Welp. Month three.

Boy oh boy was this A Month.

Apparently, someone decided to remind me that I did, in fact, move across the world to work. JKJK. But for real, things picked up QUICKLY this month.

We started strong with a photoshoot for one of IJM’s Survivor Leaders, someone with lived experience of trafficking who now uses that experience to advocate, lead, and help protect others.

And somehow, I was the photographer. Lol.

I decided to be brave and shoot the entire thing in manual mode, which felt very professional until post-production, when I discovered that some of my photos were… grainy. BUT the good ones? Immaculate. I was completely in my element.

The shoot also took me through a Filipino village for the first time, where I got to meet some very cute kiddos and try chicken intestines from a street vendor.

Look at me being brave.

Unfortunately, the fun ended when it was time to edit.

Because of the sensitive nature of IJM’s work, I can only use approved work devices for projects…which became slightly problematic when my work laptop decided Lightroom was an extreme sport.

It sounded like a spaceship preparing for liftoff and got so hot I genuinely could barely use it. IJM very kindly found me a Mac instead, except I have no desk….or really room for one….so I now have what I affectionately call my Floor Mac.

Yes, I have been sitting on my floor editing photos.

And yes, the Mac is from approximately the dawn of time and cannot run the newest version of Lightroom.

There have been some tears because I really want to do my work well, and it’s frustrating when the technology literally cannot keep up. Thankfully, my manager is working on getting me a better computer!

Technology drama aside, I also got to write a script for an informational video about online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC), get it approved, and then film and direct our Country Director, Atty. Sam.

We finished the whole shoot in about three hours, which I consider wildly impressive considering the number of dance breaks I made him take to loosen up.

You think I’m joking.

I am not.

Our apartment has been pretty lively too. My roommates and I hosted a Mid-Autumn Festival dinner featuring approximately one million mooncakes…none of which I could eat because, unfortunately, gluten. They looked pretty though! Earlier in the month we also hosted an American-themed party where we debuted chicken and waffles. #represent

Outside of work, Wednesday Bible study has turned into a The Chosen rewatch, which I’ve really loved, and my Saturday women’s study continues to challenge me in the best way. We’ve been talking about relationships, love, worth, family, and Filipino culture, and I feel like I’m learning more about myself and life here every week.

AND 🥁drum roll please🥁the sun came out.

After basically two months of rain, we have finally started seeing actual sunlight again. I didn’t realize how much I loved the sun until I stopped seeing it.

I also took my visa run to Singapore with my roommate and got to spend time with some of her extended family. It was such a gift getting to experience the country through people who actually know it and YES, we basically ate our way through Singapore. I am still thinking about the food.

One of the biggest gifts this month has honestly been people.

The encouragement and support I’ve continued to receive from back home has meant more than I can explain. Every text, prayer, check-in, and reminder that people are still rooting for me from thousands of miles away makes the distance feel a little smaller.

I’ve also felt incredibly encouraged at work. My managers have been really intentional about letting me know when they appreciate something I’ve done and reminding me that what I’m contributing actually matters to the team. Especially in moments when I’ve been frustrated or questioning whether I’m doing enough, that encouragement has been incredibly life-giving.

One of the women here has also started meeting with me weekly, and having someone intentionally check in, encourage me, and help me process life here has been such a gift in the middle of all the chaos.

A few ways you can pray for me:

I’d really appreciate prayer for sleep. I’ve been averaging 3–5 hours a night during the week, then crashing for 12+ on weekends. I’m not sure if it’s stress or just adjusting, but finding a healthy rhythm has been hard.

Please also pray that the computer situation gets worked out so I can do the work I’m being given well.

And finally, next month I am somehow playing my violin at our prayer retreat in Cebu.

I have not played consistently in a while.

So perhaps pray hardest for that one.

I’d also appreciate continued prayer for navigating the emotional side of being far from home. I’m doing really well and am genuinely grateful to be here, but some days the distance still feels very real.

Mostly because I miss my dog.

One last practical note: because this internship is unpaid, I’m continuing to support myself while I’m here. If you’d like to help, my Venmo is Charlottelise! Whether you give, pray, encourage me, or simply follow along, I’m incredibly grateful.