genuine love

Joyce Titular volunteered to be the fotobomber.
What a jokester....hehehehe...

I knew before moving here that there would be so much to learn of the Filipino culture .....once we got here. Learn we must in order to understand [and better serve] the culture we have been called to serve for His name sake.  After all we didn't come to create an extension of our America.  Sadly, there are missionaries that make their over seas move with exactly that in mind in order to serve comfortably.  Not in material availability of sort [then again maybe], but in mindset, expectations and culture.  Not only is it purely unrealistic but it defeats the purpose of what the heart of overseas missions is all about.  Then again, plenty of other missionaries have their own ideals of what overseas missions should entail in it's entirety.  

Lyn plays a vital role in making connections for Mike and coordinating all the volunteers.  She was at the office months before our arrival.  She was part of the small crew that had stayed and was keeping the office afloat.  She has graciously stayed and continues to be an amazing key player as we continue in our efforts to be the supportive office for all current seven frequencies, around the country and different islands, and as the head office...the backbone of this ministry geared towards the 50 million plus young people of the Philippines.

Through Lyn the volunteers continue to be motivated to spend the time that they spend.  She coordinates  their time at the office and time they spend outside of they office to work on ministry related projects. She  facilitates their meetings with Mike as well. The volunteers have committed to keeping us on the side of whatever higher priority life goals they are pursuing.  Some in good jobs.  Some still in school.  One of those volunteers is Krissy.  She's half Italian (half Filipina) and is working on her second degree: journalism.  She hopes to move to Italy to be by both her separated parents and live the good life.  I expect she will go far.  Krissy represents the genuine affectionate side of Filipinos.  As I am "Sir Mike"s wife she calls me mama.  She's not the first or last to fancy me with affection.  But because she's one of several that has, it's just been beautiful to experience this sweet side of Filipino culture laced with a level of innocence in the way it's lavished out. Honestly, as cheesy as that line may read I don't know of a better way to describe it.