Redeeming the Spoiled and Unspoiled Beauties

Spending a few days in Cagayan de Oro has been so worthwhile in our adventure. Rudy has been a modern day Jesus-guide in this wholly unholy land. But in taking us to visit the fatherless, the imprisoned, the cast out and the poor, he has not only showed us the people that Jesus would be ministering to in this city, but also showing us where he and his YWAM staff hang out each week.

We spent the morning in Boys Town, an orphanage that fits its name; a campground outside of town for about 50 boys, unwanted, unloved and mostly untouched. So we sang our happy songs and did our energetic hand motions but the boys kind of just stared. This was a tough crowd and required an extra special kind of weapon, so we unleashed Stacyann. It took her a moment to get past her own hurt and fear and then she broke through. She stepped out of the semicircle of students towards the boys. She acknowledged her own pain of loss and hurt and then shared about the hope of restoration and the joy of new family. She had the boys attention and hearts. She held our admiration and support.

Others of us haven’t known the same kind of abandonment. Some of us in the group come from great homes and families that have cuddled and coddled us. We don’t have Stacyann’s story to share so we did the next best thing- played basketball. Basketball is sacred in these islands. We visited a village on this trip that hadn’t had an American male in it till Andrew fell into their rice field, but it already had a basketball court.

These boys lit up when the Americanos picked up the b-ball. We made a couple of teams and started playing hoops. Our sweat mingled together and the boys got the touches that are often so neglected by Boys Town visitors. Rudy explained to us that other groups show up and feed these kids, but never meet the boys’ real hunger. He told me that he was proud of our group because once we had handed out the cookies we shared names, smiles, held hands, and gave hard fouls under the basket. Apparently most groups just get back on their bus, having chalked up their good deed for the day, and head back to the good life in the city. These boys would give up rice any day for a genuine hug or slap on the back.

The next stop on our adventure tour was harder still; the windows in this facility included bars; the campground was a compound. This was a prison for pickpockets, perverts murderers and mutineers. Unfortunately it was still a center for young boys. It also housed the elderly and insane that no one else wanted anymore and had been left on the side of the road, so we brought the love of Jesus to them too. They let the boys out into the yard to engage their guests. We gave them snacks and put on a basketball clinic for them that left them laughing, pointing and shouting our names. We mixed and mingled and made friends in the short time that we were there.

The next prison we visited had no walls. It was a dump. Literally. We toured the mountain of trash and the people that call it their home. They rummage and recycle like the best of God’s Green Earth disciples, but then again, their dinner requires it, and sometimes comes from it.

We met Pastor Wilbert and his wife Ruth and they took us through their neighborhood. They don’t live outside this place, their church is right in the middle. They live in the parsonage assembled next to it. They introduced us to their church members, almost 80 of them now as we walked the littered path. He showed us the three expansions of the one-roomed church building, 200 square feet at a time, to make it larger for their meetings. They told us the story of the fire from the week before that had burned down 39 shelters in three minutes. Someone’s candle found a fuel that exploded into an inferno from the afternoon heat and wind. No one was injured, just displaced. Wilbert showed us the new huts being built on top of the ashes of the last ones.

I visited a dump like this in Manila when I was 18. It left an impression, especially when I had to contrast it to living back at home in Boise a few weeks later. Our students didn’t have to wait long to make their own comparisons and they didn’t have to go to America to do it. Since the YWAM staff had been along with us, no one had prepared us dinner. It was decided that we would just get some food, fast. Cagayan didn’t have a mall when I was last here, nor did they have a McDonalds or even a stop light for that matter. But now they have all three. I don’t think I saw the tears form in the students eyes while we were in the dump, or even when we drove away from the amazing, dirty little children who had clung to our arms and legs and held our hands so tight. It was when we pulled into the mall and one of students said, “Do these people even know what is happening just 10 minutes away from here?”

Not everyone is called to work in a dump. It is a calling. Rudy told me he had to ask Pastor Wilbert not to offer any food or drink to the visitors he brings, even though it is the Filipino culture to do so. Rudy, who is a rough and tumble Filipino through and through can’t stomach the food or the smells in this place for very long. No, not everyone is called to stay here, but everyone should visit and never ever be allowed to forget. Our students won’t. That there is a church here of almost 80 Bible-believing Christians should make you pause and wonder. And if you wonder about it long enough it should challenge any prosperity doctrines that you have picked up along the way, because I don’t believe they are a part of the Way.


If Saturday was a day of spoiled beauties, Sunday was our day of unspoiled beauty. One of the points to our short term mission is to encourage those that are here for the long haul. We look for ways to bless them and give them whatever affirmation they need.

The road adventurer in Rudy from our Mobile Team days has never gone away, even though he has settled down to one base with his wife and kids. He related the story to me of going from Mindanao to Camiguin island on a ferry to do some evangelism work in 1997. He saw another small island in the distance and asked about it, figuring it must be uninhabited. He was wrong. Mantigue Island is a small fishing village, unspoiled by any power lines or modern conveniences. The people get up at three am each morning to catch their food and then enjoy the sand beach that extends around their island paradise.

Rudy got permission to visit Mantigue. He met with the people that lived there, and then brought back a team with him. The team built relationship with the people and shared the love of Jesus with them. Each family now has a bible in their home that Rudy provided for them. He asked if he could take us there…



Once again this school has been blessed with opportunities that most human beings only get to visit in their dreams. We took a jeepney for two hours, a ferry for one, and then small fishing boats for the last hour to this fantasy island. It is small, just the size of Winstead Park near my house. Upon arriving I set a workout goal. I first walked around the island, feeling life Jeff Gordon in a constant state of veering left. Then I jogged around the island, much to the amusement of the locals, in five minutes flat. Then to raise the bar a bunch of us swam around the island for the final, glorious lap.

