Back in Canada!

Yes, I am still alive! When I last wrote, we were still in Baguio, getting ready for the evangelistic concert, our final big ministry opportunity. It seems like such a long time ago, though it was only less than 2 weeks. Now, I am back in the familiar world of Abbotsford for 2 weeks of debrief before finally returning to Saskatoon on June 16. 

Goodbye Philippines!

It has been a little crazy leaving our new home and family in the Philippines so suddenly and returning to the place and people I got to know so well in January and February. As I adapt to life here, it feels like I have been gone only a few days, but when I think back to all the memories of Baguio, it feels more like a few years. It is interesting how things I once took for granted now seem so different. Once example of this was seeing a little blond-haired, blue-eyed girl on the plane to Vancouver. After seeing so many Pilipino kids, she just looked so different and this really surprised me! Also, open spaces, the sparsity of traffic, seat belts, flushing toilet paper, the abundance of wealth, and many more things that were once so normal I now have to get used to again! It is very eye-opening having this broadened perspective on the world. 

The last week or so in the Philippines was awesome. A big highlight was the concerts that we held on Saturday and Sunday last week. The first was at Malcolm Square, in the heart of Baguio. It is a very busy area, so a ton of people passed by as we played, with many stopping for a while to check out the music. We had a lot of fun and it was great to finally perform after so many hours of practise. We were also able to share our faith a little bit in between songs. After the concert, Jonas and I were able to pray with a couple of guys around our age about some things going on in their lives. Pray that God used and will use this concert to affect people's lives even in ways we won't find out about.

Malcolm Square Concert

The crowds at Malcolm Square

Praying with John and Mark after the concert

Everyone involved with the concert

The next day, we held the same concert again in our house. We started playing outside in the front yard, but had to move inside due to the rain. There were a lot of people (mainly youth and others from the church) packed into the house, and everyone had a really fun time dancing around and enjoying the music. It was a perfect way to cap off our official ministry.

A few short days later, we had to say our goodbyes as we took a bus down to Manila. It was hard to say goodbye to all of the amazing people we had gotten to know, not knowing when we will see them again. But it was also really encouraging, as we shared notes and "remembrances", knowing that God used us to impact and encourage the family, friends, and church that we were leaving.

Zach!

I will miss these people!

We spent about a day and a half in Manila before flying out on June 2. We were able to reconnect with some friends we met in Banaue (connections from Ashley's grandparents) over supper, spend a morning with Heart (Pastor Sam and Ate Evelyn's granddaughter who lived with us for a few weeks just over a month ago), and take in a few of the sights of the city. It was hot and busy, but good to spend a short time in this big city. And then, in a matter of hours, I found myself back on Canadian soil.

Hanging out with Heart

A park in Manila

Leaving has been more difficult than I thought. As I grieve and process the loss (at least for now) of my friends and home in Baguio, I am also trying to discern what the future will hold for me, all while experiencing some major jet lag. Please pray that these two weeks of debrief will bring closure to the past and preparation for the future. I look forward to sharing more about what God has done in my life and the lives of others over these last six months.