Atlanta–> Los Angeles–> Taiwan–> Philippines
It’s been quite the journey to getting here. But guys I’m here, actually here, not just talking about it but I’m sitting here halfway across the world in the Philippines. My heart is simply overwhelmed. It’s about 5:30am in the morning, we are all still trying to get adjusted to the time haha. Hello from the future 😉 I’m outside and the view is spectacular. All of the other teams are basically in the city but somehow we got blessed by being tucked away in the mountains of San Mateo, an hour outside of the capital city of Manila and we have zero wifi at our location and I’m absolutely okay with that. I’m getting this blog post prepared because our team will be heading out later today into the city after church to the mall to go in search of wifi. We are truly living among the locals and getting a glimpse at what everyday life looks like for the people living up here on the mountain. It has been eye opening to say the least. The sun rises very early here with the most amazing views of it coming up over the mountains with the roosters crowing.
I wanted to give you a glimpse of what ministry is looking like here in San Mateo as we are here until October 22nd and then we will be relocating to another island called Mindoro by ferry for the rest of ministry time here in Philippines.
Right now we are partnering with a local organization called Grow International. They run a camp for street kids and these kids have quickly captured our hearts, my goodness. Jesus truly does love all the little children of the world and have just given them the capacity to give away love so freely despite their circumstances, it’s been incredibly humbling to witness. Pastor and Momma Jo are hosting us during our time here and boy can Momma Jo cook. We are getting spoiled this month as she has cooked every meal for us and the food has just been incredible. We as a team wanted to figure out how we could bless her during our time with her after all she has done for us and we told her she has tonight off and we are going to go to market today and get food and cook dinner for them. We are trying to find ways to do small things with big love.
As I said these past few days of ministry have been all about the kids. We had the opportunity to take them down to the river yesterday (oh did we get a get a good hike in coming back haha) and spend the day there loving on them and playing with them. It was the best time and the kids were just able to be kids and laugh and have fun and gosh I think it blessed us more than it blessed them. SO MUCH FUN. And we are all a little pink but it’s a sign of a good time and we wouldn’t have it any other way. And after all day in sun, the cold shower when I got back actually felt refreshing, ha!
So this next upcoming week we are going to be working on construction of a home the ministry is building for one of their local staff members Kuya Rudy… He goes by Rudy. He is the one who picked us up from the airport. He has the sweetest and gentlest spirit and infectious smile and laugh. We are so excited to bless him in this way and get his home finished up. I will update you all more on that.
Lastly, we were able to take a trip into the city to the market. What a cool experience and I was able to find a dress to to pick up for church. And we just had great time engaging with the locals and taking it all in and looking around. What a culture this is and just the beginning of what I’m going to experience.
The Philippines and the people have quickly stolen my heart. As we were at the river yesterday and looking around, I think we said “This is epic” multiple times, ha. I couldn’t be here without all of you guys. You have played a strategic role in allowing me to live this dream out. The journey is just beginning. My prayer as I start this is that over this year it will inspire you to start a journey of your own and get outside of yourself and make this world a better place, whatever that may look like for YOU. Not every one is meant to take a year of their life and travel to 11 different countries but somehow this is my reality, my life right now, and the thought of that just truly still blows me away.
Much love to you all, Lola 🙂
This is the nickname the sweet kiddos have given me here and it’s music to my ears.
