trials

I'm almost finished my first week of school. Its tiring. And oh my is it ever hot! the new class rooms that we built when i was here last February don't have air conditioner's and from 1-3pm its crazy hot here. I guess i knew that before hand but its different when you re wearing pants and a polo shirt all day. Well so far this week I've taught devotions with the Sankey kinds in the morning. We are studying James and so far we've talked about trial, temptations and the importance of listening and Doing what God's word tells us. This coming week i will begin most of the responsibilities that i will have for the year. I'll be teaching a bible class on Acts Monday and Wednesday and then teaching P.E. in the afternoons Tues-Thursday. I've already bought PVC pipe and netting to make lacrosse goals and next week I'll introduce it to the kids! I'm looking forward to seeing them hack each other with the sticks! Should be very entertaining! So far God has been teaching me mostly about trials and how we aught to handle them. I know its easier to say when things are going good but none the less is true. This is what James says on the subject: " count it all joy my brothers whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance..." right now I'm trying to learn to persevere. thanks for all of you who are praying for me out there love Brian!

"Home" at last!

I finally made it out to the orphanage yesterday and I'm getting settle into my new home, which by the way it really sweet. I am living on the 2nd floor of what is called the mission house and its really nice. there is a balcony, living room, kitchen 2 bed rooms and 2 baths. And it even has most of the furnishings in it already too, including the most important appliance in the tropics which is...any guesses? An air conditioner! YESSS! I'll post some pics of my new crib when i get the time. right now I'm busy unpacking all my stuff and making it feel more like home. It is good to be back "home" again and I'm looking forward to getting started! Mabuti ang Dios!

Suffering for Jesus...again!

well I've only been in the Philippines for a few days and i feel a little embarrassed to admit that I've already been to the beach. Ha ha it's a tough life but some one's got to do it. Yeah so anyways, We (Prissy, Andrew, me Martha Udo and the kids) just got back from Puerto Galera and it was amazing! the weather was great and so was the scuba diving! Andrew and i did 5 dives and we saw all sorts of awesome stuff including 2 stingrays and a huge sea turtle which i actually touched it was awesome. We had a great time and now are back in Rizal at Uncle Joe & Aunt Tanny's place and we will be taking prissy and Andrew back to the airport and then eventually getting my luggage which is still at Martha's in manila and then finally back to Lucena. I can't wait it already been too long!! well that's about all for now...

Back In the Philippines!

Well I'm finally back in the Philippines! whoohoo! it feels a little wired but I'm excited to be back. Thanks for all of you who have prayed for me! the trip was fine and there were no hang ups along the way. I stopped in Chicago to meet with the First Love board and take care of some paper work and spent the night with the Clinton's who were so nice! From there it was back to Chicago and on to japan and then finally to manila. Not sure how long it took me but it felt like a long time. well that's about all for now, Udo and i will look for motorcycles tomorrow and i will try to contact some of the first love people tomorrow. so that's the plan for now. maybe in like a week i can get down to the orphanage in a week we'll see. thanks again for all of you who are praying for me! love all of you!

Leaving

Wow! I can hardly believe that its already time to leave Connecticut. I didn't think that leaving home would be so hard. It was difficult to hold myself together today in church. Why, I'm not sure? I guess because I finally realized that I am actually leaving for the Philippines in the morning. Leaving the people you love is always hard but i know that God is with me and he will be my strength! I go with God and that's all I need! Jesus' words seem to have more impact when you re facing uncertainty but the promise of his words are true! He tells us, "surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. "I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that this is what God had planned for my life before the beginning of time and I know he will be with me no matter what!"

Countdown...

Only 10 more days! wow i can't believe it. I still feel like I have so much to do before I leave. I'm excited and a little nervous but not about the normal things, like moving 1/2 way around the world. God has given me a peace about that and besides I've been in the Philippines more than I've been home and it feels like home there. I mean how often does someone move to the other side of the world and still end up with in 2-3 hours of family? God has me right where he wants me and I'm ready to face what ever challenges He throws my way! (oh and actually its 1 am so technically its only 9 more days but who's counting?)

Crunch Time

Well the countdown has kicked into high gear and I'm starting to feel the pressure. Even though i know it will all eventually get done i still feel like there is so much stuff that i have to do before the 14th. Wow i can't believe that in less than two weeks that I'll be on a plane headed to the Philippines for 2 years!! I'm excited and i can't wait to see what God has in store for me! I'm a little apprehensive yes, but at the same time i have a peace about going that i can't explain. God has been there at every turn to encourage me that this is he place he wants me. Two of my relatives called me up and said that they would support me this week and that was a big encouragement. God is Good! Oh and the youth group at EBC raised 263 dollars towards my motorcycle!! Blessings are coming from all over and I know God is behind all of them! So even though its "crunch time" I am confident that God will help me get through it and finish everything that i need to. Isn't God Good!