In The Philippines, The First Few Days

I have finally gotten back to the country that I love. I have made it safely. After over 42 hours of travel I arrived into my new home Saturday afternoon. There is nothing on the Earth that I would trade for the experience I am having right now. 

For those that have been worried, the typhoon did not hit us much. It hot the country farther north of where I am. All we got was some light rain for most of the day Sunday. I do ask that you keep the country in your prayers especially those that where in the path of the typhoon.

The first few days here where great. Shortly after I arrived on the grounds we had our kids choir. They are a wonderful group of kids. They are getting ready for a special even coming up later this month. We also invited some people into the mission house to evacuate for the storm, they live in areas that flood really easy. It was nice to be able to be a part of their lives. Sunday morning we had a fellowship in the house with those that where staying with us. We also went to the local school where they were housing over 160 families that needed to evacuate from the flood areas.

Finally, I want to share the verse that I read the the other day that has struck a chord. It read from Zephaniah 3:17, “The Lord your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.”

What a powerful verse to start off the Philippines. When I read it this morning I was floored. It is a nice reminder of how God is with me everywhere I go. That He is always in the midst, when I go out, when I lay down my god is with me. He will protect me. Not only that but, He loves me so much, God rejoices over me. When you look at the word rejoice it also means to be glad, joy, cheerful. When you look at it the is so happy with me and who I am, not only that but, He sings over me. I have a God that sings over who I am. Who is cheerful and full of joy in the singing over me. I also, have a God that will come down and quite me with His love. When I am alone, afraid, worried, or just anything else that keeps me from happiness, my God will wrap His arms around me and surround me with His love. I have a God that cares a lot about me. 

God has wonderful plans in store for the Philippines, and I am excited that I get to be a part of it. I am looking forward to seeing what is going to happen next.