my newest garden on Rota

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 6th garden since moving to the island of Rota almost 5 years ago. Would have to say it has already become my favorite. It consists of two parts - the frontyard garden (here), and the roof garden.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 The roof garden

Black Beauty & Long Purple Eggplant seedlings

Holiday greeting from Toku and I

Thanks for visiting our blog. This new garden is another, of many, new starts. The biggest, of course, is starting a new life with Jesus Christ. His love and mercy are new every morning. When he touches your heart, give in to him - you will never regret it.

new project at Man Amko Center

Cans from Luta Man Amko kitchen staff (to recycle), soil, and flower bush sprouts all from Luta Man Amko Center (Office on Aging) property.

Seedlings need to grow some, then we plant them on the south edge of the Rota Office on Aging property to make a tall, bushy hedge.

Each seedling will sprout into a small flower bush, which will eventually be part of a tall bushy flower hedge.

Still don't know the Chamarro word for this particular flower. One English name for this flower is, "Jungle Germanium."

Si yus masse for viewing our post. Bible Man Amko!

avocado thanksgiving

Growing up in a U.S. military family was always very interesting. We never lived anywhere longer than 3 years at a time, whether in the continental USA or overseas. 

Our family was always considered "big" by American standards - Mom and Dad and 6 kids. Wherever we lived, Mom always did things in eights - 8 terracotta Portugese roosters on the kitchen windowsill in the Azores, 8 big red Christmas personalized Christmas stockings hanging over the fireplace in Arlington, VA, etc.

Whichever State of the Union or whatever country we lived in, my Mom would always  have, at least, one avocado seed germinating in a wine glass, always placed in the kitchen window. In the 18 years living at home, never once saw any of her germinating avocado trees grow taller than one foot, or have any more than a few leaves.

More than a year and a half ago, a good friend, here on Rota, gave me a big bag of advocadoes from his farm. Held back 8 seeds, and set them up to germinate just like my Mom used to do. 

Put all 8 avocado seeds on the kitchen windowsill. That was one and a half years ago. Between then and now, only 4 of the original 8 seeds have survived.

Now it's the Thanksgiving and Christmas season - can't stop thinking about my Mom and Dad, both of whom passed away many years ago. So many fond memories.

 

Of the 4 surviving avocado trees, one has been doing so much better than the other three. So, today, the 24th in the Marianas, but Thanksgiving in the States, planted an avacodo tree in my front yard in honor of my Mom and Dad. I thank God for giving me such good parents, and will always remember them, love, and respect them, even in my old age.

My new puppy, Toku, was right there helping me plant the avocado tree. Toku gives a, "Bark, bark," as well as a full body, enthusiastic tail-wag to everyone who reads this post.

both sides of a cookie pop

Both sides of a cookie pop I just got at the Veterans Day Commemoration at Veterans' Beach, on this beautiful island, in the Mariana Islands. From all the people of Rota, "Thanks for your service!" goes out to all those who have served or are currently serving in the U.S.A. military - Si yus masse, and Salem-it bo! God bless you all!

all souls day

All Souls Day - Mariana Islands

the key to the missionary message

October 15th entry, taken from, "My Utmost for His Highest," by Oswald Chambers

war of kindness

The War of Kindness

A war which will never appear in the history books, nor will it ever be known in folklore. This war started about 53 years ago, in the United States of America. In actuality, it was not a physical military conflict between enemy nations – it was a spiritual war, of significant scale, between specific forces in the kingdom of darkness and the kingdom of light. It was only just recently concluded. Albeit,  no white flags were flown, nor were any peace conferences held to establish terms of truce or cease fire. Called a “war” primarily for its evergrowing scale and scope, over several generations. This particular war has spanned many countries, languages, and socio-economic stratum, from world leaders to the poorest of  beggars. Yes, an invisible war, not merely exisitng in people's minds, like some philosophical debate, but instead, an actual physical, mental, and emotional conflict of varying degrees of ferocity - with great pain (emotional and physical), betrayal, deception, death, damage, loss, and tremendous financial waste. 

At the very beginning, the first conflict started when a young man, 17 years old, was recruited into the kingdom of light, in Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.A. in 1970. Through various circumstances, and a childhood of maticulous preparation, the Lord of Hosts’ selection of this particular recrute seems to have provoked certain high level elements in the kingdom of darkness.
 

This War of Kindness, from it’s onset, comprised innumerable conflicts and battles, all of which raged on with great intensity. Many battles were lost, with many casualties, seen and unseen, deep and superficial. In most cases, no one even knew or understood that such a war was taking its toll - many, many wounded, with few recoveries. 

