Cross Trail Children Refuge Home, Tarlac (Wednesday)
Appreciate so much having Cave on the team and writing today’s update–this is his 3rd time serving as a member on YOM Team Philippines! Take it away, Cave…
Wednesday was a different and emotional day for all us team members. It was our last day to be with the Subic Bay Children’s home. We had an amazing time at devotions with singing, teaching of God’s word, and an emotional video. Good News Hoops team was able to join us. Then an emotional time with the kids, saying our good byes. It was very hard to leave after such an investment of time with them. We said our good byes and headed to Tarlac.
In Tarlac, we were able to see the Vice Mayor and able to say our Tagalog introductions along with singing our team songs. Kaitlynn sang her Tagalog special (although I have always wanted to join her to sing the song as well but I figured why ruin a special 🤣). We also had McDonald’s for lunch, which all of us ate with much gusto ☺️☺️
Afterwards, we went to Pastor Alvin and Mrs. Omega Fulfer and their own ministry which included their own Children’s home. We got to meet the staff and the kids, and we had a great time getting to know each other. We also joined together for some singing and worshipping our Lord and Savior. We also were able to help with Pastor Alvin and his church with their special service, with many Filipinos attended. But it did rain, and oh boy, did it rain! We did our best with the service with Tagalog introductions, singing, and preaching. Mike Wood and Jaken Harlan did a fine job preaching despite the loud noise of the rain storm. Afterwards, we helped give out food to all of those who had attended. Despite the rainy weather and the wetness, Praise the Lord for his goodness for those who heard the gospel.
After the special service, we had a lovely dinner along with Pastor Alvin and his family, staff, the youth, guests, and small group of the police force. We spent the remaining time relaxing and playing volleyball with the kids. The Tulabots came to pick us up along with our ever large amount of luggage. We said our goodbye to Pastor Alvin and to his ministry members plus the kids.
We then spent the night at the Tulabots, specifically the cabins located behind their house–we had 7 guys with one bathroom, as that was a new experience itself. Overall, a productive day but all glory given to God.
