Well the end has come...
I cannot believe I will be leaving the place I have become to Love. It was so hard yesterday saying by to all my babies that were in my class and to all the teachers that became like family to me. And then today saying goodbye to my babies in the Children's Home. I will miss them all so much. God has def. blessed this trip and I am so thankful for that. He never left my side..I am so amazed at how God revealed himself to me. It was wonderful. I know God will continue to watch over my babies here and they will always be in my prayers.
We will be heading out at 2:30 am for the airport and then a 17 hour trip home. Please pray for safe travels.
Thanks for all of you who followed me on this journey. I am so thankful God brought me here and I am excited to see how he continues to reveal himself to me when I am back in the States. Thanks again for the continued prayers while I was gone. They mean a lot and were def. felt. :)
Well this is it for my trip and the ending of this blog until next time. Thanks again. Love you all tons!!
GOD IS SO GOOD ALL THE TIME!!! :)
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Friday, January 21, 2011
Friday 1/21/11 - 6:45 pm
Today was such an emotional day. I don't even know where to begin. I never knew leaving would be this hard for me. The Filipino people have touched my life. They are completely amazing. The teachers and students at the school have become like family to me. The way they opened up to us and welcomed us in was amazing. I am so grateful that God sent me to the Philippines. It has been such an amazing opportunity to love on these people, to be loved by them, and to feel God's amazing presence. When we were all talking tonight one of my Professors said that God sent us all here for a reason. It is all part of God's amazing plan and a piece of the puzzle for our lives. God is using this to prepare us for his purpose for our life. That was so encouraging to me. I loved thinking in that way. It makes it so exciting knowing God is using this to prepare me for his plan for my life. What is more exciting then that??
The kids were so sweet today. I got so many amazing letters from them all. All day they kept telling me all of these sweet things like...
"Thanks for blessing us"
"May God bless you and may you have a safe trip back to the states"
"Thank you for teaching us and guiding us"
"Thanks for loving us"
"Thanks for singing to us and teaching us songs"
And so many more amazing things...i couldn't handle it..it was so sweet..i lost it. These kids have blessed my life way more then they know. At the end of the day they threw me a surprise party. It was so sweet of them. Their parents brought all of this food in..it broke my heart. My kids are basically the poorest of the poor and they are giving me the best that they have. It just taught me so much. I mean I could not help but be amazed at their families. They did not care that they had nothing, but gave all they could so that I would be happy and leave remembering that they gave there best to me. It made me think of God and how he calls us to give him all that we have. It made me just think? Am I giving God all that I have or am I just giving just enough? I mean these kids just touched my life so much., I am still amazed that they gave me their best. They weren't selfish, they loved me enough to do that. It makes me want to give more of myself to God, why be selfish, he is the one that gave us this life. I just have so much to sort through..sorry if this is confusing. It's hard to put all that I am feeling in words. But the food was amazing. Home cooked meals. Loved it. It was the sweetest thing ever. Then a little boy only ate half of his food and said he was saving the rest for his mom and his sister..i mean that just killed me..how sweet. These kids know alot about true love. They taught me so much today. I am going to miss them more then they know.
Then after school all the teachers had a little get together for us Taylor Students. It was incredible. They did not have a big presentation, or lots of gifts, or lots of food but it was so sentimental and something I will remember for the rest of my life. It was a time of thanking God for this amazing opportunity and a time for the teachers to thank us and for the taylor students to thank them. I loved it and I have never cried so much in my life. God was def. in that place and it was evident. I mean to live so far apart and to worship the same God is incredible. They talked about how much we blessed them and we talked about how much they had blessed us. I can't even put into words how incredible this time of fellowship was. We have become family and leaving them is the hardest thing ever. I am so thankful that God gave us this opportunity to come and be blessed by these amazing people. I will miss them all so much and I hope God willing that I get an opportunity to come back here to see them all again. I love them all so much!!
I am so sorry this is chaotic..i cant even put into words how I feel right now.
The kids were so sweet today. I got so many amazing letters from them all. All day they kept telling me all of these sweet things like...
"Thanks for blessing us"
"May God bless you and may you have a safe trip back to the states"
"Thank you for teaching us and guiding us"
"Thanks for loving us"
"Thanks for singing to us and teaching us songs"
And so many more amazing things...i couldn't handle it..it was so sweet..i lost it. These kids have blessed my life way more then they know. At the end of the day they threw me a surprise party. It was so sweet of them. Their parents brought all of this food in..it broke my heart. My kids are basically the poorest of the poor and they are giving me the best that they have. It just taught me so much. I mean I could not help but be amazed at their families. They did not care that they had nothing, but gave all they could so that I would be happy and leave remembering that they gave there best to me. It made me think of God and how he calls us to give him all that we have. It made me just think? Am I giving God all that I have or am I just giving just enough? I mean these kids just touched my life so much., I am still amazed that they gave me their best. They weren't selfish, they loved me enough to do that. It makes me want to give more of myself to God, why be selfish, he is the one that gave us this life. I just have so much to sort through..sorry if this is confusing. It's hard to put all that I am feeling in words. But the food was amazing. Home cooked meals. Loved it. It was the sweetest thing ever. Then a little boy only ate half of his food and said he was saving the rest for his mom and his sister..i mean that just killed me..how sweet. These kids know alot about true love. They taught me so much today. I am going to miss them more then they know.
