A Hard Goodbye.

My time now in the Philippines has come to an end. It is difficult to say goodbye. I have come to find so many people that have found a place in my heart. I thank you for your prayers and support, you have no idea how much they have helped. The time for Norco in Philippines '09 has come to a close. In a few hours I will be headed back to California. I am happy to be reunited with you all, but sad to leave the family I have found in the Philippines.

Jeff Long

Anyone who has been connected or had some experience with K.I.M. knows Jeff Long. For two months I have had a great opportunity to watch the director of Kids International Ministries in action. All of his staff loves and respects him. His children and wife admire him. The Filipinos of the surrounding area respect him. And they rightly do. I can not describe all the times I have witnessed how his simple sharpness quickly brings a solution to a problem. He always has to be moving, doing five things at a time. And he always knows how to accommodate people.

However, it has been in simple expressions of gentleness that I have seen what makes "Sir Jeff" simply Jeff from Kansas. I have seen how he is with the children. "Uncle Jeff" never hesitates to pick up a child and lay a big one on their cheek. Immediately he shifts from the tough-guy into the big teddy bear. He also never hesitates to help anyone in need. If someone needed the shirt off of his back he would give it without even thinking about it.

This is the Jeff Long I am glad to have gotten to know; the simple Kansas boy who is doing his best to live out Faith in Manila.

Myles De Ocampo

Myles is another key staff member in K.I.M. Officially she is the travel agent who oversees everyones coming in and out of the Philippines, which is no small number. If there is someone traveling somewhere in connection with K.I.M. she has either set it up or knows about it. She also acts as a host to short term teams who find their way into the madness of Manila. Her two children, Jam and Tina, are regular figures around the childrens home and school. K.I.M. would find it hard to function without her help.

Besides serving K.I.M. full-time she is a light in her community. She operates a children's ministry out of her home further into Manila. If weather permits, on a weekly basis children from the surrounding area gather for a time of games, food, and the Gospel. Our team enjoyed serving Myles with her ministry while all of us were here, and I have tried to fill in for them. During my last meeting with the Children we showed "The Chronicles of Narnia." With a projector, screen, soundsystem and movie borrowed from K.I.M. we all gathered around at 6pm Saturday night. The storm surrounding us added to the drama as we watched. The popcorn went quickly and most of it ended up on the floor. At first the children had a hard time getting into the movie, because it was in english. However, once the action began every one was wide-eyed and silent. After the movie Myles and I explained the connection to Jesus Christ and the Cross. I summarized and Myles translated, and added what was lacking. It was the first time most of those children have ever watched a movie on a projector like that, and in some cases the first movie ever seen.

Myles is an extrodinary woman who is doing great things for children, whether the kids of K.I.M. or the children of her community.

"Brad"

As I said before, there have been two young men I have come to know as brother. Sir Errol of Manila and my brad(bro) in Malaybalay, Donald. In the short time I have had to live out faith with them, they have become my Kuya's.

Donald is the all around go to guy at the Children's home in Mindanao. He is the driver, official papparrazi, un-official host, tech-man, and also works on the K.I.M. website. He is also the Kuya (Big Brother) to the boys and girls in Mindanao. He is committed to his local church body. He leads his fellow siblings in Christ in weekly bible study....all with a cool attitude and great sense of humor. The home in Mindanao runs much more smoothly with Donald around. He is a young professional who decided to turn down a job opportunity in New Zealand to work with K.I.M. Just one of the many reasons he has my respect.

While in Bukidnon we hung out and shared life. I pray that I helped sharpen him up as much as he has sharpened me. Most would think that 3 weeks is not enough time to gain a friend; in 2 weeks I gained a brother.

Sir Errol.

During my stay, I have been fortunate enough to meet two brothers whom I pray will be lifetime friends. They are two young men who are serious about their faith and are livin' it out. One is my brother in Manila....the kids at the children's home call him "Sir Errol."

To be honest I do not remember how I first met Errol, but I can be sure that I will not forget him. He is the P.E. teacher at the JCCV (Jesus Christ Church in the Valley) School and a consistent figure in the lives of the Children of K.I.M. Manila. He is the Basketball coach, swimming instructor, soccer coach, and pretty much all things sports for the School and Children's home kids. He is an easy going and soft spoken guy who lets his actions speak louder than his words. He is a role model for the boys and girls, and a vital part of the K.I.M. ministry.

