Rainy Days

Adam and I walked home last night from Jenn and Derek's house after a birthday party celebration. Right as we were walking up, we debated about taking our laundry (that had been hung up outside to dry) inside in case it rained. We decided not to, went inside, and within 30 seconds the wind started howling, and the rain started pouring! We ran outside, and grabbed all our laundry. I woke up this morning to laundry strewn all over my room, and the sound of the rain on my tin roof. A fun memory, for sure! The rain was so loud last night, I'm actually surprised I was able to sleep!

Last night, we celebrated Let's birthday. She is the Office Manager here, and all of us went up to the Derek and Jenn's house for pasta and dessert. We had Ghiradelli Chocolate Brownies and Cookies and Cream Ice Cream for dessert. Definitely a delicacy out here in Burgos. The girls probably eat brownies once a year! So, I was quite happy :)

I'm moving into the "headed home soon" mindset. Today is Friday, and I'm leaving Wednesday for Manila. Our time here has been good. We have continued to do work on sketches for the art gallery, and we have been brainstorming for ideas on how to create marketable products for these kids. Some of our ideas have included: stationary, jewelry, greeting cards, and canvas art. I have been leading a women's study for the staff here, and they have really opened up during the course of the last four weeks. We are studying "Rising to the Call of Leadership," a study on the Old Testament leaders. It's been really good, and all of us have been learning alot! I moved into their house this past weekend, and that has really helped in building a stronger relationship.

If you're reading this, please be praying for my mom. She had to go into emergency surgery last night to have her gallbladder removed. She is doing well, but it is hard being here knowing that she is in so much pain, and is so far away.

Everything else has been going well! I've posted some pics that have been throughout our time here. One of them is of Kyle and TJ at TJ's Baptism. Another one is an early morning sunrise here at Hope for the Island. The one with the towel on his head is Bong Bong...one of the youth here that is active in the youth group. And another is of the Manila skyline. Saving my most favorite for last in Jocelyn, one of the nursery students here at Hope for the Island. She is so precious, and is 5 years old. She has a very soft and sweet temperment, and has completely stolen my heart!

Always more to come!!!

City-Bound and Back Again

After being here in Burgos, Siargao for two weeks, it was time to head to the city to renew mine and Adam's visa. So, we set out last Sunday morning for Surigao City on the Northern tip of Mindanao. This basically meant getting up at 3:00 am, driving with Derek for an hour and a half through the jungles to Dapa, and then getting on a ferry for a three-hour boat ride across the channel! A journey not for the weak...that's for sure.

Jeremiah and TJ (one of the staff guys) joined us. They are headed to Palawan for training session on how to do organic, sustainable farming. So, they accompanied us to Surigao City, and then loaded on another boat later that evening bound for Cebu where they would then catch a flight to Palawan (the western-most island in the Philppine chain).

The city was everything you thought it would be...busy, dirty, loud. You know, the usual. The three of us (Adam, Derek, and I) spent two nights there. Our lodging? A local friends' house located in downtown, that was located in the three stories above their family-owned bakery. They were Christians, and very kind and generous. They were also of Chinese descent, but had immigrated to the Philippines a few generations back. It was really cool being in their home, which felt almost more like a penthouse due to all the layers and levels. Even their dog, Chanel, (an adorable Chow puppy named after the Designer) was there to greet us. All bark...no bite :)

We got to rummage around the city. The guys got haircuts at a local salon. It was pretty hilarious. The only stylists at the salon were flaming homosexuals, so our little missionary guys got a lovely taste of worldly style. I think Jeremiah's stylist was pretty impressed with him because he took the longest. That is something here that is such a strong part of the culture. Homosexuality is very common, and the children are often labeled at a very young age. It is sometimes even to the families' advantage to have a homosexual child. It's very sad to see how children are labeled at such a young age, and it is often very difficult to break away from.