Then after school all the teachers had a little get together for us Taylor Students. It was incredible. They did not have a big presentation, or lots of gifts, or lots of food but it was so sentimental and something I will remember for the rest of my life. It was a time of thanking God for this amazing opportunity and a time for the teachers to thank us and for the taylor students to thank them. I loved it and I have never cried so much in my life. God was def. in that place and it was evident. I mean to live so far apart and to worship the same God is incredible. They talked about how much we blessed them and we talked about how much they had blessed us. I can't even put into words how incredible this time of fellowship was. We have become family and leaving them is the hardest thing ever. I am so thankful that God gave us this opportunity to come and be blessed by these amazing people. I will miss them all so much and I hope God willing that I get an opportunity to come back here to see them all again. I love them all so much!!
I am so sorry this is chaotic..i cant even put into words how I feel right now.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Thursday 1/20/11 - 4:35 pm
I cannot believe we only have 3 more days here. This week has flown by.
This morning we had the opportunity to go to Faith Academy. It is a school for missionary kids. There are about 700 kids, Elementary thru High School that go there. It is an awesome campus..on a mountain and over looks Manila. The parents of these kids all work in Manila as missionaries and about 15% are boarding students so they live in a dorm and their parents work in other parts of Asia. It was so neat to see this school. I am so glad we had the opportunity to do this. Some past Taylor students have student taught at this school. So always a great opportunity to think about so it was fun to check it out since we were here. They also gave us cinnamon rolls and coke light..what could be better then that ;)
When I got to school after lunch my kids came screaming to me and gave me the biggest hugs ever. I felt like a mom. They were freaking out and wondering where I had been all morning and they said how much they missed me. I do not know what they are going to do tomorrow since tomorrow is my last day. They are going to be such a mess on Monday, that makes me so sad. They were already missing me after me not being there for 4 hours. I guess it just really hit me, you sometimes don't realize what an impact u make in peoples life until it is time to leave them. They have made such an impact in my life as well. I am so sad to leave them. They kept asking me when I was going to come back and visit and if I would always remember them. Tomorrow will be a tough day, very bittersweet.
I do not know where God will lead me in the future. But I will always remember them and will continue to pray for them :)
This morning we had the opportunity to go to Faith Academy. It is a school for missionary kids. There are about 700 kids, Elementary thru High School that go there. It is an awesome campus..on a mountain and over looks Manila. The parents of these kids all work in Manila as missionaries and about 15% are boarding students so they live in a dorm and their parents work in other parts of Asia. It was so neat to see this school. I am so glad we had the opportunity to do this. Some past Taylor students have student taught at this school. So always a great opportunity to think about so it was fun to check it out since we were here. They also gave us cinnamon rolls and coke light..what could be better then that ;)
When I got to school after lunch my kids came screaming to me and gave me the biggest hugs ever. I felt like a mom. They were freaking out and wondering where I had been all morning and they said how much they missed me. I do not know what they are going to do tomorrow since tomorrow is my last day. They are going to be such a mess on Monday, that makes me so sad. They were already missing me after me not being there for 4 hours. I guess it just really hit me, you sometimes don't realize what an impact u make in peoples life until it is time to leave them. They have made such an impact in my life as well. I am so sad to leave them. They kept asking me when I was going to come back and visit and if I would always remember them. Tomorrow will be a tough day, very bittersweet.
I do not know where God will lead me in the future. But I will always remember them and will continue to pray for them :)
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Wednesday 1/19/11 - 6:40 pm
My devotionals again this morning were amazing. I love sitting outside with my coffee and spending time in God's presence. It is incredible. An amazing way to start my morning. :) But when I was praying I was expressing to God how I really am worried that when I go home that I am going to forget what God has taught me here and I want to continue to have this close relationship. So I was expressing my worries to God and then when I opened up my devos he gave me the words I needed to hear. It was talking about how if we continue to seek his face then we will continue to stay close to him and feel his presence. It was the words I needed to hear from God. It always amazes me how he has the exact words I need to hear.
Man have these kids captured my heart. I am so in love with my class. They are so great. They give me so many hugs a day and they just are so loving. They have already given me goodbye letters. It is so sad. I am already sad thinking about leaving them. I have gotten so close to all of them. Their little letters make me laugh so hard though because their English is not very good so it is so funny. I can't wait to show everybody. They are adorable. Also I love going to the orphanage. The kids in the nursery have captured my heart as well. I love going over there and playing with them. They bring me so much joy but it breaks my heart to think that they have no mommy and daddy. I wish I could bring them all home. It is going to be so hard to leave them too and not knowing if I will ever be back :( Yuki was adorable today. When I got to the nursery he was all excited and got down off of someones lap and crawled over to me. Then he started tugging at my legs. So I picked him up and he just laid his head on my shoulder..i love his little hugs.. They make my day. He is sick so he was a little fussy but eventually he fell asleep on my shoulder..i loved it!! I just love them all so much. I wish I could bring them home with me. Just breaks my heart to leave them. But I know they are in good hands. It will be bittersweet though because I am excited to be home again with my loved ones!!
