Meeting the Orphans: Jenneylyn

For quite some time now, many people have been asking for the stories of each of the children at Rosemary's Home of Hope. I've been telling myself I am going to break it down, and introduce one child at a time on this blog, but I just haven't gotten around to it. In December of last year, I wrote down each of their stories for twenty of the now twenty-three children.
Without further adieu... let's meet..

     Jennelyn!

  Of course I don't have favorites, because each child is precious, one of a kind, & truly a blessing; but, with that being said, Jennelyn is kinda my favorite (shhh!).

I met Jennelyn on my very first trip to visit Rosemary's Home of Hope, and fell. in. love. immediately.
                      Seriously, can I not bring her home yet?
Jenneylyn is also known as "Tornado," and it doesn't take long after meeting her to figure out the reasons why. She is one of the most bubbly, full of life, and energetic five years old I have ever met! I met her when she was just three years old in March of 2012. She had only been at the orphanage since the fall of 2011, but already you could see the Lord working remarkably in her life. Each time I visit Rosemary's, one of my biggest prayers is that God would continue to break my heart for them. Jennelyn's story, as well as the other children's stories, always break my heart. When I see their sweet smiles and embrace their loving, never ending hugs, I cannot help but think, how in the world could someone not love them.

Jennelyn's mother was a prostitute in the city. She was left homeless on the beach, and often given alcohol as a small toddler. Her mother made it habit of putting out cigarettes on Jennelyn's body, as well as biting her, both leaving scaring on her small body. At age two, in 2011, her mother gave her to a pastor, who brought her to the orphanage, and told him "This is my daughter. Do with her whatever you want."

As I write this, tears still spill out of my eyes as I think of where she came from, and where she is today. She has the most adorable, contagious giggle that will melt your heart. Ever heard of people who smile even with her eyes? She's got that down pat. I have to believe her love of life comes from her love for Jesus, and her understanding of a true Father's love. 

For more pictures of Jenneyln, and more information on Roseymary's Home of Hope, as well as updates on how the Lord is using me in the Philippines, please visit Hope for the Hopeless Ministry.

Latest Newsletter: July 2014

It has been eight months since my feet were on Philippine soil, and boy am I missing it terribly. This past year has been a huge adventure for me.  My obligations at school seem to be increasing daily; however, I remain very thankful for each of them. This past spring, I had the opportunity to teach in the Special Ed. classroom three days a week. Wow, was that ever a blessing. It was definitely not easy learning the ends and outs of the profession; however, it was tremendously awarding. It reminded me of being present in the here and now and recognizing the importance of our every day mission field in whatever position God places us.

In May, I was a part of a trip to England with the Baptist Student Union at Mississippi State. We held a Vacation Bible School in a community in the city of Grantham, England. Despite the constant dreary, rainy weather, we had around fifty children present for all five days. The children and adults alike were mostly cold to the Gospel. They were not familiar with God’s love for us, and cared not to know much. However, unlike the Philippines, they were aware of the “myth” of Jesus, but chose not to believe in it. It was heartbreaking. The ministry which works in this community has been working with the people for over ten years. According to them, the people have begun to show interest in the past three years. While we were there, we spoke with around seven people who were beginning to show some interests in the Gospel. Sadly, no one came to know Christ while we were there, but we trust in God’s timing. I ask that you continue to pray for this ministry, that they would persevere despite the frustrations of people being reluctant to the Gospel. Also, pray for those children. Join us in praying that they would break the cycle of drugs and crime that their parents are in. Unfortunately, I have no pictures of the mission to show from this trip. We were asked not to photograph any of the children, or their parents, due to the harm that could come to them due to that. Many are involved in heavy drugs, serious crimes, and alcoholism.

I will begin my last semester of classes in August, before I begin my student teaching in January. I am so excited for the next chapter in my life, and I’m trying to soak up every opportunity I have to serve Him before my “real world” obligations kick in. Ha. Beginning in August, I will resume my responsibility as the prayer leader at the Baptist Student Union, as well as the small group Bible study leader for students transferring from community colleges. It has been such a blessing serving the Lord on campus, and getting to know students from all walks of life.

