Before we arrived, I could barely spell Philippines. And now – I am totally in love with the place! Apparently I say this every month, but this is DEFINITELY my favorite place on the race so far and I am SO happy here.
We are working with ‘Kids, International’ and we are staying on the island of Mendinow. Our island is in the southern part of the Philippines – and it is considerably cooler than the rest of the islands because we are more highly elevated. It is absolutely beautiful.
Our mission this month is right up my alley. We are staying at an orphanage/summer camp! Our whole squad is together for the month and we have been helping to finish construction on the large cabin here, and we are working to paint and fix up the children’s home. We are also caring for the 26 children who live here, and helping to get ready for their summer camp season – which begins at the end of March.
Our squad also assembled a basketball team for the month – and I am a proud member. It seems to be a habit of mine when naming teams, but we are “The Mighty Ducks.” I may have a slight obsession with those movies. (Who doesn’t?!) The Mighty Ducks Basketball Team plays other teams from the high school and college level 3 to 4 times a week – and we are actually winning some games!! Here is a picture of our BEAUTIFUL team making friends with the enemy. 😉
In other news – I shared with my team a couple months ago that it was as though Haiti was, “my hot boyfriend that I couldn’t stop thinking about.” I knew that I wanted to go help in some way, and God pulled through in major ways for me! I will be going to Haiti from May 16 – 22 to help with medical relief efforts. I sent out emails asking for help in this endeavor, and I am happy to announce that I am already fully funded for that week in Haiti! HUGE THANK YOU 🙂 🙂
Another huge HALLELUJAH: I am not dead. I spent the past few days in the hospital – a lovely mosquito friend gave me his Dengue Fever and I got very sick. Dengue is not a good time, but I had amazing friends stay in the hospital with me, and the doctors and nurses were fantastic. I am getting better, but still not back to 100% – so happy thoughts and prayers would be an incredible thing.
6 weeks til home! Can’t believe it. Thanks for still reading my blogs and for all the love!!! Can’t wait to see you guys!! 🙂
