“…He has
created us anew in Christ Jesus,
created us anew in Christ Jesus,
so we can do the good things He planned for us
long ago”
long ago”
–Ephesians 1:10
Well…I’m
sure you are all wondering what I am doing in Bohol, Philippines! This week has
been amazing and I’m excited about continuing the month! The 12 of us are
partnering with a ministry here called International
Care Ministries. They have a unique approach to addressing the
severe poverty by partner with existing local Christian churches that are
found in most slum communities. ICM’s role is to empower these local
congregations to actively share the message of God’s love with those in their
communities. They do this by providing programs that efficiently address the most serious
problems faced by those living in poverty.
sure you are all wondering what I am doing in Bohol, Philippines! This week has
been amazing and I’m excited about continuing the month! The 12 of us are
partnering with a ministry here called International
Care Ministries. They have a unique approach to addressing the
severe poverty by partner with existing local Christian churches that are
found in most slum communities. ICM’s role is to empower these local
congregations to actively share the message of God’s love with those in their
communities. They do this by providing programs that efficiently address the most serious
problems faced by those living in poverty.
Caley & I – Our view as we drive along the coast…
I
am working with two guys, John and Bong, in the Preschool Program. We drive to
one of the 9 remote school/church that ICM has planted. We work with the moms
of preschoolers while they are in school. Usually we drive up to two hours away
to pretty remote locations. Each school gets visited once a week by the ICM
staff. Before lunch we usually do about 4-6 house visits to meet with the
mother of the home. Most of the questions are about childcare, health
conditions, financial stability, and knowledge of God, etc. You wouldn’t
believe some of the living conditions I’ve seen!
am working with two guys, John and Bong, in the Preschool Program. We drive to
one of the 9 remote school/church that ICM has planted. We work with the moms
of preschoolers while they are in school. Usually we drive up to two hours away
to pretty remote locations. Each school gets visited once a week by the ICM
staff. Before lunch we usually do about 4-6 house visits to meet with the
mother of the home. Most of the questions are about childcare, health
conditions, financial stability, and knowledge of God, etc. You wouldn’t
believe some of the living conditions I’ve seen!
Bong taking a survey at one of the homes that will be enrolling in the next program
Around
lunchtime we go back to the pastors home for a prepared meal. I haven’t tried
anything too weird…yet! They know Americans don’t eat as adventurous, or at
least I don’t! Rice is with EVERY meal, even dessert! Most houses have
chickens, pigs, dogs, and cats running around, that will later become dinner!
Luckily no one has offered me that…whew! I’ve stuck to chicken and fish (and I’m
getting over the fact that the fish has a face and tail)!
lunchtime we go back to the pastors home for a prepared meal. I haven’t tried
anything too weird…yet! They know Americans don’t eat as adventurous, or at
least I don’t! Rice is with EVERY meal, even dessert! Most houses have
chickens, pigs, dogs, and cats running around, that will later become dinner!
Luckily no one has offered me that…whew! I’ve stuck to chicken and fish (and I’m
getting over the fact that the fish has a face and tail)!
John doing an afternoon teaching with the mothers while the kids are in school
After
lunch all the mothers come together in a meeting place and we conduct a few
seminars on family health, hygiene and nutrition, common illnesses in the
community, and first aid…basically anything involving being a productive
homemaker and ways to make life a little easier! The things we think are common
knowledge are far from most of these families thoughts. After the two seminars
someone usually gives a bible study. You can tell the women and children look
forward to our weekly visits. They know they are the definition of poverty and
are eager to learn how to improve their living conditions.
lunch all the mothers come together in a meeting place and we conduct a few
seminars on family health, hygiene and nutrition, common illnesses in the
community, and first aid…basically anything involving being a productive
homemaker and ways to make life a little easier! The things we think are common
knowledge are far from most of these families thoughts. After the two seminars
someone usually gives a bible study. You can tell the women and children look
forward to our weekly visits. They know they are the definition of poverty and
are eager to learn how to improve their living conditions.
Some of the kids at a house visit in the mountains
The
kids are so precious; they just want your love and attention. They will sit and
stare at me the entire time I am there. Most of them love having their picture
taken and think we are movie stars! When I walk into a preschool classroom I’m always
greeted in unison, “Hello vi-seee-tor (visitor).” It’s so cute the way they say
it! It’s so different from Australia where the kids wouldn’t even look you in
the eye! To show respect, they will run up and grab my hand and touch the front
of it to their forehead. Culturally it is very reverent and usually only done
to the grandmother…I hope I’m not looking that old yet! 🙂
kids are so precious; they just want your love and attention. They will sit and
stare at me the entire time I am there. Most of them love having their picture
taken and think we are movie stars! When I walk into a preschool classroom I’m always
greeted in unison, “Hello vi-seee-tor (visitor).” It’s so cute the way they say
it! It’s so different from Australia where the kids wouldn’t even look you in
the eye! To show respect, they will run up and grab my hand and touch the front
of it to their forehead. Culturally it is very reverent and usually only done
to the grandmother…I hope I’m not looking that old yet! 🙂
The preschoolers in Candijay, Bohol
So
that’s basically my life this month! It has been super rewarding so
far. I feel like I am right where the Lord wants me. I will continue to
pray that He uses me in whatever way He see’s fit…Love and blessings to all…
that’s basically my life this month! It has been super rewarding so
far. I feel like I am right where the Lord wants me. I will continue to
pray that He uses me in whatever way He see’s fit…Love and blessings to all…
This is my back yard this month! Yeah…I know! 🙂 After my 6am run I take a shower,
eat breakfast, and come out here on the hammock for some quiet time with the Lord!
