Use your god-given Talents and Professional skills to make an impact for the gospel

“I (Rose) first came to Faith Academy in November 2005, working as operator of the Copier Machine, contracted with another company until 2012, but was not yet a Faith employee. I became an official office assistant in 2012 by God’s grace. Working at Faith Academy is really a blessing and is also an answered prayer for me. I prayed to God that hopefully he would bless me with a job that is just near home so I would be able to stay near family. I cherish all the moments of sitting down to eat dinner with my mother and siblings, and just being able to spend time with them after arriving home from work.Through this, I have seen God’s goodness, and I am so grateful for Him placing me here at this school.

One of the things I enjoy about my job is interacting and being around and able to learn from the Faith students. When I first started working here, assisting the students was a huge learning experience because they were asking me questions that I didn’t even know all the answers to! But, I am grateful to have Ate Mars here by my side always there to help. Faith students are so gifted with the talents they show through theatre, art, sports, and academics. I find it all admirable and they never cease to amaze me. I’m really blessed and thankful to be part of FA community.”

“I (Mars) joined Faith Academy in 2004 as the Assistant High School Secretary, and then moved up my current position. Aside my work here at Faith Academy I am also very much involved in my church as a deacon’s wife, Sunday School Head and teacher and also member in our church worship team ministry.

Now, what is my favorite Faith Academy story from the past 13 years? I can’t think of just one, but I think being able to meet with different people from different countries from all around the world is one of my favorite things. I am able to get a taste of all the countries I have never been to because of the different nationalities I get to encounter here at Faith. The ability to face, converse, assist, etc. to different kind of nationalities, for me, is such a privilege.

Something I love about this school and the students is the uniqueness it holds. I get to have my fun moments with them – especially when they try to converse in Tagalog! I enjoy all the little things, like giving their locker combinations, especially during appreciation days, which is a day when you get to appreciate your friends by placing a little treat in their locker for them. With all honesty, for thirteen years in the high school office, I have cherished every moment of helping and assisting our students in my own little ways and Lord willing will continue ’till my retirement day. Wait, I also think that high school students are smart and very talented!”

“My full name is Hasinirina Boulter, but most of you know me as Coach Hasina. I serve in the Aquatic Department and this school year, I have begun teaching Elementary PE. It is with joy that I serve our Lord and you here!

I was born in Madagascar, where I lived until I was 19 years old. Most people only know Madagascar from the movie! While we do have cool wildlife – the only natural habitat of lemurs, the world’s smallest chameleon, and the baobob tree – it’s also the fourth largest island in the world – a very dry island in the Indian Ocean settled by Malay and African people – which is why I am frequently mistaken for a Filipina! Then I moved to Johannesburg, South Africa, and so many new things. A new language, a new climate (deserts, wetlands, grasslands, bush, subtropical forests, mountains and escarpments!), food, and friends!

By simple definition, I don’t fit into the ‘Third Culture Kid’ category. But have you considered the actual definition of a TCK? This is what I found: ‘A TCK is an individual who has spent a significant portion of his/her formative years in a culture that is different from their parents. Someone who builds relationships to all cultures, while not having full ownership in any. Although elements from each culture are assimilated into the TCK’s life experience, the sense of belonging is in relationship to others of similar background.’

I can relate to the information above, and that helps me relate to students and adults here! Juggling the number of cultures that I have been privileged to experience can be challenging at times, however it enriches my life. I am glad and honored to be part of Faith Academy family and community as we experience and find joy in these different cultures together.”

“Faith Academy is home to me because I have spent the majority of my life here. I went to Faith Academy K-12, and now I have the amazing opportunity to serve here as a teacher. Initially my wife and I were open to serving anywhere in the world, but God opened and closed doors to have us end up here in the Philippines. At first I loved that I had the opportunity to teach at the school that helped me grow so much. However, since teaching here, I have grown to love even more how my ministry is helping missionary families by teaching their children so they can do their ministry with ease.”

Caleb spent his childhood years in the Philippines.

“Although this year has only been my second year at Faith, it seems like two years has been such a long time already. I remember my first time meeting everyone at staff retreat. I was so shy and nervous to talk to anyone and only knew a few people that were working at Faith. I had just graduated from university and coming to serve at Faith was something that I felt God wanted me to do. I was just so blessed by how friendly everyone was and hearing how much they gave up to come to the Philippines was such a humbling experience and something that inspired me to serve. Serving here has been such a great experience!

I feel so grateful to have had the chance to serve in a school with such great people who I do not just call colleagues, but also dear friends. God has given me the opportunity to teach Pre-K along with Mrs. Tara Santos. She was one of the many people who set our working environment into one that promotes professional development. This was especially apparent this year as I earned my professional license to teach. I do not think I would have managed to teach a class and study for my licensure exam without the help and support of the people I work with in Elementary. They never stopped praying for me, encouraging me, and be there for me when I needed their support. I am blessed to serve alongside people who build up and edify each other.

Next year, one thing that I am looking forward to is not only seeing our kids move on to Kindergarten, but also seeing all the other kids go up a grade! It brings me joy to see how God allows them to grow and bloom each year.

Preschoolers have taught me that you can choose to worry less and enjoy life more. There’s always something to be joyful about! This may be cheesy but their smiles and laughter remind me that when we face problems, worrying won’t solve anything and instead we can depend on and look to God. This year’s group of Pre-Kindergartners will always remind me of that. Sometimes seeing things from their perspective can help you realize and learn a lot. And like what we always say in our class, “when something is challenging, put your faith in God and just keep going!'”