hahaha! Yes, I did say it. We have been here a month now and I can't believe it!
I've had a few ups and downs since my last post. We've been here in Baguio for a couple of days and then tomorrow morning we head up further north to Bontock. Our living conditions will continue to get more and more remote. Please keep us in your prayers as we continue you on with your last 4 weeks here in the Philippines.
While here in Baguio we have gone to a couple children's homes and also a church this last Sunday. It has been such an amazing experiece in this city, even though it is very different from the prior 3 weeks.
The city is FULL of rain, and when I say rain, I mean down pours. Yes, I have even bought an umbrella.
Anyway, I am told i have 10 minutes until i'm done here, so I'll rush.
Yes, we have cold showers and cockroaches. We also have to NOT flush our toilet paper down the toilet...and that is if the toilet even has the capability of flushing.
Yesterday was a tough day for me. Our team is getting to the point where we've been together in close quarters for 4 weeks now and our defenses are down and our tension is high.
Please keep our team and the unity of our team in your prayers. We will really be needing it these next few weeks.
Sorry for the short post. I am not sure how often we can check email once we go from here. I will post when I can.
Love you all!
In Him,
Liz and Anna
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Thursday, September 27, 2007
We made it to Baguio City!
This has to be brief because I don't have much time before we're off to minister to some local children!
We've made it to Baguio City two nights ago after a 10 hour bus ride. It is located north of Manila. We are located high in the mountains so guess what, it is SO much cooler. You have no idea how hot it was for us the last 3 weeks. AND, with all of the rain, it so so humid.
Anyway, we will be here until Wednesday. Most of our team will spent this afternoon and all of tomorrow at a local prison ministering to the inmates. That should be amazing. BUT, I do no feel that is something I'd like to expose Anna to, so I will not be participating. We will be spending this afternoon with some of the local children. I am not sure exactly what it is we'll be doing other than playing with them and loving on them! Tomorrow we will attend a 25th anniversary celebrate for one of the churches here. It is an all day event and I understand it should be a lot of fun!
Anna and I share an apartment with the other single gals here. We each have a room and then share a bathroom and general living area. Our windows and balcony overlooks the most beautiful sight. It overlooks the city and the large hills just covered with homes that are cramed together. I've tried to take pictures to keep the memory alive.
I'll have to show you all once we've returned.
Well, I better get going. Thank you all for your prayers and emails of encouragement.
I hope you are all doing well.
Keep the emails coming! I love hearing from you all.
In love through Him,
Liz
We've made it to Baguio City two nights ago after a 10 hour bus ride. It is located north of Manila. We are located high in the mountains so guess what, it is SO much cooler. You have no idea how hot it was for us the last 3 weeks. AND, with all of the rain, it so so humid.
Anyway, we will be here until Wednesday. Most of our team will spent this afternoon and all of tomorrow at a local prison ministering to the inmates. That should be amazing. BUT, I do no feel that is something I'd like to expose Anna to, so I will not be participating. We will be spending this afternoon with some of the local children. I am not sure exactly what it is we'll be doing other than playing with them and loving on them! Tomorrow we will attend a 25th anniversary celebrate for one of the churches here. It is an all day event and I understand it should be a lot of fun!
Anna and I share an apartment with the other single gals here. We each have a room and then share a bathroom and general living area. Our windows and balcony overlooks the most beautiful sight. It overlooks the city and the large hills just covered with homes that are cramed together. I've tried to take pictures to keep the memory alive.
I'll have to show you all once we've returned.
Well, I better get going. Thank you all for your prayers and emails of encouragement.
I hope you are all doing well.
Keep the emails coming! I love hearing from you all.
In love through Him,
Liz
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Pink Eye and Good-byes at Valley Cathedral
Well, our time here at Valley Cathedral Children's Home in Naic has almost come to an end.
We leave on Wednesday for our next adventure. I can hardly believe that we've been here for 3 weeks already!! Life has been great!
We have had the unfortunate experience of pink eye while we've been here. Anna got it the other night. I was not happy about it. Our team had apparently bought out all of the eye drops from the local pharmacy! Thankfully a dear friend on our team gave us an extra bottle that she purchased earlier! It's pretty cool how the pharmacies work around here...you just walk in and ask for what it is you want!! Anyway, we (my roommate and I) prayed over her and she seemed to heal rather quickly. She didn't get it nearly as bad as the others. We continue to pray that no one else gets it and that we are ALL healed before we leave on Wednesday!
It's been a slow week. Yesterday was our last Sunday at the church here at Valley. I sat in the front again with my dear, dear friends Lorna and Nester. They have grown to be very special to Anna and I. They are strong in the Lord and we have quickly become great friends.