With the passage of time, and again, well orchestrated cirumstances, the Kingdom of Light, started to get the upperhand around 2015. The final, deciding conflict,  occurred almost one year ago, on a remote Pacific island, in the CNMI (a new U.S. island territory).
 

Although the enemy forces (darkness) will never acknowledge their loss or even existence of such a war, the Commander and Chief of the forces of light, has regained much lost territory, retrieved/regained the heart of many traitors, and restored countless assets for the Kingdom of Light.

  
Thousands and thousands of scurmishes, conflicts, and battles for the past ½ century, and, the enemy could never get over the  kindness, forgiveness, mercy, and purposed forgetfullness (all from the power of the Holy Spirit).  

The conclusion of the War of Kindness brought great clarity, from the Holy Spirit, for some who may have entered other, similar wars, that have yet to be won. Our Commander and Chief, Jesus Christ, the Lord of Hosts, strengthens our hands for battle against the powers of darkness. Our weapons are not physical, but quite powerful in the Holy Spirit. We musn't forget that God, Abba Father, fights our enemies.

Thank you for visiting the blog site, and reading this post. Hope you will look to Jesus Christ for the strength you need.

 

peacekeeper

 

Came across this beautiful iris on the internet - peacekeeper. Made me think about what had just happened this past month.

Last month, was compelled to quickly pull up roots, leave the jungle-farm, and follow the glory cloud back to the Village, south, my 7th move since relocating to this beautiful island, from Saipan, four and a half years ago.

While the landlord was off island, paid rent to the accountant of the farm. Last month we had a misunderstanding - my bad, thought the accountant  didn't want to accept my rent. Had nowhere or no one to turn (except the Lord of course). Had no one to accept my August rent. Actually, very fortunate and glad all this transpired as it did. 

One month has already passed. Renting a small furnished studio apartment in the Village now - this place is unbelievably perfect for Toku and I (only God can do things like this). Have a huge yard adjacent to the jungle, have 2nd floor cement patio areas overlooking the Rota West Port Marina, and the Island (a small mand-made island-park and fishing spot). Our yard has two huge mango trees, and at least three mature bananna trees, all under my care now. Jehovah has jired again!

The new landlord was my 1st landlord on Rota, 4 1/2 years ago. A copy of, "My Utmost for His HIghest," by Oswald Chambers (one of my favs), as a welcome gift, was left on a table in our new apartment.

So, every day for the past month, it's like, "How can I pay the August rent and utilities for the jungle-farm place, with no farm accountant and the landlord is off island?"

Several times yesterday, one thought just kept coming into my head, "Tomorrow, get the rent/utiltites-cash from the ATM, bring all the farm keys you were given, and ride your bike over to the landlord's house - be there at exactly 10:00 am."

Early this morning, first thing comes to mind - "10:00 am this morning, exactly." Rush, rush, rush, feed the dog, out the door, and cruising on the bike to the ATM. Timing  good so far - 10 am sharp, looked quite possible. Riding along at a good pace, couldn't stop asking God for His help to get the rent into the landlord's hands - still wasn't even sure if he had returned to Rota yet. Pulled the cash out of the ATM, looked at my watch - 9:59 am. Hopped back on the bike and was standing in front of the landlord's house at exactly 10:00 am. All the gates were locked, doors and windows shut, and several guard dogs were barking loudly their displeasure at this stranger standing too close to their house. Obviously, no one was home. But, just to be sure, I yelled out, loudly, several times, "Anybody home!?" Nothing, just dogs barking louder and louder.

Jumped on the bike, and was just about to start peddling back home with a pocket stuffed full of cash and keys, when I hear something from a restaurant, right across the road from the landlord's house - "Hey, Jerry!" Out walks this friend (who just happens to be the ad hoc manager for the farm, while the landlord is away). Hadn't seen him for awhile, so I was grinning ear to ear. Within a matter of minutes, my friend, the accountant, and I are huddled in the middle of the road, shaking hands, apologizing, explaining, counting out the cash, handing over the keys, etc.

What a misunderstanding - was so embarrassed but was super glad to acknowledge my stupid mistake, apologize, and get everything all straightened out. Happy people all around. Even more, much lighter without all the cash, those keys, and a renter's responsibilities.

Riding back home, kept thanking God and thinking of that friend - peacekeeper. 

toku & new place

Loved living on the jungle-farm, but after a short 5 months, had to move again. Again? Yes, the 7th time (ugh). Made a new friend, and she needed a different environment, as well as other reasons. Going to miss the jungle wildlife friends, except for the swarms of insects.

