Our first week has been extremely busy, we seriously go non-stop for the weeks we are here. So when i get home, I am mentally and physically exhausted ;)
Our plane trip was so much fun with the youth. I have developed a fear of flying recently but sitting next to Mark and Melody helped take away the nervousness I had. Sadly I was still sick with my sinus infection on the plane, and then had a horrible stomach ache {Which lasted for about 4 days} The devil has attacked the whole team, from Sinus infections, to things similar to foot, hand, & mouth disease. & he has continued to attack us because he knows the work we do here. but we are fighting through it :)
Anyways, After 12 hours of flying, we arrived in Manila on Tuesday. All the missionary families were there to greet us. Driving back to Olongapo, we had a few complications, like a motorcycle hit our car. It was the mans fault, because as my dad was turning, He pulled in right in front of him, and my dad hit him. So of course, since he saw that my dad was from America, he tried to create a problem. My dad turned it around on him, and told him he would take him to the police for crashing into us. Thankfully that scared him away.
So when we got home to Olongapo, we took the families to SM mall to go food shopping. Every time we come into the land, we always bless them with that on the first day. They go without so much, but never complain. They were so happy and blessed :)
On Wednesday, It was an extremely hot day (which it always is here) It's mostly the humidity that is insane. We hiked up a steep hill that day, which was so hard on all of us, but we finally made it up the hill, and fellowshipped a few hours. That day, I was still struggling in my physical body, but I enjoyed later that night being able to bless all the families with the gifts we brought them.
Thursday was a great day for all of us. We went out on the island Matangib. I've always loved going out into the remote island areas. So we took our small boat called "Sea of Gallilie" and went across the China sea, with Rice to pass out to all of the saints. The last time I did that, was when I was 6 years old. So it really blessed my heart this time, to bless people that have barely nothing. It blessed me to just see their smiles, and know I made them happy.
The poverty there and in the Philippines in general, is unbelievable. It broke my heart passing children with runny noses, no clothes, and they are crying for help.
but that's why we are here, to help the people that are in need.
Then Saturday, we went to Zoobic Safari to see all the Wild Life. It was pouring down rain the whole entire time, but that made it even more fun. We got to be up close and personal to all the tigers and other reptiles they have. You can seriously be one inch away from their cage, that's something you could never do in America.
So everyone really enjoyed it.
Today is Sunday, and as usual, we went to the House of God. It was so nice being back and seeing all of my friends. It feels like I'm back "Home"
Us youth from California sang Revelation Song to them, which they all loved..
Afterwards we went out to eat by the Bay, and since we are getting hit with a typhoon, The waves and wind were crazy!! I have never seen this much rain in my life, and now some parts of Olongapo are getting flooded. I love it though, because its taken away the heat.
So, that was my week so far, and I have 3 more weeks to go. I will continue to keep you updated. God Bless You and please keep us in your prayers.
~Kenya-Nicole
