. patterned pink tiles, we sit in a line as a buzz of activity rhythmically surrounds us. The rev of a scooter, a loud speaker reciting Hebrew. Joanna came to deliver long skirts and head scarves to us. I sit, with only bare hands, feet, and face, tight against laura as the number of men gathering in the inner Mosque grows, and I hear the sounds of hands, feet, and faces being cleansed at a water trough to the left of the tiled area. We look elegant in our head scarves. I sense only a slightly different atmosphere as I do in an immense cathedral. There is a fluorescent digital clock on the front wall. Its numbers contrast against the ancient Muslim devotion. Some enter wearing traditional Muslim garb, some wearing fashionable or athletic clothing. I can see the British influence in their choice of soccer garb. I feel protected covered by yards of cloth, comfortable even. I feel confident as I drink in my scarf-framed scene as deeply as I can. I wonder what the decorative circular caps the men wear are for; I wonder what the overhead speaker is saying.  I wonder who recorded it. I wonder if the activity gives a sense of peace, belonging, and meaning. I wonder if any of the men praying here have doubts. I wonder if it is okay I writing? A gecko scales the wall in front of the men in the room I can only see through a centered open door, next to the out-of-place clock. Is the path to the Mosque worn… does the wearing paint on the handrails comfort them? How do they feel about a line of white female faces looking at them in wonder? Later I would talk to Sofre, a Muslim man, about the tension between Islam and the West; we even talked together about Shane Claiborne and Jonathon Hartgrove’s healing experience in Rutba, near Baghdad. His hurt face pleaded with me to not believe the stories about Islam that we are told, instead to go back to my country and tell of my experiences in Keningau. When I come back, ask me about the kids, the musicians, the politician, and the school teachers I met there. “When you cut yourself, your blood is red, and so is mine… so what makes the difference?” What a healing adventure.

Happy Trip Hump

February 25, 2009 – 3:25 am
By Jonas Martin | Posted in Uncategorized Comments (0)

As I am writing this we are halfway through our trip through South East Asia. We have conquered the sweaty metropolis and tricycles of the Philippines, and the Sweaty Jungles of Malaysia (notice the common theme?) Well if you didn’t, it has been really freakin’ hot, but I am making it through I suppose.

The Philippines was a tremendous experience for me, we had a very good introduction to the homestay program. I know I was nervous going into it. We could not have been more warmly welcomed, and I know that for me, it really helped with the rest of the homestays that we have had since then, and I am very grateful for it. I miss the Philippines already, it seems like a country that is the most like me. It is apathetic when it needs to be, they eat a lot of delicious food, and they have great beer.  Going in I was told that Filipino food is the hardest part of the Philippines to get used to, but I found it to be fantastic, maybe it was just the great cooking in our house.

I feel like Malaysia has come and gone so quickly I don’t even know what I can put in this entry for it.  I had a great time in the village in Keningau, and would have loved to stay there longer.  We trekked through the Jungles,  and swam in amazing clear freshwater rivers in the jungle. What more can be said, I thought I would never have the opportunity to  do these things. But I did them, and am very happy I did.

I am excited for the adventure that is Thailand. But at the same time, I am happy we are at the hump of the trip.

Snapshots of the Time of My Life :)

February 24, 2009 – 6:51 pm
By Alicia Farnham | Posted in Uncategorized Comments (1)

My shoddy math skills tell me I’ve been away from home for twenty days. My fears of the past blog entry, if you care to know, only simmer in the back of my mind whenever I’m not too hot or tired to simmer anything. I don’t remember how long ago that actually was. The time here seems to be blurring together and remaining in my memory are only moments of life lived.

…I went to a Catholic church. And not just any Catholic church, but the kind that took literally centuries to build, finished meticulously through the strength of faith and persevering slavework (a point which I was somewhat disappointed to learn as not only does it seem incongruent with a church’s values but it also quite effectively squashes my bent for romanticism–and yet I forge ahead!); it’s the kind of church that was Robin Hood’s protection, Guinevere’s punishment, Quasimodo’s sanctuary and dungeon! Yes, that’s a little dramatic but I have never before entered a cathedral–a real one!–and I feel I’m justified in calling up legends of such epic proportions. Only their memory echoes the kind of awe I felt inside the cavernous Paoay Church of St. Augustine, viewing the saints lining the walls and the still-fluttering and collapsing candles beneath them, evidence of a surviving and vital faith. It was an immense feeling–or, rather a feeling of immensity. I have never before experienced immensity.

…I swam a path of liquid gold! It was 7am, the South China Sea was calm and cool. The sun was rising, a golden, burning sphere of perfect light, first silhouetting the leaning palm trees, then the squat bamboo shelters lining the beach and then! I was swimming in a path of liquid gold. The sky is a canvas of spilled ocean and oranges; behind me the water and sky met in indistinct grays and blues. Only there, from me to the shore, did the extraordinary mat roll out, as if the sun rose for me alone, to grace the lapping ripples of the water and kiss me good-morning!

