October 2017

11/3/17

Our recent trip (October 2017) was such a sweet time in the Philippines. God’s mercies were evident from the very first moments of our trip. A United agent helped us by allowing Poppa John to have lots of leg space, and arranging for Michael, Eden, and I all to sit together next to a bassinet seat for Zi. She upgraded us for every single flight there and back.  It was such a tremendous blessing- we were so thankful.

Once we made it to the Philippines, we made our way to two different islands. Michael, Eden, Poppa John, and Ben went to our Baby House in Manila and Tita Anna, Zi and I flew to General Santos early the morning after we arrived. Early is an understatement! We arrived at our hotel at about 11:00 pm, ate a super late dinner, repacked, took a bath, and slept for a whole hour and a half. We needed to be at the airport by 2:00 am for a flight at 4:00 am.

Zi got to meet his Tita for the first time! 

Poppa John, Ben, and Zizi.

Zi and I were blessed to be greeted by an incredibly sweet and Godly family. I was blown away by the way they exemplified Christ in their relationships and hospitality. The intention for my trip to Gen San was to find a location for our orphanage. We found several ideal locations, and now we are covering the entire situation in prayer. Our heart is to have a safe place for kids to meet Christ and be loved on. We want to raise these kiddos to be contributing, God-honoring adults; it starts with this dream that God placed on many of our hearts! Our desire is eventually to be able to bring American teams every few months to interact with the kids, serve in a foreign country, and to encounter Jesus in a way they haven't experienced before. Overall, we have big dreams for this and are praying the God brings it to fruition! Will you cover this in prayer with us?  

Flight from Gen San.

The sweet family that blessed us with their hospitality. 

Later, after we arrived in Manila, we had a meeting with the Philippine government regarding the orphanage. Once again, we saw God clearly moving in the situation. They were able to sit us down and very clearly lay out all of the requirements and answer the questions we had. Then the following afternoon, we got to gather with our baby house families! We had a bible study, distributed food and gifts, and enjoyed each other’s company. One of the sponsors gifted two of our families with a meal at a restaurant. Many of our families have never experienced that, so it was super exciting. 

Being tickled by Kuya Michael!

Our very first baby to join the program is now healthy and walking after over a year of proper nutrition! 

Poppa John and Kuya Ben spending time with some of the little ones they sponsor.

Party at Inasal! ;) 

On Sunday, we were able attend church with our program families and a number of old friends that we miss. After church, we drove to the beach to spend a few days in fellowship, encouraging each other before we were countries apart again. We were able to take a few of them snorkeling and boating for the first time. It was definitely a time to enjoy each other’s company and is sweet to remember.

Swimming with her Tita and Ates.

Beautiful, beautiful Philippines!

We returned to the Baby House the morning before we flew back to the States. We packed, enjoyed our last little bit of time, and after lots of tears, took off for the airport. We had a smooth but LONG flight home. We are already missing our family in the Philippines and are hoping to see them again soon. We are so thankful for everyone that let us know they are praying or supported us financially. I don't think words will ever express how thankful we are.

Chasing summer

September 29, 2017

I got both babies to bed a the same time which guaranteed me at least 20 minutes of blog time! I'm feeling successful before I've even started.  AND my hubby got me a Starbucks- I mean, what could be better on such a cold, rainy day?  

I don't think I've officially announced- in fact, I'm sure I haven't. Life is CRAZY with two babies and a full blown ministry in the states as well as in the Philippines. I feel like I don't have an extra minute in the day, let alone to write a whole blog post. It keeps me from fully informing all of you as to what we are up to, and for that I am sorry! But, I am SUPER excited to share with you; we're flying to the Philippines! Monday! It's coming up fast. I feel completely unprepared, but ridiculously excited. It's FREEZING here in Colorado, so I keep joking that were chasing summer. I'm not ready for winter! 

