This past week has been fun for me as I have been back in my element on the basketball court. It is funny as I don't think I have been anywhere in the world that is as basketball crazy as the Philippines. People LOVE basketball here and are passionate about the Miami Heat. Evidently, Eric Spoelstra came to the Philippines this past year and did clinics and is now beloved here.
The owners of Mount Moriah Camp (the place we are staying) have a son Garrick who has played college basketball. He stopped playing a whiel back, but decided he missed basketball and was going to transfer and play again. His parents had been trying to convince him to fly home from Manila where he is in school to train with me for a week. Sunday night, Garrick arrived.
It has been a blast working with Garrick this week to help him get back in shape, sharpen his skills, and improve the mental side of his game. Who knew that doing mission work would include private basketball training? I'm not complaining. I do like to hoe, but I'd prefer to be on a basketball court any day.
We've also been helping out in the children's home. We've painted doors, scraped walls, held little ones, playd and entertained and just generally been around.
It is just so amazing how resillient kids are. These kids have been through awful situations and yet they have such amazing joy and such tender hearts. Most mornings I hear them at 5:45 singing their hearts out to Jesus before eating breakfast. Is there any better way to start the day? I certainly prefer it to the roosters that have greeted me many mornings this year.
We wrap up our time in Malaybalay City on Monday and fly back to Manila. Where has the time gone? As I write this, I have 8 days left before we depart for Los Angeles. Nine days until I board a plane for South Dakota. It seems surreal that in less than two weeks I'm going to see my family, take a hot shower and sleep in a real bed. Crazy!
I have had many people ask on my health. My ear is slowly getting better. I have antibiotics to take until Monday and have 2 pain free days in a row so I feel like I am on the right track. I'm really hoping to have this ear ache kicked by Monday or it is going to be a miserable flight.
I know a few of you have asked about my support. Right now, I have $1250 more I can raise that will reimburse things like my flight home to South Dakota, my initial flight to leave South Dakota, some medical bills etc. If you would like to give, you can click on the Donate button on The World Race Page or shoot me a note and I can give you details.
Thanks for all of your prayers and for sticking with my blogs to this point.
