tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79286229048968019802024-02-19T01:01:00.027-08:00I chose the road less traveled by and it has made all the differenceAn account of my year as a Y.A.S.C. Volunteer serving in Hong Kong.Maegan Collierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05360480979170572005noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928622904896801980.post-2393825245620608232010-06-20T22:14:00.000-07:002010-06-20T23:09:19.501-07:00I chose the road to...questions?!<strong>I am so torn emotionally. I love Hong Kong. Truly and completely. There is nothing here that I want to leave, yet in 44 days I will be heading back stateside. I miss my family and friends back home in Alabama and cannot wait to see them, still I know that it is going to be miserably hard to leave here in a month and a half. I have totally made a home of Hong Kong and have seriously considered finding work here and making it permanent. But alas, I know that now is not the time and on August 3rd I will depart this adventure to find the next one in my life. <br /><br />Recently work has been quite a smooth operation. I have grown completely confident in the cases that I handle. It has taken almost the entire 10 months to feel this way. I am able to assist a client, counsel and guide her, certain that I am giving her accurate information and advice. It is a very good feeling to have at last. From an emotional standpoint, however, the work has not gotten easier. Don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t trade my ministry for anyone else’s and am certain that God has put me exactly where He wants me. But some days I have to control the feelings of rage that build inside of me when yet another man rapes one of my clients. This month in particular seems to have been particularly difficult with an influx of rape cases. What is it that makes someone think they have the right to violate someone else? Why do some people think that women’s bodies are property or things that they can use and abuse and discard afterwards? <br /><br />I have given this a lot of thought because I arrived at work one day recently to find that an already established client (and friend) of ours had been raped after going to her part time job. I was distraught on the inside and when I saw her I went to hug her and tell her that I was here if she needed to talk. I later became even more mentally upset because she said “oh Maegan, it’s okay, I’m alright”. <br /><br />Okay?!?! Alright?!? This girl is brutally raped and she is alright? What kind of world do we live in where someone can be grossly violated but has to pick herself up, dust herself off, and keep moving. Pretending that nothing happened to her. Pretending that everything is okay. Continuing working and supporting her family with a smile on her face because she has no other choice. No time to cry. No time for therapy. No time to collect herself. <br /><br />If this situation happened to one of my friends or family members today, their world would stop. People would react and action would be taken. But in the lives of so many women in the world, this happens everyday and they have to pretend like nothing has changed. Wipe away the tears, hide the pain, and keep pressing on. What kind of existence is that? What kind of world is this we live in? <br /><br />I am haunted by the need to rescue these women from the predators in their lives. I am not confused however… I know this does not only take place in Asia. People exploit people everywhere. I just can’t comprehend why.</strong>Maegan Collierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05360480979170572005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928622904896801980.post-4240311940982518202010-05-30T21:44:00.000-07:002010-06-17T00:57:51.088-07:00I chose the road to...the PIOMThe anticipation mounted as I found my seat aboard the Philippine Airlines flight bound for Manila. I opened my PIOM materials and began reading as I glanced out the window at Hong Kong fading into clouds. I was so excited to finally be on my way back to the Philippines.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWG9qmLbbSVKFtqFXSM2ONIzZHxs7fjH_fenYiJcOcm-W5yeciD1Dhg4-xBd1cZRHQpxMP_6taUzkaq6xxJOsQ0I3ZjcshKHQYtp2v6DD18jHRp9Ttwrx6iajr5oVAH7Y5qzsuK4lg2zk/s1600/untitled.bmp"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483638188491400082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWG9qmLbbSVKFtqFXSM2ONIzZHxs7fjH_fenYiJcOcm-W5yeciD1Dhg4-xBd1cZRHQpxMP_6taUzkaq6xxJOsQ0I3ZjcshKHQYtp2v6DD18jHRp9Ttwrx6iajr5oVAH7Y5qzsuK4lg2zk/s320/untitled.bmp" /></a><br />The People’s International Observer’s Mission (PIOM) consisted of 86 foreigners from 11 countries who monitored the first ever automated elections in the Philippines. We came from Australia, Canada, United States, United Kingdom, Japan, Hong Kong, France, Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands. And we visited Northern Luzon (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abra_%28province%29">Abra</a>), Central Luzon (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pampanga">Pampanga</a>/<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tarlac">Tarlac</a>), National Capital Region (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tondo">Tondo</a>/<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Payatas">Payatas</a>), Bicol (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daraga,_Albay">Daraga</a>/<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sorsogon">Sorsogon</a>),Southern Luzon (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quezon">Quezon</a>/<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cavite">Cavite</a>), Western Visayas (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iloilo">Iloilo</a>), Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marawi">Marawi City</a>), (Davao) <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Davao_del_sur">Lanao del Sur</a> and Caraga. We were the largest foreign delegation ever to monitor the Philippine elections.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJnnPuO4aAOB4pbS5aqtIy2ahJJWWfUmOCZOXfFMYPVWgd9w2V6p7FCVw9WXmmx9clHUKwBmz3B-lMK2jS55u5XnVC1cC2xqWzr42cS90zN7A2uVjMyumaiHYOJGb9TZhgugHFPTBiQPE/s1600/DSC00571.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJnnPuO4aAOB4pbS5aqtIy2ahJJWWfUmOCZOXfFMYPVWgd9w2V6p7FCVw9WXmmx9clHUKwBmz3B-lMK2jS55u5XnVC1cC2xqWzr42cS90zN7A2uVjMyumaiHYOJGb9TZhgugHFPTBiQPE/s320/DSC00571.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483645218726184274" /></a><br /><br />We convened first in Manila at the Orchid Garden Suites for briefing and general “need-to-know” type of stuff. I was feeling a bit intimidated due to the fact that I had decided to go on this mission without anyone that I know. I walked into the hotel conference room and was immediately greeted with warm hugs from members of the Secretariat. My fears began to subside and I found a seat with a table of incredibly friendly Canadians.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwfYFVJ2M9d0DJb1KJ4rZ6TowpjbuSWb75i8hV0ca2_w7-RxWrpyqmrd9d89906jWsxirDo_XdSukSTrYokNb9x1PoHfXj7O_wzvCLFqBqSI3AUREHyHfJWzqoExWDXJeRvwV3dIGCKIA/s1600/5-8+6.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 247px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483638194907349746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwfYFVJ2M9d0DJb1KJ4rZ6TowpjbuSWb75i8hV0ca2_w7-RxWrpyqmrd9d89906jWsxirDo_XdSukSTrYokNb9x1PoHfXj7O_wzvCLFqBqSI3AUREHyHfJWzqoExWDXJeRvwV3dIGCKIA/s320/5-8+6.jpg" /></a><br /><br />After spending a few days in Manila we seperated into teams and I joined my companions on a bus bound for Abra, in the beautiful mountains of the Cordillera. We arrived in Bangued, Abra at 4:00am and settled into our accomodations for a few hours sleep before our busy day ahead.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5YlUJL-guD-AMxNS0tge8RaXfmtC9IMDynXIOsdXV_NbsnqdLqJol16VfnjiU57apeix89ynz4Qb17tcbwykupuHZdsWou3OagNwbRBcjbY5RnP9MqU3tXZsEBdRO_oVoBnAw8Wo9a9Q/s1600/5-10+1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 183px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483638213834569666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5YlUJL-guD-AMxNS0tge8RaXfmtC9IMDynXIOsdXV_NbsnqdLqJol16VfnjiU57apeix89ynz4Qb17tcbwykupuHZdsWou3OagNwbRBcjbY5RnP9MqU3tXZsEBdRO_oVoBnAw8Wo9a9Q/s320/5-10+1.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD38sFz_33yCDJSVg-tMEbQSs1hXYsVyO_pctZlwEO7IZ1sTLqtfdam15CGXphMrpGbZz1A3fiSjJmI6XcVZNRsCXvNdpyoG2MU-wwrleNpsfG8bkhssdcfBccurq6hyQZuIy8JYm62s4/s1600/5-9+1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 215px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483638202794555314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD38sFz_33yCDJSVg-tMEbQSs1hXYsVyO_pctZlwEO7IZ1sTLqtfdam15CGXphMrpGbZz1A3fiSjJmI6XcVZNRsCXvNdpyoG2MU-wwrleNpsfG8bkhssdcfBccurq6hyQZuIy8JYm62s4/s320/5-9+1.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Our first day involved courtesy visits to the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Governor, the Congresswoman, a Lieutenant Colonel of the Philippine Army, and the Supervisor of COMELEC.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0VJA3Kdfn2kktWZhUGfvmVvWwG3RS8VbXmrSrRDKWg-6WSnmNXVU1X9Zq9Yf9UuDWHK5IMOhqhWtm6pLFBXj0TuWuit9c7hkOlM3LZ1rbu8NRLqWZX24ktzA1Z9ZPfMpP-lkN-74hmWk/s1600/DSC00641.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483641059045952338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0VJA3Kdfn2kktWZhUGfvmVvWwG3RS8VbXmrSrRDKWg-6WSnmNXVU1X9Zq9Yf9UuDWHK5IMOhqhWtm6pLFBXj0TuWuit9c7hkOlM3LZ1rbu8NRLqWZX24ktzA1Z9ZPfMpP-lkN-74hmWk/s320/DSC00641.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><em>Below is a section taken from the report that my team compiled at the end of the mission:<br /></em>The stated purpose of the elections was to have an open, clean, and fair process in determining the will of the majority. This process was compromised on several levels, and the integrity of the electorate’s will can be called into question. Specifically, we found evidence of: vote buying; negative campaigning; intimidation and harassment of voters and members of the PIOM team; a disproportionate and heavy military presence; comingling of state security forces with local candidates; breaches of security in the issuing of COMELEC identification passes; an atmosphere of fear; personal human rights violations in the outright occupation of people’s homes in Malibcong by the 41st IB, which is a direct violation of the sanctity of people’s personal space. The team itself was followed, photographed without permission, and questioned by the Army in terms of what our motives were. On more than one occasion, attempts were made to influence the neutrality of the team in an effort to draw the team into existing conflicts. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS-wLsF-HOqAlgeqJzq27ZLvlRfWj5PKdiVG29de1X_Mof-wmeYVl5_7JjnnhsFpsjMUJMGwTnJOhFhnuqAuLuqvf9MsxpGbyftAfR8nGcuC_aHNVeWYEoin_YqjbRjw8cn77d5JMs_UY/s1600/DSC00623.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483641048885311330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS-wLsF-HOqAlgeqJzq27ZLvlRfWj5PKdiVG29de1X_Mof-wmeYVl5_7JjnnhsFpsjMUJMGwTnJOhFhnuqAuLuqvf9MsxpGbyftAfR8nGcuC_aHNVeWYEoin_YqjbRjw8cn77d5JMs_UY/s320/DSC00623.JPG" /></a><br /><br />The majority of precincts did not open on time, and there were delays of as long as four hours because of technical problems with the PCOS machines. We discovered: extraordinarily long line-ups; in the actual precincts, a lack of control of the poll watchers; poll watchers influencing voters as they voted; unrealistic expectations placed upon the Board of Election Inspectors (BEI); a lack of privacy in casting votes; inadequate provisions for the elderly and the infirm, the BEIs and the general population; in many instances, people remained in line for as long ten hours in extremely high temperatures; in those instances when the machine failed, the absence of a contingency plan to secure the ballots; difficulty in the transmission of results from the precincts to the municipal canvassers, and from the municipal to the provincial canvassers.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNOFK-Qp-RTKbAXJBsNNHmC_Ztz8_Dlbwh0z1QTqHm8lQ2xRGqmZ17s2_pC_Nj-qFWJFlkL3kC9kiaX7c0zaHcEDm7lv7SYdWoj1Am4zncL9XNBH1DliYtO5MZa1kWAPQXI9Qq2qpLvGg/s1600/DSC00729.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483641079184972610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNOFK-Qp-RTKbAXJBsNNHmC_Ztz8_Dlbwh0z1QTqHm8lQ2xRGqmZ17s2_pC_Nj-qFWJFlkL3kC9kiaX7c0zaHcEDm7lv7SYdWoj1Am4zncL9XNBH1DliYtO5MZa1kWAPQXI9Qq2qpLvGg/s320/DSC00729.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvOT9e5CLYSOgODu2OVVAQzbcmVL4tU8vma84oKFYv3xkvh3QbS3YXHF5BLUsw1b6dDuPyj4yiJp_KyV5nq9XcSpKG0z-k6jIHBP1I8FyPsUNAbagi4usRe431cHzwDUZym8Ft5CUHTx8/s1600/DSC00793.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483641073840644130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvOT9e5CLYSOgODu2OVVAQzbcmVL4tU8vma84oKFYv3xkvh3QbS3YXHF5BLUsw1b6dDuPyj4yiJp_KyV5nq9XcSpKG0z-k6jIHBP1I8FyPsUNAbagi4usRe431cHzwDUZym8Ft5CUHTx8/s320/DSC00793.JPG" /></a><br /><br />The provincial canvassing was repeatedly rescheduled, and the final result came in three days after the end of voting. Failure of elections was declared in two municipalities, La Paz and Dolores.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQg8jG5Wzu-CJVQiMjwKYD1nven3PGmaUJEeCahKQtJW2lXW_CZCFYo8MaxN9pEZfy6Wm39uUpwX0W1VB7_bnzM0dSsWPsu83mrmZwtlDL3fuVH2_RMluMHv8Gcx6d2dR15OGB9YuLEIo/s1600/DSC00731.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483641065675190530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQg8jG5Wzu-CJVQiMjwKYD1nven3PGmaUJEeCahKQtJW2lXW_CZCFYo8MaxN9pEZfy6Wm39uUpwX0W1VB7_bnzM0dSsWPsu83mrmZwtlDL3fuVH2_RMluMHv8Gcx6d2dR15OGB9YuLEIo/s320/DSC00731.JPG" /></a><br /><br />One thing is certain, despite these abovementioned hardships and realities in Abra, the general population is fully engaged in the democratic process and has sought to make a difference by participating in the elections. However, until the underlying causes of extremely limited resources, poverty, alienation, and oppression of dissenting voices are remedied, conflict will continue no matter what system is used to elect representatives. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDJH_3MhnTl7PGzXoGvmez85h_qN4V1PnAOs0FG60YIju1XAqje6Kgsg54NRMZ1T9hN1rJ-65qJyWhiZHMbzy96gIxwZ2s3HPP8EjhXxcPyNE57e8Zb3aI6shnffbY5BpSBDb-B3QT7AQ/s1600/DSC00794.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDJH_3MhnTl7PGzXoGvmez85h_qN4V1PnAOs0FG60YIju1XAqje6Kgsg54NRMZ1T9hN1rJ-65qJyWhiZHMbzy96gIxwZ2s3HPP8EjhXxcPyNE57e8Zb3aI6shnffbY5BpSBDb-B3QT7AQ/s320/DSC00794.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483645210456423682" /></a><br /><br />The use of the electronic machines did not produce its stated purpose. It did not improve efficiency. Voters were still intimidated. The lack of transparency and the breakdown of the communications system led to widespread speculation about vote manipulation in the areas we visited.<br /><br />In all the COMELEC reports of peaceful elections, “peace” only referred to a lack of widespread, overt physical violence. But this was not a peaceful election. The Maguindanao Massacre for one is a large scale example of mass murder directly related to these elections. Furthermore, the PIOM team in Lanao del Sur witnessed a two-hour gunfight at the Tugaya Elementary School. The firefight killed one woman and wounded two others. The PIOM delegates were caught in the middle of the gunfire.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKjQoFFp59aQ_5SV7B9wy3KoYjEphOxpdr3cWCPTvWw1tEJcABTB28kMOh8b92-MOKySKBomBfQNRWXmkXem44zRhPFRUb3F_vq4WE0W78fwkWGCMn7iULFMJx0c1YhmLp2ZrkgPQG9dc/s1600/30861_10150195070615525_670075524_12517502_1211671_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKjQoFFp59aQ_5SV7B9wy3KoYjEphOxpdr3cWCPTvWw1tEJcABTB28kMOh8b92-MOKySKBomBfQNRWXmkXem44zRhPFRUb3F_vq4WE0W78fwkWGCMn7iULFMJx0c1YhmLp2ZrkgPQG9dc/s320/30861_10150195070615525_670075524_12517502_1211671_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483645206082032786" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6UI7hVXY8A0NbjQ27l35TpCRJr8vtfnFqRUVjS-E3JaaOnWjeG9vqKJ-hjmWtZoCdJtY71ubEosASOCKVO3MzM1VrH275b-R4pVIHcQvaG5wxgh6DrCcj5a8Jd3Qu3nON4nAhRoWjhgE/s1600/Malibcong+Duldulao+army+%26+bgycap.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6UI7hVXY8A0NbjQ27l35TpCRJr8vtfnFqRUVjS-E3JaaOnWjeG9vqKJ-hjmWtZoCdJtY71ubEosASOCKVO3MzM1VrH275b-R4pVIHcQvaG5wxgh6DrCcj5a8Jd3Qu3nON4nAhRoWjhgE/s320/Malibcong+Duldulao+army+%26+bgycap.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483645195581478978" /></a><br /><br /><br />Given the number of extra-judicial killings, assassinations, and disappearances nationwide, my PIOM team expressed a serious concern for the personal safety and livelihood of those Filipino's who participated and supported our mission. They literally put their life on the line for a chance at democracy, and I will continue to hold them in prayer and ask that anyone reading this would do the same.<br /><br />I am truly grateful for the opportunity to return to the Philippines and stand in solidarity with others in hopes of bringing about a positive change. No matter where I am in the Philippines, I always feel at home, and I believe I have left there a piece of my heart.<br /><br />Surwe-e tet-e-wa a mos a e (The truth has been spoken).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvuHAms9JpH4vH75zUiq471qL99mfNE9IBZYh23hqPEWAM3FmQIXlRVeaR6QIBbpJRMolx6hyphenhyphengyrH6AWhNlculQk0K4TPg8-cagFwF1PZM8uMbPbR3RZI1Dyrg7Y1JVCGcSpfCC-FIe0E/s1600/5-12+7.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 245px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvuHAms9JpH4vH75zUiq471qL99mfNE9IBZYh23hqPEWAM3FmQIXlRVeaR6QIBbpJRMolx6hyphenhyphengyrH6AWhNlculQk0K4TPg8-cagFwF1PZM8uMbPbR3RZI1Dyrg7Y1JVCGcSpfCC-FIe0E/s320/5-12+7.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483648427255989874" /></a>Maegan Collierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05360480979170572005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928622904896801980.post-89245658657450542012010-04-15T03:42:00.000-07:002010-04-15T07:41:52.569-07:00I chose the road to...the Philippines<strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEholVpnO8y2nv_kojPwIgC0tM4oM9x2qwAEJzOhDnaGPnreG_VN0M295JKAjqMmy-KY1biYv-u-ciLIUhGIIjsygzOJ3TAmuDo4MximfMpqi101K6KsCrVMDrDjnzF6iOv9RkcLVoCjW64/s1600/DSC09807.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460317094956665698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEholVpnO8y2nv_kojPwIgC0tM4oM9x2qwAEJzOhDnaGPnreG_VN0M295JKAjqMmy-KY1biYv-u-ciLIUhGIIjsygzOJ3TAmuDo4MximfMpqi101K6KsCrVMDrDjnzF6iOv9RkcLVoCjW64/s320/DSC09807.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWE_oBFpjIheINX-krQMO8MlAsGO_1ltroqitQgKevvM691c-r0nkkPpQTyfwRDUCI1czevl_n-hEpcZlce2Z0QVHDh-WGpqKPDPai7dBBaMJ7DR-YVKOd-9-IX3wT_SNoRCOraugiXbo/s1600/DSC09844.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460317087759609506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWE_oBFpjIheINX-krQMO8MlAsGO_1ltroqitQgKevvM691c-r0nkkPpQTyfwRDUCI1czevl_n-hEpcZlce2Z0QVHDh-WGpqKPDPai7dBBaMJ7DR-YVKOd-9-IX3wT_SNoRCOraugiXbo/s320/DSC09844.JPG" /></a><br />As I prepare for my return to the Philippines in May, I have been reflecting on my previous trip in February which I have yet to inform you about. It was one of the most amazing and exhausting weeks of my life. I say that because I managed to pack a serious amount of traveling into a very short amount of time. From airplane to van, to car, jeepney, to bus, to bus, to jeepney, to bus, to bus, jeepney…well you get the point. </div><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15VtlV-WLyDjAeWWEFryES7Rz5aueyR3PXaEGa3ksDe5CXWzvwpKEahR72Y160ILMK6JkPCEUuf_hzbASDCRrXjqli_Zzkga4tIG3u2I65o_WFbDGk6anM7m379oi3nHC_1vuvvminoc/s1600/DSC09672.