Batangas City

We are now here in Batangas City and moved into our apartment where we will be living for the next 4 months. Our apartment is quaint we have enjoyed living there so far, but there are bugs everywhere. I am learning to live without the everyday comforts I am used to and realizing they are not a necessity. Living without a car, internet, hot water, air conditioning. It has been an eye opening experience and I am realizing that most of the world does not live with the everyday comforts that I have.

As we were driving through the Philippines to Batangas City all of the poverty we saw broke my heart and made me want to help and change the situations the people we were living in. As I was praying I realized that I cannot change the living conditions that all of these people are living in, and even if I could the more comfortable life I could offer would only be on this earth. Though something that I do have to share with others is the love of Christ and eternity with him and that will last forever and is far greater than anything on this earth.

Starting Monday we will be teaching English at the Universities here in Batangas City where we will begin building relationships with the students. This past week we were able to observe in the classrooms where the missionaries Jeff and Kim are teaching and we were able to meet many students at the schools. We are hoping to reach out to the students on the campuses and begin bible studies in the next few weeks.

Things I have learned about the Philippines:
1. Never say that you took a shower, always say that you bathed. If you say you showered it means you just sprinkled some water on your head.
2. Never ask for napkins at a restaurant it means toilet paper. If you want a napkin you either clarify a table napkin or ask for a tissue.