This is a verse that I ran across in my journal that my best friend got me..loved it:
Psalm 127:3
"Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him."
and
Mark 10:16
"He took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them."
Man have these kids captured my heart. I am so in love with my class. They are so great. They give me so many hugs a day and they just are so loving. They have already given me goodbye letters. It is so sad. I am already sad thinking about leaving them. I have gotten so close to all of them. Their little letters make me laugh so hard though because their English is not very good so it is so funny. I can't wait to show everybody. They are adorable. Also I love going to the orphanage. The kids in the nursery have captured my heart as well. I love going over there and playing with them. They bring me so much joy but it breaks my heart to think that they have no mommy and daddy. I wish I could bring them all home. It is going to be so hard to leave them too and not knowing if I will ever be back :( Yuki was adorable today. When I got to the nursery he was all excited and got down off of someones lap and crawled over to me. Then he started tugging at my legs. So I picked him up and he just laid his head on my shoulder..i love his little hugs.. They make my day. He is sick so he was a little fussy but eventually he fell asleep on my shoulder..i loved it!! I just love them all so much. I wish I could bring them home with me. Just breaks my heart to leave them. But I know they are in good hands. It will be bittersweet though because I am excited to be home again with my loved ones!!
This is a verse that I ran across in my journal that my best friend got me..loved it:
Psalm 127:3
"Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him."
and
Mark 10:16
"He took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them."
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Tuesday 1/18/11 @ 5:40 pm
Today went so well. I had to teach my offical lesson which was observed by my professor. I was really nervous because I was teaching them American Money, but they did so great. The kids were on there best behavior and really interacted well. I was so proud of them. I think my lesson went great. I am so glad it is over. I am teaching a science lesson again tomorrow but I am not to worried about it since I am not getting observed lol
After school today, Teacher Shirley took 3 of us girls to the grocery store. We got to ride a trike and then a jeepney. It was an adventure. It was really fun going with locals...I felt like a local lol. I got lots of stuff to bring home for my family to try I am really excited about it ;) I just hope it all makes it home without breaking lol.
Today was a great day!! Now it is time to do homework!! FUN FUN!!! I can't believe I will be home Sunday..that is so soon!! I will miss my class since I have gotten so close to them, but it will be fun to see my family and friends again, so it is def. bittersweet.
Thanks for all the prayers!! Love you all tons! :)
After school today, Teacher Shirley took 3 of us girls to the grocery store. We got to ride a trike and then a jeepney. It was an adventure. It was really fun going with locals...I felt like a local lol. I got lots of stuff to bring home for my family to try I am really excited about it ;) I just hope it all makes it home without breaking lol.
Today was a great day!! Now it is time to do homework!! FUN FUN!!! I can't believe I will be home Sunday..that is so soon!! I will miss my class since I have gotten so close to them, but it will be fun to see my family and friends again, so it is def. bittersweet.
Thanks for all the prayers!! Love you all tons! :)
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Monday 1/17/11 - 6:00 am
We had such a busy weekend that I didnt get a chance to blog. So I will try and quickly tell you all that we saw. It was insane how busy and how much I learned this weekend. It was really fun. Also I am posting some pictures from this weekend...not all because there is a ton on facebook so check them out :)
Anyways on Saturday we went to the Philippines and American Memorial. It was really sad to see how many people died protect the Philippines territory from the Japanese. It was really cool though being a milititary kid and seeing the memorial. It was very nicely done. There is a big circle building in the middle and it has all the names of people that died. It was very neat to walk around that and then they had all these crosses with everyones name that has died. It was really intense and super good.
Then we went to a market to do some bartering. That was very interesting to say the least. I have some stories to tell when I am home. But it was fun to experience a Philippines market.
On Sunday we went to Corregidor Island. This is the place that the Japanese bombed after Pearl Harbor and they tried to capture this island. The United States sent troops over to help protect the Island and to help the Philippines regain control over this island. It was interesting to see how the troops lived and fought on this Island. I loved it. I learned so much about World War 2 it was super fun.
Then we went to Mall of Asia to have dinner. This is the biggest mall in Asia. It was really pretty because it was along the water and the mall was like an indoor/outdoor mall it was weird but super cool.
We had a great fun weekend. Now it is time to start the work week :) I am excited to see my kids again!!
Love you all and thanks for the prayers. Please pray for my last week since I am getting tired, pray I have the energy to make it through my last week. Thanks everyone. Cant wait to come home and share all my stories and everything.
Also check out the pictures from this weekend :)
Anyways on Saturday we went to the Philippines and American Memorial. It was really sad to see how many people died protect the Philippines territory from the Japanese. It was really cool though being a milititary kid and seeing the memorial. It was very nicely done. There is a big circle building in the middle and it has all the names of people that died. It was very neat to walk around that and then they had all these crosses with everyones name that has died. It was really intense and super good.
