Photos from the Philippines

For the first two weeks of 2008 I joined a group from our church on a trip to Mindanao. There, nestled in the hills above Iligan lies the Life Resources Foundation, "a training center established to help mobilize the Church in the Philippines to reach the least-reached peoples with the gospel of Jesus Christ." The group I went with had a variety of goals for the time, including performing surgeries, teaching at a Bible conference, children's ministry, and encouraging the staff of the school. My task as a member of the team was photographer, but my main purpose in going was to meet the people there and see the work they are doing, since Torrey and I are interested in possibly joining that ministry after I finish my degree at Talbot. I thoroughly enjoyed my time there, and it was great getting to talk with everyone. I feel like I did get a good impression of the people and the ministry and the work God is doing in the Philippines through the LRF. Now for the decision part... As for the trip though, we attended the Bible conference for three days, and a number of the following pictures are from that time. We spent a few days in local villages, offering dental work, minor surgeries, and activities for the children. The doctors also spent three days in a local OR doing more involved surgeries. I bounced around and participated in a little of everything. I enjoyed spending a morning in the OR photographing surgeries, and one day in the village I got to be the circulating nurse for the surgery team. Here are some of my favorite pictures from the trip. For a much larger set, click here. If you have a strong stomach and would like to see the bloody pictures from surgery, click here.

Waiting in the airport in Manila for a plane that wouldn't come


The view from our hotel room in Manila where the airline put us up for the night


The view of the LRF from above


Recent mudslide on the LRF property








The village of Tagaloan


Cleaning teeth




In the grasp of a master storyteller








Our hotel in Iligan - Cheradel Suites


Removing a goiter


Waiting to have a hernia fixed


Checkup time








The mayor sent the police to make sure nothing happened to us...


So the commander took advantage of the opportunity to get his teeth cleaned


And a parting shot


I hope you have enjoyed these. Again, check here for a larger set.