I owe an apology to all my followers and supporters for not posting a blog in quite a while. What with leaving Africa, adjusting to life in the Philippines, and immersing myself in the ministry here, I had to take some time to process before I shared my thoughts. Luckily, I’ve finally set aside some time to update you all on current events.
My feelings on leaving Africa were bittersweet. Living in Malawi for three months was at times a tough experience. Yet for all its difficulties, it was a hard goodbye. I grew tremendously in my faith while in Malawi and formed several strong ties to people there. I would happily return in the future, for Malawi is a country desperately in need of the transformative love we have as Christ followers.
Our flights to the Philippines went smoothly; we traveled first to Johannesburg in South Africa, then on to Doha in Qatar before finally landing in Manila late at night. Despite jet lag, I dove right into life here at Kids International Ministries (KIM) the next day.
KIM is a fantastic organization that does a tremendous amount for the community. We’re staying at the main base which is built as a guest house for dozens of people. KIM hosts innumerable church groups, college mission groups, high school groups, World Race teams, families, and travelers who come in and out weekly. I’ve already met quite a few great people with whom I hope to maintain friendships.
While most of KIM’s ministries concentrate on children, there are many other focuses besides. I’ve gone to the pregnancy clinic several times to do routine checkups for pregnant women. Some of my squad mates even got to assist in a birth a few weeks ago. I also enjoy going on the “feedings”, which happen twice daily when volunteers at KIM drive out to underprivileged neighborhoods with large tubs of a protein-heavy porridge. We serve the food and play with the kids in the area. The Children’s Home is just up the street where KIM shelters dozens of kids rescued from hurtful home lives. We often visit to play with the younger ones and hang out with the older ones. KIM also has a great pool on their campus here so we often bring kids from the neighborhood or from the Children’s Home to go swimming.
We were recently placed on new teams (hopefully for the remainder of the Race!). I’m on a coed team again with Ethan from my first team. I love Team Albatross and I’m so excited to see how God uses us to grow each other.
Even though we’ve only been here for two weeks, we’ve had plenty of fun. After all, “it’s more fun in the Philippines!” is the saying around here. There are numerous malls within easy distance on public transportation. In fact, the transportation is a whole story in itself. On main roads the most common sight is a Jeepney (pronounced Jeep-knee). These are remnants of WWII vehicles (many American) that have been painted with bright and diverse pictures and converted into public transport.
We’ve already visited a restaurant called Cloud 9, which is set on a hill overlooking the city and the bay. A separate viewing tower can be accessed by a long rope bridge that sways disturbingly in the wind. While there we tried the popular dessert here called halo-halo. It consists of shaved ice, purple ice cream, and a mix of beans and fruit jellies. Once you mix it all together, it’s a surprise in every bite!
Just the other night we visited the Mall of Asia. Now if you don’t know, the Mall of Asia is the biggest mall in Asia, which is saying something because every normal mall here is already massive. We didn’t even do much exploring, though, because we were there for a purpose: a music-synced fireworks show competition over the water. It was hands down the best fireworks I’ve ever seen. We then had an adventure trying to flag down a taxi along with hundreds of other people who were leaving the mall at the same time.
The girls on our squad are all sharing one large room at the top of a four story building. While the stairs are hard on the legs, it’s all worth it for the perfect, unimpeded view of the city. I’ve made it a point to try to head up there every night after dinner, because even better than the city is the sunset we get to witness, the colors greatly enhanced by the smog. I mention this last because it takes my breath away every evening, just as God is taking my breath away here. While I’ve had a great time already, life here is by no means perfect, but I’m finding out how to enjoy it just the same. From the books I’m reading to the travelers I’ve met to the very children themselves, God amazes me with His presence time and time again.
Thank you for taking the time to read this blog. Your prayers and thoughts are truly appreciated. Please continue to pray for my squad and me. Prayers for health are especially needed. A blessing to all of you. May you know God’s love and be brought to your knees in adoration of Him.
