The Journey... To the Philippines!

 Enjoying some free time by playing Dutch Blitz! Coffee is always a good way to relax and enjoy some conversation. We enjoyed having our Regional Director there to encourage and challenge us. Fellowshipping with some of our GTN missionaries from different areas in the Philippines. This was our group in the Sports workshop, along with their "coach" Allan The Arts workshop was the largest, led by Glydel Music was led by our LIT worship leader Zac, and the Jrs he has taught  to play and sing. We were so blessed by God's presence and love during the worship night!  Although it may be early for Americans, here in the Philippines they begin decorating for Christmas in September! So my roommate and I finally decorated at the end of October. Christmas decorating must be followed with a good old classic Christmas movie! White Christmas is a favorite.

        This month we did a program for the children in After School Program to lift them up in their identities. We had the girls and boys, ages 8-14, split up and had special classes for them! The boys learned about how to be godly men, gentlemen in their homes, in public, and when they are alone. The girls learned about women in the Bible who stood boldly for truth even in the face of adversity. We taught them about valuing themselves as daughters of God, and about how to view men, as brothers and fathers in Christ. On a more practical side, we also taught them about how to take care of their nails and hair.        Our little ones learned this month about how to use their bodies to God’s glory. They learned about how to use their hands to help people, and to worship God, and about how to use their mouths to speak life and truth to people around them as well as to worship God and pray. Teaching the girls about caring for their hair, a...

I greatly enjoyed the time I was able to spend with my family during my trip to the States! Herbert leading worship for the youth group. He was able to share part of his journey as a worship leader, and then I spoke for a few minutes about our identity as God's children. This was our third week of having two Kid's Clubs on Saturday! God is moving in the lives of our kids and growing the ministry more than we could have hoped for. We appreciate your prayers as we steward what God has brought to us and show these kids who they are in Him.

This was Megan's surprise experience. She had to work and came in late, so we decided to play a little trick on her. We had my sister-in-law, Caitlyn, open the door for her, then sit next to her on the couch. After a minute Caitlyn got up and went to the bedroom where I was waiting. She gave me her jacket and phone, and I walked back into the room and sat next to Megan as if I were Caitlyn... This was my mom and Courtney and Heidi's surprise. Ethan and Caitlyn were visiting with them, when Ethan said, "Oh, I found something really cool on the side of the road I should show y'all!". Then he went to the bedroom where I was, and carried me back into the living room...  I was able to spend a week with my parents in Tyler, and enjoy some great quality time, as well as amazing Texas BBQ, and lots of ice cream! I am taking advantage of every moment I can get with my newest little niece, Violet! She is absolutely adorable, and I'm so glad I am get...

I so enjoyed having my family join me at the Sonshine Center to meet all of the amazing people I've been working with here! The young people are doing such a wonderful job making small group enjoyable and impacting for the kids! We were able to enjoy a couple of days at the beach, relaxing! Proof that they were in Iloilo! I had so much fun showing them my life here! I have officially learned to ride with a passenger! I'm glad that Megan was brave enough to be my first back rider, and the adventure continues! Please join me in prayer this month as we prepare to begin summer camps next month! This is a very exciting time of year here at the Sonshine Center, and we would appreciate your prayers as we get ready to do at least 10 camps during April and May!

 Every Saturday during Kid's Club, we have a time of games! I love seeing the creativity of the young people grow as they come up with new games! The children love this time to compete and let out some of their energy!  During our After School Program on Thursdays, we try to have different activities to stimulate the children's creativity, and help them enjoy different ways to learn about God and His love. This week our activity was to make posters showing how we can spread God's love to others!  We were privileged to celebrate the birthday of this beautiful young lady after club with all of the young people! Apple is one of our Sr. LITs who is currently working directly with me to coordinate our After School Program. I am so proud of how much she has grown in her ability to lead, love God, and be a constant example to the young people and children around her! This past month has been quite the adventure as I have begun taking my bike out every day, official...

                                                                                                                                                                     We were able to hold a "Thrift Store" day for the parents and youth who are faithfully attending the Sonshine Center church and discipleship throughout the year! It was so much fun seeing them leave with bags of clothing and toys for their children, new shoes, purses, and household items.     As part of the event week, we had a caroling contest! Parents, youth, and children all participated an...