Sunday, June 28, 2009
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Media Person
Our media person is here. Check the nehemiahteams.blogspot.com site for updates about our team. She has posted a few pictures! I will try to get some pictures up tomorrow if possible too!!
There are six different media people so you'll just have to look through the recently posted blogs. Our orphanage is Open Door.
There are six different media people so you'll just have to look through the recently posted blogs. Our orphanage is Open Door.
June 26, 2009 6:14 am
In exactly 30 days I'll be leaving San Pablo City and heading to debrief in Manila. This summer is flying by!
We are leading chapel today at 3:45 for the school. Jenny is teaching the devotional for this one. I will be leading the chapel service on July 10.
11:24 pm
I just walked out of the girls' room and saw a rat running across the living room floor. I literally thought it was a squirrel at first because it was so big. Then I walked in my room to find a cockroach in my shoe. After taking a shower, I was brushing my teeth at the sink with the bathroom door open. I looked into the living room and that same rat was in the middle of the floor eating something. It was less that 10 feet from me-- checking me out as it ate it's meal. I can't say that its not exciting here. :)
We are leading chapel today at 3:45 for the school. Jenny is teaching the devotional for this one. I will be leading the chapel service on July 10.
11:24 pm
I just walked out of the girls' room and saw a rat running across the living room floor. I literally thought it was a squirrel at first because it was so big. Then I walked in my room to find a cockroach in my shoe. After taking a shower, I was brushing my teeth at the sink with the bathroom door open. I looked into the living room and that same rat was in the middle of the floor eating something. It was less that 10 feet from me-- checking me out as it ate it's meal. I can't say that its not exciting here. :)
June 25, 2009 2:49 pm
Well the typhoon reminded me of a few snow days that I've experienced in Oklahoma. Nothing happened. Kuya Jeff said it was delayed by Filipino traffic. ;)
I taught Christian education today. I wish I had more time with the students. Only one hour every Tuesday and Thursday is not a lot of time to build relationships. We covered the Savior's birth this week.
Prayer Request:
I'm looking at starting a guys' bible study. Pray that the planning and timing work out and that guys are interested in coming. Pray that this is used as a tool to expand God's Kingdom.
I taught Christian education today. I wish I had more time with the students. Only one hour every Tuesday and Thursday is not a lot of time to build relationships. We covered the Savior's birth this week.
Prayer Request:
I'm looking at starting a guys' bible study. Pray that the planning and timing work out and that guys are interested in coming. Pray that this is used as a tool to expand God's Kingdom.
June 24, 2009 9:15 am
Woke up to a surprise today. A typhoon is expected to hit later this afternoon so school was cancelled. I got to sleep in until 7:30. Jenny is betting that if it hits today we won't have school tomorrow. That would kinda stink because I wouldn't see my students in Christian education for a whole week.
A Typhoon hit last summer and San Pablo City didn't have electricity for three days. That would mean no showers. We would be kinda stinky.
This is a down day for us. Since it's pouring outside, the kids are all hanging out inside. Ate Aia and several other ladies made a trip to the grocery store to stock up in case we are on our own for a few days. We are far enough inland that we would only experience heavy rain, high winds, and possible power outages.
Laura, our media person, is supposed to be arriving tomorrow but she might get delayed due to the weather. She'll stay with us for a week and blog every other day. Check out nehemiahteams.blogspot.com for updates about our team.
A Typhoon hit last summer and San Pablo City didn't have electricity for three days. That would mean no showers. We would be kinda stinky.
This is a down day for us. Since it's pouring outside, the kids are all hanging out inside. Ate Aia and several other ladies made a trip to the grocery store to stock up in case we are on our own for a few days. We are far enough inland that we would only experience heavy rain, high winds, and possible power outages.
Laura, our media person, is supposed to be arriving tomorrow but she might get delayed due to the weather. She'll stay with us for a week and blog every other day. Check out nehemiahteams.blogspot.com for updates about our team.
June 23, 2009 12:50 pm
Just got done with my lunch and I have an hour until my next class. I just got done grading my 1st years quizzes and they weren't very pretty. I'm going to have to decide if it was too hard or they just didn't study. Two or three made 100% out of 19. I'll wait and see how my 2nd years do at 1:45.
JM, Ben Mark, Krista, Hailey, Lemwell, Olen, and I stayed up until 10:30 last night talking and singing. We went to the roof of the church (4 story building) where we could see the majority of San Pablo City.
Yesterday afternoon Jake was wearing a shirt 10 times his size that had stains and make-up all over it. The collar was stretched to his waist. I was told that he found it in the dumpster. I made him take it off and he wasn't very happy. he told me he wanted to keep it and wash it but I didn't let him. We went to the guys dorm to get him another shirt. ALL of his clothes consisted of 3 shirts, 2 pairs of shorts, and 1 pair of long pants. That explained why he always wears a white muscle t-shirt that is stained brown and hard from dried sweat. I don't know what to do. I could afford to buy Jake new clothes, but there are also 40 other orphans. Not all of them are as bad off as Jake, but they all have needs. I can't help them all.
Pray that God gives me wisdom and understanding. I also pray that He gives me peace. He is in control and He loves Jake, and every other orphan, more than I could ever imagine. Regardless of worldly circumstances, God is good.
