First

This trip I have tried to give you snapshots into our days so that you may have an idea of how the team feels and how they may view this trip. I have attempted to even give you a small insight into the Philippine culture, the conditions that they live in and why what we are doing is of importance. To answer the question of why we go to the edge of the globe (that is for you David Madden) and spend literally thousands of dollars to build an orphanage. My goal is not to convince you that what we are doing is right or wrong. My goal is not to convince you that you should somehow be a part of this journey that God has led us on. My hope is that you would see God; that you would see and experience Jesus the way that I have through being in His service and seeking to do His will. The Philippines is my Calcutta. The place where God has called me to serve. My prayer for you is that you discover yours. It may be in your own home, it could be at your enemies house, it may be a few blocks down, or yours may be halfway around the world as well. I just hope you get to experience God in this mighty and real way.

Yesterday was simply amazing. A day of worship....with our kids!! It was the first time that any of them had been to a church outside of their local Catholic Church. It was the first time that they heard in a church setting that Jesus is Lord and the Author of their Salvation. We all got to briefly share why we came to the Philippines and introduce ourselves. Jonathan then shared about unity. Unity of Spirit, Unity of Churches, Unity of purpose; Jonathan posed the question what if all denominations put down the theological differences and united for a common purpose and vision. Jonathan's challenge for the church was for them to be united with us to help the street children of Cebu.....and they accepted the challenge.

We did get to spend some time with the two boys. The ones who were lost for several weeks and who get chained up because they run off. They were happy to see us and eager to go with us. We met with their parents and explained the rules and purposes of the orphanage. They accepted. We were scheduled to pick the boys up last night. But due to a shopping spree of cosmic porportions (we really didn't get fancy stuff, one outfit for each person at our home and school supplies); we were late and unable to get the boys.....so, as soon as I get done typing this...that is where we are off to.

From church we went to SM. In the Philippines, Sunday is family day. It is truly a Sabbath...and they really truly practice it. You spend the day with those closest to you, who you value the most...and nothing is to interfere with this custom in the Philippines. And we spent it with our kids. We took them to KFC (as any good Baptist would do....of course we are Methodist); then we broke off into teams. Chuck, Chris, Jonathan and Michelle went and watched Alvin and the Chipmunks. Kim (our shopping ninja), Kristine, Gail and myself went with Arnell, Glen (one of our boys) and Emily (our oldest girl) to go shopping. It was truly a day of firsts and the kids eyes just sparkled. They hugged us, kissed us, jumped into our arms, sang to us, they truly loved us the best they knew how....first time of seeing a movie or being in a theater for all, first time of riding an elevator for all, first time of ever being in a mall for all, first time to have a shake..etc. etc. etc. The kids were genuinely appreciative and sweet. 20 hours later (joke..) we left the mall and got some Jollibee (look that up) on our way back to the orphanage. We then had our Despedida (look that up too). All of the kids came out of their rooms and each of them shared about their lives, where they came from and how we were able to give them hope and encouragement. None of them expected to be the one chosen. There were tons of tears and holding each other. I am not sure if I can add video, but if I can I will come back to this post in a few days so you can see the testimony of the kids. They then gave us a picture and frame of our island hopping trip. What a great day.

To end (this will more than likely be my last post); as Arnell and I were leaving the orphanage and talking about our dream of having one; how the first team came and really gave us a clear vision of how that should look; we were two happy grown men basking in the goodness of God and how He knows how to love us and give us more than we can hope or imagine. As we were discussing the time line; Arnell just smiled and laughed saying that it wasn't until 12/1/09 that he was able to sign off on the property and start work on it. He said that he had to really rush and if our team hadn't come to help who knows how long it would have taken. As we were discussing the dates; the orphanage was truly open in 40 days and 40 nights from 12/1. We thought that was cool and kind of joked about it and what a neat coincidence. This morning when I woke up the first thing I did was read the letters from my kids. My daughter Madi wrote me this really sweet letter. At the end of it she quoted Scripture for me. It was the story of Noah and his faithfulness to build the ark...I don't know if you recall the story but in the Scripture that she quoted from me she put "I (God) will cause it to rain on the Earth for forty days and forty nights".... God reminded me that there are no such things as a coincidence; that this was His plan all along; that this is His orphanage and these children are the one that He has picked out and brought to us. What a mighty and amazing God we serve. May I never forget!

Dustin