Well, here we are recapping month two, which is crazy because I feel like I literally just wrote my first Manila newsletter. Time is moving FAST.

There are so many good things I could share, but I’ll spare you the novel and hit the highlights 🙂

Work has somehow felt slow and substance-filled at the same time. I’m still waiting for projects to really start piling up, but I’ve genuinely enjoyed what I’ve gotten to be part of so far.

I traveled with the team to Pampanga to look at venues for Muskathon, which gave me a glimpse into how many moving pieces go into planning an event like this. I’ve also gotten to prepare concept notes for survivor photoshoots and begin working on a script for a video explaining OSAEC and IJM’s response to it.

One of the biggest blessings has been having a manager who is really intentional about encouraging me and reminding me that my contributions matter while I’m still finding my footing here.

I’m also really grateful for the community God has been providing.

On Saturday mornings, I’ve been going through Captivating with a women’s group, and on Wednesdays I’ve been attending an apologetics Bible study. Both have been really interesting because I’m getting to hear faith discussed largely through Filipino perspectives.

The Wednesday study has especially challenged me to think less about having the perfect argument ready and more about understanding why someone may feel hurt, frustrated, or skeptical toward the Church in the first place.

I’m still church hunting, but between Bible studies, pickleball, work dates and new friendships, I’m really thankful that the Lord has been answering my prayers for community.

I’ve gotten much more comfortable in my neighborhood. I’m walking a lot; I’ve even started running outside, and streets that once felt completely unfamiliar are slowly starting to feel like mine.

Muay Thai has also somehow turned into half martial arts, half Tagalog lesson. My instructor is VERY committed to teaching me words between punches and kicks. Probably a net positive.

This month I also had to take a visa run to Taiwan, where I got to hike and see actual green, rolling hills again. I genuinely did not realize how grass-deprived I was after two months in Manila’s concrete jungle. Being outside in God’s creation felt way more restorative than I expected, and I was so thankful for that little reset.

I have so much to thank God for, but I also don’t want these updates to make it seem like living on the other side of the world is always easy.

I’m still learning how to rest here, truly. When everything around you is new, your brain is constantly processing new streets, food, language, weather, and routines.

One thing I was not prepared for in the Philippines was how seriously people take the rain. I genuinely didn’t know there were levels to rain until moving here, but we have orange and red rainfall warnings. I’ve also had several people on my team call out sick because they “got caught in the rain,” which is still slightly unbelievable to me as a completely valid explanation here.

Food has also been an unexpected adjustment. Familiar groceries can be surprisingly expensive, while gluten-free options when eating out are limited. Add in a few questionable meat encounters, and I may have accidentally become a vegetarian… but we don’t need to unpack that right now.

If you’re praying for me this month, I’d especially appreciate prayer for peace, real rest, wisdom with food and finances, and continued community.

And if you want to keep up with the smaller moments between newsletters, follow me on Facebook at Charlotte George! I’ll be sharing more day-to-day updates and photos there.

One little support update as well: I’m now accepting financial support directly through Venmo instead of Pure Charity. Since my internship with IJM is unpaid and I’m supporting myself while I’m here, any support is deeply appreciated, but never expected.

Venmo: @charlottelise

Thank you for praying, following along, and being part of this season with me. I’m incredibly grateful. 🤍