preparation

This will be briefer than most. As I am typing my foot is pounding; not sure what is wrong with it and I will be headed to the doctor soon. Also, I have lost my passport it appears so will be making plans to get a new one issued soon. Please pray for this.

Yesterday was another amazing, fantastic day. The majority of the team spent it at the orphanage. Chuck and Chris installed the air conditioner; put plastic up over the open windows, and worked on electrical wiring for lights. Kim and Kristine spent the day painting...towards the end of the day you could tell, they must have really breathed in alot of those fumes :-D Jonathan and Michelle completed the railing/fence made out of bamboo...that was a monster project to tackle. Gail went to the department of health to gather information and learn about protocols and expectations for the orphanage regarding medical care. She then worked on forms that should be completed on each child. Arnell and I went and got supplies that were needed, ordered items, helped paint some, helped with the plastic over the windows some; we basically went where needed. The team seems to have really bonded and are working great together. In order to be more time efficent they spent the night at the orphanage. Some will spend the night there almost every night, but as we get more kids in; the beds and showers will soon run out and perhaps half the team will need to stay in a room.

Today is the big day when all of the potential kids come to see the orphanage and alot of families and community leaders will come to tour the home. We are excited that there will be at least 2 children who will be staying with us tonight. We are so blessed and it is exciting to see the completion of the preparations for the children and now we get to enjoy the children. O Happy Day!!

Peace!

Dustin

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