Not optional

It is easy to be so critical of other people, and yet ignore the fact that we are not doing what God has already given us to do. Someone once said the the Bible isn't a package of trail mix where you can pick out the pieces you don't like. We do the parts that are convenient. We are often good at judging others...that person on TV who hurt someone...yeah he is a real bad sinner. But we don't look at ourselves. Are we seeking justice for the hurting? When someone speaks up or is brave enough to tell their story...do we say..."That probably didn't happen" or "It wasn't that bad." Or "I can't relate to that." Or "I just don't want to help."

We have all heard the story of God destroying the city of Sodom...but we usually miss an important part of the story--what it was that was so bad that God would destroy an entire city. The answer may surprise you. Yes, there was sexual sin...but read Ezekiel 16:49--"Now this was the sin of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed and unconcerned; they did not help the poor  and needy." God sees the people that don't do anything about oppression as being just as wrong as those who are the oppressors. No I am not saying your city is going to be destroyed if you ignore those who have real needs....but I am saying that God mentions caring for the orphans...helping the poor...the oppressed...and seeking justice numerous times. What is important to Him should be important to us as well. Caring for others isn't one of those suggestions you can just throw out...the responsibility is on you...yes you. And it's on me too. 

Now please don't think I am saying what I am not saying here. Would it be nice if everyone adopted a child? Yes it would be. Is that for everyone? Definitely not. Is it for you? Pray about it. It's not just orphans that God asks us to help...it's ANYONE who is experiencing injustice. ANYONE who has been abused...that's like 40-50% of the population. We are supposed to care for the widows, the hungry...those who don't have enough clothes, money, food...etc. 

You can do what I am doing and go overseas and work among the people living in poverty there...but that isn't what everyone is called to do. If they were, America would be empty because everyone was serving elsewhere. Find a need that you are passionate about and do something about it. Do you enjoy elderly people? Volunteer at a nursing home. Do you have a heart for orphans? Adopt, foster, go help at a children's home. Do you have a heart for those who have been sexually abused? There are organizations like the International Justice Mission that are shutting down trafficking rings on a regular basis. Single mothers? Help at a pregnancy resource center. And ministry isn't boring...it's one of the most rewarding and interesting things you will ever do. If you currently have small children and aren't in a position to go or to grow your family, that's okay too. You can sponsor a child...or you can pray for a missionary. Just do something. I know it's one reality of life...Jesus you will always have the poor with you. It's impossible to end suffering completely this side of Heaven...but for that one person that you do help...or two or three...you made all the difference in the world.

How Do You Learn?

This is just a collection of fun school photos from my 2007 trip to the Philippines. I had fun coming up with some captions for them. Answering the question, "How do you learn?"

With love from a teacher

Lying down on a couch

With a sister by your side

By asking for help

By taking a rest

By concentrating hard on your letters 

By making a face with your teacher

With hugs from a frien

By playing with your pencils

By playing with a hair band 

By laughing

By resting and writing simultaneously

By examining your apple before you take a bite

By stuffing the whole apple in

By sticking your tongue out

By making a goofy face

By praying about it

A Tale of Two Kitties

So this is a humorous story that happened during my last visit to the Philippines. Keep in mind that I USUALLY love cats. The one in the picture was one of the ones I had growing up--Shadow--aka cutest cat in the universe with an equally adorable personality. We got him when I was in 4th grade. I picked his name, and he died a few years ago at the age of 20. Back to the story at hand that has nothing to do with Shadow.

I was on the computer in the guesthouse this particular evening...likely on Facebook or working on my blog. The computer was right by the front door. And I heard the sound of a crying baby right outside. Now when you are working at a children's home, and you hear a baby right outside your door...and there is a gate around the house, there are obvious reasons why that situation needs to be investigated. So I go outside, and I walk in the direction of the "crying". It is coming from under one of the vans. Why would someone abandon a baby under a vehicle? Upon closer inspection the crying sound was coming from the mouth of a CAT. There was a cat under the car, and right as I was standing there the cat made a horrible angry sound and flew out from under the car, right at another cat...and they looked like they were going to kill each other. I screamed, and went back in the house.

Now normally, a cat doesn't scare me. Neither would two cats fighting, under ordinary circumstances. I grew up with two cats and they would fight...but never like this...and when a cat jumps out from under a car and attacks another cat, and it happens when I am right by the first cat and not expecting it...that is startling. Shortly after that, a few more missionaries came home...fortunately, they did not hear the scream. I did send one of the guys outside to open the gate and let the cats out. Just another evening in the life of a missionary, where sometimes the unexpected happens and you laugh about it later.