Then we went to a market to do some bartering. That was very interesting to say the least. I have some stories to tell when I am home. But it was fun to experience a Philippines market.
On Sunday we went to Corregidor Island. This is the place that the Japanese bombed after Pearl Harbor and they tried to capture this island. The United States sent troops over to help protect the Island and to help the Philippines regain control over this island. It was interesting to see how the troops lived and fought on this Island. I loved it. I learned so much about World War 2 it was super fun.
Then we went to Mall of Asia to have dinner. This is the biggest mall in Asia. It was really pretty because it was along the water and the mall was like an indoor/outdoor mall it was weird but super cool.
We had a great fun weekend. Now it is time to start the work week :) I am excited to see my kids again!!
Love you all and thanks for the prayers. Please pray for my last week since I am getting tired, pray I have the energy to make it through my last week. Thanks everyone. Cant wait to come home and share all my stories and everything.
Also check out the pictures from this weekend :)
Friday, January 14, 2011
Saturday Morning - 1/15/11 - 8:00 am
I just had to share how incredible God is. He has given me such a heart for missions it is crazy. I am so in love with the idea of doing missions for the rest of my life. God keeps confirming since I have been here that he has great plans for my life and I need to give it to him and trust in him to lead me where he wants me to go. It gives me so much joy knowing he is in control of my life. This is just one of the amazing things God has been showing me here. I just love doing Gods work so much and I am excited to do his work for the rest of my life. I just had the best breakfast ever with God. I am so thankful he has shown himself to me in such amazing ways since I have been here. I am so comforted knowing he knows my future and I can rest in his arm. I am so excited to see where God leads me. Continue to pray that I surrender my life to him daily....btw..i had fresh mangoes this morning...yeah GOD IS GOOD!! :)
Friday - 1/14/11 - 7:00pm
It's Friday! I can't believe that it is Friday once again. This week flew by. I am still in shock that I have one more week here. I can't believe how fast time is flying. God has been so amazing here. I am so thankful he has brought me here. God has been teaching me so much. It has been an amazing experience. I can't wait to tell everyone about it. It is so hard to tell people over this blog so I am so excited to come home and share everything God has been showing me and teaching me. It has been incredible. I have felt God in such amazing ways!!
Today it was my groups time to run chapel at the school. The things that brings a tear to my eye was the kids giving offering. They literally have nothing and they are giving what they have to God. It was incredible. It gave me the best feeling ever. :) It just brought a whole new meaning to giving to God. I couldn't help but cry. Also seeing the kids worshiping God just gave me the chills. I just love it. I see God through these kids all the time and it is amazing. It is so sad to see where they live though. It continues to break my heart.
I have gotten so close to my kids in my class that it is going to be so hard to leave them. Thinking about it makes me want to cry. Today I taught so much. I basically ran class today. It was super fun just really exhausting because the teachers kept coming in and saying they couldn't teach today so I had to improvise like all day so I think that is why I was so tired but it felt God to be the teacher. I loved it. I just am so exhausted tonight. Glad it is the weekend.
We have a packed weekend though of sight seeing and stuff but it will be a nice break from school for all of us so I am excited about that.
Still in the upper 90s I am loving it here..but missing the snow a little bit...am I allowed to say that??
God has been so incredible faithful here and I am so grateful. He has just shown himself in amazing ways to me. It brings a smile to my face all the time thinking of the things I have learned and felt here. Can't wait to share everything with everyone when I am home.
Thanks again for the prayers. They mean more then you all know. I seriously feel them everyday.
Love you all tons. And miss everyone like crazy. I can't believe I will be home in 9 DAYS! That seems so soon.
Today it was my groups time to run chapel at the school. The things that brings a tear to my eye was the kids giving offering. They literally have nothing and they are giving what they have to God. It was incredible. It gave me the best feeling ever. :) It just brought a whole new meaning to giving to God. I couldn't help but cry. Also seeing the kids worshiping God just gave me the chills. I just love it. I see God through these kids all the time and it is amazing. It is so sad to see where they live though. It continues to break my heart.
I have gotten so close to my kids in my class that it is going to be so hard to leave them. Thinking about it makes me want to cry. Today I taught so much. I basically ran class today. It was super fun just really exhausting because the teachers kept coming in and saying they couldn't teach today so I had to improvise like all day so I think that is why I was so tired but it felt God to be the teacher. I loved it. I just am so exhausted tonight. Glad it is the weekend.
We have a packed weekend though of sight seeing and stuff but it will be a nice break from school for all of us so I am excited about that.
Still in the upper 90s I am loving it here..but missing the snow a little bit...am I allowed to say that??
God has been so incredible faithful here and I am so grateful. He has just shown himself in amazing ways to me. It brings a smile to my face all the time thinking of the things I have learned and felt here. Can't wait to share everything with everyone when I am home.
Thanks again for the prayers. They mean more then you all know. I seriously feel them everyday.
Love you all tons. And miss everyone like crazy. I can't believe I will be home in 9 DAYS! That seems so soon.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Thursday 1/13/11 - 4:45 pm
Hebrews 12:10-11 "They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it".
