This month I have felt much more "at home" here and am beginning to find my place and my speed. It's always funny when I recognize myself thinking, "so good to be home" when I return to the house I'm living in. You know, that deep breath of relaxation you expel when you return to the comfort and security of your home. It's funny, and sweet, and strange... but I'm so glad for it!!
I am really beginning to get to know all the kids here. I am enjoying the time I get to spend with them and seeing how their gifts and talents are really being put to use here in the Oikos Community. Each one of them has been so welcoming and sweet to me. As I am becoming more familiar with my surroundings and opening up more and more, they are too with me, and even though they are shy with speaking English and I am shy with using my newly learned language, Waraywaray, so we can bond over our shyness!! Really, though, from Abby up to the oldest scholars, this is really a great group of kids and I am so blessed to know them.
Probably the best part of this month was the immersion. Imagine if "Survivor" was rated G with lots of charismatic prayer, singing and happiness...that was what immersion was like. As I said in my blog about it, we did have really good shelters to sleep in and the weather was beautiful the whole weekend, we definitely received some lovin' from the Lord. But setting aside everything to go and spend a weekend with people living in a poor barrio, giving them food, clothes, snacks, religious formation, movies, music, mass, prayers, doctors, a dentist, medications, opening the doors to the scholar and livelihood programs...how can you possibly top that???
Here is a photo journal of the highlights of the month:
Immersion Fun:
We visited St. Anthony's Church in Guiuan. It is a "pilgrim church" where people who are suffering, having surgeries or have special intentions travel to all throughout Samar.
 There is construction going on in the church from typhoon damage, but the altar is beautiful with a carving of the last supper in it. |
This is a view across from St. Anthony's Church. No fooling. It's that beautiful!!
Any room on that bus for me?? Doesn't look like it!!
The Oikos Sisters were donated land in Borongan far from any waterways. They are planning to build a Charity Village where poor people who cannot afford land can have a home. The following pictures are of the land the sisters will begin working on. Is there no end to the awesome things these sisters can do? Praise God!!
A trip to San Gabriel with some of the scholars. And a little photo shoot!!
Immersion selfie with a cutie!
It always amazes me... the contrast between the beauty of the Philippines and the devastation of poverty found here. I don't think I'll ever get used to it.
Delivering piglets with the Livelihood Team. What a noisy day that was!!
A trip to Cagbonga, a nearby barrio where we fed the people physically and spiritually. Fun day!
Here I am with Fr. Ben, who has generously donated (with the help of his parish, which is in the U.S.) the funds for another barrio feeding for us to do before Christmas with his parish.
Salamat, Padre!
The little baby in this picture had the cutest, chubbiest feet!!
 Benedict and I made floral arrangements for All Saints Day and All Souls Day. |
These are the shops that set up across from the cemeteries on Nov. 1st and 2nd.
Visiting the deceased family members of Sister Clarissa...
And Sister Minerva...
A Chapel in Borongan Catholic Cemetery... I could've spent hours in this peaceful place!
Playing with bubbles in my room in Providence Home with Abby. She caught more than I did!
All in all, I have to say that it has been an amazing two months in the Philippines. I am really enjoying the people, the scenery, the food, and most importantly helping the Oikos Community help the least among them.
I have put my life and my heart in God's hands. I trust that He will lead me to where I can serve Him most fully. Thank you for your prayers for the past two months. Please keep them coming! And know that you are in mine.
I know I have said this before, but never in my wildest imaginations would I ever have guessed that I would be a missionary, living, temporarily for now, in the Philippines, working with a community of sisters and feeling more joy than I ever have before. There is sadness too, and difficulties, but the underlying feeling I have every day is joy.
You just never know what God has in store for you...isn't that exciting???
xxoo
