Children all around

     I have been back in the Philippines for a little over two months now. Almost been a year since moving here (crazy)! Since being here we have re-opened the tutorial center, started a play school (the US version of a preschool) and also offer an English reading program so students will not struggle in school later on. We went from 4 students to 12 in just a few days and have only a few more opening for students to join. Days are long and busy but I enjoy my time with the children. I have also seen more rain these past months than I have in my entire life!

     It was a strange feeling coming from visiting my home in the states to where I now call home and am “set-up”. The two places have such a different way of life. Much more than I can even put into words. I am often asked by people I meet why on earth I would leave my family to come teach in the Philippines when it’s a poor country, especially when I could have a good job teaching in America. I have had to confront that question for myself too. Why did I leave my family and friends in the US where I am use to and have comfortable living? Why don’t I just go make money and send it to help the schools and teachers.. Well, because money can’t teach a child… I mean yes, it helps, and you need money to pay for education. You need money to pay for supplies and books and the place to teach. You need money to pay the teacher. But how will you find a good teacher with the right training and education? Or what if there isn’t one? Yes, America needs teachers too… but some children here don’t even go to school because there isn’t enough teachers or schools or their parents can’t afford the small amount it costs to send them.

     Am I trying to change the world? Not really, but maybe I can change someone’s world…

     On some of the weekends I have also been able to join feeding ministries in the city. I took my friend that was visiting to the Payatas, the 2nd largest trash dump in the world, where a pastor is trying to teach children there since they cannot afford to go to school. We taught them body parts in English and brought toys and food from their favorite restaurant Jollibee. One children’s ministry received the Bibles they have been praying for and a different feeding ministry that I was at last week had 120 kids who often go all day without a meal.

     I also joined a group that went to go plant a church in Baler, a beautiful province in the northern part of the island. We fed the community and celebrated the new church after having a conference for the new pastors. I look forward to more trips like this and made some connections with other missionaries I may be able to help.

     Thank you to all my family and friends I consider family that have contributed to my ministry these past months! I have some exciting plans for the future that I cannot wait to share once a little more is in order. And thank you everyone for your prayers! They are very much needed.