Over the last two months I have gotten to know Errol and can confidently call him my friend. We have enjoyed hanging out with one another. I coached him through his first game of bowling, but the second one I had nothing to do with. He has invited me over to his house several times to see his infamous pigs. We're about even in billiards. A few times he has allowed me to help him out with coaching the kids (more like being an official fan). And on several occasions we have spent hours building each other up with scripture and encouragement. In short, to share all about "Sir Errol" in a blog would be a failing attempt. Though we come from two different worlds we have found a bond stronger than national or racial ties. We have found that the same "Blood" flows through our veins, that is why I am proud not to only call "Sir Errol" my friend, but my brother.

The Boys.

Meet the Boys. When I have not been spending time in the Provinces, or road trippin', I have been in Manila pulling 8-to-5's with the Boy's. The construction workers of the K.I.M. have become good friends. K.I.M. has done an excellent job in ministering to the needs of the local squatter community in many ways, and one has been to create jobs for some of the Filipino men in the area--the construction workers. Witnessing these 20+ men in action has been a privilege. They are skilled carpenters, electricians, and masons. Their work ethic is incredible. Every morning they arrive at 8am and leave at 5pm. They work Monday through Saturday. I have not seen one guy miss a day, and they all seemingly enjoy what they do.

Being able to work side-by-side with this group of guys has been an honor to me, and much fun. The day never goes without a joke and a laugh. We come together with humor. We usually admonish each other sarcastically yelling "Malupiton!" (which can mean champion, or a kid who needs to be spanked). We also pass time by singing. It starts with one guy softly singing a Beatles song or Micheal Jackson then it builds into three to four guys belting out the chorus.

We laugh together, we work together, and we take time to read together. Beginning in the middle of July we began to have bible study everyday for a half an hour after lunch. Around 1pm we gather around, they read the selected verses in Tagalog and I use Tag-lish. After each trip upon my return they have always asked me, "Joe. Bible study today?"

These are my boys.

Meet the Girls.

Every morning the routine usually goes the same. Wake up. Wash my face. Yawn. Look at the clock. Wet my face again because by this time its hot. Listen to the commotion on the street outside. Walk to the kitchen for coffee. Then I meet smiling faces; "Maghanda Umaga ".

The Kitchen staff here at the YMC have been a true joy to meet every early morning. I have grown accustomed to waking up to a cup of coffee and the greeting "Maghanda Umaga" (Good morning). From sun up to sun down Ate La-ling, Ate Marilou, and Ate Lydia hold down the kitchen. They cook for everyone at the YMC, making sure that no one goes hungry. They make the YMC more of a home.

They are always caring and eager to serve. When I have been sick they have taken care of me; sometimes making remedies that I really wish they hadn't. I would sit as Ate La-ling served me Kalamansi Juice with mashed garlic. As I would choke down the garlic she would tease me, "what's wrong Joe? Are you home sick? Do you miss your mommy?" Then Ate Lydia would chime in, "No. He is love sick!"

The three Ladies are never without a smile. They have made the YMC feel like home for the last two months.

Meet Tatay Rollie

So here I am at the final lap. I thought it would be fitting to spend the last week of my time in Manila sharing with you the people I have come to know and love. So, for the remaining days I will take time to share with you several people with whom I have had the privilege to build relationships with.

Tatay Rollie

Part of the core that makes up the Filipino Staff of K.I.M. Manila. Rollie is the construction foreman, so he has been my boss for the last two months. He is a very pleasant guy, always laughing and smiling. At about 5'4" his stature is not very domineering, but he easily has the respect of all the workers and myself. This morning I sat with Rollie as we usually do. But today he shared with me the story of how his wife was cured from tumor on her ovary. As we sat it was clear how much he loved and adored his wife. From every detail I imagined, having never seen his wife, a petite Filipina who is quiet and always with a smile. With eyes watery and clasping his trembling fingers Rollie described the story and his wife to me. "She has been very good to me" he said, "even when I was crazy." I have yet to hear his testimony. He promises a great story, and always says we have to sit down and take some time because it is a long story. I look forward to hearing it before I leave.