The big question….when will I go back to the Philippines? First of all, I’m so thankful for my trip to England and how God used it to show me how to evangelize to those who have a colder heart to the Gospel. That trip truly showed me the importance of perseverance, and continual prayer. However, with that being said…I am SO ready to get back to the Philippines!!!! Prayerfully, I will be boarding a plane and heading to my home across the seas in December. As Bro. Jerry Dickens once told me, if God wants you there, He will make a way. Every trip I hold tight to that truth!  As of right now the plane tickets are the cheapest we have ever found them…$1,400! I ask that you would pray for that price to remain until we get enough funds to go! The prices for those tickets fluctuate tremendously from day to day. Last December we paid $2,700! Was it worth every penny? Absolutely yes! We will be leaving the first of December, and spending a little over a week there delivering Christmas. If you guys would like to help out with the gifts, it isn’t too early to start! We will be collecting gallon zip lock bags stuffed full of travel hygiene items, baby dolls, matchbox cars, fingernail polish, hair bows, school supplies, etc. The options for what you can put in these bags are pretty open. All we ask is no liquids over 4 oz (due to the price of shipping), and no toys that provoke fighting, such as play guns, military, etc. As soon as you begin collecting, let me know and we will begin packing them! Also, if possible, we ask for $7 for the shipping of each bag. Let’s see how many we can get this year! Keep in mind…the typhoon caused great destruction to many people in the area last year. Any and every gift you give will be greatly appreciated.

For the upcoming year. It is with great prayer that I beginning planning a trip to Rosemary’s July 2015. I will be leading a group of approximately eight Mississippi State students to do work at the home for around 15 days. We will be working with the children, youth, college students, as well as the older adults in the area. Planning for that is beginning, and I ask that you join me in praying that I proceed with his discernment, and only plan that which is in His will.

I thank you guys so much for all of your love and support over the years. If the Lord provides for me to go in December, it will be my twelfth international mission trip. I stand amazed daily that he chose this little Ryan’s Well girl to carry His gospel across the world. You have been such a part of every trip, and with your support and prayers, they never would have been possible. I thank God for you guys every day!!!

I hope to see you guys soon, and tell you more about what the Lord is doing in my life! Also, I have updates from Rosemary’s! We now are blessed with 23 kids!  I will be returning to school mid August, so if it works out for a Sunday visit between now and then, please let me know J

I love you all,

Emily

(662) 397-0115

550 Grovner Springs Road

Fulton, MS 38843

my time away.

Maybe you noticed, or maybe you didn't, but I have been away from this little space for quite a while now. Life has been busy, and I've loved every second of being caught up in all the little sweet moments. 

Whenever I don't have assignments due, it has been nice to step away from the laptop, and enjoy the fullness of life. 

Now, I admit, I have missed reading all of your stories & adventures,as my reading time has also been very limited.

 I'm not sure how frequently I will  be posting, as I'm in summer classes right now,and that is taking up most of my time; however, I do wanna leave you with a few snapshots of the past couple of months.

all my love.

i went with the baptist student union england, & we made a quick stop by Paris on the way:)

Nottingham, England

Grantham, England. With our friend, Andrew, from Northern Ireland.

Wham! Pretty much the best candy. ever.

my handsome fella.

He heard my cry.

Hey y'all! 

I pretty much feel like my Philippines updates have been a little all over the place lately, and you know what? 

They pretty much have.

One minute we are planning to still go in December.

The next we're not.

A couple of days after the storm devastated the island of Leyte, I was informed that we would not be able to travel to our orphanage in December like we had planned. I briefly mentioned it over here, but y'all, if I'm being honest, I was just really, really upset. In my mind the things I was being told made sense. 

It's too dangerous.

The roads are impassable.

There is no food or water.

Electricity may not be restored for over a year.

There's still bodies everywhere.

But in my heart.....

my heart just wasn't having it. 

I had peace in knowing that if it was truly meant for me to go see my sweet babies at Rosemary's Home of Hope in December, God would make a way.

All I could do was pray.

And pray.

And pray some more.

I would be lying if I told you that these past couple of weeks haven't been a wild, emotional ride for me.

I'm not sure what it is yet, but I'm still convinced God is doing something bigger than I've even dreamed up in this heart of mine.

I've felt restless.

Helpless.

Full of energy to do something about the destruction that struck the people I love so much.

They are family.

And with everything inside of me, I want to be there.

I want to hug them, and tell them it's all okay.

I want to lift a hand where I can.

Carry food and water to the famished.

