When Life Gives You Lemons

Greetings loved ones, the Philippines has embraced us warmly both culturally and through the climate. The staff and students here at the TMI (Teen missions International) base have been a joy to work along side of and get to know better. The team members’ hard work ethic, with the help of the Filipinos, have set the perimeter of the walls four blocks high and a beautifully leveled porch has been set in place. The weather has definitely been a roaster, which has been great for line drying our clothes. Chugging water seems to be the next up and coming sport around these parts. Although the work project is progressing well we sadly weren’t able to attend an evangelism trip on Wednesday. Everyone was excited to share their presentation and was looking forward to sharing the love of Jesus with kids, but the Lord had other plans. Instead, our team had the privilege of sharing their presentation for the TMI staff and students for their chapel. Yesterday, we woke up to a power outage. This was detrimental for our food in the refrigerator and the usage of our oven. As everyone was taking in the new reality of what the rest of our trip may behold, Malachi prayed for the morning snack and that the lights will come on. A moment later, the lights flickered on (Genesis 1:4).We serve a good God! Pray that tomorrow we’ll be able to attend a school to share the Gospel. I know everyone would really enjoy doing some more EV (evangelism). I’m so proud of the endurance of these team members; pray that the Lord will give them energy despite the lingering jet lag. Everyone is doing wonderful, continue to be the wonderful prayer warriors that you are on behalf of this team.

(Jenavive M.) The Philippines is so amazing; the culture here is so beautiful. While here, I’ve grown close to some of the students and have experienced some really neat things. Also, the fruit here is so good!!!

(Malachi A.) The Philippines has been amazing! I’ve been enjoying building the boys dorm for the TMI base. So far, we have just layed bricks for the building. The people at the TMI are so fun and I have enjoyed hanging out with them. The views are also amazing! I miss you dad, mom, and family!