1/5 and an update

Well, I completed the first two of at least three garage sales that I am doing to help raise support for my trip to the Philippines. I raised a little over $250. I am also selling bracelets through Threads of Hope as part of my fundraiser...so it's hard to know exactly how much was raised as I sold lots of bracelets the second day. I get to keep half the cost of each bracelet and the other half goes to provide an income for the Filipino families who make the bracelets. I am at 1/5 of the $5000 I need to go on my trip. I need to order tickets next month--which will run probably $1350-1500. I am leaving in November which gives me about 7 months to raise $4000. That really seems overwhelming, but I have to realize that God doesn't work just like I work. He likes to surprise us and teach us to trust Him. He does amazing things. Therefore, I just have to keep pursuing my trip and trust Him to provide the money. And honestly, the last 2 times I went I had maybe 4 months to raise $4000...so it's not an unrealistic goal.

Speaking of amazing things that God has done, I mentioned several posts back about a sad time during church a few weeks ago. One of the expectant moms had gone to the hospital for a stress test because she was not feeling her baby move. A couple people prayed and then during the singing at the end of the service, the wife of one of the pastors announced that the baby has a good strong heartbeat. And of course I let out a cheer. The sadness in the room had turned to joy. And today, I got to hold that little 9 day old baby boy in my arms. God is good. We serve a God who is not only alive--my pastor said today that if Jesus hadn't rose again, then our faith would be a fraud--but He gives life. And this tiny boy is proof that He still works miracles today. It's things like this that I need to look at when I am tempted to wonder if He is going to provide money for my trip. It's silly to worry about money. God will provide that in His timing. Money is a small thing in comparison to the miracle of life. Today we celebrate that Jesus lives...and also we get to see Him breathe life into people everyday. Babies are such an amazing reminder of the life that God breathes into each and every one of us. We are all here for a reason. Now go out and do something about it.

Why I Do What I Do

While there are multiple reasons why I want to start a children's home in the Philippines, there is one that ranks most important. There is an eternal aspect to ministry that cannot be ignored. That of sharing with other people...particularly the children...but anyone The Lord brings across my path...the greatest news of all--the Gospel message.

John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whomever believes [trusts] in Him should not perish [eternal separation from God] but have everlasting life [in Heaven with God forever after you die]."

Ephesians 2:8-9 "For by grace [free gift of God] you are saved by faith [trusting in Christ's death on the cross as enough to pay for your sins] and that not of yourselves [you can't earn it] it is the gift of God, not by works [told you you couldn't earn it] lest any man should boast."

One of the precious things I got to do was to have a Bible Study with several of the older girls. One day, I decided let's get down to the basics, so I asked them what their understanding was on the Gospel. These responses came from 4 different girls, ages 10-12. I don't remember exactly who said what...probably a good thing.

"Believe in God and buy some Bible and read it and pray to God."
"Believe in God means like you have a relationship to God. Reading His Word."
"He forgive me. He's love me and I love Him."
"If you believe Him as your personal Lord and Saviour and you buy a Bible and you read it. If you trust Him and pray."

I think I like the 4th answer the best, although buying a Bible has nothing to do with becoming a Christian. But it was good to see where they were and what they understood. When working with kids...and with anyone we start back at the beginning with Adam and Eve. They have to understand they have a sin problem before they know that they need a Savior to do something about it. They must understand it's a free gift. Available by faith and trusting that He took care of it and to stop trying to earn it. It is so fun to see kids grow in their understanding of Jesus. Talking about the most important things in life with a child is so rewarding. Seeing the wheels in their mind turning as the pieces come together and they make their own decisions to believe on Jesus.

Here are some pictures from that Bible study group.

The Joys of Boys

This post goes out to all you mommies of little boys. Or if you just need a good laugh.

If there is one thing that I have learned working with kids, it's to choose your battles carefully. Also, if they ask a question, give them an answer, even if the question is silly or gross, or asked at a less than opportune time.