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460317080973055890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15VtlV-WLyDjAeWWEFryES7Rz5aueyR3PXaEGa3ksDe5CXWzvwpKEahR72Y160ILMK6JkPCEUuf_hzbASDCRrXjqli_Zzkga4tIG3u2I65o_WFbDGk6anM7m379oi3nHC_1vuvvminoc/s320/DSC09672.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW6fwNKZ2z7NfGqy29i__2kFN0uavzk7qoF1zKata1mN2AgSIGmjopYXXABELeIYNHaywAHdbjDWQdwxwaYe1c9V5rDFl3kNT9EoKsvE8uZYOh7rbb-8s4pARwwnxyyj5Axs3o5sKuLH8/s1600/DSC09671.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460317071856521602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW6fwNKZ2z7NfGqy29i__2kFN0uavzk7qoF1zKata1mN2AgSIGmjopYXXABELeIYNHaywAHdbjDWQdwxwaYe1c9V5rDFl3kNT9EoKsvE8uZYOh7rbb-8s4pARwwnxyyj5Axs3o5sKuLH8/s320/DSC09671.JPG" /></a><br />My heart was touched from the moment I arrived and continuously throughout my stay. I made new friends at the National Church Office and Mission Center in Manila who were incredibly hospitable and treated me like family. The best part for me was that immediately everything slowed down from the crazy fast pace of Hong Kong. It didn’t appear that anyone was in very much of a hurry about anything and that was just fine with me for a change. <br />Filipino time, at last.<br />I was planning to meet my fellow YASC volunteer Melanie in Baguio, and fortunately for me a few of my new friends in Manila were headed that way the next day. The only downside was that they were leaving at 3:30am. Aiya!! I went to bed early that night, and before the rooster’s started crowing, we left in a tiny car bound for Baguio. It took about 6 ½ hours, but we made it… a little worn out and sleepy. I was so excited to finally be reunited with Melanie and to have her show me around Baguio.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEOltGh2czBtqd1SvUMY71vrKI30YxBoXMbounkdl592KA75wmaTQe1u79BUeQMW9RuQbklixO8Wrj-VtaQK8R3nSPT_GIdU6v_lDlc4NcUAAfqG7IfBN4LsARynI6opSLHS5yUc9ykfY/s1600/DSC09902.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460346301670530690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEOltGh2czBtqd1SvUMY71vrKI30YxBoXMbounkdl592KA75wmaTQe1u79BUeQMW9RuQbklixO8Wrj-VtaQK8R3nSPT_GIdU6v_lDlc4NcUAAfqG7IfBN4LsARynI6opSLHS5yUc9ykfY/s320/DSC09902.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-lvPtjLlTGkwxgpayWP8FSctoR9qyFiypHvgTgU5BjM5Am_7VFQwUuv5wzDZFmEPSIKzEtKbu5FCIJhhQMpF3sIT7eGzGQWO5Y6YyBGn7EyWIQ9AvqLudb0Le850MzIb2YmJwNJCzhbs/s1600/DSC09744.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460347796433819666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-lvPtjLlTGkwxgpayWP8FSctoR9qyFiypHvgTgU5BjM5Am_7VFQwUuv5wzDZFmEPSIKzEtKbu5FCIJhhQMpF3sIT7eGzGQWO5Y6YyBGn7EyWIQ9AvqLudb0Le850MzIb2YmJwNJCzhbs/s320/DSC09744.JPG" /></a><br /><br />We made a decision to keep travelling that day and hopped on a bus bound for Bontoc around 2:00pm. This was the most entertaining 7 hour bus ride of my life. Not only having Melanie for a seat mate, but the bus radio was playing U.S. country music the entire ride. Melanie and I, along with two cute Filipino guys sitting behind us were singing at the top of our lungs to song after song all the way up the mountain. We arrived in Bontoc and stayed two nights at Bishop Alawas’s house with his family. I really fell in love with Bontoc. It was so beautiful and everyone there was so friendly. The children simply stole my heart.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0muPzGwLa8W4ec4rmueYJgN-KctK_Sw0jyiGVIZfD-FlppO-UyY1gbqg_1Tpe1DFYcAAdS6DbmIJUrZQsJEMjkwhvv-Esmf-blgu90jtgrR9I_6PJEXyZDvl91Ib7saA_eebgagYovkM/s1600/DSC09729.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460347193899410130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0muPzGwLa8W4ec4rmueYJgN-KctK_Sw0jyiGVIZfD-FlppO-UyY1gbqg_1Tpe1DFYcAAdS6DbmIJUrZQsJEMjkwhvv-Esmf-blgu90jtgrR9I_6PJEXyZDvl91Ib7saA_eebgagYovkM/s320/DSC09729.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizfz1r81usXqoXdLJv8HEgzM24az4OfgAhaFKqFe0UN-wzpqjVycLu5-UNsEInwBANrrnvCKQcnOqQCc6zKTW-n_7Fzvfqk9hVn4fJ8Q_4g2BLIWBzjuAHnkc44nrodUdWojBExTAETaQ/s1600/2-10+3.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 247px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460347188724033570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizfz1r81usXqoXdLJv8HEgzM24az4OfgAhaFKqFe0UN-wzpqjVycLu5-UNsEInwBANrrnvCKQcnOqQCc6zKTW-n_7Fzvfqk9hVn4fJ8Q_4g2BLIWBzjuAHnkc44nrodUdWojBExTAETaQ/s320/2-10+3.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC1ffUZK90Ukkw6a6IsomIh-vVfAp82dBylbeqyitU-i_EENpk_kLbKWYCkRVqNWGRVMMeCNAinyA4lJGFVjWa_0lWJWuf0UHpuu6L19sxjR3vIF3x12uoDmcZFYYgvtb0EhfHveylL9o/s1600/2-10+1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 252px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460347181077600514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC1ffUZK90Ukkw6a6IsomIh-vVfAp82dBylbeqyitU-i_EENpk_kLbKWYCkRVqNWGRVMMeCNAinyA4lJGFVjWa_0lWJWuf0UHpuu6L19sxjR3vIF3x12uoDmcZFYYgvtb0EhfHveylL9o/s320/2-10+1.jpg" /></a><br />After two days in Bontoc, Melanie and I took a jeepney the rest of the way up the mountain to her home in Besao. This was really exciting because so far no one has been able to visit her there. It was a beautiful day and I can remember the drive up the mountain like it was yesterday. The air was suddenly clearer and cleaner. It was simply a beautiful place.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFEbrGG5NuIBQ4r8oSNWZDb6TuY-xuYf6yT8kCFPoPhVBk_m1DW7qoKflPsOtHi4IBVOMOFaqmbBqBPnGxFdXro7QaE1qJaJVye-bm-13BDoFKdvnSH1hJv1E3XOaCPatXwZ4dwkUsc4M/s1600/DSC09844.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460369057353835506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFEbrGG5NuIBQ4r8oSNWZDb6TuY-xuYf6yT8kCFPoPhVBk_m1DW7qoKflPsOtHi4IBVOMOFaqmbBqBPnGxFdXro7QaE1qJaJVye-bm-13BDoFKdvnSH1hJv1E3XOaCPatXwZ4dwkUsc4M/s320/DSC09844.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG3HwPeEroYMsXnxbG4RtF0bZiQ6jqY4RN00HlCHDKWmxyNcOuRfK7fLCod63pV6e7iNVvWElmNTrXNl4HThm_I4d6zJhL0knpbBFLyOCnh_ZtE54uL1hDuYTqjXCIVP7VPstmmNhbEYI/s1600/DSC09857.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG3HwPeEroYMsXnxbG4RtF0bZiQ6jqY4RN00HlCHDKWmxyNcOuRfK7fLCod63pV6e7iNVvWElmNTrXNl4HThm_I4d6zJhL0knpbBFLyOCnh_ZtE54uL1hDuYTqjXCIVP7VPstmmNhbEYI/s320/DSC09857.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460371062069838290" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkkGzF8ozIYEM8Wwqt4YGrimVAW5CQvDIc00BrGmImU2KQjgYdFFFBWeE6BePrU8P1EjP9H3I5amauRypQm-8dAXgLkVAVmW5YkJ0mU2d4x47FKZ46hJ8JAOQB0bCAvz397TG2EEbGqjM/s1600/DSC09901.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkkGzF8ozIYEM8Wwqt4YGrimVAW5CQvDIc00BrGmImU2KQjgYdFFFBWeE6BePrU8P1EjP9H3I5amauRypQm-8dAXgLkVAVmW5YkJ0mU2d4x47FKZ46hJ8JAOQB0bCAvz397TG2EEbGqjM/s320/DSC09901.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460370990275794978" /></a><br /><br />I know that Melanie sticks out enough as it is, but TWO Americanos in Besao at once was almost more than they could handle I think :) We definitely got more attention than I’ve ever had in my life. It was quite an experience. I really enjoyed that no matter where we went, everyone in town knew Melanie and needed to know her business. They wanted to know who this person was with her and where we were going at all times. It was pretty funny, but kinda nice knowing they were keeping such good tabs on her all this time!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVE_JF5nYWSTY66AAmcHDXz7jADc6fa-FpuU0T_69Hx2S_rKma2Z5mipjwQwfpMTM2ofWqhEKrM7kycIubmNPF3ZOBVuZorxYVhdDWbL_B0eMekjOjjaa7absR7ybtIYLAvnbe_-dtV3w/s1600/DSC09854.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVE_JF5nYWSTY66AAmcHDXz7jADc6fa-FpuU0T_69Hx2S_rKma2Z5mipjwQwfpMTM2ofWqhEKrM7kycIubmNPF3ZOBVuZorxYVhdDWbL_B0eMekjOjjaa7absR7ybtIYLAvnbe_-dtV3w/s320/DSC09854.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460371021003809218" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBo3caN-8fJagrlwuWhc7esrb2gvmh1_bx-ibkpbgTJD-orJu4q75B6MCM39WZrgVafsOwCUyd7l-7ZSqP1rreUHLLyCyxIyMFWpow2x45KuUKNO9awzNuouugVnIAaf7ccLnXq3r6-xA/s1600/DSC09853.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBo3caN-8fJagrlwuWhc7esrb2gvmh1_bx-ibkpbgTJD-orJu4q75B6MCM39WZrgVafsOwCUyd7l-7ZSqP1rreUHLLyCyxIyMFWpow2x45KuUKNO9awzNuouugVnIAaf7ccLnXq3r6-xA/s320/DSC09853.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460370999228667538" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAGJW1OSC1TggF_pGm-07p6p6oj53D4dh1SQ6p5sa-Cbsn9sr7Fg-zLvd6uf1TwRnncrd_bHNSMW0d-wICDifX5Y7jnJeefS3AnOwMnwbdnyq6mwAj3dadXJ3bmZwrBiA6BJohq6IK-oA/s1600/DSC09842.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAGJW1OSC1TggF_pGm-07p6p6oj53D4dh1SQ6p5sa-Cbsn9sr7Fg-zLvd6uf1TwRnncrd_bHNSMW0d-wICDifX5Y7jnJeefS3AnOwMnwbdnyq6mwAj3dadXJ3bmZwrBiA6BJohq6IK-oA/s320/DSC09842.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460370983842561442" /></a><br /><br />Unfortunately we were only able to stay in Besao for one day and had to begin our trek back down the mountain the following day. We stayed over again in Bontoc and then I took the rest of the 13 hour journey onto Manila alone. It was very hard to leave Melanie, but I knew that I would be returning in a few short months; which brings me to the present…<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicvRyVZUE2hPHww8Y0D_qtO73bzBZ2OGN89yy4YpgIu-7m42fv5KD_zfsLnr473BehFswcGFDCJp6M9M5BOwAefHJXOKvXZLfPJiVfss1hY1Jm0hJmRll8AlmJMB6EEKnihjDpBJQ9N8Y/s1600/DSC09908.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 230px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicvRyVZUE2hPHww8Y0D_qtO73bzBZ2OGN89yy4YpgIu-7m42fv5KD_zfsLnr473BehFswcGFDCJp6M9M5BOwAefHJXOKvXZLfPJiVfss1hY1Jm0hJmRll8AlmJMB6EEKnihjDpBJQ9N8Y/s320/DSC09908.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460372745257360626" /></a><br /><br />I am returning to the Philippines in May for the elections. I am taking part in the “People’s International Observers Mission” (PIOM). On election day, scheduled for May 10, 2010, more than 17,000 offices will be contested across the country including the key posts of President, Vice President along with representatives to the House of Representatives, the Senate, and a range of provincial, municipal, and local offices. The election will mark the end of the tyrannical Presidency of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, whose nine years in power have been marked by hundreds of politically motivated killings and enforced disappearances, along with a climate of impunity for those guilty of the crimes.<br /><br />Our purpose in going is to monitor and investigate electoral fraud and violence, particularly since this is the first nationwide automated election in the Philippines. The goal is to assure that voters are protected and free to vote according to their conscience and that democratic processes are fully respected. The PIOM is organized by civil society groups in the Philippines, including churches, human rights advocates, lawyers and other non-governmental organizations.<br />As you know I work with Filipino Migrants and I have become attached to not only them, but to their country. I feel very passionate about finding a way to bring peace and hope to the Philippines. Attending this mission is how I intend to do my part. I am asking for your prayers for a successful journey as well as the safety of everyone in the Philippines.<br /><br />You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one. I hope someday you will join us, and the world will live as one.<br /><br /><br />**If you would like to make a financial contribution towards my expenses for this trip, I would appreciate the support. In the U.S., you may send checks to Rev. Allison Liles at the address on the right hand side of my blog.</strong>Maegan Collierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05360480979170572005noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928622904896801980.post-18551639287876789952010-02-22T21:45:00.000-08:002010-02-22T23:22:19.811-08:00I chose the road to...playing catch up<strong>I have decided instead of constantly apologizing for being the most inconsistent blogger ever, that I would just do the best that I can in the future and hope that my followers will forgive me. I had planned to be a bi-weekly blogger, or at least monthly, but I had no idea how busy I was going to be once I got started with my work in HK and unfortunately it just hasn't been feasible. So enough excuses...
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<br />Here is my blog that I should have written in December (LOL)
<br />I really enjoyed the Advent season in Hong Kong because for the first time in my life I was able to truly do some thinking, anticipating, and preparing. For His coming. My holiday season was not filled with thoughts of what to buy and what I was going to get this December 25th. It was an incredibly peaceful time and at certain points I experienced my first bout of homesickness. Not that I really had the desire to go home, but more that I wanted to bring home to me in Hong Kong. I began to miss my family and friends. Nonetheless I kept busy and on Christmas Eve enjoyed the most amazing midnight mass at St. John's. One that I will never forget as long as I live.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixwvNH8Bqm3FyczqX7cK1QPhkLwW8HAMZ1oYJdGMCn5hyphenhyphen5KHEH63Hz6c9-PtVlgxZIgkOTTDIiDzdSTLyhy9i7cmYZXuRcJVqZZrHZxxMjS77oQIFs1Oy2BOoOlLoQfO1o9dWLD_p_DQo/s1600-h/IMG_0815.jpg">
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixwvNH8Bqm3FyczqX7cK1QPhkLwW8HAMZ1oYJdGMCn5hyphenhyphen5KHEH63Hz6c9-PtVlgxZIgkOTTDIiDzdSTLyhy9i7cmYZXuRcJVqZZrHZxxMjS77oQIFs1Oy2BOoOlLoQfO1o9dWLD_p_DQo/s1600-h/IMG_0815.jpg">
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<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441321163528796674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixwvNH8Bqm3FyczqX7cK1QPhkLwW8HAMZ1oYJdGMCn5hyphenhyphen5KHEH63Hz6c9-PtVlgxZIgkOTTDIiDzdSTLyhy9i7cmYZXuRcJVqZZrHZxxMjS77oQIFs1Oy2BOoOlLoQfO1o9dWLD_p_DQo/s320/IMG_0815.jpg" /></a>
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<br />The Children's Christmas Pageant was the cutest thing ever.
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZC_9KGyDHSd-5nWYVKtZcN8P_RYEf3oeseJQ1YqFQp2epX2lpZjn-Z3jPlpOxyNiPw2Us9T3tvk1Nw6UCChQyLD7_k8It35460Ua7dydc6qOUzcg2A6Fg8QYOFFVy_vOv1247wTIxyyU/s1600-h/12-24+8.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 312px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441318188142652594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZC_9KGyDHSd-5nWYVKtZcN8P_RYEf3oeseJQ1YqFQp2epX2lpZjn-Z3jPlpOxyNiPw2Us9T3tvk1Nw6UCChQyLD7_k8It35460Ua7dydc6qOUzcg2A6Fg8QYOFFVy_vOv1247wTIxyyU/s320/12-24+8.jpg" /></a>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivtKvuQ9xRkv2fftwBBVX5WQTmbdbr8dB1fJKZqcyfkeheEDvlSsdaU20GpOz_0w8DK1cWbQpWKAWdlz3s1ny-L_PDVoI_dTRc__PF2ZyyNc3n1xFs6hIckJNJftthYnJtJ2wa95nQMRI/s1600-h/12-24+6.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 282px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441318173936565954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivtKvuQ9xRkv2fftwBBVX5WQTmbdbr8dB1fJKZqcyfkeheEDvlSsdaU20GpOz_0w8DK1cWbQpWKAWdlz3s1ny-L_PDVoI_dTRc__PF2ZyyNc3n1xFs6hIckJNJftthYnJtJ2wa95nQMRI/s320/12-24+6.jpg" /></a>
<br />And as you can imagine, Jesus was the most precious, spirit-filled child of all. He ran laughing all the way up the aisle and then again all the way back down the aisle. It was a sight to behold. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjgw3pZMiuXgMXuFIyycsN5AHdIH0hkV_Tpi1ssTHkk9CqGtFvh-hmzeh-AboUGe2o5fJLEVYlBVpUc-6JBog32reQMhcefXC8SqA3QNmI6wgcQbW8Z-z3XVZK_ppKQuqjfgFEctUkjsU/s1600-h/12-24+7.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 298px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441318187695729394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjgw3pZMiuXgMXuFIyycsN5AHdIH0hkV_Tpi1ssTHkk9CqGtFvh-hmzeh-AboUGe2o5fJLEVYlBVpUc-6JBog32reQMhcefXC8SqA3QNmI6wgcQbW8Z-z3XVZK_ppKQuqjfgFEctUkjsU/s320/12-24+7.jpg" /></a>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2t0uXpABzhm7QpvMl5EaaBXnklvgPB8Y3ceV6_Z9cUhBiIQf89mMUsmiRqXVvQJk54d55YvfnZUC-2AoMaz21FQVx3PqkP5Lg5eqAfXK4vSngC75qdWMsdfCDg3EWqhgObbEdFHdaaRs/s1600-h/12-24+5.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 309px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441318164046317218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2t0uXpABzhm7QpvMl5EaaBXnklvgPB8Y3ceV6_Z9cUhBiIQf89mMUsmiRqXVvQJk54d55YvfnZUC-2AoMaz21FQVx3PqkP5Lg5eqAfXK4vSngC75qdWMsdfCDg3EWqhgObbEdFHdaaRs/s320/12-24+5.jpg" /></a>
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<br />The service was so large it was standing room only.
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiltEMpfVwLwLdnLSAkfSvyZWeiJWQw0jBKZl64PGNWbidhbtI6g6nVBuzPzmm9wBURtO29IQRawdeCTgTNjRCSNAfIXeRbT8-2AfU5_TS9p6ESyO3zh-pM1-Wvf66wFKXbts_ht74NnlY/s1600-h/IMG_0830.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441321169672859090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiltEMpfVwLwLdnLSAkfSvyZWeiJWQw0jBKZl64PGNWbidhbtI6g6nVBuzPzmm9wBURtO29IQRawdeCTgTNjRCSNAfIXeRbT8-2AfU5_TS9p6ESyO3zh-pM1-Wvf66wFKXbts_ht74NnlY/s320/IMG_0830.jpg" /></a> There were seats outside as well, with a video screen showing the service. The church was so beautifully lit and full of people and there I was for the first time on Christmas Eve sitting on a pew by myself filled with gratitude for the amazing life that I have been given. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI41LV_bIaPaKZPWdB1WaVXublZVvP-fUcL8T5byjemHd7M5RdYAXrrtjJ_5-h-ka7nkQ-C4ND4lmo01E5WZ87qQPsyjF0nJzxQmK8jEIP3Yo5ekjLtqJtIrG9S2F9ZBCwywy-fVF3m9Q/s1600-h/IMG_0810.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441321141071369426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI41LV_bIaPaKZPWdB1WaVXublZVvP-fUcL8T5byjemHd7M5RdYAXrrtjJ_5-h-ka7nkQ-C4ND4lmo01E5WZ87qQPsyjF0nJzxQmK8jEIP3Yo5ekjLtqJtIrG9S2F9ZBCwywy-fVF3m9Q/s320/IMG_0810.jpg" /></a>
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<br />It was a glorious day.
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz4tbcARMxCknzyJd1YgP3ifi-7wnsqAWbh4SJbL8qSpfwBhs582bdCkGKuKpb4vEUy608G0B2d473Ej_G1VeFZqFKqq9rsw1xtS5K2kRaxlFBJk5kA-yuk172IdEPfrmqaUE852A7SXE/s1600-h/IMG_0812.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441321147391351714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz4tbcARMxCknzyJd1YgP3ifi-7wnsqAWbh4SJbL8qSpfwBhs582bdCkGKuKpb4vEUy608G0B2d473Ej_G1VeFZqFKqq9rsw1xtS5K2kRaxlFBJk5kA-yuk172IdEPfrmqaUE852A7SXE/s320/IMG_0812.jpg" /></a></strong> -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------PART TWO -----------------------------------------
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLpPOuyCwvX9ObPa3W6B2VHxUde-_kJ2zkXy4oJUNmraRMG7DUxaCMR-yp-2J6VgFhRsCxGl2I3cL4m18QT5YJYe1AXUGkIsV_WHVooG0AvHYKPef5fH-xmYgyQoPKsL_NKHEKeKaW4RE/s1600-h/PC080024.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441331474369613570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLpPOuyCwvX9ObPa3W6B2VHxUde-_kJ2zkXy4oJUNmraRMG7DUxaCMR-yp-2J6VgFhRsCxGl2I3cL4m18QT5YJYe1AXUGkIsV_WHVooG0AvHYKPef5fH-xmYgyQoPKsL_NKHEKeKaW4RE/s320/PC080024.JPG" /></a>
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<br />Earlier in December we had a special treat. One of our clients at the Bethune House wanted to celebrate winning her case by having a Barbecue at "Monkey Mountain" before she was due to leave to go home to Indonesia. She bought the food and for days the girls were preparing our adventure up the mountain.