JM, Ben Mark, Krista, Hailey, Lemwell, Olen, and I stayed up until 10:30 last night talking and singing. We went to the roof of the church (4 story building) where we could see the majority of San Pablo City.
Yesterday afternoon Jake was wearing a shirt 10 times his size that had stains and make-up all over it. The collar was stretched to his waist. I was told that he found it in the dumpster. I made him take it off and he wasn't very happy. he told me he wanted to keep it and wash it but I didn't let him. We went to the guys dorm to get him another shirt. ALL of his clothes consisted of 3 shirts, 2 pairs of shorts, and 1 pair of long pants. That explained why he always wears a white muscle t-shirt that is stained brown and hard from dried sweat. I don't know what to do. I could afford to buy Jake new clothes, but there are also 40 other orphans. Not all of them are as bad off as Jake, but they all have needs. I can't help them all.
Pray that God gives me wisdom and understanding. I also pray that He gives me peace. He is in control and He loves Jake, and every other orphan, more than I could ever imagine. Regardless of worldly circumstances, God is good.
June 22, 2009 12:40 pm
6:00 am came early this morning after three days of sleeping in until 7:30. Jenny and I finished our lesson plans for the next two weeks and we are going to go to the market after school to make copies of our lessons. We also plan to do a little research for our vacation.
July 2nd, 3rd, and 4th is considered our "mid-summer vacation" and we are free to travel anywhere in the Philippines during that time. We are looking at traveling about 6 hours north (by bus) to Subic Bay where there is a beach resort. Hailey wants to swim with dolphins and I want to zip line through the jungle-- supposedly they offer both. We would travel Thursday afternoon to Manila and stay in Manila Thursday night. Friday we plan to go to the Mall of Asia all day. We would head north to Subic Friday night and stay there through Sunday morning.
I tried durian (spelling?) last night. It is a popular fruit that smells worse than most road kill. It's shell actually resembles a porcupine. Whats worse is that it doesn't taste much better than I imagine road kill would taste like. It was bad...
I was told that I won't be able to eat chicken head or pig intestine because of the way that it's prepared. Kuya Jeff said I would get typhoid fever. :)
Prayer Requests:
- The FBC Choctaw group in Nicaragua this week and their ministry there.
-My Christian education classes as I prepare to share my testimony and the plan of salvation.
-The orphans, that they always feel loved.
-My "home sickness" as I'm at the halfway point.
-Team unity and a shared vision.
- and most importantly, that God's will is done.
James 1:2-4 is my prayer today.
July 2nd, 3rd, and 4th is considered our "mid-summer vacation" and we are free to travel anywhere in the Philippines during that time. We are looking at traveling about 6 hours north (by bus) to Subic Bay where there is a beach resort. Hailey wants to swim with dolphins and I want to zip line through the jungle-- supposedly they offer both. We would travel Thursday afternoon to Manila and stay in Manila Thursday night. Friday we plan to go to the Mall of Asia all day. We would head north to Subic Friday night and stay there through Sunday morning.
I tried durian (spelling?) last night. It is a popular fruit that smells worse than most road kill. It's shell actually resembles a porcupine. Whats worse is that it doesn't taste much better than I imagine road kill would taste like. It was bad...
I was told that I won't be able to eat chicken head or pig intestine because of the way that it's prepared. Kuya Jeff said I would get typhoid fever. :)
Prayer Requests:
- The FBC Choctaw group in Nicaragua this week and their ministry there.
-My Christian education classes as I prepare to share my testimony and the plan of salvation.
-The orphans, that they always feel loved.
-My "home sickness" as I'm at the halfway point.
-Team unity and a shared vision.
- and most importantly, that God's will is done.
James 1:2-4 is my prayer today.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
June 21, 2009 12:15 pm
Just got out of church. I love Sunday mornings. The people have a passion for the Lord that is contagious. Some of the guys in the praise band knew I loved "Mighty to Save" so they sang it this morning.
Lord, I'm amazed daily at how You reveal Yourself to me. I pray that I'm filled with the Holy Spirit and that I earnestly desire to tell others about You. Thank you for loving me.
I want to give you a little background on one of my favorites-- Jake.
When Jake was younger, he lived in Manila with his father, mother, and six older siblings. His father was a businessman and made enough money to support their family. One day, when his dad was at the airport, he was killed in a bombing. Jake's mother struggled emotionally and never really recovered. She stopped providing and caring for the kids. The family moved to the mountains and lived on the streets. The kids became street beggars in order to survive. While on the streets, Jake and his three older brothers caught a rare skin disease that causes light spots to appear on your skin. It will kill you if left untreated. Two of his brothers died from the disease before they came to live at the orphanage. Jake and his older brother, Junior, show the effects of the disease but are being treated so it is not progressively getting worse. Jake is a handful. Some would label him as a "terror". He pees in the middle of the courtyard, says "yes" if I say "no", and constantly climbs on me; but that doesn't change the fact that I love him. One minute he frustrates me so much, and the next minute he is kissing my cheek and hugging my neck. When I walked outside this morning, he was waiting for me with a flower that he had picked (from the neighbors flower garden). He ran to me yelling "Kuya Sean, Kuya Sean" and I picked him up in my arms. He told me "Happy Father's Day" and gave me the flower.
God has taught me so much in these few weeks through this six year old boy. I can't wait to see what else He has in store for me this summer! God is good all the time. All the time God is good.