This trip is specifically designed to work on orphanage stuff. We arrive late in the Philippines on October 3rd. Michael and Eden will continue on to the baby house while Zi and I stay near the airport to catch an early flight the next morning at 4:00 am. We will be flying to another island to look for locations for the orphanage. Please be covering this specific portion of the trip in prayer. Ate Anna and I will be spending a full 2 days looking for a location before returning the evening of the 5th. The morning of the 6th at 8:00 we have a meeting with DSWD (Philippine government) regarding the orphanage. Zi and I will be the ones attending this meeting. Please be covering this meeting in prayer as well. I don't really know what to expect. I'm just praying things will be communicated well and clearly, that there will be no language block and that we will come out of it with a clear plan and all of the information that we need. Some of you that have dealt with the Philippine government understand how difficult it can be to work with them. Saturday will be devoted to spending time with our program families, blessing them in some way and prepping for Sundays food buckets. Sunday is one of the days I am excited for! After church, our team will be taking the baby house staff to the beach for a few days of fellowship and encouragement before we leave. Pray that it is a blessed time of encouragement, spiritual renewal, bonding and rest for both our team and the baby house staff.  We will arrive back to the baby house on the 11th and our family flies out the 12th. Assuming this trip accomplishes what it is intended too, we may be planning another trip within the coming months in order to follow up with what is done on this trip.   

God is so good to us- it is often that I am in awe as to what He is doing and how He is working. God has abundantly blessed me with this life. To have the privilege of not only serving in the states, but also overseas, is a dream come true. If you ever have questions as to what we are doing now, or the status of the program, feel free to shoot me an email or message me. I would love to share with you about how God is working! 

Prayer requests:

• Jet lag (I am so nervous about how exhausted I am going to be with two little ones and how much I have to do on this trip. I am praying the visit to the beach is enough time to rest and recuperate from the craziness of the beginning of the trip.) 
• Finding an orphanage location 
• The meeting with DSWD (for those of you that did not read the detail of the trip; it's my first meeting with the Philippine government regarding any information I need to start filing paperwork for the orphanage. Pray for clarity and the ability to make a sustainable plan once we've met.)   
• The details that go into opening an orphanage. (Pray for financial sustainability and Gods anointing on a dream He placed on many of our hearts a long time ago.)
• Safety and health of the US team and the Philippine staff 
• For our hearts and eyes to be softened to what He is doing around us. His will be done through out this entire trip even when it means putting our carefully planned out, agenda aside.

Also, just because I am super excited for our first family pictures with Zi and its an update on how big my kiddos are getting (sad mommy face!) : 

We're heading back!

May 9, 2017

Summer is approaching so quickly, it's crazy! In the next few weeks, summer will begin for our ministry in Colorado Springs. This means all of the kids will be out of school and the center will have kids from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. (Except weekends of course!) It also means that one of our biggest ministries will begin. Every year, the staff at the center take kids up to the ranch for a overnight summer camp. It's kind of a divide and conquer concept. Some of the staff take the kids up and some of the staff remain in the Springs keeping the children's center running with the remaining kids that chose not to go. Despite the fact that it's summer camp, all state regulations still have to be followed from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm. So a certain amount of kids must remain with one group leader from the center at all times, etc.
Michael, Eden and I have had the pleasure of taking part of these outreach camps for the past two years by bringing a team from Idaho to participate. It's exciting being able to be on this side of the ministry this time! In June, a team from Idaho will be driving out to assist us with one of the several camps that will be run this year. It's exciting to think about! Our main goal with these camps is to share Christ with the kiddos. Many of these kids come from hard situations. Broken homes, physical abuse, substance abuse, and neglect. To share Christ with them is not only a privilege, but it gives them a hope for the future. Throughout the year, the children's center continues to water the seed that was planted at camp with daily encouragement and AWANA every Wednesday night, for several months out of the year. It is quite a ministry, so please keep everyone in your prayers!

Pictures from the past two years of camp.

Once camps are over (they will at least go through August), we will begin preparing for another big trip. Zi (Eliam) is heading to the Philippines for the first time! We are super excited for the specific reason that we are going. I'm sure lately you all have noticed me speaking of a "transition" time for the F4P program, and also a lack of updates. (The baby has a little bit to do with that too.) But, we have been in a time of prayer, rather than action. Asking God to lead us with these next steps - whatever they might be. We definitely feel God has placed a passion on our hearts to open an orphanage at some point and we are wondering if the program will transition into that. We are super excited! This trip will be about reconnecting with our program families, finding a potential location for this orphanage, and beginning to take steps to file paperwork to open the orphanage! It's going to be a lot of leg work and sitting in government offices, which I will admit I am not excited about at all. But anything for the furthering of Gods kingdom, right?! It's a super important trip and we're praying that God really works during the planning leading up to it and that he is completely present during the trip itself.

Now, for the slightly discouraging part that I am trying to not let keep me awake at night. Especially with a newborn, when sleep is precious! Ha!