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU0txPpBKk1u9m_d1yW6KREmGbIc9T8bXyHIvAH3Os-l2AUJkR7-m-MzIrePgJ6LzpGqNyzCX9YXF-8SF9JQnqfl4pIBzSQD3dnP3CgauBTCiRN5zgFhfY0tOqDw2GHNXxBogqj3w6EyI/s1600-h/PC080060.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441331463552131042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU0txPpBKk1u9m_d1yW6KREmGbIc9T8bXyHIvAH3Os-l2AUJkR7-m-MzIrePgJ6LzpGqNyzCX9YXF-8SF9JQnqfl4pIBzSQD3dnP3CgauBTCiRN5zgFhfY0tOqDw2GHNXxBogqj3w6EyI/s320/PC080060.JPG" /></a>
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_h0E2OaWOJlHJ6BDkAs8P9_eALNuIqUs-lAtR5HiRrWZmCUmhn61qcgqpbjrLrxWqu2WdbnO6tS0fJYpWsfqByt_zLNC_gYAz-fNxdly7Ai2iobFaqvHQPfB9WDmB2zMy0eT5IP7uFpc/s1600-h/12-8+6.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 233px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441331442081678546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_h0E2OaWOJlHJ6BDkAs8P9_eALNuIqUs-lAtR5HiRrWZmCUmhn61qcgqpbjrLrxWqu2WdbnO6tS0fJYpWsfqByt_zLNC_gYAz-fNxdly7Ai2iobFaqvHQPfB9WDmB2zMy0eT5IP7uFpc/s320/12-8+6.jpg" /></a>
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz-hvd_s0JY4EotL9_8gSRLHPyUTGPZ9NSdNPI0tsFOAFxqa-40QuENOfeXAOfSX1O1lBxCoyqIZxmQ5VCMFF497G82m0agaPIc3YrMbYtFBxMEepM2MvGBH5P2w3MStDK8tgP0zMhwtc/s1600-h/12-8+1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441331423886162786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz-hvd_s0JY4EotL9_8gSRLHPyUTGPZ9NSdNPI0tsFOAFxqa-40QuENOfeXAOfSX1O1lBxCoyqIZxmQ5VCMFF497G82m0agaPIc3YrMbYtFBxMEepM2MvGBH5P2w3MStDK8tgP0zMhwtc/s320/12-8+1.jpg" /></a>
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBPMp7o_1EgPIxo6mLCCdtMDo25ur9XDnx9xeA09aCzKawrjCZpzFY6S9NGOpf9nEZvy8CNqtH0pPUQ73XIFZq7Je2uVRRIkl62AU4LBt155q6rpiqXEhwevAkjrgEVP36PymaCKbMhjA/s1600-h/12-8+7.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 250px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441331448836586050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBPMp7o_1EgPIxo6mLCCdtMDo25ur9XDnx9xeA09aCzKawrjCZpzFY6S9NGOpf9nEZvy8CNqtH0pPUQ73XIFZq7Je2uVRRIkl62AU4LBt155q6rpiqXEhwevAkjrgEVP36PymaCKbMhjA/s320/12-8+7.jpg" /></a>
<br />We had a pesky monkey that kept stealing food. He stole our corn and ran up a tree with it!!!</p><p>We had a wonderful time just being with each other. I become very attached to the girls that live in the Bethune House, I can't even fathom how attached they are to each other. When they leave, as they do weekly, it is so hard to watch them go. </p><p>The client who won her case received about 80% of the money that was owed to her and for us that is considered a win. The unfortunate thing is that it took over a YEAR for her to get it. She has been living in the Bethune House the entire time. She was here before I got here. It was very hard to see her go, but I can't imagine having to live in a safe house that long..just waiting, never knowing if your case is ever going to end. I am grateful for her to be reunited with her family and that for us we get a rare, but bitter-sweet happy ending to a very long case. </p><p> </p><p> </p>Maegan Collierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05360480979170572005noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928622904896801980.post-61672732116515291562010-01-02T22:37:00.000-08:002010-01-03T04:21:25.216-08:00I chose the road to...a massacre<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3gsHVWuJEFAu4uEgwibmOTpUeAHhQLDbGUOaxQTSQLW0hct-6k6vG5wbJBcYMxicN0rP5ljmrqv0KGEWEChQGaczZ6d1EDWPZthZXOsQPgQlizgfVwZxFF3zD9A2LCt1pY2VwW-3odcI/s1600-h/DSC09168.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422471765897437202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3gsHVWuJEFAu4uEgwibmOTpUeAHhQLDbGUOaxQTSQLW0hct-6k6vG5wbJBcYMxicN0rP5ljmrqv0KGEWEChQGaczZ6d1EDWPZthZXOsQPgQlizgfVwZxFF3zD9A2LCt1pY2VwW-3odcI/s320/DSC09168.JPG" /></a><br />I have witnessed and listened to some pretty gruesome things in the four months that I’ve lived in Hong Kong, but none quite as life-changing as November 23rd... the day of the Maguindanao (Mindanao) Massacre in the Philippines. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2SEkaM3VTF1vJab0YNwfYDjC8BuaNEuaRZKRbq4iXqq3V2HcqaKBKjL0LWT3tT-Xnwa-AEd6cM91oVH-uRi4Ub4-hgWfeTio7PHxFq7DfwyuaZlzDt-WtAqMbs1pv3n7QPbXqKRR0XD8/s1600-h/DSC09144.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 368px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 286px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422476269790364146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2SEkaM3VTF1vJab0YNwfYDjC8BuaNEuaRZKRbq4iXqq3V2HcqaKBKjL0LWT3tT-Xnwa-AEd6cM91oVH-uRi4Ub4-hgWfeTio7PHxFq7DfwyuaZlzDt-WtAqMbs1pv3n7QPbXqKRR0XD8/s320/DSC09144.JPG" /></a><br />57 innocent people were tortured and slaughtered over political gain. Of the deceased, the majority of them were women; two of which were visibly pregnant. 34 of them were journalists.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgroe39kHXTjWI11qriYFh1bOO2DkL50nruRpThn7ZuS0FIIh512I7m44TDf8k3KKofjzRSo58D3JmyxBki3qB23I2Eth9czxHgmhB0mW6TgGu0hFwDDMr5gS-14bi80dyxkpPXSJ0oLQE/s1600-h/DSC09183.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422477619680476082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgroe39kHXTjWI11qriYFh1bOO2DkL50nruRpThn7ZuS0FIIh512I7m44TDf8k3KKofjzRSo58D3JmyxBki3qB23I2Eth9czxHgmhB0mW6TgGu0hFwDDMr5gS-14bi80dyxkpPXSJ0oLQE/s320/DSC09183.JPG" /></a> 5 people were killed because they were just driving by at the wrong time and were mistaken to be a part of the convoy. The Philippines is now the second most deadliest place in the world for reporters, second only to Iraq.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3UyxgBmFcNHBtRhqpVQqXUCs8h-YByKeCgEcYgDjGRlFYF5TgrEQQGYFSdehXYqTtq5H1i_sBjUX8AlcKeiWWoHcrUBmH_EbrzEuBluYLewy63AU-8KIWRZmq2YQu4GCkyKaQjrps8bo/s1600-h/DSC09171.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422478162718637250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3UyxgBmFcNHBtRhqpVQqXUCs8h-YByKeCgEcYgDjGRlFYF5TgrEQQGYFSdehXYqTtq5H1i_sBjUX8AlcKeiWWoHcrUBmH_EbrzEuBluYLewy63AU-8KIWRZmq2YQu4GCkyKaQjrps8bo/s320/DSC09171.JPG" /></a><br />The events that led to this unfortunate loss of life began with a threat by Mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr, who vowed to kill Esmael Mangudadatu if he ran against him for the governor’s seat in the forthcoming Maguindanao gubernatorial election in May 2010. Mangudadatu’s wife and two sisters decided that they would file his certificate of candidacy papers to be on the safe side because surely no one would harm a group of women. They invited some human rights lawyers and reporters who had heard of the women’s plans and decided to join in the convoy. The group grew to approximately 40 something people as they went off into Ampatuan Country to file the papers.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcl2n1POls155MFPNtpHUgh9LwZZ-3bMUXZfV8xH1Ksw4TORU0gZLvHKWpGmn9844fVxhyphenhyphenlD7uv4pCJI5WDf8Rrc9BAaIdB5zx8yb-bPSx7aQLbh-oF_06jiJjqcYcdjujeu8fYUOLYNs/s1600-h/DSC09152.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422485319650372066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcl2n1POls155MFPNtpHUgh9LwZZ-3bMUXZfV8xH1Ksw4TORU0gZLvHKWpGmn9844fVxhyphenhyphenlD7uv4pCJI5WDf8Rrc9BAaIdB5zx8yb-bPSx7aQLbh-oF_06jiJjqcYcdjujeu8fYUOLYNs/s320/DSC09152.JPG" /></a><br /><br />They were ambushed. They were shot, tortured, and some were raped. The women were all shot in their genitals. The wife of Mangudadatu was slashed with a knife four times and shot in her genitals, they speared out both of her eyes, shot her breasts, cut off her feet, and fired into her mouth. All I can think of is how long did she have to endure this before she died?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip90_-d8WNCTtm4gDsxlkIgVNCXUp8kDbnh3_1gnoHk-UxrioDposI-eCMNYKZEI54UROnqiqttm5dXIH_5t1OPw0khvmJ6UCKI61gKZfQzwIwZpHak-P3OttTn4HqFMO5d_Vfx8qiCFk/s1600-h/DSC09145.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422479821248911506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip90_-d8WNCTtm4gDsxlkIgVNCXUp8kDbnh3_1gnoHk-UxrioDposI-eCMNYKZEI54UROnqiqttm5dXIH_5t1OPw0khvmJ6UCKI61gKZfQzwIwZpHak-P3OttTn4HqFMO5d_Vfx8qiCFk/s320/DSC09145.JPG" /></a><br /><br />All of the victims were eventually buried, cars included, by a government owned backhoe. The backhoe, emblazoned with the name of Maguindanao Governor Andal Ampatuan Sr., was later identified to belong to the Maguindanao provincial government.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMFxohdhQ69nAYj7kwG-BsByZAyUk-gxdPh-5ZiIquuDQQiyJ7sHJskDkNlVy0pDgKf1WDNXGLNDswpySFEkMViLyjwjXN408ZB8UfuMFs1Si2Y5-X22FHQKrUpf4TjR8Ji2GO0XFgB8Y/s1600-h/DSC09161.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422485821847382050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMFxohdhQ69nAYj7kwG-BsByZAyUk-gxdPh-5ZiIquuDQQiyJ7sHJskDkNlVy0pDgKf1WDNXGLNDswpySFEkMViLyjwjXN408ZB8UfuMFs1Si2Y5-X22FHQKrUpf4TjR8Ji2GO0XFgB8Y/s320/DSC09161.JPG" /></a><br /><br />The Philippines has long been known as a place filled with corruption and exploitation, but this blatant attack on unarmed, innocent people puts evil on a whole new level for me. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsgH80q1w-9dejS8LimvjDNC5YpruW3JO7fBHERSOtqovF5TPe6o-eeZu0XFc3yFZKU6Uwdg-Tm7bLV5ojL0Vy4HbFMe8s3qtIQX79lCvZnP4_LP1yZANq6X_B2JntZzglKsfvDIJKwc8/s1600-h/DSC09175.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422478152020273714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsgH80q1w-9dejS8LimvjDNC5YpruW3JO7fBHERSOtqovF5TPe6o-eeZu0XFc3yFZKU6Uwdg-Tm7bLV5ojL0Vy4HbFMe8s3qtIQX79lCvZnP4_LP1yZANq6X_B2JntZzglKsfvDIJKwc8/s320/DSC09175.JPG" /></a><br />After this massacre I joined an organization called HKCAHRPP (Hong Kong Campaign for the Advancement of Human Rights and Peace in the Philippines). HKCAHRPP is a loose coalition of people and migrant workers organizations interested in peacekeeping and human rights activism. Our objectives are to call for a stop to extrajudicial killings, establish solidarity between filipinos and international organizations, expose the real state of the Philippines, and to participate in fact finding missions. I hope to raise enough money to go on the next fact finding mission to the Philippines in May for the 2010 elections. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX3_WN-57kjBorKsakjqDP740CH-IVtu9OAUTvFxf94fexNRCFBj7wIhwHK6JSJ4Ha9keDEXylxume1DwuaRt0MAAiMXbMVtFo65Anqng61zXLUYwcThhO7LMT5LIFBTfNAQ0laLq6knM/s1600-h/DSC09170.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422484122089322562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX3_WN-57kjBorKsakjqDP740CH-IVtu9OAUTvFxf94fexNRCFBj7wIhwHK6JSJ4Ha9keDEXylxume1DwuaRt0MAAiMXbMVtFo65Anqng61zXLUYwcThhO7LMT5LIFBTfNAQ0laLq6knM/s320/DSC09170.JPG" /></a><br />The Philippines are infamous for fraudulent elections, especially where the Macapagal-Arroyo government is concerned. Our presence there will be to support people’s efforts to protect their votes and to contextualize the electoral fraud and violence within the continuing human rights violations by giving international pressure.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirETMRWlT8nJf5uYi_1adcnbfTdlmcJ0qoP0WgvGQ6zenwhxw-qJJXc25I8d5QomhEGPquQVInR9eutJct0QQBi2Wnl6-XRERYurOnIwugT2DUQ-pPS_Ak4crd4QY8-Sbq14R141C_Ugw/s1600-h/DSC09159.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422479800964288530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirETMRWlT8nJf5uYi_1adcnbfTdlmcJ0qoP0WgvGQ6zenwhxw-qJJXc25I8d5QomhEGPquQVInR9eutJct0QQBi2Wnl6-XRERYurOnIwugT2DUQ-pPS_Ak4crd4QY8-Sbq14R141C_Ugw/s320/DSC09159.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Multiple migrant organizations along with the filipino congregation at St. John's held a candlelight vigil to honor the victims and grieve this incredible loss. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwB7U9OpXBrHZVsSVr4pTF3N-gxAL6JotEJiYEfhDh6Oi_8x964qJny68yVtK5btzPZ8q_k_7X9zJ9W7V8NUDB65KAEIWL2LFfWEhDXU6TODnC80CZuJx445UKe5jCqewToM92IHsYdC4/s1600-h/DSC09156.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422479811297255906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwB7U9OpXBrHZVsSVr4pTF3N-gxAL6JotEJiYEfhDh6Oi_8x964qJny68yVtK5btzPZ8q_k_7X9zJ9W7V8NUDB65KAEIWL2LFfWEhDXU6TODnC80CZuJx445UKe5jCqewToM92IHsYdC4/s320/DSC09156.JPG" /></a>A local Islamic leader came to speak as well and condemned the actions of the Ampatuan Family, stating that despite what some Muslims might say the Holy Koran does not endorse nor advocate murder. He went on to say that he hopes that we can come together as Christians and Muslims to seek justice for the Philippines.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHbMrp9m-3Y4oRT-_RIJ05tmigg_iTuEPY1QyrJwNhQEV60Y_5uKavmJ5L57aw4Q16Zy50mIWSwCetBIsWA__bN-y64K-ll8UKeJeYFbr09psp43ZB_jyFYU17UkAuYQh5xq37zZcfHkk/s1600-h/DSC09184.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422484114602258578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHbMrp9m-3Y4oRT-_RIJ05tmigg_iTuEPY1QyrJwNhQEV60Y_5uKavmJ5L57aw4Q16Zy50mIWSwCetBIsWA__bN-y64K-ll8UKeJeYFbr09psp43ZB_jyFYU17UkAuYQh5xq37zZcfHkk/s320/DSC09184.JPG" /></a><br /><br />It is my hope that the Philippines may one day find peace. They continue to struggle with government corruption, extreme poverty, multiple typhoons and floods this year, and now it appears a volcano is about to errupt.<br />Please pray for peace and comfort for the people in the Philippines. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXQzuyPrGdMhu3pjmIZgce2LV22Q3eS16GXC1WgV49KgyMVt7owGF6OxC_3uLjqOwjQj9-NenvtiYDpDY8lrxq7j7MlTuiYuuhSS5Jj4s1NcZxTf1oNRmMETlsEE_oKL0dVST6IZ3Q5Ts/s1600-h/DSC09185.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422484110559233474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXQzuyPrGdMhu3pjmIZgce2LV22Q3eS16GXC1WgV49KgyMVt7owGF6OxC_3uLjqOwjQj9-NenvtiYDpDY8lrxq7j7MlTuiYuuhSS5Jj4s1NcZxTf1oNRmMETlsEE_oKL0dVST6IZ3Q5Ts/s320/DSC09185.JPG" /></a>Maegan Collierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05360480979170572005noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928622904896801980.post-35857185707892129912009-12-31T02:58:00.000-08:002009-12-31T03:36:02.681-08:00I chose the road to...Macau<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-cvwBi3BswvNG29FBIO5QLsp8PcpVMGzi63ZfLCDkRyOwW68nxgyPOgT5kmxCtL-6LU_RIHchyphenhyphenFlHod94w7HGmFAHOnTySWkNeGrDAjnvTArrZPeuN2F6jUDZ78aIilvS97R8xivXLdI/s1600-h/DSC09084.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421355398545648306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-cvwBi3BswvNG29FBIO5QLsp8PcpVMGzi63ZfLCDkRyOwW68nxgyPOgT5kmxCtL-6LU_RIHchyphenhyphenFlHod94w7HGmFAHOnTySWkNeGrDAjnvTArrZPeuN2F6jUDZ78aIilvS97R8xivXLdI/s320/DSC09084.JPG" /></a><br />Busy does not begin to describe my life recently, but I am going to try to update you on what has been going on in the last two months with pictures and a brief synopsis.<br />In November I traveled to Macau for a short adventure. Macau is an incredibly historic place. It is a Special Administrative Region of China, just like Hong Kong. It was both the first and last European colony in China. Macau was colonized by the Portuguese and their influence is still very much present.<br /><br />Macau is one of the richest cities in the world, and to put things into perspective as a casino town it overtook Las Vegas in its first year. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgVTuCK2R88NvWCBMkSySSf_eX_aTrW8mlpDWmhT5Hdp87cpCZfi3bo37FhCE0gNna8YVfigWjLyK8KfYEDGW5obYkX4hP4tma7p27YHaziqIPTbtNdP4pH7L6obE7u-008y0gNoKutEA/s1600-h/DSC09067.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421358533567603954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgVTuCK2R88NvWCBMkSySSf_eX_aTrW8mlpDWmhT5Hdp87cpCZfi3bo37FhCE0gNna8YVfigWjLyK8KfYEDGW5obYkX4hP4tma7p27YHaziqIPTbtNdP4pH7L6obE7u-008y0gNoKutEA/s320/DSC09067.JPG" /></a>I spent no time or money at the casinos, but I did go to church at the Morrison Chapel where I met the Filipino Anglican Migrant Fellowship.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="justify">I stayed with a professor from Morrison Chapel and his family in his gorgeous house. It was enormous. The picture to the right was the view from my bedroom, on my side or wing of the house :)</div><br /><br />During the day my friend Gi took me on a tour of Macau to different museums and historical landmarks. It was a beautiful place lined with cobblestone streets. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq0vdxwI5_lP5ixAFIbnXulgMKqN6GZuqzMVjl9LUVNQ9-kHKSVJhJMVyVMk-gSHl7OPxy9MoCePamf8as16akTwe-INdl6v2AR0JibWVenfeQbOqTZxXnXdt1qotq7_D61B5OmVxrqBc/s1600-h/DSC09064.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421360987935930706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq0vdxwI5_lP5ixAFIbnXulgMKqN6GZuqzMVjl9LUVNQ9-kHKSVJhJMVyVMk-gSHl7OPxy9MoCePamf8as16akTwe-INdl6v2AR0JibWVenfeQbOqTZxXnXdt1qotq7_D61B5OmVxrqBc/s320/DSC09064.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3BysbpMeOXShN8y6F78XI9K5NY5LQMy0CgMQHak56IaQi0cwVlhn2YLspCmTFiJfqsyzg5hjVBMVPKxor63c4-NbOXe0hbH9Bg_2qwGagNZQa72LsuYcKFpRs1aFz3D0rhrRpKtMv4iA/s1600-h/DSC09078.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421361971208484962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3BysbpMeOXShN8y6F78XI9K5NY5LQMy0CgMQHak56IaQi0cwVlhn2YLspCmTFiJfqsyzg5hjVBMVPKxor63c4-NbOXe0hbH9Bg_2qwGagNZQa72LsuYcKFpRs1aFz3D0rhrRpKtMv4iA/s320/DSC09078.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXU4KZ_MoH3DlS75jnqe_GJPjmgRH8G6OvYXia-V5DFFJFVU7O87h0YffrmRjj9yuteeebp5VEZg9qscPfkKlCqCcU-Sz4kmsqE7dpyhMFBQgR-2xAgVogzWVHFqN8AxVZs2rE_-e9B8Y/s1600-h/DSC09058.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421361968283865650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXU4KZ_MoH3DlS75jnqe_GJPjmgRH8G6OvYXia-V5DFFJFVU7O87h0YffrmRjj9yuteeebp5VEZg9qscPfkKlCqCcU-Sz4kmsqE7dpyhMFBQgR-2xAgVogzWVHFqN8AxVZs2rE_-e9B8Y/s320/DSC09058.JPG" /></a>Maegan Collierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05360480979170572005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928622904896801980.post-39292360796668974382009-12-01T20:59:00.000-08:002009-12-01T22:08:44.960-08:00I chose the road to...human trafficking<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKXBa-KobznYMfjihvb4X_lMaokv_vUFSXZp_MSWZIJ-_MzEF0y5amuHo_hY2kQ-pT_7tEwxFjcfm3giE1DLyTaBH1L-xQjQ6u6Gr7no_78Jzaw3dvc-FLk8ztFqSAZA2HyFHwzZiXwrE/s1600-h/10-24+3.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410502871219723314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKXBa-KobznYMfjihvb4X_lMaokv_vUFSXZp_MSWZIJ-_MzEF0y5amuHo_hY2kQ-pT_7tEwxFjcfm3giE1DLyTaBH1L-xQjQ6u6Gr7no_78Jzaw3dvc-FLk8ztFqSAZA2HyFHwzZiXwrE/s320/10-24+3.jpg" /></a><br />WOW…it has been so long since I’ve blogged and so much has happened that I need to catch you up on! I am going to break it up into two blogs, so here is the first one...