Kalanguya Burial Song

Hi Apo Diyoh i Namohot ni Biyag Tayo

by: Pinehills

Hi-gatayon aagin wadan haya We who are gathered here today
Nemnemen tayo ay hiyaya agi tayo Let us remember that this our brethren
Illan APO DIYOH annan law i biyag to The LORD has taken back his Life
Ta hi APO DIYOH namohot ni biyag tayo. For it is the LORD who (lit. holds) our life

Isunga ag kiho koma law mallinggayoh So may we not be grieved
Ta hay inhel to diman od ngihmon hapit to For He said in His words
Hakey alin eggew at mambiyag kiho mowan That One day we will resurrect
Ingah toy nambiyagan, Apo tayon Jesu-Cristo Like Jesus Christ our Lord

Papigsam i nemnem mi APO ni DIYOH mi Give us courage o LORD
Nihayan timpon mi kapallinggayohi At this time of our grief
Hota hemek mo iha-nib mon hi-gami Cover us with your love
Ta Hi-gam ni aboh i papigsan hi-gami For our strength is in You only

O Apo Diyoh biyag min hi-gamin too O Lord the life of us human
Amtam dadango hota pamelpegan to You have known it’s end
Pambiyagan mi binibilang mon dagoh Our life you have already counted
At gandat matongpal nonta kuston timpo. And surely it will come to pass at the right time

Graduation...India

April 5’09 – cONGRATS! It was my BEst and HAppiest graduation... my beloved mom and dad was there with happy faces. My aunt Medy, Uncle Bagly, nephew Giel Rryj, Nieces Jelyrr and Geri Liezl, and Cousin Myrlle Kris also came to celebrate with me. It was my happiest because after all my life’s ups and downs while at AGS, God rewarded me in His Mercy, Grace, and Love.

When I went to India in January, I never thought I'm going back to that place again. But 1 month after my first visit to India, our program director told me that there is an invitation for Filipino Teaching Assistants to help teach in the Wycliffe India General Linguistics Course training that is going to start in July 2009. So...

Visa Granted - On the 16th, Robyn and I went to Manila to process our visa on the 17th. For almost a day, we were at SIL Asia Area Office near megamall. When we were about to send our applications to the courier, we were told that it will cost more than P2,000.00. Sso without thinking, I said, “Kami na lang po ang magdadala.” The next day, we found our way to the Indian Embassy. After less than an hour, we were told that our visas will be released the next day. PTL, we got our visas the next day. We thank our Lord for His provision and favor at the embassy.

Phonetics is the study of Human speech sound. The four areas of focus in our study of Phonetics are Recognition, Production , Analysis, and Symbolisation of speech sounds. (Bickford, et. al)

“I Love Phonetics!” That’s the first thing I might have told myself when I accepted the privilege of being trained as an Articulatory Phonetics teacher in 2008. When I took Phonetics in 2007, I was not good in the four areas mentioned above. I was just good in Recognition and symbolization. But as a teacher, I realized I have to be good at all of them. When I joined ALP @ AGS in 2008, my mentor said I was good in production. But in WIT, I was hesitant to give dictation exam to the trainees when I was told that my voice lacks resonance. I decided to just give the responsibility to my co-TA because of that and did paper works like exams instead. It was a hard time for me but I thank God for the encouragement that comes from Him. I had to accept the truth that I have an angelic voice. As the Christmas song says, “Soft as the voice of an angel”. ;-)
Yes, being a TA is not that easy. Sometimes, instead of thinking about God, whom we serve, I tend to think about pleasing the people (students and co-teachers and mentors as well). I was reminded of the personality test I took a few months ago; the result says, I am a performer and I realized it came out during this time. Despite my weakness as a teacher, God in His grace, mercy, and love has given me the privilege of being a part of the teaching staff of WIT 2009, and this is what I am grateful for.

A Travel with my God...