This verse really hit me the other day when I read it. God just really showed me that it isn't easy when God is using you and changing you. I have felt that since being here and I think that has been the hardest part of me being away from home this time. But I know God has a purpose and I am excited to apply what God has been teaching me when I get home. God is so faithful and he has def. showed me that since being here. Going out to play with the street kids.
I am so glad God brought me here. These people are amazing. It breaks my heart to see my kids in the slums in the afternoon and then in my class the next morning..but I am continuing to pray for them and love on them because that is all I can do : )
Thanks again for the prayers. TOMORROW IS FRIDAY AND THEN A FUN WEEKEND :)
This verse really hit me the other day when I read it. God just really showed me that it isn't easy when God is using you and changing you. I have felt that since being here and I think that has been the hardest part of me being away from home this time. But I know God has a purpose and I am excited to apply what God has been teaching me when I get home. God is so faithful and he has def. showed me that since being here. Going out to play with the street kids.
I am so glad God brought me here. These people are amazing. It breaks my heart to see my kids in the slums in the afternoon and then in my class the next morning..but I am continuing to pray for them and love on them because that is all I can do : )
Thanks again for the prayers. TOMORROW IS FRIDAY AND THEN A FUN WEEKEND :)
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Wednesday 1/12/11 - 7:20 pm
I cant believe we are over halfway done with this week. This week has been flying by. I love my class but it is complete chaos all day long though. It is hard getting use to the way things are ran over here because it is a lot different then the states. I mean they do workbooks all day long. So it is boring for both me and the kids but I love the kids. Also they never listen so things can be insane at times but I am continuing to ask God for patients. He is def. teaching me that. I am learning a lot being here so that is good..what I wont do in my classroom someday lol. But we are learning to laugh at things because that is the only thing you can do or it would drive you insane lol.
Another thing I am struggling with is the whole dilemma between the fact I am here for an education trip and a mission trip. It is really hard to find the balance and it can be overwhelming at times. But again God is using this to teach me a lesson to focus on him and he will guide me through my day. I am so exhausted at night because we are always on the go. But God is faithful and always gives me the strength that I need.
I went to the Children's home again today. I just love it there. These kids break my heart. I saw Yuki again today and when I went in the nursery he smiled and started grabbing for me. He is so adorable. I hung out with him all afternoon. The hardest thing was having to leave him. He just cried and cried. It broke my heart. Please continue to pray for these amazing children and that they can get adobted by amazing families.
Thanks again for all the prayers. They are ALWAYS felt. God is amazing. Cant wait to see everyone and share with you all God has been doing in my life.
Two more days of school this week and then the weekend. I can't believe next week is the last week we are here. It is flying by.
Love you all and miss you all so much. Thanks again for the prayers :)
Another thing I am struggling with is the whole dilemma between the fact I am here for an education trip and a mission trip. It is really hard to find the balance and it can be overwhelming at times. But again God is using this to teach me a lesson to focus on him and he will guide me through my day. I am so exhausted at night because we are always on the go. But God is faithful and always gives me the strength that I need.
I went to the Children's home again today. I just love it there. These kids break my heart. I saw Yuki again today and when I went in the nursery he smiled and started grabbing for me. He is so adorable. I hung out with him all afternoon. The hardest thing was having to leave him. He just cried and cried. It broke my heart. Please continue to pray for these amazing children and that they can get adobted by amazing families.
Thanks again for all the prayers. They are ALWAYS felt. God is amazing. Cant wait to see everyone and share with you all God has been doing in my life.
Two more days of school this week and then the weekend. I can't believe next week is the last week we are here. It is flying by.
Love you all and miss you all so much. Thanks again for the prayers :)
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Tuesday 1/11 @ 3:30 pm
WOW!! God is so amazing. Today when I opened up my devotional God gave me the words I needed to hear. He has been teaching me to trust him with all of my life and give my life up to him. This is what the first lines said,"Trust me by relinquishing control into my hands. Let go, and recognize that I am God. This is my world: I made it and I control it. Yours is a responsive part in the litany of love. I search among my children for receptivity to me. Guard well this gift that I have planted in your heart. Nurture it with the light of my presence." This was so encouraging for me to read today. I am so thankful that God gave me the words that I needed to hear. I am moving forward each day with my relationship with Christ and this is an area I am letting go of and letting God have control of and it feels great :)
Some funny things that happened today...
1) a kid in my class was wearing a Manning jersey ....yes..all the way in the Philippines. (pics on facebook)
2) A cat just wondered into the class and was totally welcomed...guess that means I am not in America anymore
3) I have to teach a lesson next week and so I am going to teach a Math lesson and she wants me to teach them about American money...and how to add them...this should be interesting. (she told me she normally skips this lesson cause she doesnt understand it..but since I am American I can teach it.)
Wow. what a day and it is only the afternoon.
Thanking God for the strength he gives me everyday :)
Oh and I thought I would put my school schedule down since some of you might be curious how my school days look...
Some funny things that happened today...
