Latest Update:
Sorry, I know I haven’t updated in a while. But to be honest, not many new things have been going on. I’ve pretty much fallen into a routine, and it doesn’t sound too exciting when I put it into words, so I thought it best if I just show pictures instead, since we all know that’s what everyone wants to see! So basically, I’ve been doing a mixture of a couple things since I first arrived. The first, is to help Jeff and Colleen out with some logistical stuff. By the end of this month there will have been three different groups here all involved in a wide variety of ministries, including tons of construction, prison visits, working with a local boys home, volunteering at the children’s home, tutoring, planting a garden, putting up a basketball court, local basketball ministry, swim lessons with the kids, painting, and a bunch of other things I’m sure I’m forgetting. So my job is to get the groups the tools they need to carry out these tasks. So basically I’ve kind of been the go-between for Jeff and the short term trips, hopefully making his job a little easier and hopefully helping some of the groups plans to go a little smoother as well.
Some groups have needed a lot of help, and others are pretty much self-run. For the times when I’m working with self-run groups, I find myself over at the children’s home with much of my spare time, specifically the nursery. I probably head over to the Children’s Home for at least thirty minutes a couple times a day, usually more though. I love being around kids, and I love these specific kids especially!!
Earlier this week I was able to have some one on one time with my buddy Diana. She’s one of the older girls, and I connected with her best the last time I was here. So I took her away from the children’s home for a couple hours and came back to the green house (now called the YunJin Ministry Center, the place where I am staying), ad played Rudolph Christmas Monopoly, which she had never played before. It was awesome to have that one on one time with her and be able to give her some special attention, which is rare for these children to find when they have thirty five brothers and sisters with them all the time. Diana and I are going to try and hang out one or two more times before I leave at the end of this month.
Also, the head guy here, Jeff Long, has insisted that I get away for a couple days and see another part of the Philippines. So Elizabeth (see picture below), the girl who heads up the nursery right now, and I are going to take a little trip to Boracay Island. This place is supposed to be GORGEOUS! So next week Monday we will leave and get back Wednesday afternoon. Hopefully we’ll get to do some fun things like snorkeling, laying on the beach, horesback riding, waterfall swimming, etc.
And just for your viewing pleasure… here’s a picture of where we’ll be:
Now on to the good stuff….
Moses got some new boots!
Angel and I playing outside
Pauleen, me, and Maricel
Angel and Pauleen at the girl’s tea party!! 
Jessica with her tea and biscuts at the girl’s tea party
All of the girls from the children’s home dressed up in their new, special, tea party dresses!
Marilyn and one of her “special” little boys ….because we don’t have favorites around here 😉
All the boys love Ate Linda!
Here is baby Kenth (who is turning 1yr old in 2 weeks!) with his absolute favorite person in the world, Ate Rowina
Moses and Angel were captivated by one of the workers installing a curtain rod. But really, it’s a perfect picture for these two buddies, who do everything together!
One of my “special” little boys…Chris John! He is TOO cute can you even stand it?? Because I sure can’t….
PS- I love babies with mohawks 🙂
Here’s another of Chris John, this time with his buddy Jude who can always get the babies to smile.
Just like I said…. Moses and Angel, buddies for life!
Now if you’ve ever been to the nursery, then this is a familiar sight for you… the twins love love LOVE to be held all the time. This is Jacob begging to join me on the chair 🙂
Tyra and Moses playing together on the couch… so good to see her smiling!!
Tita Elizabeth with Andrew and Jacob
Tita Sharon, one of the current World Racers, feeding baby Heartlyn
Tita Kendra (a 2mo current volunteer) hanging out with the boys in the nursery
Jacob’s favorite activity in the nursery…. pushing a chair around the room…. really, who needs to buy toys??
Here’s a good idea of what it’s like to work in the nursery. Moses does things he’s not supposed to do (like moving this table in front of the door), then Andrew joins in, and there in the front you have the twins fighting over a toy. Typical nursery scene.
I like this picture. Me with the two trouble makers: Angel and Moses. I promise Moses was happy and really into taking this picture… it’s just his face doesn’t show it. But inside, he’s smiling as big as Angel!
Tyra and Angel in their pretty dresses!
Also one of my favorite pictures…. Angel and Moses all ready to go play outside and stay protected from the sun 🙂 How cute do they look!!!
