Happy Hearts Day! 2.14.2011

First thing this morning, I walked out of my room, and was greeted with beautiful children exclaiming,  “Happy Valentines Day! Mahal Kita (I love you)!” However, then Jimboy walks out and kindly informed us that it’s not “Happy Valentines Day,” but instead, “Happy Heart’s Day for Christians!” Not quiet sure the reasoning behind that, but that’s what we went with the rest of the day!

 It was a very eventful day. Bekah and I got up this morning earlier than usual to go prepare breakfast. Nanay had asked us to prepare American food for breakfast and lunch, and they would take care of dinner for us. We weren’t exactly sure what we were getting ourselves into because they kept asking us if we were okay with Filipino food. Well….we kinda thought that’s what we had been having for the past few weeks so we were kinda concerned. We made chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast. Not as great as we had planned on them to be. It’s kind of different making pancakes here. Almost like we went back to the 18^th century, and tried to make them. We weren’t exactly used to that, so making around 80 pancakes was a bit challenging. For lunch we had planned to have peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. We began working on those soon after we walked the children to school. They turned out pretty good. I think the children might have actually enjoyed them! We did have them serve rice with it though. We just didn’t think they could survive without it. Haha. However, at the end of the month whenever we have our all day American Day, we will not be giving them rice! The majority of the children stayed home after lunch for our activities! We worked on making each other Valentines for at least seven hours! They are all so artsy! Their cards were so cute, and very very sweet. We also bought them some chocolate candy, but no matter how much we gave them it was never enough for KB. It’s like he has this little built in radar that starts beeping every time he is near any kind of candy, because no matter how hard we try to hide it, he will always find it! Our Filipino dinner was wonderful! They had pretty much set up this little buffet for all of the kids filled with fish, vegetables, rice, chicken, fruit, etc. Then, they had the Americana table set up for us, and kept bringing more food. We had tilapia, fried tilapia, BBQ chicken, some other kind of chicken, rice, fruit, vegetables, hot peppers :p, and lots of juice (which is my favorite!)! Since we had been so busy, and hadn’t really had time to eat, we were so hungry we pretty much cleaned the table! At this point, I honestly believe I could fall asleep in the hallway with the rats, lizards, and spiders! So, before that happens I’m just going to get in my cute little mosquito net, and sleep away! Night J

"Unforgetable Woman:" Prom 02.13.2011

Due to a lot of craziness and excitement around here this weekend, I havn’t found the time or the energy to blog! Needless to say I am a little bit behind. We have been busy every since the rooster crowed about 3:00 a.m. Friday! After breakfast, we took the elementary children to school. We had promised them we would stay for their elementary day, but because of our busy schedule we couldn’t stay that long. The time we spent there was definitely interesting though. There was a parade of all, well most all, of the students at the school. The students were either playing an instrument in the band, walking with their class, or riding on the princes and princesses float. It was all very cute. It did seem kind of like the other students were putting all of this on for our students here. They weren’t involved, but were very eager to watch! Bekah and I figured that they might not could due to all of the expenses involved, and with the very large family here, that might run into some very major expenses.

We had talked to Nanay Thursday night about going to the market on Friday for some things. So after our time at elementary day we headed to town! After picking up some food for some of the future activities, we decided to treat ourselves! We bought chocolate, those little French fry type things, and ice cream! It was great J Gina, the lady who went shopping with us, told us she had to go pick up some ground beef. I think that for just a second my brain was thinking about the nice little freezers we have back in America, because for some reason I was shocked to find myself right in the middle of raw meat. Just like always, it didn’t make me feel too great! Yuck!

Friday night was the junior/senior prom, so soon after lunch Bekah and I began helping them prepare for their big night! They were all very gwapo and gwapa! The girl’s dresses were beautiful! We also got to go to prom, so we spent a little time beautifying ourselves. We were very excited about the night!

headed to prom

The night began much like our prom’s back in America. We all lined up by the family van here at the orphanage and had our picture taken. Then, we all piled into this 15 passenger van to drive maybe half a mile through this field to their prom. We were among the first to arrive at their gymnasium, which was where the prom was held. When I say gymnasium please don’t picture an american gym. This gym was partly covered with tin, partly tarp, and had dirt floors. However, they had decorated very nicely, and had done the best with what they had, so it was nice. Soon after we got there, all of the students began arriving in their beautiful formal attire. They told everyone the prom would begin at four and end at ten. After we got there, we were told by the TIC (teacher in charge) that they only told the students that so they would be there in time, and they weren’t actually beginning until five.(Just like Filipinos! Haha) So to pass some time, Bekah and I took a lot of pictures with our "crew"!