Lunch was a local delicacy. We ate fish that had been caught a few hours earlier, two kinds of seaweed, sea urchins, and clams. Matt started out with only a plate of rice but got cheers from the others to try the other items. He was a champ and proved he could eat whatever was set before him. He didn’t like the sea urchins (the locals will still be laughing about the face he made for years to come) but he put it in his mouth, chewed it, swallowed it and lived to tell the glorious tale.

After saying our goodbyes and getting back to Camiguin island, Rudy thought we needed a shower. We dropped by Katibawasan Falls and enjoyed bathing under the gorgeous water cascading on us from high above.

Is this missions? You bet! Enjoying the riches of a place are just as important as visiting the impoverished ones. Nourishing the Rudy’s, their families and their staffs and paying for their transport and food for a day of rest and fun is important, cause tomorrow we will be gone from this place and they will be back in the orphanages, the prisons and in the garbage dumps.

Elyce's Post-Boystown,Jail,Dump-God's in it all!

Today was my first experience riding on the top of a Jeepney, with my black flower flip flops on, either hanging over the side with my toes curled to keep them on, or tucked under the medal bars on top, i had an absolute B.l.a.s.t! Trying numerous positions to get comfy, finally finding a perfect spot and letting the wind blow through my hair-literally. We first went to a Boystown, i got to meet a boy named Dindo- his 2 brothers and his mom and him were living there because their house burned in a fire. He could understand English quite well, and we used my friend Jen Jen the translator only on my behalf to understand the response. We prayed for his mom to get to now Christ as he had. He was 14 years old, a little shy, but i encouraged him to call on God with whatever he needed. We then had a break then went to the "Prison" where we shook hands asked names and gave hi fives, met precious kids, most of which this was there 2nd or 3rd time BACK IN THIS JAIL- ALL DRUG RELATED... i couldn't imagine a 9,11,or 12 year old in Jail in the states (atleast not this many) for DRUGS!!! it broke my heart, they deserve to know so much more than that, to live free from that. Jen Jen and i met a girl named Patricia that insisted on singing to me- and Kona- and Andrew... Britney Spears songs, or Backstreet Boys lyrics. I had to challenge myself to push through the awkwardness, and nex tthing i knew i was singing with her, clapping dancing for her. That's what Jesus would have done for her, had fun and loved her, so i did!!! We went to an area that was basically like a dump, got to hold little kids' hands, and love on them... Got to go we are in the mall, early morning tomorrow for a surprise.......... love you all thanks for reading!
ELYCE

Pictures from Boys Town Orphanage- II

friends friends and more friends

I can't believe that I leave here in 2 days. I am gaining so many friends. As we travel and go so many places we see kids that have great big smiles and huge hearts. Some are in prison some are at a boys town, some are just street kids but I end up falling in love with all of them. I make so many friends and I wish that I could see them again some time soon. I just hope its sooner than 21 years. I know I will stay in touch with some but not all. If I do not see them here I will see them in Heaven. I love those kids so much I wish I could buy them more clothes and be able to give them toys. I know they are happy but they deserve much more than sleeping in trash and in boxes. It grieves me to see them have nothing but the clothes on there backs, some don't even have that. Well as my heart breaks and gets larger I have to still make room for what is yet to come. I am just glad that God is taking care of all of them. May God take care of all of you as well. God bless and see you soon. Love ALyssa

I learned this in Prison

Today we got to visit the kids in prison and it was amazing I saw so many cool faces. we got to intorduce ourselves and feed them a snack. after that we got a chance to play basketball. It was way cool I learned some awesome moves in prison. there were kids of all ages and I got to play and I shot a few baskets. I wasn't afraid at all. The common thing I think of when I think of prison is that it is scarry and the toughest bad people would be there. I was wrong all I saw was joyfull faces and they were so happy to see us. It was an awesome experience.

I got my basketball jones!

Today was a fun day under the sun. Riding on top of the jeepney was a blast, especially on the ride home from the boys orphanage where Andrew and I got to ride on the back! Totally sweet! As I said we visited the boys orphanage and it was interesting to see that when I pulled out the guitar I had all the kids attention very quickly. After playing three of our "worship friendly songs!" with hand motions Captain adn I went outsiede with some of the older guys and played some street ball. It was a killer time, even though after a half an hour of hard knocks we decided to call it because we were exhausted. Playing some basketball in the prison was amazing too. I liked how those kids played, and you would think they would p[lay a bit rougher, but not so! Now I can say I've played basketball in a prison in Mexico and the Phillipines. Pretty cool huh? God has really been blessing me with open eyes and a compassionate heart because when I was praying in the dump today my heart was yearning to not become numb to these children and it's so easy to. It's also so hard to say goodbye...anywhere I go. Life is great and God is still on the throne.

