Sunday, October 09, 2005

Chaplain Dinner

Friday evening we were invited to a Chaplain Dinner. One of the missionaries that is part of Sports Ambassadors has a army chaplain ministry. So this dinner was after a few days of Americans coming and speaking, challenging, and encouraging the Philippine chaplains! So we just got invited to the dinner for last meal so to speak. It was very very nice, and they had some great entertainment that Tara and I both really enjoyed. They sang and danced showing one of the Philippine tribal culture. It was very interesting, and educational. The Fellowship was great as well, as we visited with a Colonel who had relatives that lived in Morristown, IN! Small world after all.

Life in the Philippines

Well, we have finally like I had mentioned earlier are getting sort of settled in with Rich and Marla (if you don't know them look at ealier blogs). We are trying to learn the different culture, study about living abroad, and just take it all in. It's sort of hard to describe everything. Let's just say, busy streets, strange smells, and a lot of rice! That would be a great start and picture.

This being the first week while in the Philippines for the first time ever. It has been a slow start that has gone by fast from my point of view, where as Tara's could be different. She did mention that when she is busy doing things it goes by fast. We have also learned quickly that things take time to do, to get, and to go somewhere...it's just not the quick convience of American over here.

Tara, has this week, been at the school she will be very invovled in alot of the days. She has got to meet the Principal, most of the teachers, and already knows everyone name in the Kindergarden class. Though I will mention there are only 6, and one of the little boys it's his family we are living with!

Eric, or should I say myself...I have been out to what's called Outland Adventure which is ropes course almost just like in the States, where they have high ropes, low ropes, challenging, and etc. Where it's team building, character building, and etc. If you don't know what I mean...check out there website at www.outlandadventure.com . Here, I have been able to meet with many of the staff, and was able to go to the gospel night where they are able to share the gosple message of Jesus Christ to a public school. This program is set up to have corporations, schools, and any group from the Philippines to come and learn, share, and be challenged! Well, long story short! Rich Henderson the missionary we are working with just recently took over this ministry, and know already has many more schools interested. And Praise the Lord there is a school of 850...800 students, and 50 teachers/staff...and they want the whole SCHOOL to come and do this rope course! So Rich has decided to break it down into groups of 40 for the every Thursday and Saturday from Dec through March! So that's right every Thursday and Saturday a group of 40 will be at the ropes course...that's a lot. Though Praise God there are able to come through, and hear the gospel.

More to come about this ministry...though this upcoming week...I am already planning to go with the two of the staff to do a follow up of one of the schools that have already gone through the ropes course...please be in prayer for this!

Tara will be working more and more at the school which is called Faith Academy, and please be in prayer for this!

Much much more to come later...about Friday Culture experience we attended a American/Philippines Army Chaplain Dinner, Saturday was our first Philippino wedding, and Sunday was fun in the sun. I will try to get Tara to explain some of these for you upcoming soon!

Love you all!! His Therefore Yours!

Eric and Tara

Where to Start!!!!

Sunday the arrival into the Philippines..First we must just give Praise to God about a safe and easy trip, flights, taxi, and drive into our new home town for a year Davao City!

We are sorry, and keep seeing more and more emails asking for updates from friends, and families. We have been kept pretty busy, with jetlag, ministry, meeting more, more, and more new faces...and oh yea a little fun here and there!

Well, There is so much to say, and I don't know how to put it all down in one single blog so I might just have to break it up in a few!

We are getting settled in...we are currently staying with the main missionaries that we are sort of under or with. There names are Rich and Marla Henderson, with four kids, garrett, sadie, tristian, and cameron...two dogs and now us! Only for the time being!

I promise more to come later!
MUCH more! Thank you for your prayers, and so many answers to only give Praise to HIM..and Him alone!!