Urac and Paito

On August 20th a group of K.I.M. staff meembers from the Malaybalay site and myself traveled 5hrs to the western coast of Mindanao. We traveled to the city of Iligan to pick up two children who are now a part of the K.I.M. family, Urac and Paito. Just when I think I have a grip on things there always seems to be something new.lf traveled 5hrs to the western coast of Mindanao. We traveled to the city of Iligan to pick up two children who are now a part of the K.I.M. family, Urac and Paito. Just when I think I have a grip on things there always seems to be something new.

The staff organized a feeding and presentation to show some of the people in the area what K.I.M. is. Since the children's home has had two children from the area and now four, the staff thought it to be appropriate to show where the children were going. We arrived to the farm which was arrangend to be the site of our presentation. Within minutes the place was packed with Mothers and their children. Donald showed pictures from his laptop as he described K.I.M. in Visayan. Everyone gathered around to catch a glimpse of the computer screen. Shortly after food was served. The spaghetti with meatballs and rice vanished immediately. I was suprised we had enough for everyone, children and mothers included. Everyone seemed to especially enjoy the granola bars for dessert. Kids continued to play for a short time and once the food was finished it was time to leave.


On the way home we stopped with our van full of children, staff, one white guy, and Urac and Paito to eat dinner. Everyone sat and ate happily while puzzled locals tried to sneak glances at our table. I thought Urac and Paito might have a hard time, but to my suprise they seemed to fit-in naturally. Our unusual family laughed and smiled as we ate our rice and barbequed chicken. In between the chicken I wrestled with how a parent can abandon their children, ss was the cse with Urac and Paito. Just that day several mothers approached our staff asking them to take their children...how bad do living conditions have to be for a parent to be willing to give up their child? How do you measure the chance of a better life over seperation of a child from their parent? I looked up at Urac to see him with hands full, cheeks stuffed and smiling. I smiled back...welcome to reality joe.

3 Day Weekend.....Pinoy style.

The time in Mindanao, or better yet Malaybalay City, has been very enjoyable. Being re-united with the self dubbed "Pinoy Mafia" (not sure why) has been a blast. It is interesting to me how you can meet people across the world and yet click on so many levels. So it goes without saying that getting back into the mix with my brothers and sisters in Mindanao has been effortless.

FRIDAY: This last Friday night they invited me to lead their weekly bible study. So around 7pm we gathered at Jason's house. After some food we piled into his room and began digging in. We spent some serious time discussing Sin, moving from Romans 8:12-13.

SATURDAY: Saturday began bright and early at Camp Mt. Moriah (the children's home). It was the weekly children's ministry for children of the city and surrounding areas. At 9am youth from surrounding Universities and Colleges are picked up for Counselors training--some coming from an hour away. They then spent several hours of instruction and training in teaching materials for the children. We ate lunch together and by the time we had finished it was 12:30pm and time to pick up the children. I rode with one of the drivers to one of the "Burangas" (villages) where we picked up two van loads of children...and I mean van loads. By the time we finished our second run it was 2:30pm. The event begins around 2pm, but we were on what the locals call "Filipino time", so no worries. The 100+ children then spent the next 2hrs in separate teaching groups, singing songs, playing games and eating. After the children have finished it was time for the counselors to debrief, so the 30 counselors sat and shared about the days events. Around 5:30pm it was time for Donald(K.I.M staff member, and founding Pinoy Mafia member) and I to get back onto the road again. 19 Counselors stuffed themselves into the van and we took them back to the city of Vincente, which was an hour away.

SUNDAY; Got the chance to go to Jun's church. He is the chairman of the board for K.I.M. and is pasturing a church in the heart of Malaybalay City. We got to the catering business, which is the site of the church chapel for Sunday, at 9am. After greeting him he asked for some information to introduce me to the church and then asked if I could share my testimony with them, I complied happily. I spoke in English and the youth pastor translated in Visayan. After the service the youth pastor told me about a program that has been instituted by the mayor for University students. The "Character Formation Program" is a program which makes it mandatory for students who receive funding from the mayor's office to attend a weekly Sunday night worship/teaching ministry. Tonight was the first meeting and the youth pastor asked me if I would be willing to share my testimony at the event, I complied. So, around 7pm I sat in on the invocation of the "Character Formation Program" of Bukidnon State University. With some 100+ students in attendance I gave my best effort to speak clear coherent English and shared with them the sinner I knew best. With students and mayor in attendance I proceeded to share that I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ because it is the power of God to save sinners; both like me and any in the crowd who would believe.