I guess what I’m trying to say with these snapshots is that this experience–the Asia travel abroad term–has been amazing so far. Along with being sick three separate times in the past 20 days, I’ve also raced with the clouds in the mountainous regions of Sabah, Malaysia, bathed with a cockroach, tramped through the jungle just to see how pineapples and ginger are grown, been told what the cold parts of North America are like from a Filipino’s perspective and eaten rice for breakfast for over a week straight! So as much as I absolutely detest rice at this point, I’m no longer asking myself why on earth I’m on this trip. I even have the great pleasure of tellling all those who, like myself, were unaware that pineapples do NOT grow on trees! :D

The Greatest Revelation So Far

February 24, 2009 – 11:23 am
By Katie Ironside | Posted in Uncategorized Comments (1)

It’s been nearly 3 weeks now since the day we pulled away from Park Hall, heading out on our South-East Asian adventure. Our time in the Philippines over, and our Malaysian experience near its end, I find myself in awe of how quickly this trip is passing by.

I have seen a number of new and exciting landscapes, from the Malaysian mountains to the sandy beaches of the Philippines, and have visited many unique and interesting places along the way. We have seen museums, old churches, a rubber and ginger  farm, and even the mausoleum of the Philippines’ ex-president, Marcos (ask me about that one when I get home).

Along with my classmates and leaders, I have learned so much about the history, the politics and the culture of two amazing countries so far. We have also tried a lot of new and exotic food, including Halo-Halo, rambutan, pig’s intestines (surprisingly tasty), and ube (yam) ice cream. Oh, and let’s not forget the steady supply of rice, in all its forms.

Most importantly, though, I’ve met many amazing people, both in my homestays and the other folks with whom I’ve interacted to date. I know that relationships have been created which will last for years to come. In getting to know the people of the Philippines, I was struck by their capacity for hospitality. Never before have I experienced such a warm invitation to befriend and ‘befamily’ a group of complete strangers. And yet, such was the case with my Filipino homestay family. So too in Malaysia, I have met people who couldn’t be more eager to share their culture, their traditions and their way of life with a group of crazy young students from North America. And I expect that a similar experience awaits us in Thailand as well.

In all of this, I am reminded of the verse when Christ calls us to love our neighbours as ourselves. The people I have interacted with so far have really made an effort to do just that- and beyond. Not only have these new friends and families opened their homes to us, but they have also opened their hearts.

When I return to Canada at the end of the trip, I hope that I will do my best to show a similar love to everyone I encounter- whether it’s my family, friends, or complete strangers. Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned so far, it’s that every person has the potential to become someone special in my life- it’s just up to me to get out there and meet them.

Humanity and “Sameness”

February 20, 2009 – 9:45 am
By Brianna Kocka | Posted in Uncategorized Comments (3)

There are differences, and there are similarities. These things exist in all shapes, forms and sizes and quite obviously in all cultures and regions of the world. However, on this trip I have been noticing the similarities between people, and it has been a joy to observe.

People seem to initially have the same wants and needs. We all need food to live, beverage to quench our thirst. We all need shelter; beds to sleep in and roofs over our heads. Even more than these outward items used for our personal survival I have noticed that people quite simply need each other. Whether I was in the house of my home stay family in the Philippines, on the bus with all of my fellow SSUer’s or staying here in this Muslim Village in Malaysia, we need each other. And even more so I am noticing on the trip, we want each other… we as humans want community. Life together is what makes humanity, it is what makes culture. Sometimes life together is what creates hatred, but on a good day community can create peace.

My home stay mother created peace in our house in the Philippines by always caring and looking out for me. She was nurturing and loving and cared for our entire group of travellers. She wanted us around as well; she desired community with our group. She was similar to any other mother figure, which seems to be something you find in most any culture whether North American or South East Asian.

Other similarities consist of the way children laugh and have fun. Here in Malaysia I see kids being rascals just like anywhere else. Their smiles fill up this community. Even Crystal said the other day about the boys in the village that, “Boy will be boys, Muslim or not.”

These are the things that make up our world, there is much more for us to see and recognize as the same (or close to it, at least) instead of seeing all those things that separate us. This trip thus far has opened my eyes to see all that we as humans in the world share just through our humanness; it’s beautiful.

Movin’ in Malaysia

February 20, 2009 – 9:37 am
By Kendall Kadatz | Posted in Uncategorized Comments (0)

From the Philippines to Malaysia

After a farewell feast and karaoke on the front lawn of Northwestern University’s president, SSU’s Southeast Asia crew left Laoag City on Sunday evening for an overnight 10 hour bus ride to Manila (complete with bone chilling air conditioning, movies that randomly stopped and started, and Filipino radio that blasted our ears at 3am). Cathay Pacific then flew us through Hong Kong to Kota Kinabalu (KK), capital of the state of Sabah, in eastern Malaysia.

