Arrived

I will try this again. I have posted someting new 2 times and it has not worked....

We left Knoxville on 12/31/09 at 12:30pm. We flew to Detroit, Nagoya Japan, Manila, Philippines and finally at 6am on 1/2/10 we arrived in Cebu, Philippines. Though we stunk and were tired; our team was filled with excitement and anticipation. You would think after such a long flight we would head to the hotel for at least a shower or some rest; but instead we went straight to the orphanage. We rode for 30 minutes out of the large city and into a very small town called Liloan. We turned at a side street next to the local market, and drove down a small side road where two cars could barely pass. After only 2-3 minutes we stopped and turned left onto a bumpy side road with barely a distinguishable path, it would give any East TN road a challenge; after a little over a minute we arrived at the gate.

The orphanage was in the country, just a 5 minute walk from the school and a ten minute walk to the market. Perfect for youth. The house was small; at first I thought, maybe this is too small. As I toured, my mind wandered, envisioning children playing, laughing and spending time together; if this house was big, for a filipino family they would be uncomfortable, they may even feel alone....the house was PERFECT! There is a small living area as you walk in; Arnell had already purchased 2 couches for visitors to use. There was a small area with a refrigerator and where kitchen supplies had already been stocked and stored. As I walked up the stairs I saw a large open space. Exactly what would be needed to put tables and desks for youth to study their lessons, do crafts and play. As I walked through the wall with the team we saw where the yaya (nanny/cook) would sleep and then we saw the room where 6 bunk beds were. Currently no sheets, not painted, just the beds; we then walked down the stairs to see a similar room where the boys will sleep. Outside there is a large covered area next to the home. A great place for a table that the team will build out of bamboo that is growing on the property. Beyond that is a sink with an area for the stove to go that the team was able to purchase later that day. The home is in a big lot where there are many trees with fruit and an area where the children can farm. There is a large area next to the wall that is covered that would be perfect for a church, a fellowship area and playing. The team talked and dreamed what God could have in store for the place. The area is an empty canvas and we get to be a part of painting what God has in store for these children.

I am writing this on Sunday morning before church. We plan to go to a church that is near the orphanage. From there we will head to the dumpsite to visit with some of the victimized children. We will then meet with some of the parents of some of the children. We will end our day at Tops which is a place that overlooks the city. We will end the day much like we began it; in prayer and worship of our God who has this World embraced. It is truly humbling for our team to see the majesty and glory of God on our trip and realize that God out of His kindness and mercy are allowing us to be a part of the great things that He is doing.

We are all healthy; we are all safe. Please continue to pray for us. There will be many tough decisions made this week; there will be many long days. We miss our families but we love being obedent to God's calling.

God Bless and may you experience His grace today,

Dustin