Phillippines Update from Sarah Ryer

Sarah Ryer has sent Quest an update on her missions work in the Phillipines. Thankfully Sarah is doing very well. Below is Sarah's recent email to all of us at Quest:

Hello all! So I've been in Philippines for just over a week, and I feel as though I should write and update to all of you to let you know what I've been up to!

After traveling for 38 hours - I think I counted this right it includes lay overs - I arrived in Zamboanga which is in Mindanao the southern island of the Philippines. It's very hot here and everything is in a general state of chaos which the natives seem to get but is beyond me. I am trying to learn how to function in a society which appears to have no rules...This is good for me though, teaches me tons. :) So far I have managed to not get sick off the water or the food which is always good. God is truly taking care of me, and besides the amount of rice I have to eat every day, I've had no problems! Please don't feed me rice when I come home... ;)

I am here to work alongside MUPT who have been in the Philippines for about 10 years. They've been in Davao for most of their time here and are currently in the process of moving their work and ministry to Zamboanga. They are still learning about the city and what they can do here. They must re-start the work they were doing in Davao in this city. Since they've just moved here they are mostly working in a Muslim community called Rio Hando that exists inside Zamboanga city. Mindanao has many Muslim tribes which is why it has such a bad reputation. However, MUPT is a presence in Rio Hando and they are widely loved and cared for. Since I am part of MUPT - however temporarily - I am protected. On the first day we visited the leader of the community told me that he was so glad I was here because I was an American because my presence proved to them that not all Americans hate Muslims. I was a white American girl and by coming I just proved that I care, that I love, and that I have the love of God in my heart. It was amazing to hear that said. When I get home I will share more about the technicalities of the situation. Currently I am working with the other SAW (South Asia Worker - this is what they call us) in the school to set up a tutoring programme for students who cannot read. It's quiet challenging, but the other SAW is a teacher, and I have some teaching experience, both of which are helpful. The community loves us, and we usually have a trail of children after us wherever we go. Both of us are trying to learn Talsug, the language they speak, but we are blessed in that they speak English so we're able to communicate more or less.

The other SAW and I live with a family who is part of MUPT. They have two children, and are so kind to us! It's a lot of fun living with a local family! I am not allowed to go anywhere myself, we must always have a Filipino with us, and that can be challenging, but it's also good. I really appreciate the people who are so amazing at taking care of us.

All right, well that's enough for now! I will try to write again when I have another opportunity! I hope all of you are well in your Seattle coldness ;) and I'll see you in a few weeks when I return!

Love,
Sarah
PS: Please feel free to share this if you think I forgot someone!! And tell them I'm sorry.