Lord, I'm amazed daily at how You reveal Yourself to me. I pray that I'm filled with the Holy Spirit and that I earnestly desire to tell others about You. Thank you for loving me.
I want to give you a little background on one of my favorites-- Jake.
When Jake was younger, he lived in Manila with his father, mother, and six older siblings. His father was a businessman and made enough money to support their family. One day, when his dad was at the airport, he was killed in a bombing. Jake's mother struggled emotionally and never really recovered. She stopped providing and caring for the kids. The family moved to the mountains and lived on the streets. The kids became street beggars in order to survive. While on the streets, Jake and his three older brothers caught a rare skin disease that causes light spots to appear on your skin. It will kill you if left untreated. Two of his brothers died from the disease before they came to live at the orphanage. Jake and his older brother, Junior, show the effects of the disease but are being treated so it is not progressively getting worse. Jake is a handful. Some would label him as a "terror". He pees in the middle of the courtyard, says "yes" if I say "no", and constantly climbs on me; but that doesn't change the fact that I love him. One minute he frustrates me so much, and the next minute he is kissing my cheek and hugging my neck. When I walked outside this morning, he was waiting for me with a flower that he had picked (from the neighbors flower garden). He ran to me yelling "Kuya Sean, Kuya Sean" and I picked him up in my arms. He told me "Happy Father's Day" and gave me the flower.
God has taught me so much in these few weeks through this six year old boy. I can't wait to see what else He has in store for me this summer! God is good all the time. All the time God is good.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
June 20, 2009 7:46 am
I just finished my QT over Acts 8 and I'm getting ready to head downstairs for breakfast. I need to do some laundry today so that i have clean clothes for the first of next week.
The computer at the orphanage has a virus so we are going to the computer cafe to connect today. It kind of stinks because we have to go as a group. I'm getting on for an hour tonight and an hour tomorrow evening.
The plan is to play some organized games with the older orphans today. We learned some at orientation that we are going to teach them.
I'm up to 9 verses now and it is starting to get more challenging to remember them with accuracy. Ephesians 2:8-9, Titus 3:5, Romans 10:14, Acts 20:24, Jeremiah 6:16, Hebrews 13:7, James 1:2-4, 1 Peter 1:6-7, and 1 John 1:9.
10:50 am
Just discovered that I had $300 stolen from me. Ate Aia found 5,000 pesos ($100) on one of the orphans and knew it was not his. He is older, 13 or 14, and has a reputation of stealing. He traded the $300 on the street for 6,000 pesos ($120) and spent 1,000 pesos. I'm upset with myself that I left the money out and caused the situation. I won't go into detail about his punishment but it is severe. Pray that I get a chance to let him know that I forgive him and that God works good into this situation.
The computer at the orphanage has a virus so we are going to the computer cafe to connect today. It kind of stinks because we have to go as a group. I'm getting on for an hour tonight and an hour tomorrow evening.
The plan is to play some organized games with the older orphans today. We learned some at orientation that we are going to teach them.
I'm up to 9 verses now and it is starting to get more challenging to remember them with accuracy. Ephesians 2:8-9, Titus 3:5, Romans 10:14, Acts 20:24, Jeremiah 6:16, Hebrews 13:7, James 1:2-4, 1 Peter 1:6-7, and 1 John 1:9.
10:50 am
Just discovered that I had $300 stolen from me. Ate Aia found 5,000 pesos ($100) on one of the orphans and knew it was not his. He is older, 13 or 14, and has a reputation of stealing. He traded the $300 on the street for 6,000 pesos ($120) and spent 1,000 pesos. I'm upset with myself that I left the money out and caused the situation. I won't go into detail about his punishment but it is severe. Pray that I get a chance to let him know that I forgive him and that God works good into this situation.
June 19, 2009 11:25 pm
The day went as follows:
7:30 Wake up
8:00 Breakfast
8:30 QT and World Christian Bible Study
10:00 Took a van to SM Mall in Lipa
12:30 Ate at Pizz Hut (and it was awesome!)
1:00 Bought 2 O'Neil bathing suits for $6.00
3:00 Headed back to San Pablo
4:15 Arrived at Open Door
5:30 Church Prayer Meeting
7:00 Dinner
7:30 Team Devotional
8:00 Played with the kids
9:00 Kids went to bed
9:15 Hung out with older guys
11:30 Going to bed
7:30 Wake up
8:00 Breakfast
8:30 QT and World Christian Bible Study
10:00 Took a van to SM Mall in Lipa
12:30 Ate at Pizz Hut (and it was awesome!)
1:00 Bought 2 O'Neil bathing suits for $6.00
3:00 Headed back to San Pablo
4:15 Arrived at Open Door
5:30 Church Prayer Meeting
7:00 Dinner
7:30 Team Devotional
8:00 Played with the kids
9:00 Kids went to bed
9:15 Hung out with older guys
11:30 Going to bed
June 18, 2009 12:39 pm
I'm slacking... I did not journal yesterday.
Yesterday was a good day. It was very busy.
Both yesterday and today it has rained a lot. The Filipinos are so funny-- for living in a country where it rains constantly, they hate getting wet. We "Americans" will just walk out in the rain and enjoy the cool breeze that comes with the rain. They look at us like we are crazy.
