Day 5-6..."The Change"

So most of you told me that I would "change" when going on this trip. Well yesterday was THE CHANGE.

I finally got to meet Sister Anne Becher who I had been in touch with for about 6 months in the states. It was quite the trip getting there...it was in Pasay City but Ernie and I got very lost and had to drive through many tiny alleys to finally realize we had directions to the wrong church. I finally found the Little Sisters of the Assumption, their modest home nestled into the "ghetto" as I would call it of the Malibay community of Pasay City in Manila. Sister Margaret greeted me at the gate and I had no idea what I was getting into.

She was so excited to meet me and wanted to show me all of kingdom come, but we started at the nursery. The LSA (Little Sisters of the Assumption, which is the order of nuns) mission is to literally live with the poor and sick and care for them. These amazing Sisters (4 of them) have started several programs for the Barangay 180 (neighborhood of about a block that is the home to probably hundreds of "squatter" Filipinos). When Sister Anne first arrived 10 years ago, she went around asking the families what services they could help with. They responded with education, livelihood, catechism and medical care.

That is just what these Sisters do. They have created a pre-public school education for these precious kids, who otherwise would be very behind in their learning skills. LSA has a Mommy and Me type class for babies, a nursery for 2-3 year olds, a preschool class and a kinder class. These are managed by the Sisters themselves, but taught by other Moms of the Barangay. The Sisters have taught the Moms methods of Montessory to teach simple math, English and other necessary skills for school. When the kids reach public schools, they are expected to already know English and so without the Sisters, they would be floundering. Also, because the Moms are teaching, they are paid mild wages (because that's all the programs can afford) but the Moms are more than thankful to be paid at all, and also get a chance to spend time and teach their own children. By the time the kids "graduate" kindergarten, the goal is that they can speak and read and start to be able to write English.

Sister Margaret has also started a program for special needs kids. There is a heavy stigma within most Filipino's for these children. This may be a little TMI for a blog, but I feel like this is so important that you all MUST know. If a mother bears a child with special needs, she is thought to either have a demon or have a failed abortion. Families who have these kids mostly keep them cooped up in the tiny house for fear of judgement and don't have money to pay for medical needs. Sister Margaret created a support group that meets once a week and now has 25 families participating! They also have a local doctor who volunteers to come once a week to tend to the kids. I had the blessing of meeting a few of these kids...here are my experiences...

First I met glowing Ruvegen, I'll call her Gen :) She is around 4-5ish and has cerebral palsy, and also and an imperforate anus. She just had surgery on her legs so she recently started walking!! She has cute little converse boots and one brace and was running all over the small library when I met her. She ran up and said hi to sister and I, and hugged my leg. She had the biggest smile I have ever seen on a child. She will be hopefully treated soon for her anal problem.

Then Sister M walked me around the neighborhood where the homes were as small as minivans and very dirty. Sister knocked on one door so I could meet one boy (I forgot his name, so I'll call him Jack ha). Jack has CP as well and is has a pretty deformed little body for a 2-3 year old. His shins are about the size of a sausage. I know I am being so blunt, but I just want you all to know the EXTREME condition of these souls. The mother was a bit apprehensive with me being there, but I was with her dear Sister so she let me come in. I'm not sure what was going on medically with Jack, but I didn't have to know- I could just SEE.

Then there was Jobe. Jobe we saw on the street near the feeding area, which is sponsored by the LSA. He was sitting on the dirty street and I actually kind of tripped over him. I didn't realize how he was until he started dragging his body, scooting backwards and I noticed his shoe-less feel and larger head. He wobbily stood up and side stepped to the other side of the street. He is older, maybe late teens or early twenties. Sister explained that she found out his mother recently commit suicide and his father passed away so he is completely abandoned and homeless and HELPLESS in the streets. He must find food somehow and some neighbors have showered him every now and then but the LSA are currently looking for a home for him. After hearing this, I looked to Jobe crying, and he too had a huge missing-toothed smile.

And that is the Filipino way. Every single "squatter" that I have seen is a smiling, God-fearing person, regardless of their poverty. It is so inspiring. I can't even believe it.