1) a kid in my class was wearing a Manning jersey ....yes..all the way in the Philippines. (pics on facebook)
2) A cat just wondered into the class and was totally welcomed...guess that means I am not in America anymore
3) I have to teach a lesson next week and so I am going to teach a Math lesson and she wants me to teach them about American money...and how to add them...this should be interesting. (she told me she normally skips this lesson cause she doesnt understand it..but since I am American I can teach it.)
Wow. what a day and it is only the afternoon.
Thanking God for the strength he gives me everyday :)
Oh and I thought I would put my school schedule down since some of you might be curious how my school days look...
Grade 2 – Class Schedule
Cuatro Christian School
7:30 – 7:45 Welcome/ Homeroom (Teacher Lei)
7:45 – 8:25 P.E. (Tuesday/ Thursday) and Art/ Music (Monday/ Wednesday/ Friday)
8:25 – 9:05 Science (Teacher Mark)
9:05 – 9:45 Sibika (Filipino History)
9:45 – 10:00 Break/ Recess
10:00 – 10:40 Filipino (Teacher Verna)
10:40 – 11:20 Bible (Teacher Kim)
11:20 – 12:00 Lunch
12:00 – 12:40 Math (Teacher Lei)
12:40 – 1:20 Library (Computers and Reading)
1:20 – 2:00 English (Teacher Shirley)
2:00 – 2:40 Free time in the classroom
2:40 – 3:00 Wrap up/ Homeroom (Teacher Lei)
Love you all and thanks for the prayers. I feel them everyday :) God is so GOOD!! <3
Monday, January 10, 2011
The Children's Home!
Monday 1/10 - 5:10 pm
I went to the Children's home after school today. It completely broke my heart. I want to take all the kids home with me. There is one boy that I want to take home so bad. His name is Yuki and he is a year old and has been there since he was born. I hope someday I can come back an adobt a kid from this ministry. All the kids are so adorable. Please pray for them all and that they find loving homes because I couldn't imagine not living with a mom and dad. How sad that would be. School went well today. The kids were loud and crazy like always but they are so adorable and I got plenty of hugs today too. It is so hot here today. Its miserable. But trying to enjoy it since I will be back in the snow before long. ;)
I went to the Children's home after school today. It completely broke my heart. I want to take all the kids home with me. There is one boy that I want to take home so bad. His name is Yuki and he is a year old and has been there since he was born. I hope someday I can come back an adobt a kid from this ministry. All the kids are so adorable. Please pray for them all and that they find loving homes because I couldn't imagine not living with a mom and dad. How sad that would be. School went well today. The kids were loud and crazy like always but they are so adorable and I got plenty of hugs today too. It is so hot here today. Its miserable. But trying to enjoy it since I will be back in the snow before long. ;)
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Mega Church + Mega Mall + Worship = Amazing Sunday
WOW!! Sunday was an awesome day and a great way to end the weekend!! We started off going to this huge church in downtown Manila. It was so awesome. They talked about prayer which was really cool since I have been praying continuously since I have been here.
Then we went to this awesome Mall. It was so massive. We went to all these fun places and ate really cool things. You will have to check out my pics on Facebook.
Then we came back here and had dinner and had this awesome worship with all of these different people that are staying here. It was amazing and so what I needed. God def. filled me up yesterday and I loved it. So now I feel prepared for the week ahead of me. About to head out to school to start my Monday.
Thanks for all the prayers please continue to pray for our team. We are practically living on top of each other and it has been a week so we have 2 more so pray we continue to get along and that we continue to have the strength to get through the long and HOT weeks!!
Thanks. We can all feel God in this place and it is amazing ;) Everyday that I have read my devotional here God has given me exactly what I needed to hear. I just love that. Another sign that God is here and he is working.
Love you all. I cant believe I will be home in 13 days..it is going so fast!!
Then we went to this awesome Mall. It was so massive. We went to all these fun places and ate really cool things. You will have to check out my pics on Facebook.
Then we came back here and had dinner and had this awesome worship with all of these different people that are staying here. It was amazing and so what I needed. God def. filled me up yesterday and I loved it. So now I feel prepared for the week ahead of me. About to head out to school to start my Monday.
Thanks for all the prayers please continue to pray for our team. We are practically living on top of each other and it has been a week so we have 2 more so pray we continue to get along and that we continue to have the strength to get through the long and HOT weeks!!
Thanks. We can all feel God in this place and it is amazing ;) Everyday that I have read my devotional here God has given me exactly what I needed to hear. I just love that. Another sign that God is here and he is working.
Love you all. I cant believe I will be home in 13 days..it is going so fast!!
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Waterfalls
WOW!! The waterfalls were so amazing and beautiful yesterday. It was a wonderful day to just relax in the sun. We had a complete blast. We are all so thankful that God gave us that opportunity to enjoy his beauty and to relax and just laugh and have fun. It was a well needed break from the city.
Today we are going to a mega church in Manila and then we are going to a huge mall afterwards to eat and spend the afternoon shopping before we have to start our next week of school.
