Cf 20160923

JOURNEYS

Editor’s Thoughts: ………………………….………….… “Traveling” ……………………. Raylene Rodrigo-Baumgart Devotional: ………………….……………..………… “Wherever We Go” ……………………………….………… The Editor

Featured Items: Traveling: My Passion and Joy …………………………………………………..………………. Mavis Mary-Adams Journeys: Just By Being A Dad ………………………………………………………………………..……. Eddie Lacson JourneysL From The Hilltop To California …………………………………………. Virgie Cañete-Bofetiado My Journey ……………………………………………………………………………………….………… John Mark Delima My MVC Journey: Short and Memorable ……………………………………………………….….. Wilfred Pasco 11 Reasons Why Travel Makes You A Happier Person ………………………………… From The Internet SULADS Corner …………………………………………. “Unexpected Blessing” ........… Janeth Q. Lantoria, SCHSL Teacher Patch of Weeds: …………………………………………………………………………………………….….………………….. Jesse Colegado LIFE of a Missionary: ……………………………….. “New Guinea: Rajah Ampat ” ……………...……………….. Romy Halasan CLOSING: Announcements |From The Mail Bag| Prayer Requests | Acknowledgements Meet The Editors |Closing Thoughts | Miscellaneous

Editor’s Thoughts: “Traveling”

By Raylene Ann Rodrigo-Baumgart “Nobody can discover the world for somebody else. Only when we discover it for ourselves does it become common ground and a common bond and we cease to be alone.”

– Wendell Berry

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raveling has always brought me joy and excitement. Even as a 14 year-old when my parents first took me to Mountain View College, I was restless and overjoyed. I would help our helpers pack the hard-boiled eggs, rice and adobo the day before and I could not wait for the long journey to commence. We had our old reliable Mazda Pick-up truck then so only my papa and mama could sit in the front with the driver while I sit at the back with all my boxes and luggage of clothes, food and school supplies. I never minded the dirt and dust as the wind blow during the journey. I was never car sick either.

Later on, when I was older and had to travel with kababayans like Bernadette Gonzales, Ruth and Ruben Flores – we resorted to taking the public buses. Much to their bewilderment, I always bring the same baon: adobo, boiled eggs and rice and I would eat and eat while they are sick and nauseated from the ride.

Married to a German who loves to travel gave me more opportunities to travel worldwide. Since I retired two years ago, I can now travel even more with my husband in all his business conferences. But there is this one thing that I have to conquer: fear of heights. Although I have learned to accept flying as a necessity, I would never look down from a window. And I would close my eyes when we are driving through cliffs and ravines. But this summer, I experienced the thrill and the excitement of seeing all these beautiful panoramic views of Ireland and scenic France and slowly and gradually, I learned to go near the edge even though sometimes I still have to breathe in and out (part of the drill) and oftentimes had to close my eyes before I take in the gorgeous sights. There is always one thing that keeps me doing it – knowing that I can then post it to social media, without my friends and family knowing what anxiety I had to go through with the sweet ordeal.

The magnificent Cliffs of Moher in Ireland is worth the ordeal. Standing 24 meters or 702 feet at their highest point, they stretch for 8 km (5 miles) along the rugged Atlantic Coast. It is Ireland’s most visited natural attraction that sees over a million visitor each year for the last 3 successive years. Once you have arrived at the parking site, you can then start your 1.5 – 3 hours walk to experience it. You get to ramble around the incredible rocky “Burren” landscape, stroll leisurely or be more adventurous and climb up into the limestone hillsides (which I did) for the best photos of Galway bay, Aran Islands and Connemara. The plants, wild flowers and tiny animals living here are unique to this ecosystem. Up there, I learned to be patient, to not rush but simply to relax, breathe the fresh air and enjoy the sights, to be careful in choosing paths and to respect the environment and follow signs and directions to avoid accidents.

Then my sister Cheryl and my best friend joined us in our journey to France. We took them first to Normandy, the part of France that I have never visited before. And we were not disappointed.

The white cliffs and three natural rock arches of Etretat are some of the best-known sights in Upper Normandy in France and a popular day-trip destination. It is famous for its three natural arches and white chalk cliffs that tower over the Atlantic Ocean. Impressionists such as Claude Monet and others have painted these arches and cliffs in the 19th century and after seeing these, I can now understand their fascination to it.

These natural wonders are freely accessible as is the pebbled beach. The cliffs are easily scaled on foot via steep narrow paths but since it is a natural site, safety railings are far apart and very few between so extra care is mandatory especially when traveling with younger children. There have

been several fatal accidents among the young and the adventurous in spite of all the warnings provided. To scale the cliffs in both directions took at least two hours and sturdy footwear is advisable and a must for me. Preparation is important because there are no toilets or water available on each direction (about an hour or so each). But once you get to the top – you get to enjoy the magnificent panoramic views of the ocean, the cliffs, Etretat town below and the beach.

Although I always enjoy seeing the famous “touristic places”, I was really thrilled that we took the road less traveled by and what a treat it had been.

Ibn Battuta (Abdullah Muhammad Ibn Battuta) was a Moroccan Muslim scholar and traveler. He is known for his traveling and going on excursions called the Rihla. His journeys lasted for a period of almost 30 years. He was right when he said, “Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.”

Just as it is with our journey in life, most of the times we are drawn to myriads of hectic activities.

We immersed ourselves in thousands of unnecessary tasks that oftentimes leave us breathless if not exhausted. Because we want to be able to assure ourselves that we have done something worthwhile, something that we can tell our family and friends what we have done. We forget that sometimes it is necessary to take a deep breath, smell the roses and enjoy the quietude of a garden or the woods or the riverside. This is a lesson for me. I need to go to a quiet place and relax in the knowledge that God is in control of my journey, wherever it may lead me.

Devotional: “Wherever We Go”

By Raylene Ann Rodrigo-Baumgart

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e were patiently waiting at the beautiful Train/Bus station of Dresden for our bus to arrive to take us back to my daughter’s university in Osnabruck. Flixbus is a successful intercity bus company that helps transport people all over Europe. We have taken this route several times and each experience has been pleasant. That afternoon, the bus was late for over an hour so we knew it will be very late when we arrive to our destination.

When the long wait was over, I gave a sigh of relief and boarded it with my husband and daughter.

Few minutes later, a blond lady with a booming voice came on board and with a very strong baritone voice announced in German, “We are ready to go. We are late so it will be a fast ride.

Buckle your seat belts and let’s have fun.”

I turned to my husband who was seated across the aisle from me and said, “Wow! A lady bus driver! We are in for a special treat!” He merely nodded and smiled. Then a tall red-haired lady hopped on board carrying a coffee maker and some snacks and sat right behind the driver’s seat.

After an announcement we found out she was the assistant driver and they always travel together, taking turns in driving. Both were originally from Czechoslovakia but spoke German with an accent. Then the driver also announced this was their first assignment to drive in Germany.

The passengers clapped their hands to applaud and then all was quiet as we drove through the beautiful countryside.

After two hours of quiet driving, we hit a terrible traffic jam and that’s when I saw our driver taking out her cell phone and started texting if not calling and always checking on her phone. This was not right! Drivers are never supposed to talk on their phones how much more text and scroll and enjoy Facebooking! (I wonder if that’s what she was doing.).

She must have heard me because before I knew it, she stopped and parked and the red-haired driver took her place. But that’s when the worst nightmare started.

This second driver was just an apprentice and cannot make those long turns around narrow country roads. She had to maneuver several times so as to escape ditches, trees or fences. The other driver had to give her specific instructions as to “back out”, “swerve slightly to the left” or “more to the right” – and all these instructions within my hearing because I was seated behind them! And furthermore, she missed a turn and we found ourselves away from the highway and in some narrow country lanes and both of them do not know how to get back to the main roads.