After seeing all this, I was waiting for Ernie to come pick me up. Sister let me sit in the chapel next door and I cried for an hour. What could I possible do to make this lifestyle any better for all these THOUSANDS even millions of people?? If I could, I would bulldoze every squatter house and build them mansions and fill their fridges and clothe them all. I saw FAMILIES living on a bridge, toddlers running around naked carelessly, and nearly getting hit by Jeepneys and pedi-cabs. It broke my heart into a million pieces. My heart is beat up from the things I've seen and is swollen into my chest. I knew I was called here to help, but HOW? What can I do for my poor brothers and sisters? Sure, I can buy them a meal and clothes, but it will not bring them out of poverty- that is up to the LORD. So what is my place in all this? What is OUR place in all this?

Sister M told me this story, after knowing that I wished I could snap my fingers and end world poverty ha...
"So a man was walking down the beach where thousands and thousand of starfish has washed up on the shore. For miles they were washed up. He walked along, scooping up the starfish and throwing them into the ocean. Then a man came up to him and said, 'What are you doing? Don't you know that there are SO many starfish and you will not make any difference?' He reached down and threw one starfish into the ocean and replied, 'I have made a difference.'"

I am slowly dicerning and learning about what I can do...It is all in God's hands who "comes out of poverty". Maybe giving that hot meal, or bag of clothes to them, will make them beg the question "Why?" which will then lead them to Christ even more, and HE will be the one who changes lives.

...I don't know, to tell you what exactly is on my heart- I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT I AM DOING lol. I just know that somehow, I can help these poverty stricken people.

This is how I know...
Today Richard and I went to the Riverbank, a small mall near Merch's house. I got a funny Filipino shirt for my Johnny boy and were about to leave when a little boy came up with his hand out. I'm not a fan of just giving money, so I gave him my crackers and a piece of gum. Richard translated and told me that he said he wants food. I grabbed his arm and pulled him inside a McDonald's-like restaurant we were outside of. I told the little boy to pick whatever he wanted. He got a plate of spaghetti with chicken and a Coke. I told him to sit down and Richard and I sat with him while he ate his meal. Richard translated as I asked the boy a million questions.

His name is Michael Angelo (funny ha, he had no idea who Michaelangelo was) and is ten years old. He has eight children in his family, and his parents sent him out to beg because they could not provide him with any. He was barefoot and covered in dirt. I asked him when was the last time he had a real meal like this, and he said "NEVER". He walked over an hour BAREFOOT and alone to get to the mall where he asks for money. I asked him if he had a girlfriend and he smirked and said there is a girl who likes him, but she is rich. I asked if I could get him anything else and he said his family needs rice to eat. Richard and I took him into the mall, which BY THE WAY, they wouldn't let Michael into because he was a street kid, but they let him in because he was with us.

I suddenly felt so protective of Michael, and walked confidently with my hand grazing and guiding his back as people stared. We went to the grocery store and got a 5 kilo bag of rice and some flip-flops and a few canned goods. We looked for a Jeepney but there was none, so we bought him a cab ride to go back home. And there was Michael :)

I have no idea what will happen to that little boy, or if he has any idea how much he touched my swollen heart, or if he will ever understand WHY Richard and I did what we did. I do not tell you all this to show you what "good things" I am doing or so that you are "proud". I just want you all to know what it is like. Michael was my first starfish- a starfish with a full belly for once.

I am planning to stay with the LSA for a week next week and have several appointments with other nuns and orphanages this weekend. I am very excited to see what God has in store. I am constantly praying and asking what it is that I can do to serve him to the best of my ability. What is my God-given talent? What can I do to improve the lives of these precious brothers and sisters?

I ask you all to continue your prayers, they are moving mountains over here :)
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My Lord and Saviour,
You are the God of the rich and the poor. Surely I have seen, the poor, precious Filipinos I am with. You have shown me your love and power through their lives, and I am so grateful. I pray that I can learn tot depend on you so heavily and these people do. I pray that we who are so blessed can depend on you as they do. I pray that you answer my bleeding heart Lord, because I will do all that I can to serve you through serving my brothers and sisters here. I am listening Lord, although it is impossible to quiet my rapid mind. If you could send me a neon flashing sign of what to do, that would be great. If not, well, I am here, listening and searching for Your will.


Thank you for Gen, Jack, Jobe and Michael. They are your children, just as I am your child, and I pray that you will send them guardian angels to guide and guard them in their struggles.


You are all powerful and only you, my God can save lives, not I. But I am your tool, for whatever purpose I can serve you. I love you so much Lord and am so thankful for all these beautiful souls I have encountered. I am forever changed.


