What a send off by the Administrators and Staff and Southern Philippines Methodist Colleges. We were treated to a wonderful “Thank-you” dinner and exchanged gifts before saying our good-byes.
The evening started with several songs and games from Emelyn Castillo, who’s proved to be more than a music teacher and leader, she has the gift of motivating others. Before the evening was over, we witnessed Milson the building contractor dance, everyone clap and sing, and Janet McCarty, the host missionary shed a few tears.
The gift exchange was more than we could possibly return. Our Philippine hosts gave us several mementos and even a couple of “diplomas” for the lectures and class teachings done at the school. We responded with Chapelwood crosses, three prayer shawls, and a “shovel.” The iron of one of the shovels purchased for the team, cracked in the middle rendering it useless. Since it wasn’t very warn, the shovel became a “trophy” as we signed our names on it with the glitter pens we brought to Kidapawan for Vacation Bible School.
For the record, the first 13 foundation holes have been dugout, each at varying depths. The plan is to construct the new two story building in phases which is common in developing countries. The new “kitchen” has been erected with the concrete poured even as the rain was beginning to fall. And Dr. Ed Lynch completed nearly 70 physicals.
Already some of the medical follow up on the more serious students has begun.
So we leave knowing we have left an impact. How much may be never known fully, but when you look around at all the grace we received, we leave as blessed people. At breakfast in Kidapawan this morning, one of the students Gemma Labagan left us a letter. Her closing words gave us a lift as we began the long road home, “Thanks to all of you. You inspired me as I continue my journey in life. May God bless you more with your families be a blessing to all people. To God be the Glory!” And then one last line, “I hope we’ll see you again.” We do too, Gemma.
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