We just finished lunch and I teach Christian Ed. to my second years at 1:45. We all stayed up late last night so we will probably crash early tonight.
There is no school tomorrow (another random holiday) so the plan is to go to a mall about an hour from San Pablo in the early afternoon and hang out with the kids and youth in the evening.
Yesterday was a good day. It was very busy.
Both yesterday and today it has rained a lot. The Filipinos are so funny-- for living in a country where it rains constantly, they hate getting wet. We "Americans" will just walk out in the rain and enjoy the cool breeze that comes with the rain. They look at us like we are crazy.
We just finished lunch and I teach Christian Ed. to my second years at 1:45. We all stayed up late last night so we will probably crash early tonight.
There is no school tomorrow (another random holiday) so the plan is to go to a mall about an hour from San Pablo in the early afternoon and hang out with the kids and youth in the evening.
June 16, 2009 6:15 am
I had a rough night and did not sleep very well. Right now I have a lot on my mind. A few days ago Lana shared Psalms 20 with me and I make that my prayer today.
8:39 pm
I just tried balot. It wasn't all that bad but I don't think I'd choose to eat it again. The liquid in the egg tasted like a warm chicken broth and the bones and feathers were a little weird. Now I'm supposed to try chicken head and pig intestines. I think I'm going to wait a week or two before I do that...
My first Christian education classes went really well. The kids are kind of rowdy but they are eager to learn. I discovered that I need to start with the basics at the beginning because they have zero knowledge. I have 22 in my 1st years class and 30 in my second years class. The kids that I know from the orphanage really helped me out.
My morning didn't start well but fortunately I have a God that is bigger than all my problems and worries. As I continue building relationships with these kids and learning their stories, I begin to wonder how I will ever tell them goodbye at the end of the summer. Fortunately, God is in control when I feel lost.
8:39 pm
I just tried balot. It wasn't all that bad but I don't think I'd choose to eat it again. The liquid in the egg tasted like a warm chicken broth and the bones and feathers were a little weird. Now I'm supposed to try chicken head and pig intestines. I think I'm going to wait a week or two before I do that...
My first Christian education classes went really well. The kids are kind of rowdy but they are eager to learn. I discovered that I need to start with the basics at the beginning because they have zero knowledge. I have 22 in my 1st years class and 30 in my second years class. The kids that I know from the orphanage really helped me out.
My morning didn't start well but fortunately I have a God that is bigger than all my problems and worries. As I continue building relationships with these kids and learning their stories, I begin to wonder how I will ever tell them goodbye at the end of the summer. Fortunately, God is in control when I feel lost.
June 15, 2009 6:25 am
I'm tired this morning because I stayed up until 10:30 pm talking with JM, Ben Mark, Lemwell and Olen. Ben Mark had questions about Muslim beliefs so I pulled out my apologetics workbook that I got from Walter Nusbaam a few years ago at Super Summer. They all really enjoyed reading through it. I was asked to pronounce and explain a lot of words. :) I'm going to try to get it copied so I can leave it here with them.
I started teaching Christian Education this week. My classes are at 10:45 and 1:45 on Tuesday and Thursday. My schedule does not change on MWF. We will not take over Sunday School classes until the 4th of July so we are currently attending the youth class.
As the second week starts, I pray for strength and wisdom. I pray that Acts 20:24 show through in my every thought and action. I stand amazed at Your grace and mercy. How awesome is it that the Rock of Ages desires a personal relationship with me. You are my God and you are in control.
I started teaching Christian Education this week. My classes are at 10:45 and 1:45 on Tuesday and Thursday. My schedule does not change on MWF. We will not take over Sunday School classes until the 4th of July so we are currently attending the youth class.
As the second week starts, I pray for strength and wisdom. I pray that Acts 20:24 show through in my every thought and action. I stand amazed at Your grace and mercy. How awesome is it that the Rock of Ages desires a personal relationship with me. You are my God and you are in control.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
June 14, 2009 7:30 am
Its Sunday morning. Breakfast is at 8:00 and Sunday School starts at 9:00.
Sometimes I wonder how early the kids wake up. Whether my alarm goes off at 6:00 am or 7:30 am, I can always hear screams and laughter coming from the courtyard.
The church service is from 10:00-12:00 and is preached in Tagolag. The praise band sings for almost and hour and plays a lot of Hillsong, Desperation Band, and Chris Tomlin. After church, we are going with Kuya Alan and Ate Aia (pastor's daughter and son-in-law) to South Supermarket. It's about fourty minutes away but its supposed to have "everything." Hailey is very excited about the prospect of pop tarts! They make Sunday trips to buy groceries and we are going to tag along.
The Pastor and his wife, Kuya Pio and Ate Nennette are vacationing in California and won't be back until early July so I have not met them yet. For dinner last night they served an American meal-- fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and sweet tea. It was very good but it was definitely "philippino style."
Last update for a few days. I won't have internet access until 6/21. I'm praying for you guys and I love you.
Sometimes I wonder how early the kids wake up. Whether my alarm goes off at 6:00 am or 7:30 am, I can always hear screams and laughter coming from the courtyard.
The church service is from 10:00-12:00 and is preached in Tagolag. The praise band sings for almost and hour and plays a lot of Hillsong, Desperation Band, and Chris Tomlin. After church, we are going with Kuya Alan and Ate Aia (pastor's daughter and son-in-law) to South Supermarket. It's about fourty minutes away but its supposed to have "everything." Hailey is very excited about the prospect of pop tarts! They make Sunday trips to buy groceries and we are going to tag along.
