July, August and September

How time flies! I simply cannot believe that I have been in this beautiful country for 8 months now. While I wrote a quick blog in August about the flooding and relief goods we were distributing, it has been a few months since I did a general update. As usual, so much has happened!

July 21 was a terrifying day for me. I had to say goodbye to my 20s, as I turned 30 years old! I was hoping to celebrate this special day with the wonderful people on the mountain, but it seemed that it was not to be, as we had no electricity on the mountain that week. Someone had stolen the electric wire (again) that brings electricity to the top of the mountain. Classes were cancelled and all the boys were asked to help fix the electric wires in new positions which hopefully would not be so easily taken.

 

However, I was in for a surprise. Despite the unexpected events, an elaborate plan was being devised for Wednesday 18^th, 3 days before my actual birthday. It began with an emergency. I was needed, as one of the people at the school was very sick and wanted me to help her. I was horrified when I got there to see that she had vomited blood… Thankfully, I only had to worry for a short time, because soon many students burst out from behind closed doors and started to sing Happy Birthday to me. They took me to a room which had been beautifully decorated with candles in the shape of a heart. For my birthday celebrations I had to dance with all of the 1^st year boys, I had songs performed for me by 3 groups, there was a magic show, games, a message from the Bible and a video message from some of my beloved colleagues in Darwin. I was given giant cards which the students had signed with the most beautiful messages and a photo mosaic made from pictures of me and some of my friends. I was blown away. After recovering from the initial shock (I truly believed that the girl I went to see was very, very sick) I simply could not wipe the smile from my face. I felt so overwhelmed by the effort and the love that was shown to me. Truly, my 30^th was a birthday that I will NEVER forget.

 

However, my birthday celebrations were not over. When I went down from the mountain for the weekend, I was surprised with more celebrations at Christ Liveth in Me Fellowship, the church of my dear friends and the place where I sleep every weekend. On the Saturday night (my real birthday) they did a song and dance performance that was truly hilarious and made a scrapbook with many photos and beautiful messages from the church members. We ate adobo chicken (my favourite Filipino dish) and I was so happy because my dear friend Elvy, who visited me in Darwin last year, was able to join us. Finally, on Sunday I was blessed with another card filled with lovely messages from my church. Wow! I am so blessed here to be surrounded by people who show so much kindness, thought and love to me.

So happy to celebrate my birthday with Mommy Elvy!



I definitely did not know what these 2 girls were doing behind my back, but I really love this photo!

In August we had the floods! This was such a surreal experience and I am still reflecting on it. I wrote about the floods and included photos in my last post. If you don't know about that, you should read my August update.

August 18 was the wedding of my dear friends Pastor Garlan and Pastora Aiza. Many of you in Darwin will remember Garlan, as he also visited Darwin last year. This wedding was so joyful, such a wonderful celebration of their love and a testimony to the goodness and faithfulness of God to His servants. I was asked to sing at the wedding, and while I was a bit nervous, I really enjoyed the experience. I was also honoured as a principal sponsor. Of course, this was my first Filipino wedding so I didn’t realise that I would make a special entrance and sit in a special place. I was even asked to share a very quick word of encouragement for the happy couple. I enjoyed the wedding so much. Garlan and Aiza are very close to my heart and it was wonderful to see their families again, as I have slept in the houses of both of their families at different times during the past 2 years. I am always so excited to see little EJ, Garlan’s nephew, who has a very special place in my heart and is financially supported by my sister. What a wonderful day. Apart from the fact that my shoes made my toes bleed, it was a perfect day!

Aiza, the beautiful bride



The happy couple with some of us who were involved in the wedding



EJ. I love this boy!
 

One of the highlights for PCL is the annual event ‘Sportsfest’. I was amazed at the preparation that went into this program. From Tuesday 11^th til Friday 14^th our days were filled with basketball, volleyball, chess, darts, table tennis and a unique activity called ‘PCL Survivor’. There were also cheering competitions (involving elaborate dance routines, props, costumes and all done with the typical Filipino sense of humour) and a talent night. My job was very enjoyable that week. I gave a very quick encouragement at the beginning of the proceedings (I was asked to do that about 5 minutes before it began) and I judged the cheering competition and talent night. Apart from that, I sat down and watched thoroughly entertaining games. I got a bit sunburnt during the week, and many of the students are a lot browner than they used to be, but it was a wonderful week and I can’t wait until next year!

That's me... Can you see me?



Talent Night!
 



This reminds me of something that 'PlaySchool' would make with materials from the 'Useful Box'. I love it!



Congratulations Yellow Ravens!

I am enjoying being involved in the music team at my church, Gethsemane Dweller Church Hillside. Also, there have been times when students from the school have asked me to visit their churches for special events such as concerts and anniversaries. While I am not always able to do this, I enjoy the times when I can. Last week I gave an encouraging testimony and sang a special number at Bro. Jonathan's church, which I thoroughly enjoyed.

One of the wonderful things about PCL is that the student stay there from Monday to Thursday. There are many opportunities for bonding. I love getting to know the students better. My prayer is always that I can be there fore them; that they know that they can talk to me if they need advice, encouragement or prayer. It is therefore necessary for me to spend time building relationships with them, so when they invite me to join in birthday celebrations, how can I say no??

 

Of course, we still have regular classes at the Bible School. I absolutely love my students and this semester, my subject of ‘English Communication’ has been so much fun. The students have had different opportunities to practise and demonstrate their English skills and I have especially enjoyed the different presentations they have given. To hear their testimonies and short encouraging messages from the Bible has been inspiring. They have also given dramatic performances which have had me in stitches!

Finally, I have to include some pictures of me and the cute animals here on the mountain.

 

Thank you all for your prayers! My next update will include my trip to… DARWIN!!!! I’m so excited that I will be visiting Darwin from October 19 to 29. After that, my sister will fly from Perth to Darwin with my niece and nephew and we will fly to Manila together, where she can see my school, church, friends and ministries. I’m so thankful to our great God. He is so faithful and good in my life and I am blown away by the way he continues to surprise me with so many great blessings.