Several passengers who are locals in this county had to get up and go to the driver’s side and give them directions as to where to turn and where to go.

Finally they found their way back to the highway and the first driver took over the wheel. But before she did, she announced again, “Buckle your seat belts, I will be driving as fast as I can.” And she did! I was just appalled that nobody complained! I knew there are no speed limits in the German Autobahn but surely bus rides should be exemption to the rule! My husband just grinned and said, “Just relax Honey, just close your eyes and go to sleep.” My daughter touched my hand and said, “Mom, just pray without ceasing.” And pray I did. I must have recited Psalms 91 and Psalms 23 repeatedly. Grateful for a great Wi-Fi onboard, I was able to read the Bible through my IPad and found this text in Psalm 46:1 “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

Before I knew it, I found myself relaxing and fell asleep!

Traveling: My Passion & Joy

By Mavis Mary-Adams

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t all started when I was still in Fifth Grade. I can still vividly picture it in my mind. Our classroom had a huge world map and every morning before our Social Studies and History Class, I would look at the map and tried memorizing all the capitals of each country. After a while, I could even point where each country is located and I learned everything there is to know about each country: their rivers, their culture, language and history and what they are famous for.

But throughout High School until I finished college, my love for history and social studies ended. I helped support my family in our education and taking trips even in my own country was just a luxurious wish.

Then I arrived in America and somehow the wish started to comeback and I knew I would have to sacrifice and do everything I can to make the wish come to full reality. I worked at two jobs and saved a lot. Finally in 1999, I did my first European vacation with my High School friend from California. For almost one month, we toured via a travel agency called Contiki and we saw 11 countries. The agency was started as an economical travel for 18-35 year olds. We were fifty travelers on this particular one and we did a lot: attended an Italian wedding, a cabaret show in Paris, river rafting in Innsbruck,

Austria and went to the Grand Casino in Monaco. We enjoyed London, Switzerland, Belgium and Germany and many more. If Facebook was around then, my pages would have been flooded with events of this tour.

My next trip was in 2009: a Mediterranean cruise with my husband John. It was the most affordable way to see the world. We did a pre-cruise tour on our own in Paris where we spent a few days going around this beautiful city before we boarded our cruise ship in Civitavecchia, Rome and cruised through Sicily, Crete, Turkey and around Greece.

There have been a lot of trips after that and each one of them so significant and special. Then we did Spain and Portugal and toured through Segovia, Avila and Madrid. Watching a bullfight was mind-boggling. I realized I was not just reading History and Geography books any longer. I was truly experiencing it. There was so much to grasp and to learn. Who would have thought that they actually had to kill the bull, not just to aggravate it! This most recent trip I did included Prague, Vienna, Budapest and Slovakia.

My favorite country so far is Spain. Perhaps it is due to the fact that we have such a huge Spanish influence as Filipinos in culture and even in our food selection or choices and preparation. We love the museums especially the Picasso Museum in Barcelona. I love the small town of Tarragona, a UNESCO Heritage Site. It is laid back and full of charm and history with very friendly people. It used to be a Roman colony and there are lots of evidences of its Roman occupation. I am just enthralled with the ruins of the Roman Amphitheater overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. I enjoy all their celebrations and festivals.

One particular festival is called the Human Towers or Castells which dated back to the 18th century. Teams are created and they competitively have to build the tallest and most complex human towers. It is only considered successful when it is loaded and downloaded without falling apart. The highest one on record is a 10-floor structure with three people on each floor.

Traveling to me is very educational. I love to travel. It is my passion to learn other cultures, taste their local cuisines and hang out with the locals. I am a true travel nut who love to explore and share my experiences. There is a big wide world out there waiting to be explored.

I will forever be grateful for Mountain View College for giving me the gift of a wonderful education that opened my life to opportunities that many can only dream of. From the hilltop to where I am now – I am living my 5th-grader dream.

Mavis Mary-Adams is a graduate of MVC School of Nursing (Zircon’89). She writes from the State of Arizona where she SHINES ON! as an acute hemodialysis registered nurse for Fresenius Medical Care group traveling around the valleys in Arizona.

Journeys: Just By Being A Dad

By Eddie Lacson

H

e is now nineteen years old. I looked at his pictures and asked myself. “Where did time go?” He is such a fine young man, excited to face the challenges of his youth and I had to let him go to adventures away from home.

Before I married my beautiful wife, we had a heart to heart talk with my Dad. He told me that if he could only turn back time, he could have made sure that he spent more time with us, his children. I then tried to tell him that he did and yet he insisted that it was not enough. His advice was, “Eddie, make sure to make time for your children.”

As most of us knew, my Dad traveled a lot during his working years at then SPUM. Yet, he made sure that all our needs were met of course with the help of our beloved Mom. When my son Renzo was born, I vowed to myself to follow my Dad’s advice to make time and to listen to whatever my son will say.

There were times when my wife Babes would ask me, “Do you even understand what your son is saying?” I admit I do not, most times. But I try to listen just so to have that line of communication open between me and him. And up to this moment, he always tells me about almost everything that is happening in his life.

Raising two children here in the United States is not an easy job especially when you have promised to send them to our own Adventist schools. There are times when co-workers would declare that we must be earning a lot of money since both of us are ER nurses. They are surprised when we tell them that both our children are in expensive private Christian schools. Renz went to East Pasco Adventist Academy from K to 9th Grade, then to Georgia Cumberland Academy from 10th to 12th grades. Then, he went to Southern Adventist University taking up Nursing. Along the way, we made sure he enjoyed every bit of his school experience. He was able to go to Tanzania

and India as work force sponsored by ADRA. We pay for the fare and they take care of him while he was away. Voluntary trips like this opened his eyes to the world. It has changed his attitude towards life and made him realized how fortunate he has been. We encouraged him to enjoy his student life, not forcing him or giving ultimatums, knowing fully well that after school, there will be another page of his life’s journey and that he has to closely pay attention to.

One great thing that I never regret is, making time for him and listening to his points of view. I made sure that he is my best friend and yet he knows his limits and has to respect me as his father.

He grew up knowing not to ask for unnecessary things, yet, when he does ask, what can a poor parent do? Spoil him too, when necessary. But all of these with fervent pleadings to our Heavenly Father for blessings and guidance, that he will be successful in all that he aspires to do. I still firmly believed that church is still the best way to expose our children to and showing to them the importance of making God first. There are times that I checked on him on Saturdays. I would texted him and asked, “Are you getting ready for church?” “Are you awake now?” Then he would answer with a picture of him and his friends getting ready for church. Then I would sigh with relief with a smile on my face.

Renz left with four friends to study in Seminar Schloss Bogenhofen, Austria, for one semester and the he will come back to study for the Nursing Program next semester. Upon departure, as expected when goodbyes are said, there is always an ache in my heart. It was the same ache when I dropped him off in High School at Georgia Cumberland Academy which is just 8 hours’ drive away from our own home. It was the same ache when we dropped him off for his first semester at Southern Adventist University. Driving home was always the toughest. Arriving at home would always mean going to my room, kneeling in prayer, crying and asking for Divine guidance for my son while he is away. I have given him completely to the Lord in his own journey of life.

Eddie Lacson is a graduate of MVC School of Nursing (Zircon’89). He writes from the State of Florida where he SHINES ON! as an Emergency Department registered nurse in a leadership capacity.

Journeys: From The Hilltop to California

By Virgie CaĂąete-Bofetiado I am proud to be an MVCian. I graduated BS-Accounting in 1977.

