The First 2 Weeks - Settling into my New Home

Well, I have been here in the Philippines for more than 2 weeks now. I have had many wonderful experiences already and I’m settling into my role.

The Prayer Mountain is a truly beautiful place to live. I live in one of the guest houses. There are many small huts around the place which are perfect for praying, reading the bible or studying. Every morning I am refreshed by looking at my beautiful surroundings, and I praise God for His creation.

My room is the the bottom one on the left

I have had two weekends here already. I have been spending time with some students from Korea, who have come here to learn English. We have had lots of fun together. On Saturday, Pastor Lee from the Bible College took us to Tagatay to see Taal volcano. It was absolutely beautiful.

The lake in the volcano, Tagatay

I have several roles at the College already. In the mornings, I work in the office. Paul College of Leadership is currently applying for accreditation. I am typing and editing the paperwork required for the application. I also handle the ministry reports for the 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd year students. The College is also hoping to have a web page. I am not particularly gifted with computers or the internet, but I am looking at options for this.

In my afternoons, I have been tutoring a Chinese student in English. I am amazed at the improvement I have seen in only 2 weeks!

Once a week, I take a class of 1^st year girls for “growth enhancement”. This is a pastoral care type of class, aimed at supporting and encouraging the students.

There are also some projects coming up soon. PCL’s outreach concert will be happening on March 2. Students are madly trying to rehearse and organise the different aspects of the concert. I will also be involved in the concert. I feel very privileged that they have asked me to sing a special number.  We are also working towards the graduation of the 4^th Year students on April 12.

I am very excited about our upcoming mission trip to Bohol Island on April 16^th. This is a wonderful opportunity for our ten 4^th Year students to be involved in cross-cultural mission. I was so touched to be invited to join them on their trip. Committing to the mission trip has been a big step of faith for most of the students, as they currently do not have the finances required. The trip costs 14 000 pesos (approximately $325) per student. I would like to mention that if anyone reading this blog feels that they would like to contribute anything, even a small amount, toward the mission trip, it would be most appreciated. If God is laying this need on your heart, please contact me by email (gmedling@optusnet.com.au) or on Facebook.

4th Year Students (and me!)

I have been so blessed during my first 2 weeks here in the Philippines. While I have felt a bit homesick at times, missing my wonderful family in Perth, my beautiful friends and church in Darwin, my awesome students from MCC and of course, my beautiful dog and turtle, God has continued to reassure me that He is the one who has placed me here and that He has a purpose. In my devotional time, God drew me to a verse in Ephesians.

                “In Him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will…” (Ephesians 1:11)

God really showed me that He does have a plan, and He works out all things. I am so excited to be following God’s plan for my life and I trust that when I am weak, He is strong, and that I can do all things through Him who gives me strength!