The Floodway

Last week while in Manila, a missionary friend that I met last January took me out to visit the Floodway, where my church team and I visited before. As you probably heard in the news, there was a flood in Manila last month. The Floodway is where the poorest of the poor live (right over the river); their entire first floors were underwater and the people lived on the sidewalk for one week, right next to busy traffic. Instead of paths, there were makeshift bridges built out of random boards and furniture over the water. Because my friend was older and worried that she would fall into the water, she asked me to go out on the rickety bridges and say hello to 2 families we had previously met. I’m telling you, it was precarious! I thought the boards would break, the houses had rusty barb wire and metal sticking out of them, and I had to bend over on parts of the path because it was so narrow. It was good to see my friends though! I asked them particulars about the flood and told them my church prayed for them in the US, when we heard about the flood. One boy in particular stood out to my team while at the Floodway. We gave him the nickname “elephant hands” because his hands were literally as large as his head. We didn’t know what kind of disease he had, but we were burdened for him as we knew he might never get help. I was able to see him again! He is going to school, and has been checked up on by my friend when she visits the floodway. I hope to put up pictures on my blog!

Since being in Manila:

Since being in Manila: • Bought a cell phone • Took a taxi to Mega Mall – smoothies and doughnuts (Krispy Kreme) with Jared and Bana while the girls played in a kid zone • Orientation to New Tribes Mission and work in Philippines • Reviewed school work for the year with Jared and Bana • Visited with and met new missionaries at the Guest House • Hung out with the Major girls, reading books and playing in courtyard. • Smelled the smog of this city every day (creeping in through my bathroom window). Diesel fuel leaves light black dust on everything (baby Judah had black hands and knees from crawling in the hall way). • Rode a Jeepney with Bana to the grocery store • Took cold showers – not bad!

Made it to Manila!

Thank you for your prayers! Made it here right on time last night, was welcomed by my new family (even 2 girls got to stay up late to see me), and got some sleep at the Guest House! Surreal to be back still, but super cool & thankful too:) We will spend a few days in Manila resting, shopping, etc.

On the Plane!

September 4-5, 2012: Friends and family I’d like to thank you for every prayer you’ve sent my way as I prepared to leave the US and live in the Philippines for the next nine months. These past few weeks have been steadily getting busier up to the date of departure – Sept 4th… that’s today! I’m so thankful that toward the end of the packing, shopping, etc., my family and I were able to spend some spectacular time at the Oregon Coast for family vacation! Our good friends, the Hilliers, opened their guest home for our whole Cunnigham fam + grandparents! We had such a relaxing and enjoyable time hanging at the beach, hiking in the redwoods, eating, and playing games. Joy threw Brandi, Lonnie and I an early September birthday party. Words of Thanks Thank you to Jerome Prairie Bible church for sending me off with prayer and support last! Thank you to my dear friend Patti Hillier who provided me with summer jobs (+fun times) to help get me to the Philippines☺ Personal Prayer requests: * The greatest thing you can pray for me is that my heart is always ready to serve! • Less of me and more of Him – a moldable heart to what He longs to do while I’m here • The Majors and I will adjust well to living and working together☺ • Teach my 3 students well: Naomi, Lydia and Evie • Patience, trust in the Lord, flexibility, willing to let my plans go for the plans He has for me Psalm 16:7-9 “I will bless the Lord who guides me; even at night my heart instructs me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. No wonder my heart is filled with joy and my mouth shouts with praises! My body rests in safety.” “I will exalt you, because you are with me, I will not fear. My hiding place, my safe refuge, my Treasure Lord you are, my Friend and King, Anointed One, Most Holy.”