I'm spending my last bit of time at Open Door- the place that invaded my heart 3 years ago. These kids still invade my heart- with every smile, with ever hug, with every word. It doesn't take much. I was blown away just last night when we got the surprise the older girls had been promising us for days. We were led up to the third floor, blindfolded. When allowed to take off the blindfolds we were amazed to see a beautiful tea party made for us. It was exquisite. We drank tea, ate goodies, danced and sang, shared and cried, and had one of the most memorable nights of the summer. It reminded me of why I come back year after year, it reminded me of why God called me to the Philippines. Everytime I look into the eyes of beautiful Ate Tess or sweet Joana or sassy Juday I see Christ's love. I see my heart, and I can't help but desire for the next time I come back, I can't wait to be here with these people again sharing God's love with the hungry, the lonely, the brokenhearted, the abandoned, the lost.
It's hard to believe I will leave to go home in just a few days. To me, this summer was a blink of an eye. I don't know if is because I traveled so much or if it is because of the peace I have when I am in this country. Everything is natural here, even when I am stared at. My skin may be white, and my nose my be long, and my hair may be light brown, but Pinoy Ako I am. :)
Thank you God for the amazing opportunity you have given me to serve you here again in the Philippines. Continue to use your children, of every race, to minister around the world and lead others to You and make disciplese of all nations.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Monday, July 18, 2011
Back at New Faith Family
Whoo Wee! What a place to be for my second to last stop. They will keep you going here at New Faith. While I've gotten the chance to make tons of new friends this time around, it's been so great to minister more to the kids and now also to the Angels of Josie's Angels. If you don't know who the Angels are then you need to visit our team website http://www.nehemiahteams.blogspot.com/ and find New Faith Family and look for the blog on Josie's Angels. It's been fun spending time with the Angels and one of their "moms" Cindi who is in fact American. She's a great role model for the girls and has also been someone for the team to go to for spiritual advice. I've also gotten to hang out with the older kids who live in the YMC. These guys and girls are the teenagers and really need the "ate"/ "kuya" influence. It's need to watch the nannies with them and it's been awesome to jump right in there and just how excepting they were to me, especially as teenagers.
Of course the children in the nursery always touch my heart. In fact everytime I sit down and Unis plops down in it and ask me to do "Chubby Bunny" with her it brightens my day. I pray that she will remember things like that. I know I will. I can't forget precious John and his beautiful smile and six toes. I can't forget 5 bonding youngins on the couch watching colorful pictures on the TV that would never amuse an American child. I can't forget bath time and the way I get more wet than the kids.
I will never forget the way Shelby lights up when she meets a new person and gets the opportunity to share with them why she is so happy or how she can be super tired but walk into a room full of kids and you'd never know she was even tired! I will never forget Heather and the way she is able to dig into the word and God instantly speaks to her or how she can hold two big babies at one time- super Tita! I will never forget Kaitlyn and her cheerleader self giggling with the kids as if she were one herself or how when it's time to go somewhere she is dead set and nothing gets in her way.
New Faith is a great place full of ministry opportunities! Please keep them in your prayers!!!
Of course the children in the nursery always touch my heart. In fact everytime I sit down and Unis plops down in it and ask me to do "Chubby Bunny" with her it brightens my day. I pray that she will remember things like that. I know I will. I can't forget precious John and his beautiful smile and six toes. I can't forget 5 bonding youngins on the couch watching colorful pictures on the TV that would never amuse an American child. I can't forget bath time and the way I get more wet than the kids.
I will never forget the way Shelby lights up when she meets a new person and gets the opportunity to share with them why she is so happy or how she can be super tired but walk into a room full of kids and you'd never know she was even tired! I will never forget Heather and the way she is able to dig into the word and God instantly speaks to her or how she can hold two big babies at one time- super Tita! I will never forget Kaitlyn and her cheerleader self giggling with the kids as if she were one herself or how when it's time to go somewhere she is dead set and nothing gets in her way.
New Faith is a great place full of ministry opportunities! Please keep them in your prayers!!!