...It has been a long weekend.

By Land and By Sea…

It all started with a casual conversation with Jeff Long, the director of K.I.M. It went something like this; “Monday we’ve got a truckload of supplies headed down to Mindanao. It is a 3 day drive through beautiful countryside…”
“Really? 3 days through the Philippines?”
A nod.
“Is there any way I can get involved with that?”
Another nod.
“Alright, sign me up.”
58 hours, three major Islands, over 1,700 Kilometers, two ferry rides—all nonstop—altogether amounts to the road trip of a lifetime.

Jun, Jesse and myself just spent 58 hours traveling from Manila to Malaybalay city. We transported a truckload of supplies from the YunJin Ministry center in Manila to the Children’s home in Malaybalay. We got off to a slow start Monday night, but once the alternator was fixed (it powers the lights) there was no looking back. We then spent the next three days venturing through beautiful countryside. Winding through village after village, jungle after jungle, I experienced the Philippines first hand. We only stopped a few times to eat in make shift restaurants, which were really people serving and selling food out of their homes. We would eat our “sinigal” or “adobo” with a plate of rice and a glass of coca-cola while we left the truck running. Besides that we did stop one morning to take a shower, or more like paid a woman to use her hose and bucket. However, amidst the mad-dash there were some enjoyable moments of pause. One night on our second ferry I stood on the top deck against the railing admiring a partly cloudy sky, bright stars, lightning in the distance and I remember thinking to myself “do you realize where you are?”—moments were all you can do is stand in awe (ps. 46:10).

I miss you all dearly and look forward to seeing you. I will stay in Mindanao for another week helping with construction at the Children’s home, as well as strive to live out life with my recently found brothers and sisters here in Malaybalay. Pray for your brothers and sisters here. And, selfishly I ask, that I would finish the remaining 3 weeks strong.

From Isabela to Mindanao

With the trip to the North still on my mind it's time to head back to Mindanao. In just a few hours I will be joining a few drivers on a 3 day trip by truck to Malaybalay City. The truck will be hauling supplies to the southern orphanage of K.I.M. We will be traveling from the northern most island of the Philippines to the furthest island south. Well, be back in 3 days.

Isabella---Unforgetable

I just got back from 4 days in the northern province of Isabella. It was a very rural area. There is too much to say in one blog post, so I will do my best. In the 4 days I was there I was immersed into the lifestyle of the Province. I ate the local cuisine. I showered with a bucket and water from a well just as they do. I slept on a plywood bed in a cement house, just as my host family did. Rey Inganaro was kind enough to welcome me into his home and take care of me during my stay. The four days consisted of getting to know and hopefully encourage four local Pastors--Pastor T, Pastor Al, Pastor Alex, and Pastor Berg--and their congregations. Their attitude is inspiring. I look forward to be able to share everything in full detail with you when I return. Norco, these believers in Isabella long for your prayers.

Back to School

After a "Big Day", it was nice to switch the pace up a bit and spend some time at the JCCV school. I spent the morning tutoring English. The classrooms were filled with little children dressed in yellow and blue uniforms. I assisted in a few classes, or more like joined the kids with whatever they were doing. The rest of the time I spent with CJ and Angela. CJ is 9 and a smart boy. We went over reading, pronounciation and comprehension. Angala was a bit older and had a very playful personality. We sat in the principles office reviewing the English alphabet. Everytime she got a letter correct she celebrated with a laugh and smile. It was a fun day, and some well needed rest from activity as I continue to fight this sinus infection.

In a two days I will be heading north to stay with a local Pastor. Pastor Rey (a.k.a Sugar Rey) has invited me to spend the weekend with He and his family. He and I am excited to make the trip, and he assures me that I will love his wife's cooking. However, he is not shy in constantly reminding me that the living conditions will not be as "luxurious" as the YMC. We will be visiting local churches and he has asked that I encourage the people there. I ask that you keep this time in prayer. Pray that Christ would be set on display for all he is; the Lion of Judah and Lamb of God.

