Back in early December I went to a truely magical place by the name of Supo which is located in the province of Abra, the Western border of Mountain Province.
The 7 hour trip was filled with excitement, sing-a-longs, rough roads, and good friends. There were about 30 of us in all, consisting mostly of clergy and diocesan development staff members. As we were nearing Supo, we came to a river. But quickly did we realize that there was no bridge to cross! Before I had time to ponder how we might get to the other side, they were loading the car onto a homemade raft of canoes, scaffolding, and bamboo shoots, which was to ferry us to the other side!
Although I had doubts, we made it. So did the car. We were greeted in Supo with open arms. The people were so warm and light-hearted. They cooked the most delicious foods for us, and for the first time I tasted eel, of which there are plenty in nearby rivers.
Throughout the day we went around to bless the church projects that have recently been established in Supo including: gardens, greenhouses, and a fresh water system for the community.
While church projects in Supo are plenteous, as of this time, there is no Episcopal Church building in Supo, for lack of funds. As evening set in, the people of Supo put on performances at the elementary school of song and dance in native and modern style. It was a wonderful celebration!
At night the young men hung hammocks high in the trees and slept together as if they were the lost boys of Never Never Land. The old men slept around the camp fire, and I joined the young ladies on the love-worn wood floor within the safety of their home. Never before have I seen a community of people work so collaboratively with one another while exuding such joy, love, and mutual respect. If only our larger society worked together in the way that the people of Supo do. The world would surely be a better place!
Melanie West Goes…Supo
It was wholesome and orderly, each song chosen with care and purpose. I crowned Mr. Valentine and was even asked to dance by one of my third-year students during the gentlemen’s choice dance. Brave kid! It was all wrapped up by 9pm and the students were escorted home by their parents and teachers.
From the most monotonous of tasks, like slicing vegetables for hours on end, to the most strenuous and overwhelming, you can always find the ECW hard at work. 
While they are no doubt the ones keeping the church and the community intact, they are not stopping there! They are pushing forward: starting new programs, protecting the environment, educating the children, and ensuring the future of the church. These dedicated women ranging from age 21 to 80 are the ones who make all things possible here in Besao. I am so grateful to be an active member of such a dedicated group. If you are ever in need, call on the ECW…We can do it!
Melanie West Goes…E.C.W.
Melanie West Goes...Grace Kirkwood Youth Group
Melanie West Goes…Church
We warmed ourselves with bonfires, the sharing of old memories, and tapoy (rice wine).
Then, just as soon as it seemed as if all of Kin-iway was asleep, the church bells were ringing again for us to gather for the Eucharist. After mass we went around to the houses of all of our friends. We ate and ate and ate some more and enjoyed the beautiful 75 degree weather that is unheard of on Christmas day in Missouri. I may never again wear a t-shirt and flip-flops on December 25th but I will feel warm inside knowing that somewhere far away in a little village called Besao someone is doing just that.
My little brothers Merv and Fengag Alawas (the Bishop’s sons) are also attending the meet. They are both competing in tennis. I was able to catch one of Merv’s games after the parade! He won 8 to 1. I was so proud.
My swimmers, co-coaches, and I are having a blast together at the pool. It brings me back to those summer nights as a kid playing around and waiting for hours for our chance to show our speed in the water. 
Melanie West Goes…Provincial Meet
