I just got up from a 14 hour nap.  And you know what, I am still tired!  Now is the time where you ask “Why are you so tired Ike?”  Well now that you asked, I just returned from a mission trip from half-way around the world.  And that means flying for about 24 hours just to get there (not to mention the 13-hour time delay)!  So where have I been?  For the last 10 days I have been working with a great team of Christians from Pendleton Street Baptist, Whitefield Baptist, and NewSpring Churches in the Philippines. 

Now before I begin to tell you a little about this trip I must remind myself to be careful.  Be careful because right now I am absolutely blown away at God’s perfect beauty.  To say it mildly I am riding a unique spiritual high.  No, I did not take anything while I was there.  It is all God!

For those of you who have had the opportunity to be a part of a multi-day mission trip, especially an out-of-country trip, you know exactly what I mean.  You come back from a trip where God has rocked your world to its core and your family and friends, who probably did not have the same type of week, wonder why you are such a freak.  So I will try to contain myself (but I make no promises)...

Our trip consisted of helping a local pastor (Pastor Melo) in a small town about 6 hours north of the country’s capital city of Manila.  We began construction on a two-story Christian school run by Pastor Melo’s church.  The school, attended by around 75 youth, runs kids from 1st through 5th grade, adding a grade every year.  Team members were assigned tasks such as constructing large rebar posts and cross members for the concrete supports to digging 6x6x6 holes for the footings.  Hard work, especially in 95 degree heat!

In addition to the construction, we had the privilege of working and hanging out with some of the most wonderful people I have ever met (if you and I have met then I apologize, you are great also).  These people blew me away at their generosity and love for complete strangers.  I have never been around more warm and giving people (again I apologize if we have spent time together; you are warm and giving also).

Let me wrap this entry up before I get too long winded.  But keep looking back at our Journal, I am sure you will see more on this amazing trip as God continues to reveal his greatness.

– Ike Boyette

PS: To the team members, you guys (and gals) are great.  Thanks for the awesome trip and for putting up with me!

PSS: To Pastor Melo, you are a wonderful servant of our Lord Jesus Christ.  You are an inspiration for me and I know God is smiling at your work.

PSSS: To Ian, Gideon, Jay, Chris, Jon, the great ladies, and all the wonderful people I had the privilege of meeting, thank you!  Thank you!  Thank you!  I made you a promise, and the Lord willing I will see you soon.  I love you guys!