Well, I have been in the Philippines for 6 weeks now, and I only have a few days to go. I really can't express in words my time spent here in Himamaylan. Blessings after blessings, God is so Good, and I have fallen in more love with the Filipino people over here.
Today was a tough day, only because I had to say Good Bye to many many dear people. Basically the whole church family in the Bukid, I will no longer see, until the day the Lord brings me back, if He wills. It was tough leaving all the kids behind. They really have tugged on my heart, once again, and it's really hard to let go after growing to love them. Last night (Saturday) we had a HUGE Fellowship diner at the church! I went shopping in Bacolod last week and loaded up on groceries... Bembem and I also went to the market on Friday and stocked up on bags full of vegetables. Saturday afternoon, many people gathered at the church, mostly the group of teenage girls from the church, and we all cooked the meal and prepared for a night full of fun. After cooking, games w/the kids, and a little music, majority of people from church showed up and we all joined holding hands, thanking our God for the food He had prepared for us, and also for all His grace upon us. There was SOOO MUCH FOOD! And it was all so delicious! Filipino's definitely know how to cook and eat... They feed me so much all the time. You may not recognize me when you see me because I've added about 20 too many mango's to my belly (just in the past day), and twice the amount of lumpia rolls! Ha... but seriously!
The night was so much fun, and it ended for me, playing worship with some of the kids, while sitting on top of the jeep under a sky FULL of stars! It was truly a glorious time, seeking praises to God with all the kids. I sure am gonna miss that. (worship on Jeep picture above)
Today was an amazing sunday service, and my last time leading worship in Ilonggo at Simbahan Sa Bukid. I really have had so much fun being stretched the past 6 weeks, learning Ilonggo, and using it to Worship my God. But Jesus is so faithful to provide where I lack, and comfort me when I was in need. It's been great to be used to help with worship here in Himamaylan. We took one last final picture together as a great big family! (picture above). After saying goodbye, we came back home, I made one last Mango Float for the family, and after we all took naps, we headed back to the Bukid. We had our final Men's Bible Study in Calasa, just reminiscing on the how Faithful our God is to us, constantly! It really hit me tonight how Great of a God we serve, and truly how faithful He is. I remember before I came to the Philippines, I was stressing about my guitar skills (or lack of) and also stressing about teaching the Word! I didn't know if I was going to be able to pick up on the language or how well I'd be accepted here. I really was nervous about what was ahead. I was too busy living trying to figure out the future, instead of just serving God in the Present. Now that I'm about to head home, I look back and kinda just laugh at how silly I acted. The Lord took care of me so well, and I truly have another family here in the Philippines! Again, He has been so faithful to guide my steps, my teachings, my singing in another language, my hands playing guitar, and my every moment, which brought me not only closer to the people, but to Jesus Christ.
After the study, we headed over to Nanay and Tatay's house, and had one more fellowship diner with just the Miguel Family, Doug, and myself. It was truly a sweet blessing, and the even presented Doug and I with some gifts!!! I was really shocked, but they gave us a weaved bag full of goods! I'll have to show you when I get home! Diner filled me beyond my own good again, but I couldn't stop eating the Duck, Rice, and Mango Float.
Well in about 3 days from now I'll be on a plane heading back to the states. While I am very happy and excited to see my family at home, I am also sad and hesitant about leaving Himamaylan. Again, I now have another family here, and if you know anything about me, you know how much I love my family, and how hard it is for me to leave them. So anyways, it's bittersweet. I don't really know much more to say about it.
I will be home for 4 days, and I'm so Excited to spend time with my family, friends, and especially to see my nephew Elijah! I miss him so much, and can't stop thinking about him! A week from tomorrow, I will be on another plane heading to Israel. I will have a 16 hour layover in London, so I will tour the city that day, and then head to Tel Aviv, Israel. As of right now, I really have no idea where or how I'll be serving in Israel. I have gotten in touch with a few contacts, and plans keep changing. So as I have learned here in the Pi, trust in the faithfulness of the Lord. I am a bit worried, but I know after my 3 months in Israel, I will look back at my time now, and again just laugh at how silly I was being worried, and doubting God's ability to provide. I am so excited to go serve in Israel. This whole "Living By Faith" deal is such an adrenaline rush! I'm just glad I serve a loving, gracious, merciful, promising, and faithful Jesus!
Please keep me in prayer. My life has been radically changed while here in the PI, and I know the Lord will continue to perfect me while in Israel. Pray for my lack of Faith, and for a calm spirit about heading to Israel. I just want to trust that He will be my "I AM". Well, I love you all and miss you much. Your prosperity in Christ is in my prayers! Be Blessed, be bold, and stand for Truth... Jesus is all we need, in every circumstance... Don't seek happiness. Seek Peace (whom alone comes from Jesus) and there you will find true happiness. This world is quickly passing, and now is the time to cling to Christ, our Solid Rock. All other ground is sinking sand. Love you. Lord Bless you and keep you.
May Christ Be Magnified!
Nick
Ps. The third picture above is one with me and Cat-Cat. That is her nick-name, but it's what she goes by. For the first few weeks I was here, she would not let me hold her or pick her up. I could barely lay a finger on her without her running away. About 2 weeks ago. She finally began to yell my name, and run after me with arms wide open! It was truly a blessing to just hold her in my arms, and feel accepted by her. She really knows how to grab a hold of my heart with her little cute face! I love when she laughs, dances and yells my name! She now lets me hold her whenever and often just runs to me hugging me. Just a few days ago, I said "kiss kiss" while holding her and she reached up and gave me a small kiss on the cheek! It was such a precious moment! Ok... well Ps's are supposed to be short, but I just wanted you to know about her! I truly am gonna miss her and love her so much! All the more reason I'm excited to get home to my little nephew who is just about the same age. I can't wait till Tito (uncle) Nick gets a great big hug and kiss from lil' Eli, aka monkey! See you all soon, Lord willing!
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