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Kayla Balangue

May 26 2025
4

Update #4 East Africa

By | 2025 Teams, East Africa

We had some technical difficulties so this blog post was supposed to be before update #3, take a look back at day 2 for the team!


Our second day at Courage House was SUCH a blast. Our time started off with a surprise from the girls at Courage—a choreographed worship song and dance! Our team was absolutely floored by their singing voices and dancing skills. After their performance, we went through a devotion led by Marilyn, and then Tarah and Ellie took over outside to teach everyone a dance to “Goodbye Yesterday” by Elevation Rhythm! We were all hot, sweaty, and exhausted by the end of it, but everyone had so much fun dancing, laughing, and worshipping, it didn’t even matter.

Once we were ready to go inside again, Preslie and Carolina taught more of their series on the Fruit of the Spirit. Today we went over patience, kindness, goodness, and faithfulness . Then (we switched to activity stations: clay art, a “spa day,” and of course, sports. All of the stations were a huge hit! I was running the clay station with Sydney, and it was so fun to see everyone’s creativity in action. We saw clay hearts, frogs, chairs, flowers, and everything in between (one girl even wrote out “<3 Jesus” in clay!). The spa with Brogan and Cheyenne was also so fun. Everyone loved the silly face masks, and colorful nail polish with stickers. Once we painted all the girls’ nails, they even insisted on doing ours! Sports with Cole and Carolina were also so fun, with a big jump rope, relay races, American football, soccer, and fun volleyball activities (courtesy of Carolina).

We ate lunch (which was INCREDIBLE, of course), we set up stations again, but this time we left it open so that the girls could float around to any activity they felt like. It was an amazing time of fellowship and connection with the girls. We colored and made friendship bracelets together, danced (Church Clap and the Cupid Shuffle have been big hits), sang, did more nail polish and face masks (Cole fell asleep with his on), wore ourselves out playing sports, and so much more!

It was such a blessing today to to watch each member of this team step into their element and use their giftings to pour into Courage and the girls there, as well as to get to know the girls at Courage House even better (they are so sweet and so much fun!) We all returned to the hotel with very full hearts and can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings.

Blessings, Kenzie

May 26 2025
3

Update #6 Central America B

By | 2025 Teams, Central America B

For this trip, the phrase that keeps coming back to my mind is that I need to prioritize trusting in God and that he has a plan for this trip.

Unfortunately for this trip, I have been sick the entire time, now it’s been nonstop coughing and being exhausted both physically and mentally at the end of the day. But I have been trying to trust that through sleep and God, I can make it through the day. I believe and trust that every morning God would give me the strength and the willpower to get through the whole day which I can see him doing throughout the trip.

But God has been showing me and teaching me to trust in him in other ways.

For the church we visited today the Pastor from a church in Texas gave us the word this morning. It was about the word priorities. He kept on always resaying that word over and over which meant it was important. He said we need to prioritize putting God at the center of our lives, basically saying living and doing things for God every day. He also said we need to prioritize pursuing God’s righteousness. The last point he made, which stuck out to me is that we need to prioritize trusting in God because if we don’t we will be sitting in a constant state of worry. Why this stuck with me because I believe the Lord is still trying to work on me trusting in him and his plans. Trying to trust in his plan has been part of my journey (and testimony) since my sophomore fall semester of college. I guess the Lord is showing me that I still need work in that area.

Another example of when trust came into play today was during our visitations to the houses to install water filters. My team was led to a house where the pastor said we had to install a water filter even though they had no bucket.

The man came out with what was left of a plastic juice carton, the team thought there was no way we could put a hole in it without breaking it. But Joel had the confidence to do it and said he would try. So we had to trust in Joel’s abilities to puncture a hole in the bucket without breaking it, which he was able to do. I believe we need to trust that God would make a way for the team to use what we were given which we did.

Throughout this whole trip, I have fought the inside voices of my head saying you are not going to make it, you are incompetent because you fell behind, you will never get better, say something, and so much more. I am sure the people we install the water filters for have a lot going through their minds as they are being told the gospel. Things like doubt, confusion, pride, and maybe even negative talk about themselves. But God can take those thoughts and turn them into something positive like even when I am weak he gives me strength, when I don’t feel loved he tells me that I am loved. The Lord is continuing to hold onto me when I feel like no one else is and saying I got you and you are not alone.

