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
-
Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
No comments:
Post a Comment