I had a moment where I was at the table with one of the boys. He was 7 at the time. Now, as I recall we were either the last ones eating, or it was just the two of us. Of course he is going to pick that moment to ask the all important question of "How do you get boogers in your nose?" How to address such a...ahem...delicate subject at the table? Well, a couple possibilities. Had it been a table full of people still eating, I would have told him I would be happy to answer that after dinner, and whispered to him that other people might not want to talk about that while they are eating. However, since it was just us, I answered him. My philosophy is that if they ask a scientific question, I dignify it with a scientific answer. Even if it's a gross question--and even if he might have been asking to get a reaction. If I reprimand him for his choice of topics, he is going to keep talking about the stuff in his nose at every given opportunity. If I answer his question, well, that was the only time he ever brought it up. I told him it was the dirt that gets in our noses and collects in the hair so that we don't swallow things that will make us sick. I added that is why we should never eat "boogers" to which he of course had to inform me that one of the boys eats his. You can always count on a kid to let you know exactly who is doing something they don't need to be doing, LOL!

With all that being said, boys provide lots of hilarious parenting moments...and sometimes you really never know what they are going to say...(not that girls are exempt from that either). The key is to keep your sense of humor intact and answer their questions. Here are some photos of some of the little men I had a chance to love on...I think I am going to keep it a mystery as to exactly which little guy it was that asked the silly question. But you have to admit, these little guys are not only cute, but you can tell they are lots of fun too! And they were pretty sweet as well.

Two Steps Forward

When you want to go establish a ministry overseas, there is a lot that goes into making that happen. There are fundraisers to get there, for one. My first one is going to be a garage sale at my church this Friday and Saturday. I am asking for prayers that an abundant amount of funds are raised through this. I will keep you updated.

The other thing about establishing a ministry is knowing how to do that legally. So, whom better to ask then someone who has already done it? Today I got to "meet" a sister in Christ who has opened a children's home in the Philippines. We talked on the phone for a little while and she gave me some great feedback. I now have more of a plan of what this will look like, although I think I am going to leave most of that off this blog for now. No posting of legal stuff...if you find that interesting and wish to know more, PM me :) But I feel really encouraged knowing a little bit more of what to expect and finally having some sort of a plan...it may or may not eventually look like how I expect it to, and that will be okay...but I have a good idea...which was more than I had earlier. And having direction makes me feel like I am actually getting somewhere. Not sure this trip is going to feel real until I actually have the tickets in hand though.

Well, I am going to cut this post short. I will tell another cute story later today. So check back for a fun post in a few hours.

A Sweet Goodnight Story

Some of the most precious moments that I had with the kids when I worked at a home in the Philippines came at bedtime. It is SO important to teach kids how to give and to receive love. One of my naturally affectionate little ones had no trouble picking up on the bedtime routine. A hug, kiss on the cheek, and I always made sure to say "I love you." Those are the three most important words you can say to another person. They provide the child with a sense of security. I will say one thing though...that some kids don't WANT a hug at night. And you soon figure out which ones they are, and always ask :). You never want to force them to hug you if they would rather not, but it's always important to offer as well. Sometimes they WILL take you up on your offer. But this little lady in particular...I think her love language had to be touch. She always wanted someone to hold her, and at 4 years old was pretty irresistible. It got to the point where one or two of the girls would start initiating it. They would kiss me on the cheek and say "I love you." It was precious...just melts your heart.

One night though...it got a little bit funny. I was in the room with 4 of the little girls. Everyone had a hug. "Miss Irresistible" decides she needs another hug, as does one of the other girls, and I had the other 4 year old get out of bed, so I put her back in...and to be fair, have to go around the room and give everyone a second hug. When I have finished with that, little sweetheart decides that she is in need of a third hug. So I make my way around the room again. Then she decides she needs a fourth hug. After that, I had to set a limit and realized she was sweetly trying to manipulate me into prolonging the bedtime routine. So hard to resist them, but you have to learn when it's becoming a game and when enough is enough. I really couldn't help but smile though.

Hard to resist this precious little face. I have to giggle when I look at the pictures I took with her. She is making the funniest faces. But she really was a little charmer.

Creating Peace part 1

At times, planning a big missions trip, and especially one that's going to turn into something bigger...a children's home...is stressful. There is fundraising...figuring out what it might look like to have this home, etc. On top of that, I don't get a break from everyday life while I figure it out. I DO however have a very supportive church and generally have something every few days, which helps with the stress. I know once I get there it will be worth it. But then there is stress being in a foreign country...we really don't get a break from having potentially stressful situations.m

The thing that hits me though, is that once I open a home, these kids come with stress in their little lives. They come with broken hearts. They need to know how to find peace and healing. True healing comes from a realization that no matter what God is still in control, and He cares deeply, and He has a purpose. These truths can be grasped on different levels, depending on the age of the child. But there are ways to help them to find peace and to experience some love and healing. And these strategies work for adults too.