In Love,
Zai

provision across the world (and knowing it will come)

on Friday night, we did a prayer walk in the night market. at the end of the night, we sat down and gave some food to some of the street kids. i had a long talk with Ariel. he dropped out of his third year of university to be a part of the YWAM team in Cagayon de Oro. we was training to be a tech so that he could do computer work for mission organizations. apparently that was not what God had for him. he was telling me about how he will go through the month on very little. when he is out he prays and God keeps providing. he is so thankful even for the little that he gets. i am thankful that my parents were able to pay for my schooling this year. i can take a lot away from Ariel. i am very much so hoping that God will provide for me for SBS next year. i need to change that attitude. i need to change to knowing that God will provide for me. if i just hope, nothing will happen. if i pray and ask in confidence, He will provide, as he has promised. Ariel is a friend i will not soon forget.

on a fun note, i got to do the two things i really wanted to when i came here. i rode on top and on back of our jeepney today. i must say, standing on the back is much more fun than sitting on the top. Publish


onward we go, into more adventure

Andrew

Pictures from Boys Town Orphanage

Fertile Soil

Ministry back with YWAM has been an encouraging experience for me these past couple of days. It was such a good training ground for me when I was 18 and 19 as well as when I went to college at their university. The ministry is full of people who are living on faith. That provides some pretty good soil for the Lord to work with, and He does.

The work that this YWAM base is doing in Cagayan de Oro is nothing short of amazing. Yesterday we visited the squatter area near the base. The YWAMers started a ministry here by introducing themselves to the parents in this neighborhood and inviting their children to a Bible Study. They started with seven kids. As the children went home with their Bible stories and values training they started to have an impact on their parents. In one case a little girl kept kindly correcting her dad every time he swore. The father went to the YWAMers and told them he needed Jesus. A few of the moms also approached the YWAM team and asked why only the children got to have the Bible studies, so separate meetings were scheduled for men, women and teens.

Today the ministry has grown. Sponsorships have been developed for the children that helps cover education, clothing, medical and some nutritional needs. The sponsorships cost just $80 per child for a year. The children write their sponsors twice a year and the base provides pictures and updates so the sponsors can keep up with the progress of their sponsored child. More than 70 children now attend the Bible study each week. A good portion of them are in the sponsorship program; others are still waiting.

There are also 70 teens attending their meeting, 40 women and 40 men attending their classes as well. It really is the making of a church with 230 members already in existence. But here is the rub, YWAM isn’t a denomination and doesn’t plant churches. This base has done an incredible job working with the local churches and pastors, in fact my friend Rudy sits on the ministerial board here in the city. A group of at least 12 pastors every morning meet at city hall to pray over the city. However, none of them have stepped up to plant a church in this neighborhood yet and these people don’t have the resources to travel very far to a church. They need one close enough to walk to. I feel like Joshua, spying out the land. There is no Vineyard in Cagayan, but there so easily could be.

We spent the evening in the city market place. First we did a prayer walk, praying for the upcoming elections, for the city officials, for justice, for the children and the prostitutes. We then went to the night market that is open from 5pm Friday night till 5am Sunday morning each weekend. Here we met the street kids that YWAM is working with. They feed about 25 of them every day, having rented out an office space where the children can sleep during the heat of the day, get a meal, a shower and some Bible training. Six of these kids have been sponsored to go to school. Even though they live on the street they are doing extremely well with their education and the teachers say they are working hard. One young man that we met is now 19 years old. He is now getting ready to start the 6th grade. That he is older than all of the other students is not an issue to him. He is so excited to get a chance to learn he is making the most of the opportunity. His face lit up last night when he saw our team from the US so he could try his English out on us.

Today we are going to a boys home and this afternoon to a fourth area where this base has established a ministry among the needy. The gospel is flourishing in this soil and it is a privilege for us to watch it grow.

The students are doing well. It worked out for us to spend Thursday morning on the beach before we traveled to Cagayan. We took a short boat trip to get to the beautiful vacation spot for the Filipinos called Paradise Beach.


Everyone had a blast! However, the only thing I asked the students was not to get sun burned, which was the very direction they neglected to follow. Their exposure to the sun left them dehydrated, hot and irritable and when I stuffed them into a van for a eight hour ride across the middle of the Island they were none to happy. By the time we arrived at the base they literally sprawled out on the cool tile floor in the large meeting room while the YWAM staff prepared some rooms for us. We looked nothing short of Ugly Americans with bright red skin.

After a full night of sleep, some sunburn ointment and lots of water they students made their way to the breakfast table and then to our team gathering. We had what we call a “Come to Jesus Meeting,” which means there is some repenting to do. They took responsibility of their selfishness and pride and we raised the character bar again. I am proud to say the remainder of the day looked much, much different as they focused their attention on others, made new friends, and participated in the ministry opportunities that were given to them.

Personally, I am having the time of my life catching up with Rudy. He rode in our van with us part of the way to Cagayan from Davao. We sat for hours in a little, white van cutting across this Island of Mindanao talking about the glory days of doing similar travel, in a similar vehicle, over 20 years ago. This road across the middle of the island didn’t exist in its present form then, it was more of a dirt path. Now it is a great, two-lane highway over the mountains. It was one of the most beautiful mountain passes I have ever driven over.

Rudy’s wife and family are beautiful, two boys (2 & 11) and a girl that is Kona’s age. They have been blessed with a home near the YWAM base and it is the location of all the Bible studies for the neighborhood. His wife, Nitz, is an amazing leader herself. She led us through the squatter area yesterday and it is obvious that she has been given favor here and is spending it appropriately for the Kingdom. I had asked her in an email before we left Boise if there was anything I could bring her from our place. She told me that she loves good coffee and wondered if I could bring some. When I gave her the two pounds from Dawson Taylor she smiled like it was Christmas. I know exactly how she feels. This visit to see Rudy and Nitz is a gift.