Why I ended up as a contract worker in Hong Kong is still a mystery to me. I only knew I had to work and I was willing to go wherever I could find a job. I never dreamed that I would end up living in Hong Kong for 14 years learning so many kinds of jobs and picking up the Cantonese language along the way.

I baby sat. I worked in a famous flower shop. I worked in a security company and was even hired by a Korean company because of my skills in learning Cantonese. But the best thing that came out of this adventure was the privilege to study computer while in Hong Kong. So after 14 years I decided to go home to the Philippines and be with my family.

But boredom set in. I missed working.

Then a job in the mayor’s office came up since computer started becoming popular and I was the expert. I became the computer operator there.

I arrived in California in 2009. Determined to find work, I studied CNA since I had previous experience of taking care of the elderly while I was in Hong Kong. This was really my forte. I simply love taking care of the old folks. I can tell they are lonely and needed a lot of loving and attention.

They are helpless in many ways and I enjoyed singing with and for them, praying for them and telling them stories about my journey to life. In their lonesome moments, they often asked me about me, my life, my family and above all why I care so much for them. I can only tell them that God loves them too and I am just His instrument of love.

One of my favorite patient is named Fred Hughes whom I took care for almost 6 years. He was like a family to him and I became part of his family. The best thing took place when he asked to be baptized as a Seventh-day Adventist. I knew right there and then that God had planned for me to be a caregiver instead of being an accountant. Although I never practiced my profession, I knew that taking care of the elderly was after all my calling in this journey called life.

People sometimes looked down upon whose who are CNAs (Certified Nursing Assistants). But I firmly believed that each one of us are given a calling that we cannot ignore. And this was mine.

Although I work really hard, I am proud to say that I have been able to give back to my country and to my family in a way that I may not have done if I did not taken this journey in life. I had been able to help the Philippines by building a library and 3 school building which was destroyed by Typhoon Yolanda as well as a church building in Astorga, Capiz.

I will forever be grateful for my husband and children who are understanding of the many hours I have deprived them so I can work more to finish my projects. But they know and understand that this is part of me, my journey in life. I was destined to be a caregiver and a helper to a community who needed help.

Virgie Caùete-Bofetiado is a graduate of MVC School of Accountancy (Class of 1977). She writes from the State of California where she SHINES ON! as a certified nurses’ assistant.

My Journey

By John Mark Delima

I

worked at the Park and Grounds Department in 2009. I was enrolled at MVC's Business Administration Dept. I was a newly baptized member of the Adventist church at that time.

This was my first job. I learned a lot of things including the fact that if you want to be successful, you need to work hard for it. No pain, no gain.

Back in those days, I was so blessed in many unexpected ways. Some of the foreign students at MVC would share with me food to eat, juice to drink and sometimes even money. It was completely unexpected that my hard work at keeping our school clean was an inspiration to some.

It was an inspiration to me that some were willing to help those in need.

I later joined a group of student canvassers. We were assigned at Cebu city under the leadership of Ricky Jarlega. While canvassing, my goal was not sales but souls. Consequently, I did not have any money when I got to MVC. No money for my education when the school year started. But God is faithful! Someone called me late one night saying, "I know what is going on with you right now. Go home to Cagayan de Oro. Find a school that you want to go to. I will pay for your education until you graduate."

I asked who is she is and she told me that she is one of my distant relatives. I asked if I could continue going to school at MVC but she asked if I could go to school at Cagayan de Oro because my uncle will look after me there. Since I am the only SDA in our family, I became quite a light to them as well as my classmates and teachers at Liceo de Cagayan University as I shared with them words from God's Book. At school they started calling me "Kuya Pastor." The teachers would ask me questions and allowed me to witness to them and share what the Bible says. The teachers allowed me skip any Sabbath classes. Some even went out of their way to make sure there were no Sabbath classes scheduled for me. What a blessing!

Five years later I met my sponsor and was able to thank her.

I graduated from Liceo de Cagayan University in 2016. I am now a teacher in the field of MAPEH (Music, Art, Physical Education & Health). I use my experience at MVC's Parks and Grounds Department as my stepping

stone to reach my educational goals and my goals to serve God. God promised in Matt 6:33 that when we seek His kingdom first, everything else will be added … I love this promise and I often claim it.

I became a Master Guide. I serve as an AY leader, a counselor and a teacher. I just got back from spending 3 weeks at MVC for spiritual preparation. I will take an exam on September 25 and, if I pass, I will then proceed to study Theology at MVC because I want to be fully prepared for my teaching ministry in the Public School system.

Please pray for me that I pass my exam and that God will continue to guide me as I prepare to serve Him. John Mark Delima currently SHINES ON! as in teacher at Cagayan de Oro. He, however, will take an exam this on Sunday and if all goes as planned, he will return to MVC this time to study Theology.

My MVC Journey: Short, Unforgettable

By Wilfred Pasco

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y father, Restituto J. Pasco took his wife, Editha Padilla and his family and migrated to Mountain View College way back in 1957. I was then only one month old. He sold everything he owned: his house, carabao and other material stuff just to be able to go to MVC to pursue a Christian education. With five children and a wife to support, he worked in the sugarcane plantation, corn mill and other available work departments that he could find. By God’s grace he graduated in 1965 with a degree in BSE, majoring in Religion. He worked as a teacher in our educational institutions until he retired. He was a true example of hard work and perseverance coupled with a firm belief in God, trusting Him completely with his life.

I, too, had the God-given opportunity to study at MVC in 1977 – 1979. I worked in the Motor Pool Department doing some driving for the college and other mechanical work for the Motor Pool. I was already a licensed driver when I arrived in campus so it was the best job choice for me.

Looking back, I can still remember one incident. I was driving the old school bus which we named “Loaf Bread Bus” during a field trip to Cagayan de Oro City. Young and inexperienced and admittedly a very aggressive driver, I found myself driving too fast coming down from Kisolon. As you all know, that is some long and winding road downhill. Then I realized that the brakes were overheated. Upon approaching a one-way bridge, the brakes were no longer functioning. The good thing is that there was no car coming down from the opposite direction so I was able to maneuver the bus safely otherwise it would have been a terrible collision. The incident still haunts me to this day but nobody in that bus knew about the predicament. They were all fast asleep.

I did not graduate from MVC. I had to transfer to PUC, now AUP where I graduated BSBA in 1983 and then migrated to USA in 1986. My wife and I raised three children in Southern California, particularly in Glendale area. In 2000, we decided to go back to the Philippines. Our children experienced Southern Mission Academy, now SPAC and in 2004, we moved to MVC where our children graduated at MVC-Academy and our oldest graduated there also BSN in 2009. Our two younger ones wanted to experience AUP and so they both graduated as nurses there in 2013.

Because of the influence of my own father, God gave me the conviction and zeal to have my children experience a taste of MVC and the result has been rewarding. As a product of SDA Christian education, I simply knew I could never deprived my children of such an unforgettable experience. And I thank God for helping me and my family financially and physically for achieving such venture.

I hope this experience will be helpful to others as we all share stories of our journey in this world.

May God continually bless us as we represent Him wherever we are right now in this sin-sick world. Mabuhay to us all and to God be the glory.

Wilfred Pasco writes from the Albuquerque, New Mexico where his love for MVC helps him to SHINE ON! brightly.

11 Reasons Why Travel Makes You A Happier Person (From The Internet)

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ravel is good for lots of things, but it can also increase mental well-being - and not just in the short-term. Whether you’re traveling for business, on a one-week family holiday, or have sold everything to pursue a life on the road, traveling can make you a happier

person by building self-confidence, providing new experiences and memories, breaking routine and allowing you to meet people from all over the world.