One night in KK was followed by an excursion in 6 mini-vans for three hours through Malaysia’s jungle landscape and over the spectacular Crocker Mountains (monkeys along the way might have previously met Katie Mott, since one of them grabbed a flower out of Karis Taylor’s hair and ate it). Our destination was a Moslem village near the town of Keningau. As we arrived, the villagers greeted us with a huge “Welcome to the Canadians” sign.

Home-stays with Moslem families

Through two nights of home-stays, the people of the village showed us generosity and friendship and introduced us to local foods and customs. The cross-cultural exposure has been multi-dimensional. In mid-30s (Celsius) weather, SSU students joined with their Moslem counterparts for soccer, tug-of-war, bamboo stilt walking and other field sports. Village elders spoke to us about their customs, traditions, agricultural economy and hopes for the future. Some SSU men were invited to the village Mosque to witness evening prayers. SSU women, with their heads covered, were permitted to sit in an anteroom of the Mosque. Following worship, all the Moslem men (about 50) came over to us and shook our hands warmly in a moving gesture of hospitality.

On the final evening many of the villagers (perhaps 400 people) gathered in our honour. The community hall was standing room only as local entertainment — musicians, dancers and a 10 piece bamboo band performed local favourites. Then the “SSU Singers” (aka: Holli and Friends) brought down the house with their cool rendition of “Oh Happy Day.” Later, Holli and Brianna sang Holli’s new song, “Healing Heart,” to much applause.

Comfort zones are being stretched

On Thursday morning we gathered in a circle and prayed a Celtic liturgy that helped place our day and ourselves into God’s hands. We also joined together in a prayer for community taken from the St. Stephen’s University Prayerbook. Next we reflected on the challenges of living and travelling together so far from our homes and families, embedded in a very different culture. Various students spoke about being outside their ‘comfort zones.’ We talked about personal struggles and frustrations and what cross-cultural learning can look like when it is up close and personal. Some spoke about how adversity is a good thing when it serves to stretch us in new ways. Others talked about the importance of being sensitive and vulnerable–to each other and to God. A student shared that she had been drawn to Ephesians 4:2-6 and read it aloud to the group–twice. It seemed to sum up our scattered reflections and cement the truth of St. Paul’s words in our hearts and minds.

So we ask friends and families to please pray Ephesians 4:2-6 over the SSU Asian pilgrims. It touches on the essence of our journey in this jungle-land, where there are spiders the size of hockey pucks! Your prayer support means everything to us.

Gregg Finley (on behalf of the SSU leaders’ team)

Adios Philippines, hello Malaysia

February 16, 2009 – 9:02 pm
By Kendall Kadatz | Posted in Uncategorized Comments (0)

Our second week in the Philippines has been full of activities based at or made possible by the efforts of North Western University NWU in Laoag City. We participated in a three-day series of lectures presented by NWU faculty. Among the lecture topics was coverage as such themes as: the history, economics, literature, and social aspects of the Philippines.

SSU students had many opportunities to engage with Filipino scholars in Q/A sessions following each lecture. These were rich exchanges. Gradually we are gaining an appreciation of the complexities and challenges of this fascinating island-country. We have been treated with great courtesy, hospitality and friendship by NWU staff, faculty and students as we engaged in conversations with our hosts in the classroom, at mealtimes, in the library and computer centre, and at other university venues.

The Mission Statement of NWU is that the university “…is committed to develop man’s full potential, empower him to attain excellence, uphold his dignity and worth as God’s creation and hence mold him to become a creative, patriotic and noble Filipino.” Our ongoing partnership between NWU and SSU holds much promise for SSU’s future visits to the Philippines.

When SSU students were not in class they were spending quality time with their home-stay families, experiencing exotic local foods like fried calamari, fried bananas, etc. and visiting sites around Laoag City.

Toward the end of the week the SSU group made a couple of day trips beyond Laoag City to visit historical and cultural attractions in the region of northern Luzon, including the Burgos National Museum, Vigan (UNESCO Site featuring Spanish colonial buildings), and St. Augustine’s Church at Paoay (UNESCO Site). On the second day we had time to splish and splash in the South China Sea on Valentine’s Day. At Pagudpud, we enjoyed a swim and lunch at one of the finest white sand beaches in the country – and yes, the water was warm and the tropical breeze was haunting.

Prayer requests:

– Thanksgiving for gracious, hospitable families in the Philippines that showed love and built relationship with our students.
– Travel mercies as we travel to and in Malaysia.
– May the hearts and minds of the Moslem villagers be open to receive us warmly, and may our students not be fearful as they enter into very new and unfamiliar Malaysian surroundings;
– May our time in Sabah be enabled by continued unity and cooperation within the SSU group, and may our “quiet times” be enlivened by prayer and mutual service to one another.
– Healthy bodies as the rigors of travel have resulted in some colds and upset stomachs.

Thanks again for your support,

Asia 2009 Team

More Photos: SSU students in the Philippines

February 12, 2009 – 9:08 am
By Matt Frise | Posted in Uncategorized Comments (1)

Some additional photos of SSU students Holli Durost and Margaret Sider having some adventures in the Philippines.

