I travelled with the Harvell family about 3.5 hours away to the city of Lucena to celebrate the 1 year anniversary of the establishment of the Talipan Community Church. We worshipped together, played a game, and shared a meal. I had the opportunity to meet many of the believers during my trip last January and it was a joy to fellowship with them again.
The Youth group at the Metro Heights Community Church (The Harvell's house church) has been working very hard to learn a hand miming routine as a way to share the gospel. They have been spending time practicing and have performed for the rest of the M.H.C.C. group. We are going to continue to practice and will hopefully have more opportunities to perform.
I have continued to meet with the Girl’s Group during the week, help with a children’s group on Saturday afternoons, and participate in M.H.C.C. group on Saturday evenings. They are such a fun group of people and I feel lucky to get to spend time with them weekly.
On Wednesday mornings I have been attending a Bible Study with a group of Missionary ladies who are all living in the Manila Area. It is a sweet time of fellowship and encouragement and I have met some wonderful new friends.
I have spent much of my time here in “sensory overload”. There are so many people, insane traffic, strong smells, constant noise, and overwhelming heat…. It is much different and has been challenging to adjust to. I have been surprised by the amount of time it takes to do simple tasks. Even going to the grocery store takes several hours. Here is an example day:
Wednesday:
Leave house by 6:30am for a Bible Study that begins at 8:30a
(It’s better to leave early and eat a quick breakfast out rather then sitting in traffic)
Arrive at Bible Study at 8:45a.
(Tire was flat pushing back our leaving time which then forced us to sit in traffic.)
Leave Bible Study at 11:30 to travel to the store for a few shopping errands
Arrive at 12p Eat a quick lunch, shop, and leave by 2 for Caleb’s Volleyball game.
Arrive and watch game from 4-5p.
Arrive home at 7:30p.m.
Here is the summary for you:
Bible Study – 2hrs
Shopping- 2hrs
Caleb’s game 1hr
Quality Time with Jill in the car: 8 hrs.
How ‘bout those Cardinals??!?! I have been loving getting to watch the Cardinals in the playoffs and now the WORLD SERIES! ESPN Asia is my new favorite channel. Most of the games start around 7am so I get to watch while I eat breakfast. A great way to start the day!
We recently put up some new art in the Harvell’s living room. We were discussing a Bible verse to put on it and the verse “Love your neighbor as yourself” was suggested and agreed upon. I think it describes this family perfectly. I am blessed to be welcomed into a family that truly displays a love for their neighbor. I am honored to watch them and see this command displayed from their actions on a daily basis.
Blessings,
Sara
