As an ethno-arts missionary. I need to travel long distances -- sometimes by foot, across rough mountains, raging rivers and dusty roads. A lot of common things we take for granted become absolutely essential in the mission field. Items like a devotional book about Filipina missionaries, plain table salt since in the field, most food is boiled and they taste quite bland. Then there’s my trusty lighter -- for times when I need instant fire. If I need to be with my kababayans in a foreign land, I just pull out my Skyflakes crackers and as soon as a Pinoy spots or hears my treat they immediately say, “Pinay ka ano?!” Right there, I don’t feel homesick anymore! Over the years, I have carried words and music of hope to tribal people. And there is only one backpack that carries all the things that I need to minister to people. (Cathy Carlos, June 2010)