1. FIND YOUR SELF-CONFIDENCE BY DEALING WITH UNEXPECTED SITUATIONS There comes a time when everyone must deal with an unexpected situation when they’re on the road. Even if you plan your trip to the letter, things can take a surprise turn. Whatever happens, there is a way around the problem and knowing that you can deal with these situations is a big boost to self-confidence and therefore your happiness.

2. HAPPINESS IS INFECTIOUS When locals are happy, smiling and friendly, it has an immediate knock-on effect. I found the people of Cambodia and Laos to be notably friendly and cheerful, despite the relative poorness of these countries and the former in particular having a very recent traumatic history. When faced with those big beaming smiles, it’s hard to be annoyed at the hassling you might experience at busy sites like Angkor Wat; putting that knee-jerk irritation to one side instantly lifts your mood and is a good habit to take home.

3. BEING AWAY MAKES YOU APPRECIATE FAMILY AND HOME Being away from things we often take for granted — family, close friends, home — makes us appreciate them more. Calling home isn’t a chore, but something to look forward to: no one enjoys listening to your envy-inducing travel stories more than your parents, so it’s the perfect excuse to wax lyrical about whatever place with which you’ve just fallen in love.

4. YOU MAKE NEW FRIENDS It’s much easier to make new friends on the road than it is at home, where people are less inclined to chat to strangers on a bus or strike up conversation in a bar (at least, that’s true of London). When people are away from home, there seem to be less boundaries to cross and making friends becomes much easier, whether it’s a local curious to know where you’ve come from or a fellow travelers keen to have someone with whom to enjoy a beer or share a taxi.

Social interactions make us happier and increasing our social circle means that we’re talking more and meeting different, interesting people, which hopefully means we’re learning more, too 5. DETOX FROM SOCIAL MEDIA Social media can be used for both good and bad, but it’s healthy for everyone to have a break from the internet every once in a while. Wi-Fi is so prevalent that it’s hard to turn off and you can quite often find yourself tuning out whatever amazing place you’re in with your face in your phone, checking Twitter, scrolling through your Facebook feed, checking your emails... stop. Turn it off. Better yet, find somewhere with no reception and no Wi-Fi so that you don’t have a choice. It’s liberating and allows you to better enjoy the ‘here and now’, which nicely ties into the following point.

6. GETTING SOME ‘YOU’ TIME Traveling gives us breathing space that is often lost in our usual day-to-day existence. Having a moment to take advantage of peace and quiet and to simply ‘be’ allows us to let go of stress and tension and just enjoy being in the moment — a key focus of meditation and a practice you can take home with you. If you’re traveling with a partner, it’s a chance to spend time with only each other for company, which is a thought that probably shouldn’t fill you with dread.

7. EDUCATION, EDUCATION, EDUCATION Whether it’s learning a new skill such as cooking Thai food or learning a new language, travel presents ways in which we can further our knowledge and education. Learning makes our brains more active, which psychologists have found increases our level of happiness - particularly when learning something we find enjoyable.

8. GET A VITAMIN D BOOST Whilst it’s a bit of myth that you need to be on a sun-lounger for twelve hours to feel the full effects of vitamin D (20 minutes of exposure to sunlight is enough), there’s no doubt that in the same way that the cold and dark of winter makes us unhappy (feeling the effects of seasonal affective disorder or SAD), sunshine and warmth generally put us in a much better mood. A beach break is a great way to relax and enjoy the health benefits of a warm climate. Admittedly, this is more of a short-term boost, but a healthy glow makes everyone feels better and lasts for a few weeks after your trip is over.

9. YOU’RE MORE INTERESTING You don’t need to be a ‘travel bore’ to have a few interesting stories to tell. Traveling throws up a lot of bizarre, funny and sometimes serious situations that relating back to people will make you — at least — feel interesting. Making someone laugh is an easy way to instantly bump up your self-esteem, so hold on to those embarrassing memories — no matter how much they might make you cringe.

10. NEW EXPERIENCES GIVE US MOMENTS TO REMEMBER For most people, travelling is about the new experiences. I will always remember that moment of awe when I stood watching the sunlight leak out over the rainforest around the ancient temple of Borobudur in Java at sunrise, the sky turned a striking shade of violet: it was one of the most beautiful sights I’ve ever seen. Recalling memories of happiness can sustain a feeling of contentment long after the moment has passed, and new experiences are memories that can stick with you forever.

11. THE EFFECTS OF TRAVELING AREN’T JUST SHORT-TERM Aside from making you happier in the short-term, traveling can make you a much more contented, happy and relaxed person in the long run, too. Of course, most travel enthusiasts are constantly planning their next trip, but when we’re at home or past a point of being able to jet off whenever we like, past travels leave us with the memories and personal skills - such as confidence, broad-mindedness, friends and a more worldly perspective — that make people happy. And that’s why travel makes you a happier person. (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jacada-travel/11-reasons-why-travel-makes-you-a-happier-person_b_6908918.html)

SULADS’ CORNER: “Unexpected Blessing”

By Janeth Q. Lantoria, SCHSL Teacher

It was June 26, 2016. The sun was shining brightly when someone from Davao Central Church’s Sabbath School Department visited us to check on our school and students' needs because they were planning to visit us again by the end of the July 2016.

We talked about how we needed food for the students since we were running out of budget and the number of full-time students increased. Week after week, they called to let us know that they were trying to find some food to bring to us in the High School in Santo Domingo.

Soon, the group from Davao Central Church were ready to climb the mountain to the SULADS High School to Kapihan. It was July 24, 2016, a Sunday. We expected a simple visit and perhaps a feeding where the students will be provided one simple meal as the guests mingled and ministered to them. This is what others have done when they visited the SULADS High School.

But it was a reverse blessing this time. In their testimony during our 4:00AM worship, the visitors shared how blessed they were to have come to the SULADS High School. They said they never experienced such beautiful scenery or seen the contentment and happiness that they see in our students’ faces. With tears running down their checks, they sang songs with us and listened to the students sing. They thought they would come to bring blessings but they too got blessed. One of the visitors was a non-Adventist. He was so touched by what he witnessed and the SULADS work that he gave 10 sacks of rice. Others gave bags, clothes and school supplies.

© SULADS International, Inc. If you would like to support this mission program dedicated to taking the Gospel to the people of Mindanao, please write a check to Gospel Outreach. Mark it for the SULADS and send it to: Gospel Outreach P.O. Box 8 College Place, WA 99324 You may also donate to the SULADS using your credit card by logging on to Gospel Outreach's donation site (http://www.goaim.org/) and follow the directions. Again, mark it for SULADS. If you would prefer, you may write your check to the General Conference of SDA and mark the donation for SULADS and send it to: General Conference of SDA Donations 12501 Old Columbia Pike Silver Spring, MD 20904 Thank you for your support of this very important project. If you do not want to receive any more newsletters, Unsubscribe To update your preferences and to unsubscribe visit this link Forward a Message to Someone this

Talking On The Phone

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long time ago, before the days of cell phones, I needed to call home, and the only pay phone I could find was in use. So I stood to the side and politely waited until it was free, thinking it would only be a couple of minutes.

Five minutes went by, and still the man was on the phone. He was just standing there, not saying a word. Two more minutes went by, and he still wasn't talking. Finally, I tapped him on the shoulder and asked if I could use the phone. I really wouldn't be long, but needed to make an important call.

"Hold your horses," he responded, covering the receiver.

"I'm talking to my wife."

(From Cybersalt Digest)

Combination Faith

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he temporary Sunday School teacher was struggling to open a combination lock on the supply cabinet. She had been told the combination, but couldn't quite remember it.