As promised they began at five with a grand entrance of all of the students. The remainder of the night wasn’t at all like a prom back in America. The program was much more like one of our graduation activities. There was the reading of the class history, prophecies and will’s, and a candle lighting. The music for the night was very fun, but a bit confusing. There was a mixture of Casting Crowns, Martina McBride, Backstreet Boys, Jonas Brothers, Justin Beiber, and classical. Also, at the most awkward and random times during a song the mc would decide to give the audience a couple of inspiration lines. Such as quoting John 3:16 followed by “let’s make love, and give God the glory!” haha. That’s exactly what we want to tell students at a prom! Sometimes I wonder if those little awkward phrases they will sometimes say might have made more since in their own language. Finally, near the end of the program the boys got to perform their dance they had worked hours and hours on! They were all so great! After they finished their dance, it was time for all of the dancing to begin. However, I didn’t realize this until Richard walks up, extends his hand, and asked me to dance. I was at first in a little bit of shock, and repeatedly ask, “What?! Now?! We can dance now?!" He just laughed and give me the "silly American" look. So, we danced, and  Bekah so graciously took my camera for me. I think she thought she was going to get out of dancing, but soon after some random guy asked her for a dance! Haha.The dance was some type of Spanish waltz, which I had no clue how to do so Richard just simply told me to take his hand and he would lead. It was tons of fun, and really crazy! We kept getting swapped between all of the guys. I guess everyone wanted their turn with the americanas. They were swinging Bekah all around the floor! Me, I got swapped around with the male teachers, and was even told by one that I was his “unforgettable woman!” haha. Oh the things that happen in the Philippines! It was a lot of fun!! This was the beginning of the dancing. I honestly don’t know how they were dancing to the music they were dancing to. It was music that makes you just want to kind of nod your head, but not start getting down to, but let me tell ya….they were somehow really getting down to it! Haha. It was supposed to be over at 9.…at 10:30 we were still there! And at 1:00 am the music was still playing! Keep in mind the orphanage is maybe 2 minutes from the school, walking. Needless to say, we didn’t get just a whole lot of great sleep that night; however, it was so worth it. I am so happy we got to be a part of such a happy night for them, and I finally got to go to prom ;)

"Every breathe that I take, every moment I'm awake...Lord have your way in me.."

HI :) I am doing great! Today I am writing from the hut outside rather than my mosquito net, which is where I typically am. We are leaving at 9:15 to go to the high school. They are having “High School Day” today! According to Richard, this is the first official one Lamsugod HS has had. Every couple of months they get to have a worship service at school. They take it time about between baptist and catholic, and today is baptist. Some of the staff, and a few of the high school students have been busy preparing music for worship! They sound very good. I am excited to get to go and be a part of it. Last night I went over to listen to the group as they prepared their music for today. Jestoni and Miko walked over with me. We listened and hung out with the kids for a while before saying our "goodnights" about 9:30.

It was thundering and slightly raining. Those of you who know me well know how well I sleep when it's stormy, much less if it's raining on a tin roof. Best sleep everrr. However, about one this morning, there was a huge noise that woke me up. I quickly realized everything around me was shaking including myself. Folks, what I was experiencing was my first ever earthquake! For some reason, I never thought about having an earthquake here, but oh boy we did! Got everyone pretty excited! Knocked my fan over, and a few things off some shelves in the other rooms. Don’t experience those everyday in Mississippi! Haha. They said that for them it was a pretty strong one.