Through the remainder of this trip I need to trust that God will get me though the day and put my team at the right house. I believe that I will continue to practice when I get home to continue to trust in God and his plan for my life.

Thank you to everyone who has prayed.

-Grace

May 26 2025
0

Update #9 Central America C

By | 2025 Teams, Central America C

Hola a todos!!

It’s the Ellie’s! Today we started the day going to church and it was amazing as always to praise the lord! After church we had a lovely lunch at a local restaurant with many of the staff from Just one, the pastor and his family and our team! After lunch we got to work help clean Just Cafe and the offices at Just One. It feels good to help clean the place that has been so welcoming to us on our trip here. After cleaning, we headed back to church where we had the opportunity to lead Awana! There were many kids there today who were happy to learn some English and Spanish songs, do crafts, play games and learn about the love that God has for us! We taught them “whole world in His hands”, “this little light of mine”, and “Jesus loves me”. It was very fun to see the kids having fun and simply enjoying time away from their busy lives. After awana we had some time to reflect and reset at the hotel before heading to a late dinner. It was such a fun time to just talk, eat and be in community with those who we’ve built great relationships with here! We ended the night how we always do with a debrief and some fun team time before heading to bed to prepare for another big day of serving tomorrow. Gracias a dios por dejarnos estar aquí! (Thank you God for letting us be here!)

Miss you all!

-Doble E (Double E :))

May 25 2025
3

Update #3 East Africa

By | 2025 Teams, East Africa

Jambo everyone!! 

Thank you for all the prayers from back home! 

It has been a wonderful experience in East Africa! Today we started off the day at a local church and it was a beautiful way to start the day! 

We then loaded in the van and took lunch on the road where our team felt true amani (peace) as the team all napped on the way! We arrived at an outdoor mini zoo where we were able to see porcupines, a zebra, gazelle, and hold snakes and turtles! 

A few of us on the team also rode a camel! We then drove down a little bit and went to an old church/museum about slavery! 

We drove back to say a hard goodbye to the girls as we finished up our first week with the first house and getting on a plane tomorrow to next location! 

-Cheyenne & East Africa Team 

May 25 2025
0

Update #13 Southeast Asia A

By | 2025 Teams, Southeast Asia A

Herrow,

Today was the last full day we have in this country, kind of bitter-sweet honestly. I’m going to miss being here and having fun with the kids but I also miss home and friends and family and food. It’s been a great trip and I’m super thankful to be able to come and serve. It’s been tiring but also fulfilling and rewarding. 

Today was a pretty chill day and I’m not complaining, which normally I like to fill my day but i’m so tired I didn’t care. I woke up super duper early at 7:15 and tried to go back to sleep but my body wasn’t cooperating and it doesn’t help that the sun blinds me every morning. So I got up and kinda just laid in bed for 2 hours, it was pretty fantastic. I finally decided to start getting ready at 9:15 for church. So I took a quick shower and shaved my face and threw on my church fit. I had to wake Graham up, somehow that dude was still sleeping at 9:30. We went down and ate breakfast which was actually pretty good, I had scrambled eggs, cinnamon rolls, and probably some sort of fruit I don’t remember to be honest. 

Church was really good and the sermon was very powerful. I walked back with the girls from the girls home, they are so funny. They all call me “Kuya” which means “older brother” in Tagalog. I think that is super cool and I am going to miss all the connections and relationships we have made here. 

We ate lunch and Khaycees family surprised her by showing up on the compound and brought some snacks. After lunch we had more free time so guess what I did? Took a nap and laid on the ground. I’m telling yall I’m just feeling extra sleepy today and yesterday, we’ve been go go go all week it’s super nice to just bum around. 

At 3 we all got loaded up into vehicles with Azusa to go on excursions. I had no idea what was happening and everyone I asked didn’t know where we were going either. Farmer drove a truck and I sat in the back of the truck with Graham and Judah. I got some motion sickness but it was a cool experience. Ella was in a different car and she threw up on the way there so that’s no funzo hoping she’s feeling better now. 

