FUN FACTS ABOUT THE PHILIPPINES :)

I will be on my way home soon!!! I can't wait to share pictures, stories and so much about my life here. Until I get there, I wanted to leave you all with some fun facts about the Philippines. It's just a few but very interesting!! I hope you enjoy :)

See you all soon!!

Fun Facts About The Philippines

1. The Philippines ranks 12th among the most populous countries in the world, the population of this country is about 90 million people.

2. The Philippines has more than 200 volcanoes, although only some of them are active.

3. Philippines are considered the “text capital of the world.” Every day, 35 million mobile subscribers in the country are sending about 450 million short text messages (SMS). This is more than the total number of daily text messages sent in the United States and Europe together.

4. Despite popular belief, karaoke was invented in the Philippines, but not in Japan. Karaoke invented by Roberto Del Rosario, calling it “Sing along with the system”. And the name “karaoke” came later, translated from the Japanese it means “singing without accompaniment.”

5. Traditional ancient Philippine toy “yo-yo” used as a weapon at first.

6. The Philippines has the most numerous species of birds and butterflies in the world.

7. Fish species found in Philippine waters is the most diverse in the world.

8. The Philippines is the only Christian nation in Asia.

7 Months and counting....

I am SEVEN months in now! Every day I wake up and can't believe that I am here. I can't believe that God trusts me with His precious children. Every day I think of what more I can be doing...how can I do my job better...what did I fail at today that I need to hit on the mark tomorrow....BUT then I stop and think- although we should think about these questions, the best thing I can do for these kids is to love them, to spend time with them, to show them what Christ looks like...what does Christ look like in someones life when they are joyful, facing hardships, have a lot of work to do, faces rejection, annoyed...etc. I just need to live life with these kids. I need to be real and transparent to a certain point. I may not be here forever...I'm still praying about what I am to do next year. I may not be sure on that but I am sure on a few things. I want to make sure that when I go back to the U.S. I leave an imprint of what a Christ follower looks like. That I taught about loving Jesus no matter what..that it is an everyday thing. That its not a mask to wear.

Recently I've been apart of a lot of fun things the home is doing.. I'm thankful and blessed to be apart of them. We had some Graduates recently! We are so proud of them. Graduates of high school and college.

We had all the community based join us as we had a field trip to Zoobic...a Zoo in Subic. It was so much fun. It was a family reunion with our kids that we support in the community. They don't get back to the home often as they are studying and working. So this was a fun occasion to to laugh and have fun!

The kids are out of school now so they are having more free time. They are practicing for Sportsfest coming up soon. They show off their athletics skills!

I'm truly enjoying my time here. I enjoy taking walks everyday( that's the goal!) and hearing kids call my name. I love exchanging the same words everyday with this one little girl..everyday it's " ganda mo!" means " your beautiful"... She is so cute. I love experiencing life differently than the ways I am use to. It reminds me of many things. To be more thankful for what I have, to slow down and enjoy life, to share love of Christ more in my actions and words, to pray more about what God is doing in the live around me..

I have probably said it before and I'll say it again... I may not be the best writer, or communicator for that much, but I'm thankful that all who know me, know that my relationship with Christ is more built with Character and not Charisma. It's not about how good of a show I put on, how I great I speak, or the clothes I wear, but my actions, my heart and my stewardship of what God has given me. So thank you for always trusting in me. Thank you for standing behind me. It's always a blessing to know I'm being backed up by my U.S. Family!!!

Blessings y'all!

5 month mark!

Its been about 5 months already!
I can't even believe it. But I believe in God and that helps me understand this is real life!

Things have been really busy since its the Holiday season. Monica also was in U.S. for a little over a month. I was the interim director while she was gone. There was not much time for rest. I really had to rely on God. I was also sick with a cold for about 3 weeks. It really is hard to be in another country when you are sick.

I have recently been thinking of this game we played in youth group called "Trainwreck". You stand in the middle of a circle of people and say, "I have never_____" and then those seated who have done what you did not, have to get up and change seats. I was thinking of this game because now I have done so many things that Im sure I would have to get up a lot. In saying that, here are some things I HAVE done...so you can understand better.

- I have partied with the mascots of fast food restraunts and clowns.
-I have been hiking up a mountain in another country (3 times now..1 in Mexico, 2 in the Philippines)
- I have eating fresh coconut right from the tree.
- I have learned to say more than please and thank you in another language.
-I have about 40 kids :) and I have experienced the joy of being called Mama. Its truly one of the best feelings that this world could offer.
- I have eaten veggies that look like they were just picked from the forest.
- I have spent my New Years Eve in a police station...no not behind bars! :)
-I have been in a car accident in another country. Not my fault. And I met Senior Officer Sir John Canare... A handsome man who actually speaks good english enough to throw in some jokes about being like Sean Connery, except the skin color.
- I have learned to drive Manual and have driven a Manual van and 2 Manual trucks. And lets not forget the roads are extremely small with everyone hanging out in them!
- I have eaten many foods that I cant pronounce or recognize.
- I have busted my eye playing basketball with my boys. And I was winning!
- I have littered...and felt really bad about it. But they just burn trash here so its not really littering. There are no trash cans.
-I have experienced the joy of handing over a boy to his new family. And watch them bond over few days.
-I have been inside the U.S. Embassy in Manila.
-I have led an entire devotion (like preaching a mini message) in a different language.