KB and I “worked out” yesterday! We jumped rope. They are feeding me so good here..I have to do something! I'm beginning to grow a rice baby in my belly. Yesterday, while the boys washed their clothes, I went out and chatted with them about life for a little while. They ended up blowing more bubbles than washing I think! Jestoni didn’t really blow as many bubbles as some of the others, but he took the absolute longest to wash his clothes! He was the first out there, and the last to leave. Bad part is, he still didn’t finish. He literally took about 3 hours to wash maybe 10 things! Probably the cleanest/preppiest Filipino I have ever met! It’s quite funny!

I want to apologize for these blogs being soextremely choppy and probably hard to follow.  I do not have Internet access at the orphanage so I have come into town to this little chicken place, "Emily's,"  to use their wi-fi! The previous two blogs were from my journal. I was hoping to send emails, but after the huge delay I decided this would be easier. The portion above was from earlier today.

I want to briefly tell you about the High School Day. I wasn't sure exactly what to expect when we got there, but I was sure it would be like most high schools whenever it came to staring at an American. I was correct. So I found some of the kids from the orphanage and sat by them. As a lot of you know, the high schools make me very uncomfortable.  Soon after we arrived there, the group began leading worship.  At first several of the children were just going through the motions, or just enjoying being out of class, and not paying attention at all.  While we were singing, "I Give You My Heart" I just began praying to God to open up their hearts!  You could really feel the Holy Spirit there! Pastor Roy got up to share the message. I didn't know that was part of the plan either. As he began speaking, I could tell it was the exact same message we share in the schools. Good News. Bad News. Except for when it came time to pray, he didn't say "Raise your hand if want to ask Jesus in your heart." He told them to come forward. Come up to the stage where he was. One by one they began to come down. There were boys coming who were being made fun of. Girls weeping. It was incredible.  Within a minute the majority of the school was down at the stage. It was such an incredible moment! Some of the kids were raising their hands. Tears were flooding down their cheeks. It was remarkable! After they prayed to ask Jesus Christ into their hearts, we sang another song. I could tell there was such a difference with them! They were singing with their whole hearts now. They were singing because they now had joy of knowing Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior! I am so thankful I was a part of that! Well, I don't have much time left here. I am going prom dress shopping with the girls, and then going back the the orphanage for movie night. Tomorrow we have planned to make t-shirts, watch more movies, and eat junk food! I love these kids so much!!

Hopefully, I can update you again soon! Thanks so much for praying :)

**from now on I will be posting a date in the title. Don't be confused because the date in the title will be different than the actual date that I post it. The date in the header will be the date which I actually wrote the post. As I mentioned earlier, I have to type, and then post later.

Looks like I just might get to go to prom afterall.... :)

Hello!

It’s Wednesday night here. Wednesday morning there.  The children were all back in school today, so me and Nanay (Mrs. Ray..Nanay means mom) planned out some events. She wanted to do somethings that we commonly do in America. We planned a Valentines thing, and an American day. I later remembered the Super Bowl being this weekend. Of course most everyone in America either watches or at least goes to some type of celebration for it soo…we are celebrating too! Haha. We might not get to watch the game but we decided we could watch a football movie instead. At home we sometimes make tshirts to support whoever we are going for, so we are making tshirts too! But…they are not going to be to support either of the two teams in the game. We just couldn’t do that. So we are making Bronco tshirts supporting Timmy! The kids are so excited about this!  Of course we are going to eat as much junk food as possible! The children are also very excited about that...especially KB! Nanay and the children loveee the idea! I think it will be fun! I have now mastered how to say “Where are your slippers?” “Where are you going?” “Where are your earrings?” “Who is your crush?," and "I love you!" And surprisingly I’m understanding them so much better even after a couple of days! Nanay says it’s because I have to, and I'm certain she is right about that! A lot of the younger kids do not speak English so I pretty much have to learn to communicate with them. KB is always wanting to play rock paper scissors with me. Except it’s definitely not called that! ! Tonight on the way back from dinner, I had three boys holding each hand. Six total. Not even sure how we managed that! I thought to myself…only in the Philippines! Haha. This morning I walked the elementary to school! Carlos asked if I could go instead of him. I told him no thanks! Haha. After lunch I walked with the high school to school. Of course that caused a big fuss with the rest of the students! Richard told me Friday he wants me to come introduce myself to the entire high school! Bahaha. We shall see how that goes. Some of them found out today that I might be going to their prom. We are all excited for that! The boys are constantly practicing their dancing! It’s so cute! I even got asked tonight to show them the waltz. Thanks Mom for encouraging me to learn that many years ago. It's come in handy.  They said they are so nervous because they’ve never done this!