Photos courtesy of Jerico De Castro.

The Nuances of Philippine Food

February 12, 2009 – 8:42 am
By Katelyn Avery | Posted in Uncategorized Comments (0)

I am a picky eater. I have distinct likes and dislikes. However, I went into this trip with the idea that I would try something of everything wthout turning my nose up and attempting to avoid wrinkling my nose. Therefore, to this point, I have tried mussels (yum), cooked carrots (which are usually my nemesis, but I wanted to be polite ), seaweed (crunchy green pipe cleaner. It was okay. Really salty), mangoes (so yummy) and a strange dessert which reminded me of the grade school horror shows we used to put on with dyed spaghetti and peeled grapes. In short, I am not starving here and the fish is delicious (and huge. You can eat as much as you like).

At the same time, I am experiencing a growing admiration for a people I did not know until a short time ago. They are unfailingly hospitable and friendly, even those I do not know. They wave to the tall white girl on the street and the kids want to run up and say hello. My host mother gave us the best of what she had and took us to visit her friends and family, incorporating us into her family as “ates” or sisters (although the youngest didn’t buy it. We were obviously aliens). I had a good conversation with the matriarch of the family, a wise great grandmother who was proud of the fact that she was an American citizen without ever having set foot in the US. Angela and I had a blast with the boys playing in the river. Talking to these modest people is a blessing, as I find a deep love for God in many of them, and those who do not actively pursue God have respect for people of faith. I like that attitude. I like it a lot. I wish we could see that same respect more often in our considerably faster-paced and cynical Canadian society.

Sweaty in Southeast Asia

February 10, 2009 – 12:29 am
By Kendall Kadatz | Posted in Uncategorized Comments (2)

Plane- 19 hours
Bus- 15 hours
Layovers- 9 hours

After an arduous but enjoyable journey, SSU’s team of 28 students and 4 leaders arrived in Laoag, a charming little city in the north-western corner of the Philippines. Dishevelled, sleep-deprived (and possibly smelly), we triumphantly hauled our luggage into our friendly hotel to be briefly acquainted with pillows and beds. With nigh a complaint, we had reached our destination.

Before long, though, our out-of-sync bodies arose to wander the streets, tackling our newly bestowed tasks of exploring our neighbourhood, remaining hydrated, and ingesting novel cuisines. Shortly, we were delivered to Northwestern University (NWU), one of the partners in our endeavour. An elaborate Welcome Ceremony awaited us, complete with dance routines, national anthems, songs, speeches, a campus tour, and a visit to NWU’s Ecotourism Park and Botanic Garden. Excited but exhausted, we returned to our hotel and attempted to sleep off some jetlag.

The next few days gave us a chance to engage personally. NWU initiated student interaction (NWU students and ours) through a morning of music and traditional games. Coconuts were broken, basketballs were thrown, and a good time was had by all. A trip to the beach continued the conversations with our new Filipino friends and provided a break from the heat. Another evening’s rest gave way to a worship service at Church of Our Savior, which is led by Pastors Brian and May Shah, longstanding friends of SSU. Puto (a sticky rice desert) and more conversations followed before students were taken back to NWU to meet the families they would be living with for the next 7 days.

In the coming week we will have lectures about the Philippines at NWU, partake in the city’s Pamulinawen Festival, and take a couple of day excursions to nearby sites.

While waiting for updates on those activities, please continue to pray for the following:
-formation of good relationships and meaningful experiences with the students’ homestay families
-continued good health and safe travel
-a speedy recovery for one student who came down with a throat infection

Thanks so much for your prayers and support

SSU at NWU – Laoag City, the Philippines

February 9, 2009 – 10:18 am
By Matt Frise | Posted in Uncategorized Comments (0)

The St. Stephen’s University Study-Abroad team is safe and sound at Northwestern University near Laoag City in the Philippines. This is the first location among several stops for this semester’s Southeast Asian term. Here are a few photos taken at a recent mixer between St. Stephen’s University and Northwestern University students.

(Photos courtesy of Northwestern University student Jerico de Castro.)

Tracks

February 3, 2009 – 12:42 am
By Nicola Gladwell | Posted in Uncategorized Comments (2)

A friend at school loves to make lines with a snowplough; anyone coming to the university wearing only socks can recognize when someone has made tracks with wet boots inside Park Hall; and I have a niece who loves to make families of snow angels in lines. This afternoon I hope to snowshoe in the woods around Dominion Hill, the retreat centre I am at for the weekend; next Saturday, I hope to sink my toes in white sand on the North coast of the Philippines. It seems like God made us able to make tracks for a reason… looking behind at the trail I’ve made in the snow, I receive affirmation that I am here and present; I have physically made a difference to my past.

These weeks leading up to our trip to Asia, we have read a lot of books, written a lot of book reflections and reviews, and listened to a lot of lectures: I am beginning to think I know more of South East Asia’s History than Canada’s. As I read the stories of these nations over the years, I often wished I could change the path that they were heading in; I could see where the trail was leading and the events that would eventually perspire. Western Colonialists have left footsteps in SEA and can look behind them to recognize their presence and the reality of their actions. Sometimes corrupt national leaders have risen in times of upheaval, their steps only leading to tragedy.