It is Merely an Adventure?
Do you like adventure? Do you enjoy being out of your comfort zone? Do you enjoy having to rely on strangers, foreign strangers? Do you like having to trust God fully? Do you enjoy traveling on foot, then on public transportation- crowded transportation? Do you enjoy having to maybe get sweaty, really sweaty? Do you enjoy having to smell because of the places you might have to walk through? Do you look forward to sharing your testimony, your faith, with random strangers that have no hope?
If any of this appeals to you than you are fit to join God in the over important task of testifying to the gospel of His grace. There are still over 2,000 unreached people groups left and none of them are easy. He said he will have representatives from every group at Judgement Day. Will you join Him in getting the task done or are you going to sit back and live out the "American Dream"? "Let someone else go- I'm not called." Just imagine them burning in hell for a few minutes and thing again... What's more important- our comfort zone or people's eternal destiny?
If any of this appeals to you than you are fit to join God in the over important task of testifying to the gospel of His grace. There are still over 2,000 unreached people groups left and none of them are easy. He said he will have representatives from every group at Judgement Day. Will you join Him in getting the task done or are you going to sit back and live out the "American Dream"? "Let someone else go- I'm not called." Just imagine them burning in hell for a few minutes and thing again... What's more important- our comfort zone or people's eternal destiny?
Gentle Hands
1 boy + 3 girls united together to serve 80+ orphans ranging from tiny babies to 23 years old. Does this task seem hard? Well of course, but this team isn't faint of heart.
Spending time at Gentle Hands was quite an experience. It's the biggest in quantity that I have worked with but equal in loving children and ministering to the needs of the people.
While at Gentle Hands, I got to be a part of the ministry the team participates in daily. Cory is normally the "manly man" and ministers by working construction and such with the Filipino men. Meanwhile, I jumped in with the girls in the nursery rooms- babies; ones; and twos- fours. I also hung out with the older kids. It was really neat to see Maddie work with Merville who has severe Cerebral Palsy. He has come so far just this summer because of her devotion, love, and commitment. It was fun watching Becky toss kids up in the air and do acrobatic moves with them. Micah looked so maternal holding babies, she made it look easy.
While the team is an array of personalities, there are most certainly fun to serve with in ministry.
Two events stick out to me the most during my time with Gentle Hands. I'd been eying an adorable little light skinned boy named Lex and I remember when he randomly ran into my arms for no apparent reason. I felt "worth a million" because it was a long, long time before he let go. We were buddies from that moment on.
The other thing was when we went to Malabong. It's a city with seven sub areas- non in great condition- we went to the worst of the slums where Ate Cher (the lady who runs the orphanage) has an outreach. As I walked on layers of dirty garbage and cloths it made me sad, but then I saw smiles as I greeted people "Magandang Umaga po." These people are settled in their arrangements. They know where they live. They are happy as long as they have relationship and are healthy. Here it's not about what you have, here it can't be. What they need it health and relationships- with each other and with Jesus.
As we played with the kids and painted the basketball court, I couldn't help but fell a little joy knowing I'd just greated a little fun for them. They deserve that. I prayed that it lifted their spirits. The team will go back on Sunday and they will set up a medical clinic and they will have a worship type servic. My prayer is that as they minister to the physical needs, their spiritual needs will also be met. Pray with me please for the people of Malabong.
Spending time at Gentle Hands was quite an experience. It's the biggest in quantity that I have worked with but equal in loving children and ministering to the needs of the people.
While at Gentle Hands, I got to be a part of the ministry the team participates in daily. Cory is normally the "manly man" and ministers by working construction and such with the Filipino men. Meanwhile, I jumped in with the girls in the nursery rooms- babies; ones; and twos- fours. I also hung out with the older kids. It was really neat to see Maddie work with Merville who has severe Cerebral Palsy. He has come so far just this summer because of her devotion, love, and commitment. It was fun watching Becky toss kids up in the air and do acrobatic moves with them. Micah looked so maternal holding babies, she made it look easy.
While the team is an array of personalities, there are most certainly fun to serve with in ministry.
