adventures from Alyssa's view

I am having so much fun with everything. I first started with just surviving a 35 hour travel with layovers and flights. Tired and weary I was still excited to come to the Philippines. I was so stoked when our first vehicle we got was a jeepney. I had so much fun ridding in it and having the time of my life.We ended up at the Hope House and the kids there along with Pastor Alan and a few other now brothers and sisters from the Vineyard in Davao. They treated us with great welcome and even a few presentations from the kids that live there in the Hope House.

The next day we woke up early and headed straight into the tribal areas. Getting there was half the fun I went from a jeepney to a 2 hour school bus like bus then on a motor dirt bike with 3 other people on it going up and down rocky paths and through streams and rivers as well as having our luggage on our bikes as well. It was great fun.

After that we went on a 2 to 3 hour hike through the villages. Before we went hiking our long journey we stopped at the first village for lunch and then cooled down in the river- everyone but Matt went. We had so much fun and ended up getting soaked. We where able to dry off while we were hiking to our next 3 tribes. I learned so much endurance on that hike.

Our first hike to the first tribe wasn't so bad. We got there and rested to just have a water break and off we went to the next tribe. This path seemed like forever in the hot and humid weather near late afternoon. I was sooo glad that they greeted us with coconut water and yes I had coconut. (I never thought I would even like coconut since in the U.S. it tastes like paper.)

On the way to our last tribe it started to rain not just like it does in good ole' Idaho but pouring and pounding rain belting on our backs and faces. (Before this time the scenery was so beautiful and the sight was like Paradise) With me slipping in the muddy and slippery trail the only thing that helped me go on was worshiping God and having friends (Ian (Filipino) Elyce and my good ole' bro Matt) My clothes were practically glued to me as I kept on until the end of the trail to the last tribe.

I had fun bathing with my clothes on with other girls that were with us. (it was sooo refreshing ) We ate supper there with the tribal pastors who told there stories and how there tribes were doing. All of their stories touched my heart and it amazed me what all they go through and have went through before Christ came into the tribal lives. Their lives gave me a whole new view on how I should live my life and how I can help evangelize to people.

The next day we spent more time with the people in each tribe and with every tribe we had church there. Worship and fellowship was incredible. The food was great too and yes even the rice for just about every meal was good. After we hiked back to the first tribal village we went to, we had the opportunity of having our adventure backwards. This time though , it rained while we where on the bike ride with yes 3 other people and our luggage on it as well. Though the rain felt like hail and had a few aches and pains we had a blast doing it. Finally we where able to rest some on the bus ride back to the city. When we finally got back we were so happy to have great refreshing showers at the hotel.

Tomorrow we head to church and spend time with people here in the city. Service starts at 7:30 which means we eat at 6 and I have to get up around 5am. (Yes mom safe and sound no need to worry.) My love goes to everyone and I miss everyone as well. Take care Alyssa