Week 1

I’m sitting on my bed this morning and through my window I can see just above the trees, a Filipino flag flying.   It’s a surreal feeling for me…. yet feels perfect all at the same time.   I’ve been in the Philippines for one week and I have had the chance to experience so much already.  My first day here was a full one.  I got to join in with a children’s group that meets in the Harvell’s home.  On Saturday afternoons approx 25 children come to hear Bible Stories, learn bible verses, play games, eat snacks, etc.

  


Later in the evening on Saturday’s the Harvells host a house church.  I was blessed to stand with my new friends in the Philippines and sing, “He Knows My Name” 

I have a Maker
He formed my heart
Before even time began
My life was in his hands
I have a Father
He calls me His own
He'll never leave me
No matter where I go

He knows my name
He knows my every thought
He sees each tear that falls
And He hears me when I call

Tuesday morning I woke up to wind gusts and hard rain... My first Typhoon!  The power was out at around 7am.  Several trees were blown down and major flooding      occurred.  Thankfully the area where the Harvell's live did not have any major damage.  We were without power for 2 days.  What a way to start my first week here!

Thursday night I got to meet with an awesome group of girls.  We spent time getting to know each other, shared a snack, and played a game.  We are going to be spending time together every Thursday while I am in Manila.  I’m really looking forward to getting to know them more!

   Sara 

Just traveling through

                                                                                                                                9/23/11
I woke up this morning way to early with mixed feelings of excitement and fear.  I have spent so much time thinking, preparing, worrying about this journey, and now it is time to go…ready or not.   My dad and I loaded up his truck and headed for STL.  I wish I could say that I was facing the start of my journey with courage… but I can’t.  I started crying before even leaving the house. (I hadn't really recovered since saying goodbye to my mom last night).  He did his best to distract me by blaring the disco and oldies station.  My favorite was when “I will survive” came on. ☺  I think I was just overwhelmed with the entire experience (and it’s no big secret that I’m a crier).  
We arrived at the airport and carried in my very heavy bags.  I went to check in fearing that my bags would be over on weight and that I would have to pull things out at the last minute.  I sat my bags on the scale and sure enough… both bags were over.  I stood looking at the man helping me as he put the stickers on both of them and checked them without saying a word.   I sighed a huge relief and added it to my list of “reasons the Lord is clearly in this journey with me”.   We headed to security and the tears started flowing.  I couldn’t help it… I said goodbye to my dad and made my way through security with tears streaming down my face.  After lots of strange looks and “a random security screening” I boarded the plane.  As the plane took off and I watched Missouri and Illinois get smaller I asked the Lord to keep my family and friends safe.  I spent time thinking about all of the people who have poured into my life, who have pushed me and encouraged me, the people who have loved me unconditionally, who have always stood beside me. 
My flights were pretty uneventful.  I watched movies and thankfully slept quite a bit.  I met several kind people along the way who were also travelling to the Philippines.  I endured a 1-hour flight, a 13.5-hour flight and a 3.5-hour flight before landing in Manila.  I stepped off the plane and instantly started sweating! Turns out it's still hot in the Philippines. :)  I stood in the immigration line, picked up my bags (all of them!) and met the Harvell’s.  I made it! 

All my bags are packed...

Tomorrow is the big day!  I can't believe that it's finally time to go.  I have a full travel schedule ahead of me...
Here is my flight itinerary:
9/22 Depart St. Louis at 9:05am
        Arrive in Chicago at 10:15am

        Depart Chicago at 12:35pm
9/23 Arrive in Seoul at 2:10am (CDT)
     
        Depart Seoul at Approx. 6am (CDT)
        Arrive in Manila Approx. 10am (CDT)

Manila is 13 hours ahead of the CDT time Zone (14 hours when change to CST)

Here is my address in Manila:
Sara Nuxoll
C/O Greg Harvell
PO Box 7506 DAPO Lock Box
Domestic Road, 1300 Pasay City
Metro Manila, Philippines

I'm not sure how long mail will take to arrive... I should have internet so you can email me (snnuxoll@gmail.com) or contact me on facebook.  I would love to hear from you!

Here are some prayer requests:
1.  My bags are right at the weight limit (weighed my dad holding them while standing on the bathroom scale lol.).  Pray that they are under limit so I don't have to take things out at the last minute.
2.  Pray that I can be calm and clearheaded as I find my departure gates.
3.  Pray for me as I endure very long flights.  Pray for minimal swelling in my legs and feet.
4.  Pray for my luggage to arrive in Manila.

I am feeling a little nervous... but mostly I am excited to officially begin this journey!

I'll update as I can.  Thank you for praying and being an incredible support to me!
 Sara