I am an adventurer and a think-outside-the-box kind of girl. I love traveling and exploring new places. I haven't lost the ability to play, laugh, and enjoy life. I am the person who will try almost anything...at least once. I am a pretty adventurous eater. Sour mango soaked in fish sauce is not a favorite. Neither is frog...I tried it once, and really once was enough. I am sorry to those who like to eat frog, but I will have to pass. I am the person who will ride various forms of public transportation with my face to the window taking in everything that is different about life overseas...it never gets old. And the beautiful little ones who are everywhere...if I am in their neighborhood they will call out "Americano" and will crowd around if I pull out a camera and pose for pictures...and then of course they want to see. And some of the people I have met are lifelong friends. The Filipino people have touched my heart and life forever.

Any endeavor that I set out...or rather that The Lord sends me on is going to be a little bit unique...but not in a bad way. I am learning a lot about what brings me peace when I feel chaotic...and then how to translate that into working with the kids in my home that I don't have yet. I want to learn more about different forms of play therapy. Teaching kids how to express themselves through the arts. I recently discovered how therapeutic it is to paint something...and I didn't think I was very artistic aside from photography. I was wrong about that. It's super relaxing. Music is another thing that ministers to me. I will add a link to a song that has kept me focused recently. Dance is also therapeutic. And I can dance to an audience of one. Really all of this...dance, painting, music, they can be forms of worship if my heart is coming before God ready to let Him fill me up with His peace. These are things I want to take into this next phase of my life. And it's not just about helping the children to begin to heal. It's things that will help myself and my staff navigate through the ministry life without losing focus when things become hard.

I am going to stop this post for the night. But I am going to continue another day with another post on creating peace in the midst of chaos. It's been a busy day of preparing for a fundraiser this weekend, and I haven't felt good today. But I did manage to find a few moments to create a little peace and to worship The Lord even in that. But here is a song to close with. Click the green words which will take you to a youtube video.

 I pray this song will minister to you. Really take the time to listen to the words. This is one of the songs that brings me peace.

H2O

One of those days when I was actually going to post on something else, and I realize that when I am in ministry...I need to be a little careful about what I DO post. Was very saddened to hear about a lady who got arrested yesterday or today for an elaborate "scam" that went on for years. If you knew the whole story, you would know why this was upsetting. But as the whole story ISNT out yet, I am going to save the topic of scams and fraud for another day when I can run my post by someone else before hitting publish, and will post about something you all seem to find ordinary.

Water.

You may ask, why blog about water? We all have it. That clear stuff that comes out of our faucets...our toilets...and our showers. We drink it, bathe in it, brush our teeth with it, and wash dishes with it. Most of us have been that little kid (or maybe teenager) at the restaurant who bemoaned the fact that we were ordering water with our meals when what we really wanted was a glass of pop (or soda or coke or whatever you prefer to call it...but it is really called pop--you are welcome to engage me on a debate on what it's name is later...but I call it pop,lol.) And for those of you who like a little excitement to your water, you can buy it bottled, flavored, carbonated...and you can even buy drops and powders to make your water taste like juice, Koolaid, or the nasty stuff you have to drink before having a medical procedure done. We swim in it, we splash in it, it falls from the sky, makes our flowers and our food grow, and basically we take the fact that we even have it for granted. You see, that second sentence was a lie. Yes, I am allowed to lie--as long as I explain myself. It's my blog. I lied when I said we all have it. Not everyone has water. Or maybe I should say not everyone has CLEAN water.

Recently, I was reminded of the fact that I take my water for granted. Funny thing was, it was around the time everyone was posting about World Water Day that this happened....last Wednesday to be exact. We had some plumbing issues in the house I live in...which resulted in some noisy chaos and a not so lovely hole in my ceiling. After the repairman left...one of my housemates and I walked through the house to assess the "damage". The hall bathroom had tape across it and a sign about not to use because the drain was disconnected. The master bathroom had no shower at all. And one toilet seat was left up (and I live with all girls so that was definitely NOT one of us who did such a dastardly deed as to leave a seat up). And it left just one shower...mine for the whole house to use until the workers could return in less than 24 hours to fix the upstairs showers. I was headed to church, so asked my housemate if they could use the shower before 10 PM (I had already used it) so then people wouldn't be coming and going while I am sleeping. Then shortly after, I just had to laugh.