Fundraising. Fundraising is never fun, but it is definitely a growing experience. Please prayerfully consider supporting this trip. We are thinking we will have to raise roughly $6,000 for our family and potential team members, depending on how plane tickets fluctuate. Every dollar counts and it is completely tax deductible. We would love to answer any questions you have about the trip and what your donation would be going to. You all have been such a blessing to our families in the Philippines, and to my own family. Many times my family has been greatly encouraged by you, from being 18 year old newlyweds moving to a foreign country, to moving our ministry and kids to Colorado Springs. Many of you have eased the burden by donating, or by reaching out to us and letting us know that you were praying or encouraged us with an uplifting note or verse. Thank you!!   
I have also started an email prayer group for specific private prayer requests, regarding our families in the Philippines. Requests that I don't necessarily share on facebook. If you would like to be part of this prayer team, feel free to email me at sehodgie@gmail.com so that I can add you to the list. The emails will only be sent out about once or twice a month.    

We are so excited to take the kiddos back to the Philippines and continue the call of World FAMILY Missions! Please be praying for our team! For the funding to come in and for God to work His will throughout the planning and the trip itself.

You can donate at www.worldfamilymissions.com, just make sure you don't specify for us, but for the "Philippines team", you can also send a check to World Family Missions, Inc. P.O. Box 171292 Boise, ID 83717.

Ephesians 6:18

April 24, 2017

First things first, for those of you who haven't heard - we had the baby! Last Tuesday at 1:43 pm, we welcomed Eliam Zion into the world! He weighed 7 lbs, 3 oz and was 21 inches long. He was born at home and his daddy caught him! Eliam means "God's people" or "God's kinsman." Zion is referenced many times in the bible, but one particular verse we have always liked is Hebrews 12:22, "But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly." We pray that Eliam Zion walks faithfully and joyfully with the Lord!  

Now to switch gears: Formula for the Philippines is in a time of transition. We are not entirely sure what this means, but we are waiting on the Lord to direct the next steps of the program. Hopefully I can give you an official update soon! One thing that has been on my mind is prayer. We are often over-budget by quite a bit every month due to rent, utilities, and the salary of each employee. So I am asking you to please be covering those needs in prayer. Beyond that, I would love to have volunteers partner up with us regarding specific prayer requests. I am going to be starting a email group for private prayer requests. I am going to be starting a private email group for prayer requests involving our program and families in the Philippines. If you would like to join, please shoot me an email at sehodgie@gmail.com so I can add you to the next email going out. I am super excited to start this, it's always encouraging to know others are praying!

There are two specific prayer requests that I would love to have people praying over right now. #1 is to be praying for a young woman that just delivered her first child. Many of you may remember Jossa; we sent her to school last year. She has since dropped out and the other day delivered her first little one. While this is not ideal, we are always thankful to God for the gift of life! Please be praying that God protects the new little one, and softens Jossa's heart towards Him. Pray for her to make wise decisions regarding herself, her little one and her education. 

I also ask that you pray for a sibling group of three sisters that we cared for at the house for a few months. Their parents returned about 2 months ago and took them home; we have not heard from them since. It was a hard transition on the girls and on our baby house staff. Please be praying that the girls have adjusted well, that they be protected, and that the skills and lessons they learned during their stay at the baby house will continue to impact their young lives! Please also pray for their parents- that they will begin to make wise and healthy decisions regarding their family. 

We are so thankful for your financial and spiritual support. For the families and individuals that have prayed over the program and the families that participate in it. Words can not express how thankful we are, or show you the impact you have had on these families lives! 

 Ephesians 6:18 

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

Update: Family, Colorado, and the Philippines

March 13, 2017

I know I have been horribly inconsistent on updating people on both ministry, and our family. I'm sorry!

I am now 38 weeks pregnant, and if I'm being honest, I wouldn't be surprised if baby came any day now. Craziness- I don't think I'm ready, but we're super excited. And, I am super excited for Eden to have a friend/sibling to enjoy. I'm definitely praying for her to be a good big sister, and I don't doubt that she will be! God is good!

Michael is super busy with the children's center. They will be entering spring break in a few weeks so that is going to be a VERY busy time. That means two weeks of keeping over 150 kids busy ALL. DAY. LONG. Lets just hope baby cooperates and doesn't decide to come in the midst of that.