Give me patience because I am missing Cameron SO much.
I love you.
Amen

Day 3-4...Visiting the Homeland

So if you thought the last post was long, sit down for this one ;)

So yesterday, Monday, I had breakfast again (as I probably will every day that I stay at the Ignacio's) with Lola and Tita and Ernie, who is Tita Merch's cousin and the family driver. I got to call Cameron and both parents which was very cool and then went to Rosary and Mass at the Chapel next door with Lola.

Honestly, (sorry Uncle Pat) I don't remember the last time that I've prayed the rosary so hard. I was kind of like meditating in the repetitive prayer and just asking Mary to intercede for some more guidance for me. For all the non-Catholics, I'm just gonna throw in that I pray to Mary to intercede, just as you all are interceding for me :) Anyway, then there was Mass and the Homily definitely spoke to my heart. The priest was talking about not living an empty religious life, but to actually LIVE out your faith, in whatever way God gifted you to live it out.

I am learning more about Lola (Merch's mom) which means Grandma in Tagalog, and she is a great example of someone who lives out her faith. Her whole life is devoted to the Lord by helping serve in her congregation. At St. Stephen's in Valley Center, I would say she is the ultimate steward ha. Years ago, she pushed in her community and felt God was telling her to build a new church in their neighborhood of Loyola Heights. She started painting out of melted recycled crayons and a eye shaped cut out aluminum can as her brush. She paints mostly flowers which have a very Realist feel. She raised enough money on her own to start building the church and has since become a very well known elder in her town. Since I have been here, she has had lunch with different priests, nuns and other high status Filipinos, who come to her for advice.

I guess I am telling you all this because this woman is so inspiring to me. She has dedicated her whole life to the Lord, in her own specific way. It stands out to me because I am searching for MY way to serve him. What is YOUR way?

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After mass, I went to Greenhills with Ernie, which is an even HUGER mall than the first and bought my first pair of freshwater pearl earrings for only 150 pesos which is about $5.00!!! WHAT?! Ha, I also learned that Filipino men aren't as fun to shop with as my bartering Tita Merch haha...

On the way back, stuck in traffic of course, I got to talk to Ernie. God seemed to bring himself up in conversation and Ernie started talking about his walk with the Lord. Long story short, he was cradle Catholic, but not until he mete his bride did he really get to personally know and love God. His wife Veron was diagnosed with Lupos, cancer of the liver, and told that she was going to die. Her wish was to marry and so Ernie asked her hand in marriage. All of their family and friends prayed and prayed and now, after many years, Veron and Ernie have 3 daughters, all in college and Veron dedicated her life to being a Catechist at the local Elementary school. Because her cancer is coming back, she must quit her job and have more rest. Love and prayers for Veron's health, but many thanks and praise to the Lord who answers prayers and sustains life.

_____________________
Then last night, I got the chance to accompany Merch to an exclusive Art Exhibit in Makati (the La Jolla or Banker Hill of Manila) of her dear friend Mrs. Dans. She is being considered to be a Philippine National Artist, which is the highest honor an artist can receive as a Filipino. Needless to say, she is a VERY talented woman. If you have seen Eat Pray Love, like Julia Roberts marveled at the beauty of Rome, I got to marvel at some of the most beautiful artwork I have ever seen. Mrs. Dans is a precious little Filipina Realist who uses many different mediums, but my favorite was her watercolor of calado, which is a hand embroidered lace handkerchief. Google Araceli Limcaco Dans and check out her art :)

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Today I woke up by a knock on my door and Merch told me I had a visitor! My friend Richard from the plane over here surprised me and came to take me to Subic Bay, as I had told him I was born there. He was so sweet to drive me a whole 2 hours up to Subic, but it was kind of a weird deal since the Ignacio family doesn't know him. Tita was very protective, and gave him an interrogation, which reminded me of something a Father would do to a boy taking his daughter on a date. Tita was very classy about it, and I am so grateful for her care. Lola was the one who was still skeptical haha...anyway, I headed off with Richard and we ate at my first abroad Starbucks! Let me tell you, it was exactly the same except they have even MORE pastries! Delicious and much needed caffeine boost.