The fact that it's even slightly inconvenient to live in a one-shower house for less than 24 hours is kind of telling. The fact that we laughed in mock disgust because a toilet seat was left up is also very telling. In the US, you can't live in a house that does not have a working toilet and shower. It's illegal and against the building code. In other parts of the world, not all houses have toilets. Sometimes they are outside in a little outbuilding and you have to pour a bucket of water in to flush. On most overseas trips I have been on, the toilet paper goes in the trash....not the toilet...unless you want to...ahem..."go fishing" after which you will always remember to throw your tissue in the trash can. We also live in the country where people actually sit on the porcelain throne. Finding a toilet with a seat on it is not a given in all countries. Yet we make such a big deal when a guy comes in and forgets to be chivalrous and return the seat to it's proper closed position after using it. As for showers, if you have some type of showering facility...even one...consider yourself blessed. Many people in other parts of the world do not have even one shower. And there are three of them in this house...yet sharing has to be done on my time...how selfish is that?

I write this to remind you that if you have running water at all in your house, be grateful. If you had a shower today, thank The Lord. If you need to clean your bathroom (I know mine is due for a cleaning)...smile when you clean it because it's there. You don't have to go outside regardless of the weather and then go back and pour water down it. If the water is too cold or too hot, or whatever...it's water and it's running through your pipes and out your faucet. Be thankful for the everyday and the ordinary. We take so much for granted. We really do. It's selfish and embarrassing how ungrateful we are for the little blessings in life.

God Who Heals

As I am preparing for my missions trip, and hopeful eventual move to the Philippines (we will see what God does--but that's the plan), I realize the need to appreciate what I have around me now, and who I have around me now. The little things that God is doing right now are an important part of the journey, and something to look back upon later. I am sure going to miss my amazing church family while I am in the Philippines. I wish I could pack them up and take them along. Hopefully some of them can visit...but the truth is, I am going to miss these people.

One of the older ladies came up to me before church. She was there last night when everyone prayed for me. She said that she is putting me on her prayer list and wants to stand with me. She has been to the Philippines and loves the Filipino people. What an encouragement to have others who understand why I am doing what I am doing.

Then during the announcements, we were very saddened to learn that a lady at church had gone into the hospital for a stress test. Her unborn baby wasn't moving. Several people prayed, and the service continued. Then, towards the end of the service, the wife of one of the pastors announced she had just gotten a text and the baby has a good strong heartbeat. I let out a cheer, and we went on to sing and to worship the Lord. We do serve a God Who heals. He breathed life into this little baby. Praising Him today for the gift of this little one to my friends. Today we saw God work. He always works, but He can and does continue to perform miracles today. His eye is on that precious little life...this little one whom He is continuing to knit together inside his or her mother's womb. In the same way, He sees each of us. No, He doesn't always answer prayers according to what we want...but today He said yes...and this child will live and God will be glorified through this life.

We take for granted the little things in life. Even the fact that I am here, breathing...I expect that. Years ago the doctors were not sure I would survive to be born, and here I am. I don't want to ever take for granted even being here...having the abilities to walk and talk...even in a body that isn't perfect, I can bring Him glory in what I do. Anything you see in me...it's all Him. He just chose to use me...He decided that before He even formed the world...He said, "I want her." And that makes me realize how fortunate I am. I may not have everything...but I do have Him. And with what I do have, I want to be used to change the lives of some precious little ones in the Philippines. But until then, I don't want to lose sight of how God is working and the miracles He is performing today.

The ties that bind us

Reminded yet again of how small our world really is. I was in bed most of the day with a headache. Yet I managed to chat with friends in Africa and work on my Portuguese all from my little apartment in the good old USA. Thanks to technology, I can talk to anyone, anywhere in the world...for free.

Then I go to a prayer meeting...where we mix the liturgical with music, prayer, and getting in groups and sharing how God is working, to prayers for healing. While we aren't going to agree on every single little issue...we can pray for one another and listen to the concerns that each one brings to the group. And I see that some of my struggles are ones that the others in the room have as well. None of us is perfect...and we unite in our imperfections...and challenge one another forward.

