Back in Gear

And so it begins, the blog post that I have been dreading to write. Don’t know why that has been the case but for some reason it has been a burden to get this post out to you guys. Well everybody I’m in the Philippines, it was quite the journey getting to Manila but we made it safe and sound. After over 25 hours of flying time and 3 days of total travel we were exhausted and happy to finally be at our destination for the next 3 months. As for leaving Nicaragua, I was definitely ready to head out of there but, that didn’t make any of the goodbyes any easier. Seeing Jeffery and the whole gang for the last time was something I’m sure ill never forget. Amazing to see how even though we could not communicate with our words we made relationships that will last forever. Will be a place that I will never forget and I will always appreciate the lessons I learned there.
 
So Anyways after all the shenanigans of traveling we arrived at the Manila airport where YMC ministries picked us up. They took us about 30 mins away to their ministry home or how it has been referred to “the resort”. Truly an incredible site they have there, with a pool, workout room and laundry it is pretty easy living for a missionary. All in all it was great being able to spend a night to refresh our bodies. In the morning my new team headed to our new ministry site where we would spend the next month and a half (Ps. My new teammates are Kory, Sarah, Sam, Lexi, Bethany and Irene.) When we pulled up, we were so surprised to see that we would be staying at a street boy home called Children’s Garden. This home currently homes 20 boys, their main goal is to enroll the boys back into school and educate them, along with teaching them the Gospel. The boys are ages 10-18 and I can say already that they are all incredible people. Most of the boys took to the streets in efforts to support their families. The sad thing is that good intentions can lead to dangerous behaviors. A lot of them while on the streets experienced influences of drugs and stealing. While starvation was a reality out there, they did what they had to do to survive and provide for their families. Something that none of us have experienced or even dreamed of back home. This is why I’m so stoked to be working with Sharon and the rest of the staff; I’m able to see for myself what these kids go through and what there true personalities look like. By the way, Sharon is the head household parent here and she is purely miraculous. She does so so so much here for not only us and the boys but the community and the countless ministries around Manila. But, ill make a separate blog about how you can help Sharon and Children’s Garden for the year to come.
 
As for me it has been absolutely the time of my life, seriously could not be happier. We have been doing all sorts of ministry throughout Antipollo and Manila. Some including bible studies with the women affected by prostitution, visiting the families of the boys and comforting them through there current struggles. Along with church at a refugee camp and weekly feedings for the families living on the street. Never in a million years did I think I would have the passion that I have for Philippines and this ministry. I was actually just talking to my mother on Skype telling her how furious I was that we have to leave in a month and a half to a new ministry. Have just had a heart for this place the second I stepped of the plane. Is it the constant basketball I’m playing with the street kids or the amazing waterfalls and landscape? I don’t know, all I know is that I don’t want it to end!!!  There are two places we have been in the last two weeks that I will add photos of. A lot of them are on my Facebook so if you want to check them all out you can. But on our last two free days off, we went to a waterfall and then the week after, to a volcano in the middle of a lake. As for the waterfall, it was about 45 mins away from Children’s Garden and a completely different setting from the city. It was in the middle of the jungle so it was absolutely beautiful. We spent about 5 hours their and soaked up every single moment, definitely something I will not forget anytime soon. As for the next day off, last Friday we drove about 2 and half hours south of Manila to go to a city called Tagaytay.  Now this wasn’t just any other city, this city is located on the edge of stunning cliffs. And below lies a massive fresh water lake, where fishing boats roam the waters. So if that all isn’t enough, a volcano actually sits as an island in the middle of this lake. So we were able to get a 20-minute boat ride across to the island where we then hiked to the top of the volcano. It’s pretty hard to explain this over computer but truly the most incredible sight seeing I have ever done. Really thankful for the supporters we have here that give up there time to drive us across Manila. 
 
Been a great 3 weeks and looking forward to the rest of the time we have here. Ill make sure I get back on my routine of posting a blog every week. Missing everyone back home like crazy and look forward to talking to you all soon. Sending love back home to all my family and friends all the way from the Philippines.
 
Peace Out!!!!

Sorry some of the pictures are blurry… Don't really know why…

                 ..Me and my Dude Kory..

                    ..Diving into the Falls..

           ..Leading up to the Waterfall..

    ..More Fun in the Falls..

                      ..Inside the Volcano..

    ..Also inside the Volcano..

                  ..The boats we traveled in..