I love this place more than words could ever explain. I already dread leaving.  Today I realized that I only had less than a month and it truly made me feel sad. So I have to make the best of every single second of every single day! My day today started out a bit frustrating, and for a second I had a little moment. Okay…maybe a big moment. But, then I realized that even though I might hit a few bumps in the road, this is where God wants me. Meanwhile I will not be anxious about anything, but in everything give thanksgiving to God!

Journal: Feb. 2, 2011
Random fact: Tonight at dinner I drank an entire pitcher of juice….and we are out of running water. OOPS!

"Welcome Home..." --Finally at the orphanage!

HI!
I am currently sitting under my gigantic mosquito net! It’s pink J In the room next to mine, I hear four boys gigging!  One of the precious ladies here fixed me some mixed fruit…so I’m having a snack! Haha. Its apples, apricot, and watermelon mixed with condensed milk. It’s awesome! I am probably going to gain so much weight here I am going to be unrecognizable! Haha. The food is beyond delicious!  I spent part of the weekend with Pastor June and Glenda. Glenda's sister and her husband have a little boy who were there to visit. Also, Pastor June’s best friend from seminary was there, and the student pastor, Mike. We had tons of fun, and lots of great talks! Church was great Sunday.  They were all so very sweet! Hopefully we will all become face book friends soon J It’s funny how that’s always one of the first things people will say to me here…”Are you on face book?”After church we went to this place called Tropical Hut. Somewhat like Jollibees. Sunday afternoon we went to the SM to shop for a mosquito net and toe medicine (I've lost all my toenails..can you say yuckkk?!).  Then, June treated me out to Pizza Hut. He said, “Emily, for the past two weeks you have been eating where us Filipinos want to eat, so tonight we will sacrifice eating rice for you to have pizza!” After we ate he said he thought he might die now because he had had a meal without rice! I’m pretty sure he survived! Haha. We left for the airport at 3:30 on Monday morning. Took us about 45 minutes to get there. June said we needed to be there 2 hours early. (He wanted to leave at 3) My flight left at 7...you do the math! Haha. I kind of thought he might go into the airport with me…but nope. He dropped me off at the front door..my first thought was oh shoot this is for real! I immediately had about 4 Filipinos attached to me trying to assist with my luggage. I found cinnabon pretty quickly after I got there! It was awesome! My flight was about 2 hours long, and I slept at least an hour and 50 minutes of it!

I arrived at the airport in General Santos a little bit early, and couldn’t find Ray or Burt. I kinda felt a little bit uneasy. Then, one of the security men said he would stay with me until my friends arrived. Soon after a gentlement come up to me and asked if I was with Bob Tebow. Then, I saw Burt! Ray welcomed me with open arms and said, “Welcome Home!” I loved hearing those words! We made a few stops on the way home at the grocery store, Jollibees, and the market. Had some pretty amazing boiled corn at this little place on the side of the road! There were no children here when I arrived because they were in school….but they arrived soon! It was so awesome to see them again! Alvin came running with open arms saying “Emilyyyy!” Ray said she told them there was an Americana coming but she didn’t tell them who for a little while. She said she eventually told them Emily and they all screamed back at her “Emily White??!” That made my day that they had remembered!