Jesus is bigger than this world. He is the glue that holds everyone together...not a denominational label (my church is non-denominational--for the record)...and this isn't a place for theological debates. Just for proclaiming HIM and how HE works. And that mutual agreement on every single thing isn't necessary for fellowship and love. We serve a God who heals, who forgives,and who gives courage to do what is right,forgiveness when we sin...forgiveness to give those who sin against us...and who brings the hurting to a place of peace. He gives us love for one another. I had a card with the word "love" on it. Was supposed to share how I had experienced love. I mentioned how my homegroup has been there for me through a difficult trial...and said they would be there for me. They want to know how I am feeling--for me to be honest...not say what I think they want to hear...and they aren't telling me to get over it. I said that I didn't know what I did to deserve that kind of love--I just show up. The wife of one of the pastors said Jesus is like that...we just show up.

Some days, I do just "show up". To church...to praying or reading His Word...but then most often I come away with something that He wanted me to know and hear. Sometimes even when we don't feel like it,we can always show up...and He can take care of the rest.

And today I showed up. I knew I should ask for prayer for healing. And someone asked if there was another person who needed prayer. So I shared my story. I had just gone to my sleep doctor yesterday. He was very pleased with how I am doing. My sleep disorder is under control by medication. The doctor is going to prescribe enough medication for my trip and so I don't have to worry about that...but I do need a long term solution. I can't take a years worth of medicine with me next time. I don't know if it's God's will to heal me completely, or for me to be an example of His strength made perfect in weakness. Only time will tell. But I was challenged today that God is sovereign. I am taking the step to pursue this trip and starting this children's home...God is big enough to help me figure out a long term solution for my sleep issue. And for now though,I have a doctor who listens to me, does most meetings over the phone, and doesn't need to see me again til right before I leave. And most of all I have a God who cares for me and who gave me this heart to love...and who planted me in a community of beautifully encouraging people....and for today, that is enough.

The Eyes Have It

One thing you may or may not know about me. I love photography. When I take a missions trip, you can always count on me to have both a camera and a seemingly endless stream of photos. Pictures are a way of taking what I experienced and sharing it with you, and of keeping a little part of each person I meet forever. They keep memories...frozen in time. A good photo will capture the amazing beauty of the subject. And sometimes I will zoom in to focus on the face, especially the eyes. Filipino children have big brown eyes...and I think you will agree that these are some of the biggest and most beautiful eyes that you have seen.

This is Daniel. This picture makes me think of Daniel in the Bible...praying by the window. I know little Daniel wasn't really praying...but he has his hands folded.

And this little girl is Diane. I think she looks like Dora the Explorer in this picture.

I will share more photos and more of my travel experiences with you later on. If any of you have questions for me, or something you would like to know about life in the Philippines, please ask.

I guess I have to start somewhere

This blog will chronicle my 3rd trip to the Philippines. In a nutshell, I will use this trip to research starting my own children's home, as well as to visit my two god-daughters, and to serve the people of the Philippines, especially the children.

Frequently Asked Questions (or just a few things you are probably wondering)

1. Why the Philippines?

Well, my dear reader, I should probably ask you a similar question. Why are you in the United States? Or if overseas, why did you choose that country?

Yes, there are needs in the United States, and while I am here, I am happy to help meet those needs, but God has specifically been tugging at my heart to return to the Philippines. The first time I was there, I fell in love with the people and the culture. Since that trip, I have two god daughters who live there. I would love to get to spend more time with them. I have had some random encounters with Filipino people, and the Lord has not removed the desire to go back. I felt like there I was really doing what He created me to do. I can't argue with that. God sends people to different locations...and this is where He is leading me.

2. Why start a children's home? Can't you just help meet the needs of the kids so they can stay with their families?

In an ideal world, every child would be able to remain in their family/country of origin. We live in a fallen world. There are children who for one reason or another simply cannot stay with their families. When that is the case, I would like to provide a safe and loving place for them to live.

3. When will you start your home? Will it be this fall?
This fall I will do a lot of research while I am there. I will have to raise full time support and then will return in the next couple years to establish the home.

4. How old will the children be that live at the home?
They will be newborn through age 8 at intake. I want to be able to take sibling groups. Siblings should remain together whenever possible. My vision is a family style home, and in most families, all the siblings are not the same age.

5. Shouldn't you get married first?
Do you know any single Christian men who are passionate about serving the people of the Philippines? If so, I would be happy to consider meeting them and seeing what God does. If not, moving on to the next question.

6. What language do they speak there? In Manila, the people speak Tagalog and most speak some English. If I end up in another part of the Philippines, they may speak a different national language.

Well, that wraps up my first post. I will try to blog frequently as I raise support, and regularly while abroad.