Jan 10-19’09 – After helping in the Southern Subanen Translators’ Training in December 15-27’08 at Lakewood, Zamboanga, I rushed to the Indian Embassy on the 29th of December for an interview right from the airport. Thanks to Tita Anita and Uncle Francis for waiting at the airport and for bringing me to the embassy. I was scared, tired, and shaking, not knowing what to expect. But by the FATHER’s grace, everything worked well. I was permitted to go to India so I was privileged to attend the Phonetics Upgrade Course. I left on the 10th and came home the 19th. The opportunity overwhelmed me. God works in and through us in many ways. I was alone but I know GOD the FATHER, SON, & HOLY SPIRIT travelled with me and this is the most unforgettable experience I had in my 25 years on this earth.

WELCOME HOME SARAH
Thank you UB and AJ for the very nice place you shared to us.

The month of April was full of activities. 2 days after my graduation, a 4 day singles’ fellowship was held at our beloved CFM. Bugkalots, Ibalois, Zambals and Kalanguyas came to praise the LORD. After a day, we (Ptr. Bong & Students living at CFM) went to Mapayao and started taping some parts of a Kalanguya movie written by my Dear Ate Margie. We are planning to use this movie to promote the WORD. I did some directing. It was fun but also tiring. We do not have funding but thank God for His provisions. We are half-way thru and we hope to work on it in the coming days. Please pray for kuya Bong as he edits the shots we already have.
And then...after a week, Ate Narda, one of our team mates, got married. 3 days after, 27 students from UP Diliman, Quezon City came to stay at the center. And then another batch of more than 30 people from UP arrived. It was a very tiring month. I know I needed a break so I was so excited when the 28th came. My mind had been shouting...Retreat! It was the first true retreat of NPMTTA. Thank God for making Ma’am Abbie Teh available for us. The retreat woke, punched, and kicked most of us as each of us shared the struggles we have been going thru. Yes! God knows what we need most and He gave it to us at the right time...as always.

1st Kalanguya Language Celebration
August 31’08

This is one of the presentations during the language celebration. After our Sunday worship service, the celebration started. The first activity was poster making contest followed by slogan, translation, memory verse and spelling. After having our lunch together, we proceeded to singing contest, drama, speech, poem, essay writing, and broadcasting.
It was indeed a day of celebration... Personally, I was encouraged by the attitude the younger generation have regarding the promotion of our language. Everyone in the Kalanguya center and also Kalanguyas who heard about the celebration are looking forward to the 2nd KLC .


October 31 – At the Provincial Capitol, Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya
The CFMites along with some friends went to the Indigenous people’s day held in the capital of our province. We brought some copies of our New Testament, the OT books, Biblical helps, Kalanguya CD’s (hymns and cultural songs recorded by our teammate Norman) as a part of Scripture Use promotion. Sad to say, only few Kalanguyas were there so we were only able to sell 1 NT, 1 OT book and 1 Song book. Almost all of the Kalanguya songs on CD were bought. We still thank our Father because we were able to promote the Kalanguya Scriptures.

Pinehills 2

Blessings, Opportunities, Plans and Goals...
June 27’08 – In my first newsletter, I mentioned in my prayer request column that Robyn, Daphne, Rynj and I were given the opportunity to be Teaching Assistants (TA’s). I praise and thank the Lord for the opportunity of teaching others. It was indeed a learning and humbling experience.
June 30’08 – Praises and Thanks always to God our Father. He has once more blessed me, my Ate Margie, Uncle Bagly, Ate Daphne and other NPMTTA members to attend the Language conference in Bangkok. Three days before our departure, the courier handed my passport. Thank you for praying with me. The conference encouraged us more to keep on promoting the use of our mother tongue. ;-)
July 7’08 – Classes started but I was still wondering what other course to take because of my schedule. One of my options was Scripture Use but I had to talk to my professor if we can make some changes in the schedule. By God’s grace, schedule was fixed. I took the Scripture Use course because I felt that we really need this for the translated Scriptures to be used by all Kalanguya. Our Old Testament will soon be finished but our concern is the attitude of our people towards our language and the translated Scripture. I am so thankful for the knowledge and experiences I gained from the class. We have spent more than 40 hours of the month of July discussing Scripture Use and I was tired of the hectic schedule including the other courses that I had and still have, but I do not regret taking the course. I was blessed, and I am hoping to apply what I learned the soonest possible time. I am so thankful to Sir Roger and Ma’am Sue for giving their time even though there were only two of us taking the course. This course was one of the best courses I had. It opened my eyes to the need for Scripture Use program among my people. At the end of all these is a 3 year Scripture Use plan that I am planning to share with my colleagues. Almost everyday, I shared with my sister the new things that I learned. I have been praying that may we be able to implement the plan this month not knowing that God already planned where and how will we start the Scripture Use program. I realized that God has already touched my peoples’ hearts in preparation of the other activities that I have included in my plan. I was also reminded that God can accomplish His plan without me and without my three year plan. It was indeed another humbling experience. Yes! I am thankful for the opportunity of being a part of God’s work among the Kalanguya, my people. I am really nothing, but by God’s grace He has brought me this far. I can not stop to say that I am so thankful and happy.