Finally she went to the pastor's study and asked for help. The pastor came into the room and began to turn the dial. After the first two numbers he paused and stared blankly for a moment. Finally he looked serenely heavenward and his lips moved silently. Then he looked back at the lock, and quickly turned to the final number, and opened the lock.

The teacher was amazed. "I'm in awe at your faith, pastor," she said.

"It's really nothing," he answered.

"The number is on a piece of tape on the ceiling."

(From Cybersalt Digest)

Homeless

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his morning I was sitting on a park bench next to a homeless man. I started a conversation by asking him how he ended up this way.

He said, "Up until last week, I still had it all. I had plenty to eat, my clothes were washed and pressed. I had a roof over my head. I had TV and internet, and I went to the gym, the pool, and the library. I was working on my MBA online. I had no bills and no debt. I even had full medical coverage."

I felt sorry for him, so I asked, "What happened? Drugs? Alcohol? Divorce?"

"Oh no, nothing like that," he said. "I just got out of prison."

(From Mikey's Funnies)

Doggie Talk

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n the country at my grandmother's house, I was in the back yard with my son. He saw a dog walking across the yard.

"Daddy, how do you say, come to me, to a dog?" he asked.

A child can ask simple questions that have universal and far reaching implications. There is no doggy language that literally says, "Come to me." You have to say it through tone and gesture.

A dog has to FEEL that you want him to come to you and the dog has to feel that it's safe and beneficial for him to come to you.

It's the same with people. We really don't say, "Be my friend" with words. We do it with tone and gesture and we have to make the other person feel that it's safe and beneficial for them to be our friend, wife, husband, boyfriend/girlfriend, employee or employer.

Even sales consists of a lot of doggy talk. If a salesperson is rude with a mean tone, you won't come.

I don't want you to think of people as dogs, but understand that we really convey more on the unspoken than the spoken level.

Dogs can't understand our language, but a dog knows the difference between being stumbled over and kicked. So do people, regardless of what your words are.

People with pets live longer. Maybe they learn how to communicate better on the unspoken level and it carries over to the people side.

Just maybe we should all learn the secret of how to say "Come to me" to a dog.

(From MountainWings)

Perhaps This Will Inspire Someone

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have always heard people talk of faith as I grew up and I knew the meaning of it, but I really did not understand it fully because I had never put it to use. Let me tell you right now I have learned of faith and the full power of prayer. Let me tell you about my story:

I got married about a year out of high school. I began attending my husband's parents' church. I admit I was not attending like I should have, but I did know that I loved the Lord and I always tried to do what was right.

God had blessed us with a healthy baby girl. Three years later I had another blessing from God; another healthy baby girl and the joy they brought us. The baby was colic, the three-year-old was being a normal three-year-old, and I was working a full time job.

I came home from the store one day and my husband was outside with a friend of his looking at a motorcycle to buy. As I went inside he started it up and within five minutes the throttle had gotten stuck and he wrecked. He broke his leg. My husband was now out of work with a broken leg. I knew I could not stay home with him because we could not afford it. We had just spent all of our savings on a new house.

I thank God for his mother who came over every day to help care for him while I was working.

Times really began to get hard. I did not gross enough on my check to even cover half of the bills. I worked so we could have extra spending money, my husband's check had always paid the bills. Time went on and I had borrowed money from my mom and dad and my husband's mom and dad, and I did extra odd jobs at work to earn extra money. Most of the money we borrowed went for food, formula, and diapers. My pay was divided up among the bills. Time went on and we keep getting further and further behind on our bills, medical bills were piling up and they had found extensive damage that was done to my husband's knee that was not visible earlier on x-rays. Bill collectors were calling. I would try to explain what had happened, and I would tell them I am doing the best that I can.

I went looking for help at the human services office and local community organizations, with no money in my pocket, my cabinets and fridge were bare, no one wanted to help. Everyone told me that we made too much money in the past income tax year; they couldn't have cared less about us now. I cried all the way home. What was I going to do for my kids?

W

hen I got home, I saw something on the front door. I approached the door and it was a notice from the bank, "Pay or you will be foreclosed on." I could not take it any more, I felt like my insides were about to explode. I prayed and prayed, "God please help me in my time of need, I cannot take this any more. I am laying it in your hands because I have the faith that you will take care of our needs. Thank you for all of your blessings. I know somehow you have a plan for supper tonight that my kids will not go hungry." (We had borrowed money from our parents until they hated seeing us coming because they knew we were going to ask for money).

Laying on the bed with swollen eyes, kids down for a nap and my husband sleeping in the

recliner, I heard a car pull up in the driveway. I looked out and it was my best friend, a true Christian. We had been friends since first grade. I got up and glanced in the mirror (I looked horrible). I opened the door and here she came up the sidewalk with loads of bags in her hands.

I asked her what was that and she said, "Every month our church helps someone in the community and this month I went to the pastor with your family's situation. I have food and lots of it."

I was so excited! God was feeding my kids like I had asked and just like He promised. He was providing my needs. I felt bad because I had no way to pay for the groceries she brought. I wanted to tell her not to bring them in but if I did we would be hungry. I thanked God again and thanked her for being such a wonderful Christian and friend. She said, "I am doing good works for God to help His children who sometimes need a little help every now and then."

A

couple of Sundays later, I began getting ready for church (at this time I was going every time the doors were open because I felt close to God and I just wanted to be around Him and in His presence all the time. He was my protector) and the devil tried every way in the world to get me to stay home but I said, "Satan get thee behind me."

I was sitting in my pew and a lady walked up to me and said, "Would you please come with me?" I got up and went with her. I did not know her; I had only seen her around church but you could tell she was very close to God. She walked me to the front of the church and looked at me. She said in front of everyone, "God has told me you have a great financial need in you life."

(No one at the church I was attending knew I was in a financial bind). "He wants me to tell you that your faith in Him and His works are going to pay off, don't lose faith."

I was shocked, I knew that no one knew of my situation. God was sending me great words that inspired me to keep faith. I went home that night and not a worry was on my mind. After that church service I realized I had nothing to worry about, God had a plan. I rested the first time in about nine months; with three surgeries, two kids, and a stressful job that is hard to do.

Monday morning came and I went off to work. The day was great. I knew God was with me every step of the way. On the way home I was thinking about supper, I only had a couple of cans of veggies left. That was fine because that was something. I pulled up to the bill box (that is what I call a mailbox), opened that lid and there was an envelope addressed from an insurance company. I thought, "What is this?" I opened it up and there was a check for ten thousand dollars made out to my husband.

I thanked God right then and there and I asked God to do a little something extra special for the lady in the church who told me to keep the faith. I showed my husband and he said he had purchased a plan at work. The human resources lady at his job filed everything for us. Thank you God for your Blessings! I fixed our veggies for dinner and just thanked God all night.

The next day I went to the bank and cashed our gift from God. I paid our bills up to date, bought the kids a couple new outfits and that left about $1000.00 so we went out to eat. My husband was still in a wheelchair from surgery, but I was so blessed to be able to go out for one night and enjoy myself knowing our bills were paid up and the kids had clothes. I was completely care free of everything for one night. Dinner was great!

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oday my husband is still having problems out of his knee and more surgery looks possible. I know that whatever happens, God has a plan. I have learned of having faith and the power of prayer. I guess that mountain in my life was huge but I do know with God anything is possible.

The following Sunday I went to church and testified about what that lady had said and what God had done for me. Today I still tell of it and I am so proud God pulled me over that mountain because it has made me a stronger person.