The Pastor and his wife, Kuya Pio and Ate Nennette are vacationing in California and won't be back until early July so I have not met them yet. For dinner last night they served an American meal-- fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and sweet tea. It was very good but it was definitely "philippino style."
Last update for a few days. I won't have internet access until 6/21. I'm praying for you guys and I love you.
June 13, 2009 3:57 pm
My first Saturday here. Saturdays are their cleaning days and it took most of the morning. Everyone has chores-- from Kenneth who is 5 to Rommer and Oliver who are 18. We helped where we could and tried not to be a distraction.
I know we are not supposed to have favorites, but I do. Ron Ron, Jake, and Clark are definitely my favorites. I will try to upload pictures soon. It is difficult because the USB port does not work on the orphanage computer.
They bought us food for lunch and we ate with the kids. I tried Halo Halo today. Jenny described it as dumping the entire contents of your refrigerator in a blender. It wasnt very good but the kids enjoyed our leftovers. We snuck out and had McDonalds for lunch and I tried spaghetti and chicken.
9:56 pm
Didn't to bed as early as planned-- Krista, Hailey and I played hide-and-go-seek and sardines with the older guys. You are never too old for those games. The youngest person was 18 and the oldest was 27.
Rommer and Oliver are 18 and live at the orphanage. Chuckie, Elon, Ben Mark, Lester and JM are 20 or 21 and play at the praise band. They all hang out around the church and orphanage every night. Lenwell is older-- 26 or 27 and dates Ma'am Olen (one of the teachers that live here). He hangs out with us though.
I promised them I would try ballute. It is a raw, developing fetus of a duck or chicken served in the egg. I told them it had to be dark because I didn't want to see what I was eating. It's served by street vendors on bicycles so I pray I don't get sick.
One thing I haven't written about yet is our neighbors-- rats, cockroaches, and lizards. The cockroaches are as long as my index finger and the rats could eat my cat at home. The lizards are just everywhere. Hailey was taking a shower yesterday and I heard screaming. A cockroach climbed up her leg; she knocked it off and it chased her around the shower until she smashed it. I had to go in and do the clean up work.
I know we are not supposed to have favorites, but I do. Ron Ron, Jake, and Clark are definitely my favorites. I will try to upload pictures soon. It is difficult because the USB port does not work on the orphanage computer.
They bought us food for lunch and we ate with the kids. I tried Halo Halo today. Jenny described it as dumping the entire contents of your refrigerator in a blender. It wasnt very good but the kids enjoyed our leftovers. We snuck out and had McDonalds for lunch and I tried spaghetti and chicken.
9:56 pm
Didn't to bed as early as planned-- Krista, Hailey and I played hide-and-go-seek and sardines with the older guys. You are never too old for those games. The youngest person was 18 and the oldest was 27.
Rommer and Oliver are 18 and live at the orphanage. Chuckie, Elon, Ben Mark, Lester and JM are 20 or 21 and play at the praise band. They all hang out around the church and orphanage every night. Lenwell is older-- 26 or 27 and dates Ma'am Olen (one of the teachers that live here). He hangs out with us though.
I promised them I would try ballute. It is a raw, developing fetus of a duck or chicken served in the egg. I told them it had to be dark because I didn't want to see what I was eating. It's served by street vendors on bicycles so I pray I don't get sick.
One thing I haven't written about yet is our neighbors-- rats, cockroaches, and lizards. The cockroaches are as long as my index finger and the rats could eat my cat at home. The lizards are just everywhere. Hailey was taking a shower yesterday and I heard screaming. A cockroach climbed up her leg; she knocked it off and it chased her around the shower until she smashed it. I had to go in and do the clean up work.
Friday, June 12, 2009
June 13, 2009 10:51 am
Prayer Request:
We've been asked to take over Christian Education classes for the older kids. I've been assigned the 1st year and the 2nd year class (1st year=12-13 and 2nd year=14-15). We have no set curriculum. Pray that God shows us how to effectively communicate and that we are able to be used by God to teach these kids. Many of the kids in this school are not Christian. Their parents have money and send them here because it is better than the government schools. I'm being placed in a position to strategically influence these kids and I have an open door to evangelize. Praise God.
We've been asked to take over Christian Education classes for the older kids. I've been assigned the 1st year and the 2nd year class (1st year=12-13 and 2nd year=14-15). We have no set curriculum. Pray that God shows us how to effectively communicate and that we are able to be used by God to teach these kids. Many of the kids in this school are not Christian. Their parents have money and send them here because it is better than the government schools. I'm being placed in a position to strategically influence these kids and I have an open door to evangelize. Praise God.
June 12, 2009 12:30 pm
I'm so excited for Sunday. I look forward to worshipping and learning with my new Philippino friends.
We went to the San Pablo Mall today-- it is more like a bazaar or flea market but they do have some cool things. Then we took some of the youth to McDo (McDonald's) and treated them. Did you know that McDonalds also has spaghetti and fried chicken in the Philippines?
We went to the San Pablo Mall today-- it is more like a bazaar or flea market but they do have some cool things. Then we took some of the youth to McDo (McDonald's) and treated them. Did you know that McDonalds also has spaghetti and fried chicken in the Philippines?