May 2007-June 2008

Breakthroughs, Blessings, Opportunities...

May 17’07- April 06’08 – It was really by God’s grace that I finished my Diploma in Applied Linguistics. The school year started on the 3rd week of May 2007 and ended on the 28th of March 2008. I started the school year having cough until the first phase ended in June 27. After having the cough, a viral infection tormented me for 3 months along with sleepless nights of doing my papers. And then in September, I was confined in the hospital due to pneumonia. Looking back at those times, I can see how God has enabled me to get through those physical and emotional things that could have hindered me to finish my Diploma in Applied Linguistics in April 6’08. I praise and thank our FATHER in Heaven for He enabled me to graduate even with honors. All praises due HIM.
March 31 – April 12’08 – I, Robyn and Doralyn were also privileged to attend the first Philippine Linguistics Institute that was held at the University of the Philippines, Diliman which started in March 31. We were a bit tired longing for home and some rest but we have to stay until the 12th of April to finish the course. At the end, we were thankful because we learned a lot of things and our knowledge in Phonetics, Phonology, and Orthography was refreshed and cultivated. Doralyn on the other hand took 2 different courses.

April 14-25’ 08 – After 2 days of being with my family at CFM, I went to Bagabag for the Writing and Editing workshop along with our new team members Lani and Narda. I am so thankful that I was permitted to attend the said workshop because I really learned a lot. I even told my colleagues that I really hope I have attended a workshop like that before I went to AGS. The workshop was a good learning experience for us translators and checkers. I also realized that our output in the workshop will be useful for my M.A. in Linguistics because one of the requirements is to do a phonological and grammatical analysis of our language.

April 26 – May 11’08 - After the workshop, I was thinking that may be I can have some rest since I needed to be back to AGS on the 12th of May to be a TA in Phonetics. Thankfully, we had a retreat in Baguio. And if rest means not facing the computer for how many days, then I think I was able to rest. ;-) After 3 days of staying in the beautiful and cold city of Baguio, we went home and attended the Annual General conference of our church. After the conference, I was so happy that I was able to attend the consultant checking of the book of Joel and peer checked parts of Habakkuk and Hosea with my sister Margie.
Regarding translation, I was only able to draft the book of Ezra and peer checked some of the books that were drafted by my teammates. I wanted to be in the consultant checking but then I needed to finish everything in School first so I missed the checking of the books that was drafted this year. But I am still thankful that I was able to attend the checking of the book of Joel that I and my sister checked face to face with our consultant, Uncle Bob. I also praise God for the lives of Uncle Bob and Aunt Judy. I am so blessed and I am sure that many people are blessed with the lives of UB and AJ also.

Climbing the Mountain...enjoying the trip

My most difficult mountain climbing experience was not a scheduled fellowship with youth believers. - Last Friday, September 8, I woke up and heard the noise of 3 people in our corridor. They were my bro-in-law Bong and two other guys. 3 days before that, I heard that they were planning to climb Mt. Pulag. I was not interested because i know that mountain climbing is not that easy. At that moment that they were waiting for the other two ladies who decided to go with them, I started thinking of going with them. But I already lend my backpack to one of them. Still, I decided to go and so I went to the office and told my sister Margie that I am going to Mt. Pulag (hoooo...me and my decision...again). I think I really didn't ask permission...that was just to let them know (sorry about that manang...I just realized it when I was in the bus) that I am going with the others who decided to climb the mountain.

