Hellos and Good-byes

Today was a day full of emotions! We started the day out by going to Greenhills Mall. Some of us were expecting an air conditioned mall like the one we have in Boise...that is not what we got. Greenhills Mall is one huge building where tons of people set up stations to sell their things. There are a ton of different areas...clothes, jewelry, souvenirs, ect. It is somewhat overwhelming...people swarming asking you if you want to buy this and that... but Elyce and I had a blast bargaining. We both got some great souvenirs and each got a cute shirt that we will have to model for you when we get home :-)

After the mall we went back to the hotel where we had dinner and the students finished packing. We had an hour to spare so Elyce, Andrew and I got out the video camera and just had some fun...LOL.

Eight o clock came way too fast. We grabbed our stuff and went to the bus station where we said a prayer and some good-byes. It was hard for me to say good-bye to the people that I have seen every day for so long but it was also VERY comforting to know that we would see each other again. On the way back to the hotel I told my dad that it was the first time that I had said good-bye on this trip and known when I would see them next.

My dad and I leave tomorrow. I can't believe that the time has come already! I have had an amazing trip! The thing that the people have taught me is how to be a servant of God. I have never seen so many people so willing to help. I hope that I am able to go back to the Sates and show God's love that way. I have also learned how to persevere and how to show love.

Something that I have found to be amazing is that in the States, it takes a while to become friends. It always starts with an akward conversation. Here all you have to do is smile and you know that you are friends. You can talk without having that akward feeling between you. I loved it.

One of the guys that we made friends with in Davao emailed me and told me that even though we had only been friends for one week, in his heart he felt like we had been friends forever.

I am very sad that I am leaving tomorrow but I know that God has things for me to do back at home. Please pray for our plane ride- that it would be safe and that we would be able to sleep. Also pray that I will be able to get some homework done :-)

Love,
Kona Estes