Its hard to believe that we have only been here 5 days now. We are all finally in our assigned ministries and getting settled in for the month ahead. Our team is in a town outside of Manila called San Pedro Laguna, Philippines. We are working with a ministry called “Food For The Hungry.” The ministry does a number of different things in the community, and partners with the local church to help connect the people in that area to the body of Christ. Its a great way for the local body to be active in reaching out to the community. Usually on mission trips, we are used to going out into the field for the day and then returning to a hotel or hostel for the evening. This is a lot different because we are actually living in host homes as pairs, and this is a really cool thing because we are immersed in the culture around us.
Our team is working very closely with the Pastor of the local church. His name is “Papa Dan.” He is an amazing man of God with a huge heart for his people. This past May, Papa Dans wife died during their morning church service and since then, he told us he keeps working in the ministry, but it has been tough because he feels very alone and sad sometimes. We have the cool opportunity each morning to sit down and have devotion time with Papa Dan. He has already been such a blessing to us, and I know that will only continue to grow as the month goes on. The past few days we have been meeting with a lot of people in the Food For The Hungry program, so this Saturday will really kick off our official ministry work. When I really think about it though, our work here started with reaching out to Papa Dan. I am looking forward to getting to know him more. Today, we also had a huge surprise! This morning, our team got the chance to sit down with all the city counsel people to share the vision about the World Race and Food For The Hungry! It was such an encouragement! My prayer is that this might open the door for future World Race teams to come and serve in this community.
Its been a slow start so far. A lot to work through, a lot to figure out, a lot of meetings, etc… I just know for sure that the Lord has huge plans for our team here! I cannot believe this is my life for the next 11 months. I feel so stinking blessed to be one of the few who actually get the opportunity to experience this journey.
Speaking of journeys… Haha… Public transportation in the Philippines… Awesome! Let me introduce you to it and tell you a little story.
Jeepneys (yes people actually ride like this)
Team Rescued Identity on a Trike
One of our first nights in Manila (the capitol of the Philippines which we are just outside of) we had the opportunity to go as a group into town and explore the surroundings. For the first leg of the trip, we took a “jeepney” and for the second half, we took a “trike.” So… we made it to town and had finished eating, etc. and were on our way back, all 6 of us + the driver, were loaded on the “trike.” As we take off the “trike” decides to tip backwards with all of us! HAHA… It was awesome! We all laughed so hard… So hard that one of our girls (not saying any names) pee’d herself from laughing! Fun times! HAHA
So that’s a little bit about our first few days in the Philippines. So far so good! On another funny note… I almost feel like I am getting to have Bible devotions with Mr. Miyagi! How many people can say that, right?! Keep praying for us! Love yall.
