July Missions Update

/ July 3, 2023
I have arrived.It has been almost exactly six months since I was first invited to join the missions teaching team at Faith Academy and I have finally arrived. One week ago today I left Turkiye to begin a 20+ hour commute (including an overnight layover) from Gaziantep to Istanbul to Manila to Caizon. I won’t officially be able to move into my apartment for another few days, but I have been able to stay in the guestroom of someone else from the school. 
Anytime you move to a new country or step into a new ministry, there are going to be adjustments. Here are a few initial impressions I have had after one week of living in the Philippines:

1. It’s hot. Technically, Gaziantep is hotter than here in the summertime. But Gaziantep is dry. Here it is far more humid. Also, it doesn’t cool down in the evenings. It has been in the low to mid ninetys every day and high eighties every evening so far. 

2. I am loving the thunderstorms. This is supposed to be the rainy season here (June to November), but I haven’t seen as much rain as I expected so far. However, I’ve heard a few thunderstorms already either at night when I am inside or in the distance. Thunderstorms in Antep were rare and one of the things I’ve missed, but never would have thought of.

3. My new community is so loving. Almost every day I have been invited to lunch or dinner by one family or another that works here at Faith. The one time I tried walking from the school to my current home (about 2km), I only got a few blocks before one of the parents offered me a ride. This evening I will be going out again and tomorrow, there is a 4th of July BBQ I’ve been invited to. Everyone has gone well out of their way to make me feel welcomed and loved.

Some prayer requests:
1. For the continuing transition. I’ve got a sim card so my new phone is up and running, but my new visa is still being processed, and there are plenty of other things, like opening a new bank account and such that still need doing.
2. For safe traveling. Although I have arrived, there are many other new families and individuals that will also be starting at the school who will be coming soon. Also, many of the staff and students are traveling for the summer and will be returning within the next month.
3. For adapting culturally. I am stepping into a new language, new culture, new environment, and new ministry, but still serve the same good God.
4. For adapting professionally. I am making the transition from teaching English to 1st graders who know practically none to teaching 11th and 12th grade Bible classes to MKs (missionary kids). There will be a big adjustment not only in what I teach, but also in how I teach.
5. For Gaziantep. Part of my heart will always be there. But far more importantly, I pray that the seeds planted and the lives changed will continue to bear fruit that will continue on for eternity.


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4 thoughts on “July Missions Update”

  1. It looks beautiful there! Thank you for sharing. I have seen so many different cultures from teaching English to international students for many years. Through the years, it is clear that each country’s culture has such unique and beautiful characteristics. Scripture says that God made of one blood all nations, and it also says that we are made in His image and likeness. We are all put here to portray something of God so that His nature can be seen and glorified in a microcosm here on earth. Each culture shows us a different aspect of our beautiful and amazing God. Of course, we have all gone astray, but we can see Him in the world around us. What a unique opportunity you have!

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  2. Over the years I’ve enjoyed reading your blog posts and never really minding that I didn’t know your true name or have a complete idea of where you were living at the time of your writing. But in the past couple of years of your sporadic posts you’ve been a bit more clear as to what you have been up to. From NY to Turkey to the Philippines! Man. I love your heart for God, obedience to His Word, your love, obviously, of children and youth and your willingness to live in other cultures! Hooray for mission-minded God-loving humans like you! Stay the course! You’ll be in my prayers.

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  3. Praying. Its been super hot here where I live also and also not cooling off at night. High school MKs? Sounds scary. I’ve never been an out of country missionary, but from the stories I’ve heard and read, not sure if teaching MKs is one I would want or like. But, I’m willing if that’s what Jesus wants me to do. More power to ya and Godspeed.

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