God, use me. Wherever and with whatever, just use me.

That has been my prayer.

As of now, myself, a friend of mine, and hopefully a gentleman who knows a little something about building, will be leaving around December 11.

It will be a super short trip, but I know it will be worth it.

I have a feeling God has something huge in store. 

The rebuilding will probably not begin until after the first of the year.

It is our job to go in December, assess the situation, and analyze what materials we will need to begin the process.

I'm so excited for this opportunity, and unbelievably grateful that God saw my heart, and answered my prayers. 

To help out with funds needed for travel expenses & rebuilding, please see the following:

• Visit the official page of Rosemary's Home of Hope at www.rosemaryshomeofhope.com and select
• Visit the Support link listed above. All donations given on this site will be used to directly assist relief efforts and rebuilding, as well as travel costs for my December trip.
• Purchase a Rosemary's Home of Hope T-Shirt @ the Store. Not only will all proceeds be given to Rosemary's Home of Hope, but it's also a super great way of raising more awareness for our home in the Philippines.
• **For more information, please visit http://www.hopeforthehopelessministry.com/blog.html

Saturdays in the South

Well, hey y'all! 

Looks like we all survived Monday, and now heading right on into Tuesday.
 I can't believe how quickly time is passing, and how near in my future a break is.
A BREAK....it almost brings tears to my eyes thinking about just sitting and doing nothing.
but really...I'm super pumped to spend sweet time with my family & friends.

This past weekend was a big, BIG weekend here in Starkville. The tide rolled in and competed against our Bulldawgs. Y'all, we played Alabama  a good game. I think we were all a little in shock by this, as honestly, we all expected quite the slaughtering. Ha. 

I would say we held them pretty good. And unlike ahem...the school up north....we actually scored. 

and doing something they didn't..well, that's all that truly matters :)

my roommate and i are horrible about taking pictures
the lighting here is horrible, and why the heck is my face so shiny?!

military recognition weekend
by far the best halftime show by our Famous Maroon Band

BSU stadium cleanup crew
each week we clean the stadium (yuck!)
the money the school gives us for doing it all goes to missions (major plus!)

I wanted to leave you guys with this. You all know my heart is super burdened for what's going on in the Philippines right now. So touched by this girls bravery, humbleness, and genuine love for the Filipino people! 

Philippine Typhoon Relief: We need your help!

the main building of our home soon after the typhoon hit

It's been just over a week since the typhoon hit the island of Leyte. As the days pass since the storm, the death toll continues to rise, and devastation continues to reveal itself. Our orphanage, Rosemary's Home of Hope, is located on the island of Leyte, in the remote village of Kananga. Although we did not receive a great deal of flooding, we took a heavy hit with wind damage. With winds reaching 230 miles an hour or more, it is a miracle in itself that our orphanage is even still standing. Taking shelter in our home that day was 21 children, our orphanage staff, and over 30 families from the village. 

Three days after the storm passed, we finally received word from Steve, one of our caregivers at the home, that they were all safe, and only received damage to our roofs and church. As you will see in the pictures below, the damage done to our buildings was not all minor, and is in need of repair as soon as possible. Our church is completely gone, and out of our four buildings (main building, dining hall, boys dorm, girls dorm), only the girls dorm still has a roof. Right now, we are trying to fund makeshift roofs, simply to get something over their head. It is raining on the island again, and we hope to prevent our children getting sick.

The most pressing issue right now however, is the lack of food. The island basically only has rice since the storm passed, and it's not enough for all of the people. Yesterday, Steve went to the island of Cebu to try and find a better supply so that he can go back home, feed our orphanage, and begin helping the village. They are hoping to soon set up somewhat of a relief center at the orphanage so that those who have had no food can be fed, before they all become extremely famished. 

our church. Steve, our caregiver & Filipino pastor stated "at 7:10 the church flew away!"

dining hall. .this is the building where everyone was staying during the storm

I'm asking you to please consider giving financially to help us provide for our orphans and our village. Any donations you make will be tax deductible, and will be greatly appreciated by us all.

Your donation will go to:

• provide food for the orphans & staff
• help to feed the people of the village
• provide a makeshift roof
• begin making repairs
• any unforeseen emergency needs

For all donations, please click here.

Our hearts and prayers continually go out to the Filipino people. Please continue to pray for their guidance, and God's sovereign plan through it all.