Two events stick out to me the most during my time with Gentle Hands. I'd been eying an adorable little light skinned boy named Lex and I remember when he randomly ran into my arms for no apparent reason. I felt "worth a million" because it was a long, long time before he let go. We were buddies from that moment on.
The other thing was when we went to Malabong. It's a city with seven sub areas- non in great condition- we went to the worst of the slums where Ate Cher (the lady who runs the orphanage) has an outreach. As I walked on layers of dirty garbage and cloths it made me sad, but then I saw smiles as I greeted people "Magandang Umaga po." These people are settled in their arrangements. They know where they live. They are happy as long as they have relationship and are healthy. Here it's not about what you have, here it can't be. What they need it health and relationships- with each other and with Jesus.
As we played with the kids and painted the basketball court, I couldn't help but fell a little joy knowing I'd just greated a little fun for them. They deserve that. I prayed that it lifted their spirits. The team will go back on Sunday and they will set up a medical clinic and they will have a worship type servic. My prayer is that as they minister to the physical needs, their spiritual needs will also be met. Pray with me please for the people of Malabong.
When Will I Learn
July and August are considered to be the rainiest months of the year in the Philippines. Those months plus June and a couple of others are part of typhoon season. I have been to the Philippines 4 times. I know the rain patterns. I can't even count how many times this summer I have gotten rained on because I refuse to buy an umbrella and I forget to bring my rain jacket. When will I learn my lesson?!?!?!
**** Word of advise- When traveling to the Philippines- always remember to pack an umbrella and/or rain jacket!!*
**** Word of advise- When traveling to the Philippines- always remember to pack an umbrella and/or rain jacket!!*
Dedicated 2 Sophie
Coming to the Philippines you expect to get bicultural but this year I go a bit tricultural. I mentioned in an earlier blog that the people that run Ruel Foundation are New Zealanders. Well as it turned out they have had an 18 year old recent graduate staying with them to do volunteer work. She's one of those people you fall in love with in about 1/2 a second. I told her she was the sweetest person I'd ever met (and I know some sweet people). :) Sophie is a true servant- she would work for free her whole life if it were really possible. Her faith reminds me of George Mueller- a missionary who literally relied on prayer to get him the very basics in life. Sophie is humble. She is kind. She is so selfless. I think of her like a little sister but I have a lot of respect and admiration for her. She wasn't a part of Nehemiah Teams but she was a part of the Ruel Team. In fact all my nannies/mannies met her and fell in love with her spirit immediately.
Sophie and I got to have 2 1/2 days bonding in Manila before she headed home and let me just say New Zealanders are so much fun. :) Plus I think if all Christians had "Sophie spirits" we wouldn't push people away as much. So- so much for me being bicultrural this summer. Thanks to Sophie I'm tri! :)
Sophie and I got to have 2 1/2 days bonding in Manila before she headed home and let me just say New Zealanders are so much fun. :) Plus I think if all Christians had "Sophie spirits" we wouldn't push people away as much. So- so much for me being bicultrural this summer. Thanks to Sophie I'm tri! :)
Again @ Ruel
I was really excited to be back at Ruel. My time there expanded over two different weeks because of our 4th of July break falling in the middle. That was okay though because it's easy to have fun at Ruel.
I got to know the kids more personally this time. Now remember these 20ish kids only span from a month and a half old to 9 years old. Between walks, painting, water play in the swimming pool, birthday parties, giving bottles, and tickle time- I was able to join Mabry, Hannah, Candace, and Katerine in showing these kids love.
A child that really spoke volumes to me was J. She;s a nine year old little girl who gets it, she knows she's an orphan and she understands what's going on. One night we had taken the kids to Jollybee for another child's birthday party and there was a family- a mom, dad, and little girl (about J's age) sitting near us. I couldn't help notice J's constant glances to their table, the longing in her eyes. It broke my heart because she's a smart, beautiful little girl and all she wants is a family to love her.
