Welcome to Boracay!

I made it!

It sure was a long day of flying, but I made it safe and sound. I slept a lot on the airplanes, so I didn't get too jet-lagged. I actually arrived in Manila at about 11pm on the 20th. By the time I got through customs and exchanged my money, it was nearly midnight. Tori (the missionary I have been in contact with) picked me up and we made the trek back to her home in Manila. Then we had to leave at 5 am to go to the airport to fly out to Caticlan. Caticlan is a town on Panay that is right across the channel from Boracay. Once there you have to take a boat to Boracay.

It turns out our flight was over-booked so they tried to put us on a flight to Calibo, which is a two hour drive to Caticlan. Luckily, Tori knew what she was doing and told them no. So we had to wait for a flight to Caticlan  at noon. Which turned out to be just fine because I had about 6 million questions for Tori. And they refunded our flight plus some. So I used the extra money to pay for my bag which was overweight for traveling in Asia. But they don't charge you a ridiculous amount like they do in the U.S.

Oh what a flight that was. It was a smaller plane, and we got to see the "old" way of instructing safety (no televisions)! The landing was pretty bumpy, ok very bumpy. Not only that, they had to slam on the brakes. You see, the Caticlan Airport runway is in the Guinness Book of World records for being the shortest runway to have passenger planes take off and land on. Er? Poop!(

(These are pictures from Caticlan to Boracay. You can see the types of boats we rode on to get here)

Once we got to Boracay, Pastor Rolando and Teresa greeted me with open arms. They are such loving people! From there they took me to my apartment which is right next to their home and on the the other side is where we will being doing construction on the ministry center. I have a pretty amazing room if you ask me. Way more than I expected. I have a HUGE bed with a little kitchen area. Tori got a burner for me, and a ridge is on the way. I have a bathroom with a shower. No

 hot water, but with how hot is it is right now, a cold shower is actually refreshing. I also have cable TV! I wonder if I can watch Lost? Haha. Best of all.... drum role please....... Aircon! So very nice!

Tori was so wonderful to take me around and show me places that I would enjoy to eat or may need to use. She answered far too many questions and made me feel like I actually knew what was going on. The first day we walked along the beach and I was in awe of God's creation. The sand is so fine and white and the beach lines up with the sunset. The view is so amazing!
The next day we had a group arrive from South Korea. They attend TCIS, which is an international school. They all speak english very well. The leaders are all fantastic and most are actually from the U.S. and are my age. There is one girl that even lived in Estes Park for a year!

When groups are here I will be very busy. The days are pretty jammed packed for them. They start with building in the morning, then lunch, then more building. Then off to the feeding sights
throughout the island. Then back for dinner. They have plenty of free time between activities.

Last night, before we went to dinner we went on a sunset sail. I can't believe how much the sky turns colors for the sunset. It is like God's canvas and he wants to use up all His colors before it is too dark!!!!
The food is amazing. I can't really explain traditional Filipino food because I have only had it once, but everything has been fantastic. Everything tastes a little different here, but in a good way. AAAAAAAAAAAAAAnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnddddddddddddddddddd, every, I stress EVERY place along the beach has shakes, mango shakes. And they are to die for. Today we had a Filipino treat called Halo Halo (mix mix). It is made up of shaved ice, condensed milk, rice crispies, sweet corn, sweet potato, bananas, and red beans with sugar! So good! Oh, and the bakeries here are probably going to be the death of me. They use sweetened beans and roll it in with the bread. I have never tasted anything like it, and have never loved any food so much. Ahhhhh!

There really is so much more to tell, but I will tell as I go. I hope to introduce you to all the amazing people I will be working with. The people here are what make this place home. They all have a special place in my heart!

So look forward to more long long long entries like this. And pictures to follow soon.

Please pray for both physical and mental strength for me and the kids coming from other countries. And if any of you want to give financially to this ministry, please do. They are always in GREAT financial need. Whether it goes towards the building or feeding the kids. There are a lot of hands that touch this ministry, but we always need more. So if you read these blogs and feel that you have a heart for Boracay as I do, then visit their blog. You can give gifts on the blog and even sponsor a child here on Boracay. The blog link is just over here ----> Please check it out!

I love you all and hope to hear from all of you! God Bless!