June 11, 2009 7:42 pm
We just got done with breakfast and I'm sitting in science class. Sometimes I feel like I'm more of a distraction then a help because the kids always want to sit next to me and talk rather than learn. There are 13 kids in my second grade class and they range from 7 years old to 14 years old.
The majority are 7 or 8. There is no school tomorrow because it is Independence Day in the Philippines (one of several-- they have a Chinese Independence, American Independence, and I think French Indepence Day). I get to sleep in until 7:30 am.
I wish I could speak Tagolag because I would like to be able to understand the kids better. They know basic english but it is kind of difficult to communicate at times.
So far I have memorized 5 scriptures-- Ephesians 2:8-9, Titus 3:5, Romans 10:14, Acts 20:24, and Jeremiah 6:16. By the end of the summer I will have 26 down.
The majority are 7 or 8. There is no school tomorrow because it is Independence Day in the Philippines (one of several-- they have a Chinese Independence, American Independence, and I think French Indepence Day). I get to sleep in until 7:30 am.
I wish I could speak Tagolag because I would like to be able to understand the kids better. They know basic english but it is kind of difficult to communicate at times.
So far I have memorized 5 scriptures-- Ephesians 2:8-9, Titus 3:5, Romans 10:14, Acts 20:24, and Jeremiah 6:16. By the end of the summer I will have 26 down.
June 10, 2009 6:13 am
I took my first afternoon nap yesterday! It's a cultural thing that almost everyone participates in. My schedule for during the week is as follows:
6:00 am Wake Up
6:15 am Quiet Time
7:00 am Missionary Biography/ Bible Study
7:15 am Breakfast
7:30 am Schol Begins- Science with Ma'am Olen
8:30 am Math with Ma'am Zyra
9:30 am Recess
9:45 am English with Ma'am Len
10:45 am Break
11:45 am Lunch
12:45 pm Computers or Christian Education with Ma'am Olen
1:45 pm Nap Time
3:45 pm School Dismissed
Hang out with youth and kids until dinner at 7:00 pm. I spend a lot of time launching kids into the air and spinning them by their hands.
7:00 pm Dinner
7:30 pm Team Devotional
8:00 pm Hang out with older youth. They can all play the guitar and sing so we do a lot of that.
9:00-10:00 pm Bed Time
Yesterday afternoon we went out and explored a little. We found an internet cafe and our ministry leader as nice enough to give us thirty minutes. Normally we are allowed 2 hours on the weekend and no time during the week. I also took my first jeepney ride. It was made for eight but we fit 20 people. As we were getting out, one of the Philippino ladies commented on how fat we Americans are. :) It is a cultural thing to be very open and honest (in America we would think it was rude). She meant nothing by it was smiling as she said it. The girls were not very happy.
We went to Pure Gold, which is similar to a WalMart, and carries American brands. I bought some body wash and chips-ahoys!
Last night we crashed right after dinner.
8:37 am
Right now I'm sitting in classand getting a refresher course on cardinal numbers. This morning our bible study focused on missionary callings and stated that there is no such thing because we are all called. It said we should be called to stay. I disagreed and we had a good discussion. The girls sided together wo I was outnumbered. I think I need to get used to that this summer.
6:00 am Wake Up
6:15 am Quiet Time
7:00 am Missionary Biography/ Bible Study
7:15 am Breakfast
7:30 am Schol Begins- Science with Ma'am Olen
8:30 am Math with Ma'am Zyra
9:30 am Recess
9:45 am English with Ma'am Len
10:45 am Break
11:45 am Lunch
12:45 pm Computers or Christian Education with Ma'am Olen
1:45 pm Nap Time
3:45 pm School Dismissed
Hang out with youth and kids until dinner at 7:00 pm. I spend a lot of time launching kids into the air and spinning them by their hands.
7:00 pm Dinner
7:30 pm Team Devotional
8:00 pm Hang out with older youth. They can all play the guitar and sing so we do a lot of that.
9:00-10:00 pm Bed Time
Yesterday afternoon we went out and explored a little. We found an internet cafe and our ministry leader as nice enough to give us thirty minutes. Normally we are allowed 2 hours on the weekend and no time during the week. I also took my first jeepney ride. It was made for eight but we fit 20 people. As we were getting out, one of the Philippino ladies commented on how fat we Americans are. :) It is a cultural thing to be very open and honest (in America we would think it was rude). She meant nothing by it was smiling as she said it. The girls were not very happy.
We went to Pure Gold, which is similar to a WalMart, and carries American brands. I bought some body wash and chips-ahoys!
Last night we crashed right after dinner.
8:37 am
Right now I'm sitting in classand getting a refresher course on cardinal numbers. This morning our bible study focused on missionary callings and stated that there is no such thing because we are all called. It said we should be called to stay. I disagreed and we had a good discussion. The girls sided together wo I was outnumbered. I think I need to get used to that this summer.
June 9, 2009 6:53 am
It's Tuesday morning here in the Philippines.
Things that I've experienced:
- On the last day of orientation everyone competed in Adventure Recreation. My group of 11 won the competition with a time of 26 min 10 sec. A full 9 min faster than the second place team. Sometimes I wish my entire group was working together this entire summer.
- I discovered that the campground was hit by a monsoon while we were there. That explains the rain.