Though a lot of my time has been serious work, I do fit in a bit of fun! I don't want you to think ALL we do is work. You know I love to have fun! Whether it's eating pork on a stick of a side walk vendor, trapsing through the rain without a jacket or umbrella, taking "Sophiewalks" (long walks) everywhere to save money and get some excercise, playing "futbol" with Tyler and trying to include Candace but she was being the responsible one, team bonding on tricyles, in vans, and over the healing of Mabry's arm- which worked (Thank you God)- there was all kinds of fun at Ruel.
God definitely was using the team there as well. I often found Katherine juggling a baby on one hip while making a bottle with her free hand. I would find Candace sitting with a little one laid over her lap, her gently patting his/her bottom until they fell asleep. She was a pro at that. Hannah knew where every child's clothes went along with their medicine schedules and everything else it seemed, that girl had it going on. And then I'd walk downstairs where I'd find Mabry and the older ones singing a song or playing in the water or talking a walk or playing with paint. She had a way- that Elementary Education major. ;) Though they were all different- their talents worked together and molded perfectly to make the team work. I was impressed.
I am thankful for God using our New Zealand friends to run and mantain the Ruel Foundation- Warren and Pauline and Sandra. Please pray for their ministry. They don't want the need of orphanages- do you? Let's join in prayer for forever families for orphans everywhere.
I got to know the kids more personally this time. Now remember these 20ish kids only span from a month and a half old to 9 years old. Between walks, painting, water play in the swimming pool, birthday parties, giving bottles, and tickle time- I was able to join Mabry, Hannah, Candace, and Katerine in showing these kids love.
A child that really spoke volumes to me was J. She;s a nine year old little girl who gets it, she knows she's an orphan and she understands what's going on. One night we had taken the kids to Jollybee for another child's birthday party and there was a family- a mom, dad, and little girl (about J's age) sitting near us. I couldn't help notice J's constant glances to their table, the longing in her eyes. It broke my heart because she's a smart, beautiful little girl and all she wants is a family to love her.
Though a lot of my time has been serious work, I do fit in a bit of fun! I don't want you to think ALL we do is work. You know I love to have fun! Whether it's eating pork on a stick of a side walk vendor, trapsing through the rain without a jacket or umbrella, taking "Sophiewalks" (long walks) everywhere to save money and get some excercise, playing "futbol" with Tyler and trying to include Candace but she was being the responsible one, team bonding on tricyles, in vans, and over the healing of Mabry's arm- which worked (Thank you God)- there was all kinds of fun at Ruel.
God definitely was using the team there as well. I often found Katherine juggling a baby on one hip while making a bottle with her free hand. I would find Candace sitting with a little one laid over her lap, her gently patting his/her bottom until they fell asleep. She was a pro at that. Hannah knew where every child's clothes went along with their medicine schedules and everything else it seemed, that girl had it going on. And then I'd walk downstairs where I'd find Mabry and the older ones singing a song or playing in the water or talking a walk or playing with paint. She had a way- that Elementary Education major. ;) Though they were all different- their talents worked together and molded perfectly to make the team work. I was impressed.
I am thankful for God using our New Zealand friends to run and mantain the Ruel Foundation- Warren and Pauline and Sandra. Please pray for their ministry. They don't want the need of orphanages- do you? Let's join in prayer for forever families for orphans everywhere.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
God's Beauty on Puerto Galera
What an awesome 4th of July break! Each year Nehemiah teams allows for a 2 night/3 day mid-summer break to regroup and relax. This year I got the opportunity to spend that with 3/4 of my Nanny teams. I was really excited! While it was a time for fun- turning into lobsters, para-sailing, snorkeling, banana boating, playing in the ocean, going to a waterfall, shopping, night adventures in the rocks and water, it was also a time to share what God was doing. While I had seen God's work in each of the teams, it was neat to hear and for the teams to share between each other and encourage one another and pray together.
Another awesome thing was marveling at God's beauty. Yeah I took pictures, but pictures don't do those sights justice!!! I saw this weekend how talented and how marvelous His creation is. Oh and don't think we took the weekend off from our purpose here. We had tons of opportunities to share our faith because- we're WHITE!! And in the Philippines- Go figure! haha :) Thank You God for ALWAYS being at work!!