We got to the destination and overlooked the entire city and valley it was really awesome! We went to a restaurant and got to pick between gelato and coffee and cakes and fries and other things. We stayed for a while just hanging out with everyone. 

I’m getting very sleepy writing this blog because I put it off and now it’s 11:55. It’s okay I’m almost done. We drove down the hill and got back to eat dinner. After dinner most of us went to the volleyball and basketball open gym happening down the road and had fun playing with the kids. 

We got back and have been packing and talking with others who are staying on the compound.

I don’t know if I should wear pants on the plane tomorrow or shorts… that’s really bothering me so I’m gonna sleep on it. We fly out tomorrow afternoon and get back home late Monday night.

This trip has taught me so much and I am blessed to have been able to come and see God working through us helping this community. I’ve met so many great amazing people and bonded with my team and the other missionaries here. God is good and this has been an awesome experience. 

Thank you Southeast Asia

bye bye

-Alec

May 25 2025
1

Update #5 Central America B

By | 2025 Teams, Central America B

Hello friends & family! It has been an eventful couple of days, on Saturday we made our trip from country #1 to country #2 bright and early in the morning. We arrived in this country safe and sound very surprised by the weather, it is very humid and hot here but nonetheless we came ready to serve. Today is our first full day of water filter distributions and with the hour we gained in time it feels like we have a lot more hours to work with. We started this morning with a group devotional at one of the churches we will frequent here in Central America which is called Templo Jehova bendice there we meet the Pastora who helps organize the houses we visit. After devotional we went on our way to start visiting the people the church has listed out, at our first house my team was able to pick coconuts from the lady’s home and yes, the coconut water was very fresh and yummy. After visiting some homes in the morning we made our way to lunch to our host church. Lunch was amazing especially because the person making the food was a chef, we got to experience some amazing local food which motivated us to get to work. We also got to experience some rain after lunch which was very pleasant since the humidity was getting intense. After getting fuel for our evening we got to visit some more houses and engaged in meaningful conversations with great people who wanted to learn more about the Lord. We wrapped up the day with some dinner at our host church and it was some very yummy local food. Back at the hotel a couple of us decided to go for a late night swim to wash off the very long, sweaty, and humid day. It was a blessed day and it’s been an amazing experience here in Central America so far.

-Jailyn

May 25 2025
6

Update #2 East Africa

By | 2025 Teams, East Africa

Hello everyone,

We started our Saturday with another amazing breakfast and a devotion from Kenzie in the book of James. Our team was able to have a really good conversation about the riches of the world versus in Heaven and how that is reflected in the cultures we have experienced.

After breakfast when we arrived at the Courage house, our team was greeted by the girls who already had music playing and were so excited to begin the day. They are so joyful! After praying together, Marilyn read about Jesus, His death and resurrection and how one day He will return. Next was teaching by Presile and Carolina the last two Fruits of the Spirit, gentleness and self-control, to complete the VBS lessons. 

Lunch today was a traditional banana soup with beef (it’s delicious) and a tortilla/pancake for dipping.

Since this was the team’s last day at this house location, we celebrated with a trip to the beach. It was so beautiful to see God’s creation with the girls as we all swam and played games on the shore. As the sun set we roasted hot dogs and s’mores for dinner. The night ended with worship all together before going to our hotel and the girls back to the house.

This evening was definitely bittersweet as we will part ways with the girls soon but it has been amazing to see how these girls love the Lord and see how each team member pours into them.

Thank you for all your prayers as we continue on with our trip!

Brogan & the East Africa Trip

May 25 2025
0

Update #5 Western Europe

By | 2025 Teams, Western Europe

We had our first full English Breakfast! Five of the team members liked the beans on toast! The spread was eggs, mushrooms, tomatoes, beans, toast, bacon, sausage, and hash browns. After our brunch we had an amazing time debriefing with the Canvas Team and talking about our two weeks serving. Then ended with prayer and got to lift one another up.

Then we went downtown and went to different charity shops and ate lunch at a very cute little cafe.