**For continual updates please visit here.

Missions Monday: Q & A

Meet Carlos. One of my sweet babies at UDH. This picture was take July 2010

Hi friends. I am so happy to be here with you again this Monday night. I had something really special planned for tonight's post, but unfortunately it hasn't happened yet, so please stay tuned. Hopefully, I will be back later this  week, or at the latest next Monday, and will get to share something pretty special. Folks, I promise you do not want to miss out, so make sure you are checking back in.

  Recently, it seems I have more often  been approached with questions about the Philippines, and what I do while I'm there. I have realized that sometimes I  unintentionally forget to mention things that you all might want to know about. Usually I don't mention the basic stuff because tit either happened a while back, or it is things I have become so accustomed to that I might assume everyone else already knows too. For those questions, I will be dedicating a post very soon. I hope to address several things, and give an even deeper insight into the work God has been doing in my heart with the Philippines, and His work. Please comment below or email me (for those of you who wish to remain more anonymous)  with all kinds of questions. It can be about the Philippines and mission work, but it can also be about my personal life, and who I am. I want you all to know the person behind the computer who writes these posts, so the sky is the limit!

Also, I have asked my family to share on this space how God has worked in them through Him sending me across the world. I am asked all. the. time. "what does your family think about you going to the Philippines all the time?" So, you will all find out soon ;)

I want to leave you all today with a few pictures from recent trips. I hope you enjoy, and don't forget to ask away!

Much love.

 

PS

To see the rest of the pictures, please visit www.hopeforthehopelessministry.com

Answered Prayers

hi ladies.

It's so nice catching up with each of your blogs, and "hearing" how you are all spending your summers.

I don't know about you, but this is my favorite season of all.

time of work.

sunshine.

freedom.

flowers.

vacation.

ok...I could go on and on and on, but I'll stop there :)

As I mentioned back on this post, I have created a website specifically to raise awareness and support for my work in the Philippines. You can check it out here. 

I shared a couple of weeks ago that there would be fundraiser held at our local community center to raise money for travel expenses and such for my July trip. I am so over whelmed and grateful for all that was done through the people of our community.

I am so humbled and blown away by God as I reflect on the past few years, and all that He is done.

I'm so excited to be sharing a brief history of how it all started as well as the results of my fundraiser with you all today!!

July 2008 forever changed my life as I boarded my first flight ever, and traveled to the Philippines. Before the trip, I really underestimated God, and truly thought this would probably be a once in a lifetime opportunity, and something I may never have the chance to experience again. Fast forward two weeks and I could not imagine a summer without serving with the Bob Tebow Evangelical Association (BTEA). However, it's amazing how God changes us, and shifts our focus and our hearts to other aspects of ministry. 

Over the course of the past two years, I have not served with BTEA as our orphanage Rosemary's Home of Hope really took root, and expanded in ways we never imagined possible. While I am still really involved with Rosemary's, and plan to visit this coming December, I feel that it is time for me to join back up with my dear friends from Florida, and share the salvation message of Jesus Christ with children in the schools of the Philippines.

It was this past January when I really felt the Lord speaking to me to join back up with BTEA. I remember a pang in my heart as I knew God wanted me to sacrifice two weeks of my summer to go serve Him in this third world country.. I began to have some sort of war going on inside of me. I had people telling me I was a fool to continue "wasting" my money and my time constantly on people so far away. (Read More)

Made from dust.

It is very rare for me to travel anywhere in my car without the radio set to one of my iPod playlist in accordance with my current mood. However, after 7+ hours in the county office, listening to non stop complaints about the school system, the economy, and well, just life, I'm typically not in the mood for a bumpin' ride home. And folks, I'm talking about music, not the knee deep unavoidable potholes that grace our lovely North Road.

A lot of days during my work week, Monday-Wednesday, I tune in to one of my podcast. Recently I've been stuck on David Platt, who I have heard several times at Secret Church.
Ladies, if you aren't familiar with him, seriously look him up. Someone on Pinterest posted something very wise, "David Platt. Not someone you read if you want your life to stay the way it is." That's truth.
He is the definition of radical.

Pinterest

A couple of days ago, I turned on one of David's most recent sermons at the church at Brook Hills. It was about the urgency to share Christ, and sacrifice all for His glory.