<br /><br />First and foremost, my dear sweet fellow YASCer Melanie Jianakoplos came to visit me in Hong Kong back in October and we had the most amazing time! I saw more of Hong Kong while she was here than I had the entire two months before she arrived. She did an excellent job of blogging about it, so if you’d like to hear the details of our excursions please visit her blog here<br /><a href="http://melaniespineapplediaries.blogspot.com/2009/11/hong-kong.html">http://melaniespineapplediaries.blogspot.com/2009/11/hong-kong.html</a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGQsV9XeTqJ0t2VZ2vFhWU-nxWVCR2L5gsIC1n-3B4WGqMK80vDp0lDRR2iLfJWpPjQ8qGiATdv6RX_9h8Jh97fFWczPgYyYM-HTeVJvBAV8bJSlYZ6ulCArqk5Squ3KBoyY3ey3gkhTg/s1600-h/DSC09049.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 344px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 261px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410504183023522866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGQsV9XeTqJ0t2VZ2vFhWU-nxWVCR2L5gsIC1n-3B4WGqMK80vDp0lDRR2iLfJWpPjQ8qGiATdv6RX_9h8Jh97fFWczPgYyYM-HTeVJvBAV8bJSlYZ6ulCArqk5Squ3KBoyY3ey3gkhTg/s320/DSC09049.JPG" /></a><br />The week after Melanie left, my life was forever changed. The United Nations Anglican Observer’s Office hosted its first Consultation on Human Trafficking in Hong Kong, November 2nd-6th, 2009 to address the growing epidemic that is silently terrorizing hundreds of thousands of women and children across the globe every day. Approximately forty people were invited to attend the conference, ranging from trafficking experts, to clergy, to young adult women delegates who had previously attended meetings of the annual U.N. Commission on the Status of Women in New York. Delegates to the consultation included Anglicans from 12 provinces – Korea, Japan, Philippines, England, Canada, USA, Mexico, Kenya, North India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Hong Kong.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOnEs0cOR7HMlnnIPAI2asgiyaXScG3PBh9PUo5vCRJTinA_GzGYGyQKUS3_4XsTc0WMZJa8vTAAIaBvi2fnlmsy5mpIXXeeiKgIuTXbr3EE_EDdTfqnKfxPnfUfu9VBIzlkO4rl_rIa4/s1600-h/DSC09028.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 269px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410506241823876914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOnEs0cOR7HMlnnIPAI2asgiyaXScG3PBh9PUo5vCRJTinA_GzGYGyQKUS3_4XsTc0WMZJa8vTAAIaBvi2fnlmsy5mpIXXeeiKgIuTXbr3EE_EDdTfqnKfxPnfUfu9VBIzlkO4rl_rIa4/s320/DSC09028.JPG" /></a><br />Definition of Human Trafficking- recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring or receipt of persons, by means of the threat or use of force or other forms of coercion, of abduction, of fraud, of deception, of the abuse of power or of a position of vulnerability or of the giving or receiving of payments or benefits to achieve the consent of a person having control over another person, for the purpose of exploitation. (for the use of forced labor, sexual purposes, or organs)<br />The insatiable demand for sex with children is not something that can be easily digested, yet it is increasing with magnitude daily. The human-trafficking industry is a multi-billion dollar trade with numbers steadily rising and no decline in sight. In varying degrees and circumstances, men, women and children all over the world are victims of what has become a modern day slave trade. As one of the fastest growing criminal activities in the world, trafficking in persons results in serious breaches of human rights and dignity of human beings. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1stvCFW-jVbqguRznImF8iT8LQqSBKD92lUKNSOjCDXsFNIjk_RyAATexPRtX-rvXl6gz2O3REovD9zCaQcDdjjQhVq7v9BtFSYNcfE758jwVBwmcyBo3XfK7KYpQ1rpabbJvRzIN5uA/s1600-h/DSC09009.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410508696903744994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1stvCFW-jVbqguRznImF8iT8LQqSBKD92lUKNSOjCDXsFNIjk_RyAATexPRtX-rvXl6gz2O3REovD9zCaQcDdjjQhVq7v9BtFSYNcfE758jwVBwmcyBo3XfK7KYpQ1rpabbJvRzIN5uA/s320/DSC09009.JPG" /></a><br /><br />In between the presentations given by these experts, were heart-breaking personal stories told by people working through churches, and best practices in response to trafficking. Edwina Antonio, Executive Director of the Bethune House Migrant Women’s Refuge where I work, gave a presentation on the services that are provided to domestic helpers in distress in Hong Kong. And as an intern, I was asked to give a presentation including personal stories from victims who have encountered abuses and who became residents at the Bethune House.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqOdbA4mKVQGVYYaHY8gbu9VATmzkGQudskuY5C03nessm02L8TUAOgbXsu9enE3wM0-dkewaJpoRn4FkAE8Sg6-d4nNs_xLzS_VD33pnD-vXZCrNwequnfdap1bweBE6R346dXnw132U/s1600-h/at+d+anglicanconfab.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410509888912092770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqOdbA4mKVQGVYYaHY8gbu9VATmzkGQudskuY5C03nessm02L8TUAOgbXsu9enE3wM0-dkewaJpoRn4FkAE8Sg6-d4nNs_xLzS_VD33pnD-vXZCrNwequnfdap1bweBE6R346dXnw132U/s320/at+d+anglicanconfab.jpg" /></a><br /><br />The purpose for this five-day conference was to create awareness of the escalating issue and to form strategies on how to go forward and combat this global crisis. I met some of the most amazing women (and men) at this conference who I hope to always remain in contact with. I learned so much in these short, but intense five days. I feel called now in so many ways to this field and will continue to pray for God’s guidance and direction as I try to decipher the next steps to take in making that happen. As the conference came to a close, an exhausted but hopeful group of people joined together in a farewell service and said good-bye to each other with promises of future consultations, and an assurance that this is not an end but only the beginning of what will be a battle we must undertake together for the rights and safety of the countless victims of this monstrous crime of human-trafficking.<br /><br /><br /><p><br /></p><p align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3xQbx6UCUM3zf0DdOESAORCQP25zXhUK9VLPnykQQ88rBs352nRVMjgwpAizJBuYvwOSYa-1ZWpm1V15CmA5WhZmF7q_Sr6H4pkfQtMsieIKLSIhqsWzvttcjgACxsNLR9axtA83X-Ds/s1600-h/DSC09040.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410511157834655906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3xQbx6UCUM3zf0DdOESAORCQP25zXhUK9VLPnykQQ88rBs352nRVMjgwpAizJBuYvwOSYa-1ZWpm1V15CmA5WhZmF7q_Sr6H4pkfQtMsieIKLSIhqsWzvttcjgACxsNLR9axtA83X-Ds/s320/DSC09040.JPG" /></a> <strong>The alMOST Rev. Peter Ng and Rev. Winston Ching</strong> <strong>receiving much deserved awards</strong></p><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 286px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410511149025231394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1A7vATB8C2RxSZDJb9JA24Ke5W_-YoX1oNwHsCxo42R3Df7pAcQM4O8iMIutH5rI62cKKiBGz66Fvz5_nTkBqml8sasAHMvIkPZxgrh7yj_GXgxAGXZRUFm00-32c5Sv9mrzYN5E_-90/s320/11-5+3.jpg" /> <strong>Archbishop Paul Kwong and I at the welcoming dinner...Nagulan, what course are we on again??<br /></strong><br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcTlz6C9l1l7mAfpD3vByMDoOkMeRSR8sE0ByhPheJYSJ2-Nl-Z4RQcdUxZnUulq3Spx_f1IA2DO3tJXeT2GNrA1YFPgsVEIItd6jzKR2la4mogsx2ibbX86FtjDIETdj38QkeVI9h4e4/s1600-h/11-5+2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 290px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410511146330256002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcTlz6C9l1l7mAfpD3vByMDoOkMeRSR8sE0ByhPheJYSJ2-Nl-Z4RQcdUxZnUulq3Spx_f1IA2DO3tJXeT2GNrA1YFPgsVEIItd6jzKR2la4mogsx2ibbX86FtjDIETdj38QkeVI9h4e4/s320/11-5+2.jpg" /></a><br /><strong>The beautiful Benny Mendoza from the Philippines and I getting ready for dinner<br /></strong><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAWqo3DGPhvn5fqQleTvi7UbTBPuImC905gO8SqkHcVaBUJDy2ymwt6S8ztnKlalIwj2ehmUXKoewyenQY8IJS5OSEWofB2WLWnpjIv0Q90xSzvK2qSB2R0n4RCY9k6GMU4b2qf0b_b2Q/s1600-h/11-4+1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 237px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410511135132168594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAWqo3DGPhvn5fqQleTvi7UbTBPuImC905gO8SqkHcVaBUJDy2ymwt6S8ztnKlalIwj2ehmUXKoewyenQY8IJS5OSEWofB2WLWnpjIv0Q90xSzvK2qSB2R0n4RCY9k6GMU4b2qf0b_b2Q/s320/11-4+1.jpg" /></a> <strong>My new, dear friend Phoebe Griswold (wife of our 25th Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold) and I on Day 2 of the Conference</strong>Maegan Collierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05360480979170572005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928622904896801980.post-31176117531736215472009-10-21T00:07:00.000-07:002009-10-21T01:23:42.581-07:00I chose the road to...counselor/paralegal?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ0jtlgE37wOuR1ViNIlO9XbmL-ssBXx3iFH39wihvgJqpPS9yKbSajgxjPz9fCrHiFtD_aPtC8EPjTvtHvsTUulu38OjNMi3jKI2LbuwWvTJ0lfc4UszTHOBF_sM6-J1EwXEkCPmVNmI/s1600-h/10-21+1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 262px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394960303003423586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ0jtlgE37wOuR1ViNIlO9XbmL-ssBXx3iFH39wihvgJqpPS9yKbSajgxjPz9fCrHiFtD_aPtC8EPjTvtHvsTUulu38OjNMi3jKI2LbuwWvTJ0lfc4UszTHOBF_sM6-J1EwXEkCPmVNmI/s320/10-21+1.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOzc_HRoT_Y3yAKl30Rcpx9AuM4yOA0VFseQ_a03AJ-CEd3x4Hv-trHhZppbYU9PeeOzC7KRauw_pQbY21ZC-UKHh_1Ct9pOGHLb_A25OYtwbjmIy3JC0wvIUdjhR_p66GMmPOx21UOnM/s1600-h/DSC08622.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394959790579149570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOzc_HRoT_Y3yAKl30Rcpx9AuM4yOA0VFseQ_a03AJ-CEd3x4Hv-trHhZppbYU9PeeOzC7KRauw_pQbY21ZC-UKHh_1Ct9pOGHLb_A25OYtwbjmIy3JC0wvIUdjhR_p66GMmPOx21UOnM/s320/DSC08622.JPG" /></a><br />I realized having arrived nearly 2 months ago that I have probably not painted a full picture of what it is exactly that I am doing here in Hong Kong and what my day to day life is like. I have decided to dedicate this blog to just that and hopefully give you a general feel for my life and work so far. (Before I get started I have a small disclaimer: I am not able to control who all reads this blog, nor would I want to, so there may be some details of my day that I might be a little vague about. Due to the nature of the work I am doing in Hong Kong I must be sensitive to the victim’s situations and safety. Thank you for understanding)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD_9RUqe_6mjgK24eh6d5-YpIf531pSqzJ3QNC0_F-3wRidPMC964QIX6p6NCZWESfp6XP2Hea8qapb17s0lFPjHIcWbpykzK55buSXDBq4Vb6-HlbKxpwLLXNPZIznG4TE4lHCEYZe_o/s1600-h/9-26+3.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 218px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394958099037221890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD_9RUqe_6mjgK24eh6d5-YpIf531pSqzJ3QNC0_F-3wRidPMC964QIX6p6NCZWESfp6XP2Hea8qapb17s0lFPjHIcWbpykzK55buSXDBq4Vb6-HlbKxpwLLXNPZIznG4TE4lHCEYZe_o/s320/9-26+3.jpg" /></a><br />My first 6 weeks on the job I was working 6 days a week, with one off day on Saturday. I would spend 3 days at the Bethune House, Migrant Women’s Shelter in Jordan on the Kowloon side and 3 days at the Mission for Migrant Workers in Central, on Hong Kong Island. This past week my schedule changed to 5 days a week. You might be wondering why I don't get Sunday off, but Sunday is our busiest day because it is the only day off for migrant workers. (I go to church usually before work or a service during lunch). I usually work from 10-5, unless there is some other activity going on. I live in Jordan, so on the days that I work at the Bethune House I am able to conveniently walk to work. On the days that I work in Central I take the MTR (mass transit railway, aka subway/train) which is incredibly swift and efficient. I have gotten in the habit of exercising everyday, so usually I wake up around 7:00am, have a cup of coffee while checking email or skyping, walk/jog/bike, take a shower, and get to work.<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>THE BETHUNE HOUSE</strong> The Bethune House Migrant Women’s Refuge was established in 1986 to provide charitable assistance, counselling, temporary shelter, emergency relief, and a place of refuge for needy and distressed migrant workers. The Bethune House caters to domestic workers who have been terminated by their employers and/or forced to leave for various reasons of discrimination, contract violations, rape, sexual assault, physical abuse, labor-related conflicts, and human rights violations. Most of them are from Indonesia or the Philippines. The Bethune House accommodates I would say anywhere from 25-30 women at a time (sometimes more), which is well over its capacity, but the women make do sleeping anywhere there is space.<br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCZ9Hpeqgh1fx-oJdxGm0wwyFFx6q0vI6uP67CTiM8QMYsADZevg9tOIt5Gk0irFfAVfRY8WtbIMT0RCpvb1YRD61eh1jlHog_JVO4pMoyMbgATWvGkW1evmYQgP0Irh5Y25ju5Ucbvc4/s1600-h/DSC08679.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394963513101836882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCZ9Hpeqgh1fx-oJdxGm0wwyFFx6q0vI6uP67CTiM8QMYsADZevg9tOIt5Gk0irFfAVfRY8WtbIMT0RCpvb1YRD61eh1jlHog_JVO4pMoyMbgATWvGkW1evmYQgP0Irh5Y25ju5Ucbvc4/s320/DSC08679.JPG" /></a>My days spent at the Bethune House might be viewed as more casual, but are by no means less important or less productive. When I arrive on normal days the residents can usually be found cooking; either finishing with breakfast or starting lunch. The residents take turns cooking; Filipino dishes one day (or one meal) and Indonesian the next, and they rotate cleaning the kitchen as well. The most amazing smells come from the BH Kitchen.<br />When I settle in for the day I usually have at least one new client waiting. She might have shown up over night through one outlet or another and she is filling out paperwork. If she speaks English I will take her into the office also known as the “counselling” room and begin to take her statement. If she does not speak English I will ask someone who does to accompany us and translate for me. A general rule of thumb is that a lot of the Filipina helpers speak English along with their native language Tagalog. The Indonesian helpers speak Cantonese along with their native language Bahasa. Sometimes they speak more languages, but for the most part this is how it is. Usually only one or two Indonesian residents speak English so they are constantly asked to translate, and fortunately for me they are usually willing to. I’m not going to go through every case detail, but I underwent paralegal training when I first arrived in Hong Kong and I essentially take a legal statement of facts and type it into something ready to be presented to the Labor Tribunal or Court, depending on what type of claims we are making. From this point it can be either simple or complicated depending on the client’s case. Some cases are merely monetary claims, and then some are criminal charges placed on the client or on the employer. (As you can see it’s a lengthy process and would take too much space and time to explain it all.) After I type the statement I print a copy and the client will take it to the Labor Tribunal or Labor Department to file her claims. After filing their claims they must take their paperwork to Immigration and pay a fine and extend their Visa. The process goes on from there and I continue to work their case with them. We usually take lunch anywhere from 12:00 to 1:30pm and it is a MUST that you stop for lunch. No options. We always eat together. After lunch I will pick-up where I left off and continue on about the day working cases with clients.<br />Some days I will be asked to accompany a fear-stricken client to an Agency to retrieve her illegally confiscated passport and employment contract, to the Labor Department to support her in filing her claims, or to any type of government or nongovernment department that is some part of her process in seeking retribution for the wrongs against her. I am usually more than willing to go, because despite how much this truly bothers me internally, the fact that I am a white-skinned American I seem to carry a “fear factor” with me. Both the client feels safer with me and the person I am dealing with seem to be intimidated by me, based only on the color of my skin. I absolutely despise this fact and am sickened by it, but because it helps these women I am willing to use it in their favor.<br />I love these women that live in this house. The hardest part is that they come and go so quickly.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb4vzVf7vbEK_qdGFVWUNh5C2lltj2myfNSBsrQR8MK7OpZ-Ekf7MM4cwDY5weoCy3UUfz7wVxO8rRpMoKqKoc2BHlaNv1vwDGWypjOylFeXV7O7BUjYT8f905TG-KTsDxxCQ7c8RBDug/s1600-h/10-20+1.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 235px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394964640959456018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb4vzVf7vbEK_qdGFVWUNh5C2lltj2myfNSBsrQR8MK7OpZ-Ekf7MM4cwDY5weoCy3UUfz7wVxO8rRpMoKqKoc2BHlaNv1vwDGWypjOylFeXV7O7BUjYT8f905TG-KTsDxxCQ7c8RBDug/s320/10-20+1.jpg" /></a><br />Some have been here for months, but some are gone in a matter of weeks. It’s hard not to get attached to them and their beautiful faces and spirits, but before you know it they are packing up preparing to leave to go back to their home country. Each one of them gives me something, whether they realize it or not. I can’t heal their wounds, or take away the pain caused to them, but I can let them know that everyone is not the same. And every “westerner” or person with “white” skin is not here to abuse them. I only hope that I have been able to help them in some small way.<br /><strong></strong></p><p><strong>MISSION FOR MIGRANT WORKERS</strong><br />When I work at the Mission, I have to leave home earlier and take the MTR. I do basically the same duties in an office building on the 2nd floor at St. John’s Cathedral. We are a walk-in center of sorts, but the Mission has many more simultaneous functions, while I am only there participating in a few of them. I work cases in much the same way as I do at the Bethune House. When I am not working with a case, I am updating and encoding files into a computer. Some days I am sent out into the community with various Migrant Organizations who are protesting, to be a photographer. This can be quite interesting. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyEFbEUAFKhK354olhr01Y8prCN85xW8xlQoAXIyIAu0hGvvSnAo3RZ2zjXU9EagRyU23QP9745kixTLNySYcHGtwGAanvESEm7vlzhNGv5B5eBchf-VOLD3FGVwI79m03S8GdKFryXk0/s1600-h/DSC08781.