Friday afternoon was spent packing and napping while waiting for our dinner reservation at a tapas restaurant! The girls sat together and ate phenomenal crispy chicken, margarita pizza, and a Spanish tortilla! The boys had amazing pork belly, chicken, amazing fried shrimp, and chorizo pizza! To finish our meal we had Bischoff McFlurries at McDonald’s!

May 24 2025
0

Update #8 Central America C

By | 2025 Teams, Central America C

First week in Central America was a big success!
We started our Sabbath day by having a slow morning where we were able to catch up on our sleep. Our team had the opportunity to visit the city with Just One Staff. We saw the Spanish Colonial architecture and we climbed to the top of the city’s cathedral clock. This is a medieval clock considered the oldest in America and the oldest gear clock in the world still in operation which was built in late 11th century. Our team also got to hear the bells ringing at the hour. We explored another town and got to visit more beautiful churches there. We then ended the night with very delicious tacos.

Wishing you all an amazing weekend!

-Erin and Bella 🙂

May 24 2025
0

Update #12 Southeast Asia A

By | 2025 Teams, Southeast Asia A

Hi friends and family! 

Day 12 in country was one of our most relaxing days yet, but the morning and evening were packed full of activity. We started off the day bright and early by meeting up with the Youth Lab Jr. leaders at YMC (where we’re staying). This is a group of teenagers and young adults who are dedicated to reaching people for Jesus. Every Saturday they go out to different neighborhoods and put on different activities and feedings for the kids. It was inspiring to see the sacrifice they made for the Gospel and how joyfully they served. Since Brooks was gone today, we tagged along with them to a community closer to our home base for our final feeding of the trip. We usually do a song or two at feedings before we serve the champorado and lugaw, but today we did much more singing and dancing. The kids also played a variation of freeze tag through the streets, which were mostly steep hills. Afterwards they had a chance to write down prayer request and post them on prayer boards so that the YL Jrs could pray for them. Most of these prayers were for family or protection, although there was at least one request for a tv. 

As fun as it was to connect with the kids, we agreed that this feeding was one of the most difficult for our team. Personally, there were a few sick animals that made me feel pretty uncomfortable and in desperate need of hand sanitizer. It was extremely hot and a few of us had left our waters in the van only to discover that we would be walking back. Thankfully, the YL team knew some shortcuts so the walk back was better than expected. 

I did have a kid splash me with dirty bath water though, but he was super cute so I couldn’t be mad at him. 

The rest of the day was pretty relaxing because all of our energy was sapped from the long week. Most of us spent the afternoon napping, journaling, watching videos, or talking to other teams at the base. Farmer also  picked up all of our laundry, except his – because they forgot to wash it – and mine because it was hidden. But thankfully we were able to find it.

After dinner that night we joined the team from World Race and our new friend Kaitlyn to drive to Cloud Nine (we managed to squeeze 17 people into a 12 person van). Cloud Nine is a lookout spot where we’d be able to see the entirety of the city. What we weren’t told was that we would need to climb up a wobbly wire bridge five stories up through the air to reach the lookout point. But despite the height (and multiple people bouncing on the bridge) everyone made it to the top. The view was incredible! It was dark so the entire city was lit up, and there was lightning flashing in the distance every few seconds. We stayed for a bit to take pictures, and then we headed back to base. 

After a quick 7/11 run for some snacks, some of us stayed back to enjoy some karaoke with the boys and girls homes while Graham, Alec, Khaycee and Keilah went on an adventure to get some boba and Dominos pizza. Then we all came back for a time of connecting. I got to talk with a few of the girls we went to dinner with the other night, and it was fun to hear more about their lives and their dreams. It really shows how God is working through people and through KIDS to spread the Kingdom of God in this country. 

We ended the day relaxing in our rooms, and Lauren, Graham and I went out and spent some time worshiping and talking with a few people from World Race. I also learned a few guitar chords which was neat. It’s been really fun to connect with them over the past few days. 

Thank you all for continuing to lift us and this country up in prayer. God has been so faithful to show up and sustain us. Tomorrow we head into our final full day here, so we will be seeing you all soon! 

Laura and the Southeast Asia A team