The Here and Now

We have arrived. Today is a very cloudy and rainy day, one of those days where I could sit under the covers all day and watch movies. Instead today has been a day of inner reflection. It has been much needed. Here in Cagayon de Oro at the YWAM base, we are learning how YWAM runs and how similar it is to DIA. It was funny because last night we all basically crawled into the base house because we were so exhausted from the dreadful bus ride and sat inside the common room waiting for directionsa on where to sleep. The YWAM leaders had traveled with us from Davao and had to get things set up for us(bless their hearts). Falling in and out of sleep I found myself very frustrated and irritated and only thinking about myself last night. I'm here to learn how to be selfless and my heart was definetely not in the correct place.

This morning during personal check-in time, we all shared our difficulties and our hearts at nthe moment. Through a great time of devotion and prayer to my Abba father I found myself greatly surrounded by God's love. Boy, did I feel secure in my character and knew that through my perseverence through the sleepless hours on the bus and the tension that the enemy wanted to put between us. In my devotional time I was readfing through Luke 6 where Jesus is preaching about loving those who don't love you and how much more harder but beneficial i may be. God wants to unify us all and through intimacy with one another, maturity, and encouraging words love will conquer all. The people here are amazing as usual, so hospititable, and so gracious to us.

I'm thankful for all of your prayers back home and for your care and love that God is using to pour on us in the best and worst of times. Love is the movement. Food, is the answer to my stomach's cry currently, so I'm going to satisfy that need at Rudy's house now.

in love,

isaiah

Opening my heart

Hello there! We are in Cagayan de Oro! We left yesterday and saying goodbye was the hardest part of this trip so far! Our friends from Davao are already emailing us and telling us what a great time that they had with us :-)

I made one special friend in Davao. Her name is L L. We met the first night that we got to the Philippines and I immediately fell in love with her. Thank God that she knew some English :-) When we ate dinner together on the last night she told me that about a year ago a girl came to the Philippines from Japan. L L and this girl became friends. The girl stayed for about a month and then left to go back to Japan. It was very hard for L L. She cried a lot and shut out other people for a while. When people would come from other countries L L would not befriend them because she was afraid of getting hurt again. That changed when she met me. She told me that God opened her heart again. God is good!

I did not want to leave Davao. I wanted to stay there the whole time. When we got to Cagayan de Oro I wanted to be like L L and not make any more friends because saying goodbye was not easy for me. Since L L told me her story I decided that I needed to make the same decision that she did. I am not going to cheat myself of any experience that I can have here.

Proverbs 3:5 keeps coming to me. Trust in the Lord with ALL your heart and lean not to your own understanding. I have realized that I need to trust in the Lord with all of my heart! He knows what's best for me and he can see the future! Please pray that I will be able to trust in him!

Last night when we got here we were all so tired. A lot of us were miserable from sunburns and car sickness. I was stretched last night. It was very hard for me to keep a good attitude and I was very happy when we got to the base and were able to get some sleep.

Today I woke up feeling refreshed, still sunburned but refreshed. We did some more house visitations after lunch. The people here do not seem as poor as the ones in Islaverde. That made it a lot easier to go into their houses and talk to them.

Please be praying that I would be able to open my heart to other people. Also pray that I would be able to catch up on sleep and journaling.

Thanks for reading and keeping us in your prayers! They are very needed!

Lots of Love,

Kona Estes

YWAM Views from an offspring YWAMER

We finally arrived to our second stop on the Philippine mission field. It hasn't even been two days yet and I already miss the people from Davao. They have made a huge impact in my life and I will continually thank them until I see them again. (some time soon hopefully) One of the people in particularly was like a guardian angel. He was very special to me and was there when I needed him. I also enjoyed being with him while he was sharing his life story to me. It made me feel special. He is the first person in my life that I didn't have to ask how he was doing. He just opened up and I was able to listen to what his heart is. I felt so blessed to grow in this area and now I know that people can open up to me without me trying to force anything. I just have to learn to listen and know when and how to say things.

Being tired from the whole day from Paradise Island, (great place by the way to get a tan) we started to travel to this next stop. While wearily/ excitedly traveling in a packed van, Isaiah saw a sign that said Esther Hospital. When I saw that it totally reminded me of what I am to do with my life as well. (To those of you who don't know Esther (the biblical character) is very special in my life.) I totally saw a lot of hope and a chance to show what I am really made of. When we where about 45 min away from the YWAM base our driver decided to change the breaks so that it would be of better use for the rest of the trip. At this time it was night time around 9 to 10 at night time. Most of us were very tired and a little on the crispy side from the sun. Still we all had to bail out of the van and wait until he fixed the breaks. We entertained ourselves by throwing rocks at the street sign and the trees. Some of us (Isaiah and Elyce) wanted to climb this small hill on the side of the road. ( did I mention it was dark) We kept on amusing ourselves by watching the traffic beeping at us as well as Isaiah getting mad at all the trucks that beeped at us. ( I found it quite funny actually).

The next day after sleeping like 9 hours we finally ate breakfast and did devotions and worship. We then ate at Roody's house (old friend of Cap's from 20 years ago) and did street outreach in the slums here. Isaiah met a 15 year old girl who was due in three months and has a husband the same age as here. I immediately was thinking of how she will be able to deliver and praying to God that she has a healthy baby and a good delivery. Isaiah and I prayed for her and a few other people there. One thing that everyone noticed was that the water was totally not sanitary. I asked God and am asking you to pray for these people. There was a boy who has an eye infection and Docs say that it may be because of him playing by the water. I ask that we all pray for this situation. I know God can and will heal this land(and water).