As of today we still have a little financial trouble every now and then, but you know I don't worry too much about it because I know that no matter what happens God will take care of me and my family.

If you are going through something in your life, have faith. Don't question God, He knows what is best. Faith is putting everything in the hands of God and not worrying because if you have faith, you know it will be taken care of in God's Will!

Thank you and I hope this will help inspire someone in a rough situation to have the faith to pull through. Three years later, I still have some trouble but God has it all planned out for me! Praise Him, He is Mighty!

(By Rae Sharp, Clinton, TN via MountainWings)

Retirement

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or 40 years my grandfather put in long hours at his job, so I was more than a little curious about the way he filled his days since his retirement. "How has life changed?" I asked.

A man of few words, he replied, "Well, I get up in the morning with nothing to do, and I go to bed at night with it half-done."

(From Reader's Digest)

Phone Book

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eeding to look up a phone number while at a friend's house, my teenage daughter asked for a phone book. She might as well have asked for a papyrus scroll.

"A phone book?" asked her friend.

"You know," said my daughter. "A book with numbers in it."

"Oh," said her friend as it dawned on her. "You mean a math book."

(From Clean Laffs)

Title‌

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am trying to make friends outside of Facebook while applying the same principles.

Therefore, every day I walk down the street and tell passersby what I have eaten, how I feel at the moment, what I have done the night before, what I will do later, and with whom.

I give them pictures of my family, my dog, and of me gardening, taking things apart in the garage, watering the lawn, standing in front of landmarks, driving around town, having lunch, and doing what anybody and everybody does every day. I also listen to their conversations, give them the "thumbs up" and tell them I like them.

And it works just like Facebook! I already have four people following me: two police officers, a private investigator, and a psychiatrist.

(From Mikey's Funnies)

(Take note: We are keen to preserve our privacy but on FB or other social media we share everything, or at least, almost everything we have with the world, just as described above. Remember this: The Internet does NOT forget. For a reality check, just try to Google yourself.)

CEO Speech The CEO was scheduled to speak at an important convention, so he asked one of his employees, Jenkins, to write him a punchy 20-minute speech. When the CEO returned from the big event, he was furious. "What's the idea of writing me an hour-long speech?" he demanded.

"Half the audience walked out before I finished."

Jenkins was baffled. "I wrote you a 20-minute speech," he replied. "I also gave you the two extra copies you asked for."

(From GCFL)

Family Get Away Dear Family, I'm sharing the link below that my ex-boss is sharing with me. It's a nice getaway even if you're just in front of your computer. So if you have time, try to explore it. If you want to share it in the CF, please feel free. Someone might get a blessing out of it.

God bless, Jess

http://www.airpano.com/files/Victoria-Falls-Zambia-Zimbabwe/2-3 At the bottom of the screen you will find several additional similar features (e.g., Spain, India, Luxor, Maldives, France, Holland, Russia, etc.)

Editor’s Note: If you did not get a copy of the CyberFlashes issue featuring Zimbabwe, please message Joy Caballero in Facebook or email her at watermankids at yahoo dot com to get your copy.

“New Guinea – Rajah Ampat”

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his week let me take you to the largest and easternmost province of Indonesia – the Papua Province. Papua is bordered by the country of Papua New Guinea to the east and

by West Papua province to the west. Its capital is Jayapura, formerly called Irian Jaya.

When I think of New Guinea, the first pictures that come to my mind are the exotic birds of paradise. I find them to be the most beautiful birds on earth.

There are more than three-dozen species in the Paradisaeidae family, more commonly known as the birds of paradise. Most are recognized by their bright and striking plumage of yellow, blue, scarlet, and green. These colors distinguish them as some of the world's most dramatic and attractive birds. Males often sport vibrant feathered ruffs or amazingly elongated feathers, which are known as wires or streamers. Some species have enormous head plumes or other distinctive

ornaments, such as breast shields or head fans. These birds are so attractive that they became the target of skin hunters, who decimated some species.

The second thing that comes to my mind when I think of New Guinea is the famous Rajah Ampat islands also known as the “Four Kings,” in reference to the four large islands situated just off the northwest tip of the island of New Guinea.

The name of Raja Ampat comes from local mythology that tells about a woman who found seven eggs. Four of the seven eggs hatched and become kings that occupied four of Raja Ampat biggest islands whilst the other three become a ghost, a woman, and a stone.

This 1,500-island archipelago with several cays and shoals located off the tip of the Bird’s Head Peninsula in West Papua, is a part of the Coral Triangle, which includes the waters of Malaysia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Timor Leste, Solomon Islands and the Philippines. The Coral Triangle contains the richest marine biodiversity on earth with many species of marine life you won’t find anywhere else. The variety of marine life is staggering.

There are 1,508 fish species, 699 mollusk species. 537 coral species (a remarkable 96% of all stony or hard corals recorded from Indonesia are likely to occur in these islands and 75% of all species that exist in the world.) Some areas boast enormous schools of fish and regular sightings of sharks, such as wobbegongs, (a common name given to the species of carpet sharks found in shallow temperate and tropical waters of the Pacific and Indian Oceans.) Thus Raja Ampat is considered the global epicenter of tropical marine bio-diversity and is referred to as “The Crown Jewel of the Bird’s Head Seascape,” named for its distinctive shape. It is also considered as a biological hotspot and believed that the reef systems here act to restock reefs throughout the South Pacific and Indian Oceans respectively.

The Raja Ampat islands are remote and relatively undisturbed by humans. Access to the island is not that difficult. It takes six hours flight from Jakarta, Indonesia’s capital, to Sarong and a boat ride to reach the island.

Raja Ampat has to be one of the most beautiful island chains in Southeast Asia. It’s pure unadulterated beauty draws people here. Several people find Raja Ampat as the best diving place in the world. The water is so clear with numerous species of fishes, which makes one feel like swimming in a tropical aquarium.

The archipelago also contains sublime scenery of steep, jungle-covered islands, scorching whitesand beaches, hidden lagoons, spooky caves, weird mushroom-shaped islets and pellucid luminous turquoise waters. With the different species of birds of paradise, bird watching can also be fun.

Personally, Papua with its surround areas is one of the most beautiful places on earth. If you are a nature lover, come visit this place.

Photos of Papua Indonesia’s birds and scenes:

SDA Organizations in Papua Indonesia The Indonesian state of Papua is home to 2 million people and 20 language groups. It is also home to the East Indonesia Union Conference, which has 763 churches and more than 101,000 church members.

In Papua, we have an Adventist Aviation school. Located in Rajah Ampat are Papua Mission and recently added mission, West Papua Mission. Many of the Adventist brethren are Melanesians, the dominant inhabitants of Melanesia.

Veteran missionary and pilot, Captain Bob Roberts (photographed below), piloted an Adventist Aviation-Indonesia (AAI) mission plane. His work included delivering food, medicines and urgently needed supplies, as well as transporting sick and needy passengers to and from the many isolated mountain villages of Papua. He was well known throughout the islands and had flown more than a thousand relief flights. He invited us several times to ride in his small plane.

In 2014, I was scheduled to visit our Adventist Aviation School to meet Bob. However, that week, there was a change in my schedule. It was also the same week when Bob’s plane had trouble during takeoff and crashed into a bridge at the end of the runway, claiming his life as well as those of the passengers on board.

Next year, our team’s plan is to conduct an evangelistic crusade in Sorong to spread the Good News of salvation to the people of Rajah Ampat.

Please include in your prayer our Adventist members in Papua, Indonesia.

