Two Week Check In

Well, I've been back to Cebu for 2 whole weeks, and it feels like a lifetime. I've never been so busy in all of my life... and I've had some pretty busy chapters in life.

Most of what I'm doing is pretty boring to write about on a blog. But there are a few things that might be interesting to the general public, so I'll try to recap them in a way that won't cause you to fall asleep.

First, "My Refuge House" is in the process of buying our own property! We have been renting a facility since conception, but we were given a very generous donation to buy land and have begun the process! Buying anything in the Phils has it's challenges, for those of us who are used to American consumerism, however, buying a piece of property here, is, well, unlike anything I've ever done before, and stock full of TIA moments.

For instance, when we interviewed people about the property, they said there was water there, no problem for that. What they meant was "The property next door has a well we can use anytime we want." So, we will have to dig out own well. But at least it will be good water! (At least, that's what we've been told...)

Also, there are permits for everything. And ridiculously high taxes. And notaries. And fees. And documents. And more documents. And stamps. And approvals. It's no wonder there are so many squatters in the the Philippines... buying property is expensive and hard!

On the up side... the property is beautiful! It's just over 6000 sq meters on a hill with a view of the ocean. And the price they gave us was really good because the title had been mortgaged. I'm really excited to move to the facility there.

... After we build it. Although we have the money to buy the property, we don't have all the necessary funds to built the house(s) yet. The board in the US is working hard on a campaign to get the money raised, but we could use your prayers!