The Samuelson Family – Grand Rapids, Michigan

Hannah (2nd Generation Filipino-American, age 14) – Balikatan is a great experience for all ages. This year was one of the best years and everyone agreed to it. I really liked the session on “Keeping faith and Identity in a Multicultural World” because there were discussions on what was hard about being a Filipino and what’s great.

I also liked the Youth Group. As a 14 year old, I could talk and share and they understand what I am talking about. I have learned a lot through the experiences they shared and the advice on what it means to be a Filipino and a Christian. Getting together at this Balikatan is a great way to meet Filipino Christians who have kept their faith inspite of their hardships and troubles.

Nathan (Pinoy Ako) (2nd generation Filipino-American, age 17) – I think I was most particularly moved by the response I received after my speech during the bi-cultural family session. It was nice to know that my words were influential, especially to families who have children that are ready and able to engage in both sides of their heritage. I have also learned that many Filipino parents are aware of the struggles of bi-cultural families, even the identity struggles of their children, and it was encouraging to hear stories of specific struggles the second generation has had to deal with. Many families have expressed their appreciation that they have themselves decided to provide an encouraging and nurturing environment for their kids in order for them to understand that they are not just Americans or Canadians, but Filipinos as well.

Elma – ISCF, Good Shepherd, Guimaras; IVCF, UP- Iloilo – I really enjoyed this year’s Balikatan because I had the opportunity meeting and working with people whose value and commitment to Balikatan are inspiring. Being involved in this year’s Balikatan has brought me to a deeper understanding of the mission and purpose why Balikatan was formed. I am encouraged to see long lost friends whose hearts and commitment to the Lord have never wavered and continued to stand firm even with the test of time.

Paul – ( Married to Elma) There were several things at Balikatan that really made an impression in my life. First, the talk about Singing God’s Praise in Psalm 96 reminded me about the need to be enthralled with God and what He has done for us: namely, that we should constantly thank God for His faithfulness, acknowledge His sovereignty, celebrate His goodness, and enjoy His love and presence in our lives on a daily basis. We should constantly sing of how great our God is and declare His glory to the world, His great works of providing our salvation and accomplishing “great works” in our lives. Our songs should be of praise of worship to God for all He has done in our lives and then declaring this to the world!!

Second, Lisa mentioned the four things we go through in the “Seasons of Life” and the one phase I learned the most was about leaving margin in our lives. Stress comes as we live our lives in a very hectic way without any margin to rest. We need to build some intentional margin of rest in our lives so that we can reflect about what we have gone through and what God is teaching us. Even God chose to rest one day after He created the whole galaxy!

Third, I really enjoyed having Ramon Rocha and Paul Ignacio come and share about their respective ministries or connections with IVCF. It really showed how our prayers and financial support is being used by God to make a tremendous impact in the Philippines and around the world through these two missionaries.

And fourth, the session on “Keeping Faith and Identity in a Multi-Cultural World” focusing on Filipino Immigrant Experiences, Bi-Cultural Family, and Dealing with Cross-Cultural Tensions, was a very fruitful time for me. It helped me to see the tensions Filipinos often face. Patterns such as how to rear/discipline children and how to pass on Filipino language, customs, and values while being a sojourner in a foreign land is something that has to be thought about and intentionally followed through when facing contradictory American values and customs. I especially appreciated Dr. Melba Maggay’s attention and focus on the importance of first generation Filipinos teaching their children Tagalog or Ilonggo because so much of the Filipino culture is lost for the second generation children if they don’t learn it.

Hopefully, during the next Balikatan in Boston, we can continue our discussion on Filipino Immigrant Experiences and build upon what we have already discussed. May the Lord richly bless all of you and your ministries in the respective areas of where you live!!
Mabuhay!