I know it’s been a while since I last blogged, but guess where I am now…. THE PHILIPPINES!
My team left our babies at Door of Hope on the 26th to join our squad in Rosebank for 2 nights before we flew out of Johannesburg on the 28th. It was really hard to leave the little ones that we had been mothers to for the last 3 weeks, especially the ones that we had seen learn to sit up or take their first steps in our short time together. But trusting God had them in His hands, we spent our last night on the continent of Africa in an amazing time of worship with our squad. It was a time of praise and thanksgiving for His provision in the last 3 months and prayer for our last 4 months on the race. It is hard to believe that we only have 4 months left…. We have spent 7 months on the field! Before the race, 4 months was forever. Now it’s the home stretch.
So we flew out of South Africa, and several long flights later we landed in Manila, in the Philippines. We were welcomed into an amazing guest home for a night of rest before Team Abundant Life and teams Truth, Cool, Walking Third and Dismantle Repair hopped on another plane to head to Mindanao, specifically the city of Malaybalay. Oh, and did I mention we had some slight team changes? Our leader Kayla Thomas stepped down from leadership to empower Aubrie Wooden to walk in the calling of leadership that God has placed on her life. We are all excited to support her in this new role and watch her grow in what the Lord is teaching her.
With Aubrie stepping up into team leader, she left her position of finance person to be filled by someone else stepping up into this role of leadership. And the Lord alone knows why they did, but I was asked to take up the job as finance person for Team Abundant Life. And the Lord alone knows why I agreed! No but really, I feel honored to serve my team by taking care of the financial end of ministry. I know it’s not an easy job, but I didn’t come on the race ’cause I expected it to be easy, right? So now I hold the power of the team dedit card… Now THAT’S scary.
But here we are, safe in Malaybalay at the Mt. Moriah Sports Camp and New Faith Family Children’s Home. Green and vibrant even in the pouring rain, the constant downpour and chilly wind on our first day here was definately NOT what we expected from the Philippines. We were comforted to be told it was rather unusual weather and the locals wouldn’t even leave their house in such conditions. Our ministries this month will vary from staffing the children’s home, various college, prison and sports ministries and feeding programs on the weekends. With 31 racers here this month, we will be involved in many different aspects of this ministry and I’m excited to try out new things and see God work in new ways!
Internet is going to be limited, but I’m excited to post more blogs of our adventures here in Malaybalay! Thank you for all of your prayers and support!
