So there was a huge change of plans. At first, I was kinda really freaked out about it, but now I laugh at myself for even expecting the plan to stay the same.
So on Thursday, October 9th (my team’s first off day here), an announcement was made that we wouldn’t have a full off day and schedules would be changed to include more construction days, so we could finish lots of construction projects before K.I.M.’s commemoration event on November 8th, the anniversary of Super Typhoon Yolanda. On Sundays, we would go to church, and then have free time after. We still got our off day that day, because it was planned. Then, Team Selah did construction on Friday and Saturday. That was a difficult 2 days.
This is our new schedule:
Monday: Cleaning
Tuesday: Construction
Wednesday: 9am and 2pm feeding; night watch
Thursday: Construction
Friday: 9am feeding and afternoon cleaning
Saturday: Construction
Sunday: Church; free time
So we do construction 3 days a week until right before the anniversary. (Don’t worry there are actually construction workers who tell us what to do and all that.) Then we’ll prepare for the event and have the event. I would appreciate your prayers for getting the wall finished and the grass ready and all the construction and prep to be done in time. And for The Lighthouse’s event, of course. Friday evening we’re showing Frozen for community movie night here. Saturday will be the big event. We are having all sorts of family activities and fun from 3-5, and then at 5 we’ll transition to our service. After which, we will have a candlelight procession into the community right behind The Lighthouse where there is going to be a lantern release. Then we’ll go back to The Lighthouse for a big dinner and fireworks. On Sunday, we’ll be hosting a basketball tournament after church. So there is a lot to do before and during the event and not a lot of time left (4 days). And your prayers will definitely help us.
And please, please pray for the people living in this area. The anniversary is likely to be a difficult occasion for many people. Many people lost family and friends. Many people’s homes and belongings were damaged or destroyed. Some people experience PTSD from the trauma of the storm and the aftermath. But part of what is so great about K.I.M’s event here is that it is focusing on not only remembering but also celebrating new beginnings and continuing to move forward.
Thanks for all the support!
Much love,
~grace
