We started out the day with another early 6:45 AM wakeup call, but this morning we all stepped out of bed with a pleasant surprise of aching bodies and sore backs. Breakfast was served with plenty of fresh pineapples, eggs, toast, and bacon, and we all ate up knowing we needed to have full stomachs for the labor-intensive day ahead. After breakfast, everyone hopped on a jeepney and we headed out to Tarong Elementary for our second day. Once again, our team took in the beautiful scenery, as well as sang along to some of our favorite throwback songs to get us excited for the hours ahead.
As the jeepneys pulled up to Tarong, we jumped out and got straight to work because the kids were already in-class learning. We began to finish what we started yesterday by dividing the team up amongst the different roles of shoveling, bucket passing, wheelbarrowing, and filling the stage with the mountain of dirt, rocks, and so much more. Today, we felt the sunrays hitting us hard with a heat index of over 100 degrees. The sun was out and blazing #melted #dead #drip. Every single person was already exhausted and worn out, but God’s presence was extremely evident as we knew we were being filled with his strength, not our own. By lunchtime, we were so close to being done filling the stage with the rubble. We had a nice break and enjoyed some curry chicken, vegetables, rice, and bananas prepared by the lovely quest staff.
As we finished up lunch and prepared to get back to work, our hearts melted to see that so many of the children were doing everything they could to help out. They had filled so many buckets and worked together to carry them to the stage. Half of the team got back to work to fill the final layer of rocks to level out the stage. The other half of our team got to head out on home visits of a few students of the school. This gave us the opportunity to see first-hand the life of Filipinos on Bantayan and really allowed us to gain a whole new perspective of the way we live in the U.S. We got to bring them bags of groceries, ask lots of questions, and pray over them before we made our way back to Tarong. By the time they got back, the other students had completed filling the stage and started the cement process for the stairs.
We got to enjoy a quick water break, followed by about an hour of getting to run around and play with the kids once they were released from class. We played games, sang songs, and loved on each other. It was so special for each one of us. Very quickly it was time for them to head back to class or go home. We got to take another water break and try some sweet sticky rice before heading to the jeepneys to return to Anika. We were all drenched in sweat, covered in dirt, in need of a shower, and filled up from the day we just had and the progress we made.
Once we got back, after showers, some enjoyed some quiet time on the beach, while others took a quick nap before dinner. We were served low mien, pork skewers, and you guessed it… rice. We ate up and made our way to large group where we got to read all of your sweet comments and share some of our favorite moments of the day. The room was filled very quickly with joy and encouragement. James led us in some awesome worship and then we got to hear some words of wisdom from Halle. We finished the night off by sharing stories and opening up in our small groups.
As we head to bed for some much-needed rest, we are thinking about and missing all of our loved ones back home!!
Love you guys,
Taylor Miller and Mary-Madden
P.S. Pictures for the day are posted on this Google Drive!
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1V8w_OumKVsf-Qi0FMgzAQLklNu4Ocp48?usp=sharing
The kids must be so excited for their new stage, how wonderful!!! Make sure Haley volunteers for cement duty as she’s got lots of experience from our trip to Honduras!! Haha sorry, bug!! Get some rest, stay hydrated, Wear sunscreen and eat!! We all miss you guys a ton!!! Have a great day tomorrow, today? Whatever! Ha!!
I love you!
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I have tears in my eyes as I read every post. I am so proud of the work that y’all are doing. I saw the love and excitement in the children’s eyes. I know God will give you strength. Sarah Kate, we miss you but are so proud. Work hard and share God’s love with these people. Love , Mom, DAd, Rileigh, and Buddy.
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I’m in awe. All of you are changing lives in so many different ways and I’m proud of you guys for pushing through that heat and lukewarm water! I also hope you’re enjoying the large amounts of chicken and rice, because when you get back you won’t wanna eat it for a longgg time. Take in the home visits as much as you can, pray on them and love on them. That’s one of the best parts. Taylor and Mary-Madden, thank you for this amazing update, I love and miss both of you! Everyone of y’all are all amazing, keep serving our God!!