Before moving back to the south of the island, a good friend introduced me to Toku - she was very young, and needed a home. Soon found out, she was recovered by three young undergraduate biologists from the States, who are doing research on Rota. Toku seemed to have been abandoned at a very early age, left to forage on her own, in the jungle. Her condition was quite bad when they got her. They took it upon themselves to get her to a healthy condition. We don't have vetenary services on Rota, so how they actually saved this puppy, was quite remarkable. Toku has been with me now, about three weeks. Because of a friend, Kaye, and the three young biologists, Toku has been dewormed, had all her shots, had her claws trimmed, and seems to have made a full recovery.

At 11 weeks, when I first got her, she seemed a little lethargic, and not too hungry. After three weeks, after loads of help from the biologists and that friend, Toko has a good diet, pooping regularly, and always full of energy.

Special thanks to these three biologists for their unselfish care and dedication. They definitely know their stuff about puppies and dogs - they put a lot of love into Toku's little life.

Toku and I moved to our new place, in the Village, right above the West Dock, quite near to Wedding Cake Mountain.

 

To the North is the Village and Mount Sabana. Now we live on the south of Mount Sabana, in Liyo Village, which is right next to Songsong Village.

To the South is Wedding Cake Mountain, the southern most part of the island of Rota.

 

Just today the three biologists, with some new co-workers, came by to check on Toku. We all hung-out in the yard, under the mango trees, playing and talking about Toku's recovery and progress - nothing but smiles all around. You could tell that Toku loved every minute.

Turned out, the biologists not only love Toku, but had lots of useful, and even professional, advice on how to care for this new member of the Petway family, on Rota. Overall, they were all quite pleased with Toku's progress in the past three weeks. All along (in my head), I've been thanking God for them and Toku.

 

 

Thanks for visiting our blog. Hope you enjoyed it. 

If you need a friend, hope you will go to Jesus Christ. He will always be there for you and will never let you down. You will find he is the best friend you can ever know. He is the way, the truth, and the life (for reals, not just words, a religion, or a philosophy).

friend taking a bath

Living on this farm, in the middle of the jungle, already 5 months, now, and thanking the Lord for putting me back on the path of life, about 10 months. "Have decided, to follow Jesus, I have decided to follow Jesus. I have decided to follow Jesus. No turning back, no turning back."

The farm is in a cell-phone dead zone, except for one small place about 10 feet from my room/building. Set up a table and chair, out of the rain, to go on-line (order stuff from e-bay, FaceBook, on-line bank, make phone calls, etc.). Usually spend a little time at that table once or twice a day. 

Have made many friends here on the farm: geikos, fruitbats, and kingfishers. 

The geikos are ubiquitous in the Maraiana islands (as they are on Taiwan). While living in Taiwan, noticed the geikos would sing, short, but pleasant, melodic-type sounds at night and through the day. They live on the walls and ceilings - quite harmless, not scary at all. Here on Rota, they make more of a clicking sound. There are a few in my room/building. Glad to have them, to illiminate some of the bugs. They usually remain at a place on the wall or ceiling, stationary. When they do move, it's quite fast. Acutally seen them jump several feet, from one place to another. They have never been any bother, except for the poop they leave, usually on window seals. Take that back, once, after turning in for the night, a fairly large geiko plopped right on my face from either the ceiling or the air conditioner. Wasn't shocked or frightened - laughed to myself, because that gentle slap on the face was like a reminder for me to pray about something super important. One particular geiko, named Leonard, rarely crawls on the walls or ceiling for me to see. He rarely comes out from his hiding place. When he does, it's always the same path to the same window, lightening fast. The only reason he has a name is because he's so big (largest geiko I've ever observed). 

Walking up the dirt road to the farm from the main road, have already encountered two super large lizards (3-4 feet long). Some people call them, "monitors." Not agressive at all, except when it comes to stealing eggs from hen-houses. The moment they see me - quickly into the bushes or up a tree. Very beautiful looking. What a prize one of those would have made for one of my brothers, myself, or one of our cousins (when we were kids). The monitors are fast, but I'm sure we could have easily caught one.

Although they always keep their distance, the sanbar deer, all around the farm property, call out at all hours of the night, barking (mating calls) - not a nusance at all. Consider myself a friend to them - I'm totally not into hunting (no killer instinct here). 

While living at the very southern tip of Rota, at the foot of Wedding Cake Mountain, right near the seashore,  used to love to sit in the backyard, listen to the waves crashing on the rocks below, while counting and watching fruitbat overhead, flying north. Was told, there are two fruitbat colonies inside the grotto on Wedding Cake Mountain. Remember once counting 40 flying over my backyard, in a period of one hour.

