Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!!
Hey everyone, I’m alive and well. I haven’t gotten a crazy disease or worms or even lice like everyone thought I’d have by now. Thank you for the health, protection, and safety prayers. We’re headed to Africa right now so please know how much your prayers mean— I’m going into month 4 of the 11 month trip. Its been a whirlwind!
From Memphis- Los Angeles- Taiwan-Tacloban, Philippines-Manila, Philippines- Chiang Mai, Thailand- Bangkok, Thailand- Penang, Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia… now we’re sitting at the airport about to head to Lesotho, Africa, with layovers in Singapore, Ethiopia, and South Africa. It’ll be a few days of traveling before we start seeing the lions and elephants.
Alot has happened over last few months…even on a daily basis. So here’s the “spark note” version:
Philippines (Month 1):
Avg. Temp 90 degrees
We worked with Kids international Ministries(KIM) in Tacloban, Philippines. This city was directly hit by Typhoon Yolanda five years ago, and they’re still recovering due to the severity of the storm. Thousands were killed, houses wiped clean and families were separated. At that time, the “Lighthouse” was established which is run by KIM. This is a safehaven for abandoned children. KIM travels to near by villages and does daily feedings of “Lewgow”.. or at least that’s what the word sounds like when I hear it. Haha
They also have children’s church on Saturday and then bible studies for children, teens and their parents. It is seen as a SAFE PLACE for the community, but what I love about KIM is how they point people to Jesus as they are doing HIS work. Our true safety and protection is in Him. We also got the opportunity to work with the prison ministry and the special needs ministry.
***Waray Waray is the language they speak in Tacloban which is different from Tagalog—spoken in Manila (capital city)
***We went island hopping in boats that look like they could be on Moana, the movie. My favorite island by far was Kalanggaman Island. Crystal clear water—pretty much in awe the entire time I was there!
***The Lighthouse is also walking distance to MacArthur park. Google it if you’ve never heard of it. It’s so interesting!! The MacArthur Leyte Landing Memorial National Park is a protected area of the Philippines that commemorates the historic landing of General Douglas MacArthur in Leyte Gulf at the start of the campaign to recapture and liberate the Philippines from Japanese occupation on 20 October 1944. These are U.S. soldiers!
*** Overall what I learned and became even more thankful for was GRACE. Grace the Lord gave us when He sent Jesus down to us and grace we are to show everyone even we can’t relate or understand. Sooo my word in the Philippines: GRACE
Thailand (Month 2)
Avg temp. 87 degrees
We stayed at the Zion hostel in Chiang Mai, Thailand. This was an all squad month, which means all 37 plus two leaders were in the same hostel. Daily ministry kind of looked different for everyone, but the overall ministry was ATL (Ask.The.Lord) which means exactly how it sounds. You pray and ask the Lord what to do, where to go, and who to talk to…Team XOXO, to keep it general due to gov restrictions, worked with the bar ministry. Most of our specific ministry took place at night; however, there were other teams from our squad who worked in construction by helping recon a Christian school.
***Thailand was full of exotic adventure like feeding/ petting elephants, sending up lanterns at the Yee Peng Lantern Festival and even chatting with monks.
*** Overall what I learned in Thailand was that life is ministry and ministry is life. Sometimes it won’t look like “normal mission trip” ministry to everyone else, but there’s always opportunities to tell people about Jesus. We just have to ATL and be obedient to Him. Word of the month: Listen
Malaysia (Month 3)
Avg temp. 88 degrees
December was challenging. We served alongside YWAM and stayed in Penang, Malaysia (food capital of the world). We worked with a handful of ministries: homeless shelter, youth camp, shared our testimonies, Christmas story dramas, hosted events and all of the Christmas things which was awesome!! But I have to admit, I became a little homesick. It was my first time away from my family for the holidays which was challenging because I love my family so stinkin’ much. Buttt even beyond that, God also put specific things throughout the month on my heart regarding the future (to be continued) Word of the month: vision
I’m currently sitting on the airport floor in Malaysia beside my 50lbs pack (who am I kidding..probably 60lbs haha) waiting for our next flight to Africa. I love this! I love what God is doing…in my life, in the life of those around me and in YOUR life!
No WiFi next month!! And kind of thinking we may be sleeping in tents (WILD) About to totally be out of my comfort zone, but I’m excited!!! They’re currently in a drought, so they asked us to pray for rain, so please keep Lesotho in your prayers!
Love y’all! Thanks for always supporting the mission!!
