Heaven

The team woke up fairly early as they do every morning. As they got ready and started the regular routine...something was different. This morning there were 7 total kids in the home. As they started to do their chores they saw the children starting to clean up as well...and doing a better job at it; so, the team thought they would cook them breakfast. So, the team gets the items out and begins to prepare the meal...and then the children see what they are doing. They quickly assure the team that they will be the ones to cook the breakfast (I can only assume to save it at this point) ... to wake up and see children who were once out in the street; who were vicitmized to be the ones to care for you, to prepare your meal, is a role reversal no one anticipated; the breakfast was amazing! The team knew right off of the bat that this was going to be a special day.

During the trip to where the boat was located; the oldest boy, Glen was seated next to me. We talked about Jesus, the Santo Nino, praying to the saints and mother Mary..etc.etc. As we talked Glen shared that he believed that the only way to God was through Mother Mary; that she was the intercessor. He shared that he believed in the Santo Nino and that he was Jesus and that Jesus is God. Therefore he believed that the baby doll is God and hears his prayers. I shared with Glen for some time about who Jesus is; that He is personal and talked about in Hebrews that Glen can boldly approach the throne of God. That God is not distant but close. Glen appeared to be really open about discussing God. Chuck also joined the conversation to discuss one's faith and what a relationship with Jesus looks like. With Glen being the oldest boy, he will influence the beliefs and perceptions of all of the kids in the orphanage. He will be the one they look to for protection and advice. So, his role is key. Later that night I gave him my Bible and showed him how to use it properly and all of the resources inside. I challenged him to not follow man or any of his teachings. I asked him if he had questions or wanted to really know something about God that he should read and study it first and then maybe ask someone he trusts. Glen seemed truly open to this suggestion. Please pray for Glen and his salvation as the days come.

As we drove to go island hopping, the youth discussed never have ridden in a nice car, that they had never been on a boat, never been to any beaches off of Cebu Island....that all of this was new and exciting for them. As we boarded the boat the kids were filled with excitement and anticipation. When we stopped, it was between two islands. The water was crystal clear. Since I was one of the only adults that could not swim; I decided it would be a good idea for me to go first. The water was perfect temperature; the only bad thing was my life preserver was on backwards; that was easy to fix. For about 30 minutes or so, very few of the kids would go into the water; but then after awhile they jumped in. They created water games and played with the team for a long time. All of them had huge smiles as they swam (with life jackets) in the ocean for the first time. They all looked out for each other. After we played there for over an hour we went to another island about 20 minutes away. We took our group picture and then walked to the other side where there was a beach. It was GORGEOUS! The beach part itself was small and came to a point. But we walked and walked and walked and it never got above our waists. I would imagine it was at least a 1/2 mile out and the water was still at our waist. The youth and the team played and kind of swam in the water for awhile until we realized we were not the only creatures in the sea. The kids found hundreds of sand dollars and star fish. There were these slug type things and crabs as well. Michelle (one of the youngest girls) enjoyed chasing Kim around the beach with all of the various creatures of the sea. The kids would call out to us "Kuya Chris, Kuya Dustin, Kuya Jonathan..etc.etc." Kuya is a word that can be used for uncle; but it is a more deep seeded word that means "one I respect and honor"...as they called us by our names we were eager to see what they wanted and or needed. As the youth became part of us and us a part of them I could not keep but thinking of the parallels with us and God. (not that the mission team is even close to being a god)... But is has been a mystery to me of what Jesus meant when he stated that we are in Him and He is in us. I got the He is in us part..with the Holy Spirit..but me in Him. But as I talked and interacted with these children and their joy and tears flowed freely they were becoming a part of me. If one was to holler I would quickly look to see if they were okay and did not need anything; it helps me to understand how we are engrafted into the vine and becoming part of God's family; like these children are becoming a part of my family. We left there with tons of starfish and sand dollars...but the memories and relationships that were formed will last a life time.

We ended the day by all of us going to Arnell's home for BBQ. It was a great time of fellowship and relaxation as we sat around and recapped our day and ate with the kids. They were really funny. They had truly opened up and were talkative. They were 100% part of the group. At the end of the evening we gathered together with all of Arnell's family. Earlier Gail had spent some time providing care for his mother and showing some of Arnell's family members how to take care of her. We then all prayed with Arnell, his wife and his aunts for his mom and extended family. We hope that this was a source of encouragement to them as the have all been providing care for her for many days.

This was one of the best days of my life. Seeing these children happy and safe; away from all of the hardships on the streets. God has truly blessed us beyond anything that we could hope or imagine. Please pray for us today as we go to church with our family from the orphanage. I cannot wait to worship with them. Please pray for Jonathan as he prepares to share the message with the congregation. Pray that as we spend one of our last days with the kids that everything will go well and that they will feel loved and know the grace of God. What a wonderful day!

Dustin