Romy Halasan Davao Philippines

MedTechs’ News (From Facebook) Thank you Devaney Bayeta for posting this & sharing additional information as requested

1st Pinning, Gowning and Dedication Ceremony BS Medical Technology Mountain View College 2:00PM September 15, 2016

GENEZEN 2017 President: VP – Religious: VP – Social: Secretary: Treasurer:

Charles Jones L. Villanueva Latter Rain L. Jumawan Crimson Rey T. Lozada Caryl Duane G. Abesta Darrah Sky S. Aniscal

Abadilla, Cybill Lorraine S. Abante, Heide Marie G. Abesta, Caryl Duane G. Aguid, Caroline C. Angelosante, Niña Marie P. Aniscal, Darrah Sky S. Ayuban, Lovely Maer M. Baang, Noreen Nicole Q. Banday, Paean T. Basence, Juliet L. Cabarles, Christopher John T. Cuyous, Donita Justine Rose B. Dela Cerna, Rizel Nicole D. Dela Cruz, Dawn Marvelle E. Deoquino, Elvin Boy I.

P.I.O:

Robee Jalica D. Lapidez Shane Carl C. Montefalcon

Artists:

Lovely Maer M. Ayuban Elvin Boy I. Deoquino Lordie Mae D. Gallogo Franklin O. Reyno, Jr

Espina, Princess Dawn S. Estrecho, Nerissa L. Ferrarin, Joefferson B. Gallogo, Lordie Mae D. Gersava, Belie Jean E. Heyasa, Shineth Prechemae B. Jumawan, Latter Rain L. Kindica, Ivy A. Lapidez, Robee Jalica D. Lozada, Crimson Ray T. Mohammad, Jubail Tazmahal C. Montefalcon, Shane Carl C. Moralde, Candace Ivy C. Nietes, Harlan Jay L. Pactol, Regor Shane M.

Class Name: GENEZEN 2017. “Born To Heal” Philosophy: “In Christ, small acts are of great value” Class Colors: Red and White Class Flowers: Calla Lily & Red Rose Chairperson: Mary Jean P. Loreche,MD, FPSP, FPSO Faculty: Starry Blue F. Rosalejos, RMT, MT(ASCP) Lylibeth P. Halasan, RMT, MSMT (IP) Floricel M. Emverda, RMT, MSMT (IP) Joseph Marben D. Gealon, RMT Efren Domiciano C. Villahermosa, Jr. MD FPSES, PFCS

Pornia, Julie Essal V. Punay, Earl Joseph S. Quinto, Mirasol P. Ramoran, Rose Alpha Joy R Reyno, Franklin Jr. O. Rosales, Faustino II P. Rosales, Glydale T. Sagarino, Ronyl d.

Salazar, Shyne Aine T. Sison, Doyne Grace P. Tagaro, Judith G. Truta, Rey Glanzen M. Unsing, Wynna Jem V. Valencia, John Reav G. Villaneuva, Charles Jones L. Yam-oc, Christine Leonor D. Ylagan, Novie Mae G.

Nurses’ News (From Facebook) Thank you Devaney Bayeta for posting this & sharing additional information as requested

CONGRATULATIONS to our new doctors!

Congrats to Jahleel Ruth Pepito and Neil Prayon who passed the September 2016 Physicians Licensure Exams (PLE) exam as announced by the PRC (Professional Regulation Commission) this week. Both join the ranks of MVC School of Nursing alumni RNs progressing to MDs. Dr. Jahleel Ruth Pepito is a member of UEL’11 while Dr. Neil Prayon is a member of Theolo’10, MVC School of Nursing’s classes of 2011 and 2010 respectively.

Class of 2016 Makes It to Top 10 Matea’2016, MVCSN’s latest group of graduates, rallied in prayer with MVC alumni around the world days before their board exams. And the results are in! 97.67% of those who took the board for the first time passed while 80.00% of those who took it again passed it this time making MVCSN’s Overall Performance rate this year at 88.24%

Congratulatons to Glanzen Mae B. Tijijng, RN whose board exam score was 85.40% ranking her the 8th top placer this year. Congratulations also to her parents, her family, her teachers and all of those who had in one way or another supported her in her journey into becoming a nurse.

42 Nursing Students Accepted Into Clinical Internship The School reports that 42 students were accepted into clinical internship this year. These are: 1. Abesta, Katrina Isabel 2. Arante, Joeman 3. Arrogante, Crystalyn Joy 4. Barnuevo, Kyrie Ann Flor 5. Boja,Beryl Joshua 6. Cabatic, Karen Gail 7. Candelon, Chalzea Diane 8. Detros, Elisterie Hyacinth 9. Dolotallas, Dorish Mae 10. Enriquez, Edson Reiner 11. Estore, Joena 12. Ferrer, Celeste Louise 13. Gable, Gayle Kathleen 14. Gilo, Coleen 15. Hernando, Ianna Grace 16. Ligsay, Lynnette Dawn 17. Madalupa,Kenneth 18. Mercado, Candid John 19. Morales, Von Casper 20. Montilla, Antoinette Joyce 21. Palomo, Katelyn Mae

22. Peritos, Queency Marie Ann 23. Presas, Sunbeam 24. Quijardo, Zynie Claire 25. Rejas, Lorena Blanca 26. Sabino, Wynelle Reeve 27. Sanchez, Gwen Stephanie 28. Valenciano, Jory Rovic 29. Vallares, Lillie Rose 30. Yap, Maneth 31. Andalan, Gladys Mae 32. Jamellarin, Kirk Henry 33. Jore, Princess Ann 34. Mendoza, Eusebio 35. Mendoza, Gabriel Deo 36. Persigas, Jyxyn Vaea 37. Phorng, Sophat 38. Quinto, Neil Philip 39. Reyes, John James 40. Sabellina, Melita Darlene 41. Senoren, Ron Dean 42. Valendia, Nina Kaye

125 Student Nurses Enrolled MVCSN reports that we have 125 nursing students this year at MVC, 122 of them officially registered: 19 students in level 4, 14 students in level 3, 42 students in level 2 and 48 students in level 1.

The school also states that Associate Professor Myrna Anilao Mercado (Zircon’89), Assistant Professor Lourlyn Pagonzaga Mansaguiton (Soin’90) and Assistant Professor Venus Fernandez Borja (Paragon’93) are on study leave working on their PhDs in Nursing sponsored by the CHED (The Philippine’s Commission on Higher Education).

More than 30% In Dean’s List More than 30% of the School of Nursing’s students made it to the Dean’s List! Thus was the caption for this photo which was posted in the MVCSN Alumni board.

MVCSN Homecoming Reunion MVCSN Alumni around the world eagerly anticipate the school’s 50 th Anniversary. Celebrations will be held at The Hilltop on summer 2019. The school is yet to determine the precise date but that does not stop the alumni members from planning to join this much awaited reunion. To those MVCSN alumni who are hearing this news for the first time, we invite you to touch base with your classmates and/or the MVCSN Alumni Association Home Base. Devaney Bayeta (Philein’87) is the president and Lucilyn Ferrer (Zyphers’78) the secretary. Both are reachable in Facebook.

The MedTechs’ News and the Nurses’ News was gleaned from Facebook. CyberFlashes thanks MVCSN Alumni Association Home Base President Devaney Bayeta for keeping MVC alumni members in touch.

A member of Philein’87, he SHINES ON! not only as the alumni president but especially as an assistant professor at the school.

Mailbag Typo Error The August 5, 2016 issue of CyberFlashes featured SULADS USA. In it, SULADS USA Treasurer Elevito Sisona’s name was miss spelled. We apologize. (Sent by Joy Caballero-Gadia)

Alumni Calendar When Oct 7-9 2016

Dec 28-Jan1

Summer date tbd 2019 Aug 12-17

What Fall Retreat. MVC Alumni Chapter in Maryland Virgina and Pennsylvania will join with MVC Tri-State (New York) GYC

Where To Be Decided Save the date!