The Urgency of Eternity

The title of this particular podcast caught my eye immediately because of it's title. Urgency. It seems that has been a reoccurring word in my life for the past few months, as I went back and forth with whether or not God sought to send me to the Philippines this summer solely for evangelism, or whether He was guiding me to serve at an orphanage. The answers were so unclear to me, as I begin to blur what God wanted vs what I wanted.

Until God spoke loud in clear.
 . The urgency to share Christ is imperative as our world continues to deter from Him.
The importance of reaching the lost before time exist no more, is becoming more real everyday.
Their is a great need to forsake all for the gospel.

The end is near.
Why are we being still?

Where I live, in the rural parts of Mississippi, you flash your lights at oncoming traffic if there is a wreck or a roadblock in their future. You just do it. Why?
Because you want them to beware.
You warn them that there's danger ahead, whether it be an accident or a potential traffic violation.
You warn them.

Why is it we can manage to warn people to slow down before encountering law enforcement, yet we can't manage to warn them that they are headed for a blazing hot, eternal hell if they don't redirect their lives?

I don't know how to witness.
I don't know enough about the Bible.

Excuses. God doesn't accept them.

My favorite thing that David said in The Urgency of Eternity, is this simple truth...

we are dust.

God doesn't look down at His creation, His children, and say, "Wow. Look at that dust. It's capability of sharing my story is almost incomprehensible." 

Instead, God looks at His children, those who are at least making an attempt to share His story, and He says, "That dust. It's faulty and it's sinful. But, I, I am perfect, and I will take that seed that precious child just planted, and I will water it, and it will grow."

Friends, that's God.
He is bigger than our fears.
our failures.
our sinfulness.
and even our pride.

As a dear brother in Christ once said, "Friends don't let friends go to hell."

Go tell 'em Jesus loves 'em!

Pinterest

Why do you go?

Why do you go? 

Why the Philippines?

Why don't you spend your money on other things?

Don't you know there's plenty of work for you to do locally?

Shouldn't you focus on school and save missions for later? 

Those are just a few of the questions that have been quite frequently asked of me lately. I would be lying to say it hasn't been frustrating to me. People who act s if they whole heartily support me in life, then shockingly don't understand my heart. 

God's heart. 

Why can't we grasp the urgency to share Christ?

How have we gotten so far away from the purpose of this God given life that we put mission work on the back burner  and seek after worldly pleasures instead?

Recently, I was asked to put into words the why behind why I regularly make the trek to the Philippines. 

I wanted to share with you all a small excerpt from that, and encourage you to continue whatever work God has called you to. Don't let the naysayers discourage you.

"I go because I see lost souls. I see a hunger deep within the eyes of starving children, broken mothers, and feeble elderly. I see people who have never even heard Jesus’ name spoken. I’m driven to reach them with the Gospel of Christ before there is no more time. I feel compelled to go, to forsake the comforts of America, and to risk it all so that they may know Him. If I don’t go, who will? My heart aches to be there, to love on children, and to continually share hope with them. Hope that this third world country has never heard of. To win the lost souls….that’s why I go."

"In me, you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation, but TAKE HEART; I have overcome the world." John 16:33

P.S.

I finally created a Bloglovin' account. You should probably go follow me ;)

my favorite view.

it's friday, december 14. i haven't had good sleep since sunday, december 2.
i'm pretty tired to say the least.
we arrived home from the islands of the Philippines this past tuesday night.

the trip was more than i ever could have imagined.
i have never seen such gratitude from so many people over so little.
often times in America, people grumble over how little they receieve at Christmas time.
but in the Philippines, they can't believe they are getting anything at all.
you wouldn't believe the gratitude.

this 90 year old man walked over a mile to be with us.
i had the opportunity of talking to him on several occasions during my trip.
on this particular day, i asked him for a picture. in return he asked me for a kiss.
he smiled so big when i told him i would call him my Filipino Lolo. i felt so blessed.
*Lolo=grandfather.

i witnessed something very special on this trip.
the palm trees, the ocean, and the mountains are very beautiful, but it isn't their beauty that astonishes me on my visits to the islands.

on sunday, the 9th, we had family day.
we took the children to a nearby swimming pool and to eat at Jollibee's (Filipino McDonald's).
I opted out of the nice, soft seated van, and went for the bumpy, very chilly, flatbed truck.
that's where the kids were riding, and i wanted to spend every second with them possible before our departure early monday morning.

from my seat in the very back of our neighbor's flatbed truck, i saw true beauty.
i saw laughter, hugging, and so much smiling.
i saw hopelessness replaced with hope.

it's very blurry because of bumpy roads and poor light, but you can kind of get the picture.

i felt so overcome by God's grace as i sat there and took in what was in front of me.
just over a year ago, these children were homeless, fatherless, and made their beds on the street or beach.
their mother's chose prostitution over them.
they were given alcohol and drugs.
they were abused.

such joyful times.