Another awesome thing was marveling at God's beauty. Yeah I took pictures, but pictures don't do those sights justice!!! I saw this weekend how talented and how marvelous His creation is. Oh and don't think we took the weekend off from our purpose here. We had tons of opportunities to share our faith because- we're WHITE!! And in the Philippines- Go figure! haha :) Thank You God for ALWAYS being at work!!
Restored from Brokenness
Isaiah 61:1-2 "The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners. to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn."
That is why I am here. You don't go on a mission trip as a vacation.You don't go on a mission trip to for an adventure. You don't go on a mission trip to be comfortable. You don't go on a mission trip to be pampered. You don't go on a mission trip for selfish reasons. You don't go on a mission trip to still be mommy and daddy's baby or your "significant others" for that matter. You don't go on a mission trip for a shopping spree.
Matthew 8:18-22 talks about how you have to give up everything to follow Jesus. That might mean being away from family, comfort, and life's luxuries.
To many- the "American Dream" sounds much to dreamy. To me though it's simple. In Luke 9:59 Jesus says, "Follow me."
Is that hard to do? Well yeah- but think about what Jesus has done for us. He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities, he was MURDERED for OUR sin. I think the least I can do is share His love with others. I can preach good news to the poor. I can bind up the brokenhearted. I can proclaim freedom to the captives. I can release prisoners from darkness. I can comfort those who mourn. What can you do?
That is why I am here. You don't go on a mission trip as a vacation.You don't go on a mission trip to for an adventure. You don't go on a mission trip to be comfortable. You don't go on a mission trip to be pampered. You don't go on a mission trip for selfish reasons. You don't go on a mission trip to still be mommy and daddy's baby or your "significant others" for that matter. You don't go on a mission trip for a shopping spree.
Matthew 8:18-22 talks about how you have to give up everything to follow Jesus. That might mean being away from family, comfort, and life's luxuries.
To many- the "American Dream" sounds much to dreamy. To me though it's simple. In Luke 9:59 Jesus says, "Follow me."
Is that hard to do? Well yeah- but think about what Jesus has done for us. He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities, he was MURDERED for OUR sin. I think the least I can do is share His love with others. I can preach good news to the poor. I can bind up the brokenhearted. I can proclaim freedom to the captives. I can release prisoners from darkness. I can comfort those who mourn. What can you do?
Follow Me- Two Simple Words?
Matthew 8:20 states. "...the Son of Man has no place to lay his head." We are told in Matthew 8:22, "Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead." These words cut deep to my heart. For one, Jesus was homeless. He never knew where he would be sleeping and I have a nice room I return to each night on normal circumstances.
The part about letting the dead bury their own dead- wow deep stuff. To follow Jesus mean we must give up- give up our plans, ambitions, and career. He demands complete and total allegiance over houses, things, and even family. In order to follow God we have to follow through commitments- we can't let our words be empty. We might have to leave our family for extended time. But we cannot stay where we are and follow Christt.
Adoniram Judson, a missionary of the 19th century wrote these words for would be missionaries, "Come out for life. Do not fancy that you have a true missionary spirit, while you are intending all along to leave the unreached soon after acquiring their language. Leave them?! For what? To spend the rest of your days in, enjoying the ease and plenty of your native land?"
He knew what it meant to give up and he did just that. That's what my heart wants- I don't want to be here- my heart is completely wrapped up in this culture and in these people- then go home and live the same way I always have. I want there to be a change in me because God is so at work in my life.
I love my family. I love my job. I love my friends. I love my home, but God didn't call me to chill in Dtown my whole live. He said, "Follow me." What is he asking you to do?
The part about letting the dead bury their own dead- wow deep stuff. To follow Jesus mean we must give up- give up our plans, ambitions, and career. He demands complete and total allegiance over houses, things, and even family. In order to follow God we have to follow through commitments- we can't let our words be empty. We might have to leave our family for extended time. But we cannot stay where we are and follow Christt.