A Big Day

Today was a big day here at the YunJin Ministry Center (YMC). Work began early to prepare for the cement pour for the addition to the YMC building. It was all hands on deck as workers, visitors and hired hands from the surrounding community worked to pour the cement in about 7 hours. Work began around 6am and was finished around 2pm. We constructed an assembly line of cement mixers, bucket fillers, bucket passers, and those who emptied the buckets. The 30+ people made for an eventfull day. After the cement was poured and smoothed and tools were cleaned, the workers all gathered around for bible study. The 20+ men sat around at 2pm to hear about the son who was crushed to bring freedom and how this demands response. All in all, it was a big day.

Getting back to 100%...slowly.

I have been trying to fight off a cold for the last week, but I am on the up--or so I think. It has been difficult because the schedule has continued; construction 8-5, bible study with the workers--not knowing if what is said is understood--at 1, children devotions at 7 and random opportunities that present themselves. Being worked, stretched, challenged, tested....

Today, however, offered a change of pace. This morning I joined Coach Errol along with 30 kids from the school to a soccer tournament held at local Faith Academy High School. The morning was enjoyable as we watched and cheered on. The few of us that were there did the best we could to cheer them on. It was a joy to watch them run and laugh. I was proud to see them all play so strongly, but still fairly. Again, I witnessed the contributions of Norco in action. The kids played with soccer shoes donated from Norco. Well done.

Later a few volunteers and myself trekked further into Manila to help Miles with her feeding ministry. We acted out Acts 9 and shared how seeing Jesus Christ for who he really is changes you. Then we played some more, passed out lunch and handed out toothbrushes and toothpaste.

There is so much to take in, so much to do, and so much to be a part of. It is difficult to be everywhere at once. And equally difficult to keep from being distracted. In the midst of life here., I find myself wrestling to maintain focus. There are so many things that would have my attention. Please keep this in prayer.

We work together, we read together, and we play together.

Another day with the boys. Today made me realize that I have become "one of the guys" with the Filipino workers here at the YunJin Ministry Center in Manila. Usually we start around 8am and go until 5pm working on the new addition to the YMC. Most of the men are skilled masons, carpenters, and electricians. And I, I just try not to get in the way and do what they ask me to. Over the last week I have had the oppourtunity to get to know these men. We laugh and joke to take our minds off of the task at hand, but are still serious about the job. We spend a lot of the day with each other. From 8-5 we work, taking few scheduled breaks between. After lunch we come together and go through scripture. They read the selected verses in Tagalog and I do my best to communicate how what they read is pointing to the source of eternal life. Today however, was a bit out of the ordinary. Today after 5 they asked me to join in on a pick up basketball game. So there we were after five, just hanging out and running around. They knew that just because I am tall does not mean I can play...so I did my best to compensate my lack of skill with size and wasn't too bad. There was no job, no duty, just good times. (excuse the poor picture quality; camera's broken).

The Word of John 1 and the Jungle Book

5 pm came around without a hitch. A full days work completed. Showered up, ate dinner, and then time for devotions at the Kids home. We all gathered in the same upstairs living room as many times before. 7pm on the dot, devotions seem to be the only thing not running on Filipino time. We all sat on the floor as the nights before, but tonight we did something a little different. The children shared what experiences they remembered before coming to Kids International Ministries. They each shared in their own words stories of sleeping outside of police stations, being abandoned after parents go completely broke, living in abandoned cars, begging on the street, and siblings watching out for each other from abusive parents. It was another striking reminder of where I am. We then discussed the Word that was in the beginning, and that was with God and was God. It has been a little difficult trying to gauge where the children are, but after some trail runs I think I've found a good level; much deeper than bible stories. We finished, then ended the night with readings from the Jungle book as the little boys huddled around and stayed quiet for 15 minutes. That's usually how the night goes; the Deity of Christ at 7 and the Jungle book before bed.

Hard to get de-sensitized.

Saturday. Began the day with lingering thoughts from yesterday. Today was a bit more joyful, but still bittersweet.

Let me tell you a little bit about my friend Randy. He is 25, a husband and a father of two; one little girl and a 10 week old baby boy. I have spent the last week working side-by side with Randy. We often take our minds off of work with simple talk. I've discovered he enjoys music, and American pop-culture. He, like every true Filipino, loves the boxer Manny Paciao. Randy is one of the more animated guys at work, so seeing him with his family allowed me to see a side of Randy that I have not seen at the work site.