Thansk again for all the prayers. Keep them coming. Sometimes are great and other times are hard but I know God is with me and he is teaching me amazing things. The prayers are felt and mean a lot.
Love you all like crazy. I cant believe 2 weeks from now I will be heading home. It is going so fast!!!
Today we are going to a mega church in Manila and then we are going to a huge mall afterwards to eat and spend the afternoon shopping before we have to start our next week of school.
Thansk again for all the prayers. Keep them coming. Sometimes are great and other times are hard but I know God is with me and he is teaching me amazing things. The prayers are felt and mean a lot.
Love you all like crazy. I cant believe 2 weeks from now I will be heading home. It is going so fast!!!
Friday, January 7, 2011
IT'S FRIDAY!!!!
Today was our last day of class for the week. The kids were crazy of course...I feel like all kids are on the last day of school before 2 days off. It was really fun though. I helped out a ton and I love when the kids are actually learning and it clicks. Such a great moment!! The education here is not very good so it's been fun being here helping the kids learn and making them feel smart and special. One of the kids today was struggling and I worked one on one with him and when he got it a HUGE smile came across his face. It made this whole trip worth it. I gave him a high five and he said in his broken English, "It's Perfect?" It just melted my heart knowing he had sccomplished something and was proud of it.
The kids cling to me all day long. I love it so much and I am already getting so attached to them. I am going to miss them so much when I have to leave. I can't believe I only have 16 more days here. I am so thankful that God brought me here. He has taught me so much about myself, himself, and working with the kids. It breaks my heart to see where they come from and having nothing. I find myself at times just covering them with prayer because I know that is one of the only things I can do. Is to ask God to be with them and to reveal himself to them. I just want all of these kids to have a future and to move out of these horrible squatter villages that they live in. But I know all I can do is teach them, love them and pray for them. Sometimes this is hard knowing this is all I can do, but I know God has a purpose and a plan so once again I have to trust him.
Tomorrow we are going to the waterfalls. I am excited for a nice day out and to explore God's creation here in the Philippines.
Thanks for all the prayers..They mean a lot. Some parts of the day are easier then others and I def. can feel Gods presence, love and comfort here. So keep praying. They are being felt. Love you all tons!!!
The kids cling to me all day long. I love it so much and I am already getting so attached to them. I am going to miss them so much when I have to leave. I can't believe I only have 16 more days here. I am so thankful that God brought me here. He has taught me so much about myself, himself, and working with the kids. It breaks my heart to see where they come from and having nothing. I find myself at times just covering them with prayer because I know that is one of the only things I can do. Is to ask God to be with them and to reveal himself to them. I just want all of these kids to have a future and to move out of these horrible squatter villages that they live in. But I know all I can do is teach them, love them and pray for them. Sometimes this is hard knowing this is all I can do, but I know God has a purpose and a plan so once again I have to trust him.
Tomorrow we are going to the waterfalls. I am excited for a nice day out and to explore God's creation here in the Philippines.
Thanks for all the prayers..They mean a lot. Some parts of the day are easier then others and I def. can feel Gods presence, love and comfort here. So keep praying. They are being felt. Love you all tons!!!
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Pictures
For some reason I cant post pictures on here because our internet is too slow or something but I posted them on facebook so you can see the school I am working at, my class, and where I am staying :) And Yes, it is 4 am here and I am up once again. I am thinking this should be over soon?!?!?!
My First Full Day at Class
Jet leg got me this morning since I was up at 4 am. At least I got 8 hours of sleep because I was in bed by 8 last night..I think that is the earliest I have ever gone to bed..lol. It was nice though because I got to talk with Adam this morning and he really gave me a lot of encouragement that I needed and he had the right words to say to carry me through the day. I am so thankful for him and thanking God for putting such a great guy in my life.
Today was my first day in class. I was very upset at the beginning of the day because they spoke all in their native language so I had no idea what was going on. I was discouraged just because I was hoping to help and interact and this was totally not what I expected so I decided while I sat there to just pray. I prayed about a lot of things dealing with homesickness, the children, how I was suppose to interact when they spoke little English, stuff like that. I was just upset because I did not expect this at all. During my lunch break I read the verse I posted earlier this morning and it really got to me and realized that God is in control and I can do this even though I am in a tough situation.
The afternoon was AMAZING!! I mean like a light at the end of the tunnel. The lessons the rest of the day were in English, I got to help the children (even with the language barrier God allowed me a way to communicate with them), and the kids were finally opening up to me and speaking to me in their broken English so that I was able to some how communicate with them. I am so thankful for this! It is amazing how God can work through me and use me when I completely rely on him. God is continuing to remind me that he is in control and I need to stop worrying about everything under the sun and fully rely on him. I am so excited for tomorrow and I am totally going in with a new attitude.
I am also getting close to one of the teachers from the school. She is an amazing christian lady and she is really teaching me a lot and has the right words to say at the right time. Thanking God for putting her in my life here as well. I love when God says his love through people ;)
Continue to pray for the language barrier and for my strength as my endurance is not as good right now and being in school all day with the jet leg is a killer. But again I know I can do it with God's strength. I am so thankful for what God has already taught me on this trip. God never said following him would be easy and I am totally understanding that now. It is hard to grow and learn but it is amazing what he can do when we are willing. Thanks for the prayers they mean a lot.