We are about to embark on another adventure that will be leaving a trail, and I guess I’m a bit anxious about the path we’ll make and the tracks we’ll leave behind. I’m scared that I don’t have the cross cultural know-how to make good decisions, that I won’t know when to trust and when to be wary, or what parts of my character that aren’t globally appropriate and which of my many idiosyncrasies are. I feel like I will make a lot of mistakes, and I’m nervous about how many confused – or even worse: hurt or distanced - looks I’ll get! I want to learn as much of the language as possible, be risky enough to ensure that I live consciously, and love new friends freely. I want to leave behind no regrets: a trail of relationships that both reach beyond and embrace cultural differences, experiences that enrich the meaning in my life, and a stretched world view, transforming the goggles through which I interact with my experiences.

But for now… I’m going snowshoeing :) .

Are you packed yet?

February 3, 2009 – 12:40 am
By Margaret Sider | Posted in Uncategorized Comments (1)

A critical look at packing, and whether one should (or should not), be really excited and eager to pack…

Packing Pros

1. NEWNESS! You are about to do something and go somewhere! You’re leaving where you’re at, and moving onto something else.

2. Living out of a bag. It is refreshing… and easy.

3. Condensing the most important items in your life into one little space. You have to think critically about what you actually NEED and what you don’t.

4. Sometimes you get new and exciting things to take with you. This could include: cameras, plug converters, and travel sized accessories like those little shampoos. Plus, you get to oogle over all your new stuff while you pack it.

5. Packing reminds you of the unexpectedness of everything. But also how you can still prepare in the midst of it. It’s all about flexibility…

6. You get to be creative in coming up with places for random shaped objects (just like when you wrap Christmas presents).

Packing Cons

1. It takes forever to squish up your stuff really small (or roll it up if you are really pro).

2. You can never figure out when to do the laundry so that you can wear and take the same clean clothes (unless you have lots of clothes or are really good at strategizing about what to wear).

3. You have to decide what to wear before you pack so you don’t pack it.

4. Measuring bags…. And if your bag is overweight, then you get to repack! (Is that a pro or con??)

Considering all things, I have reached the conclusion -with a 6:4 split- that packing is indeed an exciting endeavor… on that note, I should probably go do some more packing myself!

Cheers, Margaret

Pre-Asia

February 3, 2009 – 12:01 am
By Daniel Thiessen | Posted in Uncategorized Comments (0)

So I’m writing this blog a little late due to publishing problems. Now we are leaving for Saint John in 2 hours and because of this I am feeling different than I was 3 days ago when I first attempted to write this. I’m not so much scared about going halfway around the world for 2 months as I’m anxious about being without the basic comforts of home that I’ve come to love so much. Sure there are always concerns when traveling to new places about security etc. but that doesn’t really bother me. Many other SSU groups have gone on the same, or similar, trips and all come out alright, why should ours be any different? Not having internet regularly, not having food I like… these are things that actually concern me, who cares about illegal activities if you can’t get good food.

Over the last few weeks we have been bombarded with information on how to be culturally sensitive, making it seem as if any slip up with offend our hosts or even insult them. All this kind of thinking will do is make me so concerned with doing the right thing culturally I’ll completely forget about the rest of the trip. Of course I will make an effort to be polite in the eyes of my host, but I will also acknowledge my limitations.

Now its time to do some last minute packing before we leave, my favorite part of leaving. You go through a list of things you need, but no matter what you do, you will forget half of what you need. Oh well.

Ready to go

February 2, 2009 – 5:32 pm
By Lucas Walters | Posted in Uncategorized Comments (1)

The idea of going half way around the world, the experience of meeting new people and living out of a duffel bag is a reality that I will soon be embracing. Going to Southeast Asia is going to be an experience of a lifetime. This will be the first time that I will have ever been out of North America. I am told that going to places such as the Philippines, Malaysia and Thailand is an experience that will cause one to grow. I enjoy the idea of a challenge and that is what this trip will be, but overcoming adversity causes one to grow and become a better person in the process. Therefore, I am looking forward to this grand adventure that I will be going on in less then a week. It will be mango season when we arrive there and I am looking forward to eating lots of fresh fruit as well as being able to go to a market, interacting with different people and experiencing it all is going to be awesome. It has been a very intense month that has passed by extremely quickly. Classes are all over now and the packing process has begun, which means that I have to make sure that I have everything ready to go. Getting out of that Canadian perspective and being open to foreign cultures is something that I am really looking forward to. It is going to be awesome.

