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