At first, was afraid that fruitbats might not fly over this part of the island. Of recently, a pair of large fruitbats always fly directly over me (while I wave at them), here, at least two of three times a week. They are the number one gourmet delicacy in the Mariana Islands. The laws in the Mariana Islands are extremely strict to protect these awesome flying foxes.

                                                                                                

This morning, while checking FaceBook, a kingfisher (my favorite friend on the farm), landed on the edge of the water trough, and proceeded to take a bath. Love to watch how they dive into the water, then fly out, sit back on the edge of the water trough and shake off all the water, over, and over again. That kingfisher sees me here all the time, so must not have felt any threat - he or she let me take loads of pictures, from my table less than 10 feet away.

Hope you enjoyed this post about some of the wildlife where I'm living, on this beautiful island of Rota, in the Mariana Islands.

This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.

refurbishing grow beds

After Covid-19 and a typhoon, the Man Amko Center (Rota Office on Aging) aquaponics project had to remain "on hold" for quite some time. The center's garden also was impacted.

On Rota, we don't like to waste anything. Fortunately, a couple key persons have been focusing their efforts and restoring the garden, refurbishing anything usable to cost affectively, organically, and  sustainably grow veggies at the Manako Center in Sinapalo.

While riding into the Village a couple weeks ago, bumped into an old friend from a few years ago (one of my gardening teachers). Was very honored to be invited to help out at the Manamko Center - primarily focusing on refurbishing veggy grow beds, and helping to set up a sustainable mulch system. Gladly accepted the opportunity to work with him and another former gardening teacher (always working in the garden, solo, on my own, recently, has been boring). Besides, the 3 of us can get lots more done than just 1 man alone - more people will benefit this way.

So glad to have a good bicycle to ride into the Village a couple times a week, to check the mail, go to the Medical Center, or buy groceries (been averaging at least 30 miles a week riding time - mostly on the road from the farm to Songsong Village). Had the bike almost 4 months now, and my life's back on track. Took almost a year to get a new bike - walking everywhere, hitchhiking, and getting rides from so many kind people here on Rota. Learned to be thankful to God for the exercise (for muscle groups unaffected by cycling for 8 years on Saipan and Rota). Also got over my fear and ability to walk long distances under the tropical sun. My friends tell me I've truly become an "islander". 

The new mountain bike was a significant answer to specific prayers, bringing to mind the Suzuki 1000cc motorcycle God blessed me with during my last few years in the States (in L.A.). Not only were the motorcycle and bike answers to very detailed and specific requests to the Lord, but far exceed my wildest expectations. Our Abba Father is just that way - He knows us very well, and knows how to make us happy.

Thanks for viewing the post - hope you enjoyed it. Hope you will also consider living your life for Jesus Christ, 100%. He will never let you down, and there's nothing like it in all the world.  🙂

my garden on Rota: July 2023 update

It's been more than 3 months since the last post. The last "my garden on Rota" post was of the garden at my house under Wedding Cake Mountain - the two zuccini plants were blossoming.

So glad to have relocated to this jungle-farm in the middle of the island. Have already enjoyed lots of fresh homegrown mangoes, avocados, banannas, soursap, kangkong, eggplant, hot peppers, and cucumbers.

Growing veggies here has been a great pleasure - no rocks, and the soil is quite rich. Just finished out some delicious greenbeans. Currently growing three kinds of eggplant (long purple, black beauties, and butter-eggplant). Thank the Lord, my Taiwan cucumbers have been quite successful. Already made three jars of pickles, and will be making many more.

Found a small grove of giant bamboo - fantastic for making stakes and to build a treliss for the cukes. 

 

Love my sweet pickles!

Using fresh oregano every day (transplanted from my previous garden.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Flame trees in bloom on the north side of Mt. Sabana.

Hope you enjoyed the post. 🙂

wonder of wonders

This is the official logo for the Office on Aging, in the Northern Mariana Islands. Here on the island of Rota, we call it the "Man Amko Center" (translation: Center for Senior Citizens).

Decided to start attending every day, 5 days a week. Have been able to reconnect with lots of friends from the past 4 years (Fillipino, Chamarro, Palauan, Carolinian, and other Micronesian Islanders, as well as two or three Americans).

The center van picks me up every day at Teteto Beach, and then in the afternoon, drives me right to the front gate of the jungle-farm where i reside.

Got a little bored, so they let me do calling for the daily Bingo game and join the Chamarro Croquet Team - really enjoy doing those things. Tried to get into the kitchen to help wash dishes, but they wouldn't let me.

