I am a whole lot better at writing posts than actually posting them... This was written about a month ago, but the experience was just too memorable not to post!

Today was a day of first time experiences. Last night, we were traveling from Sadsadan to Tabuk and made it as far as Bontoc. The road from Bontoc to Tabuk is more like a mountain trail than a road. I have heard stories about it for years. About 20 minutes outside of Bontoc we rounded a curve and found a small collection of vehicles and a large number of people waiting. There was a typhoon that came through yesterday and it took some of the mountain with it. A jeepney stuck trying to pass between the mountain and a bolder.

Later a bus joined the waiting party and even tried to pull the jeep through. There was a lot of digging and trying to move rocks but with no success. Finally, the highway patrol showed up with the tool of choice, dynamite. We all took cover behind the mountain. Not really having much experience with dynamite, I didn't know what to expect. All the passengers that road on the top of the buses and jeepneys climbed down and took cover behind the bus, or in the crevasses of the mountain. We were behind the mountain so we couldn't see what was going on. We just waited. There was a massive blast that shook the ground and dirt and rocks came raining down. I now realized why we backed up so far and why everyone was taking cover! A few major blasts later and the road was passable again. A clod of dirt came crashing down on our windshield. It was a freaky experience but only damage was a little scratch on the  glass. We were praising God for that. 

We traveled on and the road was so rough that was more surprising to see clear road than landslides. 

At about 11 am we ventured off the main road to visit a village. We were traveling with a Pastor who was from that area. They were having a thanksgiving service and they wanted us to be a part. Nestled in the mountains, they are about a 15 minute walk through the rice fields from the road. They killed 2 pigs to feed the village and had an out-door service around fire that was cooking the pig. We worshiped and shared an encouraging word with them. It was a privilege to be among those believers. 

While we were there we heard their story...

Back in the 1980's a filipino YWAM missionary brought the Gospel to these people for the first time. That missionary became one of them learning their language, eating their food and living with them. There are so many drastically different cultures and languages spoken here that even though the missionary was Filipino, this was still a major change for him. It was through his life and his preaching that the first people of that tribe came to know Jesus. One day there was a tragic accident. While a friend was cleaning his gun it misfired and killed the missionary. Traditionally among these tribes this would have caused a violent tribal war. These were head hunting tribes. But because the missionaries tribe knew that it was the Lord that called him there, they did not strike back. This was shocking for the tribe and shortly after nearly the whole tribe came to the Lord! To this day they are serving the Lord.

This is one of those stories that very few people will ever hear. This man, a hero for the Gospel, has received no earthly glory, even after his death, but the eternity of a whole tribe has been transformed! Very few people even know of his life outside of these two tribes, but it is not for earthly recognition that we live, but for heavenly recognition. 

My prayer is that we all seek to serve the Lord so selflessly that we would lay down our lives with no reservation, no alternative motive, and live not for our life on earth, but eternity. Let this missionary be and example to all of us. 

Today, David and I will be driving 6-7 hours into the mountains to go to a place called Bontoc. A few weeks ago a pastor from Bontoc came requesting help in the area of worship. We will go and hold a worship seminar for a number of churches there. Please pray for safety as we travel, as the roads are very rough. Pray that the Lord will move mightily in the lives of each person there. And please pray for us. This has been a wonderfully full and exhausting  month so far and we need strength and refreshing from the Lord.

 

The "parol" or Christmas star, is a Filipino Christmas decoration. Look closely at this one. It is made out of medical waist from the hospital. The flowers are IV bags cut open and painted, the yellow and light blue lines are syringes without needles, Mary and Joseph are made from straws and tubing that is stacked together and cut to the same length. After taking a closer look, I was so impressed! Not having the money to buy expensive decorations, doesn't stop anyone here. They can make trash beautiful!!

But this Christmas we didn't stay in Baguio, we traveled out of the city to David and Christine's home province of Kalinga. Life is very different there than here in Baguio.

The "west" and its customs and traditions are seeping out and in many places here you can see its fingerprints. But here in Kalinga, it has been more protected from the onslaught of western culture. It was a beautiful place to celebrate Christmas.

 Christmas Eve we went for a walk down the road between the rice fields. We passed this man and it felt like a moment from history.

A moment in time..

 

On Christmas Day we spent time as a family. In the afternoon we went to visit some relatives. These two girls were standing by the road when we pulled in. I just barely caught their reaction when they saw me, a white girl, in their town. Needless to say, they were a little surprised.

 

Before lunch went for a walk down the dirt road near their house. It was beautiful. Taking a little diversion from the trail we made a marvelous discovery...

This was once a huge rushing river, but because of a dam it is now a fantastic display rocks. We had a wonderful time climbing all around and getting our toes wet in the water.