We took the 8:30 trip going to Baguio and arrived at the house of Johnny's aunt at about 4 pm.(Johnny is one of the students living at the center...by the way, he's a nice kid too.) We had coffee and some bread...while Johnny our host prepared dinner. After almost 2 hours, we had our supper, and got ready for a more ore less 20 kms. hike. It was raining hard when we left the house, and I was a bit hesitant to go because they told us that we might hike for about 8 hours before reaching our destination. But because that's the reason why I went there...so I conditioned my mind. I am aware that I was not conditioned physically though. We started our journey at 6:30 pm and arrived at the camping ground 2 at about 12:30 am. It was very cold. My hands can't even handle my cellphone because I was freezing. I didn't even dare to drink water because it was really very cold. While we were walking, a thought came up...I asked myself "Is this eternal or just an experience that will not help me grow in my spiritual life?" I was a bit upset thinking that my motive in going was just to see a new environment.

Before we slept that night...oh it was about 1 am... we prayed and set our cellphone alarm because we need to continue hiking at 4 am so that we will see the beautiful sunrise. That was our major goal, to see the sunrise...personally I appreciated the place but I don't remember thanking God for creating such a beautiful mountain where you can overlook the other mountains and valleys. Upon reaching the summit through the help of one of our companion...I saw the fulfillment in my companions' faces despite the tiredness that I'm sure everyone is experiencing. We stayed there until 8 am and started our journey back. The clouds are already rising...so we thought that it might rain in a few hours. While walking...we paused for some picture taking and also...it was good that kuya Bong brought the video. We really had fun when we were heading home though I experienced some inconvenience...well I had a bit scratch in my elbow

After 3-4 hours, we reached the village where we left our food for lunch. There, I met my teacher in grade 1 & 2. She’s still beautiful despite the gray hair. We went to their house and Johnny, our youngest prepared our food again. Before I had my lunch, I decided to take a bath first. The water was extremely cold but I had no choice. After eating, we left the village. I was thankful because it wasn’t raining. After a couple of kilometers, a heavy rain had gotten us in nowhere. There was no choice but to continue walking. Using the cellophane that we used the other day, and rolling our pants to keep it from getting wet, we continued going down the rough and slippery road. Then I felt some pain in my stomach…oh no…I am not having diarrhea. May be it is just because I just had lunch and then we started walking right away. I don’t know how they call that in English but in our language, we say “naalibo-bo”.

Almost halfway through, we heard a car coming down, though I felt helpless because we are not sure if the car will fetch us up. Thankful I am, I hopped in and started gripping anything that I can hold on to so that I will not fall off the elf. My companion almost fell off so I tried to be more careful. Our knees were shaking…but we are still thankful for the ride. Once more, I asked myself, “Did I thank God for the ride?” Oh come on Sarah…I hope I did.
It’s almost dark when we arrived at the house of Johnny’s aunt. We were happy that we’re all safe. Thank God for safety…and Praise be to Him for everything He has done…the beautiful nature…the beautiful people inside and out.
We slept soundly, it was warm…and I almost sweat because I was sandwiched between two young ladies. Young in height just like me…we woke up, had some coffee and bread…and then breakfast and headed to the sulfur spring.
At the sulfur spring…we inhaled all the bad odor…but I enjoyed because it was my first time to see a sulfur spring…all for now…comments and questions are accepted.

At last!!!!!!!!!!

(sighhhhhh) It is almost 4 months that I am struggling in drafting Jeremiah. It is indeed a difficult book to translate, still I thank God for the wisdom He has bestowed upon me for the past 4 months. There were days that I am disappointed with myself because I just drafted a minimum of ten verses. For four months, I just accomplished 30 chapters but I am still thankful that we (my sister Margie & I) have chosen this book to be drafted. Most of the time, I reflect on what the Israelites has been doing throughout the book and how YHWH dealt with them. How loving, gracious, kind, forgiving and just God we have...He is worthy to be praised always.