At the Man Amko Center, we have a Rota Man Amko Association, an actual licensed, not-for-profit government recognized business (of which i'm a member). Today, we had a business meeting. Our numbers have been dwindling, and it's been a long time since the last election for new officers.

Spare you all the details - put up the best fight i could, but was immediately nominated, then unanamously elected president (wonder of wonders). Quite humbling indeed - could only lift my hand to heaven for help from the Lord (everyone laughed).

Was given a VP, secretary, treasurer, and board members. Have been doing all business off my cell phone these past four years. Realizing this new responsibility would require a computer, went to the PC graveyard in one of the back rooms, borrowed a screwdriver, and cannabilized a few broken ones to make one good one. In the process stumbled upon the minutes for every single business meeting for the past 7-8 years. Hoping to get a hard copy of our association's charter, articles, biz license, etc. soon.

Excited? Not really. Still scratching my head, wondering, "Lord, what's going on here?"

jungle sounds

This morning, right before the sun came up, heard sounds coming out of the jungle not far away. Turned on the recorder, hoping to get something good to post.

Turns out, there were about three or four Sanbar deer about 50 yards from my back door, out of sight in the jungle. Still not sure what to call the sound they make, so i'm calling it, "barking", for lack of a better word.

Of course a blue-collared kingfisher had to chime in. Such beautiful birds.

Only my 1st week here, have observed this farm, or ranch, as well as the surrounding areas,  have lots of Sanbar deer. Haven't actually seen any yet, but hear them every night and early morning before sunrise. Thinking maybe there's so many because this place is so close to Mount Sabana.

Man Amko Center

Going to the Rota Aging Center (Man Amko Center) now, on Fridays. First time back in a long time, it was good to catch up with many friends.

In the CNMI, people like to pamper their Man Amko (senior citizens). So, we get free transportation services - pick up and drop off at Teteto Beach. From the farm to the beach is only about 5 minutes, by foot to the beach, through the jungle, on the back road.

They want me to join the Man Amko Chamorro Croquet Team. Years before, was always the score keeper. Every May there's an inter-island competition. This year, it will be held in Saipan. 

 

 

new place - happy resurrection day

 new place (thank you, Jesus!)

Finally got my new place to live on Rota. As always, God blesses beyond all our dreams or wildest expectations. The new place isn't in Songsong (aka, the Village), or in Sinapalo. It's almost a mile from Teteto Beach, almost a mile into the jungle, towards the mountain. Want to thank everyone for your prayers. It's a beautiful place! 

Teteto Beach is perhaps everyone's fav. It's about the halfway point, on the road, from the Village to Sinapalo. On the west coast of the island, it faces the Phillipine Sea. Only a few minutes up the road from Teteto Beach is one of the only two gas stations on the island.

Thought you might enjoy a picture-walk from Teteto Beach, through the jungle, inland to the mountain. Not quite a mile from the beach, but a really nice family farm. Glad to have the opportunity to live there.

The dirt road to the farm, off the main coastal road, goes through the jungle to the base of the mountain. It's probably best traveled in a 4-wheel drive vehicle and is a  commonly used backroad by farmers, farm workers, biologists, and deer hunters. So, it's not that remote as other backroads on the island, which don't have street lights, utility poles, or even internet access.

Was a little humbled to get a key to the main gate - such a nice farm.

A couple days ago, during the cook's tour of the farm, completely lost track of all the mango trees - old ones, newly planted ones, and various strains. Could only think of two things - fresh mango smoothies, and mango sorbet. Saw many mangos already weighing branches down, but still green. The owner equipped my room with a brand new upright freezer, and a good friend is giving me his gourmet glass blender. Don't think it will take very long to fill up that freezer with sorbet.

Here'a where I live, a single unit, brand new steel-enforced cement construction, totally typhoon CAT 5 proof. Also have a brand new air con (only use it for the fan), a small fridge, and a stand-up freezer. Already have my own flatscreen TV, etc. Also have a seperate adjoining bathroom/shower, etc. (all newly built and painted, same construction).

Surrounded by a large mango tree, a tagerine tree, and a soursap tree, Right out the backdoor, is my kitchen - Chamarro style, outdoors and open. Using a Coleman dual-fuel double burner camping stove (using car gasoline saves me about $40-$50 a month). Most families on Rota use small butane cannisters, which are super expensive. So, glad too have bought it 2 years ago (and it still works well).

Thanks for viewing this post. Appreciate your prayers. So glad to be re-connected with many family and friends again over the internet. God be with you and continue to bless you all! 👍🙂