*sorry if this is confusing to write I am falling asleep while I am writing this...guess its time for bed..night*
Today was my first day in class. I was very upset at the beginning of the day because they spoke all in their native language so I had no idea what was going on. I was discouraged just because I was hoping to help and interact and this was totally not what I expected so I decided while I sat there to just pray. I prayed about a lot of things dealing with homesickness, the children, how I was suppose to interact when they spoke little English, stuff like that. I was just upset because I did not expect this at all. During my lunch break I read the verse I posted earlier this morning and it really got to me and realized that God is in control and I can do this even though I am in a tough situation.
The afternoon was AMAZING!! I mean like a light at the end of the tunnel. The lessons the rest of the day were in English, I got to help the children (even with the language barrier God allowed me a way to communicate with them), and the kids were finally opening up to me and speaking to me in their broken English so that I was able to some how communicate with them. I am so thankful for this! It is amazing how God can work through me and use me when I completely rely on him. God is continuing to remind me that he is in control and I need to stop worrying about everything under the sun and fully rely on him. I am so excited for tomorrow and I am totally going in with a new attitude.
I am also getting close to one of the teachers from the school. She is an amazing christian lady and she is really teaching me a lot and has the right words to say at the right time. Thanking God for putting her in my life here as well. I love when God says his love through people ;)
Continue to pray for the language barrier and for my strength as my endurance is not as good right now and being in school all day with the jet leg is a killer. But again I know I can do it with God's strength. I am so thankful for what God has already taught me on this trip. God never said following him would be easy and I am totally understanding that now. It is hard to grow and learn but it is amazing what he can do when we are willing. Thanks for the prayers they mean a lot.
*sorry if this is confusing to write I am falling asleep while I am writing this...guess its time for bed..night*
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Psalm 121
My friend sent me this verse..such a great encouragement today :)
1 I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
3 He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;
4 indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The LORD watches over you—
the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
6 the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.
7 The LORD will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;
8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.
1 I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
3 He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;
4 indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The LORD watches over you—
the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
6 the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.
7 The LORD will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;
8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.
I love love love my classroom :)
So I got to observe in my classroom today!!! I will be in a 2nd grade class. The school I am working at is called Cuatro Christian School. Schools in the Philippines cost no matter if it is a public or private school. So Kids International Ministries (the ministry we are staying with) created this free school. They have to apply and they serve mostly families that are single parent home, no parent home, and families with multiply kids. Most of the kids come from surrounding squatter camps. It is really said but good to see them getting a quality education. I am excited to work with this ministry and show Gods love to these kids. They do not speak much English since they came from a public school last year. They are working on it so it will be very interesting but I am so excited to see what God will do through me. I am loving it here already. 80 degree weather cant get better then that :)
Jet leg is killing me tho. Forcing myself to stay awake so I will sleep tonight...and its only 4 pm here..lol. Thanks again for the prayers and I will keep you updated on all the fun happenings and adventures here!! <3
Jet leg is killing me tho. Forcing myself to stay awake so I will sleep tonight...and its only 4 pm here..lol. Thanks again for the prayers and I will keep you updated on all the fun happenings and adventures here!! <3
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Indy to Detroit to Japan to Manila
Well the flight was a long one. The first was Indy to Detroit which was only an hour and then we flew Detroit to Japan which was 12 and half hours..that was a long one and then our final one was 4 hours. So it feels good to finally be here. The jet leg is killing me. Went to bed this morning at 445 and woke up at 645. So praying for strength today!! We have orientation in a couple of hours and then I will update you all on what i am doing exactly here!! So excited to see what God has in store for me. It is Wednesday morning around 7:30. God is teaching me to not worry about my time here and give it to him. This also means not worrying about people at home like my family and Adam. It is weird feeling so distant and far away but I know this is all part of Gods plan. He said serving him would not be easy so that is what I am clinging to. Knowing that God is here with me and that it may be tough but I will be rewarded for my obedience. Thanks guys for your prayers. They are def. being felt.
HERE!!!
I made it safely. I will update everyone more about the flight and all when I charge my computer. (it is about to die and I have to figure that out still)
Thanks for the prayers. I am safe and excited to start my day in a couple of hours.
Love you all
Thanks for the prayers. I am safe and excited to start my day in a couple of hours.
Love you all
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Off to Manila
So on my drive today I came up with this great idea to update my blog from this summer for my 3 week adventure in Manila, Philippines. Some of you may know while others may not that I am going to the Philippines for my January Term for my diversity practicum. I will be teaching at a Filipino school for 3 weeks. Also we will be working at an orphanage and serving the people in the surrounding areas. I am very excited to see what God has in store for me. :) I will be leaving tomorrow morning and arriving in Manila sometime Tuesday evening (wed early morning in Manila..its a 13 hour time change). Thanks for all the prayers and support. I am excited to share with you my experience!!!!!
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