Some of you may know, but Jaden moved down here with us last month and is now helping Michael out at the center. He's been a blessing-as always!

We have dreams of planting a garden and getting some chickens this month. I'm just praying it happens! I can't wait for fresh eggs and vegetables.

The Philippines is constantly on my mind, but I am usually unsure as to how to keep everyone consistently updated. We have several kids aging out of the program and we are seriously praying about letting the rest age out as we start an orphanage that is self sustainable. We are not quite sure about the direction of the program, but please be keeping it in your prayers during this critical, decision-making time. We have had several sick and injured kids lately, but God is always good and He has healed them over and over again. It is such a huge blessing to see how He works in the lives of these kiddos and their families.

Many of you know that over 4 months ago we had a sibling group of 3 sisters left in our care. They learned so much and flourished while at the baby house. They were being taught how to read, write, and do everyday chores like cleaning and helping with laundry. They were all potty trained and really developed under the love and care of the baby house staff. A few weeks ago their mom and dad showed up and brought them home. It was a hard transition, but they are home with their mommy and daddy now and that is exciting. I may write more about that at a later time so that you guys can get a glimpse in to what our staff at the baby house do.

We really covet your guys' prayers. We are doing well, but both ministries (Colorado and the Philippines) are not without their challenges. Please be praying for the continued progress of our ministry here in Colorado, for a safe birth and easy transition to a family of 4 and for our ministry in the Philippines. Please pray for the spiritual health of our baby house staff, the impact everyone has on the baby house families and for financial stability.

You all are such a blessing and we are constantly encouraged by our relationships with all of you!
God bless!
-Sarah

Eden cuddling her Meow-Meow (Julius) 

Eden playing doctor with her stuffed teddy bear-bunny 

Ate Anna with one of our baby house kids and her daughter

Ate Anna and Ate Nancy, both work for the Philippines program

Ate Anna and Ate Nancy saying goodbye to the sibling group that stayed at the baby house

Update from Colorado!

January 4, 2017

It's been such a long time since I have had the time or ability to update! So here it goes!

3 months ago we bought a house! It's been super exciting to be in a place that is our own space. Watching how Eden's personality has flourished has been sweet. Since having our "own" space and having things such as a place for her to go to sleep in every night has really enabled her little personality to explode. She's become super silly and daring; which is definitely not always a good thing! She is constantly dancing around the house and teasing her daddy and I.

Come Sunday we will be 29 weeks pregnant. I can't believe how fast it is going by. Baby #2 is expected in late March or early April, and no, we do not know whether it's a boy or a girl! Michael is desperately hoping for a boy where as Eden (I'm sure she's on my side ;) ) and I vote for a girl! 

While we are currently living in Colorado, we are still heavily involved in mission work. In December Eden and I traveled back to the Philippines. We spent 3 days in Boise and then flew to the Philippines and spent a week on the ground. While there, we conducted 4 different Christmas parties for severely impoverished kids and I was able to catch up with some stuff on the Formula for the Philippines program. Formula for the Philippines is doing well, though we still have two children that are not sponsored. The unfortunate issue with that is we have a waiting list of SEVERELY malnourished babies that we have been unable to help due to finances. So please be praying for them and their families! 

It was such a blessing to be able to spend time with our Formula for the Philippines families and to see how excited the kids were for their parties. I know many of your donated to this specific trip, and I hope you understand how impactful your prayers and financial gifts were. These kids would not have had a Christmas without you, and we were also able to share about who Christ was in those parties! Overall, the whole trip was a huge blessing to others and a huge blessing to us!

It was so exciting for Eden to be back "home" in the Philippines. She had missed her Tita and Ate's SO much. She spent the entire week being spoiled and hardly ever leaving her Tita's arms. It was hard for both Eden and her Tita and Ates when we had to leave. They always look forward to video calling each other and we are definitely looking forward to our next trip.

Alright, to switch gears now: Our ministry in Colorado Springs had steadily progressed, we are super excited to be involved here. Michael is super busy with the Children's center and our ministry with the youth. In a week we have our first winter camp with the youth group and we are really looking forward it! We will be bringing our whole youth group up to the mountains and spending the weekend learning more about God and enjoying each others fellowship. 

So! All of that to say that we are busy, doing well, and so excited and blessed to continue to watch God move in our lives, our family, and the ministries that he has given us. 

Thank you all for your prayers!