Busy Days

It has been a long and hard few weeks. There has been good things as well many very hard things to deal with. I have been very encouraged with the commitment of some youth, and God brought back some of the original youth that I had been working with. Since they are both girls Grace has really stepped in and lead the discipleship, and the one girl has barely left Grace's house in the past week. We also began a morning devotion at 7 am from Tuesday to Friday, and I think we have all felt that really helping us. Since I am so busy I felt that I needed to do something to maintain and continue developing my relationships, and the the morning devotion has done just that. As well as giving everyone one a chance to share, and gain more confidence sharing encouragement or a devotion.

While seeing good things happening, I have also really been struggling. My schedule is daunting and I am constantly running around from one place to the next. I have also discovered that the weight of dealing with tuff decisions is burdening me and I don't enjoy it at all. There have been a lot of strained relationships over the last few weeks and it has left me pretty hurt. I feel let down and betrayed by some peoples actions and foolishness. I've chose to let Mackie go and search for a different church since his issues are far beyond anything I can handle, and he needs a church that can really get behind him and support and restore him.

After some good talks with my family it seems clear that I need to make some changes in my schedule and commitment. I talked with my team leader and told him whether we like it or not we are going to bring someone to help with the pastoring (bringing in an outside pastor is not usually how a new pastor is found in the Philippines) because I am sick of carrying everything on my back. I love the job and the work I have to do but I am also in school which is so critical to my long term effectiveness as a missionary and need to give more attention there. I made it clear that we need to do something very significant, or I will burn out soon.

Grace is doing a wonderful job preparing for the wedding, and being very patient with me because of my schedule, and I really appreciate her so much. This week or next week we will do our civil wedding, and then Grace will get a new passport with my last name and we will begin processing her papers to come to Canada.

Today I am heading off for Tagaytay in a bit to take a rest until Sunday afternoon. I am very excited because I have not had a good motorcycle trip for a while, and being beside the lake and seeking God is just what I need. I really need prayer right now. I have more tuff decisions waiting for me when I get back, and I need to make some real changes in how I am doing things, and it wont be easy.

It's times like these where I appreciate everyones support and prayers so so much!

Brett