Update #8 Southeast Asia A

Wow, I can’t believe we just wrapped day 7 here in Southeast Asia. I must say, it has been incredible and has blown my (our) mind(s). I know we serve a big God, but when you see God in action, through his people that you’re not familiar with…I must say I have been challenged and encouraged to say the least! 

That being said, here is the recap on our amazing day. It has been a little bit of a bummer because Nicole, my wife was sick on Sunday and then once again today, (Tuesday)was in bed all day. Even still, this morning we got to serve and it was good. We went to a village called Mayanot and did a feeding with the community. I got to share some encouragement and we also did some dancing and singing. It was a fulfilling morning.  

After a quick lunch back at Kid’s homebase, we went to the mall with Brooks (our host), Khaycee, and Lauren looking for corn beef for Khaycee’s mom and  candy for Lauren’s brother. We had success finding what we went for and of course we got some Filipino chocolate when we were at the store and also came across something that looked like pork rinds, but it is called Crunchy Chicharon Bulaklak (google it). I of course had some with chili and vinegar and it was AWESOME! 

This  afternoon we went to a feeding at Nagpayong Pasig City. It was pretty incredible. We learned that it was a community that has been relocated some years ago because they were basically gentrifying a wealthy area closer to Manila. The pastor of that location has people on site that do incredible ministry and they are transforming the community with Jesus’ Holy Spirit presence in them. One hilarious thing on the trip is that so many people think the Oakley boys are Marvel characters from the movies. This particular community, it was over the top! All of the kids and even adults think that Alec looks like Captain America and Graham like Thor. It’s pretty hilarious.

On our way back to the van, Brooks picked up Tipas Hopia, a flaky pastry/bean dessert. They look like cookies. The jury is still out on what the team thinks of this sweet treat. 

We ended today by treating the women that are part of the kids international transition program to dinner at Kenny Rogers chicken restaurant. Yes… Kenny Rogers.! Filipinos love this place! These are women that went through the residential program at age 18, “aged out” and are now in college. These are women that were orphans and are now in college, breaking the cycle and living out God’s call on their lives. The three women that I sat with at dinner where in orphanages since they were six and now two of them are getting psychology degrees and one is getting a nursing degree. They are resilient women with amazing stories. It was the best way to end our day.

We came back to home base that night, took a dip in the pool, debriefed the day, and laughed at Alec and Graham’s shenanigans like we do daily.

I pray Nicole starts feeling better and I’m excited for what God has in store here on Wednesday. I’ve been super proud of this team and the way they have enthusiastically served each and every day we’ve been in country.

Blessings to you all at home, we covet your prayers, and please know that we miss you at home. 

-Brandon Farmer