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394961257129889298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyEFbEUAFKhK354olhr01Y8prCN85xW8xlQoAXIyIAu0hGvvSnAo3RZ2zjXU9EagRyU23QP9745kixTLNySYcHGtwGAanvESEm7vlzhNGv5B5eBchf-VOLD3FGVwI79m03S8GdKFryXk0/s320/DSC08781.JPG" /></a>I have photographed multiple protests at the Philippine Consulate and Chinese Central Government Offices. It is amazing to watch how strong and confident these people are who are fighting for such a just and worthy cause.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhErGleuhnFNCNDkj2Vjf4Bc_XiQYace9UE2_0Ep90xhBslklxPBfCbOCukIwvKKHJZCCVHiyJnIgpjVJaCtEGyvGu3kAe4aoYxZe4yBTUcNcdB7WQjfOFGTCZQoCv0SpBkYsSrBQOeM_A/s1600-h/DSC08785.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394962208642227394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhErGleuhnFNCNDkj2Vjf4Bc_XiQYace9UE2_0Ep90xhBslklxPBfCbOCukIwvKKHJZCCVHiyJnIgpjVJaCtEGyvGu3kAe4aoYxZe4yBTUcNcdB7WQjfOFGTCZQoCv0SpBkYsSrBQOeM_A/s320/DSC08785.JPG" /></a><br /><br />So I think that is it for now. I've nearly written a novel and honestly I've only touched on the surface of my day, not really the depth of it at all. More later.<br /><br /><br />God's peace. </p>Maegan Collierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05360480979170572005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928622904896801980.post-62418829945956807202009-10-05T20:58:00.000-07:002010-04-03T07:02:25.572-07:00I chose the road to...St.Francis Day<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxxYU8oGJBhoHhboic6Kto8gkVFgvIA0gtoJ9ZOgVCwkfeQumTwFcJEw1cOwG9UrsrOLoajgJg_U_kgM1bOYbuVQpET5tOFjhHbCBRhr3xg-tMDk6XI7eYSnvtYysvbBTRXYkbWIY45Kg/s1600-h/DSC08690.JPG"><span style="color:#000000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 260px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 339px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389378399647932754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxxYU8oGJBhoHhboic6Kto8gkVFgvIA0gtoJ9ZOgVCwkfeQumTwFcJEw1cOwG9UrsrOLoajgJg_U_kgM1bOYbuVQpET5tOFjhHbCBRhr3xg-tMDk6XI7eYSnvtYysvbBTRXYkbWIY45Kg/s320/DSC08690.JPG" /></span></a><span style="color:#000000;"><br /></span><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicwXNojOTu3OscB6D6GeAFNnvIIMl-9H4yu1ELAq7X1JU7TYDYFqedEiw5zCmz7dCgcIZIrMaR4T2sE7DLBamSdQ8YGE0nfuFSb9OuWGsi7ey8bJBY5Zk1okXxs3KuXnzehcss7J2CUOw/s1600-h/DSC08701.JPG"><span style="color:#000000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 345px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 261px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389378388572211186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicwXNojOTu3OscB6D6GeAFNnvIIMl-9H4yu1ELAq7X1JU7TYDYFqedEiw5zCmz7dCgcIZIrMaR4T2sE7DLBamSdQ8YGE0nfuFSb9OuWGsi7ey8bJBY5Zk1okXxs3KuXnzehcss7J2CUOw/s320/DSC08701.JPG" /></span></a><span style="color:#000000;"><br /><br /></span><div><strong><u></u></strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbIVoSGef0QoEjfaqJoWnLUxPJvavUPHtnVJpYP3MW3ryrKqM6bUUK2omLp1c1IlSrDF_pLmMfhB_xz68o_Ajx_HNicTzZg2U2fnLAm6Vt3mKl2QyYQd1-395M5ZPdRlz6ViOlOGi38wU/s1600-h/10-2+2.jpg"><strong><span style="color:#000000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 273px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 329px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389333266218533650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbIVoSGef0QoEjfaqJoWnLUxPJvavUPHtnVJpYP3MW3ryrKqM6bUUK2omLp1c1IlSrDF_pLmMfhB_xz68o_Ajx_HNicTzZg2U2fnLAm6Vt3mKl2QyYQd1-395M5ZPdRlz6ViOlOGi38wU/s320/10-2+2.jpg" /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></span></strong></a></div><div><span style="color:#000000;"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">We celebrated St. Francis of Assisi Day at the 11:45 Blessing of the Animals Service at St. John’s Cathedral on Sunday. It was one of the most unique experiences I have ever had. I had been talking with Father Des (Desmond Cox) previously in the week and he seemed a bit anxious about whether the animals would all get along and whether anyone would fight or eat each other. I tried to calm his nerves but of course I couldn't resist teasing him a bit as well. I knew God would be on our side when “show time” actually arrived. They had originally planned to have the children bring pictures of their pets, but decided to throw that idea out the window and go for the gusto and invite the congregation to go ahead and bring on your LIVE animals! It was truly a glorious day.</span></strong><br /><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilaQny9asOHw3ZNwMZjz3q0eSjzt7za1e6KRLO2xZnDr8Sp880BryfG_DqgowwtIWFfMEunkRfK2KYVzhtEv6JSvH744iVBo-mml5kAlsbWIBUjYDXayCKZvezFfm364xanwNnrg0cgRw/s1600-h/DSC08702.JPG"><strong><span style="color:#000000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 282px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389336455629523154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilaQny9asOHw3ZNwMZjz3q0eSjzt7za1e6KRLO2xZnDr8Sp880BryfG_DqgowwtIWFfMEunkRfK2KYVzhtEv6JSvH744iVBo-mml5kAlsbWIBUjYDXayCKZvezFfm364xanwNnrg0cgRw/s320/DSC08702.JPG" /></span></strong></a><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>Father Des, Dean Chan, and Father Martin anxiously waiting to bless the animals</strong><br /><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVmZ1oKz7e-I6_KcPvpRv0HM0QfMknsCgNMqDxU1steq4Sl3PC1Ow-7vsfA1AcLbbA8TyjNVwDjxyqya2yQu4GAr2B2EdNija-rSvcbAAwU-38BImiwXk9MBjPPz9LcSkG1sOrG3wbXmU/s1600-h/DSC08688.JPG"><strong><span style="color:#000000;"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389334304011292994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVmZ1oKz7e-I6_KcPvpRv0HM0QfMknsCgNMqDxU1steq4Sl3PC1Ow-7vsfA1AcLbbA8TyjNVwDjxyqya2yQu4GAr2B2EdNija-rSvcbAAwU-38BImiwXk9MBjPPz9LcSkG1sOrG3wbXmU/s320/DSC08688.JPG" /></span></strong></a><span style="color:#000000;"><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>There were puppies, small dogs, big dogs, kitty cats, goldfish, baby turtles, creepy crawlers, you name it and a parishioner brought it. The blessings were bountiful and gratefully ALL of God's creatures got along in the name of St. Francis on Sunday.</strong><br /></span><p></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirlw5njRewzznf7DitUuZKCHHcyK2qKYbF_xDSAfrz327Tf19BvLbrk5lZAlCaaeAAZzrPs0bhNHg4slIWokBwa_B1UOF_Ryoap4McoEFFC33LpdStk6gfg4OMBGtXQax8XVciNnmLzkw/s1600-h/DSC08682.JPG"><span style="color:#000000;"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389342340857049010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirlw5njRewzznf7DitUuZKCHHcyK2qKYbF_xDSAfrz327Tf19BvLbrk5lZAlCaaeAAZzrPs0bhNHg4slIWokBwa_B1UOF_Ryoap4McoEFFC33LpdStk6gfg4OMBGtXQax8XVciNnmLzkw/s320/DSC08682.JPG" /> <strong>All things bright and beautiful, All creatures great and small, All things wise and wonderful, The Lord God made them all.</a></strong></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhUHAYH5cOBoG5GAkI-zgzrvNZGKnf9snxUFqfDVcVjoIqonMGhY5O8s46lCqDvwcsoYgF9l7kVGQnS3z3DQ1mruMoaPH6ApojgHvFePNCsrKczLYyaQcqrL4Vkfo010V-B-KBU9H0V7s/s1600-h/DSC08716.JPG"><span style="color:#000000;"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 283px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389354238340689522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhUHAYH5cOBoG5GAkI-zgzrvNZGKnf9snxUFqfDVcVjoIqonMGhY5O8s46lCqDvwcsoYgF9l7kVGQnS3z3DQ1mruMoaPH6ApojgHvFePNCsrKczLYyaQcqrL4Vkfo010V-B-KBU9H0V7s/s320/DSC08716.JPG" /></span></a><span style="color:#000000;"><br /><strong></strong></span></p><br /><br /><p><strong><span style="color:#000000;"></span></strong></p><br /><br /><p><strong><span style="color:#000000;">Each little flower that opens, Each little bird that sings, He made their glowing colors, He made their tiny wings.</span></strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVFSUHqnUpza5_X4g_pg-i_kQDGaHYl1LwueYGqbqhXNakICreJ7ABkOTJSGYzultnp8KhRdEjl74h_Lavf0Z1XrQyJHrH4WQ9jrWmDla0j-9dmFx6D4t2Z6hM4Le_E6x8_B3knLkdPjY/s1600-h/DSC08706.JPG"><strong><span style="color:#000000;"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389356537752445650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVFSUHqnUpza5_X4g_pg-i_kQDGaHYl1LwueYGqbqhXNakICreJ7ABkOTJSGYzultnp8KhRdEjl74h_Lavf0Z1XrQyJHrH4WQ9jrWmDla0j-9dmFx6D4t2Z6hM4Le_E6x8_B3knLkdPjY/s320/DSC08706.JPG" /></span></strong></a><span style="color:#000000;"> </span></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p><strong><span style="color:#000000;"></span></strong></p><br /><br /><p><strong><span style="color:#000000;">The purple-headed mountain, The river running by, The sunset and the morning, That brightens up the sky. </span></strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyHjJmIg2Yr8CRV8WvTTts0s4_mIWdaj3q6F9iZbjXBFEzYAGIw23o02zYH7Gts4nROclW90ILpiwD6hSZFiVSU1TG1YCaKKLkAfakRCm9HWZ5IEynSwQyAgPy5EI-Gcorq1EuE5lPAHE/s1600-h/DSC08713.JPG"><strong><span style="color:#000000;"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389357444711871426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyHjJmIg2Yr8CRV8WvTTts0s4_mIWdaj3q6F9iZbjXBFEzYAGIw23o02zYH7Gts4nROclW90ILpiwD6hSZFiVSU1TG1YCaKKLkAfakRCm9HWZ5IEynSwQyAgPy5EI-Gcorq1EuE5lPAHE/s320/DSC08713.JPG" /></span></strong></a><strong><span style="color:#000000;"><br /></span></p></strong><br /><br /><p><strong><span style="color:#000000;"></span></strong></p><br /><br /><p><strong><span style="color:#000000;">The cold wind in the winter, The pleasant summer sun, The ripe fruits in the garden, He made them every one. </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgguOG9a1Xhqwv2-2ROFfo5MuGgFaFnC500jtMIdmX9pXo8L_q5MC7LNhxFso_VSMm1_hCEJ5A9YirZQEG2U_YXS0yWAFTglKqHtmJ8xNDSaMnl-Bda4asniLxUJ8ynUsvl5yaQ2MGP7-Q/s1600-h/DSC08709.JPG"><span style="color:#000000;"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 252px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 326px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389358425283914402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgguOG9a1Xhqwv2-2ROFfo5MuGgFaFnC500jtMIdmX9pXo8L_q5MC7LNhxFso_VSMm1_hCEJ5A9YirZQEG2U_YXS0yWAFTglKqHtmJ8xNDSaMnl-Bda4asniLxUJ8ynUsvl5yaQ2MGP7-Q/s320/DSC08709.JPG" /></span></a><span style="color:#000000;"> </span></strong></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><p><strong><span style="color:#000000;">The tall trees in the greenwood, The meadows where we play, The rushes by the water, We gather every day. </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLhTE_7Axsm6runylHnJOL2I5XgKjld6JMCCPiW_5JG1JcLvWVU57B3ZGpUs_gNrjZaWXoL3WqKdVXGJqWuP0kndjDQM4SN-DeRbBwADNk5qalyOD1ezs0jbstELZH3TfwZCdcUwBCvUk/s1600-h/DSC08707.JPG"><span style="color:#000000;"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 275px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 348px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389360682455647474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLhTE_7Axsm6runylHnJOL2I5XgKjld6JMCCPiW_5JG1JcLvWVU57B3ZGpUs_gNrjZaWXoL3WqKdVXGJqWuP0kndjDQM4SN-DeRbBwADNk5qalyOD1ezs0jbstELZH3TfwZCdcUwBCvUk/s320/DSC08707.JPG" /></span></a><span style="color:#000000;"> </span></strong></p><br /><br /><br /><p><strong><span style="color:#000000;"></span></strong></p><br /><br /><p><strong><span style="color:#000000;"></span></strong></p><br /><br /><p><strong><span style="color:#000000;">He gave us eyes to see them, And lips that we might tell, How great is God almighty, Who has made ALL things well. </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP3QGW_Z60ZMG0FURR_QIfGPT1SqWOdXIDggTxAcLob_VjedUk-5MlC5bDZdrj6sThyphenhyphenU-brNDSUeKfsUY_Zfi8OSZWacPKh0RkFPvtQWwx2Roi_2TFq3M9F9NQYskkGYKRwbh9P3lrL1k/s1600-h/DSC08711.JPG"><span style="color:#000000;"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389361629562413154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP3QGW_Z60ZMG0FURR_QIfGPT1SqWOdXIDggTxAcLob_VjedUk-5MlC5bDZdrj6sThyphenhyphenU-brNDSUeKfsUY_Zfi8OSZWacPKh0RkFPvtQWwx2Roi_2TFq3M9F9NQYskkGYKRwbh9P3lrL1k/s320/DSC08711.JPG" /></span></a><span style="color:#000000;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span></p></strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBZR8KEUkG97B58Sj6LBW_Ua4kKh3W8dRJNa5vmncYFzp1-RM3y1_Am3iI57vBNxjdmoO0vp3ll7AdWlQpeRnzf4ziNsJjnDpbTVF5rMtWi8BUFFrUIn8oUpscY16W9UZnWMBTKlZV-H4/s1600-h/DSC08704.JPG"><span style="color:#000000;"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 388px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 286px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389361463159389170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBZR8KEUkG97B58Sj6LBW_Ua4kKh3W8dRJNa5vmncYFzp1-RM3y1_Am3iI57vBNxjdmoO0vp3ll7AdWlQpeRnzf4ziNsJjnDpbTVF5rMtWi8BUFFrUIn8oUpscY16W9UZnWMBTKlZV-H4/s320/DSC08704.JPG" /></span></a><span style="color:#000000;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><p><strong></strong></p><br /><br /><p><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguqy3NgX24BiK1AwatHQOVRyVU3JVwUkODg1UYg1fxFOQS5sExO9DTO8tb5GXuqcdFfAzO1y35aJyEi7IT5DGKKeQkW0tnZEqT0r-_JKB5Kl3XPJGdhfR_gemmuvj9AQ3gbjtjE9_hSQk/s1600-h/DSC08712.JPG"><span style="color:#000000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389364849534012386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguqy3NgX24BiK1AwatHQOVRyVU3JVwUkODg1UYg1fxFOQS5sExO9DTO8tb5GXuqcdFfAzO1y35aJyEi7IT5DGKKeQkW0tnZEqT0r-_JKB5Kl3XPJGdhfR_gemmuvj9AQ3gbjtjE9_hSQk/s320/DSC08712.JPG" /></span></a><span style="color:#000000;"> ALL THINGS BRIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL, ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL, ALL THINGS WISE AND WONDERFUL, THE LORD GOD MADE THEM ALL<br /></span></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghIx-ndrAdFG_Mls9kJ7-mMkMLAUZ-NNu1gSNFmte9cOJ3p6ze5b6yzkdMqI7a9ueHP7gBQc1ycNKkXoHzz2OWOOE_eaOsqhXk1nkgsB2jzl0KUD4Ctw1f_7OGk7b087YaB7XvMwGr0FU/s1600-h/DSC08710.JPG"><span style="color:#000000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389364836508232866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghIx-ndrAdFG_Mls9kJ7-mMkMLAUZ-NNu1gSNFmte9cOJ3p6ze5b6yzkdMqI7a9ueHP7gBQc1ycNKkXoHzz2OWOOE_eaOsqhXk1nkgsB2jzl0KUD4Ctw1f_7OGk7b087YaB7XvMwGr0FU/s320/DSC08710.JPG" /></span></a><span style="color:#000000;"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2KasAktI_zHzd4tyP3l3NwSuzjYx5iEi3Q-KJN3zz4gWZcl0_LYJ67CY7s19wzwilhz_EbS1WwyZNu5wFAtHKGLNaofGtp-Fm8pk6jNYn9r2fUPSc3TSSRqAytcKJqpAXWVQxkPsGK4w/s1600-h/DSC08708.JPG"><span style="color:#000000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; 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MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389363840092015954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBiTiystjYu94oQ6RXmi6Tn8MUujXCztkN8y1F1Gite2rKTTFVI7L3lAUT00Rgtc25WsN3ywnOI1FjokviyTjqfnOAnVDU7Gwuhs32UIrbTqOo-wkVxJfHUhGKobQV3XJmZdFqfMv9Xmc/s320/DSC08684.JPG" /></span></a><span style="color:#000000;"><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB6vvpU2INIyEQGyczB98f89bXq7MxxIAeKa38ovxTJKE9dWHewxwjmhM7lcAhgNVA2NeJ9PeEofj9ikDDptf8_P88oag195U6LJGw2NylUKToSLSUUBxhKM_ZnCHf6kNjOA6fp1VpPn0/s1600-h/DSC08683.JPG"><span style="color:#000000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389363829728460114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB6vvpU2INIyEQGyczB98f89bXq7MxxIAeKa38ovxTJKE9dWHewxwjmhM7lcAhgNVA2NeJ9PeEofj9ikDDptf8_P88oag195U6LJGw2NylUKToSLSUUBxhKM_ZnCHf6kNjOA6fp1VpPn0/s320/DSC08683.JPG" /></span></a><span style="color:#000000;"><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA_BFkjmy6s41D78awXnJQywI5iSpsZD-3IsSvM_Xb_r1KpjCiYOSjDWvMM3AwRo6szyEAuMNQO8C_RgS3lpe948BIPElps6qFPUZIxc-yD5jJTe1Y_5HDyRDJbNlzG0mzC1lw5Lz7a3E/s1600-h/DSC08714.JPG"><span style="color:#000000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 216px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389363822960558098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA_BFkjmy6s41D78awXnJQywI5iSpsZD-3IsSvM_Xb_r1KpjCiYOSjDWvMM3AwRo6szyEAuMNQO8C_RgS3lpe948BIPElps6qFPUZIxc-yD5jJTe1Y_5HDyRDJbNlzG0mzC1lw5Lz7a3E/s320/DSC08714.JPG" /></span></a><span style="color:#000000;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Maegan Collierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05360480979170572005noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928622904896801980.post-8070255153245451742009-09-25T08:17:00.000-07:002009-09-25T09:17:21.833-07:00I chose the road to...Dim Sum<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTKup1SBf0olOTHZ999P18bNwthftuWo6Fi9Porindg1Quu432jBqFNakdhROk7X6-LUvzfyve1JQNaNImsAxn0PBk8H2COSzZIeCFRsbgttmy-rB6shrMcjPFLWkNkdP_DrwRXbxJEiU/s1600-h/9-19+5.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 210px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385425033419349842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTKup1SBf0olOTHZ999P18bNwthftuWo6Fi9Porindg1Quu432jBqFNakdhROk7X6-LUvzfyve1JQNaNImsAxn0PBk8H2COSzZIeCFRsbgttmy-rB6shrMcjPFLWkNkdP_DrwRXbxJEiU/s320/9-19+5.jpg" /></a><br />I was delighted to be visited by Douglas Fenton and Peter Ng about a week ago, as one of their many stops on a tour through Asia. Peter is from Hong Kong and was able to enlighten me on a few things about the area. One in particular was a delicious Chinese Noodle Restaurant (his personal favorite) named Tai Ping Koon, where we had Beef Fried Noodles among other wonderful things. It is very close to my house and I have plans to go back soon. I also had my first experience with Dim Sum. It is a Chinese tradition and it literally means “to touch the heart”. Dim Sum involves a wide range of light dishes and is usually served early in the morning or for brunch. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7qIF9m-8wPvmSmQmlGJDYttyFfAvSCyEe_Uq1VcTr0zBTfIe5GAdYKTStA8X1vYg3W02oD2T08nlbKOdyLgJXD6-kgnE6_nyKpFtWDYtw3SC2PxdTZM7aQE8EOkDvk0s5Gie3D4WZnsY/s1600-h/9-19+8.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385426675520971218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7qIF9m-8wPvmSmQmlGJDYttyFfAvSCyEe_Uq1VcTr0zBTfIe5GAdYKTStA8X1vYg3W02oD2T08nlbKOdyLgJXD6-kgnE6_nyKpFtWDYtw3SC2PxdTZM7aQE8EOkDvk0s5Gie3D4WZnsY/s320/9-19+8.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />The dishes come in very small portions that might include different meat, seafood, vegetables, fruit, and dessert and it is always served with hot tea. It was quite an experience and I was so grateful to have the two of them there to order for me and show me the ropes. Everything I tried was really good and for some reason that really surprised me. Looks can be so deceiving sometimes.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu9W7EmOPwYWJ9Ke6U234l1MWbfXR7vb9B8ei6j6Xfi4oxMjhpg6Mn_4j5YxZFmYW49zqPfbzNYq0ISs8amNf3wkZjzKaTmQcDN5TMaeXqc2M-kmaJf9462X1sG2xqmgOlFrqoD5EvS2c/s1600-h/9-19+4.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 302px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385438299988763010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu9W7EmOPwYWJ9Ke6U234l1MWbfXR7vb9B8ei6j6Xfi4oxMjhpg6Mn_4j5YxZFmYW49zqPfbzNYq0ISs8amNf3wkZjzKaTmQcDN5TMaeXqc2M-kmaJf9462X1sG2xqmgOlFrqoD5EvS2c/s320/9-19+4.