- Last night I was almost eaten alive by our "guard dogs" in the courtyard. They don't like white people. : )
-I froze last night in my room because I didn't realize my window a/c unit had a lower setting.
Everyone is very friendly here and really go out of their way to make us feel welcome. This is definitely a learning process. I'm trying to memorize names. It is hard to build friendsjips with people if you can't greet them by name.
I've been assigned to the 2nd grade class as an assistant teacher. All of the teachers are very nice.
Things that I've experienced:
- On the last day of orientation everyone competed in Adventure Recreation. My group of 11 won the competition with a time of 26 min 10 sec. A full 9 min faster than the second place team. Sometimes I wish my entire group was working together this entire summer.
- I discovered that the campground was hit by a monsoon while we were there. That explains the rain.
- Last night I was almost eaten alive by our "guard dogs" in the courtyard. They don't like white people. : )
-I froze last night in my room because I didn't realize my window a/c unit had a lower setting.
Everyone is very friendly here and really go out of their way to make us feel welcome. This is definitely a learning process. I'm trying to memorize names. It is hard to build friendsjips with people if you can't greet them by name.
I've been assigned to the 2nd grade class as an assistant teacher. All of the teachers are very nice.
June 8, 2009 2:28 pm
The day started at 2:45 am. Had to have bag loaded on bus by 3:00 am. Left campground and headed to Manila at 4:00 am. Arrived at Manila at 9:00 am. Waited on pick up by Open Door Orphanage at 10:00 am. Arrived at Open Door at 1:30 pm.
This has already been a long day...
I met a few of the kids and they are awesome! Many of them already know my name and are climbing all over me. This is going to be an amazing summer.
I'd write more but I'm to overwhelmed to put it into words. God is Good.
"How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in, and how can they believe i the one of whom they have not heard, and how can they hear without someone preaching to them?" Romans 10:14
This has already been a long day...
I met a few of the kids and they are awesome! Many of them already know my name and are climbing all over me. This is going to be an amazing summer.
I'd write more but I'm to overwhelmed to put it into words. God is Good.
"How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in, and how can they believe i the one of whom they have not heard, and how can they hear without someone preaching to them?" Romans 10:14
June 7, 2009 5:32 am
I never thought that waking up at 5:00 am would be easy, but these last few days it has. Everyone goes straight to bed as soon as they can-- usually 8:00 or 9:00 pm.
It hasn't rained this morning and I heard someone say they thought the sun would come out. Sounds like the cool air that comes with the rain could be absent today.
This is the last full day of orientation . Looking back, it has been very beneficial and fun. I am ready to get "on site" and get to work. We've covered evangelism training, cultural testimony workshops, basic language skills, security protocols, house church bible studies, cultural foods and traits, and we've developed friendships. It kind of stinks because we won't see these people again until debriefing.
I've already had to step out of my comfort zone and I've only been in country for 3 or 4 days. Everyone back home would get a kick out of the skit that my group performed. We had to come up with a group name (our group consists of 2 orphanage teams and 3 media people) and someone suggested the Red Sticky Lemurs. Don't really know why... Our skit had to revolve around our group name so we danced crazily on stage saying "boom shock-a-locka, shock-a-locka; we're the Lemurs and we're gonna rock-ya, rock-ya". Skit night-- fun stuff.
Tonight, my same group is supposed to lead worship for everyone (every group rotates). Fortunately we had Ben, a media guy, that could play the guitar. So far we've decided on "All in All", "God of this City", "Amazing Love", and finishing with the Doxology.
It hasn't rained this morning and I heard someone say they thought the sun would come out. Sounds like the cool air that comes with the rain could be absent today.
This is the last full day of orientation . Looking back, it has been very beneficial and fun. I am ready to get "on site" and get to work. We've covered evangelism training, cultural testimony workshops, basic language skills, security protocols, house church bible studies, cultural foods and traits, and we've developed friendships. It kind of stinks because we won't see these people again until debriefing.
I've already had to step out of my comfort zone and I've only been in country for 3 or 4 days. Everyone back home would get a kick out of the skit that my group performed. We had to come up with a group name (our group consists of 2 orphanage teams and 3 media people) and someone suggested the Red Sticky Lemurs. Don't really know why... Our skit had to revolve around our group name so we danced crazily on stage saying "boom shock-a-locka, shock-a-locka; we're the Lemurs and we're gonna rock-ya, rock-ya". Skit night-- fun stuff.
Tonight, my same group is supposed to lead worship for everyone (every group rotates). Fortunately we had Ben, a media guy, that could play the guitar. So far we've decided on "All in All", "God of this City", "Amazing Love", and finishing with the Doxology.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Nehemiah Teams Updates
Check out nehemiahteams.blogspot.com for updates from different teams by our media people.
June 6, 2009
I was woken up this moring at 5:00 am. We're required to watch a demonstration on clothes washing in buckets and bucket baths. I'm thankful for washing machines and the orphanage has one so I will never have to use this newly acquired skill. : ) We will only have to hang our clothes up to dry.
Right now I'm sitting under a large pavillion watching fisherman cast their nets into the bay. Orientation is starting to feel like it may never end. Maybe I'm just ready to get on site and get to work. God is going to amazing things this summer! Yesterday I was talking to Jenny and got a better understanding of our ministry this summer. Not only will I be working with 40 orphans but I will also have the opportunity to minister to over 200 students in their private school and work with a youth group of 30-40 students.