After the guys got their haircuts, we checked out the local Internet cafe and went by the hospital. Esther, a local Burgos girl, was taken to the hospital several days ago due to extreme illness. The doctors aren't quite sure what it is, but her skin is severely damaged (think burn victim), and she is very ill. They originally thought it was Lupus, but are still waiting on lab results. Please be praying for her. She is only 19 years old, but has basically given up the will to live. We definitely need a miracle!

The pictures that I have posted are of the last few days here at Hope for the Island. They are from the going away party that we had for Brad and Kyle. We miss them, and really enjoyed having them as a part of our team!

That's all for now. It's really nice being back here at Hope. In the meantime, I am starting to outline ideas for a book project that Derek would like to begin about Hope for the Island. I'll keep you posted as the story unfolds....

Always more to come!

A Little Filipino Flair

As I write this, I'm sweating it out here in the jungles of the Philippines. A small group of us from Hope Chapel came here to Siargao, Philippines, a little over a week ago. We have been working with Hope for the Island, a Christian ministry that ministers to the local people here in Burgos, Siargao.

I have been helping with the children's ministry. Teaching basic life skills like hand washing and brushing teeth is huge here! Hope for the Island has a school and different outreaches for the children, and I have been assisting the teachers as best as I know how. Most of the local people around here live in little huts and shacks. Most of the people either work for the government or are local fishermen. The island is very poor. I have been told that many years ago they slashed and burned the native foliage here in an effort to produce a coconut crop and harvest. Unfortunately, this idea backfired, and the coconut harvesting has produced very little for these people.

Adam is our team leader, and will be staying on for another month after I leave in September. He is here helping the children through an art program that serves as a Life Skills class. By teaching these kids different artisan techniques, they are able to challenge themselves creatively and produce a marketable product to the tourists that pass through Burgos.

Burgos is a popular surf spot, so there is usually an influx of tourists at certain times throughout the year. In an effort to be local, I have been toting the board out into the water, in an attempt to catch some waves. And, although I haven't carved any waves quite yet, I am well on my way to getting more comfortable on a board.

Our team of five is about to diminish to three. Tomorrow morning, two of the guys are headed home. I am staying on for another month, and Adam and Jeremiah will be here long after I leave. My time here has been great so far. I have really enjoyed seeing the local culture, and getting to know the children. They are so cute, and are always following me around calling me "Aunty Ellie." So adorable!

I have also had a chance to work with the women here who are on staff. Together, we will be going through a Ladies' Bible study. My main goal is to just pour into them so that they feel refreshed and encouraged. Their effect on the people here is priceless. It is beautiful to see how the gospel changes lives and cultures, and how the light slowly pushes back the darkness. Their is alot of witchcraft and quasi-Christian religion (spin-offs of Christianity), but there has been a big void as far as solid Biblical teaching goes. And, Hope for the Island is helping to fill that void.

As for now, I am sweating like you wouldn't believe, sleeping under a mosquito net, eating lots of fish, and enjoying the Filipinos....

Always more to come....

Graduations and Globe Trotting

Good Morning. And what a fine Saturday morning it is. After going back to Texas last weekend for John's High School graduation, and then turning around 4 days later to jet back to Hawaii, I took a much-needed night off last night! My Friday night was spent watching "Friends", eating popcorn, and lounging around. Adam partook (is this a word?) in the evening activities, and gracefully fell asleep. Needless to say, it was rest- that was well-deserved!

John's graduation was fabulous! It was so great being there, and seeing family. I love being in Texas during this time of year. Everything is fresh and green. The flowers are out, and the summer thunderstorms roll in from time to time. One morning, Abbey, Dad, and I went for a nice bike ride through some of the old country roads near our house. It was simply delightful! 

