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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Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

August 28th!!!

The time has come! I will be moving August 28th at 8:05AM!!!!! 

                                      I'm so thrilled for this opportunity.



Thank you for your many prayers and supports of all kinds!

I am in serious preparation mode.

My Packing Madness!!!! Notice all the kids items:)

If you would like to help assist with supplies, here's a few things....

• Friday night is the kids movie night. I'm trying to find appropriate movies plus it takes money to buy them. If you have some DVDs you think would be good and would like to donate please let me know. Or cash so I can buy some or suggestions. I'm very picky. It has to be family friendly.
• Music....christian of course. I am going to miss my pandora. Any cd mix you want to make would be a blessing or any kids music would be great too.
• As far as clothes and toys for the kids go- I'm still figuring out my luggage arrangement. I have to take my stuff and teaching items. But if you would like to make cash donations for the kids that is always appreciated. Plus things are usually cheaper there.
• Any notes, or scriptures I would love to have!!! I have my own bedroom and office to decorate. I would love to have a bit of home and Jesus to encourage me daily!

Prayers needed:

1. Safety and no anxiety!!
2. That my flights and luggage will get where they are suppose to be
3. Good weather in the Philippines
4. Power back in the kids home
5. That my I will have favor on getting my visa when I arrive there. (I go in on a tourist visa and get a different one when I arrive)
6. My insurance. Im still working out the details of switching insurance.
7. My family and friends here:)

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

God's Birthday Gift To Me- A Raised Missionary Budget!!

      As some of you may know, I raised all my missionary budget!!! I am so thrilled. Now they are starting to do the logistics of getting me to the field. I am not sure when I will be leaving yet. But I know it will be soon. The time has finally come. I've put in so much and learned even more. The crazy thing is how I got the rest of my budget. I do not like "testing"the Lord as one may say. I don't think at all that is how that works. So to me I felt a little like I was doing that. However, in my spirit I felt like I got the okay. Here is what went down:


     A few months back I thought of this request. I constantly got people asking me about dates- when was I leaving or when did I want to leave. I only always said the fall. This is very vague but left me wiggle room. Growing up things were not accomplished often. If I didn't want to finish something I would quit. I had few proud moments of accomplishment. And the things you do in your youth do effect your outlook on life. Of course, you can change that, especially with God! I knew how badly I wanted to get on the mission field. I felt like I had run the resource well dry though. I knew my friends and family are supporting me a great deal. I wanted to tap into the miracles of God! You know, what we hear about but don't see much in our lives....maybe because we dont ask!! So daily, I boldly would ask God to raise my budget. The catch was I was asking him to raise it by my birthday as a gift. This seemed a little far fetched but HE is God and can do anything. So I was asking and praying I would receive it in Jesus name! My precious Aunt and Uncle had me out to visit them. During the visit we went to their lake house. We left on Friday and came back Sunday. Monday was my birthday. On Friday I had $140 left to raise. We left and on Sunday I came back with no more new supporters. I was setting myself up for not receiving the miraculous gift. I then realized that someone said they would support me prior. So then it was $100 monthly. That is still a lot to get by my bday, I posted it on facebook. Not long after, I received a message saying someone would support me $100 monthly. I was in shock. They told me I needed to be there now. I agreed! So, June 24th I raised my whole budget! One day before my bday. I kept it quiet for a bit because I wanted to get my numbers right when I got back home. Even after I got home, I had more people wanting to support me! How amazing is our God! He totally granted me my hearts desire! The best bday gift ever!!!

Dinner Theatre with my Aunt for my Bday



Friends surprised me with balloons w/photos attatched



















Where am I at now?
    Well, I am waiting for the paperwork to come through. I know have all the support raised. They (missions office) need to see it on hard copy. It takes some time, after one fills out the form, to show up on record. I do have visa clearance! I don't have to apply for a long-term visa until I arrive in the Philippines. Once I receive financial clearance then the process can go quickly! This is my desire- quickly indeed! As much as I love you all, I've been here long enough:) I'm ready to go! My ideal goal is August. My last day working my job is August 3rd.


     I would love to do a prayer night before I go. More details will come. My financial supporters will be apart of my mail out. If you want to be part of an email list, please let me know. I will also try to keep up the blogging.


Thanks for all your support.


-Ames sooooo on the way!

I am currently the dot on the left...soon hope to be the red one on the right!!!

        Spring time is here and new growth has begun. I am excited to see the growth of my supporters! I have been stretched to get outside of my comfort zone but it has all been worth it. I need to raise $1,700 in cash and $370 in monthly sponsors. Im asking the Lord to help me reach my goal by my birthday, June 25th. Then hopefully all the processing can be done in time for me to be in the Philippines in the fall. Please pray with me as I ask my Heavenly father for this birthday gift. If you would like to partner as well, email me at Ameshaynes@gmail.com. I really need monthly sponsors most. If you can't help financially then you can help by spreading the word to others that perhaps are into missions. Even if they don't know me. It's about the kids and the Kingdom of God. I'm just being used to help, and so are you!