....but now, because of faith, because of God's mercy and love, they have a home.
they are loved.
they will always be someone's number one priority.
they are given healthy meals to eat.
and most importantly, they are being taught about the love of Jesus Christ.

just before they all floated off to sleep, they smiled those big smiles, and sang the most beautiful version of "Jesus Loves Me," that i have ever heard.

i feel so unworthy to get to experience such God moments. i'm always so humbled in situations like these that God chose me to be a part of something so wonderful.
that He entrusted me with His beautiful children.

the shoebox ministry was absolutely amazing. without a doubt, it was my favorite mission this far while serving in the Philippines.
i will share more about my thoughts on that ministry sometime soon when i have had much more sleep, and my brain is working more efficiently. :)

 

on this trip....
i saw a joy that was new.

i saw love that was overflowing.

i saw grateful hearts.

i saw family.

christmas to kananga

tuesday, december 4th, i will be leaving to have once again for another adventure in the philippines.

my heart is overflowing with joy, because i feel like i'm going home.

mississippi will always be home to me.

it's where i grew up.

where family and friends are.

but my puzzle will never be complete, because no matter what side of the globe i'm on.

i'm missing someone.

isn't that going to be one of the most glorious things about heaven.

i get all giddy just thinking about it.

an eternity with all the ones we love.

i don't know about you, but i'm ready!

whenever i was at uncle dick's home, this old hymn quickly became one of my favorite songs.

in church back in mississippi, it's words never hit home like they did when i was so far away.

stripped of all i had ever known.

but surrounded by an abundance of love.

i think we all know i didn't want to leave udh.

which is one of the reasons this song kept playing in my head.

when we all get to heaven..

what a glorious day...

Sing the wondrous love of Jesus;
sing his mercy and his grace.
In the mansions bright and blessed
he'll prepare for us a place.

When we all get to heaven,
what a day of rejoicing that will be!
When we all see Jesus,
we'll sing and shout the victory!
While we walk the pilgrim pathway,
clouds will overspread the sky;
but when traveling days are over,
not a shadow, not a sigh.

Let us then be true and faithful,
trusting, serving every day;
just one glimpse of him in glory
will the toils of life repay.

Onward to the prize before us!
Soon his beauty we'll behold;
soon the pearly gates will open;
we shall tread the streets of gold.

i know i haven't done a super awesome job of updating everyone on everything going on at Rosemary's Home of Hope. i have every intention of being better, i  promise.

for the mean time, the most important thing that you could possibly know is that we need your prayers.

big time.

we are a team of five americans.

with 26 bags.

TWENTY SIX!

here's the process of packing up 26 bags/boxes.
looks crazy, huh?

i'm not exactly sure how we are going to handle that many once we arrive in Manila.

i'll have to let y'all know the outcome of that. ha.

our mission this trip: LOVE.

don't get me wrong. that's always our mission..to love.

but, typically we have more tasks at hand like tons of evangelism, vbs, etc.

this trip, we are going to be delivering christmas presents to our eleven orphans.

as well as delivering christmas shoe boxes to as many children in the village as possible.

i have never been this time of year, so i am very excited.

typically, i go in the spring of summer, so this is definitely different for me.

i can't wait to share a little bit of Jesus' birthday with them :)

please for us.

safety.

God's will.

laughter.

task to be completed.

and for heavens sake...

the 26 bags :)

love you all.

recent happenings.

Hi friends! I wish I could report to you that my lack of blogging is due to my fall being filled with lots of bonfires, cozy foods, good reads, and chick flicks, but sadly that isn't the case. Gosh, I wish it were...that would be the life, huh?  Instead, I've been drowning in papers, tests, fundraisers, work, etc. Sometimes I wish life would just slow down a bit, and give me time to actually do those things which I love. My to-do lists get so overwhelming at times I don't even know where to begin, and unfortunately I never make it past the yucky tasks to make it to the fun things like Christmas decorating. Don't tell me you haven't already considered dragging out the red and green.

