As many of you know I have been planning for several years to go to the Philippines to teach English. Along the way I have been open to the idea that God used that sense of calling as a way to motivate me back into school and the field of teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL), but not necessarily to the specific place I was imagining all those years ago back in 2010. Since then I have completed my BS in Interdisciplinary Studies focusing on intercultural communications and TESOL and now I am halfway through an MA in TESOL. I have also maintained contact with the friends I made on Bohol.
As I was graduating, in 2015 I thought perhaps God was calling me to Romania instead as a very specific opportunity laid itself at my feet. Over the course of several months God made it clear that was not where he wanted me. Instead I took a position locally teaching English through AmeriCorps. It was a great growth and learning opportunity, but also not where I was feeling led for the long term. Then this past December/January I was able to revisit my friends on Bohol and talk about the plans. Since that time I have been a bit dazed at the possibilities. I won't bore you with anymore details, but things are no longer just thoughts and plans. This is becoming a reality!
As of last week Friday I have been officially welcomed in the Commission to Every Nation (CTEN) family! It has only been 4 days, but I have felt incredibly welcomed by this family. They are the US based organization that will help me through the process of raising funds, preparing to depart, and mentoring along the way even after I'm overseas. This does not mean I don't need my other families as well, they are just joining my crew :) I will still need to lean on my biological and church families as well as the many friends who are standing with me in this process.
I am still in that state of being overwhelmed so my thoughts are not completely collected, but this means some really great things are going to be happening in the next couple of weeks. We are working on setting things up, but if you have just been waiting for the tax-deductible convenience before donating to this ministry now is your chance! You can give as easily as going to this site: http://cten.org/christinedavenport/ As of right now that is a way to give online if you are in the US. In the near future there will also be a short blurb about the ministry on that same page. If you are not keen on online giving, please keep your eyes on the left side of my blog in the coming weeks you will find a resource link titled "Funding the Mission." It will include how to mail or call in donations as well as information if you are Canadian :)
And now for some more of the much anticipated photos of my recent visit.
The Cajigas' balcony where the kids like to hang out and play or read books.
The yard looking out from the balcony. That is another house on the left and the church on the right.
Just a common site everywhere we went. It's a little blurry because I took it while we were driving down the road.
Some of the kids receiving their Christmas gifts from donations that were shared.
I wasn't so sure about the hats as it's not really that cold there, but I saw several of them wearing them even a couple of weeks later! Thanks!
Just hanging out on the front porch. The light blue in the background is the children's shelter and the dark blue (barely noticeable on the far right) is the front of the Cajigas home where we were standing.
This is one of the first friends I made way back in 2004! She is now married and just had her baby the week before I arrived. I am now a ninang (godmother) to this precious little one.
One night Jonah just wanted to celebrate and so took many of us out to dinner at an outdoor place. The locals call it 'Sky's the Limit,' because with out a roof you are dining under the stars.
It is really where the buses park during the day. But at night vendors come along and barbecue and grill all kinds of meat and serve soup. You can bring your own rice or they have it available to purchase.
Mark just being curious. This was our tourist day :) A couple of times we thought he might just jump right out!
This was the team of youth who did the worship conference. As a treat before the other conference we spent a day at this place enjoying the hot springs and swimming.
Most of the kids tried to pretend they were shy and would hide their faces when they saw a camera. Here James is cleaning wood for cooking.
Faith getting ready to ligo (bath) at the water pump. Laundry was also done at this pump.
This is the remodeled orphanage. I don't know how much came down from what I helped build in 2004, but they definitely reinforced the main floor with brick all the way up and added a second floor.
Jonah's dad build a new bookshelf because we donated so many books! Jess was already hoping one would happen, but I think our donations made it happen :) Now there is a dedicated kids book shelf!
Some of the men hanging out after church on a Sunday. I think they might have been discussing something particular, but I don't remember why it was only guys.
For those of you who might know... this is Alfredo. He was the oldest of the first group of siblings to live at the orphanage after we built it in 2004. He is now married and has kids of his own!
The fearless Cajigas family! They were such gracious hosts. :)
I think I already posted this, but just in case. This is the house parents and the children living at the shelter (two of them belong to the house parents).
The fearless Dupalco family! I wish I had more time with them while I was there, but there is always next time :)
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