A Quick Update

It has been a little over a week since arriving here in Manila. The humidity is still a bit draining but we all have acclimated pretty well to the weather over here. It is just a matter of dealing with constantly being sticky and wet. So much has been done since we have arrived both spiritually and physically that it is hard to believe that it was all done in such a short time. The past few days we have been going out to a squatter area about 40 mins. away that burnt down and left 500 + families without their homes.... we have been bringing them water, food, clothes, and whatever else we could find that would help hold some families over. Going out to the burn site with all the families and seeing first hand the devastation that was caused by this fire was overwhelming at best. The sights and sounds were all very dreary especially since it was raining as well.... but most of the people seemed in high spirits with thankful attitudes and warm smiles. Also for the last few days we have been helping out a Flipino friend whose name is Emily with her homeless children feeding ministry in the early evenings. That has been a huge blessing for the entire team. Not only do we get to fill these children's stomachs we also get to fill their minds and hearts with the truth and love that is presented in the Bible. We get to put on Bible themed skits and share testimonies that are then translated into tagalog by Emily. During the time we also get to sing songs and play games with the children ( they catch on so quickly). Their favorite song is "father Abraham" and they love playing simon says. Today Me, Rachel, and Corrie got to plant some shrubs that will help when the rainy season comes ..... then Me, Cherish , and Heather began some painting on the Ministry center next door to where we are staying. We are all getting ready to go to Emily's one last time this evening. So thanks for your continued prayers
Some Prayer Request
~ for the 500+ families that were displaced by the fire
~ for Emily's ministry for the homeless children
~ for continued team strength both mentally and physically

Magandang Tanghali...... Good Afternoon

Our first day here was a really long day. We got to the house and were able to settle in .... but Jeff wanted us to keep moving so that jet lag would not set in so we went over and played with the kids for a while and then went on a tour of the community around the house. There was so much poverty it was heartbreaking at times I felt like crying. The people are so happy and content to be in whatever junk and scraps they can find to build their houses out of. So after a couple hour walking tour of the community and the different buildings that KIM has in the community(which were all erected by short term teams like ourselves) we went back to the house and had dinner (which was delicious ) One of our team members birthday was yesterday so Jeff treated us all to Starbucks and a huge chocolate cake. Then it was bedtime for us. We woke up the morning around 7:30 to have breakfast and start our day in the community helping a woman build a more substantial house. Little did we know that meant the world's worst/slick hill ever and about 600 cinder block and about 40 bags of cement(weighing 90 pounds each) that needed to be toted down this hill. We were all exhausted but toted it all down there in about 3 hours. Then we came back and had lunch (Flipino women are amazing cooks). After lunch some of the team went back to haul gravel and sand in bags as well. All this and it is only 3 in the afternoon. So all in all we are all healthy and happy but very tired. Pictures coming soon! Love you all continue to pray for us!

We made it

We made it safely and with out incident to Hong Kong and now it is a short layover here and then a quick 2 hour flight to Manila thanks for all your prayers. Here are a few pictures at the airport

Sidney and Rachel


Me, Joe , Trevor, Justin , Charlie, and Corrie

the view is beautiful from the huge window out to the misty moutians behind the tarmac

Me and Sarah tired from long flight!

Well got to go my computer is dying so I send my love back to you all and well update as soon as I can.
Love,
Jessica