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.