Randy's little boy Kirk has been ill this last week. The little baby boy has suffered from dehydration and diarrhea. I sat and watched as Kirk was given fluids by a retired nurse here at the YunJin Ministry Center. He never made a sound, but sat quietly moving his arms while mom and dad anxiously sat nearby. The parents were given some food to take care of themselves and their precious child, they Randy went back to work. When we talked earlier in the day he shared with me how he would spend Sunday (his day off). Breakfast, church, and make some Lunch for the Family and some time with his wife.

Later in the day it was back with the Kids. Again I unfairly experienced the fruits of the Norco team. In the afternoon I helped Mile's hand out sandals and toys that had been brought over by the infamous Kuyas (brothers), Ates (sisters), and Lola (grandmother) from Norco. The smiling faces were rewarding. There was little to spread around, so somethings had to be spread thin.

Please continue to pray for the people here in Manila and Kids International Ministries.

Another Day in Manila

The team is back in Norco, and life continues in Manila. Today was another typical day in Manila, in that it came before I was prepared...as if I could have been. It started quickly with filling in on a 5 minutes notice for the school chapel. Then later filling in for the workers bible study at the YunJin Ministry center with equally short notice. However, neither of these were the most challenging tasks of the day. Around noon a few people and I traveled further into the city to visit two families. We got connected to these families through a children's feeding ministry done by a staff member of K.I.M. Our Norco team got acquainted with the children of the families while we were all here, so today I had wished they could be a part of this. A few volunteers at K.I.M. and myself took groceries and medicines to the families. One of the families has a little girl who is no older than a year with boils on her head. We entered into the little hut that housed four different families and visited for a bit. The kids all gathered around, smiling shyly. We prayed and were on our way to home number two. If the first house was not enough to make one pause, the second house would surely stop you in your tracks. After a walk through staggered shacks we made our way into a very dark make shift house. There was no lighting, just a glow from a pot heating on the flour with some coals. We handed over the groceries and met the children. Then I met their father. This is where my heart broke. The fraile man lied huddled in the corner on a thin straw mat slightly seperating him from the damp concrete. He mustered what strength he could to sit upright. Miles, the K.I.M staff member who operates the feeding ministry, shared some words then told me that he has been suffering from a sickness in his lungs. He showed me the injections he takes regularly. He could not have been older than forty, with a wife and young children, but his ailment sucked whatever youth was left in his body. He, though, was happy to see us. I still do not understand why. In that moment I felt as though he, for his fervor, was much stronger than me. The night before his family shared a meal of a pound of rice and two eggs, and yet he wanted to get up and greet us. I thought of Matthew 5. We prayed. Then we said our good byes and was on our way. I was not prepared for this. I don't think that this event will ever leave my memory. Please keep the people of Manila in prayer. Poverty is not a choice here, it is a way of life.

Back Home

Most of us are back home (after a 30+ hour trip!) and getting back into the swing of things. However, one of our team, the dauntless Joe Rodriguez, decided to stay in the Philippines until August to continue to help out Kids International Ministries there. So he'll be taking over this blog, filling us in with updates of his time there. Joe, our prayers are with you: be strong in the Lord.

Mindanao!!!

We are now in the south of the Philippines! :) We are in Malaybalay, Mindanao. It is beautiful and NOT very hot!!

Most of us are sunburned but that is a minor detail. We are loving the weather. We start work at 8 AM and then have lunch at 12 PM and then return to work until 3 which is when it typically starts raining.

The humidity is very limited and evenings and nights are...dare I say it?...almost cold.

There are 14 children here who love our attention and energy and we are more than happy to give it to them. I personally have found a friend in a 6 year old boy named Charley and then learned that he does not actually live in the orphanage but on the property with his family. He gets fresh water each day from the orphanage for his family.

There are many amazing ministries here and we have been blessed to be a part of them.

Please continue to pray that we would finish strong.

We love you, Norco!!! =)

Sunday Update

Note: This was meant to be posted yesterday, but we had problems with our internet connection.

Today has been a fun-filled day for the team. We split into three groups this morning and each group visited a different local church for Sunday service. Afterwards, we were treated to lunch at Chili’s and spent the rest of the day shopping at Green Hills, the local market.

As for yesterday…

Trevor, Ryan and I were the three members of our team to visit the site in Quezon City yesterday where a fire consumed the homes of more than 500 “squatters”. It was tragic to see all of the people rummaging through what was left of their homes; with only possessing the clothes on their backs and some were fortunate to have shoes on. When we asked who else was helping to give relief during this tragedy a local and relative of one of the families claimed that the mayor and a local Christian relief organization were aiding them, yet we saw no signs of help other than what we brought.

