Building Relationships

It was over eight years ago when we first arrived in the Philippines and over the years we have learnt many wonderful things from the people who live here, especially our team members. Culture can be so complicated and we have had plenty of opportunity to be offended and cause offense with our words and actions. It has been an interesting journey but along the way we have learned some of the finer points of Filipino culture that most of the West would do well to practice.

One of the strengths of this culture is the value of relationships and family. Close knit communities and families are developed over years of giving them priority, at times that priority may have cost a promotion, a pay rise or even a presitigous trip but the family unit is stronger and healthier when the priority is given. With over 8 million overseas workers originating from the Philippines this isn't always the case and the distinction between the families is obvious.

We decided years ago that while our children are young to make it a point to go back to Australia, if possible, to be with family for a shirt visit. 2011 will be no different, we leave Davao Feb 10 and will be in Brisbane Feb 11 ready to be with family and friends for almost four weeks.

What happens while we are gone?
Our incredible team in Davao will be working every week in high schools teaching Values Education, doing breakfast club in elementary schools, preparing for the Youth Leadership Academy and Summer Camps. In addition, 2011 welcomes a new ministry opportunity to connect with high school students through hosting a radio program called "Campus Edge." While we are away, the wonderful people who we have realtionship with here will be working hard to keep the ministry flowing and growing.

Is it really December???

2010 will not be a year quickly forgotten in the Biggs household for some heart breaking reasons but mostly for the amazing times we shared as a family in so many different places with different people.

We started the year with the Germain family up in a small tribal village called Kihan, we were inspired by their love and commitment and touched by their friendship and passion. Their heart for the people they lived with was refreshing and their sacrifices both in Kihan and in leaving will never be truly understood by anyone. Our family grew solidly attached to this unique and wonderful family and we were privileged once again to see them in Alaska (or Alastika as Jasmine likes to call it).

Our friendship tour through the USA was heart warming and refreshing, it was a journey that proved to have an incredibly healing effect for me especially. So many people opening their homes to us and our family, so many friends loving us just because we live and so many hugs that made the painful parts of the year fade far away.

This December will be the first Christmas we have been alone as a family of five and there is a sense of excitement and anticipation of what we will discover, what memories we will create and how we will grow as a family through this.

Part of the Christmas season here at Global Impact are the annual Christmas outreaches. This year we are doing such a broad range it is never boring. We perform in tribal, school, church and community events. Ethan is dancing and in the drama for this year's performance and I am dancing also (hey stop laughing...no there will be not be videos released).

The highlight of this Christmas will be the "Impact a family packs" we are creating. Big groups are fun and now the opportunity to touch individual family groups is going to be a blast. We get to help create memories for them by touching them in the midst of their circumstances with a tangible expression of God's love. There is no set recipe for the pack unlike the over 200 hygiene packs we have already made. Each pack is designed for a specific family including: groceries, clothing, medical supplies, vitamins and some just plain fun stuff.

Each year people help us give hygiene packs with soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, wash cloth etc. to hundreds of kids, youth and adults. So this year we decided to go one step further. We have selected three of the families already and as we have the provisions we will add more families. Our goal this year is 12 families and if you would like to help just let me know.

Many blessings for your Christmas and the final weeks of 2010. Our family is praying for an awesome 2011 for you.