Last night Anna and I were invited to their house to see their home and just spend time visiting and in fellowship with one another. What a treat and what a blessing! We ate hamburger and spaghetti which Lorna prepared. It was good. We have been invited back to her house this evening to visit again. We're wanting to spend as much time together as we can before we leave. ;) Lorna also wanted to have us over tonight so that we can celebrate my mom's birthday. I was so touched by that!! So, HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!! We love and miss you.
Today also marks the anniversary of my Grandpa's trip to our ETERNAL HOME!! I still miss him greatly, but I know that he is happy and in a wonderful place!!
Please continue to keep us in your prayers. I love and miss you all. I'll write when I get the chance.
Love in Him,
Liz and Anna
We leave on Wednesday for our next adventure. I can hardly believe that we've been here for 3 weeks already!! Life has been great!
We have had the unfortunate experience of pink eye while we've been here. Anna got it the other night. I was not happy about it. Our team had apparently bought out all of the eye drops from the local pharmacy! Thankfully a dear friend on our team gave us an extra bottle that she purchased earlier! It's pretty cool how the pharmacies work around here...you just walk in and ask for what it is you want!! Anyway, we (my roommate and I) prayed over her and she seemed to heal rather quickly. She didn't get it nearly as bad as the others. We continue to pray that no one else gets it and that we are ALL healed before we leave on Wednesday!
It's been a slow week. Yesterday was our last Sunday at the church here at Valley. I sat in the front again with my dear, dear friends Lorna and Nester. They have grown to be very special to Anna and I. They are strong in the Lord and we have quickly become great friends.
Last night Anna and I were invited to their house to see their home and just spend time visiting and in fellowship with one another. What a treat and what a blessing! We ate hamburger and spaghetti which Lorna prepared. It was good. We have been invited back to her house this evening to visit again. We're wanting to spend as much time together as we can before we leave. ;) Lorna also wanted to have us over tonight so that we can celebrate my mom's birthday. I was so touched by that!! So, HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!! We love and miss you.
Today also marks the anniversary of my Grandpa's trip to our ETERNAL HOME!! I still miss him greatly, but I know that he is happy and in a wonderful place!!
Please continue to keep us in your prayers. I love and miss you all. I'll write when I get the chance.
Love in Him,
Liz and Anna
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Been here almost 2 weeks
Well, here I sit in another internet cafe as it is pouring down rain outside. It's been rather wet here the last several days. When it rains here, it really rains. The weird part is, it doesn't cool down when it rains, it just seems to become more humid!
The last few days have been a blessing to say the least.
Sunday was our second Sunday here and at Valley Cathedral Church. I have really grown to love the people in the church. Last Sunday Cynthia and I sang "How Great Thou Art" for special music and this last Sunday I sang "To the River" with Becky. It was fun!
I also taught Sunday School to the kids. Let's just say it isn't like back home. I have about 80 kids and they ranged in age from 4 to 12. I shared the story of Jonah and the whale. It was fun, but I won't be doing it again. :-)
Monday was our day off and 18 of us piled into (and I really mean piled in) a van and drove about 30 minutes to a mall. WHY do you ask did I go to a mall when I don't even like to go when I'm home. It was fun though. I had Anna with me and also Jessie, one of the kids on our team. We saw a movie, Underdog. It was an experience.
Yesterday afternoon I was able to go to the Bible Study that I had attened last Thursday. I have become really good friends with a gal from the church named Lorna. She is married and has two children, 18 and 16. She and her husband have burden on their hearts for an area here in town that is very poor. They live behind the market in what they call a squatter area. I have grown to really love and feel blessed by these people. Several women shared their testimony, or rather a testimony in their life before we got started. I was asked to speak and give the word. I had prepared a lesson on Psalm 46, specifically verse 10, "Be still and know that I am God." After many had shared I was asked to share. I felt so humbled! My examples no longer felt relavent! My struggles werer struggles, but they were not anything like that of those who had shared before me. We all have the same Jesus, but they have nothing BUT Jesus! It seems as though they could bless me, more that I could ever begin to bless them.
After I gave the lesson and we shared several songs we then started praying for people. We were also taken back into someone's house to pray for someone. It was interesting to walk back deep into the homes and finally arrive at the home. All of the children just stared and smiled and walked along side of me. Once at the house it was hard to step inside the house because I was too tall!!!! Yes, I was not able to stand in the house because it wasn't tall enough. It was so weird....challenging!
As a team last night we were invited to a gentleman's house. He has helped with a lot of the transportation. We have all grown to love him and his family. It was so much fun to ALL 32 of us pile in vans again and be served dinner at his house. It was beautiful. The kids played in the rain and we sat around after dinner and all worshiped together.
To sum it all up so far, WOW, I feel so blessed. I don't mean to sound like a broken record, but I do feel so incredibly blessed!!
Thank you all to those that continue to pray for us. I appreciate all of you prayers and thoughts.