We got talking about everything as we drove past the most beautiful Kelly green rice fields and little NepaEy-reen?" (ha) "Do you believe in fate?" In the the back of my mind, I kind of dreaded what was coming, because our easy friendship seemed too good to be true. I said yes, I believe that God has a plan for us already...? and here was what he said:

"I really think that it was God's fate that brought us together. You know, this is the first time being back home since me and my ex broke up, and so if I wasn't with you, I would be sitting at home doing nothing. When I found out you were doing missionary work on the plane, I thought, wow, I want to spend my time doing something good like that. Sunday, when you called, I was so excited. My mom said it was the first time she saw me smile since i had been back. (I think he is sad being back and not with his gf) I am so excited to hang out with you and go help people who need it." (Hope I got all that right Richard haha)

Behind my aviator glasses were tears welling up. I was so flattered and so thankful that God made us cross paths. No matter what Lola says, ha, I know that Richard and I have many future adventures to come. The Lord definitely put us in each other's lives for a reason and I am very excited to see what that is.

On to Beautiful Subic Bay, I was SO excited to see the sign for it, I could not believe I was there. I had always thought about what it was like, and Mom and Dad- you guys did not do it justice! Ha, you guys, it is so green, so luscious, so clean and has so much richness. We drove past the airport that my Dad probably did a thousand landings and take-offs, and after asking several times for directions, we found my old house in Bayani village off of Mango Dr. Honestly, I wasn't sure exactly which one was my parents, but Richard and I took enough pictures to ensure we got it ha. We just sat at the bus stop at the top of the street and soaked in the little history that I had there. It was such an awesome feeling- like an overwhelming presence, and a marveling, retrospective aspect of God's creation. (That was a jumble of words ha but that's the best I can do) It was a beautiful moment for little Erin Murphy the Filipina :)

We then drove up to Cubi which is a little hill above the actual bay and had lunch and got fat and walked down to where we thought the Cubi "O" club was. (Dad, I think they must've either torn it down or built over it) We did find the exact viewpoint that my Dad described which was also breathtaking. rich green surrounding that blue bay, and I could only imagine the memories my parents had had there. Then Lola called all worried so we had to head back to get back "before dark" ha. Needless to say, it was only 3:30 but too late because it took almost 5 HOURS to get home!!! Worst part of Manila is the traffic and careless Jeepney drivers. We finally got home and everyone was relieved, except Richard who felt so horrible for getting me home so late, even though there was nothing we could do about it. Lola and Tita still love you Richard! :)

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So! There are my past two days! I guess what I learned, or "got out of it" was the intricate stories that God has woven through these wonderful people. He really does write straight with crooked lines, Ellen :) and Uncle Brian- I have seen Jesus in almost EVERYONES eyes that I've come in contact with!! ha, I am in tears right now, just thinking about how amazing God works, in SO many different ways. It is just up to us to accept Him and accept his will upon us. He us just so obviously present here, His spirit overwhelms me. I am so so thankful to be here- I feel like the Grinch, my heart is growing so big and full, its about to pop out of me!

You guys, this is just so beautiful. I can't even tell you how He is moving me, and those around me. I am so in love with Him and all He has created.

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My awesome Father-
You have created such a handsome and detailed universe, your Glory shines through all living things. I can only imagine what heaven must be like since there are earthly things so beautiful that I could just stare and marvel for hours. Thank you so much for these wonderful people you have put in my life.


Lord I ask your blessings for Lola Remy Ignacio. She is a true handmaiden of the Lord and I thank you for her as an example of stewardship. For Ernie and Veron, that Veron will fufill your will for her here on earth, and to be with her family in good times and bad. For Araceli Limcaco Dans, that she continues to glorify you with her talents in the rest of her years. For my new friend Richard, that you light his path and guide him closer to you. Flood his heart with your spirit, as you have mine, and help me to be his a good sister in Christ. For my wonderful Tita Merch, that you may bless her for her never-ending generosity and love. For everyone back home that is reading this, that you may speak to them in whatever way they need to hear. 


Lord you are the Holiest of holies and the Almighty Father of all. I praise you so hard and with all my might for your love and mercy. I am so grateful for everything in this life. I ask you to be further present in me and guide me on my trip to Malibay to be with the Sisters tomorrow. I love you. 
Amen.

Day 2- March 6..Adventures with Merch

Today was a little less jet-lagged and I feel like we packed a million things into one day. Let me just tell you guys that Manila is one crazy city.

First, I went on a little run this morning around the neighborhood which is so peaceful and green and beautiful. Everyone just stares and smiles, and most say "Hi mom" meaning "Hello mam" but it cracks me up that everyone calls me Mom haha. I'm already falling in love with the Filipino culture. Merch's mom Remy, a glorious 80-something-year-old, makes sure that I eat a lot and try all the Filipino dishes. We sit down for every meal, which is so foreign to me since I am used to Starbucks drivethru's and grabbing something on my way out the door. It's nice to sit and talk and never be rushed. That's "Filipino time".