This Christmas was one without a Christmas tree in the living room or stockings by the fire. There were no gifts Christmas morning and no turkey and stuffing for dinner, but it was Christmas. It was a celebration of the love that God showed us through Jesus and the love that he has given us in our families. I am so thankful to be able to be apart of such a wonderful family here in the Philippines.

 

Growing up I would dream about living in another century. I even announced once that my favorite year was 1883. I loved to try to imagine what life would be like without all the modern convinces that we have today. Much to my delight, my parents got us goats and chickens and in my younger years loved to care for them. My sisters and I would volunteer at living history museums and would cook whole meals over an open fire. My dad had plans to build a log cabin in our backyard and I couldn't wait to really 'live' the way that people used to. In the mean time I would relish in any bit of historic life I could get. On the few occasions the power would go off, my sisters and I would rejoice!

I would have never thought that those desires were anything but fleshly, but now I can see that God was preparing me for something. Presently I live in a country where animals are regularly used to for farming, many families cook over open flames, bathrooms are often outhouses, where there is electricity it is not always consistent, and in many ways life is basic and simple. As I hang laundry on the line, I remember when I was a child dreaming of such a chore. I must say that when the power goes out, I no longer rejoice, but I can appreciate the simplicity of they day and move on without it.

One unfulfilled childhood dream was to own a loom. Now I live 10 minutes from a shop that operates floor looms 6 days a week, all day long. They make the native Filipino fabric, vibrantly colored hand woven material, that is turned into everything from backpacks to jackets.

Here are the ladies at Easter Weaving hard at work.

I have some great news to share with you. We are now the official owners of a 1997 Toyota Land Cruiser!!! It was previously owned by a Korean missionary and is in very good condition. We are so so thrilled to finally have our own vehicle. It is such a HUGE answer to prayer! David has already done a lot of tuning up and now with a new timing belt and new tires we are going to put it to the test.

In the morning, (Thursday 5pm EST) we will be leaving for the mountains! First, we will head way up to Mayoyao. From there, we will travel to Tabuk to minister on Sunday. Please be praying for us, as this will be 3 very full days and a lot of driving. (but we are so SO happy to be driving!)

Thanks so much for your prayers. I will update you as soon as we return.

Here is a quick update. Last Wednesday Emily, Martha, and Charlotte returned to the States. We had 2 wonderful months together here. I miss them so much already. We were really spoiled with all the wonderful food they cook here combined with all of Emily's wonderful creations. In ministry and life it was such a blessing to be together.

After dropping them off at the airport David and I braved inner markets of Manila to find fabric for the couches in North Gate. (I will be sewing!) This was an eye opening experience and just on the edge of being down right traumatic. Shopping has been redefined. Oh, what I would give for Walmart's dollar a yard table. The good news is eventually we found what we needed and for a very very good price. It just took almost all day.

Things are moving forward wonderfully with North Gate. We have ordered furniture and piece by piece, it is being delivered daily.  We are feeling pressed to get the space ready to use as there are more and more opportunities for ministry every day.

I have a prayer request. There is a young man who is from the mountain village that we minister in who got very sick last week. They carried him all the way to the road and then drove him to the hospital, but on Friday he passed away. We are not really sure of what but possible typhoid. He left behind a 21 year old wife and 2 children, 3 years and 6 months of age. The village is very close and this has been exceptionally hard on all of them. As far as I know, this young man was not a believer, nor is any of his family. It breaks my heart, even just to type those words. Please be praying for his wife Ela. Pray that the Lord would use this to draw people to Himself. Pray for us also as we continue to minister there, that we would effectively share the love of Jesus with these families.

There are moments when I think, "where in the world could I be that I can rest under the shade of a mango tree and eat exotic lizard for dinner" and then I kinda shake my head in amazement as I realize this is my life!

Early Thursday morning, we got home from Lapat. We had a wonderful week with them again. As always, I am so humbled by their servants hearts and their willingness to go through such great lengths for us. We had 3 huge meals every day as well as 2 snacks, all caught by hand, grown in their land, and cooked over a fire.

The t-shirts and toothbrushes were a wonderful blessing for them all. They looked so beautiful in their new clothes. Each family was so grateful. Of the dozens of families that we blessed and the hundreds of people in these 3 villages, very few of them are believers right now. But we are seeing growth in our relationships. There were new faces at our evening meetings. We are really believing God for their salvation!

Towards the end of our trip we caught some sort of tummy bug. Emily, Charlotte and I got pretty sick. Thankfully the worst passed in 24 hours and we were able to make it home okay. Honestly, I was realizing that I have taken for granted that in all of our past trips there, no one has ever gotten sick. Please continue to pray health and protection over us as we continue ministering there.

Now we are back in Baguio recovering from the 23 hour trip home. Our backpacks are washed and on the line, and our family of chaco sandals have all been set to dry. David is back full swing in the vehicle search. Please pray for God's guidance and confirmation as we search for the vehicle God has for us. We are really looking forward to our next trip to the mountains, when we will be driving!