Please do feel free to write anytime. I check at least once a week, but I love to keep in contact and in touch with life back home.
Love to you all.
In Him,
Liz
Oh, and I fixed the link to Kevin and Becky's blog. I also added the link to Tom and Lisa's. Please see their blog for more stories from the team and even PICTURES!!
The last few days have been a blessing to say the least.
Sunday was our second Sunday here and at Valley Cathedral Church. I have really grown to love the people in the church. Last Sunday Cynthia and I sang "How Great Thou Art" for special music and this last Sunday I sang "To the River" with Becky. It was fun!
I also taught Sunday School to the kids. Let's just say it isn't like back home. I have about 80 kids and they ranged in age from 4 to 12. I shared the story of Jonah and the whale. It was fun, but I won't be doing it again. :-)
Monday was our day off and 18 of us piled into (and I really mean piled in) a van and drove about 30 minutes to a mall. WHY do you ask did I go to a mall when I don't even like to go when I'm home. It was fun though. I had Anna with me and also Jessie, one of the kids on our team. We saw a movie, Underdog. It was an experience.
Yesterday afternoon I was able to go to the Bible Study that I had attened last Thursday. I have become really good friends with a gal from the church named Lorna. She is married and has two children, 18 and 16. She and her husband have burden on their hearts for an area here in town that is very poor. They live behind the market in what they call a squatter area. I have grown to really love and feel blessed by these people. Several women shared their testimony, or rather a testimony in their life before we got started. I was asked to speak and give the word. I had prepared a lesson on Psalm 46, specifically verse 10, "Be still and know that I am God." After many had shared I was asked to share. I felt so humbled! My examples no longer felt relavent! My struggles werer struggles, but they were not anything like that of those who had shared before me. We all have the same Jesus, but they have nothing BUT Jesus! It seems as though they could bless me, more that I could ever begin to bless them.
After I gave the lesson and we shared several songs we then started praying for people. We were also taken back into someone's house to pray for someone. It was interesting to walk back deep into the homes and finally arrive at the home. All of the children just stared and smiled and walked along side of me. Once at the house it was hard to step inside the house because I was too tall!!!! Yes, I was not able to stand in the house because it wasn't tall enough. It was so weird....challenging!
As a team last night we were invited to a gentleman's house. He has helped with a lot of the transportation. We have all grown to love him and his family. It was so much fun to ALL 32 of us pile in vans again and be served dinner at his house. It was beautiful. The kids played in the rain and we sat around after dinner and all worshiped together.
To sum it all up so far, WOW, I feel so blessed. I don't mean to sound like a broken record, but I do feel so incredibly blessed!!
Thank you all to those that continue to pray for us. I appreciate all of you prayers and thoughts.
Please do feel free to write anytime. I check at least once a week, but I love to keep in contact and in touch with life back home.
Love to you all.
In Him,
Liz
Oh, and I fixed the link to Kevin and Becky's blog. I also added the link to Tom and Lisa's. Please see their blog for more stories from the team and even PICTURES!!
Sunday, September 9, 2007
The Philippines, what an adventure!!
Wow, what a place! I am currently sitting in an internet cafe here in Naic. It is Monday morning and out day off. We are currently staying at a children's home. We arrived 2 days ago. It has been so amazing! The children and all so sweet. We each have little apartments (or rather a sort of bungalo). I actually feel spoiled. We have a nice bedroom with a balcony which overlooks the ocean. We also have a kitchen/living room area.
We eat together with the children for each meal. Our days are spent playing with the kids and just building relationships. Tomorrow starts our first full day of "work." We will be traveling to different parts of the town and doing puppets and just ministering where and when needed (in other words, I have no idea yet what the plans are).
Let's back up a few more days. We traveled for about 20 hours. It took 3 planes to get here. The longest flight was from San Francisco to Taipei. From there we flew to Manila. Anna actually slept most of the way. We landed and it was HOT. It is very hot here, but God has been faithful and has helped us both through the heat. I may be sweating a lot, but it is manageable and have not been uncomfortable.
We spent 2 days in Manila. What a city! It is actually very Westernized. The mall is just like any other mall in the USA. After adjusting to the culture around us, we traveled to the children's home. We will be here for the next 3 weeks.
God has been so faithful to us and to our entire team. I have loved every moment of it. I love the people and I love the country. Already I am sad that we will soon have to go home. :-)
Please continue to keep us in your prayers. Prayer for our ministry while where here, prayer for our health and prayer for the guidance of our future.
I'll be able to check about once a week, so it'll be awhile before I can update. You can also check my friends blog....he posts picture on his. :-) The link is on the side "fullquiver8).
I love and miss you all.