Thank God that we have people who believe the same way and I pray that all will unite together. Take care to all and may God bless all of you. Love Alyssa

I Really Need To Just Let Go

We've been in CDO for less than twenty four hours... but all I can think about is Davao and the friends I left behind. I think that Davao City is my most favorite place yet and if given a choice, I'd have to return here over South America. I can't explain what God has been doing to my heart and why he's made it so big for area's of poverty, but I know that it drives me crazy to see what we did and then just return home like nothing happened. I loved every second I experienced in the smells, dirt, grime... I loved it more than my nice warm home in America... I loved it more than the smell of fresh flowers and fresh soil. I loved it because I know that there is so much more for those people and the possibility for growth... true growth... is just aching in it's people to begin.

My experience in D.C. (that's what they call Davao City) was amazing. We arrived and instantly were introduced to amazing people that I find out later are what I like to call my angels. As we started out on our VERY long journey up the mountains, it seemed that they were always in front of us or always behind us... sometimes, right by our side.

I really got to know Quya Alan (Quya, pronounced Coo-ya, means older brother) along the way. I really found myself struggling through the trip and several times he'd appear out of no where with a smile on his lips and a song. One thing that never crossed my mind is that we would here Psalty's Hymns down here, but that is what Quya Alan liked to sing... actually, come to think of it, they all liked to sing it. It was a blast. We talked a lot, but it really wasn't until we returned to the big city of DC that I got to sit and actually talk with him. I've never had an experience quite like that. Everything he said made sense... everything. We talked about God, friends, family, the environment... everything. He told me about his friends the CLFC (City Light Friendship Club) and offered me a place among them. I was honored and accepted. But being one of them now, has made it even harder to say goodbye.

I also got to meet this guy named Ian (eye-an, not ee-an like American's like to pronounce it). He was a rock. He climbs the same trail that we did like every month... it's insane. He hung out with us off and on a lot. It was cool. He was really hard to say goodbye to as well.

I didn't get to spend much time with Maggie, Jenn and Charline. We hung out off and on at the villiges, clinics and what not. Charline was a blast. Maggie made sure you were alway's smiling and Jenn was always there for whatever. They are awesome.

I'm limited on time, sorry this is so short.

A lot's happened and I will try to write later.

Love you all and thank you for you're prayers.

Here is a song we learned down here... I've almost got the chords down as well.

Ikaw Ra- by Alan Bacus
Way lain nga daygon
Way laing simbahon
O Dios Ikaw ra

Way laing alagaran
Way laing pasidunggan
Sa tanang higayon ikaw lamang

Alleluia, Hossana
O Dios dalaygon ka
Alleluia, Hossana
Jesus Pasidunggan ka

Elyce's post-We are Safe and Sound

Well we left Davao yesterday afternoon, and loaded into a van which we took for 8 hours, we had a crazy driver, Kona slept a little or atleast tried, and i journaled (Jamie you will be able to tell probably when that was) curvy roads, high speed, lots of honking of horns which is natural here, it's like a caution and alert not a road rage action and a few drops of water from the air conditiong (i think) would fall on me and or Kona depending on how we were situated yay!. So even if you WERE trying to sleep you would most likely be woke up by a beep beep or a sharp curve. We were all singing to a song and all i remember singing was "Hotel California" i think we all were thankful for an English song and a thought of being somewhere like California at that moment. Our driver then put in a worship cd which by the grace of God we knew a few songs- Thanks to Erik Nelson, and the opportunity to be in children's ministy, we knew "I am a friend of God" which by the way we have sung quite frequently and the kids LOVE!

Kona and i had the first seat behind the driver with his son and the amazing CAptain who sat with them(he will probably blog about that experience). We made a stop to do something like realign brake padding, all that i knew was that it was dark and we were on the side of the road. We threw rocks to the other side and Isaiah talked me into climbing the side of this MOUNTAIN *hill probably* but everything is bigger at night so it's a mountain (plus it sounds better) . We climbed\were sliding up it, kind of like when you are at Camels Back, and almost to the top, sliding and trying to stay up when Captain (secretly) through a rock up to the top, i was pushing Isaiah up so he could somehow cimb on the little ridge, and next thing I knew Isaiah goes "Animal!!! i heard something" We (I) scream and panic, and WE go sliding down, i slide he grabs me, he slides, i grab him, and we sllllllllliiiiiiiiiide in, to find out the ANIMAL was a ROCK! i love how he can make any situation Adventurous and fun, and Captain adds laughter!

We arrived in Cagayon De Oro as we all were all spent, we can ride for 52 hours in a bus in South America, but 8 in a van took it out of us, plus we almost all got a nice sun tan(burn) to bring with us......Whoops! WE all crashed, i was on the floor, felt crappy and so tired, the girls and i got into our room and i said "No talky, just sleepy" and that's what happened. God has been totally challenging me. Even when i'm tired, i want to worship him, i found it EXTREMELY hard to do so and satan totally tried to add to the tiredness by making me second guess everything. God Won and gave us rest and cream for our sunburns, minus the brushing of teeth, we were all asleep! double whoops!

Today started wish devotion time and the opportunity to sleep in, we have a shower that works, and we get to experiment every new place with the CR- comfort room and the toilet, how does it flush? DOES it flush? how much water did YOU put in?. God gave us an amazing breakfast eggs, bread and jelly! i loved it, perfect start- all in one- the Bread, the jelly, then the egg mmmmmm-like i think my dad used to do. We have a comfy toilet seat that reminded me of my Grandma Dorothy's house, and i will start tonight by putting MY MAT on the mattress I have.