Please be in prayer over the next few days as we are planning on returning to bring more water, clothes, and food.

-Cherish

A simple photo

Here is a photo we thought would bring joy to your hearts. :)

Finished with the House!!!

We have finished our part of the house that we have been working on for Shirley!!! It has been such a priviledge to work together as a team to help out an entire family. They say that the house we were a part of building will last for about 20 years...

Not only did we enjoy the work that we were able to accomplish over the past 5 days, but we also met so many different people that lived around the house. Many of the people just aim to survive each day. They live in simple ways. Yet over the past few days they were so kind to allow us into their houses, to know their names, to play with their kids, and to even help with a brick or two! I know that the whole team was thankful to be a small part of this big project. It is amazing to think that we were able to demonstrate the Gospel in such a concrete way for the people, by loving them.

Many on the team are tired, some are hurt or are ill, but we are all in good spirits and look forward to the upcoming week. Continue to pray for each of the team members, but especially pray that we keep good attitude as exhaustion sets in!

Another Prayer Request:
Today we got word that a group of "squatter" houses were destroyed by a fire & that it left approximately 500 people homeless. We gathered as many of our own clothes as we could & filled up as much water as possible to deliver to the people. We sent 3 members from the team to distribute these items, and they said the need was far greater than our supply. Be praying for these people who had little to begin with & now have nothing. Pray that we would be able to help meet their basic needs & maybe even earn the right to share the Gospel with some in this extraordinarily difficult time.

One week

Well, we left a week ago tonight. It is Saturday morning at 7:50 for us.

We have almost completed the house we started. However, about 6 or 7 of us convinced the rest of the team that we finished yesterday while they were out taking a tour of the IJM office here in Manila by taking pictures and video that was quite convincing.

At the end of the night, however,the joke was revealed. :) We will finish today.

The weather is almost unnoticeable anymore as we have all adjusted quite well. The children have captured our hearts and we will be very sad to leave them. Each night for the last 3 nights we have traveled to the home of our friends, Miles, and have fed a group of homeless children. They are allowed to take home the leftover food to their parents. The first night was a good size group, the second about 30 children, and last night must have been about 50. It has been such a blessing to see them befriend us and open up. Becky, one of our faithful team members, has even passed on "Pound it" to many of the young girls.

The team is getting along quite well and it has been such a blessing to spend so much time with these amazing people. Last night, Cherish and I spent the night at the orphanage in the nursery to take care of any children that might wake up needing something. We were up every couple hours and Cherish was up for well over an hour one time. However, seeing their smiling faces this morning was well worth the effort last night.

Please continue to pray for team strength and rest. We are each working hard every day at what we do and are exhausted by the end of the night. There are endless opportunities for ministry and we never want to say no. Also, please continue to pray for attitudes to continue to be in good spirits. We have had no problems so far and it has been a huge blessing. Praise God!

This was the group on Friday night.

Joe leading a game of "Simon Says"

Me with wonderful children :)

Becky with her girls :)

Tired But Happy

For the past couple of days, many of us have continued to help with building the house, while others have helped out with a variety of other ministries. We get very tired and dirty, but we're also filled with joy at the opportunity to show love to these people.

This is one of the neighbors of the lady we're helping; this is typical of the neighborhood and indeed much of the Philippines that we've seen.

We set up a bucket brigade to get the building materials down to the site, as the road was too steep for the truck to take them. In the background you can see the forty 90-pound sacks of cement we also had to carry down.

Shirley, the lady whose house we're building, is standing in front of the pile of bricks.

And now it's time for another big day!

