Headed home

We arrived in Manila around 2pm today and will be headed to the airport at 6:00am tomorrow morning. It was hard saying good-bye last night and this morning. We have formed lifelong friendships with the wonderful Pastors and their families along with all the other loving people that went above and beyond to make our trip even more amazing. We really do consider them family. It was bittersweet, but a little more bearable knowing it was a "see you later" rather than good-bye. It was especially hard to say good-bye to Anie and her family. We hugged so tight and cried together, but I told her we would be back. It's comforting to know she has so many loving people close by that care a lot about her. We had a wonderful picnic last night with singing and fellowship. Those are the moments I will treasure as I reflect on our trip. It was really a glimpse of heaven as we all sat around praising and worshiping our almighty God. I know I will have a hard time adjusting when I get back. I have no doubt this has been a life changing trip for many of us including the girls. I feel like I learned much more from the people of Maria Aurora, than they could ever learn from me. Their Christ like qualities such as humbleness, compassion, love, but most importantly contentment, are areas I hope to continually grow in. I can't tell you how blessed i feel to have been a part of something so incredible. We're about to go to bed one last time before our long journey home. We had our 1st hot shower tonight since we were in Manila almost 2 weeks ago. That's one more example of lessons learned, to not take even the simple things for granted. Thank you to so many of you for your encouraging words and prayers. We can't wait to reunite with you all, so good night and see you soon!

Reading Glasses

We had our final day of the medical clinic yesterday and overall we gave out close to 500 pairs of reading glasses. God is so amazing to be able to provide the way for us to  help meet that huge need. What a blessing to see their faces when they tried them on. We had our Girls Night on Friday and had a great turn out. There is an awesome group of college students here that are doing a great job ministering to young singles. They have been a blessing to us while we've been here.  We were also able to spend more time with Anie when she came to eat dinner with us Friday. The girls taught her how to play UNO, and they laughed so much. We also picked her up yesterday to go to the market and to the beach. She and Kara drew in the sand and played in the water. We bought her family a month's worth of rice and were able to go as a family to deliver it. There is quite a language barrier, but we do a lot of smiling, laughing, and hugging to communicate. When we were taking her home, she looked at me with a huge smile and said, "Thank you", "Happy".  I'm already getting emotional about having to leave Wednesday. Even though we'll be half a world away, I know she has a good family and is happy, and God will bring us back together one day. We had another great day of worship today. Tomorrow we're planning on visiting the outreach churches then only one more day until we start back to Manila on Wednesday. Thank you for all your continued prayers, we serve an awesome God.

Outreach

Yesterday we had another great day at the medical clinic, and overall, many of the patients have prayed to receive Christ. We were also able to set up a Bible Study for some of the local teachers for tomorrow afternoon. Discipling and building relationships with the local schools is very important. They are able to reach many students and families, which could lead to more opportunities to reach the communities and invite them to one of the outreach churches. We've delivered many of the school supplies to the sponsored students and tomorrow we will try to pack some more of the bags. It has been a thrill to watch some of the students light up when they receive their supplies. We have also been getting to know the Pastors of the outreach churches. These men are so humble, giving, and willing to serve in any way they can. I have gotten to know Pastor Johnny the best, and I am amazed at his passion, sincerity, and love for people. I have no doubt we are learning more from them, then they are from us. We're having a girl's night tomorrow night at the church, so please pray that many girls will come, and that their hearts will be receptive to God's amazing grace. We can feel your prayers and are so thankful. I'll update again soon!

Busy Busy

Today was our 2nd day of the medical clinic and not only are the people receiving needed medication and vitamins, but most importantly the gospel is being shared with each one. Some of our team including me and the girls actually went to several local schools and were able to help deliver the backpacks to some of the sponsored students. At each school we were able to pray with the teachers and spend some time visiting. We gave them sunglasses and a small bag with a few supplies and they were so appreciative. One thing that is very apparent in the Philippines is the importance of relationships. There's such a sense of family and community, it's definitely something we can learn from. Many teachers are hungry for discipleship and eager to grow in their faith. We offered to hold a devotional time with the teachers at one of the schools and they gladly accepted. We'll hold the medical clinic again tomorrow and possibly visit more schools. Again, thank you for all your prayers. I'll update again soon!

Annie

Sorry I wasn't able to post since we arrived in Manila, but as you can imagine it's been somewhat of a whirlwind. We had such a warm welcome when we arrived in the Province. The people here are so welcoming and eager to serve us in any way they can. We're still trying to adjust to the time change so we were in bed and asleep by 8:30 that night. Today was our first full day, and I'm so excited to say it will probably be one of the most memorable days not only of this trip, but also of my life. This morning we went to church at Malupa Baptist and were greeted by Annie, the girl that we have sponsored for the last 7 years, along with her family. To say I was emotional is an understatement. Words cannot describe the overwhelming sense of love and joy I felt when I was able to see her face to face. Kara and Kelsie were thrilled as well. The most rewarding part was that we were able to sit with them in church and worship together. I felt like I had a glimpse of heaven  when we'll all be together as brothers and sisters in Christ worshiping our Heavenly Father, no matter what language, skin color, or culture. I hope to post a picture later, but haven't had time to upload them yet. The rest of the day was filled with more incredible experiences, but I'll save those for later, and for other team members to share. We'll start the medical clinic tomorrow, so please be praying for the people that will come through, not just for medication needs and vitamins, but for their eternal health most importantly.  We will also be doing some evangelism by handing out some of the supplies we brought over.  Please pray God will give us the words to say, and for hearts to be receptive.  Thank you again for your support, we are so blessed and privileged to have this opportunity. Will update again tomorrow.

Arrived in Manila

After more than 24 hours since we left Raleigh we are settled in at our hotel in Manila. The flights were actually not as bad as I thought they would be. The girls did great and loved the fact that they had their own tv screens on the 14 hour flight. When we landed in Manila it was surreal. I don't think it has fully hit me yet that we're actually here. we're all exhausted and ready to actually be able to lay horizontal to sleep. Everybody is doing great and looking forward to driving to the Province tomorrow. We have already seen God's hand in so many of the little details. I can't describe how humbling it is to be able to participate in what God is doing. Thank you for your prayers, I know we have many prayer warriors lifting us up. I'll update again soon! "How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of good things." Romans 10:15

The Final Countdown

Most of you know that in three days we will be on a plane traveling half way around the world to the Philippines. Our flight departs at 10:21am Thursday. Your prayers are appreciated as it will take almost 24 hours to arrive in Manila, then we will have an 8 hour bus ride to the Province, Maria Aurora. Please pray for patience and endurance. Even though the travel time seems overwhelming, Kara and Kelsie are nothing but excited. I have a few apprehensions, but seem to be getting less nervous and more excited the closer it gets. However, I think Joe wins the prize for the most excited. I've determined that me and the girls will be his entertainment the whole time as we experience for the first time all the things that he has become so familiar with. Right now my challenge is to pack 1 suitcase for me and the girls, and each of our backpacks to carry on. Our suitcase has to stay under 50lbs, so this is by far the lightest I've ever packed! Joe, on the other hand, has his full 2 weeks crammed into 1 backpack that he will carry on. I know Joe will be reminding me many times in the future about how I really don't need to pack 15 bags to take on a 4 day trip. It really is a huge accomplishment for me, I must admit. I'll try to update the blog as much as I can. Thanks again for all your prayers.