Diana Whitlock

MrsWhitlock

Diana Whitlock

I am a wife, mother, Sunday School teacher, puppeteer, and fourth grade teacher who loves the Lord! I teach in Wayne County, West Virginia. This travel blog is designed to share my travels and experiences in Asia with my friends, family, and fourth graders.



Asia » Philippines » Bataan October 3rd 2013

"Americanos! Americanos!" a little boy with a grinning-face yelled as he ran along with our van. We entered the village, and one of our vehicles got stuck due to the collapsed road caused by the recent typhoon. Villagers quickly offered help and pushed us out. We finally parked in the remote village where children poured out of huts and rice fields to welcome us. Those same children later echoed, "Santa Claus! Santa Claus!"... read more
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Asia » Philippines » Bataan October 2nd 2013

This school was in town so we didn't have to travel too far. We performed a puppet show teaching the children about God's love and salvation through Jesus Christ alone. The students know English (for the most part). They all wear uniforms, including the teachers. Students go to school from 8am-4pm with a 2- hour break to go home for lunch. Students are separated in to two sections based on intelligence. The higher of the two is the group that is tested, considered for schools of excellence, and measured against other schools.... read more
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Asia » Philippines » Bataan October 1st 2013

We had another long drive to two different very remote churches. The geography and culture are incredible. Enjoy the pictures, and appreciate how much God has blessed you.... read more
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Asia » Philippines » Bataan September 30th 2013

We visited an elementary school in a village with about 200 students. Caroline, Eden, and I performed a puppet show about Jesus, then Laura and Megan sang songs with the children. Next, our team handed out candy. Many of the children had never seen white people before; therefore, some giggled in corners, a few stayed away, and some approached us seeking love and attention...which we gave them! :-) The second grade teacher took me into all seven classrooms to meet the students, and I tested the children on their English. They passed perfectly!... read more
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Asia » Philippines » Bataan September 29th 2013

After church in the village, we went to Mt. Samat until the next service. Here is some information on Mt. Samat: The town of Pilar, Bataan takes pride of having Mt. Samat's gigantic cross also known as the "Dambana ng Kagitingan" (Altar of Valor). Erected in April 1942, the cross symbolizes the heroic & courageous defense made by the fatigued, hungry & sick Filipino and American soldiers in regaining our freedom during World War II. We also saw the famous volcano, Mount Pinatubo. Mount Pinatubo is situated in the southern part of Luzon. It is one of the biggest volcanoes in the Philippines. In 1991, the Pinatubo became in a few months one of the most known volcanoes in the world. In that year the Pinatubo erupted violently. Other landforms we saw from the view at ... read more
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Asia » Philippines » Bataan September 29th 2013

We attended Pastor Ramil's church service, and gave out some of the backpacks filled with school supplies. The children were over-joyed!... read more
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Asia » Philippines » Bataan September 28th 2013

We are greeted on our hotel steps by a beautiful welcoming committee from Cornerstone Fundamental Baptist Mission with a massive banner and about 25-30 people. I am overwhelmed by their love, giving nature, and dedication. They present each of us with colorful baskets of local fruits such as bananas, grapes, oranges, and something else in which I cannot yet identify. It is delicious. Thank you, God, for allowing us to arrive here safely.... read more
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Asia » Philippines » Luzon » Metro Manila September 28th 2013

The Philippines has Kentucky Fried Chicken and McDonald's, but we want authentic food. It's midnight, but the area is bustling with people, including children. Pastor Ramil and the other pastors take us to their version of our McDonald's- JollyB- before driving a couple more hours to our hotel in Balanga.... read more
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Asia » Japan » Aichi » Nagoya September 27th 2013

There is a 13-hour difference here. It is 5:00a.m. in the morning in WV, and it is 6:00p.m. here in Japan. So many things are different, including the toilets! Yes, I took a picture of an Asian toilet! Check out the photos.... read more
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North America » United States » Michigan » Detroit September 26th 2013

I forgot to post this entry. Pastor Corey works on homework while I walk the airport and ride the tram with Laura Carpenter. We board a two-level air bus with 366 people headed for Nagoya, Japan. There are three sections of seats seating ten people along the width of the plane. I am in the middle section with my son, Corey, and two other team members- the two Barbies (Barbie Washington and Barbara Bourn). We are smashed in like sardines. Luckily, we all have our own televisions, and we can watch movies, play games, or listen to music. Ear buds are given to each person. A steady supply of snacks, drinks, and even meals are provided. I chose beef with rice, salad, shrimp cocktail, and a brownie. While it sounds delightful, it is microwaved airline food, ... read more
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