Basic beginning ramblings

We're here as has already been said. It's been amazing, but also overwhelming. The generosity of everyone we've met, and especially our host families has been astounding. We haven't had much immersion yet as we are still in our orientation phase. However, one of the full time workers reminded us to remember when we are going to the sites, we aren't just tourists. We need to look at the villages with the eyes and hearts of people actively figuring out where God is calling us and how God is calling us to serve. Today our schedule includes several village visits and then late night advocacy with a Full Time worker and also one of our hosts - Greg. While mostly we've just been observing things, Greg warned us he may call on us to share our stories of why we came to volunteer. We also have been given our assignments 'officially'. I'm still with the values formation process which is awesome, but definitely overwhelming. I'm really excited to dig in to the work set before me, but have to have patience as we continue our orientation as well. There are plenty of lessons to be learned here in all sorts of ways. I just have to keep praying that I'm open and aware of the multitude of lessons that God brings before me. This is not about expectations but experiences and finding the values of it all. The cliches to be used are many, but they are also true. Now though, as this is about experiences, I want to get back to the people here at the GK office at Ateneo (Jesuit University in Manila playing orientation leaders this week). Thank you all for sharing in our journeys in all the ways you are. Know you are loved. God Bless