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Thank you so much for these awesome updates! They are so vivid and we feel like we’re there with you all. Sounds like you all are working hard and sweating harder! The people of Bantayan are being so blessed by what you are doing there! So proud of you all for working so hard, especially in the blazing heat and humidity. We know it’s not easy work. Glad some of you got to do home visits today with some of the families. It is enlightening to see how others live compared to our little Forsyth County. Missing our sweet Sarah, it’s so quiet without you here. We know you are doing what God has called you to do and we couldn’t be more proud of you! Love you sweet girl! Love, Mom, Dad and Remi
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This is so amazing🙌🤝👍, I love the updates, I know this is so life changing for my cousin and the others participating this awesome journey, God is so good , many blessings! I can’t wait to see pictures! Much love 💕
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Thanks for the update Taylor and Mary! It’s exciting to hear how much progress the team has made on completing the stage and I’m happy that some of the team got the amazing opportunity to visit the homes of the students. I know that must have been such an eye opening and humbling experience and something that will never be forgotten. I’m sure that spending some time playing and loving on the students must have been such an enjoyable break from the hard work that everyone has put into completing the stage. Lots of prayers headed your way and continue to hard and love on those kids! Love and miss you!
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Praying diligently personally and with our small group for Ashley, Peyton, Maggie and everyone else on the incredible BB IO Phillipines team!!!
May God bless each one of you and the lives of all the precious people around you 💕
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Thanks for the update!
I am sure I speak for all of us reading your post, it warms our hearts and yes we shed heartfelt tears each time we read your post ❤️ What a difference you guys are making in others lives! The smile on those children’s faces are priceless! Tell TJ that Stevie has learned to give kisses “small milestones” 😊 sending hugs and prayers to you all! We are all so proud of you!
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So thankful that Kyle & Robin get to spend time in the place where they’ve left pieces of their hearts.
I love you guys and miss you!
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❤️❤️❤️❤️ Missing Taylor Reeves very much today but beyond happy and excited to read the blog and hear what exciting things are happening. I know it’s hard work. One of my favorite quotes: “May you be proud of the work you do, the person you are and the difference you make.” Team — be proud!! We sure are proud of you!
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Can’t thank you enough for the updates. I’m so thankful there have been no sickness, especially from the jet lag. Love seeing what you are a part of and praying for continued health!
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We have loved following along with the update! Someone said it best, the posts are so vivid and clear. We almost feel like we are there with you! Proud of what y’all are choosing to spend your time doing… love that you are allowing God to use you in mighty ways… encouraged by y’all walking out your faith.
We pray you never forget a moment of your time there. This will for we be a stone of remembrance for what God is doing in your life.
You are so so loved and covered in prayer…
The nine that Mary-Madden left behind
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Great job to all of you. Have another great day today. Morgan Nale – get in a posted photo today. Desperate to see your smiling face. Love you and miss you!!
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Thinking of all of you everyday, enjoying the updates and accounts of the positive impacts you are making. Stay strong, stay positive and keep sharing your faith. We miss you, Emma D., are so proud of you and know that you are in good hands.
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Awwww……Theses pics make my heart happy! Thank you so much for sharing your incredible journey! I know that you are really touching the hearts of these beautiful children. The joy on their faces is apparent. We are so proud of all the hard work that you are doing in God’s name and the gift that you are giving to these children. Your lives and the lives of these children will be forever changed by this experience. Blessings everywhere! Keep up the great work and I know you’ve heard it many times but stay hydrated! It sounds like you are being well fed and I’m so grateful that there is so much rice! I think that’s Illie’s favorite food……Woohoo! ….. did I mention she is a little picky?
Love you my peanut! Huge Hugs and Kisses!🤗😘 XO
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Wow it is amazing to see the work God does through this team year after year. The relationships made will have lasting impacts on those beautiful kiddos and everyone on the team! Taylor, you are a rockstar and I am so so proud of you and the heart you have for Jesus.
Love,
Morgan Miller
P.s Try not to get a concrete bucket dropped on your head and have to go get stitches like I did 😛
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So so proud of you Caroline! The pictures just warm my heart! Keep serving well, it’s your greatest purpose! Love you so much!
