As I enter the last week of ministry here in the Philippines, I realize that a ton has happened this month. Here’s an abbreviated recap with some pictures.
Debrief–first 4 days devoted to inward reflection. Here are the big lessons I took away and tried to work on throughout the month.
1. I don’t have to be right. I don’t have to put my best foot forward and convince everyone I am good at everything.
2. Its better to take joy in the success of others and I don’t need credit for things.
3. Who am I to worry about fairness when I already owe an un-repayable debt to God.
Primary Ministry–Orphanage, older boys, spending afternoons at the orphanage with all the kids
Nightly devotions
Secondary Ministries
Basketball coaching
3 Day Sports Camp referee (bball, soccer, frisbee, baseball track, swimming, volleyball)
Prison ministry
“Feedings” in particularly poor communities
Commencement speech at graduation
Drafted sports contract for local athelete
Gang Youth at Children’s Garden
Vacation Bible School 1 week, in charge of sports/games for 4-16 year olds (capture the flag, knockout, Sharks and Minnows aka “Monster in the middle,” many types of tag, kickball, duck duck goose, pacman, soccer).
Miscellaneous fun
“Guys afternoon out” and went bowling.
Chili’s, bottomless chips and salsa, 10 glasses of Miranda (orange soda)
Pacquiao on tv (4/6 commercials are of him)
I took pictures as Mike and Carl brought a bathtub to the prison and baptized over 40 inmates. 
Here is a group shot of the prisoners
Somehow I ended up giving a graduation commencement address. If you look carefully on the banner, you can see my name as the “inspirational speaker.”
I went to one of the non-orphan kids from the basketball team and watched the Pacquiao v. Clottey replay and had some Filipino home cooking.
I ran the Manila 10k
We squeezed 19 people (including 4 American adults) into an 8 seater to get to the basketball tournament. Although there didn’t seem to be room, the head missionary stopped the car and pushed all the kids farther over so I could squeeze in
We helped out at the local Christian School. These are my boys. 
I will post once more before we leave with some final thoughts. Thanks for all your prayers!