These are just some that I can think of.
I have learned many things about myself. I never realized before how much I like to people please. But it works in many ways. Before if I felt like I wouldnt meet your expectations I wouldnt even try. Well here I have learned to suck it up and just do it. I have been so embaressed many times, by speaking terrible tagalog to driving down a road thats not really a road. So many situations leave me embaressed, but I constantly remember its not about me but about Jesus. I figure I get stared at and talked about already as an American so why not just go big or go home, right?
I do have few frustrations. I try not to be a princess on the mission field. But I get so very sad when my internet doesnt work..especially when I am suppose to skype friends or family. I get a bit irritated when I cant sleep in on my day off. One of the issues of living in the home. Anyone can come to your door. Whether they actually need something or just want something impatiently. I get irritated when I wish I could explain more things about Jesus to the youth but the language barrier can be a little issue. I wish I could run on my own with out being stared at and hollered at. I hate hate hate having to put my toilet tissue in a waste basket. I hate ants passionately.

But things that make up for it all..
Knowing God is using me to bring healing to neglected, abused and abandoned children. I get to help find new families for some. I get to play the role of Mama and Sister to some. I get the joy of getting probably 100 hugs a day. I get to share the Word of God every morning with our staff. Plus I get to experience all the awesome things listed above.

So even though I dont get much rest, skype time, American food or able to flush my TP- I know Im where I am suppose to be this season of my life.

Thanks for being apart of it.

The included pics are from our Christmas outreach, Jollibee bday party, youth outing at Mt.Samat, and youth outing at Kings Garden.

Vaca day!

I was in Manila with a few others on a Tuesday. We were looking to choose a family for one of the children. While I was there I got a text that I needed to come here on Thursday to finish papers at immigration. So Monica said I should just stay. I had only the clothes on my back. I was nervous about being on my own... But I stayed anyway. I caught a taxi after they dropped me at the bank and said "ingant ka(be careful)" I had to find my way to the AG missionary office/housing. When I got there I was relieved. I didn't get lost or asked for too much money by the taxi.
The next day I met with someone over me as a missionary. She asked me how I was "really" doing. Oh what a conversation. So she said maybe it would be good for me to go to the mall and walk around...alone. I am always with someone. Especially the kids. And when you have kids with you they always want something of course. Just like kids! And because I'm a single, American woman it's also not good to be alone in certain places. But I like to get away and do things on my own. So this was good. And safe as its inside a building and no bartering. At first it was awkward. I usually get stared at but at least I have someone with me. This time it was just me! I adjusted. I got to enjoy some American food, that I can't find way out where I live. I walked around the mall 7 hours! Then I was able to skype some family and friends since the Internet was reliable. It was very refreshing to have a break. I didn't know I needed it so much. Even though it was a scary thought at first. It was a good vaca day. Then when I was finished I had to take a 3 hour bus back by myself. That was scary to think at first but it was ok. The Filipino culture is truly hospitable. It's just that I have to be aware as a foreigner. But besides that they go out of there way to serve and love you.
I also got to enjoy some Christmas! They really celebrate it here for a while. So enjoy the pics from my vaca day!!!

Things I'm Learning...

As a Missionary in the Philippines I've learned many things:

-You cant be a germaphobe..
-Roommates are not just people...
-"Black outs" are called "brown outs" and are as frequent as meal times...
-Mealtime means game time-the game being, "How do I eat this?"
-The road is a multi-purpose place for driving, sleeping, playing, double parking, selling, drying food, walking your Carabao....
-Internet time is a precious gift...
-Need to send a text? No problem, just stick your arm out the window and hope you reach signal...
-Most food goes in the fridge or the ants will find it..except the food prepared for the day, it sets out all day... Talk about "bless the food"
-Locals carry umbrellas to keep them dry, to prevent getting tanning and to keep away the dangerous dogs...
-Nap time is for adults too..Siesta!

This is just a little bit of what I'm learning:) hope you get a better picture how I live now.. And can laugh along as you picture me in each situation!!

I think I'm going to try to post more stories regularly, as Internet permits.

Things to get use to...

Pics at the bottom...:)

I was finally here. There was lots of excitement running through my veins. It was almost a year ago since I was last here. Monica gave me a quick tour again, refreshing my memory of where things were. My office is located next to the baby room and across from the Pharmacy/Nurse's office. I began pulling things out to set up my office. I put many things up for the kids to feel welcome in my office. Things like posters and signs saying "You are somebody's reason to smile." I put up a couple of pictures of my family. When the kids came to visit they loved to look at all the things I had like these counting blocks. Of course now they are used for shooting practice and block wars. Don't worry, they are foam blocks. It is hilarious to see so many play the block war in such a tiny space! The laughter bounces throughout the room just as much as the blocks.