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br />After eating, Douglas and Peter decided to help me find and install a curtain to cover one of my windows where I had an unfortunate incident involving me changing clothes and someone with a camera in another building. Yikes! It was the funniest thing watching the two of them…Douglas the obvious natural "Interior Decorator", and Peter trying desperately not to get stabbed with the scissors. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKm38SpMmUoBkNUlIzx0BQPXxx5HZO35RO3Wvpx4AvuT4RLLQEK6fDu12yMM6-TtPEL2FZtXcp1g24wtBN-jHMdNjNpP8tJ7Gs3jmMEYmaoZ0604_NvAoHuhW6NK3rjvUOg4nVaL2hG2w/s1600-h/9-19+7.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 174px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385428772842180194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKm38SpMmUoBkNUlIzx0BQPXxx5HZO35RO3Wvpx4AvuT4RLLQEK6fDu12yMM6-TtPEL2FZtXcp1g24wtBN-jHMdNjNpP8tJ7Gs3jmMEYmaoZ0604_NvAoHuhW6NK3rjvUOg4nVaL2hG2w/s200/9-19+7.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitI45db291BE_XjVLw3b3oey8HS1bMYToryxeJXx6m-K7gZz6uAlzfamqTYc9A_ETsuunHlBoI98u-xQvUPbjGqfHYO3WnlDCCiLaiwJ_6xFSlL6qXbWRZDamgOEyWq2P1tilkldAprYY/s1600-h/9-19+6.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385429860929717234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitI45db291BE_XjVLw3b3oey8HS1bMYToryxeJXx6m-K7gZz6uAlzfamqTYc9A_ETsuunHlBoI98u-xQvUPbjGqfHYO3WnlDCCiLaiwJ_6xFSlL6qXbWRZDamgOEyWq2P1tilkldAprYY/s200/9-19+6.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG_Qy7HE9kDFMDD5WsYlGjfyUlF5pc9F9vCQBTbxBgOFnu3TFy1JRxFQUAeRR2orXq6-jFmDBvgwlIM3rbcsRSK_MRXX_pEcVmvzE1f5-y8Zu832-V3kLD50BGYELT33yd1uBakG5N94I/s1600-h/9-19+2.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385429852424626834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG_Qy7HE9kDFMDD5WsYlGjfyUlF5pc9F9vCQBTbxBgOFnu3TFy1JRxFQUAeRR2orXq6-jFmDBvgwlIM3rbcsRSK_MRXX_pEcVmvzE1f5-y8Zu832-V3kLD50BGYELT33yd1uBakG5N94I/s200/9-19+2.jpg" /></a>It was a riot. But moments later, VOILA!!!! Thank you Douglas and Peter!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaLc-ajeEtqtAMRKm3rPNTzPkkDayOiymbNgYqHQRHV5ZdpDmECb2aJGCr_YUNOrWPAK6qW1nvd3WwdxCbe7ace1p8ILLOKioqfk-LbghqPOOC24K0A2K9S-yYvxO3AY2ce-FekrvvoUo/s1600-h/9-19+1.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 292px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385431261387375730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaLc-ajeEtqtAMRKm3rPNTzPkkDayOiymbNgYqHQRHV5ZdpDmECb2aJGCr_YUNOrWPAK6qW1nvd3WwdxCbe7ace1p8ILLOKioqfk-LbghqPOOC24K0A2K9S-yYvxO3AY2ce-FekrvvoUo/s320/9-19+1.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnAuoQ-629lyLo5aAZt2oLDEelBxRBzzzBnkL3G0F3Hq81-Dl_VGOLt06pZxmrrL5IHKs9asieL6pTSz4NQbVndLLE5LOOG9j81sZUaJKjkfjWdTamB3KNa5r_pvm3wpxNO8X-vDaUKeE/s1600-h/Hong+Kong+Sep+09+019.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385432606586164546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnAuoQ-629lyLo5aAZt2oLDEelBxRBzzzBnkL3G0F3Hq81-Dl_VGOLt06pZxmrrL5IHKs9asieL6pTSz4NQbVndLLE5LOOG9j81sZUaJKjkfjWdTamB3KNa5r_pvm3wpxNO8X-vDaUKeE/s400/Hong+Kong+Sep+09+019.JPG" /></a><br />As it turns out there is a light show in the Harbor every night around 8:00pm. Basically there are laser lights that bounce off the tops of the TALL TALL Buildings and keep the beat of some background music that is playing. It is really quite a show, so my friends Janine and Kitty took me to see it for the first time. After it was over we took pictures in front of a lantern exhibit.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs8SIbI27noKt1b-_yPSkL4lVY2B2GlleXEn_bY90ftnhXUHmrELt7xFtDsN-t3Ol3B_Pyi6hn6m-hcRvuKLjvAZTuQm_NFO1BPH9f8jGERngktClX7eckVZ18g1kb_vc_BUIlWNfWH84/s1600-h/9-23+1.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 243px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385433585961833154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs8SIbI27noKt1b-_yPSkL4lVY2B2GlleXEn_bY90ftnhXUHmrELt7xFtDsN-t3Ol3B_Pyi6hn6m-hcRvuKLjvAZTuQm_NFO1BPH9f8jGERngktClX7eckVZ18g1kb_vc_BUIlWNfWH84/s320/9-23+1.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWtVYRZYzTcPMo_AXOV9NWVoHzjo-zstdfr-pwrIYPVBGHZVvYaPvrSCHm7npN1H88kFHtoTM2Alsfn2zhV_iYkon22BnoQQW6RSdD-JNNMUehNdJH4jc9K76_OcosCJ8c_gpfqwlp6ts/s1600-h/Hong+Kong+Sep+09+041.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385434212479762370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWtVYRZYzTcPMo_AXOV9NWVoHzjo-zstdfr-pwrIYPVBGHZVvYaPvrSCHm7npN1H88kFHtoTM2Alsfn2zhV_iYkon22BnoQQW6RSdD-JNNMUehNdJH4jc9K76_OcosCJ8c_gpfqwlp6ts/s320/Hong+Kong+Sep+09+041.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoFWfB4Li-lUJQ3czrG3crsGz8bOyi_Wrz-qEw4Ul_y8GDxuSrs_Mh4cdwitLazGxLGNFIp78PTvO56iCjQ5mhO5wV1t7jl-Oea3hyjErQU2p7hyWj7roVZ8ypp4sW4XbC33cDHqbMTkU/s1600-h/Hong+Kong+Sep+09+040.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385434201185855730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoFWfB4Li-lUJQ3czrG3crsGz8bOyi_Wrz-qEw4Ul_y8GDxuSrs_Mh4cdwitLazGxLGNFIp78PTvO56iCjQ5mhO5wV1t7jl-Oea3hyjErQU2p7hyWj7roVZ8ypp4sW4XbC33cDHqbMTkU/s320/Hong+Kong+Sep+09+040.JPG" /></a><br /><br />While we were taking pictures all of a sudden this Jackie Chan look-a-like comes running up to me and asks if he can take a picture with me. I was stunned....and I was like, uh uh , sure of course. Janine was dying laughing and started taking pictures. And then sure enough not five minutes later another guy walks up and asks if he can have a picture with all 3 of us. It was the funniest thing ever. I'm a celebrity in Hong Kong, who knew?!?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW16ck8tdDJYvAcf4RI1np7Uy-UnwRmSkkbcoy3ECiBgizqa8JFYMRmgeJ1xfTv9-dn215xQ5LN3qdfWOnB4Wth-yF92N9xsUvnqy-2osi2bdl9fMp1axBJtsIu9S4BdBr4AWtwl8PpNo/s1600-h/9-23+2.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 234px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385435774217708914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW16ck8tdDJYvAcf4RI1np7Uy-UnwRmSkkbcoy3ECiBgizqa8JFYMRmgeJ1xfTv9-dn215xQ5LN3qdfWOnB4Wth-yF92N9xsUvnqy-2osi2bdl9fMp1axBJtsIu9S4BdBr4AWtwl8PpNo/s320/9-23+2.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv60nYmKBh7dyPKsrhWvW3yM75Y5Ns4R5vLnzXMpZRZIWcAo4XYv11u49km5B1rs9UrJsLxNCknbp2tBPG1y6HQTCiGt-okK6U0lcgUGI8G0I1Vbr8L5i2dalZKrn5qmSwyO-ILoDAHow/s1600-h/9-23+3.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385435764156060802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv60nYmKBh7dyPKsrhWvW3yM75Y5Ns4R5vLnzXMpZRZIWcAo4XYv11u49km5B1rs9UrJsLxNCknbp2tBPG1y6HQTCiGt-okK6U0lcgUGI8G0I1Vbr8L5i2dalZKrn5qmSwyO-ILoDAHow/s320/9-23+3.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib8YKixvq9XcKDwGljG_6-GLA5lCglNyJ14HjeNoGlzVohWFv3w6pizXU9lTGzvBuu4p8lYfvvsuUm8BdTZcmJ9cKyB46RluGm96kxR6oWl1_KOvKcVoqhkCfxnARKKEtGavPK5FSbkpo/s1600-h/9-23+6.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 256px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385437965279894786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib8YKixvq9XcKDwGljG_6-GLA5lCglNyJ14HjeNoGlzVohWFv3w6pizXU9lTGzvBuu4p8lYfvvsuUm8BdTZcmJ9cKyB46RluGm96kxR6oWl1_KOvKcVoqhkCfxnARKKEtGavPK5FSbkpo/s320/9-23+6.jpg" /></a><br />I have been here for a month now and it has been busy busy busy. This week at the Mission we have been preparing for the 23rd Anniversary of the Bethune House. Tomorrow we are having an Open House and Charity Auction Fundraiser. It has been a lot of work, but hopefully it will pay off and we will be able to raise the much needed money for the welfare of girls in the house. </p><p>Please pray for a productive and successful day tomorrow!!!<br /></p>Maegan Collierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05360480979170572005noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928622904896801980.post-48017548124269470292009-09-21T02:33:00.000-07:002009-09-25T06:05:14.078-07:00I chose the road to...surrenderNAMES HAVE BEEN CHANGED TO PROTECT THE INNOCENT<br /><br />In the past three weeks I have dealt with cases that are easy and some that are more difficult…but then there was this girl, we'll call her Anna. I was drawn to her from the moment she walked into the door at the Bethune House. She was so quiet and tiny. Unlike the other girls in the house who are often times outgoing and flamboyant with their new found freedom, Anna was withdrawn and child-like, but beautiful. She said she was 25, but looked to be about 18. She couldn’t have weighed more than 90 lbs and was probably not even 5 feet tall. I must have looked like a giant next to her. Maybe that’s why she seemed so scared? Either way, she was to be my first case that I would work from start to finish all by myself. We started off with an interpreter but I realized pretty quickly that she spoke English, so I dismissed the interpreter. She was Indonesian. Usually they speak only their native language along with Chinese, but not English so I was impressed with her more advanced language skills. I wanted her to feel comfortable so we made small talk about the fact that she had learned to speak in English in Singapore which is where she worked before she came to work in Hong Kong. Things were going fine until we got to the part in her case where I have to find out why she was terminated from her employment. I’m not going to go into all of the details of her case because I don’t feel like that is appropriate, but what I will say is that she was over-worked, under-paid, abused, and left in a desperate situation. She made a decision to steal a very small amount of money from her employer in hopes to have them terminate her so that she could be freed from her contract and seek other employment, but she was unaware of the laws of Hong Kong and made a very large mistake that will cost her dearly. My heart sunk. She had no idea that regardless of what the amount was or what the employer wanted, the Hong Kong Government would press charges against her and she would most likely go to jail and have a criminal record and never be able to work in Hong Kong again. She told her employer on purpose that she took the children’s change purse with money in it, hoping to be terminated, but the employer refused to terminate her. Her plan back-fired on her and created an even larger problem. Long story short she ended up on our door step at the safe house having no idea what to do. I took her statement and my supervisor asked me to go with her to her Employment Agency and help her ask them to get her clothes and things out of her employer’s house so that she could move into our safe house. This is where the story takes a painful turn. These Employment Agencies are manipulating, money-hungry, slave-owners for lack of a better term. They basically make a fortune on exporting labor (ie, PEOPLE!!) So the last thing that they care about is the welfare or well-being of any of these girls, they just want their money and to continue to make the employer’s of the domestic helpers happy. So when I show up with Anna to get her things, first of all they see an American and they all rush to my side to help me because they think I am there to BUY A SLAVE!! They see “Rich American”. In other words, they think I am there to purchase a domestic helper for myself. When I inform them that no, in fact I am not, I am here with my friend to help her get her belongings back they quickly change their tune. They take her from me to a room and won’t let me come with them even though I try. After 20 minutes she comes back and tells me thank you so much for my help and that I can go. I was so confused and helpless. I didn’t know what to do. There was a woman from the agency standing over us and I asked her to please allow me to speak to Anna alone. I asked her if she was okay, and she said she thought so, but that the agency told her that she needed to go back to the employer’s house and make things right. I felt so bad. I could see the fear in her. I didn’t want to leave her there alone. I wanted to protect her and I couldn’t. I was so powerless and I had to walk out the door without her, without knowing if she was going to be okay or not. I gave her my number and told her to call me anytime day or night and I would come get her, but I still don’t know if she is okay. I pray that she is. <br />As I began walking back to work alone I was remembering our conversation on the MTR on the way to the agency; she asked me if I was from America and I said yes. She said she wanted to be “big” like me. I laughed and said, oh no, I want to be small like you!! Then I said, “isn’t it funny how all of us want to be different than what we are?” I would give anything to have taken her picture. I can still see her face in my mind, but eventually I know that I won’t be able to remember it anymore. Cases and faces will come and go and it will be hard to keep hers in my mind. Maybe she will come back or even better maybe things will work out for her. <br />Once again I am reminded why God has called me to Hong Kong and even though this reminder was more painful than the last, I obediently accept all that is to come.Maegan Collierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05360480979170572005noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928622904896801980.post-56810720264309821942009-09-08T06:49:00.000-07:002009-09-12T08:24:47.125-07:00I chose the road to... rally<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9WCU7E5r27UOYrBONuHY1guBn4kKe_h1PWsAeQzbmR2EbFQ9T_51NCybdbijnRvzVaVnXYGsIfbjyF-mxQZK041ZnOQgiQcxIvC-O2G8EuQtH846arucKpx-m14DcHagBy0agPABFTro/s1600-h/DSC08350.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379719398697236354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9WCU7E5r27UOYrBONuHY1guBn4kKe_h1PWsAeQzbmR2EbFQ9T_51NCybdbijnRvzVaVnXYGsIfbjyF-mxQZK041ZnOQgiQcxIvC-O2G8EuQtH846arucKpx-m14DcHagBy0agPABFTro/s320/DSC08350.JPG" /></a>My first day of work really started last Sunday. I was sent out to numerous meetings and to a rally to photograph the events taking place. Several groups of migrant workers had formed and/or joined organizations to help their cause in an attempt to fight for their rights against the Hong Kong government.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-B88rKNHHYT-zEyvp0UyR_m9E3NUEurOT8JyxZm6zzXkAPnS-TlAjT3BgPe3sZXL2O-s7Vu_zsAXTFWbQLTmABjYQj0oX_uxCP7puyl9Iypiui3T3FDspdM2IpxZMGtl4rExNjKT-Cpo/s1600-h/DSC08375.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379094704573627554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-B88rKNHHYT-zEyvp0UyR_m9E3NUEurOT8JyxZm6zzXkAPnS-TlAjT3BgPe3sZXL2O-s7Vu_zsAXTFWbQLTmABjYQj0oX_uxCP7puyl9Iypiui3T3FDspdM2IpxZMGtl4rExNjKT-Cpo/s320/DSC08375.JPG" /></a>They gathered in an organized fashion on Sunday and marched in a protest to the Central Government Offices. It was truly a sight to be seen. The Hong Kong police officers were there and showed concern over the possibility of a riot, but I think their fears were put to ease when they realized the topic of the protests were wage related and no one appeared to be violent. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbGo4bvC-XZfEKXZmSG-nRqbX3zZmcWY_I8nFxL7sexShpGRmkOZSdQCeVyDzXQGtauqNDw2Zx3qHxAFQEgnsJsVIeC2FSL6yb9ZX-PeLjE8ehdxj_6XgyVGn8qd-iCazLllqWFa17fxo/s1600-h/9-6+2.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 251px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379094695501747618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbGo4bvC-XZfEKXZmSG-nRqbX3zZmcWY_I8nFxL7sexShpGRmkOZSdQCeVyDzXQGtauqNDw2Zx3qHxAFQEgnsJsVIeC2FSL6yb9ZX-PeLjE8ehdxj_6XgyVGn8qd-iCazLllqWFa17fxo/s320/9-6+2.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOphDeZ7p2IZ1J7mcXhXpTeiKRHapUcr4AYtbLRDu-8Nuc_pt9Lq658q0neMcJ7h1aan8DwFWeEJaU6w7dM_d1Z5gijw0ADezr65Bhj6KDkjV1Rc2ChZJAaN-cZqyg9RPfW2WrgdPDlQk/s1600-h/DSC08378.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379094689667731970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOphDeZ7p2IZ1J7mcXhXpTeiKRHapUcr4AYtbLRDu-8Nuc_pt9Lq658q0neMcJ7h1aan8DwFWeEJaU6w7dM_d1Z5gijw0ADezr65Bhj6KDkjV1Rc2ChZJAaN-cZqyg9RPfW2WrgdPDlQk/s320/DSC08378.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe4GNcrKXukq4BnBIpL2OYGxLTGz_KSiMKCAZjYRLuY3mREvhBONbwUbGM9c6aVzK-AXmo1qgPAjyJRICjtK3tWlFr0Nfv9-WSFi9H38SEPFcF73hCwvJNAuta06x4sac0ya81bMdRBDo/s1600-h/9-6+1.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 216px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379094677864513922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe4GNcrKXukq4BnBIpL2OYGxLTGz_KSiMKCAZjYRLuY3mREvhBONbwUbGM9c6aVzK-AXmo1qgPAjyJRICjtK3tWlFr0Nfv9-WSFi9H38SEPFcF73hCwvJNAuta06x4sac0ya81bMdRBDo/s320/9-6+1.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />So I spent the day taking photos and speaking to different migrants about their organizations. As you can see from the various banners they have formed different groups for different causes. Some are Filipino groups, like my friend Juvy's organization called MOVE that is against worker discrimination. There are others specifically for Indonesian's, Thai's, Sri Lankan's, ect. ,but for the most part they come together with one unified stance as Foreign Domestic Helpers working together to fight their injustices.<br />-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<strong> Me & Juvy</strong><br /> (she is teaching me everything at the Bethune House)<br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicqEpuAmmcAYsIEwCMZdTPf66Y6SVp33jJLEWR3AA32Ec5HSJfQjGRObOpaefIKWMRrABVEdfmoX9C1Z4sNYZsOQ_rZnclI8gMDCbc_9UTlCQ4kldXDV4944Hm-5ER7jpk61g_zKCM-lQ/s1600-h/9-8+2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 238px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380593743259858146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicqEpuAmmcAYsIEwCMZdTPf66Y6SVp33jJLEWR3AA32Ec5HSJfQjGRObOpaefIKWMRrABVEdfmoX9C1Z4sNYZsOQ_rZnclI8gMDCbc_9UTlCQ4kldXDV4944Hm-5ER7jpk61g_zKCM-lQ/s320/9-8+2.jpg" /></a> <strong> More Protesters</strong><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXaKRDG6z8sWbnnUTNtiIXTAaQG3_FE8hdvGV5hqik2ijLmcjDLTdQcOzcDcCxFgVVzDig6wZuptBuDlakT6wkuWk270attb-tiUhDVdzreScphkKHu6c6kGL0-KCYid1h6RpzWrb_Xz8/s1600-h/DSC08414.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380596432601967682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXaKRDG6z8sWbnnUTNtiIXTAaQG3_FE8hdvGV5hqik2ijLmcjDLTdQcOzcDcCxFgVVzDig6wZuptBuDlakT6wkuWk270attb-tiUhDVdzreScphkKHu6c6kGL0-KCYid1h6RpzWrb_Xz8/s320/DSC08414.JPG" /></a><strong> </strong><strong>Me & Mercy - a resident in the Bethune House </strong></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEcIP_iJWGzdSk38tuCfJ9dBLf3i2EmP32mSBTu5XrPhUfFV7ThZ8z8kkZEGuZK142e1-V7sf3_pLvtb4Q8cEXcgMjTfm0vSmUcCUa1SasQ8P0Ov4u0SVhp-C7bO1TB79cJhGBLyE2sgw/s1600-h/9-8+1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380596424895027122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEcIP_iJWGzdSk38tuCfJ9dBLf3i2EmP32mSBTu5XrPhUfFV7ThZ8z8kkZEGuZK142e1-V7sf3_pLvtb4Q8cEXcgMjTfm0vSmUcCUa1SasQ8P0Ov4u0SVhp-C7bO1TB79cJhGBLyE2sgw/s320/9-8+1.jpg" /></a><strong> A Volunteer & Mercy</strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0DQylYF12H85WPO7a-IfuizToVw0cznqOuPOe39gULoA9lyeXrhQJ040Q6HwlzYOMPvXXPjOngAhmhXAqtNH2ToTrJNBbJq98_bDRHiR_zFeYOF_cHG5w1Y4-AOkoTBsutCTTY3u46TM/s1600-h/DSC08455.