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Keep these updates coming!! I read them out loud to our cul de sac (Chloe can explain the cul de sac. Ha!). I continue to pray for strength, good sleep, and tons of life changing memories that will stay with you all forever. Again, so proud! We love you Chloe!! Keep shining brightly and can’t wait to hear all about it!! Love mom, Taylor, and Belle. Xoxoxo
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Love to see this post and the pictures…more pictures!!! I am so happy that the team is able to have such a positive impact on the community and see the love the children have for them. It is so awesome! Taylor…so, so proud of you for all you are doing. It is amazing to me the wisdom and courage you have at your age to do what you are doing. Love you and all of my kiddos we see often at our house that are there. Keep up the good work!
PS…getting your mug in a picture would soon would be great :)…Love you, Mom and Dad
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Love the texts, updates & pictures!
Praying for continued energy to complete the project, for your bodies to feel refreshed and rested, and for this time to grow you closer to each other and God.
Big thanks and love to the leadership team for leading strong and for being people that our students are blessed to be surrounded by.
Gray- I can’t wait to hear all of your stories & how the Pines has continued to shape your heart (don’t forget the details, you know I like allll the details! 🤗). We love and miss you so much.
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so happy to hear about all the amazing things happening for this team. sending such big love and hugs to my sweet sister sk, and my cute friend halle. missing my girls so much but so happy to hear about all the life change in this team and the crazy ways that God is working. love love love you sk, miss you more than you know💖💖
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Always excited to see a new post notification and today with pics!! Makes my heart smile to see all the happy faces, especially of the Filipino children. One of my faves was the one with Robin and the little boy.
Congrats on the major headway on the stage! How gratifying to know you are making a lasting difference at the school and in the community! And loved the home visits, how much that must mean to all involved.
Super proud of our Halle sharing with everyone. Baby girl, you are such a gift and we all miss you! Even CJ says, he misses you!! The smile on your face in the 4th of July pic was everything!!
Thanks Chaddad for the texts and pics!
Continuing to pray for rest, good health, hydration, strength and perseverance! God’s got this amazing team!!
❤️The Daube Family
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Thanks for the great post Taylor and Mary-Madden! Happy 4th of July to you all! It warms my heart to hear how you are showing these kids everyday through your exhausting hard work and playfullness with the kids, Christ’s love for them. They get to witness this first hand. Every time these kids look at the stage they will never forget the dirty americans who came to help them. What a beautiful thing and lasting reminder! All of this hardwork also makes me think that Karson will now view emptying the dishwasher or cleaning her room as a huge priviledge. lol! But seriously, ya’ll are amazing and I’m super proud of you all! Keep up the hard work! Martin and Karson are very missed this week by everyone here at the “Lakes”.
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Loved seeing the pictures (even though my precious Morgan wasn’t in them). Those children are smiling from ear to ear. Please remember even though you guys are exhausted – the joy you are bringing them is absolutely priceless. So proud of all of you. Morgan – my heart is so full of pride for the amazing woman you are but it’s also lonely. Finish your amazing work there and come home and hug me. Cami and Gracie reached out to me last night. They miss you so much and so do Annie Oscar and Sara. Our home is not the same without you. Come home.
PS – I’ve decided you definitely are not going to college unless I go with you.
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Loved seeing the photos of these smiling faces! I’m so inspired as I read these posts at the pure Joy I’m hearing about in the hearts of these young children. We have so much here in Forsyth County and that can be a huge burden to bear if things don’t go our way. But when you don’t have a lot – a new stage and playtime with visitors from America can be the highlight of your year!!! I know that you already know how much your visit means to these kids. Their faces in these photos tell a thousand words. You each are making an impact on them that is indescribable. Oh and Elise I’m so glad they had curry chicken last night – your favorite. 😂😂
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Y’all are amazing, going back day after day and still having the energy to post these detailed blogs. i miss all of my friends but i know that y’all are doing awesome things over there. it hasn’t been the same without y’all here.#boring. i’m praying for everyone over there 😘😘😘
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Thank you so much for the updates!!! You guys are doing amazing things and touching the hearts of those beautiful children. God will continue to give you the strength to complete all the hard work of building the awesome stage. Continue to do God’s work and pour faith, hope and love into these children. Jordan Hope- we are so proud of you and miss you terribly!!!!
Love Mom, Dad, Trev, Rocky & Apollo!
P.S- Apollo is getting a little bigger 😊
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I miss you, Morgan
Love, Sara
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