We’ve been in the Philippines for a little over 3 weeks and it has been a month full of laughter and joy. Before entering into this country there was a lot of change and transition our squad had to go through. I had no expectations of what God could have in store for me here and so I was honestly surprised with how content I’ve been here. Throughout my time here I’ve learned how to rest in the Lord’s presence and how to have quick feet and jump into whatever He has for me. The Lord has been expanding my team and I’s heart for worship which has been so beautiful to see. I get to see these girls use their voices and talents for Him! At the beginning of the race, we all made jokes about how we were the least musical team on our squad. Now, we are all learning the guitar which has been so awesome!

We are working with an organization called Kids International Ministries in Cainta, Philippines. Here they have a girls and boys home, feeding program, a school, a few church plants, a pregnancy center and are actively working on a hospital.

Our ministry normally consists of community feedings and outreach. We get to go around the different neighborhoods, scooping out Champorado, which is Filipino chocolate rice (and is actually quite tasty!) It has been such a joy loving on and playing with the kids in the neighborhood, and getting to hear some of their parents stories! The community where we live is so sweet and by now most of the kids we pass by everyday know our names. One little girl’s name is Jeni and she makes my day every time I get to see her! We also get to work with the youth lab every Friday night, as well as have fellowship throughout the week! This is seriously my favorite part of the week, and last Friday I got to share a part of my testimony & talk about doubt. My experience with doubt and how God brought me out of it! God has really grown my heart for the youth! They are so on fire for the Lord and their faith in Him has been so inspiring to witness. We also get to work with a few guys who are a little older than us during our day to day life, and it has been such a fun time honestly. We laugh a lot and I’m going to be so sad to leave them all here (shoutout Maki, Zack, and Bryle you guys are pretty cool I guess).

Also shoutout to my team & my squad, you guys are seriously the best! I celebrated my birthday when we first got here and they threw me the most fun surprise party ever! We played games, went swimming, and they even chipped in to buy me a guitar! So much love for them!

We’re almost onto our last country of the race which is insane, time flies!