Last Saturday, Abbey and I took off for the San Marcos outlet malls. That place is literally a little piece of heaven on earth. Being out here in Hawaii, I grow accustomed to how ridiculously overpriced everything is. Because most items have to be shipped in, the cost of living out here is significantly more, especially when you compare it to a place like Texas. All that to say, Abbey and I went to town at the outlet mall! I stocked up on several things...the whole time vowing to never buy another item in Maui unless it is absolutely necessary! Ha! I have definitely learned how to be the "Bargain Shopper" while living out here. And, now that I work at my church, and not some luxury hotel chain, I have really learned how to make every dollar stretch. It has been such a good lesson in stewardship, and taking care of my money. In fact, right now I am taking a class at my church called "Financial Peace University," and I'm loving every second of it. I love studying finance and money. I find the subject fascinating. So much so, that I've sometimes considered going back to school and getting an MBA or a Masters in Finance or Micro-Enterprise/ Social Development. Maybe one day :)

As far as today is concerned...I'm going to the volcano. Some friends and I are leaving in a couple of hours to hike the crater of "Haleakala" which means "House of the Sun" in Hawaiian. We are going to spend the afternoon hiking, and then keep going until just after sunset. There is a full moon tonight, so we'll hike for awhile by moonlight! I'll definitely post some pictures once I get back. The pictures that I have posted right now are from John's graduation weekend. It was so great having everyone at the house. I love it when that house is bursting with people. Which will be happening again in a few weeks for Abbey's wedding. Can't wait for that one!

I hope whoever reading this has a very restful and enjoyable weekend. Please know that I send my love!

Happy Memorial Day!

Okay, so it's officially Memorial Day here in Hawaii. The time is currently 1:00 AM, and I'm still up. Not quite sure why, but here I am. 
My mind has been just racing the last few days. I'm about to take off for Texas in 3 days to go home for John's graduation. Still need to pack. Still need to do a million things at work. Still need to get gifts for my roommates- one's moving out and one's about to have a birthday. So, there's a lot going on. Not to mention the fact that my sister...my bestest friend, is about to tie the not in a month. And here I am trying to plan bridal showers and parties from 3,000 miles away! No easy task, for sure, but praise the Lord for internet and cell phones!
A few of the pics I've posted are from when Abbey came out to Maui a few weeks ago. We had such a great time, and it was the best birthday gift a girl could ever ask for. I really really needed my sister at that time, and it was such a blessing having her here! We took some pictures up on top of Haleakala, and then she did a little photo shoot with Adam and I. 
The other photos are from my friend's Matt and Michelle's wedding. They got married last weekend at a beautiful ceremony overlooking the ocean. Adam and I went to the ceremony in the morning, and then later partied that night for the reception. Good times were had by all! 
Weddings are quite the topic right now. I've been involved with two this past month. One as a bridesmaid, and then the other as a "helper." Now, it's off to Texas for another wedding celebration. So many blessings in my life! Tis the season!

Blog Beginnings

I recently contacted my old Journalism professor about writing opportunities and careers in writing, and he told me to start a blog. Ha! Not exactly the answer I was looking for, but appropriate nonetheless. So, here it is. Hopefully, this can serve as a link between my life in the islands and all of those friends and family back home (whom I miss soooo much!). I also hope this little blogspot will be a place to post my ideas, dreams, and fleeting thoughts. I have learned so much in the past year and a half while living on this little rock in the middle of the Pacific.

Island life has taught me so much about the importance and the need for community. From relationships with family and friends to everything in between. I'm realizing more and more my need for people. It sounds juvenile, but this has been a big breakthrough for my little mind to comprehend.

I really love living here! Paradise is all around me, all the time. Sometimes I feel like I'm stuck in Peter Pan's Neverland that is more illusion than reality. Whether I'm swimming with the fishies or hiking around waterfalls, everyday represents a new adventure. My blessings are abundant, and my cup runneth over...way over!

Right now, finances are tight, love is in the air, and I'm taking a stab at Children's Book writing. We'll see how things pan out...in the mean time, welcome to Island Insights...