Point of Contact To Be Decided Save the date!

Houston, TX

https://gycweb.org/conference/information/

MVC-School of Nursing

MVC Campus, Bukidnon

Devaney M. Bayeta, president of MVCSN Alumni Association (home base chapter)

Oshkosh, Wisconsin USA

http://www.camporee.org/

Golden Jubilee Anniversary Reunion. Many MVCSN classes are planning on coming International Pathfinder Camporee

GYC this year will be at Houston, TX. CLICK HERE for more info

2016 Alumni Reunion Announcements Come! Join us! Enjoy the California desert this holiday with friends!

MVC Alumni Association Western USA Reunion December 16-18, 2016 Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort and Spa 41000 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270.

(760) 568.2727 To avail of the MVC Alumni Group discount CLICK HERE to make your hotel reservations. Discount/Group prices good if booked on/before November 1, 2016

 90-picture photo gallery of the Omni Rancho Las Palmas CLICK HERE  Directions to the hotel CLICK HERE  Things To Do at Rancho Mirage CLICK HERE  Closest International Airport: 9 miles: Palm Springs, CA (PSP / KPSP) Palm Springs International Airport 82 miles: Ontario, CA (ONT / KONT) LA/Ontario International Airport  we recommend this

 Historically, the weather at Rancho Mirage on Dec 16-18: 66F highs; 44F lows

Instructions: 1.

2.

3.

4.

Send 1- of your choice of photos to Ben Rosas, Jennilee LuceĂąara or Elbert Moralde.

Cost: $100 for full page. $60 for half page. (fundraiser to help defray cost of the reunion).

Deadline: Oct 31, 2016. (Tip: when you see costumes in the store, remember the deadline) Contact info: ben.rosas5@gmail.com, jelu82@gmail.com, elvimor@aol.com.

MVC Alumni Association Western USA Reunion December 16-18, 2016.

Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort and Spa. 41000 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270

Prayer Requests For prayer meetings & evangelistic efforts currently ongoing.

Prayer for Healing:  Kenn Salarda  Pastor Rudy Bermudez  Pastor Oseas Zamora

 Pastor Remelito Tabingo  Roxie Pido

Prayer for Comfort for the bereaved family of  Venus Alicante Pasco  Chamberlain Agtuca  Geronimo Guarino

 Pastor Salvador Israel  Susante Colegado (mom of Jesse)

And for those who recently experienced the loss of a loved one. May the God of peace and love be very close to these families as we all look forward to the blessed tomorrow where there will be no more death!

Prayer for Protection  

For the missionaries who dedicated their lives in service to God. Pray for their safety and protection as they face the many challenges in the mission field.

For those who protect our country and that which we believe in

Prayer for Wisdom and strength to stand for the right principles  Our church leaders around the world… from the GC to the local churches  Our countries’ (plural) leaders, our peacekeeping forces & military, our lawmakers

Acknowledgement I am very grateful to the following alumni members for without them, this issue of CyberFlashes would not be possible: To the wonderful alumni members who took the time to write and send me stories of their own life’s journeys: Mavis Mary-Adams, Eddie Lacson, Virgie Cañete-Bofetiado, John Mark Delima and Wilfred Pasco To Jessie Colegado for “WEEDS” (chuckles and encouragement); To Romy Halasan for “LIFE” (Missionary stories; To Gospel Outreach & The Sulads for the sulads’ report and to my fellow editors who helped one way or another. Thanks also to Evelyn PortezaTabingo who helped with some editing and the mail out of CF this week.

Meet The Editors This week’s issue of Cyberflashes and next week’s will be edited by Raylene Rodrigo Baumgart.

Please direct all entries to her or any of the editors.

NAME: Eddie Zamora Evelyn Porteza-Tabingo Jessie Colegado Joy Caballero-Gadia Lily EscaraLare Melodie Mae Karaan-Inapan Raylene Rodrigo-Baumgart Romulo ‘Romy’ Halasan

EMAIL ADDRESS: ezamora594 at aol dot com etabingo at gmail dot com Cyberflashes at gmail dot com watermankids at yahoo dot com Lily_lare at yahoo dot com dot ph melodieinapan at yahoo dot com raylene.baumgart at gmail dot com romsnake at gmail dot com

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Closing Thoughts: “Journeys” Raylene Rodrigo-Baumgart

L

ast week as I was editing all my travel pictures, I kept asking my husband, “Do you remember where this was taken?” “Do you recognize this place?” “Was this in France or Germany?”

Reality dawned that because of all our many stops and all the many cities we have visited, I cannot even remember their names. And of course, I did not make a diary of our daily stopovers. He then suggested that I looked at the map and traced our journey from the very beginning: something I should have done when we started the trip.

Abu Abdullah Muhammad Ibn Battuta, better known simply as Ibn Battuta (1304–circa 1377 AD) was a Berber Muslim scholar and traveler, who was born in Tangier, Morocco. He is considered one of the greatest travelers of all time, and is well known for the account of his travels and excursions.

The book he wrote is about his journeys. The book’s title is Tuhfat al-anzar fi gharaaib al-amsar wa ajaaib al-asfar which in English means, A gift to those who contemplate the wonders of cities and the marvels of traveling. The book, however, is commonly referred to as Ibn Battuta’s Rihla, rihla which means journey in Arabic.

Propelled by the quest for adventure and knowledge, Ibn Battuta set out on this journey when he was just 21 years old, initially intending to go on the hajj to Mecca. The journey, however, spanned

almost 30 years. In that period, he covered nearly the entirety of the known Islamic world and beyond: from North Africa, West Africa, Southern Europe and Eastern Europe in the west, to the Middle East, Indian subcontinent, Central Asia, Southeast Asia and China in the east, a distance greatly surpassing that covered by his predecessors or by his nearcontemporary, Marco Polo.

When Ibn Battuta finally returned to Morocco in the early 1350s, he was commissioned by Abu Inan Faris, the sultan of Morocco, to produce an account of his travels. Ibn Battuta then dictated his story to the poet Ibn Juzayy al-Kalbi.

As I read his Rihla, I was amazed at all the trials and challenges he faced and yet he never gave up.

Although he sometimes joined some caravans, most of his journeys were done alone. He lived among nomads and met high-ranking officials if not sultans and emperors. He was attacked by robbers and almost died, experienced brutality in the hands of pirates and barely escaped the Black Death. Ibn Battuta dictated an account of his journeys to Ibn Juzayy, a scholar whom he had previously met in Granada. The account is the only source for Ibn Battuta's adventures.

According to Ibn Juzayy, Ibn Battuta himself stated that: “I have indeed—praise be to God— attained my desire in this world, which was to travel through the Earth, and I have attained this honor, which no ordinary person has attained.”

Our life is a journey. Although we make our itinerary and possible destinations, oftentimes we are met with challenges and we need to make a lot of detours and stopovers as the need necessitates.

Sometimes we frown upon inconveniences and the unexpected but in the end, we have a story to tell and we smile. I can only hope that in this journey, re take Christ with us as our Tour Guide so although lost sometimes, we will still find our way back on the right course.

I am reminded of Rolly Lavapie’s quotation which runs this way, “Life in Christ is like traveling on a metro link train, with a predetermined destination. You are not the driver, Jesus is, and God provided the route on this one time trip. He plotted everything, the date and the time of your travel and arrival. There will be stops and delays along the way, but remember this, at the bottom of a traffic light is always a green light.”

Happy Sabbath From our family to yours!