I am currently living in the city of Malaybalay on the island of Mindanao. Our primary ministry is helping out with 24/7 eight hour shifts at the orphanage home on the property helping to give the house moms a break. the other night I had the first night shift from 10PM to 6AM with Tara and the cute infants and toddlers. Tara only got puked on once and we didn’t get much sleep but it was such a blessing to be a part of. there will be many more shifts to come…
we are also getting involved with the local city jail. There are about 250 people there right now, men women and minors. They are there because of anything from drugs to theft to murder. My first day there, I had never experienced anything like it. As we walk through the crowded cells, being greeted by waves, smiles and hand shakes. We got to spend time with the women and minors in the yard and they taught me a new fun game in the mud :] As we were leaving all the men in one cell sang and praised God with us like no other. The guys there know their bible, they love God and it was amazing to see that even in a place of darkness God’s light is already shinning brightly for all to see!
We have also been blessed to work alongside an organization called IVCF (Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship) and the local college campus. At first it was weird to be back on a college campus, but I have loved getting to know these men and women. I’m stoked for what the month is going to bring in our relationships. It is always so encouraging to see others across the world with a vision like your own.
There has also been a lot of manual labor, which the boys love and a basketball ministry. woot.
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fact. the philippines has yummmmy food. we are right by a pineapple and banana farm so getting fresh fruit every meal makes me super happy.
fact. the philippines has the saddest street animals I have seen yet on the race :[
fact. the other night tara and I got the first night shift with the four toddlers and two infants at the home from 10PM to 6AM. surprisingly it was a breeze! and the little girl kept making farting noises with her mouth all night keeping us entertained.
fact. the women here want lighter skin like us and we want darker skin like them.
fact. I spent the afternoon playing a game where I throw my shoe at a can to try and knock it over without getting tagged… in the mud… with the prison mates of the local jail. this is my life. thank you Jesus!
fact. I actually missed college the other night. all month we get to participate in the local college IVCF meetings.
fact. I am absolutely no bueno at basketball.
fact. i already love that I have a cat friend who takes naps in my lap and is at our door waiting for me every morning 😀 😀 😀
fact. I love it here because everyone is short like me annnnd everyone who is 24 looks 15 like me too!!!!! it rocks.
