The Summer Continues

I have reached my midpoint mark for my internship.  I have been here for nearly 7 weeks, and I have less than 6 weeks before I return to America.  For one of my assignments, I wrote an interim report, in which I looked at all of the research I've done so far, analyzed my findings, and planned what I need to do next.  I was grateful that I did this interim report, because it helped me focus in on my actual research design, instead of doing research that is unrelated.  I was able to plan and carry out several research activities this week, so that was very encouraging.  I had a bible study with the Shelter boys on Saturday morning (I mentioned this in my previous blog), and we talked about forgiveness.  I had a few discussion questions in the beginning, then we read a passage from Genesis 50, about Joseph forgiving his brothers who tried to kill him.  I highlighted some lessons to be learned about forgiveness, and then asked the boys for prayer requests.  The discussion questions and prayer requests provided some insights into the boys' lives.  Later that day, I conducted a focus group, with my friend Trisha as an interpreter.  This went really well (even though two boys were sick and couldn't make it), and I learned some things that were completely new to me.  I think somethings are even unknown by SBCC, so I'm excited to see where this takes the research.  I also had a couple of informal interviews and some helpful conversations with the boys.  In one conversation, a couple of boys and I talked about the spiritual realm, Jesus' power over Satan, and atheism. I wrote so many expanded field notes this week, and this is encouraging.  

Last Sunday, Ate Yen, the wife of Dr. Russ Mask (my professor at Covenant College) arrived in Manila to surprise her mother who is turning 80 this month.  It was good to talk to Ate Yen, especially since she is a familiar face.  Today she took me to visit FEBIAS College of Bible, where one of the Shelter boys and several SBCC members attend.  I toured the entire campus, which is beautiful with many coconut, jackfruit, and mango trees, and ate lunch there with the president and other administrators.  I also attended their chapel, and I was the guest speaker!  Actually, I only spoke for about 5 minutes (and I had been planning this for a couple of days) about what God has taught me through my internship.  The whole student body was in attendance, which is approximately 260 students, if I remember correctly.  I was grateful that the Lord calmed my nerves, since this was my first public speaking engagement.  

I've had some exciting foods this week.  First of all, a couple of friends took me to a street vendor one night to try the infamous balut (aborted duck egg).  I actually found it simi-tasty, and I was glad that I didn't crunch on any duck bones.  I did sallow some feathers though.  Another day, Trisha and Gener took me to a fruit stand to buy some Filipino fruits.  I have tried green guava with rock salt and another fruit (can't remember the name).  I have one more to try and then I'll buy more.  I've also eaten "the insides of a pig," spicy calamari, mussels, steamed bananas, and hopia (a pastry made with sweetened mashed beans).  Yummy!  

On Sunday, I went shopping at SM for clothing, and this was a lot of fun.  Trisha and 6 SBCC guys took me, and on the way there we rode a jeepney for my first true jeepney experience.  The guys left before Trisha and I were ready, so we had to ride the jeepney by ourselves.  Unfortunately, I was pick-pocketed by the woman sitting beside me, and I didn't realize she stole my wallet until I returned to the church.  I lost my credit card and about P4,000 (I had grabbed this because I went shopping), so I had to cancel my card asap.  I asked Trisha later if she was nervous for just us two to be riding the jeepney, and she said yes.  She said it would be different if I was Asian looking, but Filipinos assume that all Americans are rich. One of the Shelter boys told me later that he was "thankful to God that I wasn't killed."  He explained that sometimes thieves use knives to cut a lady's purse and may use it to hurt her.  Please pray for my safety as I travel around the city.  I normally have guys with me when I travel, so it was unusual for me to just be with Trisha.  Also pray that I can get a new credit card sent here very soon.  I had some cash locked in my room, but it won't last for the whole summer.  I know that my family at SBCC will take care of me though.  And that reminds me, I've been asked if I want to become an associate member of the church!  So I will always be connected with SBCC, and I'll have a home for when I return to the Philippines (if this is in God's plan).  

Another highlight of the week:  my microphone on my laptop had been broken for over a month, so I couldn't talk to any of my family except through email.  Finally it was fixed and I Skyped my parents on Sunday and my sister yesterday for the first time.  I talked to my sister for an hour and a half, so that was awesome.  

Thanks for your continued prayers.  Praise be to God for bringing me here.  I could not ask for a better internship!  I will truly miss everything about it when I go home, especially the wonderful people.  I have so many close friends at SBCC now, and those Shelter boys are like my little brothers.