   

      I have been thinking over my different roles that I will play at the children's home. It gets me so excited to start something new. It's like creating the best job description ever. I'm so excited to be there for these kids. One thing I am looking forward to is discipling my kids in America about the kids in the Home. By that I mean my nieces, nephews, youth group and even preschool where I currently work. It's great when we can go on missions trips but not every one can do that. I want all these important people in my life to realize the effect they can have on those that live on the other side of the world. I'm not sure what this will look like but God has planted that seed in me to grow when I arrive in the Philippines.

I'm getting there!!

Ames on the Way

Resolution VS. Goals

Pre Field Orientation in Missouri

Missionaries across the world!!

    It's the end of January of 2012. At the beginning of this month many people set "Resolutions". I had many ask me what mine were. I did not make any. I already have the biggest goal I could think of: getting back to the Philippines. This big goal is not going to happen without many small ones. Pastor Robbie Johnson has taught me well on setting goals that get accomplished. We must set attainable goals, keep track of them and set new ones to keep growing. I find myself making many lists and finding the joy when I get to mark off one. My goals recently are relational and financial ones. I believe in giving people the opportunity to sow seeds into the Kingdom. However, I also know that there is a twisted view of giving financially. I believe it comes from how people ask and our own hearts when we give. I am learning that God can untwist this view in provision of my goals. He has shown me that I can't let the fear of people stop me from asking. By not asking I'm not giving them the opportunity. I myself know this all so well.  During the holidays I LOVE going to Publix or another shopping center that has organizations at the register to give toward. Such as donating to a food bank. I love to give but I know I cannot  give every time I walk into a store. If they ask I give. If they don't I won't. What is this saying if I don't ask? This revelation shook up my preset notions of what people are thinking. I have to truly trust God and allow Him to move me toward my goal. I recently prayed and was able to get my monthly budget reduced $400. This was an amazing answer to prayer! I know it brings me so much closer to the field. I also was blown away when I was checking my account and had seen a large donation from someone I don't even know. I know that God has called me to live in this orphanage for at least a year. I have set and attained many goals over the years to get there. Two main factors in this has been prayer and a passionate heart. I prayed often and intensely about this. I never lost heart on the promise that God gave me at a young age.

        I hope you are setting goals that are accomplished and not resolutions that fail. The differing factor I believe is allowing God to set these for you.

     If you would like to help me reach my goal you can give through this link. I need monthly partners but I have a cash budget I need raised as well. Anything helps me attain my goal.

Thank you for your prayers and support!'

Ames definitely on the way :)

https://secure1.ag.org/contributions/detail.cfm?LedgerID=e7b6bb71-478f-4ac1-b94b-eb60f3c54301

Confessions of the ending year...

I have a confession to make....I'm not very good at this blogging business. I find it hard to choose the words to write and the time to put it up. Now that it's been 2 months since my last post I figure I should change that. So here it is. I had a Christmas blog written but never posted because I didnt find time to go on an actual computer to adjust the font.(iPad won't let me) This time I shall just post and not care about the font.
Here is what is on my heart: I'm thinking the new year is about to approach. I'm thinking about how I have heard that missionaries take a year to raise their budget and frankly I don't want to wait that long. I want my faith to grow. I want to leave for the philippines so badly in July or August. That is so close when you consider the amount I have to raise. If you ask me in person I'd be glad to discuss it with you. I just am going to choose to not post it on here. I've thought much on how I will raise my budget. Nothing seems like a 1+1=2 method. I don't find myself the bold type to ask for money. I don't find myself the successful type with the best paying job as I would probably keep my current job if they told me tomorrow it had to be a volunteer position now instead of a salary one. I love beng a preschool teacher and feelng like I am helping mold these kids at their prime years....even if they won't remember me. I think about the missionaries I have seen at my church and seen how the Lord has blessed them when they have been humble. At the same time I know I must ask. But how? My heart is so not wanting to offend anyone by asking for support. I want to spare them the shame if they can't or decide they would rather not. This is where I need more faith!!! I'm praying for an increase of that this year. I feel the pressure of the question of how is your goal of budget raising going? At the same time I feel no pressure because it's all in God's timing. It's different than a summer missions trip with a deadline. I know the Lord will provide. I have wanted to wait until after the holidays to really ask for the much needed support. I know that Christmas brings more stress than needed. I don't desire to be associated with that. I would love to be associated with the real meaning: Christ but it seems that since we are human we often forget and get caught up in the spending and silly traditions. So I wait for it to pass and pray that the Lord will stir hearts to remember what it's all about. Now that we face a new year we can realize what it's about and exam our lives to see what more we can do to make a difference this year. That is what I do. Right now I'm being stirred to remember my calling and having faith to be bold and yet walk in humility to ask for provision to get back to these beloved kids that I would adopt all myself if I could.
So please pray with me. What is it that you need to do this year? Pray that I get provision and my budget will be met for me to go when God wills. Pray if you should support me monthly(needed most). Pray that these kids in the Kings Garden Childrens Home will know how much God loves them.

