Normally, for months, I’m almost singularly focussed on these blogging trips that Patricia and I lead for Compassion International. But this time around I’ve been on a tour and making a record at the same time. Fresh out of focus.
But, now that I’m off the road and now that we’re through recording (the record is being mixed!) I’m playing catch-up on some preparations for our trip to the Philippines at the end of May.
FIrst on my to-do list? Let me start by introducing you to the amazing bloggers who have bravely agreed to travel with us.
Tsh
Tsh runs SimpleMom.net, is the author of a book on simplicity, and is in search of a vowel. SimpleMom.net site is written by multiple contributors offering “life hacks for home managers.” I first discovered Tsh’s blog two years ago when a missionary’s blog linked to her as a fellow missionary and source of inspiration. Since then, Tsh and her family have moved back to the U.S. but her passion for being involved in God’s work around the world is still going strong. Looking forward to her expert and seasoned missionary perspective as she writes about Compassion’s ministry in and around Manila.
Kat
I’ve known Kat for I think about five years. We met at a concert in Waco, Texas (every blog trip needs a Texan in order to be pleasing and acceptable to God) and later she built my first blog site. Not long ago she revamped her own site, changed its name and purpose and design. InspiredToAction.com offers “Tips and Tools For Inspired Moms.” Hey, even if you’re not a mom, you might wanna learn how to “maximize your mornings.”
Stephanie
I discovered Stephanie’s blog, Keeper Of The Home, while reading another blog about living frugally. Only later did I find out she’s an author of a couple books on healthy living too. Sooo, I guess this means I have to eat better while we’re in the Philippines together than I do at home. Dang it. Seriously, I’m looking forward to learning a lot from Stephanie and her husband in Manila.
Emily
She had me at Sarah Masen. Emily’s blog, Chatting At The Sky, is named after a line from a Sarah Masen song. Emily and I will get along well _ can tell already. I know Emily the least of all the bloggers. I mean, I’ve read her blog for the shortest amount of time. Several of our past bloggers suggested I take her on a blogging trip. And I totally understand why. She has a joy that translates clearly in her writing. And her pictures! Beautiful. Oh, and, yes, Emily is also an author.
Lindsay
I first found Lindsay’s blog, Passionate Homemaking, by stumbling onto her posts on simplicity and frugality. And I was hooked. Very practical but not at all boring or impersonal – a very rare thing to find on the interwebs. She’s the baby of our bloggers – maybe the youngest blogger we’ve ever taken on one of these trips. Her voice is one that’s been missing from this conversation about poverty and hope. Thankful to be hearing it soon.
So, there they are! The Compassion bloggers heading to the Philippines later this month. We’ll start blogging May 29, so check out CompassionBloggers.com/philippines then to follow along! And, in the meantime, get to know these ladies by checking out their sites and our collective Twitter stream.
Thanks!
Ahhhh. Feeling more caught up already.
Darrell says:
Where are all the men??
Shaun Groves says:
That’s an excellent question Darrell. I ask it all the time.
Men, it turns out, are busy wimps. Unable to take time off work to travel. Too scared to travel overseas with strangers. And – sad to say – not as interested in helping meet the needs of impoverished children as these compassionate ladies are.
I ask more men to go on these trips than I ask women. It’s just that the women say yes. Go figure.
Kelli says:
If you asked me, I’d say yes. And I probably wouldn’t have to twist my husband’s arm very hard to say yes. He’s not a writer, but he loves kids and is more often found outside playing ball with the neighborhood kids than inside watching TV. Just sayin’.
I am shameless, I know…
๐
Darrell says:
I hate that stereotype, but its a stereotype for a reason. I hope that someday I can be known as a man that breaks that mold. I am currently over seas doing ministry. Hopefully someday I will be a big enough blogger to break the mold on your woman only trip.
it is a sad reality shaun and i think you know it as well.
Kelli says:
I’m looking forward to the posts. Our sponsored boy is from the Philippines. We love our Jonri and his sweet family. Can’t wait to share your posts with my kids so they’ll get a better idea of how and where Jonri lives! Good luck with your last minutes preparations!