Adoniram Judson, a missionary of the 19th century wrote these words for would be missionaries, "Come out for life. Do not fancy that you have a true missionary spirit, while you are intending all along to leave the unreached soon after acquiring their language. Leave them?! For what? To spend the rest of your days in, enjoying the ease and plenty of your native land?"
He knew what it meant to give up and he did just that. That's what my heart wants- I don't want to be here- my heart is completely wrapped up in this culture and in these people- then go home and live the same way I always have. I want there to be a change in me because God is so at work in my life.
I love my family. I love my job. I love my friends. I love my home, but God didn't call me to chill in Dtown my whole live. He said, "Follow me." What is he asking you to do?
Friday, July 1, 2011
New Faith Family
I've spent the past week with our media guy (Tyler) along side with the 3 girls of New Faith Family. While their main focus is the 35 children in the orphanage , 10 in the nursery and the rest downstairs, they work with other ministries too. While I was there, I was really excited to be able to jump in and love on them. I found it to be an awesome experience to go to four different feedings. A "feeding" is when a group goes to a squatter village and serve a hot meal. Sometimes they pass out clothes or provide medical assistance also.
Seeing these people who had nothing, bringing whatever they could find to put their "hot porridge" it broke my heart. Kids often were playing in filth and many nearly naked. There was trash all over the ground. It didn't matter though, it was so easy to talk to and play with the kids. It was good to hear "hello" and "Magandang Umaga" spoken by the adults. It felt so humbling to serve a little girl a bowl of "porridge" that would feed her family of five. That ministry made me rethink my own surroundings.
Another cool thing that I got to do while at New Faith Family was participate in a huge box pass relay for a missions project. One night in the pouring rain a huge transport had brought a truck full of boxes to be unloaded at the base. 50 Americans and Filipinos worked together to unload that truck. Street children, senior adults, and summer missionaries, it didn't matter. We were united for the same goal. I thought it was pretty cool how our skin color, culture, social-economic static, size, religion, or anything else mattered that night. I thought it pretty cool it made me think about how if Americans Christians would put away petty differences and join as a body of Christ, what we can accomplish. I have faith @ New Faith Family!
Seeing these people who had nothing, bringing whatever they could find to put their "hot porridge" it broke my heart. Kids often were playing in filth and many nearly naked. There was trash all over the ground. It didn't matter though, it was so easy to talk to and play with the kids. It was good to hear "hello" and "Magandang Umaga" spoken by the adults. It felt so humbling to serve a little girl a bowl of "porridge" that would feed her family of five. That ministry made me rethink my own surroundings.
Another cool thing that I got to do while at New Faith Family was participate in a huge box pass relay for a missions project. One night in the pouring rain a huge transport had brought a truck full of boxes to be unloaded at the base. 50 Americans and Filipinos worked together to unload that truck. Street children, senior adults, and summer missionaries, it didn't matter. We were united for the same goal. I thought it was pretty cool how our skin color, culture, social-economic static, size, religion, or anything else mattered that night. I thought it pretty cool it made me think about how if Americans Christians would put away petty differences and join as a body of Christ, what we can accomplish. I have faith @ New Faith Family!
God is in Control
Isaiah 6:8 says, "Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?' And I said, 'Here am I, Send me!'"
When I think about my heart and my part in missions, I identify with this verse every time. From the day I was "old enough" I picked mission trips over camps every time. When I surrendered to missions I know what I was "getting myself into" to an extent because the Lord had been preparing me all my life.
When it came down to it, it was a growing process especially giving up 2-3 months to serve somewhere on the other side of the world. Each summer I come back to the Philippines I'm more prepared, more in tune, more in love, and more identified with the country, culture, and the people. I know the Lord has called me here to give my life to these people and bring these people to Him. I know that these mission trips back here to where my heart is is God's next step in my journey. Five years ago (2006) He gave me a passion for the Philippines and the Filipino people. My eagerness and will wants to be here how but I am learning to rely on His timing. Romans 8:28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose."