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380596416631868418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0DQylYF12H85WPO7a-IfuizToVw0cznqOuPOe39gULoA9lyeXrhQJ040Q6HwlzYOMPvXXPjOngAhmhXAqtNH2ToTrJNBbJq98_bDRHiR_zFeYOF_cHG5w1Y4-AOkoTBsutCTTY3u46TM/s320/DSC08455.JPG" /></a>Cross Stitching Christmas Cards along with some volunteers who came to the Bethune House<br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg46DNtK6BzysZCbNUeNXzmLW09s-nvZeXR8Pn-Glxzlv6Vz8IEQ6wxG0G7FCHL_epMy93uuhwKR5DvRoOt1ZnDnCXIAJ7PS0ubaS03wh8EqoCf7TtWagKKj94pAIBEJEFyEcLvB_fODM/s1600-h/DSC08456.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380596405604809330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg46DNtK6BzysZCbNUeNXzmLW09s-nvZeXR8Pn-Glxzlv6Vz8IEQ6wxG0G7FCHL_epMy93uuhwKR5DvRoOt1ZnDnCXIAJ7PS0ubaS03wh8EqoCf7TtWagKKj94pAIBEJEFyEcLvB_fODM/s320/DSC08456.JPG" /></a><strong> Sol teaching the girls to use a sewing machine<br /><br /></strong><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGrh64JzvA37xK-nPQJkypVjGgT3Hxid-6esMs8nFu-e3IB3QNaZDIRMuSgqCB01P6TwpYyF9aYKPqvuiWmbXyTzBGYcpmGDmPRziEENxx1Q3FoYyDZt2M2DXHo8IECmhjJQMq1ZuWceA/s1600-h/DSC08450.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380596399496551714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGrh64JzvA37xK-nPQJkypVjGgT3Hxid-6esMs8nFu-e3IB3QNaZDIRMuSgqCB01P6TwpYyF9aYKPqvuiWmbXyTzBGYcpmGDmPRziEENxx1Q3FoYyDZt2M2DXHo8IECmhjJQMq1ZuWceA/s320/DSC08450.JPG" /></a></div></div></div><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFVUtxYxf-6XF-Yt75w018J2l9LAgJUgACaTAq88g9Rm22d-Wn-YwbzGhmlRTTc08NPn_Viwd5XaRhQNL5LmYidrgoJJbFPj5DzKIoYi0177UOn-IX9VHIXNJ_MkMrGnZxw4oN-OOjoaY/s1600-h/9-8+3.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 236px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380599987612387570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFVUtxYxf-6XF-Yt75w018J2l9LAgJUgACaTAq88g9Rm22d-Wn-YwbzGhmlRTTc08NPn_Viwd5XaRhQNL5LmYidrgoJJbFPj5DzKIoYi0177UOn-IX9VHIXNJ_MkMrGnZxw4oN-OOjoaY/s320/9-8+3.jpg" /></a> <strong>Annie teaching a class to the girls from Indonesia<br /></strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd4Kv89-ktW2J7SaCmXCArnBt5wLU5RhpzYhlc6DDVlVyHyjwpp-zgd_QSS2jE1yhLtZ89iy98SjBD6ii8XIYOhS8zOJaJol3tZLR3XVRGbpzQmkU7F2hXQTd0AEjnATHz9YaswMX2fmM/s1600-h/DSC08426.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380599985333986802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd4Kv89-ktW2J7SaCmXCArnBt5wLU5RhpzYhlc6DDVlVyHyjwpp-zgd_QSS2jE1yhLtZ89iy98SjBD6ii8XIYOhS8zOJaJol3tZLR3XVRGbpzQmkU7F2hXQTd0AEjnATHz9YaswMX2fmM/s320/DSC08426.JPG" /></a>Maegan Collierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05360480979170572005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928622904896801980.post-44691996663740135992009-09-01T19:43:00.000-07:002009-09-01T20:20:53.717-07:00I chose the road to...curryI am such a little MacGyver :) I made my own ice bucket by cutting up an old water bottle. I only bought one single ice tray (because that's the way they sold them, individually) and decided I needed an ice bucket and voila!! My Daddy would be so proud :)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE6vY2lZtHvqJgb17uspcdHqDCagITUOcOOQ1wONPynrP7JzYiaR2StBdIFq3QVXdWd6LKyVVa3wWa81gO37tHjBFeF18h4bJqAZl3llYiqEMNdmK57ipomnKrCYc8CjzgYuLXaoY7IDY/s1600-h/DSC08292.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376704388138234898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE6vY2lZtHvqJgb17uspcdHqDCagITUOcOOQ1wONPynrP7JzYiaR2StBdIFq3QVXdWd6LKyVVa3wWa81gO37tHjBFeF18h4bJqAZl3llYiqEMNdmK57ipomnKrCYc8CjzgYuLXaoY7IDY/s320/DSC08292.JPG" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><div>On Monday night I had dinner with two new friends Jeanette and Wade. They are both educators from the US and have been living in HK for almost a year. Jeanette is actually the Dean of a Nursing School back in the states and has been teaching for a program here in Central. She was given my email address about a month before I arrived here by a woman I met in Birmingham while I was fundraising at a church there. We have been corresponding ever since and it was so nice to finally meet her. She and her husband Wade took me to have the best Thai food I’ve ever had in my life. It was divine. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHd6XMG_ZBK3Zb6pEzqBfj5mpD3bJRj2mhPkvQl_GM9jZm2iSWaaK-CdvzQQ5aPv08NnbDKsTg9cjXH2F9aUOMrMiIDpxo8JPZ59QsZdRdsYPDrkXB6w7PQT55Vo0PvMzPimPh67lkpv8/s1600-h/DSC08302.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376703602786959746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHd6XMG_ZBK3Zb6pEzqBfj5mpD3bJRj2mhPkvQl_GM9jZm2iSWaaK-CdvzQQ5aPv08NnbDKsTg9cjXH2F9aUOMrMiIDpxo8JPZ59QsZdRdsYPDrkXB6w7PQT55Vo0PvMzPimPh67lkpv8/s320/DSC08302.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div>The mixed vegetables with curry were my absolute favorite and if I can find it again, I will be going back soon!! Jeanette and Wade were able to give me some great suggestions on how to survive as an American in HK and where to shop and eat. I am so grateful to have met them and look forward to seeing them again soon.<br /></div><br /><br /><div>So this is my blog. So far the topics have been light-hearted and funny. For the most part, a foreigner’s account of learning the basics in a new culture. I have had the luxury of writing pretty frequently and I know once I start working I won’t be able to write as often. I will begin my orientation at MFMW tomorrow and my paralegal training the following day. Then the “real” work begins Sunday I would assume. I can imagine that the tone of my blog is bound to change somewhat. This is going to be a challenging and heart-wrenching experiencing, and honestly in some ways it already has. Just meeting some of these girls that I am here to work with tugs at my heart, knowing that they have endured all types of abuse.<br />First, I want to give you some background on MFMW. It is a program that deals with personal and legal cases involving migrant workers by means of “crisis intervention”. It also focuses on empowering migrants through education and training workshops advocating women’s rights, by providing counseling services, liaising with NGO’s, and networking with union organizations as well as campaigning programs to make the general public aware of worker’s rights and concerns. The Mission’s services are for the more than 220,000 plus foreign domestic helpers in Hong Kong. Of this number 98% are women who come from poor and underdeveloped countries of Asia. (Philippines, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal).They are women who are brought to Hong Kong to be domestic workers and are underpaid, overworked, trapped in the vicious cycle of debt, and discriminated against because they are foreign. They are migrant workers whose labor rights are violated. They are women who are victimized by physical and sexual abuse. They are mothers, sisters, wives, and daughters who suffer from the mental, emotional, and social cost of forced migration.<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><strong><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 141px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 212px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376699361427574546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVp8-mP4SJ2FMiVQeJeXFLea1GTlC8hvAovecFrrFRZbwjFz-8Oq1gGrTuIZRTC5Fjq4udLQIQ3tTEfeg1bDQjYTgM9UU3-iYHeQqdC2vgenYGN-4i2waDtrXhhzjgMBXy8jAtfDng-so/s320/IMG_0945_a.jpg" />So why am I here, you might ask?</strong><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>I know my contract says I’ll be a case worker/paralegal/counselor of sorts and I’ll find out more of the specifics in orientation tomorrow, but I can tell you why God says I’m here. I’m here because I love these women already. As I type this, my eyes fill with tears for the first time since I’ve been here, and it’s not because I’m home sick. It’s because these girls are packed like sardines into a safe house called the Bethune House, on the third story of the Mission. They welcomed me on the very first day in so many ways I can’t even remember them all. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGoNt78NGqaSiOtgB3C1S3hqWQTgqUcrI2942l0sQKyg2ifAMY4AA_aqL-MFJAFj5BikCSHxT_apcjFoeu93RpzGGgS5n9eOK2a9jF50FNqHtEOf3EM4kgEpqsfG5zcUI9YqWFd_qTqvs/s1600-h/BethuneHousePrayer.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 225px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376700580681553810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGoNt78NGqaSiOtgB3C1S3hqWQTgqUcrI2942l0sQKyg2ifAMY4AA_aqL-MFJAFj5BikCSHxT_apcjFoeu93RpzGGgS5n9eOK2a9jF50FNqHtEOf3EM4kgEpqsfG5zcUI9YqWFd_qTqvs/s320/BethuneHousePrayer.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>They have been so patient with me and so incredibly helpful. They cook the most amazing food and love to watch me eat. I see God in ALL of their faces and they are all almost always smiling even though they have lived through horrible tragedies. I have so much to learn from them. This is why I’m here. </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><div><strong>Lord, </strong><strong>make us instruments of your peace. Where there is hatred, let us sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is discord, union; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. Grant that we may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. <em>Amen</em></strong></div></div></div></div>Maegan Collierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05360480979170572005noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928622904896801980.post-13999156594217872072009-08-31T01:04:00.000-07:002009-08-31T23:35:16.562-07:00I chose the road to...Victoria PeakHow I’ve been spending my days so far… I wake up around 6:45-7:00am. For some crazy reason I can’t seem to sleep any later than that which is unfortunate because people around here don’t get going that early. I suppose that’s not entirely true everywhere in Hong Kong, but the shops in Jordan don’t start buzzing til 9:30 or 10:00am and that’s about the same time that the people I work with at the MFMW (Mission for Migrant Workers) get going as well. This is probably due to the fact that the Street Markets in Jordan are open til late into the night and the Mission workers also work late. So I wake up, usually freezing from my wonderful window air-conditioning unit, and I wash my face, brush my teeth, and head to my tiny kitchen for some form of <strong>instant coffee</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHTyW66pLC1QhzkRrrEC_v8TDsJoJ7tydpJqS13RjZwEm1LZ0N_NKoL4ZtRu-P16C7QYew_BMPJ42HbaIBJzJrTINNKKqPmJi-Uj3679ypHfHcN7LlTOBN8AIjwU98zaWTUuM4NL-wJck/s1600-h/DSC08304.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376377630986950242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHTyW66pLC1QhzkRrrEC_v8TDsJoJ7tydpJqS13RjZwEm1LZ0N_NKoL4ZtRu-P16C7QYew_BMPJ42HbaIBJzJrTINNKKqPmJi-Uj3679ypHfHcN7LlTOBN8AIjwU98zaWTUuM4NL-wJck/s320/DSC08304.JPG" /></a>
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<br /><div>Either the kind you add hot water to, or cold coffee in a can (my personal favorite). People in Hong Kong generally eat EVERY meal out. I try to at least eat breakfast at home. In fact, whenever possible I try to eat at home, but it doesn’t happen much. I usually have fruit for breakfast. I managed to find a jar of peanut butter in the market yesterday, so this morning for breakfast I had an apple and peanut butter…yummy! After showering and getting ready for the day I pack my backpack and head into the busy streets of Kowloon. A few fun facts: Hong Kong has a population of approximately 7 million people that occupy an area of about 116 sq miles. That is about 6,000 people per square mile. Not much elbow room if you catch my drift. Definitely not a place for you if you’re shy. You WILL become a people person here :) So anyway, I leave my flat and head to the Mission which houses numerous things, but of most importance is the Bethune House, APMM(Asia Pacific Mission for Migrants), & MFMW (Mission for Migrant Workers). This is where I will work part of the time and it is conveniently in walking distance from where I live. It is where I have been going everyday to use their internet while I patiently await an internet card that I can use at home. This building is full of some of <strong>the most beautiful people</strong> I’ve ever met in my life and they are mostly from the Philippines and Indonesia.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO7Sqogrn5wUBxY0Lcb1Z9WYv5VPuHqrwTEYXcGEjybebUYwKLX88KBh5teOe75gQ1khU_vjjb4RwBkf9eY9gfF0yNLrj_eBY9MGEV491hcFm5-JasyRS4m6zlGRSfU45Iay2bi4kdTKc/s1600-h/8-28+2.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 253px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376378142968624578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO7Sqogrn5wUBxY0Lcb1Z9WYv5VPuHqrwTEYXcGEjybebUYwKLX88KBh5teOe75gQ1khU_vjjb4RwBkf9eY9gfF0yNLrj_eBY9MGEV491hcFm5-JasyRS4m6zlGRSfU45Iay2bi4kdTKc/s320/8-28+2.jpg" /></a>
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<br /><div>I know that I am living in Hong Kong, but so far I have not met any Chinese people. (I will, I just haven’t yet) All of my friends are Filipino and I love them dearly. They are hilarious and they have adopted me as one of their own. They like to feed me all too often. I try not to eat much when I’m away from them so that I am hungry when we are together. This way when they are shoving food at me I am able to eat and not turn it away. I don’t want to hurt their feelings. I have to be honest and admit that at first I was afraid to eat it. It looks different and of course it made me a little nervous, but by Day 2 I said a little prayer and dug in. I try to only eat a little at time, but so far I’m doing okay. My stomach rebels at times, but no major trauma as of yet. And their food is truly delicious! My favorite so far is pork & rice and fish soup!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh323aIpbuOO1pSytLhQrR7swqgAxXZQmhPRpZp8lGkzZjJ-y6fS47RntuoyshYn8jc3xIjSNXrfK6jr5mexT8oiam0Dv96KwdlOORLB1vcSRGRTdiCItw4JcNfvT-7XDS9T_8A2DAAXc/s1600-h/DSC08229.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376376024263423634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh323aIpbuOO1pSytLhQrR7swqgAxXZQmhPRpZp8lGkzZjJ-y6fS47RntuoyshYn8jc3xIjSNXrfK6jr5mexT8oiam0Dv96KwdlOORLB1vcSRGRTdiCItw4JcNfvT-7XDS9T_8A2DAAXc/s320/DSC08229.JPG" /></a> <strong>Pictured here is Pork & Rice and Eggplant and Eggs..it was very good :)
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<br />Note- EVERY meal comes with rice. ALWAYS. </div>
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<br /><div>On Sunday I took the MTR (the Mass Transit Railway?!) to Central, also known as the other side of HK, or Hong Kong Island. It is where the main Mission headquarters is located inside of St. John’s Cathedral. It is one of the other locations where I will be working. After spending some time with my co-workers I was told that I MUST go to <strong>Victoria Peak</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj15h7Q1TX-LnLq8VyXKKp_Eir09eE9HLgIcvm6q7_vi0qy4BfGLsTChoO2BEaJiAKJoRJphLaOxZH_ZwfhNGvoR3RNbt68YM3fudin44fnZtQXOfVoTeGVgpjrip9MER4Oe7tLa8mBrOw/s1600-h/DSC08258.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376374734967786946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj15h7Q1TX-LnLq8VyXKKp_Eir09eE9HLgIcvm6q7_vi0qy4BfGLsTChoO2BEaJiAKJoRJphLaOxZH_ZwfhNGvoR3RNbt68YM3fudin44fnZtQXOfVoTeGVgpjrip9MER4Oe7tLa8mBrOw/s320/DSC08258.JPG" /></a>
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<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhejvqOgRCrW_Pcpqzh3JpxumQ5GEEw4yZheePUPKWz25x7lzW4-u-y6eOAFi0nPJ-5SkT7RwmhFR_BpPzK9_SNvnWvdeOpg1dhhPHhnfSfkmCCs9ypqLsBDoAFf6EPv0x-Qnenvv-N7Y0/s1600-h/DSC08250.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376374726288487522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhejvqOgRCrW_Pcpqzh3JpxumQ5GEEw4yZheePUPKWz25x7lzW4-u-y6eOAFi0nPJ-5SkT7RwmhFR_BpPzK9_SNvnWvdeOpg1dhhPHhnfSfkmCCs9ypqLsBDoAFf6EPv0x-Qnenvv-N7Y0/s320/DSC08250.JPG" /></a>
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<br /><div>So I took a Peak Tram (a box car thing on cables) that pulls you UP UP UP into the sky up above the huge tall buildings. It is a popular tourist attraction and has an indoor and outdoor shopping mall attached to it. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvSo6yaw-liXMrzDvrV1zO3r8STULf6XTJfs_8fc5h-y8yQeUt-c1lXiizwqc4w_OGI2kMU109hCNADmhXzRH4c4FsnUjaakzMkG2OzeG3O1gqUukX-SyaUwANTbrr1SFnF6Y8Eojltfg/s1600-h/DSC08274.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376383446788872914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvSo6yaw-liXMrzDvrV1zO3r8STULf6XTJfs_8fc5h-y8yQeUt-c1lXiizwqc4w_OGI2kMU109hCNADmhXzRH4c4FsnUjaakzMkG2OzeG3O1gqUukX-SyaUwANTbrr1SFnF6Y8Eojltfg/s320/DSC08274.JPG" /></a>
<br /><div>It was really amazing. I took pictures and oooh’d and aaaah’d. I’ll have to go back again because I hear it is really spectacular to see it at night. After hanging out at the Peak most of the afternoon I was getting weary and realized I should start heading home. In an attempt to keep myself hydrated I had been chugging bottled water all day and desperately<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVJfWzj5KCtg8EtW_WfVyJ3YCd_eJYPm29lHZBtnyKroDy0K00Sc3toyshDKsoAx-6L0aRJj3P1QB2XrGe8d5NXTwITnhOkg8YvoGCf-vvbAYT0o7YnAjOL7_lEUv1aFVPHVLLZuRrSCs/s1600-h/DSC08278.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 295px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 227px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376372171341946146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVJfWzj5KCtg8EtW_WfVyJ3YCd_eJYPm29lHZBtnyKroDy0K00Sc3toyshDKsoAx-6L0aRJj3P1QB2XrGe8d5NXTwITnhOkg8YvoGCf-vvbAYT0o7YnAjOL7_lEUv1aFVPHVLLZuRrSCs/s320/DSC08278.JPG" /></a> searched for a bathroom before hopping back on the Tram. Here I was in this fancy tourist trap filled with over-priced EVERYTHING and what I found when I reached the bathroom nearly made me lose my lunch. A hole in the ground at the very bottom of the Peak Shopping Mall marked <strong>Women's Washroom</strong>. Longing for my little blue toilet in my tiny flat on Temple St.... needless to stay, I held it. I can imagine the women who use those toilets have amazing calves.
