would just like to begin by emphasizing how completely overwhelmed i am by the people in the wonderful town of Bozeman and around who have blessed me in the last few months as I prepared for this trip. I am in disbelief at all the people whom contributed financially, all of the prayer warriors I have behind me, and all the love that has been poured out on me. You guys are the best and you are what made this possible for me.
After twenty four hours of airport jam sessions, food runs and naps, we reached our first country on this thing we call the Worldrace. We have been in The Philippines (Rizal specifically) for a little over a week and a half now and its just..incredible. Our housing is the “YMC complex” which is basically three ish buildings that include bedrooms, hangout areas, a library, workout facilities, spa, kitchen, dining area and a giant pool with slide. Basically not at all what I was expecting on a missions trip, but I’m certainly not complaining.
We are in a prime location because we are just minutes away from the majority of our ministry outreaches so just about everything is in walking distance.
The people here are wonderful and so friendly. Everyone tried so hard to speak English, bending over backwards to understand us and once you get used to the use of eyebrow raises for hellos and affirmation, its not too bad.
We have several ministry opportunities here which is awesome because there are 38 of us, plus a group from San Diego, plus about 30 Australian high schoolers. its a hoppin place.
So our closest ministry is called the children’s home. which is an orphanage for both abandoned children and ones whose parents gave up their rights due to financial status or terrible living environments. We also get the opportunity to love on the Jaz girls who are young girls from 12-28 who have been sexual abused. Another minitstry which is my favorite is the pregnancy clinic. the clinic is free and is open four days a week for check ups and deliveries as well as eggs and natal vitamins.
We also have opportunities to do pool ministry (swiming lessons), construction, tutoring, and of course love on the street children, because they are always around,
I’ve never stood out more in my life. We walk down the streets and we feel like celebrities. All the children come out of their homes and gather around us, hanging off our arms asking our names or whatever little english they know. the men and women all wave or raise their eyebrows at us. they say so beautiful!! so tall! Every morning when we come down for breakfast you can hear the children along the gate yelling tita! tita! which means auntie in tagalog.
We do transportation in style. basically to get anywhere you have to take a trike (basically a tiny motorcycle with a side cart) which we pack atleast 7 people on. then from there you can take Jeepnes or buses or taxis or unicorns..just kidding. not unicorns.
I am so incredibly grateful to have been placed here for the next two and a half months and i cannot wait to see how The Lord works in and through my squad.
much love,
cams