We have an internet cafe close to the base, but a little walk, and the pastors house as well. We got to visit some people, i already made a sweet friend named JEN JEN that's in YWAM here. We went through her village, i met her family. Her brother's name is Albert- which is my step dad's name. God is totally confirming that i'm home, i'm where he wants me to be. I needed that after a few wishes of sneaking into Kona's back pack or shoving her in mine.
Matt, Jen Jen and I got to meet two familes today. One of which the lady had 6 kids, and her husband died i think about that long ago. I was able to share my story as well (that i lost my dad at age 8) and pray for them like i would pray for my mom in that situation. We also met a woman named Gena, she spoke english very well, so we didn't need an interpreter, that was nice. God totally used me today even in my weakness, and reminds me that he will take care of us, we are WELL FED, and today has been quite simple. I love you all muah! Elyce

One day Love will bring us back around again

The last time I saw Rudy Digea I was getting on a boat in Dipolog City in the Northwest section of Mindanao. That was 20 years ago. Today when we saw each other here in Davao in the hotel lobby it was like nothing had ever changed. We picked back up with a hug and moist eyes, which was the way we had left.

We spent the next hour talking about old friends and old times. We mainly laughed a lot and planned for the next four days of ministry together. He has his team, about 15 of them here in Davao city for a YWAM meeting. They have a Jeepney and a small car. There are 8 in our team and we have rented a van to caravan with them to Cagayan de Oro. It seems appropriate that I would spend the first day with my old YWAM mobile team partner doing another road trip on Mindanao.

We have been in Davao a week. It seems longer in terms of all we have experienced, but too short now that it is time to say goodbye to our new Vineyard friends. We replicated the party we threw last Wednesday night when we arrived - same house, same food, same people, but a much different bonding. We sang, shared affirmations, gave gifts and cried.

There were promises of email, phone texts and return visits. I watched what was happening in the students in quiet amazement, seeing myself in them a couple of decades ago. Lingering in the air tonight is hope, hope that the reunions that are being planned are not just empty promises, but as Rudy and I experienced today, ones that really can and do happen.

Here is where the road divides
Here is where we realize
The sculpting of the fathers great design
Thru time youve been a friend to me
But time is now the enemy
I wish we didnt have to say goodbye
But I know the road he chose for me
Is not the road he chose for you
So as we chase the dreams were after

Pray for me and Ill pray for you
Pray that we will keep the common ground
Wont you pray for me and Ill pray for you
And one day love will bring us back around again
- Michael W. Smith

Together In Eternity

It is our last night here in Davao and boy has it been hard to say our goodbye's and thanks. The way this team of leaders and servants have blessed us, has allowed my eyes to be open to the inner beauty of Jesus Christ that is all around the globe. It's so amazing that our God is the same as he is in Boise, Idaho and in Davao City, Phillipines half way across the world.

Today I was processing the Christian people in Islaverde who were surrounded by filth and stench and had barely any worldly possesions. They did not worry about the great American dream of moving up the success ladder, all they cared about was serving the Lord with their spirits of joy and faith. I was thinking why some of these people, especially the children had to live in the conditions of scrounging for leftover rotten food and other necesities. They did nothing to deserve the poverty, just as I did nothing to deserve the prosperity that I have. It still boggles my mind and I'm just trying to recover from those wounds of curiosity.

I've never been so welcome to a place before as I have here in Davao. It's nearly impossible to keep my heart closed when all the people are greeting me wherever you go. I hate to say it, but I'm frustrated with Americans and how we do not greet each other like this...I'm angry at myself for this. Just the thoughts of the beautiful excitement when I will see these children once again in the future, whether it be when I return to Davao or in eternity. In Christ there are no goodbyes, and so I'm choosing to depart with my head up and a smile of gladness upon my face, knowing that this love they have shown me will forever be sacred in my heart. I wish I had spent more time with each and every beautiful soul, I really do, but I know my advent-ure and journey here is not at it's end. The presence of God is alive here and its fresh, prosperous, and childlike. Charlene, one of the leaders here, told me she knew I was to return. I think your right Charlene. It's a good feeling to have left this community with filthy feet.

In Love,

Isaiah

swallow[ed] my pride

two weeks before we left for the Philippines, we learned about various pride issues. i unknowingly had the issue of ungratefulness. i think part of that is growing up in a place where each kid has their own bedroom, each parent has a car and each kid that can drive has a car. everyone in Falmouth has money, and most of them are snobby about it. like i said in my last blog, i was touched about how happy the people were with nothing. today, we visited house again, though the conditions were not as bad, i was still touched by the joy of the people. pastor Alan showed us the piece of land in Isla Verde (the scary place with the scary pathways) that was owned by the church. they want to build a two story facility to replace the one they are currently renting. even though they have land and plans and are building the financial resources to carry out the operation, they are content and ministering very effectively from where they are. i feel that God has really put the community of Isla Verde on my heart. through that and the friendliness and gratefulness of the people here, my ungratefulness pride has been smashed as far as i can tell. i could write a book right now of the small thing i have been thankful for on this trip, including an air conditioned room at night, not dying in the jeepneys, and even something as small as a glass of water. i know i will be back here, i just don't know when.

Great Day

I wanted to say thank y ou for all your dedication to us, checking the blogs, commenting, praying, missing, loving!!! You all make our days as i'm sure we make yours... :) Today we had fun doing a skit where i was the lead role which was a stretch for me, i'd much rather be in the background but nope! It was simply, they are little kids, you can't really mess up! We sung a few songs, played, i got to hold another baby!!! i loved it, of course... We are going to the healing house tonight for a "last supper" ish meal with everyone we have met and interacted with, even though it was only a week, i totally realized how much you can do, how much you can love, and how much you can recieve from people. It's crazy being the minority i mean m i n o r i t y!!! people just watch your EVERY SINGLE MOVE, someone is always looking at you, but they are always smiling as well, street vendors we walk by (ladies) tell us how beautiful we are... It was tough finding sun block because all they really have is Whitening lotion,,, that is their goal, a lot of women want to be like US! and as you can imagine we want to be like them *skin color wise* but we found some, after our big circle from store to store to find contact solution. We are possibly leaving early in the morning for Caguayon De Oro, not quite sure yet though. I'm sure you will be posted, i love you all miss you and don't know when we will next get to blog, just pray and yeah! love you! Elyce

You Just Keep Showing Up

The slums of Islaverde are a difficult place to visit, but mostly so the first time. Initially you will be shocked by what you see or smell, but those things you can actually adapt to pretty easy.