I don't know what the food will be like at the orphanage but the food here is very good! They spoil us. Rice is served with every meal and there are 2-3 meat and vegetable options that you put on top of the rice. The fruit is awesome-- very fresh and ripe. Everyone should try mango.
The rain is different from the last few days. It is constant and steady. Normally it comes in thirty minute waves. Sometimes it comes down so hard that we have to stop what we are doing because we can't communicate to the person next to us.
Today we start out first Nehemiah Teams quiet times. They've developed 52 days of devotionals studying the book of Acts. Every two days we break apart a chapter.
Prayer Needs:
- That I seek the fullness of the Holy Spirit.
- Team unity and a shared purpose and vision.
- Strength, despite little sleep.
Prayer Praises:
- The rain, it brings new creations of God.
- The opportunity to serve in this capacity.
- The facilitators, missionaries, and journeyman that are here with us and passing on their wisdom and experiences.
- A family and church that support me through prayer.
Right now I'm sitting under a large pavillion watching fisherman cast their nets into the bay. Orientation is starting to feel like it may never end. Maybe I'm just ready to get on site and get to work. God is going to amazing things this summer! Yesterday I was talking to Jenny and got a better understanding of our ministry this summer. Not only will I be working with 40 orphans but I will also have the opportunity to minister to over 200 students in their private school and work with a youth group of 30-40 students.
I don't know what the food will be like at the orphanage but the food here is very good! They spoil us. Rice is served with every meal and there are 2-3 meat and vegetable options that you put on top of the rice. The fruit is awesome-- very fresh and ripe. Everyone should try mango.
The rain is different from the last few days. It is constant and steady. Normally it comes in thirty minute waves. Sometimes it comes down so hard that we have to stop what we are doing because we can't communicate to the person next to us.
Today we start out first Nehemiah Teams quiet times. They've developed 52 days of devotionals studying the book of Acts. Every two days we break apart a chapter.
Prayer Needs:
- That I seek the fullness of the Holy Spirit.
- Team unity and a shared purpose and vision.
- Strength, despite little sleep.
Prayer Praises:
- The rain, it brings new creations of God.
- The opportunity to serve in this capacity.
- The facilitators, missionaries, and journeyman that are here with us and passing on their wisdom and experiences.
- A family and church that support me through prayer.
June 5, 2009 4:55 am
First morning in the Philippines. When it's dark outside and there is a cool breeze, I almost forget this is the Philippines. Last night I woke up about every hour-- finally got out of bed around 4:00 am to take a shower and get around. We do hae running water for showers and I was told the orphange would too. There is no such thing as hot water, but that is a good thing with the heat and humdity. The climate, area, and people remind me a lot of Nicaragua-- bright colors, green landscapes, and friendly faces. It rained all night long. During the day it downpours for five minutes then stops, then downpours, then stops, etc.
This campground is very nice-- right on the beach with large trees and lots of meeting space. It's 5:07 am and the roosters are crowing, looks like the sun is starting to show itself.
Lord, I pray for strength and wisdom. You are a mighty God and I wait in anticipation of seeing Your hand do wonderous things. I ask that you strengthen my weaknesses-- I'm pray I'm nothing without you.
This campground is very nice-- right on the beach with large trees and lots of meeting space. It's 5:07 am and the roosters are crowing, looks like the sun is starting to show itself.
Lord, I pray for strength and wisdom. You are a mighty God and I wait in anticipation of seeing Your hand do wonderous things. I ask that you strengthen my weaknesses-- I'm pray I'm nothing without you.
June 4, 2009 8:36 pm
Arrived in the Philippines at noon today. We took a four hour bus ride to a Baptist Campground were we'll be going through orientation for the next few days. It's been raining all day long. It's not like a normal rain though... for five minutes you'll feel like you're in a hurricane and then it will stop as soon as it starts. Sleeping arrangements aren't too bad. It's similiar to a Falls Creek cabin without the airconditioning, matress, and warm water in the shower.
I met a lot of people today travelling. Andrew is from Tennessee and will be trekking across southeast Asia going to remote villages and sharing with the villagers, some who have never heard. He spent a summer with a Journeyman in the Andes Mountains who was part of Xtreme Teams. His stories are very interesting-- all around nice guy who loves the Lord. Justin and Clayton are friends from Mississippi. They will be working on a farm teaching agricultural skills while sharing their faith.
We've been given a scripture top memorize before breakfast tomorrow-- Ephesians 2:8-9. I just took a "wipey" bath and will take a shower tomorrow morning. I'm exhausted.
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- not by works, so no one can boast." Ephesians 2:8-9
I met a lot of people today travelling. Andrew is from Tennessee and will be trekking across southeast Asia going to remote villages and sharing with the villagers, some who have never heard. He spent a summer with a Journeyman in the Andes Mountains who was part of Xtreme Teams. His stories are very interesting-- all around nice guy who loves the Lord. Justin and Clayton are friends from Mississippi. They will be working on a farm teaching agricultural skills while sharing their faith.
We've been given a scripture top memorize before breakfast tomorrow-- Ephesians 2:8-9. I just took a "wipey" bath and will take a shower tomorrow morning. I'm exhausted.
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- not by works, so no one can boast." Ephesians 2:8-9
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