Welcome to the Philippines ????
I love Africa. If you haven’t been, please go. Vacation or missions, you will not be disappointed.
But the Philippines…holds a place in my heart for a growing number of reasons.
Going into this country I knew I needed rest. Being in Africa for 4 months was pretty exhausting. The heat, the ministry, the spiritual warfare, just not fun at times. I’ve been in the Philippines for 1 week now and Gods reminded me of Matthew 11:28-30, “Then Jesus said, ‘come to me all who are weary and carry heavy burdens and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear and the burden I give is light.’”
Much needed reminder as I start this new country but also the last.
The ministry here we are partnered with is called “Grow International.” There main focus is on street kids. The camp we stay at is in the mountains. It’s basically a church building with rooms above and a view of the mountains that is spectacular. It also rests below the worlds 2nd largest 10 Commandments monument. They hold camps for small groups of street kids they’ve formed relationships with and do activities with them. Have fires, swim in the river, worship, sessions etc. This weekend we are having our first one. It’s a boys camp for teenagers. They live on the streets and ask for money or steal. They have problems with alcohol and drugs. A cheap drug here is “glue” basically they sniff it and they can get a high. In April they are putting on a VBS. A church in the USA donates their props from last summers VBS and a missionary couple here reuses it to hold VBS here! So the theme is “Maker Fun Factory.”
Lately we have been visiting an elementary school teaching them English. Most days they read in Tagalog and I nod along like I know what they’re saying. Then the girls like to grab my arms asking me to “play.” They’re favorite game? Run. So we run in circles around the outdoor assembly area. Even if it’s not my favorite game they are helping me stay quiet active in burning off the white rice we eat at every meal!
Stay tuned for more updates on these last 3 months of my Gap Year Squad Leading experience in the Philippines!!