Day # 3

Hi Family, This is the first time I've ever blogged.(is that a real word?) I can't express the joy I feel just being here in Manila. The living facilities are very American and they are feeding us unbelievable food. Monday nights dinner was Chicken Marsalle (Spelling?) and last night it was Tacos. AMAZING!!! And for breakfast it's what we eat at home only better 'cause we don't have to cook it. (LOL) and Oh My Gosh the Fresh Fruit. Yummy, yummy, says my tummy!. But we really need the great food because it's very hot and humid and we have hard work to do daily. It's amazing to see our team in action. They all work together so well it appears they've been a team for years. They are very protective of me so I don't have to do the heavy stuff but I am in the middle of every thing as much as I can be and I get the joy of manning (or would that be grandma'ing) the cameras to try to catch all the action and re-actions. Thank you all for sending me and thank you all for all your prayers. We feel your love and are sending back.
Praise the Lord for all our blessings, Sidney

Labors and Luxuries

Well, here we are. Day 3 in the Philippines. :)

Yesterday was SUCH a busy day. We started out after breakfast and headed to a local woman's home. Her "home" is made out of very flimsy materials that are slowly dilapidating. Jeff's idea was for us to tear it down and rebuild her home with cinder blocks and steel. What Jeff didn't realize is that her home is at the bottom of a very steep hill and down a dirt path. Neither of which the trucks with the materials could manuever down. So it was up to our fearless team to carry all the materials down the hill and path and to the location of the home. This was our version of Extreme Makeover: Philippines Home Edition. :)

We started out very excited and very energetic. After a couple of us became injured (me, falling down on the dirt path, and Jessica, who injured her knee here the first day) the team was a little smaller. Jessica, Sidney, and I returned after lunch to the house we are residing in and spent the afternoon relaxing our injuries with Sidney to watch over us. :)

The rest of the team, however, returned to the work site and busted themselves for the glory of Christ. A total of 600 cinder blocks were moved, along with 40 90-pound bags of concrete, about 30-40 20-foot pieces of rebar, a good amount of sand and gravel, and a bunch of plywood. At the end of the day, during which it rained, the team was dirty and accomplished.

We are returning today to begin demolishing and constructing. Praise God for this opportunity to minister to a woman very close to the hearts of the people here at Kids International. After all this work, some of the team went swimming to relax and Jessica and I joined them to relax our injuries a bit. We returned to the children's home last night to do devotions at 7 PM where Trevor spoke to them about the parable of the 1 lost sheep and the 1 lost coin. These children are full of enthusiasm for singing praises to the Lord, and it fills my heart with joy to see their joy in the midst of broken families and abandonment.

We were all a bit spoiled last night, however, when Jeff hired someone to give us all massages after the long day of work. Tonight, it looks like some more massages and some Starbucks is on the agenda! That is, of course, after devotions with the children, and a lesson on culture from a friend of Jeff's.

Please continue to pray for:

1) Recovery of injuries
2) Continued team unity
3) Strength and energy to keep up the hard work
4) That all we do would be for His glory and the furthering of His kingdom

Thank you so much for all of your love and support during our preparation and especially while we are here in the Philippines! :)

Our First Day

Well, we've arrived in Manila and had a full day. Jet lag is affecting us a bit, but we stayed active until night-time, so we're hoping that reset our clocks.

Coming in from the airport we passed mile after mile of tin shacks, punctuated by enclaves of prosperity. Manila seems to be in a constant state of flux, with nearly every building either under construction or demolition, and in use as well. The evident poverty, and the apparent satisfaction which which the people accept it, is sobering. The traffic is nail-biting but friendly; people would wave and grin at us out the window, and then cut us off.

When we arrived we got a tour of the Manila campus of Kids International Ministries. They have a great presence here, with four large buildings all actively ministering to the community. They, too, seems to be in a constant state of flux, this time all good, as teams like us help maintain and construct additions to their buildings. Outside the gates of these buildings lies a hodge-podge of squatters' shacks and uneven dirt roads, with dogs, kids and garbage abundantly underfoot. During the tour, we got to spend an hour just playing with the kids. They are very friendly and accepted us immediately; they're also very lively and wore us out nearly as fast! We got to share a devotional time with them that night as well, and it's heartening to see their simple love and acceptance. Please pray that we'll be equal to the task of influencing these kids for the Lord. Pray that we will be able not just to show them our love, but the love of Christ, that they might come to Him. Pray also that we will be able to build ties in the community, who also seem to exhibit the Philippine friendliness.


On a lighter note, we got to celebrate Sarah's birthday at a nearby Starbucks, where most of us had a great time.

After a long flight on which we had variable success at catching some sleep, we've arrived in Hong Kong. The airport is beautiful, with large windows looking out on misty mountains on one side and the sea on the other. It's 6 AM here, but it feels like 3 PM to us. We've got another couple of hours layover and then it's on to Manila!