Thanks for reading this and for your prayers:)
Ames trying to keep on the way.

Episode 2 of my visit!

        The next morning I woke up hearing little children singing. It was such a beautiful thing. I couldn't quite figure out where it came from. I knew they had children's devotions every morning though. After I got ready I went down for breakfast. They were all so cute in there white tshirt and blue bottoms uniform. And of course they all had flip flops to wear. To get ready for a meal they all gather around the tables. They stand behind the chairs. The house mom says "are we ready?"  and the children reply "yes we are."Then they say "let us pray"...then they pray for there food. Possibly one of the cutest ways to pray that I have seen. They eat with a fork and a spoon. You don't usually find knives they use spoons for that. After breakfast they all finished getting ready for school. They left shortly after. The staff gathered for morning devotions. Each morning a staff morning would lead and they would also have worship. Then Monica addressed anything on the agenda. Then we dismissed to go about our day. I spent a lot of time with the preschool aged kids. In the mornings they had 3 little ones ages 3-5 roughly. They went over normal education stuff they would learn here, had lunch and napped. When they woke up the elementary kids would be back for lunch. The schools do not provide lunch and not every family can send lunch so all the kids go home at lunch time. Our driver goes to pick the kids up and brings them back to eat. When the elementary kids are done eating 2 of the preschoolers go back with them to school. They don't come back until dinner time. It's a long day. When the kids come back around dinner time they shower and get ready to eat. After dinner they have study period. This is probably one of my favorite times. I got to go around and see what the kids were working on. The schools can't afford books so the kids copy everything. A lot of the children wanted to read to me to practice their English. I really loved this. If the kids didn't have work they could read or draw. Most kids there are obsessed with angry birds. However it's more of an icon not an app game on there phone. They had no idea what the game was when i showed it to them on my iPad. A lot of the kids are very good at drawing. After study period they get ready for bed. Lights out at 9. And yes I would be in bed then. The sun goes down really early and the heat and humidity wears you out. Sleeping is not a problem...except for the jet lag:).

That is roughly what the day looks like around the Kings Garden.

More to come!!

Orphanage Visit: Episode 1

        I now can officially say I have been in the King's Garden Children's Home. This is the orphanage I have been desiring to go to since I was a little girl. The whole trip was impactful. From the Kids to the bugs!! God spoke in so many ways I cant even tell you them all. So please ask me questions whenever you would like to!

         I was about to check-in and ofcourse there was something wrong...I am thinking it was the young worker who didnt know what he was doing. I was thinking I definitely payed a lot of money to get on this flight. It eventually worked out. I was traveling for 28 hrs. It was a long time and yet it flew by. I couldnt believe I was going to be walking through the doors of this home soon.

When I finally arrived in the Philippines Monica Jarvis, Director of KGCH, and Kim Snow, Missionary to KGCH, both greeted me. We stayed the night in the Assemblies Missions Home. When morning came I met more missionaries. Because this was the headquarters for missionaries to check in I got to meet a few. I even met someone who almost lost his arms from a machete attack. He was robbed. The interesting part is because the people in the town knew and loved him so much they "took care of it." What an impact this missionary had on his mission field.

           We drove out to KGCH that morning. The Philippines is such a beautiful place. There is so much to look at. There are cabao,chickens, goat, horses, dogs, cats and kids all running around and in the streets. The home was pretty much at the end of the road. The road was bumpy, narrow and just dirt. We pulled up to this home and it was so surreal. We got there before the kids were home from school. Monica led me on a tour. They are truly blessed and steward all that God has given them.

          One of the biggest moments of impact was when I was sitting in Monica's office as the children arrived home from school. In walks this high schooler. She needed to make copies for school. They dont get their own books. I fought back the hurricane of emotions inside of me. I have been to an orphanage before. I have seen the babies but this is a high schooler. I couldn't believe how hard it hit me. I work with youth the same age in America. This was a defining moment for me.

          After this impacting moment I wandered around after being introduced time and time again. I felt a little awkward as the new white woman. I love to listen to people and get to know little kids, but this was hard because I didnt understand their first language. They are learning english but dont speak it regularly. I eventually got to know the kids and felt more comfortable.

         The first night in my room I spent a lot of time getting aquainted with it. The water heater was tricky-but I was extremely grateful for it. The water pressure and my long hair battled it out. There were 2 fans and an aircon (airconditioner). I never used a fan in the US. I dont like the noise. However I slept with it because of the weather and to help keep bugs off of me. It also wasnt that noisy I use to sleep with a tv on because I couldnt go to sleep with my mind racing. However the windows are open with a theatre of outside noises. It was so beautiful. I slept wonderfully. I went to bed at 9 my first night and woke up at midnight. The Lord has a serious conversation with me that I am still praying through. I was experiencing some jet lag!!

There is sooo much for me to share about my trip. This is just part. I want to be able to give it to you in pieces so you are not overwhelmed and can experience as I did.:) So I will share another episode of my adventure at a later date!! Stay tuned for my first morning as I awake knowing Im really here in this orphanage.:)