Hey! Greetings from Antipolo in the Philippines!
I am really enjoying the Philippines and living like a local. My team and I are staying at Children’s Garden. We have 3 home cooked meals per day. The food is so good, I could gain weight here. My team is awesome and really encouraging. I have limited access to wifi, unfortunately, there is a 12-13 hour time difference so it has been difficult to keep in touch with anyone in the states. Filipino people are nice and I am basically a giant here since the average height is about 5’3″. Being stared at has become a way of life. The weather has been really diverse, 88 and sunny with 90% humidity every day, nice and cool. There is one benefit to the weather though, since we lack hot water, the cold showers feel like a taste of heaven.
Here are some pictures from my stay here:
Antipolo, Philippines
Até Sharon, Children’s Garden director and ministry host, and I riding a trike.
Sharon, photo cred to Miguel Gonzalez.
Michael Naté, who had transverse myelitis, walking with a walker. He was recently paralyzed from the waste down and now he is able to walk. His faith and trust in God is so awesome, and he has remained positive, hopeful, and hardworking even when he couldn’t walk. My team and I visit him daily.
Physical therapy with Michael Naté.
Antipolo street view, photo cred Miguel Gonzalez.
Filipinos love basketball, so we have been playing a lot of basketball.
After church with my team and Children’s Garden boys.
Children’s ministry at church.
Sara and I, she is so sweet and loud.
Going to women’s jail ministry. Stella spoke and encouraged the women this past week. I will be sharing this coming week. I actually had a lot of fun. The women were so receptive and engaging. We played games, danced, and also talked about God and His restoration.
Riding trike with Farrah, Stella, and Elmer, our local taxi driver. Trikes are the local taxis.
Van ride to cave and Daranak Falls.
Hiking to Daranak Falls
Daranak Falls
Photo cred to Miguel Gonzales for the last 6 photos
Photo cred to Stella Udeozor.
I had sooo much fun at the falls. Rock climbing, jumping off the waterfalls, just goofing off.
Waiting on our ride to church on Filipino time.
Filipino time; a translation:
having a set schedule and time to do something and leaving between 1/2 an hour to an hour later than that scheduled time.
While experiencing this phenomenon, we did a mini photoshoot with Wilson, Jepoy, and Joshua.
Children’s ministry.
Encouraging some local street kids.
Lunch at Children’s Garden.
Thank you to everyone who has supported me. I am fully funded!! PRAISE THE LORD and THANK YOU!!
God Bless. Keep your head up. Stay positive. God has good plans for your life.
Love,
Amanda
