I have decided to follow Jesus

...No turning back.
 And this is where it gets real.
My time here in the Philippines has already been so full of joy and hard. I love it. When we arrived we were immediately immersed in the culture and although it was overwhelming at the time, it helped so much. This is my way of life now. I wake up at 5:30 am with the sun, wash my clothes from the day before in a bucket, cook rice and eggs for breakfast over a fire, have some quiet time with Jesus and then with my team (Grace, Lauren, and Jordan---they're the best, y'all) and then we spend the day telling people about Jesus. House to house, bringing the word of Life with us wherever we go, offering to take the blood pressure and do first aid, listening to the heartbeat of the people as we share our stories and listen to theirs. The heartbeat of this people group is one of welcome and friendship. It's beautiful. Around noon is siesta because it is literally too hot to move. haha... Dinner and lunch are both made over the fire (so thankful for the help of our translators! These white girls do not know how to cook like this!) Normally after a bucket bath we fall into bed around 8pm (the sun sets at 6pm)... sweet rest under mosquito nets, praying for a cool breeze.
This is so. different. from the comfortable American way of life. So why did I pay to come endure the heat and humidity and discomfort?? Because Jesus Christ is worth. it. all.

"I consider my life worth nothing to me if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me, the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace." Acts 20:24

Thank you thank you for your prayers! We seriously cannot do this without our brothers and sisters praying for us back home. I know I am weak but my God is strong in me. Pray for us to quickly overcome jet lag and culture shock. Pray for our bodies to adjust to the heat. Pray for the people we are meeting, that they will become friends and that we can share life with them and learn from them as well as share the love and hope of Jesus that we have.
Much love to you all!
p.s. For those of you who want more details- time is limited in the internet cafe, but as you know I am an avid journal-keeper, so every detail is being recorded! haha