Blogging For Kendall

February 2, 2009 – 5:27 pm
By Isaac | Posted in Uncategorized Comments (1)

The only reason why I spend my time at SSU is of course due to its convenient location, which is right across the street from my house. Another reason might also be due to the whole travel aspect of the school. Over the past few years I have had the opportunity to travel along with the school through the Europe trip that takes place. Though for each of the trips that I have experienced I have not been a student and so have not had the opportunity to test the academic waters of the trip. With this being my first Asia trip experience with the school and my first travel experience as a student, I am no doubt excited. In my years hanging around the school without being a student, I had always heard  horror stories of the amount of work and classes that accompany the trips. I was surprised to find that the stories were not far from true. There has definitely been enough activity in the classroom and on the keyboard to tire me out for a little while; but my spirits surrounding the trip are still high.

I am looking forward to experiencing some of the different cultures that we have been looking at in class. From what I have heard, the Southeast Asians are very formidable and generous hosts. This is a comforting notion as we will be staying with varying families throughout the trip. One of the things that I looking forward to the most over the trip is just the simple act of experiencing new things in a new and interesting place. From what I have heard about the trip from past students it will no doubt hold up to any expectation that I might have,  and I looking forward to gaining new stories that I will be able to share with my friends and family pending my return.

never, never, ever again land.

February 2, 2009 – 5:24 pm
By Cara Lehocki | Posted in Uncategorized Comments (0)

I came to SSU because of the travel semesters. What I really mean by that is I came to SSU to go to Europe not Asia. Traveling to Europe has always been a dream of mine and since I have already had the experience of visiting SE Asia I was mainly anticipating the Europe trip. But after the opportunity to spend a semester in Asia came up, I weighed my options and traveling to the Philippines, Malaysia and Thailand far outweighed the cold, grey months left in this small town.
So here I am pondering what could potentially lay ahead and remembering a promise I made to myself to never, ever, ever go back to Asia during their summer months. Not but two years ago I made the trip to Thailand with ten fellow naive missionaries where we experienced what one would call “roughing it”. Whether it was the intense humidity that turned me off, or sleeping on concrete floors for two months, either way I was turned off and vowed never to return.
While in Thailand my self-esteem was at an all time low for a number of reasons.It was physically uncomfortable, I was missing the comforts of home,  and I had a difficult time responding to certain comments directed towards me. Some people told me I was fat or asked when my baby was due. Children and adults alike stared at my curly blonde hair and fair skin in disbelief as though I were some sort of mythical creature. One concerned Thai asked if I needed to limit my sun exposure, he thought I was Albino and said I looked like I had a disease. Not to mention the 15 pounds I packed on from eating chocolate drumsticks (note: Do NOT comfort eat).

I must be honest it wasn’t all bad, and luckily it took me 5 seconds and not 5 years to see the humour in all of the misfortunes. Reminiscing back to what seemed like an irritatingly painful journey I’m reminded of the good I experienced in Thailand. The people that won my heart, the beautiful temples, the colourful markets, and fresh fruit at our convenience surpass the lack of cheeseburgers, decent coffee and toilets that flush. I am feeling optimistic about this next adventure to SE Asia and all the challenges and experiences it will bring.

The taste of duck fetus

February 2, 2009 – 4:28 pm
By Alex Henderson | Posted in Uncategorized Comments (0)

I am looking forward to Asia. Not particularly the duck fetus, but other things. I like seeing the ways cities are designed in different parts of the world because of how a building layout can affect a person’s feel and interpretation of a city. I hope Asia will have some pretty interesting aspects of this.

I am looking forward to the food too, especially Asian dishes that are not normally served in North American eateries.

The next biggest thing I am looking forward to is seeing the natural environment and animal life of South East Asia. I am bringing a camera with me for reasons like this.

One of my more serious hopes for this trip will be to shake my underlying prejudices toward Islam and Muslims. I want to see its purpose, beliefs and values without blinders. While I almost completely disagree with the tenets of Islam over God’s plan of salvation for the world, I want to see the good things of Islam.

Past experiences with Muslims have been strained because of my prejudices. In past situations, I have tried  unsuccesfully to foster a dialogue with Muslim people. The problem has been that my discomfort with the faith has stopped me from getting too close to a religion that has been associated with fear and misunderstanding by individuals I have interacted with. I can only hope and pray that I will be able to learn patiently and humbly from Muslims this time around.

Unfamiliar Pilgrims

February 2, 2009 – 12:52 am
By Raymond Funk | Posted in Uncategorized Comments (0)

Driving through the evening darkness tonight, four of us were on our way back from Saint John. Most of my thoughts and efforts over the last few days, even the last few weeks, have been consumed with our nearing departure for the far off countries of South East Asia. The only difference between the few weeks and the few days has been the concentration of the reality that we are leaving soon. And even though I have learned so much about the history and religions, about the empire of Srivijaya and the temples of Ankor Wat or of the colonization by Europeans, I can’t help but think of how geographically and culturally far apart I am from these soon-to-be-seen countries.

