First Day in Cebu

"Now Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see..." Hebrews 11:1

After pulling an all-nighter packing with Jessica and Jessena, I left for the airport at 4:30am hauling 130lbs of luggage. Okay, so I pack like a girl - I am going to be gone for 2 months and needed everything!

I'm not a fan of goodbyes, so I didn't look back after going through security. The entire trip was about 32 hours from Minneapolis to Chicago to Korea to the Philippines. 20 hours on the plane! It was really weird though because I missed an entire nighttime! I sat next to the window on all my flights. For the long 14 hour flight from Chicago to Korea, I sat next to a guy in the army who was going over to train troops in Korea. He didn't appreciate though when I fell asleep on his shoulder and started drooling ;) jk! Then I also sat with this cute missionary woman from there as well. She was very helpful in figuring out where to go next in the airport. Another woman lectured me for flying by myself. She's like "Do your parents know where you are?" I decided that I hate airplane food. Very gross. Ended up getting something from Starbucks in Seoul. I also had my movie fill watching Push, 17 Again, Inkheart, 12 Rounds, and Lovin Dancing. Good thing for airplane movies. Food on the other hand...was crappy. I guess that it was at least something, but when you have the choice of rubber chicken or eel, what would you choose?

I made it to all of my flights on time and didn't get too lost. My passport was my life - along with my flight ticket. When I got to the Philippines, my bags were like the last ones off the rack. Some guy carried them for me and I went out to craziness. Some guy was trying to give me a taxi ride while I was trying to stay with the guy with my my luggage. Finally I saw the Guills (the missionary couple), and I knew that I had made it to Cebu safe and sound.
The heat was amazing, even at 11:30pm. Then smell was something else too. It stunk like garbage heated up. I look out in wonder to the poverty in the streets and all the families out there.

The Chuck and Maggie Guill live in a nice house village, where I have my own room with wireless and air conditioning. Praise the Lord! They even have a grand piano, which Maggie loves hearing people play. Maggie and Chuck are so sweet. They treat me like a daughter. My time schedule was so messed up when I got here. It's like a 13 hour difference ahead of what I am used to. I got a total of 5 hours of sleep in the last 3 days. Then I taught in the schools with Maggie the next day. Then children were around 4-6 years old. Most of them spoke English. I haven't tried any interesting foods yet. Although I have already had fresh coconut! :D Drinking a lot of water! (along with taking Reliv) My feet were very swollen from the long flight and dehydration, but they are looking better. I was out at 6pm and slept for 12 hours. I even fell asleep with my laptop on my lap, which wasn't wise because it crashed to the floor around midnight. oops.

Well, I am looking forward to what the next day holds. Still walking by faith. I a little nervous about coming, but I am excited to see what God has in plan. I just want to soak up as much as I can of the culture and people. Please keep me in your prayers so that I will continue to be strong. Love and miss you all!!!