Adam says:
I look forward to hearing from this experience. I have a great desire to do work to fight for the impoverished. I have trouble finding the opportunity or financial ability to do so…
JD in Canada says:
Eager to learn more about Compassion in the Philippines through these bloggers!
Lindsey Nobles says:
So excited for this trip! I’ll be praying for the team.
And yes every blog trip needs a Texan or 5 ๐
Darrell says:
that would be scary lindsay — there should never be more then 2 texans in one place outside of texas. too much attitude in one area for any other state to handle. ๐
Lindsey Nobles says:
there were 5 of us on our trip…and it was awesome. at least we thought so.
JessicaB says:
I am not at allll jealous. Really. ๐
Michelle ~ Blogging from the Boonies says:
Nooooo…. me either. Really. (Who am I kidding?)
Time to stock up on a case of tissues. I’ve only been an avid follower of these trips for a few years. Each time, though, I end up with puffy eyes and jagged post-cry breathing for most of the week.
Praying for the details of the trip, for children to be sponsored and for seeds to be planted.
Amy says:
Yay for getting more kids sponsored! ๐ Every time you go on a Compassion bloggers trip, I “come home” with another sponsored child.
oh amanda says:
Yay! Can’t wait for this trip! Some of my fave bloggers!
Bobbie says:
And now we know that you like to read blogs about simplicity ๐ it’s a theme. And amen about Texas.
Angie says:
I was thinking the same thing! ๐
JessicaB says:
Maybe I should simplify my blog … ๐
Melanie says:
I can’t wait to hear all about it!!! Praying for each of you!
Meredith Dunn says:
Epic. It’s going to be epic.
In part because there’s Texan representation. But more so because y’all are ushering in the Kingdom. And that’s a big deal.
Kat @ Inspired To Action says:
Perhaps I could add “Sing ‘Deep in the Heart of Texas’ on every continent to my bucket list?
Meredith Dunn says:
yee-haw and Amen! *ahem* Sure… you could if you really wanted to.
Amanda says:
Wow… I read all of these blogs but one. Crazy! ๐ Praying for a fruitful, safe, and eye-opening trip.
Angie says:
Praying for you all – I know lives will be changed forever because of your trip.
Can’t wait to read along!
Suzanne says:
I hope you ladies have a productive, fruitful and enjoyable visit here in the Philippines!
Laura says:
Can’t wait to hear about it!
Kat @ Inspired To Action says:
I’ll bring the pappasito’s.
Megan @ Faith Like Mustard says:
I firmly believe that if you want Pappasitos, you should have to make a trip to Texas to get it. ๐
Kat @ Inspired To Action says:
Hmm…that might even be a Texas law. I’ll bring pictures of pappasito’s… ๐
Jill Foley says:
Can’t wait for you all to go, so we can live vicariously through you.
emily freeman says:
Should I be scared of the Texans?
Shaun Groves says:
You mean blessed right?
Sarah says:
I’ve just been perusing some of these blogs, Shaun. Good stuff! I am excited for them, and for you. And can I just tell you… I decided tonight to commit to pray for Becky. (HA! that’s actually a silly way to put it… as if I was so great for deciding! GOD put her VERY strongly on my heart.) Without her, none of this would be possible. I’m truly amazed at all she does for you & with you. If my husband were gone as often as you are, I think I would scream. Instead, she seems to be a woman who exudes grace & compassion & true beauty. I wish I could meet her. I have much yet to learn, and I feel that she has much she can/could/would/should/DOES teach!
Jill Foley says:
Just met with your co-leader and delivered oodles of shoes to Isabel for Shoes for Kids.
Tara G. @ Mrs. Yellow Hat says:
Looking forward to reading and seeing what’s going on through the team’s eyes! Blessings.
Samantha Johnson says:
I am a Filipino missionary in Nashville. This blog post just made me cry like I never had before. I will be praying and following this journey. I am a Compassion blogger and how I wish I can join you all!