Merch took me to a Sunday Flea Market which was so busy and had so many distracting but rich, sights, smells and faces. It's even more LA garment district-like then the Tiendasitas from yesterday. It's a bunch of tarps over tables of ALL different kinds of food, and of course theres a clothes section, and also an exotic plants section. It's kind of like a Farmers Market but 5x bigger and 10x more intense. I got to try some Filipino specialties, but the one that stands out is what Merch calls "Chocolate soup". It's pork in this chocolate colored broth that is salty and flavorful and delicious. She told me AFTER that it was BLOOD SOUP!! Ha gross, but actually pretty tasty.

After the shopping, we went into downtown Manila. It is a dirty and stinky of people and deisel, but it is the reality of the native culture. Traffic was crazy and there are Jeepneys and Trikes all over (you should google both of those ;)). We went to Quiapo Church (DEF google that) which is the biggest Catholic church in the Philippines and the largest one I've ever seen. Merch's brother is the Parish Pastor there. It was the most overwhelming feeling to push through the sea of people into a huge rectangle building with very very high ceilings. Its probably as big as a football feild- crammed with people. We walked through the church, with tears building up behind my wide eyes into the Sunday market, another flea market but different. The first one was more "middle class" and this one was just EVERYONNNEEE, from dirt poor, to wealthy- everyone goes to Quiapo. Vendors were selling everything from sandals to purses, to seashells, to nasty smelling dried sardine-looking-fish, to toys and balloons. Merch was great at bartering, because everyone tries to rip off the white chick :)

When i get a chance, I will put up pics/video and you guys will get a little taste of how absolutely overwhelming it is. I was just shoulder to shoulder with people, guarding my purse and eating a weird orange. Let me just say, I was very happy to take a shower tonight.

Then we went to Old Manila, called Intronuros, where there is a big wall surrounding a few churches/cathedrals and old houses and buildings. We ate at a restaurant run by the Bishops of the Philippines called Restorante delle Mistre which means restaurant of the Bishop's hat. It refers to the headress that the Lord instructed Moses to make for the sons of Aaron, check out Exodus 28:40. Anyway, the whole reason we went there was because Lola (grandma) Remy told us to ha, and how funny the Lord works because here is where the good stuff happens...

So, my camera died and we decided to get lunch before we started to head back. Lo and behold, in the restaurant were three nuns, just chillin, and I went  up and started talking to them and Merch helped me explain that I wanted to do Missionary work etc. Ironic that they were the order of sisters called Missionary Catechists of St. Therese. Missionaries ha. They were so happy when I explained about what I felt called to do and directed us to the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent De Paul, which is the order of Nuns that I have been in touch with! We went to St. Vincent De Paul orphanage and met the sweetest Sister and I got to meet some kids there. They were all playing with my wild red hair and were so facsinated with the feathers. The girls kept asking me if I knew Taylor Swift ha. The kids were older so its hard to find things for me to do, especially because not many speak English. The Sister then directed us to El Hospicio de San Jose which houses orphans AND SPECIAL NEEDS KIDS!!!! Um hello. Yes.

Soooo....(sorry this is exhaustingly long, but I am so excited!!) we talked to the administration and I have to write a letter to the Sisters, explaining my purpose in coming and wanting to help there. They were more guarded about their kids, but I think we'll be able to work something out.

And ALL this happened because God let my camera die. He was telling me "Stop being a tourist Erin, and be a MISSIONARY!" lol. Merch and I had many laughs about how He was just guiding us all day long.

I feel like I already have a thousand more stories, but that's enough for now :)

Sweet sweet Lord. Thank you for being such a bright light today. Thank you for bring my ultimate guide. I promise to keep you in the front of my mind and remember why I am here. Please keep showing me the way. I am listening. 
I love you with all my heart and soul. 
Amen.

Day 1!! March 5, 2011 6:30PM

I cannot believe I am sitting at a computer on the opposite side of the world from all you. This has been the most exciting, and absolutely longest day of my life- in a good way :)

I got to Manila at 4 AM after a 14 hour flight, and took a crazy drive to the house where I am staying, which is in Quezon City. The wonderful woman I am staying with is Merch who has generously opened her home to me. She lived in San Fransisco for 28 years, so her English is flawless but also knows the ins and outs of the Philippines. God seriously placed me into the perfect hands for my young and naive heart.

