Here I am!

I'm finally in Laoag!! Everything worked out perfectly as I traveled here -- God really had His hand in it. I was surrounded by helpful and friendly people on my flights and even in the streets of Manila. Every detail has been taken care of -- my luggage, hotel reservations, taxi drivers, etc, etc, etc.

I have felt for some time that God would use this trip to stretch me in the area of prayer, and I have already begun to see it happening.

Yesterday, my last day of traveling, was perhaps the most stressful time I have ever had on a mission trip. My original flight to Laoag was canceled, and I had to make my way from ticket office to ticket office until I finally straightened things out and paid for a later flight with a different airline. I had difficulty checking in, could not contact anyone in Laoag to tell them about my new travel arrangements, and risked running out of money as I paid for an unexpected new plane ticket, taxi, excess baggage, and the terminal fee. However, I spent the entirety of three hours floating in and out of prayer, and God took excellent care of me. I was placed on a flight with Pastor Florie Santiago, one of the women with whom I am staying here in Laoag, and had an automatic ride home from the airport because of it!!!

I start my work here next week. Please pray that God will prepare my heart for the things He has in store for me this year.
I love you all and appreciate your thoughts and prayers.

love,k