Well hello there!
Here are some updates since well, my last update. I am also posting another blog about some cool stuff. First I was almost compelled to record this update then post a video becasue my hands hurt so bad, I will get there in a minute. This is kinda long I think, take it in sections!
We left Manilla early Sunday morning, hoppped onto another plane and flew about 1 1/2 hours here to Malaybalay, which I think is one of the southern Islands here, don’t hold me to it though, no internet so I can’t google it. Anyways we are satying with another KIM sight. The place was a good two hour bus ride up the mountains, talk about BEAUTUIFUL. It blows my mind how God created all of this for us to enjoy. So yes the city is way up in the mountains so its way cooler here than Manilla, like at night, its a little chilly (prob 70.. lol) but it feels great.
Ok so, Joni put it best when she said this place is like a candy store for ministry oppertunities for us. We went over all of them and we get to sign up for whatever we want. Were staying at an orphanage base, so we get to take shifts with the children, babies up to school age. There is a HUGE soccer feild, prob a few of them put together and it was like a total of 1/4 covered with grass. Yeah grass we need to pull up so we can go down the road dig up new grass and plant it here. I am talking bent over pulling grass and plants from 8am-12 then back out when we are done lunch if we have the energy. My hands are slightly unable to move, huge blisters, thorns in them, stained from the dirt. My legs are covered in red ant bites my back is throbbing and I am still honnored God is blessing me and allowed me to be here.
Also, I along with about 10 others have been doing ministry up at the local prision. (GASP!) (I was wating to tell you Dad untill I did it a few times and I am still perfectly safe 🙂 ) SO yeah, it has been great we go in and they useally sing us songs and then we chat with them, or the visitors that are there, listening to their stories etc. There is a also youth and womens cells in there, and we will get to go in and read tot hem and help to teach them english / how to read. When I think about the fact I am on the other side of the world singing praise and worship and teaching people how to read in a jail center, it makes me laugh at how big God is and how small I am, and yet He loves us all the same.
Oh what else, other ministries on Sunday nights like one for raising future leaders and the local gang ministry. (I won’t tell you what one I signed up for.. ;))
I could go on for hours, I thought I would have such a hard time seeing people living in dirty shacks smaller than my bathroom, children digging through trash to entertain themselvs, chickens running around at my feet and sleeping on a bunk in a room with 11 other girls, but honestly I feel so much at peace, like I am home. Which is still weird to me that I am not freaking out, but I am so glad God’s peace surpasses ALL understanding.
We are living the good life here, rooms with beds, running (FREEZING) cold showers, DELICIOUS food, and a lot of it, a secutiry guard at the entrance and so much love from my team mates and the the other three that are here. Jeremy and his wife are just a huge blessing to us all. Check them out. Last I checked the pic upload on here was not working, check my facebook and I hope Picasa got them all, link is on my home page.
I love you ALL. I miss you all so much, your pictures are hanging above my bunk, I am praying for you guys, thank you for being a part of this, I would not be here with out you guys. Keep us in your prayers, many of my squad is batteling colds and other physical stuff. Pray for the inmates to have open hearts to God’s love, the orphans here to have peace and joy knowing they have a Father who adopted them and calls them His, the physical projects will get done with a joyful heart and the kids in the future that play on that field will know God cares about the little things and loves to make us happy. I pray you guys find time today to be happy.
xoxo
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