Today was really a blessing. The elementary had to go to to school, so I walked them. The high school was out except for the second year. They had a test. I spent the day with Miko, Jim Boy, Jestoni, and Alberto. We played basketball inside the dorm while it was raining, and then moved outside after the rain had gone. We also had an Ilonggo lesson! I’m definitely going to know some before this month is over. We had a lot of fun! Tonight I hung out for a while in the girls dorm. We had some fun talks. They helped me learn all of their names. Each time another girl walked in to sit down Rose would say okay now say everyones name including hers! There’s a new orphan here. His name is Don Don. He’s only been here a little over a week. He’s so cute! Little Bob has grown soo much! He gives hugs all the time, and is totally precious! I killed three spiders today. For those of you who know me well, know this is huge for me. I am terrified of spiders. Miko came running into my room wanting to know if I was okay. I think I beat them pretty good! I woke up this morning and saw a giant leezerd (spelled as they pronounce) on the side of my mosquito net. Thank God the mosquito net was there, or I might have had a "Parent Trap" moment. Ohh and today during basketball I somehow ended up with a giant worm on my leg. My first reflex was to slap it off. I’ll let you guess what happened! ……GROSS! Needless to say, there are plenty of "pets" around here. My room is in the boys dorm. They keep things very interesting! I found out today that I’m going to get a prom afterall ;) hahaha! The high school’s junior/senior prom is Feb. 11 and they’ve invited me to go! Just have to see if the school will approve it! Haha. I think it will be AWESOME!

They love naps around here! Today, they told me they take a nap everyday from one to two while the kids are at school. So I took advantage and came in to lay down.  It’s raining, and it’s a tin roof here so it sounds really peaceful! I"m so far loving my stay. Thanks a ton for all you have done, and all of your prayers. You are a blessing!
(From my journal February 01)

Philippines January 2011 Week 1

Hi :)

I have wanted to blog much much sooner than this, but havn't have electricity for my computer! It's Saturday at 9:15 here.  We have had an awesome week! So far we have spoken in 149 schools! we have about one hundred left. maybe a little more.  Many people have come to know the Lord this week.  Everyday I just praise Him that He has allowed me to be a part of such an amazing thing! We are on the island of Cantanduanes.  Our hotel is in the city of Virac. You should google it :) It's very very beautiful here, but very very poor. To me, that's what makes it so so beautiful.  Not that it's poor, but that it's so untouched.  The mountains don't have huge houses sitting on the side of them.  The ocean doesn't have huge resorts beside them.  It's beautiful.  God's creation is so incredible.  It's warm here, and very rainy! Today we got to sleep late....6 o'clock! haha. We could have slept much later, but we have been getting up so much earlier than that our bodies wouldn't let us sleep any longer.  We played basketball today with the Filipinos.  Then, we shared the gospel with them.  The men went to the jail and shared.  Tonight, we had a film showing! It's been a very good day of rest! We are looking forward to worship service tomorrow.  I hope to fill you in a little bit better next week on what all is going on!

Much love!

One week!

I absolutely cannot believe that at this time next week I will be high up in the sky on my way to Asia! It is such a bittersweet feeling. It makes my heart feel sad that for six weeks I will have very little contact with my family.  I will miss them during those few weeks. I always begin to feel uptight whenever it gets this close to departure. It is very difficult leaving them. Please be in prayer for me and my family.  On the bright side though, my heart is overjoyed about what's to come! I am SO excited about the opportunity to share the love of Jesus Christ with so many people.  When thinking about my upcoming trip to the Philippines, I literally feel like jumping up and down! No joke.  With the help of many very generous people, I now have most of my money for my trip! I am lacking in a few things, but I know the Lord will provide! This upcoming week will be very busy.  I still have some things I have to finalize for school (please be in prayer about that), I have to buy some more items for the trip, and I will be spending as much time with my family and friends as possible. 

Thank you. Thank you to all of you who have already played such a large role in helping this mission be possible.  Whether you have given me money, or just simply prayed...you mean so much to me!  Whenever God layed this on my heart, I knew it would be difficult.  It's not easy raising the money, or leaving my family.  Even after I am there, the road isn't always smooth. But, is it worth it? Absolutely. Even though there are times when I question why God has chosen me to do such an incredible mission, I am so thankful He did.  I can't even begin to explain just how awesome it is to stand before thousands of Filipinos and deliver a message of hope, and to tell them that contrary to what they might have been told, they are so loved! It's such an incredible feeling to know that God picked ME! However, God did not just pick me! Whether God has chosen you to be the hands and feet, or He has chosen you to be a great prayer warrior, YOU are in this too!   I look forward to sharing this journey with you :)

"Only fear the Lord and serve Him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things He has done for you." -- 1 Samuel 12:24

P.S.
If Mr. Weatherman is right, & it snows this weekend...ENJOY!