Well, our first week in Manila is behind us…We arrived here on Saturday evening (July 23rd) exhausted from our travels but excited to finally have arrived.  We took the first week to catch up on rest and ease our way into life here in Manila.  We are so thankful for our teammates (Guthrie’s) who have been a great support to us as we adjust and get to know our way around. Without them this whole transition would be a lot more difficult.

By mid-week we felt ready to start experiencing some of the city on our own.  However, since we do not have our own vehicle at this point, this meant utilizing the public transportation system here in Manila which includes the iconic Jeepney’s, Trikes and UV Express vans.
The kids are really soaking up each new experience and have had smiles on their faces for most of it.

FAITH ACADEMY ORIENTATION

On Monday morning (7:30am) we attending an orientation day for new students/parents of Faith Academy.  It was a day designed to help students and parents get acquainted with the facilities, the teachers & administration, the courses available, the extra curricular activities, and so much more.  We all really benefitted from the orientation and were extra happy when we were able to end the day with a swim in the schools pool.

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

Today (Wednesday Aug 3rd) is the first day of school for our kids.  It was an excited household last night as we tried to settle for the night with lots of excitement, anxiety, and nervousness.  Not only is this a completely new school in a completely new country for our kids, but for two of them (Sean & Carter) they are beginning Middle School which has added to their anxiety.  At Faith Academy all students wear uniforms which is also an adjustment but one that the kids seemed to enjoy.

It felt a little weird to put our kids onto a Faith Academy school van this morning and watch them drive away without us (first time since arriving in Manila that they have been away from us).  However, we feel completely at peace knowing that they are under the care of some amazing staff at Faith Academy.  Thanks for praying for our children during this time of transition and adjustment to a new school.

NOW THAT THE KIDS ARE IN SCHOOL…

Now that the kids are in school we will dive more deeply into our own adjustment and begin to discern our involvement in the established work of CBM in the marketplace here in the Philippines.  We are excited to start learning and experiencing firsthand how God is working within this context.  Duane & Carin have done a wonderful job of establishing some exciting new ministry opportunities and we’re excited to work alongside them.  It is also our prayer that as we meet new people and expand upon the growing network, that God will clearly show us new ministry opportunities to be involved with.

CHECK OUT OUR FIRST RIDE ON A TRIKE (Small motor bike with side car)

 

Thanks so much for keeping us in your prayers and for the many notes of encouragement that we have received through Facebook Messenger and E-mail.  It means so much to us!

Please feel free to follow us both on Facebook and/or Twitter as we share shorter updates and pictures there as we go about our day.

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If you are interested in becoming a Partner-in-Mission please contact Barb Keys (bkeys@cbmin.org or call 1-905-821-3533) at Canadian Baptist Ministries.   You can also visit their website at www.cbmin.org to give online or for more information.  We are only able to follow God’s leading in our lives thanks to the monthly support of generous individuals and churches.

All donations of $10.00 or more will receive a charitable tax receipt at year end. 

Thank-you!

Michael & Melanie

Kyla, Sean, Carter & Allie