This verse reminds me that he is in control of my life and every moment of my future. He has the whole Philippines in His hands. He has my whole future in His hands. I will trust and obey Him.
When I think about my heart and my part in missions, I identify with this verse every time. From the day I was "old enough" I picked mission trips over camps every time. When I surrendered to missions I know what I was "getting myself into" to an extent because the Lord had been preparing me all my life.
When it came down to it, it was a growing process especially giving up 2-3 months to serve somewhere on the other side of the world. Each summer I come back to the Philippines I'm more prepared, more in tune, more in love, and more identified with the country, culture, and the people. I know the Lord has called me here to give my life to these people and bring these people to Him. I know that these mission trips back here to where my heart is is God's next step in my journey. Five years ago (2006) He gave me a passion for the Philippines and the Filipino people. My eagerness and will wants to be here how but I am learning to rely on His timing. Romans 8:28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose."
Monday, June 20, 2011
OPEN the DOOR of my heart
So to say being back at Open Door was incredible would be an understatement, a severe understatement. To hug all my Ates' (big sisters) and Kuyas' (big brothers) and to love on all the kids and youth I've missed put a joy in my heart that I can't explain.
Since I didn't have the official assignments the team did, when I wasn't enjoying fellowship in the courtyard- I took to developing two of my other talents. I enjoyed washing dishes after meals and I also liked to help Ate Miguela and Ate Tess cook. This was my favorite because as an honorary Filipino I need to be able to prepare Filipino dishes.
Though some of the children have left the orphanage since my last visit, others have come. This keeps the process going and keeps my heart growing. The Philippines itself does that though.
A really cool event that I got to participate in was street evangelism. One Saturday morning we were up and at 'em at 5:00 a.m. in order to go. Now mind you, this team wakes up that early every morning, but it was Saturday! This was commitment! We left and went with a couple youth to the park at San Pablo Lake and met with the rest of the youth. There were about 25 of us in all. We opened with a short devotional and prayer, then split into teams. I was with Ate Nina, Joana, and Mark. It was an awesome experience. These youth were eager to share and I even got to share, using Joana as my as my translator. In the group, we saw several people come to know the Lord and lots wanted to know more or at least wanted prayer.
This showed me that God is at work in young people everywhere. It also showed me how little my faith can be. I tend to think it's easier to share abroad, yet these Filipinos are sharing right here at home.
My God is good! Please pray that God will continue to use Filipino young people to spread the gospel and for receptiveness.
Since I didn't have the official assignments the team did, when I wasn't enjoying fellowship in the courtyard- I took to developing two of my other talents. I enjoyed washing dishes after meals and I also liked to help Ate Miguela and Ate Tess cook. This was my favorite because as an honorary Filipino I need to be able to prepare Filipino dishes.
Though some of the children have left the orphanage since my last visit, others have come. This keeps the process going and keeps my heart growing. The Philippines itself does that though.
A really cool event that I got to participate in was street evangelism. One Saturday morning we were up and at 'em at 5:00 a.m. in order to go. Now mind you, this team wakes up that early every morning, but it was Saturday! This was commitment! We left and went with a couple youth to the park at San Pablo Lake and met with the rest of the youth. There were about 25 of us in all. We opened with a short devotional and prayer, then split into teams. I was with Ate Nina, Joana, and Mark. It was an awesome experience. These youth were eager to share and I even got to share, using Joana as my as my translator. In the group, we saw several people come to know the Lord and lots wanted to know more or at least wanted prayer.
This showed me that God is at work in young people everywhere. It also showed me how little my faith can be. I tend to think it's easier to share abroad, yet these Filipinos are sharing right here at home.
My God is good! Please pray that God will continue to use Filipino young people to spread the gospel and for receptiveness.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Trip One to Ruel Foundation
My first stop was to Ruel Foundation. This team consists of Mabry, Katherin, Candace, and Hannah. They work in an orphanage that deals with a lot of malnutrition and other problems. They have babies and young children. There are 19 children in the orphanage and over half are in the nursery. The people that server here are dedicated to what they do. It is a true ministry. Rocking babies, changing diapers, fixing bottles, folding children's clothes, giving bathes, playing outside, teaching, making crafts, loving, and laughing are just a few things you might find yourself doing at Ruel Foundation. One child that I fell in love with is a little boy who is two years old but who can't walk. He has Cerebral Palsy. He has good days and bad days. He is the most precious thing.
