(1151) MUSIC AND ME (Jan. 07, 2016) DECEMBER -- MONTH OF SACRIFICE AND CAROLING AT PMCC

One of the highlights of Pentecostal Missionary Church of Christ in the 4th Watch (Palau Locale) is our caroling at Jungle River Cruise where there are 2 sleeping crocodiles. The Bangladeshi steward poke the eye of the sleeping crocodile and it open its eyes and mouth.
                                                     (Photo by Roberto Hernandez--Taken by Malou Paster)

The PMCC Caroling started in Dec. 01, 2015 at Ngerchelong (pronounce Ngerelong –silent ch in Palauan language) State, the very far end of Palau. While in the car, we practice some songs and I suggest that we include in “Feliz Navidad” the Palauan version that is “Kikmal Oureng rak malungil Kurismas (3x), Maungil Becheserrak”, which means “We want to wish you a Merry Christmas (3x), and a Happy New Year.”It’s the start of a better caroling especially to kids as they can sing and feel the spirit of Christmas through singing with us in their native tongue.

But it’s a little frustrating as we get nothing from the first few houses that we do caroling in Ngerchelong. So we move to the next state and things get better.

                I was able to join in the caroling if my teaching of my music students is at least at 4pm as we start at 10am and will travel for half hour. On Dec. 3, we go to the place where you can see the Stone Monoliths, which I have visited 22 years ago with my former employer Elena Sutton, her husband judge Larry Sutton driving the 4-wheel pick-up truck.

                It’s different now as you have to book a sight-seeing tour at the entrance/office. When we are about to do caroling there, the Palauan in-charge recognized me and ask if I can teach him how to be good at chess. There are 2 American guys there that listen also to our singing. After two songs, they donate also for the Medical Mission of PMCC for the victims of Typhoon Lando in Philippines in October 2015. I gave the 3 guys my card and they are impressed with the information on the card.

                                                    (Photo by Roberto Hernandez -- Taken by Malou Paster)

This banana tree is about to be subdued by a strong and invasive vine/weed. I used to cut the base of those vines after/before going fishing at the lagoon in mid 1990's. After fishing, sometimes I've got more bananas than fish!       (Photo by Roberto Hernandez)