Well we’re already one week in, and it’s already been a very eventful time. Launch ended on Sunday with four of our teams flying to the southern island of Mandanao to do ministry in a city called Malay Balay. As much fun as it was for everyone to be reunited with each other in Manila, all the meetings and events to keep up with left me burnt out on Saturday. But unlike the exhaustion that I’m used to, it was a very exhilarating exhaustion…weird I know. But I love this squad.
It’s difficult to put into words what its like to see an already exceptional group of people but then see pure greatness inside of them. I trust them, believe in them and love them dearly. Not to mention the Lord has set us up for success by putting us with some amazing coaches who are perfect for us. 
Some highlights to hit…Saturday morning a huge mess of us went to pray over this 28 year old girl who had died from cancer. By the time I showed up they were praying. But they weren’t just praying, they were warring. They were fighting for this girls life. I was so proud as I stood there and watched them yell and cry and petition to God for the life of this girl they didn’t even know. I would try to explain more but one of the girls on my squad did a better job then I ever could. You can read her blog here.
Also last night I learned that Filipinos LOVE basketball. Our contacts son plays for his college, Ateneo, and is an awesome player. We want to the big game last night that was probably the equivalent to the Final Four in the states. It was a big deal and it was even in the same stadium as the Thrilla in Manila.
The two teams in Manila started their ministry today with orphanage work, building a new library and leading bible studies(to name a few). The four teams in Malay Balay will be doing prison ministry and orphanage work. Di and I will stay in Manila until Sunday when we’ll head down to Malay Balay to spend some time with those teams.
Thank you all for your prayers!
