The Journey... To the Philippines!

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...

Worship Night While working with the young people at the Sonshine Center, I've begun to see a pattern in their lives. They work hard, and teach and lead, but they struggle to have a deep relationship with God, or understand His heart for them. They work in order to have a place, or so that they will be respected, instead of working out of a place of love and passion for God. One of the young ladies I have been working personally with for the past six months came to me one day last month to tell me she did not think she could continue leading. I asked her why, and she told me something that is very revealing of the mindset in these young people. She failed one of her college classes, and because of that she was no longer worthy to be an example to the children. I spoke with her about who she is in Christ, and the importance of her example to not quit even when things are very difficult, but the mindset she revealed is much deeper. My roommate, Christa, and I planned this ni...

Working with children of every kind of background has reminded me of our core purpose on this earth. We are here to show people the love of their Father. No matter what material possessions they have or do not have. No matter what their social status. Every human being is craving for the love of God, and He desires for every one of them to experience His love. It was wonderful to share that love with the children at Semester Break Camp, but it is something we do every day here at the Camp Sonshine Center. Our desire is to show every child that comes through our doors who they are in God's eyes, and how much He loves them. Giving instructions for the Amazing Race activity time! The children loved trying to complete the challenges as quickly as they could! After the Amazing Race, we had time for water games! This is always a favorite time for the kids! Water games included some Sponge Dodge Ball! One of the young people taught the children about the import...