 

 

 

Sometimes I feel like the speed of light and the speed of life are about the same. It goes so fast that I hardly have time to realize what is going on. I relish the moments of quiet when I can look back and reflect on all that God has done. I think the most beautiful things He does, happen when we are not even aware. It is in those moments that He is painting a beautiful picture with our lives. When I look back at just these past two months, I see ups and downs. I see joys and utter frustrations, but as a whole, I see something very beautiful.
 
On that note we had quite a comical experience last week. We have boxes here in Baguio, big boxes, but only 8 of them full of t-shirts and toothbrushes for the mountain village. The pastor from Lapat, Victor and his son had plans to come with a truck on Saturday to get the 8 boxes. On Wednesday morning I come downstairs to see Khas with a very perplexed look on her face. "They are coming" she said, "coming for the boxes today and they will be here today. They have been driving since 2 am and there are not 2 but 8 of them coming for the night! " That was all well and good except for the fact that we were about waist deep in clothing downstairs, still in the throws of the sorting and packing process. So we threw it into high gear and got the boxes packed.

At about 5 pm we get a text that they have arrived but the city police have confiscated their driver because it is illegal to drive a truck that size through the city... and then I started thinking... wait, what are they driving??

After dark their driver was released and they came to Happy Homes, the little neighborhood we live in. They pulled up in a truck the size of our apartment. It was a HUGE flat bed truck! It was now dinner time and we were scrambling to get enough food ready. We already feed 10 people every night and that's just the Mayyam/Pell crowed. They started to pour in. I looked up and the room was full of people. I counted.. 11, 12... 13... and as they walked in 14... 15! I leaned over to Martha, "there are 15 of them!" she shook her head, " 16. the driver is still in the truck!"  Where are we gonna put 16 people for the night! and more than half of them we didn't know!

To add to the drama, David wasn't here. He was in Manila looking a suv's. He is normally the one who handles these types of surprising situations, but he was 8 hours away sitting on a bus. We quickly bought 1 dozen eggs and cooked every hot dog in the freezer and made 2 more pots of rice. Christine jumped on the phone and started to try to find a place for at least half of them to sleep.. and I, I got nominated to entertain our guests. Seeing that they are from the mountains and only speak minimal English, I got to try out every Ilocano word I know! We were all a sight to be seen. Dinner wasn't until 9:30. We were laughing so hard. Our small house was wall to wall people with very little breathing room!

It turned out that 10 of them were from Padawan. The place that we hike from. They heard that a truck was going to Baguio and none of them had ever seen the city before so they decided to go on a tour! But for some reason, none of them thought, on their 15 hour trip here, it pertinent to let us know how many of them were coming!

In the end, we enjoyed their visit and we were glad that they could experience Baguio City with us. Below is a picture of the 4 of us girls and all of our guests!

I honestly can't believe that 6 weeks has already flown by already. I have loved being home with my family, especially the little ones. This morning (quite early I might add) I will return to the Philippines with 3 of my sisters, Emily, Martha and Charlotte. Pastor Tery from the Refuge is coming too as well as 3 others from our church. It is going to be a blessing to be together in the Philippines. Please keep us in your prayers as we travel. Tuesday - Friday we are traveling and ministry starts Saturday. I will keep you all posted.

Below is a video recap that I made of January - March. Thank you all for your support.

 

Since February we  have been doing a foundations course with the worship team at BACC. Last week we completed the 6th week. We dug deep into the book of Ephesians and it was beautiful what God showed us. Dividing into small groups, we had 3 meetings a week, to give each student the opportunity to discuss and ask questions. We talked about our identity, God's grace, love, the Holy Spirit and more. God was really showing us part of His heart. Personally spending time together 3 times a week digging into God's Word was so encouraging. We asked them to right reflective journals daily on our topics. Reading them has been eye opening. Every time I read, "I never realized that..." or "I finally understand that...", it all becomes worth it. Here are some of their thoughts...

"God showed me that self discipline doesn't work and that the renewal of my mind starts in my heart."

"It is not about a holy place, but a about a holy people. We are the temple of the Holy Spirit."

 "God's love cannot be explained. It just needs to be experienced."

Graduation from the course and our new worship team t-shirts!

 

We have made great headway in our new ministry space, North Gate. We are very close to opening. This renovation process has been very intense and thorough. As we were cleaning and scraping, David said that it is likely that it has not been cleaned like this since it was built in the 70's. Let's just say it was really really dirty. It has been transformed. I am really looking forward to the transformation of lives that the Lord will do in this space.

Tomorrow David and I head to Manila. Wednesday I fly back to the States for 6 weeks. I really can't wait to see my family! I will also be sharing with some Churches and groups about what I am doing here and raising support. If you are or anyone you know is a part of a Church or a Bible study group that would like to hear about what I am doing here, please let me know. You can call me at 704.684.9612.