In Him,
Liz and Anna
We eat together with the children for each meal. Our days are spent playing with the kids and just building relationships. Tomorrow starts our first full day of "work." We will be traveling to different parts of the town and doing puppets and just ministering where and when needed (in other words, I have no idea yet what the plans are).
Let's back up a few more days. We traveled for about 20 hours. It took 3 planes to get here. The longest flight was from San Francisco to Taipei. From there we flew to Manila. Anna actually slept most of the way. We landed and it was HOT. It is very hot here, but God has been faithful and has helped us both through the heat. I may be sweating a lot, but it is manageable and have not been uncomfortable.
We spent 2 days in Manila. What a city! It is actually very Westernized. The mall is just like any other mall in the USA. After adjusting to the culture around us, we traveled to the children's home. We will be here for the next 3 weeks.
God has been so faithful to us and to our entire team. I have loved every moment of it. I love the people and I love the country. Already I am sad that we will soon have to go home. :-)
Please continue to keep us in your prayers. Prayer for our ministry while where here, prayer for our health and prayer for the guidance of our future.
I'll be able to check about once a week, so it'll be awhile before I can update. You can also check my friends blog....he posts picture on his. :-) The link is on the side "fullquiver8).
I love and miss you all.
In Him,
Liz and Anna
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Off to the Philippines
That's right, today is the day!! We are off to the Philippines for two months! Our bags are packed, and ready to go. However, I still have the rest of my room to clean out.
We leave this afternoon at 3:30 for the airport. We land in San Francisco at 9:30p and then we leave for Manila about 1:30a (so early, and a long time in the airport)!
I'll post each chance I have.
Love,
Liz and Anna
We leave this afternoon at 3:30 for the airport. We land in San Francisco at 9:30p and then we leave for Manila about 1:30a (so early, and a long time in the airport)!
I'll post each chance I have.
Love,
Liz and Anna
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
We have arrived safely!
Today is June 12th! We have arrived safely and have already completed two wonderful days here at the Salem YWAM base! It has been nothing short of amazing. :-)
Anna has quickly made friends. There are four 4 year olds that are on base. One of them, Annalise (middle name Joy as well) was instantly her best friend. These two girls are always together and love each other dearly. I have also been blessed with the love that the other children have for Anna. They all go off and play (there are at least 20 kids on base) and make sure to include and watch over every last child!
We started class yesterday morning. So far we are still trying to get to know each other. We have participated in fun little "get to know eachother" games. Our group is very special and also so very unique. I am the youngest in our class. We span in age from 27 to mid 60s and also range from teachers to retired airline pilots. Yesterday we all shared how it was we all came to this place. It was amazing to see how God worked in all of our lives to bring all of us here at this time.
Anna also started her class yesterday. It's all so fun and new to her. She is amazed at being able to go to "class" with her friends and then spend lunch with mom and then also the afternoon with mom. So far it has all been constant entertainment and excitement for Anna. :-)
It's been so nice to be able to each all three meals with Anna and then have the afternoons to be with her as well. Ironically, she never really wants to spend time with mom. She'd rather be out with the "kids." I can't believe I am blessed with a "job" of taking classes which I love and then spending the afternoons fellowshiping, visiting and getting to know people. I simply love it!
Well, that's about it for tonight. I will continue to share more as things happen. I will try to posts pictures of the base and our room soon. Please feel free to email anytime, I'd love to hear from you. I have set up a new email account: lizandannaredding@gmail.com
Liz and Anna
Anna has quickly made friends. There are four 4 year olds that are on base. One of them, Annalise (middle name Joy as well) was instantly her best friend. These two girls are always together and love each other dearly. I have also been blessed with the love that the other children have for Anna. They all go off and play (there are at least 20 kids on base) and make sure to include and watch over every last child!
We started class yesterday morning. So far we are still trying to get to know each other. We have participated in fun little "get to know eachother" games. Our group is very special and also so very unique. I am the youngest in our class. We span in age from 27 to mid 60s and also range from teachers to retired airline pilots. Yesterday we all shared how it was we all came to this place. It was amazing to see how God worked in all of our lives to bring all of us here at this time.
Anna also started her class yesterday. It's all so fun and new to her. She is amazed at being able to go to "class" with her friends and then spend lunch with mom and then also the afternoon with mom. So far it has all been constant entertainment and excitement for Anna. :-)
It's been so nice to be able to each all three meals with Anna and then have the afternoons to be with her as well. Ironically, she never really wants to spend time with mom. She'd rather be out with the "kids." I can't believe I am blessed with a "job" of taking classes which I love and then spending the afternoons fellowshiping, visiting and getting to know people. I simply love it!
Well, that's about it for tonight. I will continue to share more as things happen. I will try to posts pictures of the base and our room soon. Please feel free to email anytime, I'd love to hear from you. I have set up a new email account: lizandannaredding@gmail.com
Liz and Anna
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)