Ministry in the Philippines

We have been blessed by God so much on our trip. Our hosts continue to make us laugh. When we flew to Cebu we partnered with the Wesleyan Bible College there. We put on a one-day VBS with over 150 kids. We acted out the story of Jonah and sang lots of songs and played lots of games with them. They were so energetic. We took tons of pictures because the kids aren't used to seeing themselves on a digital camera screen. They taught us some of their games too. I think they don't have many toys because they used their flip-flops for balls and stuff. Basketball is the biggest sport here so we played lots of that. After their mirinda (snack) we were back to playing again. We were exhausted after our first mini-VBS. Then we went to another very rural village where the people lived in bamboo and banana leaf shacks. Everything they eat is out of the ocean. We weren't able to stay there for long because it started to rain and the roads were turning to mud. Our Jeepney driver was nervous about getting out. So we played with bubbles and sang some songs. In the end we found out it was God's intervention for sending the rain because the village was spliting over our presence - because there are 2 tribes and we were only able to be with one. We went to a third village the next day. This village had never seen Americans because it is a new outreach by the Wesleyan Bible College. Everyone and their mother came out to see us and play games and sing with us. The parents were laughing and playing along with the kids. It was awesome to be their first impression of Americans because i think we did a great job!On Sunday there was a big boxing match that took place in Los Angels. There was a filipino boxer (Pacquien) fighting. For the Filipinos it is like their superbowl. There was very little traffic and all the stores were closed. We listened to it on the radio and then saw re-runs of the fight on TV at the restaraunt we went to. It was interesting to be a part of the celebration, especially because Pacquien won!
We have been able to have tons of traditional filipino meals... lots of rice. Today we had fresh sea food. It was all laying in a row in the market (much of it still alive) and we got to pick which we wanted and how it was cooked. Quite an experience for many of us.
Right now we are in the airport heading to Palawan. Although we were only able to be in Cebu for a few days it was great. We've learned a lot about ourselves, Filipino culture, and about God. Some of us have even had affirmations of life callings and convictions for future work. God has been so good.
Please continue to pray for us. Praise God that no one has gotten sick. We have had safety traveling and have made good connections. Pray for even more seeds planted and strength f0r us as we minister.