Thankfully, my family and I will be taking a break in 12 days (yes, I am counting) to venture off to the Great Smokies. I think the four of us are in much needed of a getaway. I'll give more details on the upcoming trip soon :)

Here's a few pictures of recent days just in case you don't follow me on Instagram (which you definitely should!)

We had a 5K run this past Saturday to raise money for our orphanage, Rosemary's Home of Hope. The first five of the pictures are of the event. I will hopefully be sharing more about that and my upcoming trip to the Philippines in a few days. If you would like more information about supporting me (which I would be so extremely grateful for), please just email me!




dad and sis. they did awesome!




one of my best friends came out to help me for the day.
such a blessing!



sister love. grace came in fourth overall. awesome!



dad won his division. we were all pretty impressed!



the winners of the more mature division



i got this in a text over the weekend. soph told her mom she was going to meme's house.
kinda made my day.



little brady boy. he's presh.

a servants heart.

last week was crazy. crazy. but somehow through the craziness i have once again realized something so important, and so obvious. i love to serve. God has given each one of us spiritual gifts, and although i am still searching to figure out just what mine are, i am sure of this... serving others, it's my passion.

 ^"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace:  whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen."

                                                                                                                   1 Peter 4:10,11
last week i helped out with AFA's Sharathon, and through that God highlighted that area in my heart, and brought me back to who i truly am. sometimes i get so wrapped up in life that i lose focus of that. serving may sometimes get put on the back burner while it should be etched into my very being so much that in absolutely every single thing that i do i serve.  i love working with people who have come from different walks of life, but who share one common goal---expanding God's Kingdom.

while last week was such a blessing to me, i am reminded that it doesn't take a special event such as the AFR Sharathon to serve others. it's daily life.

what is the AFR Sharahon, you ask. AFR (American Family Radio), is the radio station provided to us by AFA (American Family Association). if you don't listen already, go here and find a station near you. they totally rock! they are 100% listener supported. no financial help is given to them by the government or any other associations. it's up to you and me to keep them going, so what are you waiting for? it's not too late to help out.  go support!

here's just two of the many sweet people i was blessed to meet while working:

callie. turns out we are from the same area. beautiful young lady.

and this...is birthday dave. he is from south mississippi (there were people working from all over the country). he will ask a person their birthday before he will their name. within five seconds of finding out the day, month, and year, he will know the day of the week. it's kind of remarkable.

what are your spiritual gifts? share with me!

have a terrific tuesday!



The end of my journey.

Tonight my heart is breaking. My journey at UDH has come to an end (for this trip at least). I have posted the last of blogs. I currently find myself in a pool of tears. Reading through my blogs tonight, watching videos, and looking at pictures has definitely got some serious emotions going on. It's been a week since I left those precious kids, and I miss them more and more each day. There isn't a single time that I look at a clock, and I don't add two hours and change the a.m to p.m. or vice versa. I'm always imagining what they might be doing. I feel like I am world away from them, and that makes my heart so sad. It's so difficult to love a group of people like family, and be so far away from them.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Each of you mean so much to me.  Thank you for taking the time to actually read my updates,  most of all thank you for your prayers. I could never tell you how much you mean to me. Without you, this journey would not have been possible.

I am forever grateful.

Tonight as I have been thinking about everything, I randomly thought of a small, funny story I wanted to share that I never blogged about.  My family sent me a package that I was supposed to get about three weeks before I actually recieved it. In the package was many, many packets of fun dip!  The night of the last film showing (movie night), I decided I would pass out the packets. After picking out whether they wanted red or blue, I decided just to watch them for a second and see what they did with it. After getting some very confused looks, I had a little "Fun Dip--How To" class. It was such a funny/cute moment. I wish we would have had the video recorder out!

Oh how I miss them.

we need YOU

Alright. So, we need YOUR help!

A couple of night’s ago, Nanay came to Bekah and I with a concern. She simply told us she had a burden on her heart, and please join her in praying that God would provide. This upcoming school year there will be eleven orphans in college. There are currently four attending, and there are seven seniors in high school who would like to attend next year. Nanay said she has already talked to each of the children and explained to them that there is a possibility they will not all be able to attend college this upcoming year because of there being so many, and it costing so much to send them all. She told us that each child wants so badly to further their education, because it will be very difficult for them to earn a good living for their families without a degree.

