Adventures in the Philippines!!

So today was full of adventures. This morning, we woke up at 3:30 AM to Skype into a church business meeting. Then we got to sleep in, but when we woke up, we got ready and headed outside to work! We worked around the house for a bit at first, the men helping with some constructing, the girls with some painting. However, Becky and I got asked to sort through a box of noodles (in baggies) and find the ones which had not been eaten into by bugs...

Soooo...

We found some cockroaches and other nice little surprises. Halfway through the box we turned it over to some of the guys and headed to paint.

At 3 PM we began to get ready to leave for a local squatter village where a fire had started last weekend. We traveled by foot deep into the village and I was surprised that anyone had survived the fire considering the depth of the village.

When we got there, crowds literally came from nowhere surrounding us for food, water, and clothing. Somehow, I was not consumed with the fear of being stampeded (though that was a present threat) but I was actually thrilled to just be there, pouring hope into these people's lives through the love of Christ.

We did not have much time as we had to be back at Miles' (Emily's) house as soon as possible to help with the impoverished children's ministry that she runs. Tonight was a blast and we have tons of pictures and videos. Tomorrow is our last night working there and early on Thursday morning we leave Manila to travel to Malaybalay and work with more construction sites.

Praise God for all these opportunities! :)

Two more photos

These two photos are two of the most precious boys EVER! Rene is in the back and he is 14. Fritz is in the front and he is 10. It is Fritz's life goal to teach me Tagalog. :) This was just a few minutes ago at church!

Photo update

Today I decided to do a mainly photo update. There has been so much going on it is very hard to write about it all. Especially because I am still processing.

Children are everywhere here and that means my heart is firmly planted.

I know I have said this before but my team is genuinely amazing. We have had SUCH a great time together and everyone always has such a positive attitude...even when the going gets tough.

Enjoy the pictures!!

Tita Becca

Here at the children's home, I am "Tita Becca" (Aunt Becca) according to the kids. I love it.
Moses, me, and JP. I LOVE them with every fiber in my being. I pray for them to find amazing homes where the parents love and fear Christ and instill this in these two boys.

This is how close we are to poverty. I walk by this at least twice a day.

Rain!!

The PHILIPPINES from a plane!!

Three PRECIOUS children that God has created and placed here.

"My" Moses. Don't tell the others I call him that. ;)

These are some pictures. I love it here and I love these kids. I could not imagine leaving them so I won't just yet.

God has been awesome in providing opportunities to love on them. I have spent quite a bit of time with them and each time I go back, I want to stay longer. Hopefully I'll be working a graveyard shift in the nursery soon. I worked a 6 hour shift yesterday afternoon/evening and fell in love.

It is soon time to return for a couple hours. They will wake up from their naps in about 30 minutes.

Praise God for all these opportunities! Please continue praying for the team.

We miss you all and love you all!

Life here is different. Filipino time is very relaxed. Family is HUGELY important. Loyalty is valued. Children are dear.

Life is precious. Love is vital. Affection is limited. Joy is prevalent.

I am not excited to leave. I want to continue here. That gives me great encouragement in my future endeavors.

Thank you all so much for your love and support!

PHILIPPINEEEEEEES!

Ok, so today is just day 2 in the Philippines but I am in love for MANY reasons...

1) the kids
2) my team
3) it is VERY reminiscent of Indonesia
4) the heat (weird, I know)
5) the food
6) the kids
7) the kids

haha. I LOVE the children we are working with. Ira is a VERY sweet girl who took to me IMMEDIATELY and gives me kisses on the cheek and hugs and leads me around by holding my hand.

I love her.

This is VERY short. I just wanted to let everyone know I am ok and that things are going well.

I will miss this place when I leave.

It leaves Indonesia very heavy on my heart, though. This is the life I was made for.

Love you all. Thank you for all your support and love.

Philippines blog!

To keep up with our team, click here :) I will be emailing on a weekly basis and hopefully posting here, but we will also be keeping a blog updated weekly (or more often) on that website as well. Thanks for your prayers and support! We leave in 2 days!! :)