I thank God, for the wisdom, blessings, love, care and for His faithfulness despite my shortcomings. Truly, He has been faithful to me...and I know that He is also faithful to you. Please pray for me as I continue serving the Lord.

Translation Update

Translation Update
Praise God for the printed materials to be used by our elders who teach in our churches. A Commentary on the book of Romans & Hebrews.

I always praise the LORD for what He has been doing in Kalanguya Bible Translation Ministry. I am happy for being an instrument in God's work to the Kalanguya. Last May 4, 2006, we submitted our final translation to the Summer Institute of Linguistics (SIL) Manila. Our mentor & consultant, Uncle Bob Ambrosius and his wife, Aunt Judy came here at CFM on the 17th of March to check with us the drafted books.

The consultant checked books ready for printing are, the book of Joshua, 1&2 Samuel, Esther, Nehemiah, Daniel, Haggai & Malachi.

We are hoping to see it printed and be used by our people.

I need your prayers...

Yesterday, I met with 9 ladies for our Bible study. These girls are living here at the Kalanguya Christian Fellowship Services Center Ministries Incorporated (we call it CFM Compound). I am assigned to handle the new comers and they are all in their first year college. I didn't know their Spiritual background so I decided to ask what denomination they belong to be able to come up with some ideas on how deep is their relationship or knowledge of the LORD. The result was, 2 girls belong to a cult called Espiritista and the other 2 also belong to a cult called Crusado. Three are Roman Catholics and one is Pentecostal and the other one belongs to the Methodist church.

I asked them what they know about God and they shared their answers. Everybody knows God, and I am thankful that their is no atheist among them. But we don't end with just knowing and believing that God created people and everything that we can see and can not see. So I continued and asked them what they know about people. And they said that people sinned. And when I asked them what would happen to a sinner, one told me that people experience trials because of sin. Most of them do not know about eternity.

I shared Romans 6:23 and explained it to them. Please pray for me as I share the Word of God to them. I am planning to use Chronological teaching so that they will understand the characteristics of God, how people sinned and what happened to people in the past who disobeyed the LORD. Our BS is every Tuesday. Thank you so much for being a part of God's ministry here at CFM.

Praise and Thanks to our FATHER in Heaven.

Praise the LORD our God

I praise the LORD our God for what He is doing in the lives of the Kalanguya. This weekend, I was able to be with fellow believers in two churches. Last Saturday, I went to school and I was a bit nervous thinking that I will not be able to have a ride to my village. My plan was that I am going to our village first and then I will go to the venue of the youth fellowship in that evening. When I went to the jeepney terminal, I am so happy that I was able to catch up with the last trip.

This morning, I went to my home church and I am so happy because many came to worship the LORD. (Last week, I wrote in my blog that there were only about 40 people. This Sunday, there were about 60-70 people. I am so happy too because I saw the old man who was drunk the last time I saw him, listening to God's Word and no longer drunk. Please pray for these people.
Please pray for me too as I serve the LORD and live as God's child.

Thanks for praying with me.
PRAISE AND THANKS to the LORD.

How is your church?

The pictures below were taken last year before our worship service started in my home church. The people in these pictures are more numerous than yesterday. I hope I had a camera yesterday.


Yesterday, July 02, 2006, I went to my home church and attended the Sunday worship service there, I noticed that there are only few people unlike before. Our church building’s capacity is more or less 200 people and this morning I counted the people who went to church and there are only 40 excluding children. I expected more than 50 people but then, only few were there. I was sad thinking that believers and “church attendees” decreased in number.

But when I saw old women I never saw before, I was happy. I am happy that those old women came to know the LORD. I am not sure though if they are already believers or not, but seeing them in the church listening to God’s word made me joyful. I know God works in people’s hearts and the good thing is that they have the heart to know God. I assumed that because I know that they will not go to church if they don’t have the eagerness to know who God is.

Please pray with me for this people, and also for the Kalanguya churches. Kalanguya tribe is located at the mountains of Nueva Vizcaya specifically the towns of Kayapa and Ambaguio.
Thank you and God bless...