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.
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.
who is sleeping? is that grandpa matt?
ReplyDeleteIt is so good to see that you guys are doing well! :) You all look great! I hope that you all get some rest. Know that you have a lot of people here that love you all and are praying for you!! :)
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