I've noticed one of the words I journal the most is adjusting. I realize this is a long process but the first couple of days where packed full of it. Let me list some things I had to adjust to:
-Toilet paper goes in the trash can, not the toilet.
-Finding the best time to take a shower- if there are a lot of people taking showers the water pressure was low and sometimes wouldn't even come out. ( now this has been fixed.. PTL)
-Figuring out how to eat the food. Lots of fish- served whole- pick out the bones and don't mind the lil guy looking at you with a smirk on his face.
-Plastic chairs (similar to lawn chairs) as furniture. This makes the body ache a bit. I learned to keep a pillow in my office, for support.
- The traffic- small roads, not many rules, and everything in the world seems to have a reason to be in the road. Like- trucks, jeepneys, cars, tricycles (motorcycle with side car-like a taxi), people, kids, animals of all kind, food drying (rice)....
- hot and sweaty most of the time because of the weather
-many critters as roommates
These are just some of the fun things I wanted to share with you. I will share more of my new experiences later.

Another thing I had to get use to was the attention. As I even write it I feel prideful. Let me explain my humbling experience. First off the staff at King's Garden knows how to do hospitality. They make you feel extremely welcome. I would have to say that I am use to getting things myself. If I need it I would make it happen. If someone else needed it, I would get it. Well here it's quite opposite. At lunch my plate and silverware would already be set out for me. If I needed something, someone would get it. The longer I have been here the more I can do for myself. But before they would just do it for me, instead of tell me how to do it. At first during lunch the staff would be very quiet. One day I was leaving the dining room and someone joked that they could eat now. I was curious as to why she said that. She said I made some of them nervous. Not in a bad way. I guess since I was new. The funny thing is I felt just as nervous! Other attention I received is curious stares. I'm pretty quiet and shy. When I enter a room I would rather not every notice I walked in. Here it's quite opposite. Being American I can't really hide my larger white figure. It's bound to be obvious that I came in. :) The kids really liked to study my features. I was told not to be offended by any English I hear. Things come out pretty blunt. This isn't out of rudeness but accepting how things are I would say. This can be hard on ones self esteem but eventually you just accept who you are. The kids like to pull on the hairs on my arm...I have more and it's a different color. Things like that.

Now that I have given you a basis of my life here more stories will come!

Thank you all for your support!
Ames:)

It's been a month already??

Hello friends and family!
I'm sure you are anxious to read my first blog since I've moved to the Philippines. Well, I'm excited to write it...I keep going back and forth on what to write about and how to write it. So I hope it come out right and you can have a picture of my life here.
I was waiting to board my final flight- the one bound to the Philippines. Ive never had a panic attack before but i believe there was something stirring in these final moments. I was holding back the sobs. I don't think of myself at all as an emotional person. I was texting people to pray for me. I had to call my brother to pray for me. Even though I could barely speak on the phone. This was the real deal. I was about to board the long flight and I wouldn't be returning on another plane in a couple of weeks. After many prayers and scriptures I made it aboard. I have mentioned to friends and family before that I don't sleep well on planes. It's just too uncomfortable for me. Well wouldn't you know it that I was next to an aisle and had one person 3 seats away. I had lots of room. I slept most of the time. I watched Avengers, ate and read my Bible. My flight was 16hours! That's God. When I arrived in the Philippines everything began to set in. Before I came to the Children's Home I had a two day orientation at the missions field office (AGMF). One thing I was told was I was being put in the deep end and I have to learn how to swim. This was no joke. I found the reality of the mission field being my home a bit overwhelming. I'm not sure exactly why. There were so many things to remember, new people, new culture, new ministry role and no family, friends or pastors to run to for prayers and hugs in rough moments or even just for some laughs. I am so thankful for the support of my church. First Assembly Of God. Not because my church is better than yours. Not because the title. It's because the people there really love Jesus. And the Pastors and staff care about true discipleship. I knew the importance of meeting with the Lord an hour a day to refill my tank. So that's what I did. I had my Jesus time alone and then I was Game. My whole mentality shifted. Not that I wasn't praying before. There is just something about going into your room, shutting the door and setting before the Lord with Bible in hand, journal and worship music. I was ready to hit the field.



Monica and I were driving home(King's Garden Children's Home) and there was a little disappointment. The kids had school even though it was a Saturday. They had to make up for the bad weather days. When I arrived there were staff and some kids to greet me. Along with a banner and a card from the kids. I felt more at peace. When the kids finally came home the excitement level upgraded. Now I had to learn names...and quick. They only had me to remember. Names are important. I wanted to learn who these kids are as quick as I could. I felt very loved and welcomed. The first thing i unpacked was pictures. I hung pictures in my room of my family and friends. I knew it would be what would encourage me and put a smile on my face when I needed it.


These are some of my emotions of first arriving. I will blog more later. I just wanted to give you part of what I went through. Thinking through it all is time consuming. I don't want to give just brief moments. I want to really paint the picture.

So more to come!!!!
Also I will NOT be setting my blog to private. If I did you would need to log in every time. So not pics of the kiddos will be on here. If you would like to see pics of the kids please email me at Ameshaynes@yahoo.com
Thanks!
Amy

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