Today was our third trip to this Islamic community of over 20,000 people. There were three mosques within the home visitation area that Kona and I walked through today, but the Vineyard is the only Christian church.

“Home visitation” sounds scary. I don’t like those words back in the States either. But it is easy to hide behind the pulpit, the medical clinic and even acts of service like the feeding program. You know what to expect there and can prepare yourself. You don’t know exactly what you will find when you enter someone’s personal life in their personal space. It is very much out of your personal control. It may be that it is in these situations that the stretching makes the most lasting marks on our lives.

Twenty one years ago I walked through Smokey Mountain dump in Manila for the first time. Six months later I was back, working with a young Filipino doctor, entering homes and really caring about people. What affected me the most wasn’t the squalor, it was the joy. Amazed that people could find true joy in the midst of such deplorable circumstances I sought within my own life for that kind of contentment. It wasn’t there. I left some preconceptions, some judgments and some bad theology there in Smokey Mountain in the dump where they belonged.

Islaverde is this group of students’ Smokey Mountain.

It was a little easier walking back in, knowing what to expect. We knew that we had to step carefully as the walking path was bamboo poles and scrap wood about three feet off the ground. We knew that underneath the homes and path was refuge, sewage, standing water and filth. We knew that we would encounter smells that would quickly sour our stomach. But we also knew we were welcome here. We knew faces and some names, and they knew ours. We knew that the people wanted us there and were happy to see us.

We started with our presentation at the building that the Vineyard rents in the area. They use it as a church on Sunday, a school during the week, and a feeding program as well. We saw the children learning their vowel sounds in English from young teachers who donate time. Teens who have graduated from the program also stick around to help out the younger ones, and to get some lunch.

There is a lot of laughter. We are big, white, and apparently very funny. Matt had another dance-off ; this time with the Pastor Alan’s three year old son, AJ. The children howled in delight.

We then broke up into teams with the Filipino workers and went to visit the families of the kids that were in the school. They love to have us visit and to pray over them. They are a thankful people, rich with culture and blessed with close families; they just don’t happen to own a whole lot of physical possessions. They always want to hold our hands and have us pray for them, the very thing we are happy to do.

The team sat around at lunch today discussing their visits to this place. I hope they are still discussing how it changed their lives a couple of decades from now.

A Day of Contrasts - part 2

The second half was in sharp contrast with the first. Pastors Alan and Alex had scheduled the afternoon to show us some of the remarkable things in Davao. Site-seeing is a good thing in an area like Davao. I don’t want all the remaining images of this city being of poverty.

The students have blogged about their day and the fun things we got to do. It was good to laugh, enjoy each other, and have good meals and experiences at very reasonable costs.

We took some fun pictures for you to enjoy.

How Sweet It Is..

Right now I'm recovering from a delicious dinner overlooking the city, some brick stair races, and cooling down the night listening to some James Taylor covers. Life is good. God has completely blessed each and every one of us since the beginning.

We started off the morning by heading to two feeding clinics, one of which was at the Davao Vineyard and the other in the one of the church's feeding homes in the poverty stricken slums overlooking the ocean. When I say overlooking the ocean, I mean literally walking into the shack and looking through the boards and watching the waves crash on the shore. Ian, one of the guy's that has been with us since the beginning joked wiht Matt, telling him not to jump around when doing the skits or he would fall through. That led to some giggles from all of us.

The kids were adorable and their hearts were full of joy and laughter and love for us. Stickers were a big part of today! The kids adored the stickers, almost as much as their meals. The rest of the day was relaxing, going to the crocodile farm and harassing the 22 footers with a hose, shopping at the mall, and a great meal to top off the beauty of the day.

I've relaized how much more I want to live for today in this life. It's worth it, God's worth it.

In Love.

Isaiah

Kids Kids and more Kids

We all had so much fun hanging out and being with kids today. Funny thing is, is that we planned on blessing them yet they blessed us so much. Their laughter and songs filled the rooms when we entered. I am so amazed at how much can come out of kids. Its like no matter what the circumstances they always seem happy. I also found out that if you have stickers you are the most popular person in the room. All the kids loved the stickers and the fellowship we had with them. It seemed like the more we hung out with the kids the more attached we got. All of the kids I have met I know I probably wont see for a long while but they have found a place in my heart. I love all of them every one of them. The rest of the day we spent sight seeing and seeing a mountain side view of the city Davao. I was able to have a fun time with Ian and the rest of the crew going to the mall and getting my nails done for less than 3 dollars. It was a first for me and I enjoyed it. This turned out to be a fun day and a blessed one at that. Thank God for kids and friends to hang out with because without them life would be dull. Well take care America and hopefully I will be able to blog later on. Love Alyssa

Kids Kids kiiids!

