Arrived in the Philippines

Hello all!

Well I'm here! I've been in the Philippines for a day and a half or so now. The flights went well, and I somehow managed to deal with the jet lag already!

My time here so far has been quite amazing! The community I'm living in is quite beautiful -- lots of vegetation somehow fits in around tight quarters. The houses, etc. are all very unique. I'm actually sleeping in a room above the 3rd floor of a church in the community. The people at the church have been amazingly hospitable. I'm humbled by how sincere, welcoming they've been.

I've been able to spend a bunch of times with my friends here as well (Craig & Leilani, their daughters Elizabeth and Katharina, and team members Rachael and Stacy). Aside from a bad reaction Leilani had to something in some water or something (she went to the hospital my first day here after having some "digestive problems", and is hoping to be discharged today), they seem to be doing well.

I've had some other interesting experiences as well. I've had a bunch of rides in Jeepnee's (cross between a jeep and a bus, a common form of transportation). They are so much different than what I'm used to. Margaret and Deb would know what I'm talking about. I'll have to show you some pictures of them when I get back!

Already, God has been teaching me stuff, and I've hardly begun. It will be exciting to see what else He has to teach me! I expect to see some poorer communities, likely in the next few days. It sounds like we'll be getting into a bunch of different things as well, although it still remains to be seen what all we do. Apparently flexibility is an important characteristic of someone working here!

Thanks so much for your willingness to pray for me and the team. Here are a few things to pray about:

• Leilani's quick recovery


• Health for all of us


• That God would continue to teach and guide each of us, and that we would be paying attention

At this point, it looks like I'll have access to email once or twice a week, so would love to here from you!

I hope you had a great weekend, and have a great week!

In His Service,

Steve.