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....
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....
yay! Sounds like a lot of fun...keep up the good work, Ellie!
ReplyDeleteStac
I didn't know you had a blog! Or maybe you told me and I forgot :). Sounds like you're havin an awesome time. Thanks for the update! Love you, Meg Leg :)
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