Loon

Today we drove up to Loon Elementary school, a 2-hour drive, to play with the Deaf children there. This is my favorite school. Not only is my first sponsor child, Iris, there, but both dorm parents are strong Christians, so the environment is peaceful. We arrived, and was greeted by all the children standing outside their classrooms jumping up and down greeting us. We did our usual routine here, stopping briefly for a delicious Filipino lunch that the dorm parents provided. It was beautiful today so we were able to spend most of out play time outside. We also performed our dramas outside. This allowed us to spread out and not be so cramped, but also allowed many hearing children who were walking by, to watch the dramas. I again explained why we come to the Philippines every year, explained the dramas and shared the Gospel. Around 20 children raised their hand to accept Christ and copied (signed) the prayer. One of those was Iris, my sponsor child. I was SO overwhelmed!! Not only Joselle accepted yesterday, but now Iris today. What a blessing it is to be able to not only help with their basic needs and education, but be able to interact with them and lead them to Christ. I was overwhelmed with emotion!

It was sad to say goodbye, again, but what a fun, joy-filled day we had with them! We drove into town and went shopping at BQ for more supplies and food. We then ate dinner at pizza hut, always loving an American meal in the middle of our trip! We drove to BDA to attend the Deaf Bible study with the high school students we met on Sunday. Everyone was so excited to be hanging out with the Deaf high schoolers again. There was a teaching by a Deaf adult Christian, Emilyn, and also by the Deaf pastor, Mart. I voice interpreted for our team. Afterwards was time to just hang out. I sat down with a group of girls to get to know them. Three of them I had already met in years past and had led them to the Lord. Marylyn was a first year student and was a Catholic. We talked about the Bible study and what Emilyn and Mart had said. I also shared a bit and talked about the Gospel. Eventually Marylyn said she wanted to accept Christ too. She was really excited about sharing her new faith. What an amazing end to an already amazing day!!!