I love how church in most of the world is spontaneous. There are no plans set in stone there is only Spirit. This used to drive me crazy about the church my dad pastors in Dallas because it cramped whatever social life I had planned for the afternoon. HERE however it’s fabulous. You don’t know when the pastor will stop preaching or that you will be singing the “special music,” in 5 minutes. Fabulous. ☺ No worries it was all 12 of us so I could hide my off keyness in the group. The same God is loved and worshipped everywhere, just expressed differently, it’s beautiful.
What struck me about church was the community. Last Sunday we were new, but this Sunday we had friends! The orphans from KIM and their caretakers were there. The pastors we interacted with all week were there. Our Ates and Kuyas (what you call those older than you as a form of respect) that have been taking care of us all week were there. BUT my favorites were the rad high school students. On Friday we went to youth group and bonded with the students. 3 of the ones in my group and a few of their friends saved me a seat on Sunday and then hung out all afternoon, and all evening through night church. Aldren (great name right?!) especially was my little buddy. Gosh his joy radiates from him and is so infectious! When we left night church his little gang ran after our car, screaming bye over and over again, I was beaming. I love that.
Today Helen, Jill, and I went to the local University because Helen felt the Lord leading here there. We walked around the pretty campus, and I sort of meandered into the dance studio. After some awkward hellos they were all about showing us the dance they were practicing and talking to us about what we were doing in the Philippines. We are going back this week to hang out with them.
Gosh I love meeting new people and creating sweet bonds. I get to do this all year, all over the world?! RAD.
Being foreign has its advantages. People are interested in you and what you have to say. They will automatically give you a chance. It’s so great, and such a responsibility to share what you believe and love with your whole heart. You praying for divine appointments, Norma? 😉
Random: Friday’s fun construction work tore my hands to shreds, it is saaad. I taught Ron Ron Slap Jack and every time I walk into the orphanage he leaps for the pocket where I have my cards (I totally do not let him win anymore!), rice is coming out of my ears! When we see veggies we get crazy excited. I wake up before 6 every morning because of the sun and roosters, more Jesus time right? I learned to ride a motorbike this morning. It was embarrassing at first and then wildly fun!
My transformers are the BEST:
Kyla keeps us pumped and on our toes
Dan keeps us laughing and encouraged
Helen keeps us praying and loved
Sarah keeps us working and motivated
Patrick keeps us looked after and laughing
