Red Neck Woman
The term red neck has come to mean a bad thing in the United States or at least in the areas with which I am familiar. However, it did not begin that way. The name was originally given to hard working people such as farmers who were out in the sun all day. They wore hats to protect their faces but the backs of their necks were burned from the sun hence the nickname. This month I have become a red neck woman.
For my first month of ministry, I am in Malaybalay on the island of Mindinao, Philippines. My team and I are blessed to be partnered with a wonderful ministry called Kids International Ministries (KIM). The focus of KIM in Malaybalay is New Faith Family Children’s Home and MT. Moriah Christian Camp. So, in this first month God has blessed me to be able to do my heart’s desires. I get to work several shifts per week at the children’s home. I have chosen to work primarily with the infants and toddlers. There are about five toddlers and two beautiful babies. These children have stolen my heart and it will be so hard to leave them in two short weeks.
Our other main task this month has been to clear an area that, when completed, will be used to host soccer tournaments. We began by clearing the area of rocks and the wrong kind of grass. The ministry then brought in a grader to level the ground. This week we have to dig about 48,000 8 inch by 8 inch squares of sod to be planted on the field. In addition to this large project we have also been working on several smaller ones. We have been spreading rock and sand near the dining area to keep it from flooding when it rains. We have also dug a drainage ditch around the outside of the dining area to help divert the water. Stairs down the hill to our living area have also been improved. Although I have been really tired and a little sun burned each day, the work has been really rewarding and I can’t wait to see the finished product.
To be honest, I feel like we are being spoiled this month, but I will enjoy every minute because I know it will not always be this way. We are living dorm style and have running water for showers (although it is REALLY cold water). Our meals are prepared for us six days of the week, and the food has been amazing!! On Sundays we get to prepare our own meals and this has been really fun. I have learned a lot about cooking on a fire but have come to appreciate my stove much more and this is only the first week!!