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<br />Maegan Collierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05360480979170572005noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928622904896801980.post-32126939191403402722009-08-28T23:02:00.000-07:002009-08-29T02:29:32.262-07:00I chose the road to....Po Fat<div>
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<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOJ8FL8mAB2xYLK2sLqcCROQfgmMIUr5dDnU24rTwC_LYIoAhiX6YtS-FkDkSa4b8n6TBTFTqTSRw2-YhTN5KknAEVCJYtU_fN6L2RZS1Sw2CYrBaoVOpdjrwwD5-wKQV2rMecrgIVVUY/s1600-h/8-26+3.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375281525026188914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOJ8FL8mAB2xYLK2sLqcCROQfgmMIUr5dDnU24rTwC_LYIoAhiX6YtS-FkDkSa4b8n6TBTFTqTSRw2-YhTN5KknAEVCJYtU_fN6L2RZS1Sw2CYrBaoVOpdjrwwD5-wKQV2rMecrgIVVUY/s320/8-26+3.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br />
<br /><div>My first view of Hong Kong was from the plane and it was breath-taking. Unfortunately the cell phone pics don't do it justice. The view on the way down to Lantau Island was simply amazing. We flew over the most beautiful mountains I've ever seen in my life. I wish I'd had a video camera!</div><br />
<br /><div>Upon my arrival I was met by a lovely woman by the name of Sol, who would soon become my saving grace/tour guide/grocery shopper/mother/you get the idea :) !!</div><br /><br />
<br /><div>Sol took me and my over-weight luggage onto a transit bus from Lantau to the Kowloon side of Ho<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzGFclkHx_NjeMj1w52jy71TiWuxo3d8xPxGh9v8TiQIxvt_jzdAFZB5RQFvM9bKTbpatuj2t_KzbNx7gH1KV95u5gQ4rPvcb-GsFvvIGHxitTkt5F5lEpCsZC21DaXl3i0QIuzVN9KAs/s1600-h/DSC08178.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375282176182614850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzGFclkHx_NjeMj1w52jy71TiWuxo3d8xPxGh9v8TiQIxvt_jzdAFZB5RQFvM9bKTbpatuj2t_KzbNx7gH1KV95u5gQ4rPvcb-GsFvvIGHxitTkt5F5lEpCsZC21DaXl3i0QIuzVN9KAs/s320/DSC08178.JPG" /></a>ng Kong. I was overwhelmed with visual stimulation. SO MUCH TO SEE! The buildings here are so tall and so close together and if you aren't paying attention they can all begin to look the same. </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />
<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxrA7HY-t36n1sK3n_zgw_V7jybDqTVDKhVwFbOlj6JkKQ3GYUK4rlxIO1cVdWWUkFbDPZbic84zMkIzIQluPsKsVNLQoa_AodkAN8n8jH0xZM3Jxd98lYNBbPFE9aierYKxlYiAIVpbQ/s1600-h/DSC08178.JPG"></a></div><br /><br /><br />
<br /><div>After a jostling bus ride we found our destination, my soon-to-be new home in Jordan on Temple Street. As I desperately tried to keep up with Sol, whose little legs carried her awfully fast, I was nearly hit by a bus. Yes, that's right, only a few hours into the country and I almost met my maker. Thankfully it wasn't my time. Sol came rushing to my aid apologizing profusely for not realizing that she had led me onto an unforgiving street while the crossing light was still blinking red. As my heart rate began to settle, I had my first and only hint of doubt since arriving here in Hong Kong. It has now long since disappeared. </div><br />
<br /><div>As the heat and humidity took its toll on our bodies we trekked on with my luggage as I began to regret every last book and shoe I packed in those God-forsaken bags. When I thought I couldn't walk any further Sol cheerfully announced, "We're here!!" And so I looked up to nearly collapse in laughter at the Po Fat Building, my new home.<br /><br />
<br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 309px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 205px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375279521785290450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-zmCoiUcnL7h6I_cCYtamqKNZczZJbwMo3Q0E_JXsO12VKD6xMKIo6yBdipUySIFQqfv9_kLPiQtTTWKuNAMp6p1CftOh3fwUEYpn9JjpJ-P4ljtMkwwY72QXXjvtr-sI4qYxVB5PlgU/s320/DSC08167.JPG" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4OGTtbxzEhWXwdy3uNzDgVr4pv-WlK_uioRtHOGJQrqZ_ZFYSYgpz140HmHY2bWRrAR6g0vMnv41NiHwpFAzhGn4B_isTA6YgRV3gxSGM9ZwR3xBr5WHa6xS18_5JM_dIXFU7xY6koUY/s1600-h/DSC08166.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375279271357955986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4OGTtbxzEhWXwdy3uNzDgVr4pv-WlK_uioRtHOGJQrqZ_ZFYSYgpz140HmHY2bWRrAR6g0vMnv41NiHwpFAzhGn4B_isTA6YgRV3gxSGM9ZwR3xBr5WHa6xS18_5JM_dIXFU7xY6koUY/s320/DSC08166.JPG" /></a> I hope everyone finds the humor in this, I still laugh every time I go home. </div><br /><br /><br />
<br /><div><font color="#000099">Here is a <strong>video walk-thru</strong> of my little flat on Temple St in Jordan on the Kowloon side of HK. </font></div>
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<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwT793WSmKqK4-T-vN_Na2mFTnZUE3R5TbYZewwfYRGXycsV6q6uvRgR5hoqkDOxFC1elJwN4qY-BSJdDUDKg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><br />
<br /><div>So I made it to my flat and decided that even though I was delirious from lack of sleep and extreme jetlag I should go ahead and try to stay awake until bed time in Hong Kong to be on the correct schedule from day one if possible. Sol and I decided to go shopping for bed sheets, towels, and toilet paper to distract me and keep me awake. Just the basic necessities to get me through the night and into the next day. I found pillows and towels and then she helped me bargain for my bed sheets and find the right sizes because of course they don't say TWIN, FULL, QUEEN...they say numbers like 36 and 54 , & 60, ect. Needless to say my sleep deprived brain was so lost by the time I tried to figure out how much money I was spending in US dollars I surrendered my VISA card more than willingly and smiled at Sol and said let's go home.<br />On our walk home she insisted we pick up a few more things I would need such as fruits and bottled water. I do have running water in my flat but it is not safe to drink unless I boil it first so I must keep bottled water to drink. I am so grateful she was with me because I would have had no idea what to buy and I have already been through all of the water that we bought. </div>
<br /><div>So back at the homestead I put the sheets on the bed, took a shower, and crawled in for my first night at home in my new bed, in my new flat, in my new world (for now), in Hong Kong. </div><br /><br />
<br /><div>The following days have been filled with exploration and adjustment. The jetlag sort of comes and goes. I get tired in the evenings but feel pretty vibrant in the mornings. My supervisor is out of the country at the moment so I have about a week on my own to become acclimated with the area and enjoy myself, which is exactly what I intend to do. I went to a Birthday Party Beach BBQ yesterday and had a lovely time. To get there we rode the Mass Transit system which is super impressive. It's so efficient and clean. I'll write more about it later. Enjoy the pictures. </div><br />
<br /><div><strong>Me & Rey at Deep Water Bay</strong><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCSiApShS5JAt2RMInevQI-UZViKvPQ-bjqRE4AsOu6gOCc1NaM_CigK4paXXpvzV3pKZle_gJGwh5jn_bj7eVF9jnhkL1DVw8LZlbo4dQoEy4Al1_9dGI0oh7PXuaFpzlQi78u1FYlfM/s1600-h/8-28+1.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 322px; HEIGHT: 246px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375311136136509106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCSiApShS5JAt2RMInevQI-UZViKvPQ-bjqRE4AsOu6gOCc1NaM_CigK4paXXpvzV3pKZle_gJGwh5jn_bj7eVF9jnhkL1DVw8LZlbo4dQoEy4Al1_9dGI0oh7PXuaFpzlQi78u1FYlfM/s320/8-28+1.jpg" /></a><br />
<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxrA7HY-t36n1sK3n_zgw_V7jybDqTVDKhVwFbOlj6JkKQ3GYUK4rlxIO1cVdWWUkFbDPZbic84zMkIzIQluPsKsVNLQoa_AodkAN8n8jH0xZM3Jxd98lYNBbPFE9aierYKxlYiAIVpbQ/s1600-h/DSC08178.JPG"></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxrA7HY-t36n1sK3n_zgw_V7jybDqTVDKhVwFbOlj6JkKQ3GYUK4rlxIO1cVdWWUkFbDPZbic84zMkIzIQluPsKsVNLQoa_AodkAN8n8jH0xZM3Jxd98lYNBbPFE9aierYKxlYiAIVpbQ/s1600-h/DSC08178.JPG"></a></div></div></div></div>
<br /><div></div><strong>Little Girl Swimming -Deep Water Bay<br /></strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfc4OLhyphenhyphen583PQqo3bIxVNrUE4h8s736YJt9jxC5r2k98fX90iUOKLhbyMXKFo5gMCmwBu_wOIZ4yOAgfaqiYS3N4qNIlKdXUCbIw8bN9Hg_EVkk_znsIsk9FDIx6zfXkwv72epEinxZw4/s1600-h/DSC08199.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375311158269864194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfc4OLhyphenhyphen583PQqo3bIxVNrUE4h8s736YJt9jxC5r2k98fX90iUOKLhbyMXKFo5gMCmwBu_wOIZ4yOAgfaqiYS3N4qNIlKdXUCbIw8bN9Hg_EVkk_znsIsk9FDIx6zfXkwv72epEinxZw4/s320/DSC08199.JPG" /></a><br />
<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEN4ksynSpgrilBW2eU3bf4OcWhgntTAqa-mt4XyR_KbevHLbmfJw7yHqf5ONgXyoitgDDKaThMcoaqNpPnVpHwxjhvn09QImTtKJKOIsn3KdZXj66I0XOnLqY0SXNp8r1Q4f17Q7Y8Mw/s1600-h/DSC08192.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375311150085434162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEN4ksynSpgrilBW2eU3bf4OcWhgntTAqa-mt4XyR_KbevHLbmfJw7yHqf5ONgXyoitgDDKaThMcoaqNpPnVpHwxjhvn09QImTtKJKOIsn3KdZXj66I0XOnLqY0SXNp8r1Q4f17Q7Y8Mw/s320/DSC08192.JPG" /></a><br /><br />
<br /><div></div></div>Maegan Collierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05360480979170572005noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928622904896801980.post-91492942440541013762009-08-25T09:27:00.000-07:002009-08-26T23:52:34.942-07:00I chose the road...to a long layover in London<div><br /><br /><br /><div>I had made every attempt possible to organize things in such a way that my last 48 hours in the US could be as peaceful and smooth a transition as possible. Ha. Ha. Ha. God mocks me.<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div>Sunday afternoon in the midst of many goodbyes both my brother, whom I was living with and my boyfriend, tested positive for the Flu. I ended up spending my last Sunday in the US running around Montgomery trying to say my final good-byes to my best friends and my parents, before going to play nurse to a flu patient all night. Sweats, chills, taking temperature, giving Tylenol, fluids, repeat. No sleep. Not exactly how I envisioned spending my final moments with my loved ones, but what can I say, I was born to take care of people and NOTHING pleases me more.<br />After a restless night of up and down, I drug myself out of bed Monday morning and began my last few errands before departing for Atlanta. My best friend Amy had volunteered for the task of driving me the 2 ½ hours to the airport. I’m not sure she had any idea what she was getting herself into. When she arrived at my brother’s house to pick me up I procrastinated at least an hour more until finally we just had to leave. I said good-bye to my brother Sam, my boxer “Lexi”, and my boyfriend Ryan and we were bound for the Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta Airport.<br />I had decided to have Amy take me to Atlanta earlier in the day in case of bad traffic or weather, even though my flight was not to leave until 9:15pm. She dropped me off at the airport around 2pm and I went to check my bags a good 7 hours early. I had friends to see in Atlanta and I figured a change of scenery would do me some good from the emotional rollercoaster of a weekend I’d had. After checking my bags I hopped on the MARTA train and headed for midtown. When I sat down on the train I think it was the first time I had truly taken a breath in days. I just sat there taking it all in. People watching in peace. </div><br /><br /><br /><div>Happy to be alive on a transit in Atlanta, Geor<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV4-vXRLDqbrdrYDyrKHq9NFjsmLftCCryKwoz2KCcVXXNaPKmclGmu2DcSxsyH6u2yAhviKzC1aKYnhUAEO8Mft7vtPqB0OsypaqT_80gMWPQYogWhgALAOzXTFsQWDafV_6I3JkSh9w/s1600-h/IMG_0563.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 233px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 315px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374527865635477554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV4-vXRLDqbrdrYDyrKHq9NFjsmLftCCryKwoz2KCcVXXNaPKmclGmu2DcSxsyH6u2yAhviKzC1aKYnhUAEO8Mft7vtPqB0OsypaqT_80gMWPQYogWhgALAOzXTFsQWDafV_6I3JkSh9w/s320/IMG_0563.JPG" /></a>gia. </div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div>My friend Keith picked me up from the MARTA station and let me relax on his couch for a couple of hours and do nothing, which was exactly what I needed before heading back to the airport to catch my plane to London.<br />So far there have been numerous special things that have happened to me on this journey. First on the list of special gifts happened when I was boarding my plane to London. They called my name over the intercom and I was initially concerned, but they informed me that they were upgrading me to World Traveler Plus seating free of charge! Whoohoo!!! I LOVE British Airways already! I had extra leg room and perks that I was not use to having. It was a really nice way to start off this incredibly lengthy trek.<br />Second on my list of special gifts was my angel. Her name was Shuran and it was her birthday. She sat next to me on my flight to London. She was from Georgia and she was tall, dark, and beautiful and was on her way to Germany to celebrate her birthday. She was wearing a tiara and we clicked instantly, both being southern girls and all. I call her my angel because she rescued me in a sense. My layover in London ended up being nearly 10 hours and I had already not slept for more than an hour at a time for the past two days. When we arrived in London she took me as her guest to the British Airways Executive Galleries Lounge, where I was able to stay for my entire layover and lay down on plush couches and nap and snack on over-priced food and drinks all day for free. </div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374529960388192354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga3EPrvKXQABdAmS_CT66LunHcMs533GQO1x6CScLcHAlTaqr9428aTwFAF591ZLipmw2xgW5moakZ3iEmUHSq767cDNhbhuhoZ-7_BJs1dQ1zpteouLc_QhMfa9VrogRwPYV7qTg8QMc/s320/IMG_0567.JPG" />I still didn’t really get much sleep, but I was very comfortable and I wasn’t lying in an airplane terminal on cold tile floor. God is good. Thanks Shuran!!<br />So I left the London Heathrow Airport at 6:30pm bound for Hong Kong and that is where I sit now. I am on a plane typing a Word Document and will be posting this to my blog. My sleep schedule is so messed up. I am 8 hours into the flight. I slept for about 5 hours earlier which is the most I’ve slept consecutively in 3 days. It is about 9:00pm back home in Montgomery, so that makes it about 10:00am in Hong Kong. Everyone on this plane is sleeping except me and the lights are out and the window shades are closed. They will be serving breakfast soon, but we will arrive in Hong Kong around 1:00pm, in about 3 hours. Wow, this is CONFUSING!!<br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWUZynhZjD1kcoJIttvucYJDEHlalrgWF47Cy9Ud57EIqIKSxM5vsUxYJc9JzYlWULmjcUDOeOGZq2D6vDnGPBwn0wiIsPYjAElIJ5xeqbwDb_ZfCTomyiPeUZVyGFG9rfIAtTe_Ld6Mw/s1600-h/DSC08133.JPG"></a></div><strong>British Airways Lounge:</strong> where I waited out a 10 hour layover!!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWUZynhZjD1kcoJIttvucYJDEHlalrgWF47Cy9Ud57EIqIKSxM5vsUxYJc9JzYlWULmjcUDOeOGZq2D6vDnGPBwn0wiIsPYjAElIJ5xeqbwDb_ZfCTomyiPeUZVyGFG9rfIAtTe_Ld6Mw/s1600-h/DSC08133.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 341px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 259px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374530968286580482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWUZynhZjD1kcoJIttvucYJDEHlalrgWF47Cy9Ud57EIqIKSxM5vsUxYJc9JzYlWULmjcUDOeOGZq2D6vDnGPBwn0wiIsPYjAElIJ5xeqbwDb_ZfCTomyiPeUZVyGFG9rfIAtTe_Ld6Mw/s320/DSC08133.JPG" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiUB7zTWkL5b74Gfq-9Bjm3oTRRmLMnAxKqBjqfhrFMZDrL9KLuIyEKdr5CBDy4N9mze-EnXJ6he8nIF2eWA5xwhDeDx4KnHEd7myZUT1oRsdHtaDGK2ccrS5QxZV-FDjUJ3zXj8hN770/s1600-h/DSC08136.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 318px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 288px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374531797493234946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiUB7zTWkL5b74Gfq-9Bjm3oTRRmLMnAxKqBjqfhrFMZDrL9KLuIyEKdr5CBDy4N9mze-EnXJ6he8nIF2eWA5xwhDeDx4KnHEd7myZUT1oRsdHtaDGK2ccrS5QxZV-FDjUJ3zXj8hN770/s320/DSC08136.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWUZynhZjD1kcoJIttvucYJDEHlalrgWF47Cy9Ud57EIqIKSxM5vsUxYJc9JzYlWULmjcUDOeOGZq2D6vDnGPBwn0wiIsPYjAElIJ5xeqbwDb_ZfCTomyiPeUZVyGFG9rfIAtTe_Ld6Mw/s1600-h/DSC08133.JPG"></a></div>Maegan Collierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05360480979170572005noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928622904896801980.post-88792794299505269022009-08-05T22:28:00.000-07:002009-08-05T22:46:14.389-07:0018 days and counting...Time has flown by since graduation and I find myself with only 18 days left until I depart for Southeast Asia. I will fly from Atlanta to London on August 24th. From London I will fly to Hong Kong, arriving on Wednesday August 26th. I am overwhelmed with excitement and anticipation.<br /><br />For those of you that know me well, I am not exactly a light packer. I have been working on this huge character defect of mine and am hoping that when it comes time to leave I'll be able to board my plane with only two suitcases and a backpack to survive with in HK for a whole year.<br />(please keep your fingers crossed!)<br />The problem I'm finding is that I am a first time yasc placement in Hong Kong and there is no one to tell me what they have done (ie, packed) in the past or what to expect. I don't really have any clue what the suitable and/or appropriate attire is for HK and I'm sort of flying blind in a sense. The climate is tropical for most of the year, but I am certain that shorts and flip flops are not the typical garb of the fast paced, money-driven citizens of Hong Kong.<br />So anyway, please wish me luck with my packing adventure.<br /><br /><br />Ready or not...Maegan Collierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05360480979170572005noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928622904896801980.post-49701798373764415362009-05-06T21:16:00.000-07:002009-08-05T22:28:12.813-07:00I'm moving to Hong Kong!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixO7AjybyMwQ80l_paivdwxAmpgpj00xbIYSI1h_nabgRE6VPWe1yppOhTGxXroQTO4de0wNNZl3uDFzMQwRNIJ2D4KgHgdjobxbiaU12q576wYl4L4VCJy5ZpRYPZh2djPO_cru0a5ck/s1600-h/china-hong-kong.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332936633762491346" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 320px; height: 256px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixO7AjybyMwQ80l_paivdwxAmpgpj00xbIYSI1h_nabgRE6VPWe1yppOhTGxXroQTO4de0wNNZl3uDFzMQwRNIJ2D4KgHgdjobxbiaU12q576wYl4L4VCJy5ZpRYPZh2djPO_cru0a5ck/s320/china-hong-kong.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY364MwMjgAqS21nP1_Z7XAOyTBLMDBoTUdQbcfe1Pp0vFNLeY2AojxwQg7PKyf0YOjycto_lKVhXL7rA5TRFCs0M9GXE7LJ_8JIetDgOLmTxolt5_VL88roVDuwTZPoLQlho_00aWPOU/s1600-h/Hong_Kong_de_noche.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332935224583122466" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 403px; height: 212px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY364MwMjgAqS21nP1_Z7XAOyTBLMDBoTUdQbcfe1Pp0vFNLeY2AojxwQg7PKyf0YOjycto_lKVhXL7rA5TRFCs0M9GXE7LJ_8JIetDgOLmTxolt5_VL88roVDuwTZPoLQlho_00aWPOU/s320/Hong_Kong_de_noche.jpg" border="0" /></a> Hong Kong Flag<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfC6u7oEtU4a2eBZ7stajhuRVaDH8ZGalBB2YdP0KsJac1agX3u6cEGdM9xqWznKx_FggMcF0UKO47xpNNPoqLfoxYJ85fsNiuGUO56GBjx3cKOl8Y6jNqm89nz9JQpk3cso7JmtnhzOw/s1600-h/hflag.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332935010602719138" style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left; width: 284px; height: 180px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfC6u7oEtU4a2eBZ7stajhuRVaDH8ZGalBB2YdP0KsJac1agX3u6cEGdM9xqWznKx_FggMcF0UKO47xpNNPoqLfoxYJ85fsNiuGUO56GBjx3cKOl8Y6jNqm89nz9JQpk3cso7JmtnhzOw/s320/hflag.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div> I'm finally sitting down to take a few minutes to begin my blog. I will be graduating from Auburn University this Saturday May 9th, 2009, with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration. I have joined the Young Adult Service Corps (YASC) as an Episcopal missionary and will leave for Hong Kong in August. Before that however, I will be going to Toronto, Canada for two weeks in June for an orientation program and training for YASC.<br /><div><br /><br /><div>I am so excited about all these wonderful blessings that are taking place in my life. I intend to update my blog as often as possible as my journey truly begins to take off. </div><br /><div>As for my position in Hong Kong, what I know as of right now is that I will be working with Filipino Migrant Workers. These are women who are living in a home or safehouse in HK. I will be a social worker of sorts. I will undergo paralegal training and will be going with them as their advocate in court. Some of these women have been sold into slavery and some have been abused. It appears that this will be a very intense and demanding experience and I'm looking forward to the challenges ahead. It seems that I will need to learn both Cantonese and some Filipino. Rosetta Stone here I come!!!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I suppose this is all for now.. I just wanted to get started. I'll write again soon.</div><br /><br /><div>Peace,</div><br /><br /><div>Maegan</div><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div>Maegan Collierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05360480979170572005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928622904896801980.post-49995881368567414062009-04-30T19:52:00.000-07:002009-04-30T19:53:15.054-07:00dreaming of what will be in God's timePeople need to see that far from being an obstacle, the world’s diversity of languages, religions, & traditions is a great treasure, affording us precious opportunities to recognize ourselves in others<a class="edit_link" title="Edit"></a>Maegan Collierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05360480979170572005noreply@blogger.com0