So, it is month 11. The final month of my Race, I knew that this month would eventually come but there were many times throughout the year that it did not seem like the Race would ever end. Nevertheless, here I am with only 20 days until I will be sleeping in my own bed. I am excited, sad, nervous, and anxious for my reentry process and for all that is to come in my “post race” life.
This month my team and I are doing ATL “Ask The Lord” and Unsung heroes ministry. We do not have a contact here in the Philippines but instead are spending time praying and communicating with ministries here that could be potential future World Race contacts. It has been a lot of fun meeting so many people that all have really great ministries. We have meet with several people this past week and have plans to meet with several more this coming week.
My team and I really wanted to take a trip to Cebu to meet with more people and enjoy time on one of the 7,000 islands that make up the Philippines. As you know there was a class 5 super typhoon that hit this country last week. One of the main parts that were affected was the area of Cebu, this has hindered our plans to visit there since it is currently very dangerous because of the state of the area, lack of resources, and large amount of looting because of people’s desperation to have their basic needs met. Being a group of foreigners we would stand out as a major target for being robbed. It is best for us to stay in Manila and do what we can to help relief efforts from here. One of the ministries that we have been closely working with has sent people who were properly equipped to do relief work in those areas that have major need. They will be setting up long term assistance, as this tragedy will not be overcome in a few short weeks, it will most likely take over a year of aid for the needs to properly be met.
The devastation and destruction that occurred in those places is very sad and prayers are definitely needed at this time. I am thankful that my team and I were at least 100 miles north of the main path of the storm and were unharmed. We experienced rain, wind, and some power outages but my team along with the other world race teams in the Philippines are all ok. Despite the harsh weather conditions the Philippines are capturing my heart. There is something really special about this country and its people. When I first signed up for the Race I thought that I would find “the place” that I was supposed to go back to and possibly stay long term. So far I have left each country with little desire to return there besides to visit but I already know that I do not feel that same about the Philippines. I am very open to the idea of coming back here to partner with a current ministry or maybe to do something of my own. All that is still an idea but I would not be surprised if I found myself back here.
If you have an interest in donating to the relief efforts here in the Philippines, “Kids International Ministries” a ministry we are connected with is raising funds for the work they are doing to help the people affected. Many people on my squad have started fundraising pages that will direct the funds to help give aid to the people who need it most.
Here is a link that will take you to my friend and squad mate’s fundraising page:
http://www.stayclassy.org/fundraise?fcid=284965
I am thankful to everyone at home who has supported me on this journey, your prayers and encouragement mean a lot to me. I am looking forward to catching up with everyone when I return home. So that is what’s going on with me, more updates to come soon. Be Blessed!
Photos above are: My team hanging out at Jamba Juice with one of the missionaries we met with, kids at one of the 3 feeding programs we have participated in, me trying "balut" which is a 10 week old duck embryo, the new tattoo I got here, and the view of Metro Manila