During my time at Ruel Foundation I learned two things. One- it takes one second for you to love a child and two for them to love you back. Two- those girls have a mission field right there at the orphanage.
God is so big. I am so small. But together we can to GREAT and HUGE things!
Worthy is the LAMB!
During my time at Ruel Foundation I learned two things. One- it takes one second for you to love a child and two for them to love you back. Two- those girls have a mission field right there at the orphanage.
God is so big. I am so small. But together we can to GREAT and HUGE things!
Worthy is the LAMB!
The Beginning
Hello World! It's Jenny and I'm in the Philippines!!! I've been here for a week and already my heart is full of Filipino love as usual. Let me back up though! My summer began May 30, the day that Leader Orientation began. I was in charge of making sure that team leaders got registered- all 42 team leaders!! How awesome is that! The first summer I went there were 4 team leaders. On Thursday (June 2) team members arrived and again I was in charge of registration. Now there are 156 students- 13 countries! Can we say AWESOME??!!
Orientation was filled with training for the teams. We had lot of help with this from counsins all over. I can't fail to thank the wonderful people at our host church and the surrounding area for all the help they provided. There was so much going on all day long everyday- the teams had a lot to learn to prepare. I led the Tagalog sessions and the Nanny session.
On Wednesday the team leaders got the opportunity to participate in an Asian Chicken kill. I definitely opted out of that and instead went with Ate Wendy to start on supper. She even taught me how to cut pineapple! Let's just say I'm excited to do again!! Team leaders then prepared Chick Adobo with Ate Wendy's help. Yummy!
Saturday the teams participated in an intense team building out at a camp that helped teams work together and build unity.
Sunday and Monday both contained very special services for the teams. One was open to the community and one was a Commencement service for the teams.
Monday night midnight began send off! I was on the first group out- 1 a.m. we tore through the send off line for good byes and like that it BEGAN!!!!
Orientation was filled with training for the teams. We had lot of help with this from counsins all over. I can't fail to thank the wonderful people at our host church and the surrounding area for all the help they provided. There was so much going on all day long everyday- the teams had a lot to learn to prepare. I led the Tagalog sessions and the Nanny session.
On Wednesday the team leaders got the opportunity to participate in an Asian Chicken kill. I definitely opted out of that and instead went with Ate Wendy to start on supper. She even taught me how to cut pineapple! Let's just say I'm excited to do again!! Team leaders then prepared Chick Adobo with Ate Wendy's help. Yummy!
Saturday the teams participated in an intense team building out at a camp that helped teams work together and build unity.
Sunday and Monday both contained very special services for the teams. One was open to the community and one was a Commencement service for the teams.
Monday night midnight began send off! I was on the first group out- 1 a.m. we tore through the send off line for good byes and like that it BEGAN!!!!
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Getting Ready...
Last summer, my missionaries approached me about being a supervisor for Nehemiah Teams for 2011 getting to work with several Nanny Teams, including my The Open Door Orphanage that I myself spent summer 2008 and summer 2009 working with. I was so excited that I immediately began praying and seeking my Father's will and making sure it was His plan. After several months, Kuya J and Ate W approached me again and I was ready to officially accept and get the ball rolling. I have been saving and preparing ever since. I still have about 2 months until my assignment begins, along with the many other Nehemiah Teamers, but already I am excited about what God is going to do and what will happen this summer of 2011, my 4th time in the Philippines- my favorite country in the world! I do hope that you will join me throughout me summer and follow my blog as I travel from team to team as they love and minister to the lost, needy, and abandoned.
ANG PANGINOON ANG NAG KOKONTROL!!
~ Jenny ang Filipina ;)
ANG PANGINOON ANG NAG KOKONTROL!!
~ Jenny ang Filipina ;)
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