We have gotten numerous opportunities to hang out with street kids, church kids, cute kids, shy kids, all kinds of kids!!! This morning we went to 2 feeding centers, the first at the DAvao Vineyard, where we watched a few dances, and did a few skits. There were some kids we had seen previously at church or the night before when we were outside feeding and playing with the street kids. We walked in, and they began saying "Hi Uh leece" (Elyce) it was precious, They remembered my name, they were just all sitting waiting for us to get there. There are soooo many children, so many older (like 9 or 10 or younger) kids that are responsible for precious little ones, who just carry them on their hip, make sure they are fed, quiet, and content. It was absolutely amazing to sing and dance and smile at them, to say more than words could say, our hearts connected, and mine desperately broke for them. I don't know why, but i am struggling with emotions, i want to cry at the sights of these places- especially where we were today as you see in the picture of the "huts" if you will, i don't even have words to describe it, and the beautiful ocean crashing under them, and behind them. It doesn't make sense to me, i am reminded by the battle in my head- they are okay, they make it work,they are happy you should be too. I CAN'T BE HAPPY when i am treated so dang well, when i just tell myself when the stinch is too strong to bear, or i am overwhelmed by the fact that a family has a store out of their home, they have food to sell, but 2 of their 4 children, with one on the way are malnourished!!! And all i am doing is Thanking God that I GET TO LEAVE! I Thank God for the Vineyard and the people here and the complete dedication they have to these kids. They love them, they show them hope, the kids are beautiful, full of joy, love, and just want to be loved, as they SO DESPERATLY DESERVE TO BE!!!

I feel like i should be distraught, sobbing i guess is what i would like to do, to just break down and yell at God for making these people live like this. i just don't even know how to understand this, i usually wouldn't publicly state these things, and save them for my journal i am dreading to write because i know my heart is breaking and the words need to flow. We started off the day at McDonalds, where we were automatically approached by atleast 2 beggar kids, filthy, just holding out their hands asking for money. I was talking with Amy Blakeslee (SCCD Alumni :) ) before we left, and she told me to not just brush off the kids, to not get stuck in that "no" state, like we are here for "more important" people. i asked "Well, what do i do? especially if i don't have money to give them?" She responded with a statement that has made me think and be humble:

"You let it make you uncomfortable, you give them money if you have it or feel inclined to do so, and you love them"
It's hard to eat your sausage egg mcmuffin with a side hashbrown and a coffee full of cremer and sugar while a mother and baby are sitting outside on the sidewalk and you know they aren't going anywhere soon, where 2 boys are staring at you through the window, hands filthy and pasted on the windows...and men are trying to make eye contact with you so that they have some hope of selling their pearls to you when you exit the golden arches. I felt sick, but knew i had to eat, to swallow and keep going.

Please pray for me! I am doing fine, we got to go to a crocidile zoo place today, to walk around get some great pics and can't wait for all of your reactions on them! Justin, don't worry further notice i'm still ALL YOURS! lol don't fret... The pics are silly and perfect for today. We then went to the mall, where i got an hour fulll body massage for 3 dollars!!!!!! by a blind woman sounds funny and crazy, but it was amazing and so needed, then we got to go up on the "hill" i guess and have a great dinner overlooking the city. SEe the contrast? We are taking care of God's kids, and he is taking care of us! love you all much
Elyce

let's be grateful

Walking through neighborhoods where there are ten plus people living in one to two room houses lifted above water and garbage is enough to break anyone’s heart. Or, one could choose to look for Jesus in these sorts of situations. After we did a medical clinic, we visited the houses of some the kids in the malnourishment program, breaking into teams with two Americans and two Filipinos. I was paired with Alyssa. We were not able to go into the first house because the pathway was not safe enough. We had to use the neighbor’s entrance instead. For them to say a pathway is unsafe is something spectacular in and of it self. Walking to these homes, we picked our way across very scary bridges. They would tilt and bend under as, boards cracking as well. We made it nevertheless. We prayed for the woman and the kids she was taking care of at the first house. We met the malnourished child and prayed for him as well. The second house we visited was even deeper in and the path was more dangerous. The second family touched me more than anything else ever has I think. We came into a house that was completely open. There was one large room that we could see, but it didn’t look like much else was there. There was no wall on one side, and only three quarters of the room was covered by a roof. The woman told us that they did everything there. I could see where they cooked, and their sleeping pads were in the corner. There were twelve people living in a house that was maybe 8 feet by twelve to fifteen. I was heartbroken, but then I saw the joy they had despite their situation. It is not possible to have joy in all circumstances without Jesus. These people had Jesus in them. It was obvious by the joy that they showed, even if they got wet when it rained. It really made me glad to have the things I do and is one more argument against my pride issue of ungratefulness.

A Day of Contrasts - part 1

Today we helped at two different feeding programs for malnourished children that the Vineyard runs in Davao City. The first was held at the Davao church, the second in a squatter's village on the water.

The kids are brought in and fed, shown the love of Jesus, and told about him as well. They learn memory verses, songs and dances. Truly the kids are amazing. Their production numbers made us laugh, sing and dance along with them.

Their food is simple, but the change is noticeable. They get rice and soup, or rice and a piece of chicken. But it is a good meal that they can count on a couple of times a week. The parents are also brought into the program where they learn parenting skills, nutrition, and simple health care. Then the parents are invited to attend a Bible study and the work goes on from there.

Some of the locations run multiple feeding programs in a day. The second feeding at the church this afternoon is for the street kids who are brought to the area with their mothers who work as prostitutes. Sobering.

The kids lit up today with our students energy, their color crayons, stickers and balloons. We will do the same type of ministry tomorrow back in the Muslim community where we did medical work yesterday.

I'll post some pictures of our time with the kids below.

Pictures from the clinic, visitation, and street ministry