Rather than last minute mental preparations to keep myself calm and collected, ready to face the emotional and mental challenge of stepping into a new and completely unfamiliar place, I have been doing last minute preparations to make sure that I have the right shoes to wear to class, the special kind of socks so that my feet don’t smell, a tooth brush and toothpaste. And so I found myself in a car on my way to Saint John with four friends, pilgrims, who were looking for the same preparedness stepping onto the plane when the bags are packed and inaccessible in the cargo hold underneath. I’m sure I would be tricking myself into thinking it not important to have enough underwear or deodorant. And I’m sure that my classmates and trip leaders would soon agree. But as good as it is to have my physical self in order I hope I will have my non-physical self in order for when I step off the plane into a different place. I may be stepping out somewhere different but I hope that I will find that the grandest of unfamiliarities will speak of some distant part of myself or my way of seeing things that I had not noticed or seen before. Because while I am separated from South East Asia by thousands of miles and by centuries of time, when we step off the plane a defining moment will have occurred. All the events of history and religion will culminate in my reality by having arrived. Oh goodness, I hope I’m ready to no longer try to be prepared. But instead I hope I will be open and willing for not my belongings to be used or broken into, but rather my understanding.

Building Excitement

February 2, 2009 – 12:44 am
By Kyle Jaster | Posted in Uncategorized Comments (0)

As the trip is now only three days away I’m quite excited to venture back to Asia. I was there about nine months ago; however, this is going to be a completely different experience for me, as I have not experienced the third world side of Asia before. I think the part I’m most excited about is taking some pictures. As a photographer who is primarily interested in shooting photojournalism, it can be a frustrating task to find interesting subject matter to shoot in what has become such a familiar place like St. Stephen’s. That’s not to say that there are no opportunities to do photojournalism here, photojournalism can be done anywhere, it is just much more exciting shooting in an unfamiliar land. I think the biggest struggle for me in shooting during our trip will be remembering that I am on a team and not just out there on my own doing what I please, everything I do effects the whole team and therefore I must look for the appropriate opportunities to do my photography. I hope that I will have the opportunity to go into the more poverty stricken places within the countries we plan to visit as only a small portion of the country can be experienced in the more touristy or city areas. I am hoping some of my fellow photographers will be up for the challenge. All in all I think it’s going to be a great trip.

Learning to Love

February 2, 2009 – 12:37 am
By Laura Copping | Posted in Uncategorized Comments (0)

When I arrived at SSU in September this year and I met most of the fourth years for the first time, the first thing I noticed was the strong sense of community. I would hear story after story of experiences shared as I witnessed this remarkable bond of friendship and to be honest I was kind of jealous.

I am not nervous about living in Asia for nearly two months (though I likely should be); I am, however, excited. Not for the new foods I’ll inevitably experience or the fascinating places I’ll likely visit. Not for the families I’ll be living with or the culture I’ll experience. As cheesy as it sounds, what excites me most is the people I’m doing all of this with. I’m looking forward to getting to know people outside of their comfort zone. From what I hear, this Asia trip is going to be a place where we learn to love each other through the best and worst of situations. I have no doubt that it will be a trip where endless grace is needed; my hope and excitement lies in witnessing this endless grace being given. Is it weird that we haven’t even begun and I’m already anticipating post-Asia community?

I guess what I’m trying to say is that from witnessing the tight knit community that has formed in the older students, I’m looking forward to continuing the journey towards closer friendships with those in my class. It may be a trying time, but I have faith that it will be worth it.

Stories Intertwined

February 2, 2009 – 12:36 am
By Lindsay McKay | Posted in Uncategorized Comments (0)

As of late, I have been fascinated with the idea of story. Perhaps this is why learning so fully captures my attention. As far as I can tell, you, my reader, and I, along with anyone that has ever been, is now and ever will be in this world are all a part of a gastronomically humongous story. Given the vast numbers of people involved in this story, it would be impossible to understand and know every facet of it. That is why, for now, I will try to understand bits and pieces of it through studying and learning. I will also attempt to understand the stories of my friends, and, for the first time, I wish to truly grasp my own story.

It is for those reasons that I have found that learning about Southeast Asia has truly effected me in such a way that I believe I am beginning to understand the global story in new ways. However, I am an experiential learner; to know someone’s story means to meet them in their context. If I want to know the story of a devout Thai Buddhist, I must meet one. If I want to understand the effects of colonialism on Malaysia, I must go there and ask questions. If I want to know why Filipinos are some of the most friendly people that I have ever met, I need to go and explore their country and their customs. All of this in order to understand a story.

I am excited to travel in close quarters with my SSU friends; undoubtedly, this will include learning much more than I have ever wanted to know about bodily systems and the like. However, the key here is that we will build relationship that will go beyond anything superficial, (high-stress, close-quartered situations will do that to you.) Together, this Southeast Asia 2009 group will share an experience that no other group has; together we will work through stress and shock; together we will write our story.

I also look at this trip to Asia as an opportunity to expand my personal story. I will be changed by what I learn in Asia. I will be changed by the stories of others. On this trip – in everyday life, really – the people around us help us to write our stories. So it is in this that I know that the stories of my friends and the friends that I have yet to make are intertwined in such a way that I have the privilege of having each of you help me write my story. For that, I say thank you.

