Well after two days in the air and transferring from one plane to another, we have made it here! We got a good night's sleep and after a little briefing we went straight to the township of Philippi to check things out.
When we arrived we were shocked and amazed. The scene is one of abject poverty, tin roofs, human waste and dirt. In the middle of the shanties rose a slightly taller green roofed church. This is the Anglican Church of Philippi. We parked in front and walked past workmen putting the final touches on the church for the the commissioning next week.
We were introduced to a number of people both long term staff and orphans. And then came the singing. So much song. Beautiful three part harmony, tribal songs, songs that were written by the orphans and hymns that we could sing along with. The mentality was paradoxical and overwhelmingly good.
We also got to visit one of the families in their home. There where four generations living there (8 or 9) people in the size in a 20 x 10 shack. The Great-Grandmother had bone cancer and it had it so bad it broke her leg. We prayed for her and left; her with our prayers and us with the sobering realization that we are not here to ease the pain and suffering of life. We are beginning to see that our role is that of guide and question askr. This, so they will be able to navigate the pain and chose better paths. So much to learn.
Please pray that our hearts are open to learn and hear what we are to be taught.

Thank you for all your prayers,

Matt & Leslie