Nope not a blog about THE END TIMES that so many talk about. It is about the Philippines!! We are in Month 11 and it has been jammed packed with so so many things. I have 10 Days left in this race! It’s insane to think that I won’t be constantly on the move or trying to find lodging or spend time with the same group of people for all hours of the day. Or sleeping in Hostels. Or just being with this Fusion Family.
Let’s start with Manilla. The few days here were mostly logistics days to get us to Naga City Philippines. But one day Kate and I went exploring the city. Trying out restaurants, Star Bucks and wondering the harbor. We got to speak with a few people and eat pancakes. Mostly we just talked and discussed whether or not AIM would be okay with us taking one of the water planes to go Island Hopping. It was crazy to think that in the 11 months this is the first month Kate and I are on a team for the whole month! Kate is an amazing, spirit filled woman. So glad to get to hang with her this year, hear the wisdom she has, pray with her and just get to know her. You should watch her blog because she isn’t finished! She has so much more world changing to do in the name of our Lord Jesus. (katelagerwey.theworldrace.org) She will be going back on the field as a Squad Leader in January and if you want to support her she needs funding and prayers!
To say I fell in love with the Philippines would be an understatement. This country is the most beautiful I have seen so far. And the hospitality of the people is over the top. Kate met a woman named Rina and she invited us to Naga City. We were invited over to her family home for lunch where we met some of her family and her friend Lily. These new friends were great and the girls got to pour so much love into Rina’s life!
Also in Naga we played with the children around our hostel. We were like celebrities every time we walked out. Couldn’t get by without a hello Wade and high five or hug. Or sometimes being told I am loved. Then we got connected with a local orphanage. Definitely made me want to adopt!!! We got to hold them and play with them and pray over them. It was the best to be able to give these children love and give them all the hugs they wanted. My favorite moment was the second time we went, when we arrived, one of the little girls saw me and ran straight at me and jumped into my arms and had me hold her and give her hugs until she wanted to play with her toys. And I almost didn’t want to go… God knew I needed the hug just as much.
Next we had team time in one of the small coastal villages in Camaroan Philippines. We had no wifi and no real food options. But it was great worshiping on the beach. Getting up to see Philippine sunrise and island hopping and snorkeling. (Thank you RChurch!) We all got a little toasted but so worth seeing God’s beautiful creation. Not to mention the attempt to make it to a different beach by trying to cut through a bog. Almost lost my sandals but we had to turn back in the end.
Then we went back to Naga City to hang out Rina one more time before heading to Manila to be with the rest of the squad. And there is a rumor we will be getting an ACTUAL Thanksgiving Dinner! So excited to do it with this family even though I am missing my Thanksgiving/Christmas with my family back home. 10 more DAYS!