I'm telling you right now, I am going to come back with a little extra LBs because they eat 5x a day! The food is delicious, and I get to have Japanese food tonight after church at 7.

Merch took me around Quezon City to a little outside mall called Tiendalitas (I think) that had tons of antiques and then a whole clothing section that was kind of like the garment district in LA. Then we drove- which is crazy because no one follows driving rules here- south towards Makati. On the way we stopped at a HUGE mall, which is seriously 10x the size of our dainty North County Fair. Then there was Makati, the La Jolla of the Philippines, so gorgeous and wealthy, and so ironic only blocks away from the poorer villages of "squatters". It breaks my heart to see thousands of people living in tin, cardboard and cement blocks. At the same time, it is so uplifting to drive by and see them with a huge smile and a wave.

Besides a little staring at the white girl, everyone has been so kind and has a generous amount of hospitality. I will be meeting some nuns and priests tonight who can help me figure out a plan for my stay here as far as missionary work goes. As of right now, I am completely at peace with reading the Word and journaling my rapid thoughts since being in this beautiful creation of a country. Just me and God.

Thank you Lord for this amazing opportunity. It is only my first day, and I am already anxious to be your tool. Use me, I beg You, for whatever your will may be. Prepare the hearts of those that I will soon encounter, and send your spirit to guide my tongue to use the perfect words. Help me to help my Filipino brothers and sisters, in whatever way- only You know theirs hearts Lord. I praise you with all my being for creating this artistic and gorgeous place. Amen.

One Week

This past week has been an emotional whirlwind for me, for several different reasons, but mostly just the overwhelming feeling of leaving everything here- my whole life, my comforts, my family, my boyfriend, my friends, my favorite foods, my messy car, my comfy down comforter...I feel like I'm putting myself in an uncomfortable situation on purpose ha who does that? It's like this scary jump that I have to make and the only way I'm going to make it, or make it positive and amazing is with God. Putting myself in that situation where I have nothing else to depend on but Him for comfort. I think that's a huge chunk of what this whole journey is about, is learning to depend on Him more and more...eventually for everything.

Dear Lord,
Prepare my heart and soul for whatever you have waiting for me. Keep You in the front of my mind. Reveal yourself to me in all Your glory. I am your handmaiden and your servant. You are all I want. Fill me up.

I ask You, precious Lord, to send Your blessings to all my family and dear friends who have made this possible. The fruit of their support will surely be some wonderful fruit :)

Thank you for my wonderful parents. I am truly blessed. Be present in their hearts always.
AAAAYYYYYYYMMMMEEENNN!!!!!!!!!!

Two Weeks

I officially have an e-ticket in my inbox from Los Angeles to Manila on March 3rd!! Waaahhhhh!!!!!!
I could not be more excited.
I have no idea what the Lord has in store for me.
My heart could not be more willing.

Joyful Joyful

The other night I paused Gossip Girl and was talking to Cameron about plans and life etc. and I ended up in tears just thinking about how great God is for pulling everything together. I don't think I've ever been SO incredibly happy. Praise God, seriously, just for making the unthinkable happen. The more I turn myself over to Him, the more he blesses me with such a deep joy. I just had to share that because this happiness has been so prominent this week-

There is a new beautiful babygirl in the Chadwick family, Grace Elizabeth. Austin (Cameron's brother) and his wife Becky have brought such a bright new soul into the world and the whole fam is just gushing.
Cameron also just signed his letter of intent for a football scholarship to Robert Morris University in Pittsburg. My Grandma is going far out of her way and spreading my letter to I think just about everyone at her church, which makes me just wanna squeeze the love out of her. Kevin and John both got big awards for waterpolo and are bringing their friends to youth group and one of Kevin's friends is actually getting Confirmed in the spring.

Point in short is just that there is so much great stuff going on- big and small.

1 Corinthians 2:9
"...No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him..."

Lord, I am on fire for you. I am so in love with you. You are so Holy and so worthy and only You could provide this intense happiness that is in me. I cannot wait to see what you have in store for me. My heart is yours and only yours.

Lord watch over Rasta girl and T and Maria's kids. Prepare their hearts for the wonderful families they will be brought into. I pray for the team that is going to Uganda and Ethiopia, that we can all come together and do your will, whatever that may be. We are your servants. Thank you for blessing me with amazing parents who have passed on so much wisdom and taught me everything they know about you. Thank you for Cameron Chadwick, strengthen us with your spirit and drown us in your knowledge. I love you with everything. Amen.