 For a student to attend college here it cost about 10,000 pesos per semester. Which is $200 per semester. Please consider helping out. If you or someone you know would like to help a child go to college this upcoming year, please please let me know! You would be such a blessing! I can promise you they would be very grateful!!

feel free to email me at embugwhite_07@hotmail.com

(it's the easiest account for me to access here)

“You look like a manican….with a mountain nose!” 02. 22.2011

Things around UDH have been kind of crazy lately. Literally, crazy. Everything just feels kind of weird. For example, Bekah and I have been going by our watches the entire time we have been here, and they have been exactly right on time. Today, however, we arrived home from the Internet cafe at 12:30, which is when lunch usually is, and they had already eaten and were headed to school. They told us that it was after one already. Um..no it isn’t! haha. It seems like they are all going to bed much earlier than they were in the beginning. Things just feel sort of…weird! Filipinos are never very timely anyway.

On a funny note…..There are only two mirrors in this building. One in the bathroom, which is usually being used by 15 boys, and one in the hallway. So yesterday I was getting ready to go to Marble, and went to the hallway mirror to put make- up on. While I was standing there, Momma Gwapa * came by and said, “Oh my gosh…you look like a manican! …with a mountain nose!” haha. Wow! What a statement! I had no words for that! Momma Gwapa is Baby Bob’s care taker. Her room and my room are connected, so we see each other quite a bit.



Mama Gwapa



*Gwapa means beautiful in Ilonggo. Anytime Mama Gwapa sees me around she will say, "Oh my gosh...Emily Gwapa!" OR she will have Bobby call me "Ate Gwampa," meaning "Beautiful sister." Becuaee this has sort of become her "thing," Bekah and I decided we should begin calling her Mama Gwama. Seemed fitting.



Jiji on the very crowded jeepney





Yesterday, Bekah, Jiji, and I went to Marble to do a little shopping! We are having American Day this upcoming Saturday, the 26^th, so we had to get some groceries! It was such a fun day! Bekah and I had so much fun looking for food that we have now been craving for weeks! We bought so much food! I hope the children are really hungry on Saturday! We went to Greenwich* for pizza and lasagna at lunch! It was incredible! Although I don't have pizza all that much,  I have definitely missed it! We also found the imported chocolate! They had Reese’s and Hershey’s! I think we both died and went to Heaven. You never realize how much you take for granted life's simple pleasures until you are forced to do without.  Did I mention we paid six bucks for each candy bar?! Definitely a luxury over here.  The buy of the day was Mountain Dew! I might slightly be addicted to it, so it's been kind of awful to do without. Needless to say,  It was such a fun, much needed day!

Of course we were stared at all day! Jiji thought it was really funny, especially at lunch! We sat at a table that was right in front of the cash register, and counter where all of the workers were. They just kept staring at us. Jiji had to get up and go ask them for a straw for all of us, and she came back laughing!! She said, “They are staring at you because of your eyes! They tell me they can’t stop looking at them!” haha. At this point, I have been to the Philippines enough times, and stayed in their country long enogh that I feel like I just belong here, and shouldn't stick out at all. I guess these blue eyes will never totally blend in.

Here is a few pictures of the greatness we bought yesterday:

*Greenwich is kind of like Pizza Hut in America.



the bus headed to marble (aka the "big city")



small amount of all the goodness we purchased

a large part of the juice will be boarding the plane back to the usa with me :)

mountain dew..woo hoo!

the meat secion of the grocery=gross
experiencing this a few hundred times has taught me how to totally shut my nose off from smelling.
i think it might be a talent? ha!

hamburgers
definitely not the usa kind..

Today, we went to the Internet Cafe, and I got to Skype with my family! It was really great to see them! Kind of funny to think that today might be the last time they see me through a computer screen before they see me in person! Less than a week now until I am home! That’s such a strange thought to me! I can’t wait to see them though!

This afternoon we have an activity planned! We have white t-shirts and paint! We are all planning to put our hand prints on each other’s shirts and sign them. It will be fun! I just hope they turn out cute J I’ll post pictures later!