HKIS is living in a barn! Oh, and my Amanda!!!!!!

(Back row: David, Scott, JT, Ethan, Rob, Ryan, Tech, Kristen, and Pat. Front row: Na Hyun, Erica, Flora,  Kristel, Carolyn, Andrew, Janine, Michelle, Jenifer, and Jonathan)

I'll start off by saying...... I hope Christ touched their hearts!

Hong Kong International School was the second group of my trip. What a fun-spirited group they were. At first they were a little standoffish, but it didn't take long for them to jump in and fully immerses themselves with the love of the ministry. They brought new insights to loving children. (I didn't know kids could love bubbles so much!)

Their work ethic at the construction site was of mere perfection. I don't think I heard a kid complain once. They worked hard and seemed to enjoy it.  HKIS students take one of these trips every year during their high school career. They get to write down their top five destination choices, and then they randomly draw for one of those five. They can chose between cultural, adventure or service trips. So the fact that these kids put down a service trip as one of their top choices says a lot about them and their desires to help others and enjoy themselves at the same time. 

There were 19 kids ranging from freshmen to seniors. Their principal, Pat Klekamp and their athletic director, Scott Johnson were the adult leaders. The control they had over the large number of kids was rather astonishing ;-) 

During their visit they got to visit Boracay Island Global Academy. We split into two groups and went into some high school classrooms. In one of the rooms there was a student that had a guitar. So one of the HKIS students played a song while his fellow classmates sang along with the Global students. It was great to see two cultures enjoy a common love; music. After that we went into the courtyard and played a few four-on-four basketball games and a soccer game against the Global students. I played in the first basketball game. Let's just say...... it's been awhile. But I enjoyed running around and working up a good sweat. Many of the HKIS students made friends while they were spectating. Some of the Global students met up with the group later on in the week.

The boys had a running joke about the "barn." On their first day one of the boys left the room without shutting the door. Mr. Johnson yelled, "What, do you live in a barn?" The boys didn't get the joke at first. So he had to explain. After that, anytime someone left the door open you would hear about five boys yell, "What, do you live in a barn?" On the last day of their trip some of the boys got henna tattoos with the phrase. The youngest boy, who really had troubles shutting the door, got "I live in a barn." Then Mr. Johnson got "I own the barn." Ha ha, I'm still laughing!

And the brightest news of all....... God brought me a mission companion for the remaining time I am here. Amanda Beck grew up in the Philippines at Faith Academy in Manila. Amanda played basketball for Dan Beaver. After graduating high school she took off to live in Chicago for about four years. She has been back in Manila since August. Before she heads back to Chicago for school in June, she wanted to explore the Philippines a little more and serve the Lord at the same time. The Beavers wanted to find a mission companion for me since I would be here by myself. So it worked out perfectly to have Amanda serve the same time as me!

(Me and Amanda with our new slippers from HKIS)

What a gift from God. We have a lot in common. We are both athletic and love to stay active. Also, out Christian walk has  a lot of similarities. I think we will enjoy our time together and use each other to grow more. And Amanda, I'm bringing you home to Colorado with me. Come on everyone, tell her how much better Colorado is then Chicago Illinois!