Di basta basta

I made it to Camotes!! I have so much to tell I don't know where to start.
We are staying in a church parsonage with a few local believers on our mats on the floor. But it is pretty nice-better than tents for sure. We are washing clothes and ourselves with buckets still but I am getting used to it...okay, my hair is always dirty but other than that...

The culture is so fascinating. They live in straw huts, but drive mainly motorcycles around everywhere. It is strange to see a hut and a motorcylce together for sure. The island is absolutley paradise. But, it is so hot and humid all the time here.

The first day Leah and Matt(my team leader) boated back to Cebu and talked to the head of the school system about True Love Waits. We are able to have seminars with the highschools every Saturday all day and teach them.

The team left behind on the first day had a two hour prayer walk around the island and claimed the land for Jesus through our prayers. Carly asked God to give us a sighn that he was here. Towards the end of the walk we were along the coast and ran into a British man. He is staying in Camotes and as he said,'trying to find the meaning of life'. We shared Christ with Him. He is Catholic by birth but he is doubting his religion. Please pray for Paul. There was the sighn.

Yesterday and today we have been trying to make contacts and build relationships throughout the island. The people are friendly and treat the Americans like celebrities. Oh, quick story(my time is limited in this cafe). Today we split in groups of three and hiked to different areas for evangelism. I hiked with Bobby and our wonderful translator Sally all the way to a town called Poro. It was about a thirty minute jaunt, but it was worth it. We introduced ourselves to a family living in the rural area. One man, Julius, could speak a little English. I handed him a tract. I explained the tract as best I could. His eyes were sad and he said,"I have made many mistakes' I told him about grace. Before we left me and Bobby prayed over him and his neighbors. We are going back to visit Sunday night. God is working in Julius's life and heart. Pray for him, please.
We had to meet the group after that so we started to trek back. Sally prayed someone would offer us a ride as the heat was so bad. Just then a motorcycle drove by and stopped. Turns out the dudes a christian pastor from Cebu on visitation. he offered us a ride. So..we said yes. My first ride on a motorcycle. Sorry, Mom. It was just so hot I couldn't say no. Me and Sally flew through the hot air and thanked God for the ride. It was awesome!!! I was terrified, but we arrived back in town safe. Oh, we have alot of services and home visits set up for the weeks ahead at various places all over the island. Sunday we will have church in the am at the local church we sleep behind. I am gonna sing a special with Sally, possibley in Cebauno. Hopefully I can learn it and they can understand. Matt is preaching Sunday so pray for him. Then we are going to do a house church or two. Oh, tommorro we are gicing testimonies to the highschoolers at lunch.

We are submerging ourselves in this new culture- praying to be accepted by the people. Today was Independence day for the Philippines and we attended their parade. It was super fun. I love this place! They put on these skits and dances and waved flags and sang. I was able to tell the head teacher of the elmentary what we were doing on the island. God is opening doors for ministry there as well (at the elementary school. )He is filling up our schedule rapidly!!

So, pray for the house churches we have started and the local church. Sofia is a sick lady next door who won't let us pray for her. Please pray for her. I know this alot of rambling but I have no time to think right now.

This is di basta basta. Not easy. But, rewarding. I love this island and the people and the culture even if I don't understnad it all yet. We have met an American named Bruce who wants to start a bar on this island. He wants us to come visit him too.

You should feel the breeze at night. You should see the stars from where I stand. You should see the faces of the village people on the outskirts of town. You should see the motorcycles whiz by. You should hear the roosters crow all night. You should meet Sally and Jetter(our translators). They are so on fire for God.

We have about four or five bible studies and things like that throuout the day. We are reading through some bios on missionaries which have challenged me so much. Yesterday, Pastor Mercado taught us from Matthew. I cried because he kept using phrases my dad uses when he preaches. I do miss my parents and all the family so much. That is the hardest I think. I also miss my friends. I have compiled a list of things you can send me when you get the chance.

1.Clean feet
2.A shaved head
3.Milk(there is no milk here at all anywhere)

God is moving so much already. The group is crazy pumped for the rest of the summer. I have been altered so much already. God is preparing me for something, you guys. I have learned nothing matters except the Gospel. I am being prepared to give up all I have for the sake of it. This is scary, but worthy is the Lamb. Your prayers are being answered. I appreciate them so much I just cry!! I love you so much for doing this for me and Camotes. People are searching for truth here. Most are Catholic and don't know the real Jesus.
Rewind real quick back to right before our boat to Camotes. Our team got to go to the Santo Nino where Magellans cross still stands. I watched people go in and out praying. They clutched the hand of the statue of Mother Mary. They prayed to her and held the ceramic hand for dear life. I felt sick in there. Next to the crowds gathered around Mary, there was a statue of Jesus hanging bloody on the cross with compassion in his eyes. Yet, we watched as the droves of Filipinos walked right past him to get to Mary. I could almost hear Jesus crying out for them. i did this for you. I did all this for you. I cannot explain what that moment meant to me. Okay, I am gonna go now. Everyone is waiting on me. Love you guys.