We're off to see the island, the wonderful island of Mindanao!

Dear friends and family,
Unfortunately we no longer have access to Internet where I am living, so it makes it a little more difficult to have regular updates. But as we figure out a new plan, I will try my best to get these out regularly.
It was neat to be able to experience Halloween in Cebu. Two days following Halloween, Nov.1 and 2nd, All Saints Day and All Souls Day, Catholic families go to the cemetery to visit their loved ones who have passed away. In the streets you see thousands of people walking into the cemeteries, lighting candles, saying prayers and offering food and to the dead. What I also saw were Christians with loudspeakers and Bibles and pamphlets telling people to repent right outside the cemetery amongst the crowds! Not quite the same Halloween experience I had growing up that's for sure. But that's why I am here, to experience all these new things and learn from them . Its been something I've asked a lot of Filipino's about, both Catholic and Protestant and there are certainly many different views on the whole thing. Regardless, it continues to be a tradition of the Filipino people.

Last week we also had a Canadian family here visiting and staying with us. We did a mini-missions trip with them. It was great to have them and show them the ministries we are involved in here. They were very gracious and kind and of course brought the good ol' Canadian sarcasm I miss so much!








<-- This is Rhonda and I with the Ardell family from Canada at an art exhibit. We also are with the Ambassador from Canada who was here in Cebu visiting! And we're standing in front of a picture of Niagara Falls! It was truly a Canadian moment so far away from home :)




Tomorrow Rhonda and I are leaving for the island of Mindanao, just south of Cebu, to visit a friend who is the director of an orphanage there. We're really looking forward to this trip. I would love to work in an orphanage one day, so I'm hoping this trip will help open my eyes to the needs and possible future missions opportunity one day.

My language study continues to get better and better. I realize when visitors come that is my gage for how I am doing with it, because I become the translator! And this time I was able to do a lot of translating for them and answer lots of cultural questions. At different points during the week, I was even the one taking them around the city to different ministries. Even just a month ago, I couldn't have done that!

Praise:
That Language is going well: lots of growth.
Visitors came and left safely: lots of blessings from them and for them.

Prayer:
For our trip to Mindanao: safety and protection in every way
Also, both Rhonda and I have been feeling a bit under the weather with colds, so please pray for healing especially as we travel.

God Bless you all,
Amanda

p.s. I will put pictures up as soon as I can!