Leaving on a jet plane…

February 2, 2009 – 12:25 am
By Geoff MacNeill | Posted in Uncategorized Comments (0)

Wow,  Tuesday is fast approaching. I have barely had time to think about actually leaving for Southeast Asia. Studying, trying to get papers in on time, and socializing has preoccupied my mind. And it’s now Saturday night, and once again my mind is focused back in St. Stephen, there’s a send off party that I am already late for. Yet, today my friends and I went to Saint John to do some last minute shopping, and now things are all pretty much in order. I think I can finally start to relax and take in the fact that I’ll be on Southeast Asian soil, half way around the world, in less than a week.

But when I do get a chance to reflect on the fact that I’m actually going there, I get excited. Being exposed to new cultures is something that I love. It’s not that I am bored with the Maritimes, I gladly reside here. But every once in a while I like a good adventure. And, wow, I am really looking forward to this one. I am excited about the 11 hour bus ride in Manila that will expose us to the Filipino culture and scenery, I can’t wait to climb Mount Kinabalu and take in the view, or gaze over the rice fields in Thailand.

On another note, I don’t want to go over there with a Western culture superiority complex, as if I should teach them the ways of the supposed “superior” western ideals. No, that’s not my aim. I want to learn from the people, their history and culture already amazes me.  So therefore, I am looking forward to learning from those whom I will be encountering. I do not know what that will mean right now, but I hope that I’ll learn a lot, and be changed for the better because of it. I also hope and pray that the people we encounter, the locals, will somehow, through love, see God through us and be changed for the better as well.

And finally, I am really looking forward to going on this trip with so many of my friends, but will miss those that aren’t. Take care.

Geoff

I Love Asia !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

February 1, 2009 – 11:40 pm
By Jonathon Rasenberg | Posted in Uncategorized Comments (0)

I’m guessing my blog will have a slightly different take than ones previously posted. I lived for a year in the Philippines, a year in Nepal and about 8 months combined between Ethiopia and Mexico. So for me, I really don’t feel very anxious about hitting the road, I’ve already gotten most of that out of my system from previous travel. But I’m very excited to be involved in the journey of discovery which my class is about to embark on. The process of becoming a world citizen starts with a curiosity for the unknown, and I have been very impressed with how the momentum of our curiosity is building as we interact through class, our professors and each other’s personal expectations and experiences; we haven’t left yet and it’s already been a sweet adventure.
I really have appreciated the in-depth experience of our Professors, especially Frank Byrne, who is teaching the cultural studies course. It might be difficult from the classroom for students to appreciate his experience and resulting insight and wisdom, as they have yet to test their own limits when in comes to cultural adaptation. But from my experience, once the honeymoon phase of international travel has passed it really can become hard work. It takes a lot of time, patience and good humor to really appreciate and function within a cultural which will run against your common sense and everything you thought was basic human intuition. I really admire the respect Frank holds for the differences within cultures. Nothing ever happens for no reason, it’s the same with culture, customs and religion; they developed as generations have looked to establish boundaries and norms that serve to protect what is valuable to them. We would be fools to go to Asia and not make it a priority to extract as much accumulated knowledge and insight as possible. I just have so much respect for people who have learned that life is so much larger than our own limited experiences, and that there is no end to what we can learn to wrap our fingers around. To get to that place it seems to me humbleness, an open mind and curiosity are the required tools of the day. Based on my experiences I think SSU has given a valiant effort to equip its students for the adventure that lies ahead.
And besides from all the wisdom to be gained, the Philippines have the best mangoes in the world.

Yours truly,
Johno

what lies ahead

February 1, 2009 – 9:39 pm
By Crystal Ruis | Posted in Uncategorized Comments (0)

As the Asia departure date fast approaches I have found it increasingly difficult to express what I am feeling.  With each day that passes I find myself feeling mixed emotions of anxiety, fear, nervousness, and utter and complete excitement.  The courses developed to prepare me for the Asia trip have done an excellent job of making me familiar with the history and culture of Southeast Asia, but I feel that nothing can truly prepare me for what lies ahead.

I will be encountering societies, cultures, and environments that are completely foreign to me and my Westernized perceptions of the world and the way it should be.  To be honest, I can’t wait to challenge my world-view and force myself to experience, learn, and grow.  I have learned through the History course of the rich and at sometimes tragic history of the Asian people.  Their struggles through years of colonialism to finally achieve independence have made their nations a mixture of ancient Asian traditions and European customs, forming the eclectic culture they’ve developed today.  To take what we have learned in the classroom and apply it to see, taste, and touch with our own senses in Asia is a rare and unique opportunity!

Regardless of the mesh of emotions I am feeling right now, I am looking forward to this trip.  I believe that to truly know and appreciate one’s own culture and history, it is important to know that of those who are different from you.   With an open heart, mind, and a sense of adventure I hope to discover who I am through discovering the Asian people, traditions, and culture.