This blog is not just an update. This blog is a request. I know, as my supporters and loved ones, you all have already given me so much and I am so thankful for that. But this is important.
When we first arrived here in the Philippines, my team was led up to the Children’s Home where we’ve stayed for the last two and a half months. One of the house mothers there is Nanai Virgi who works hard, keeps the kids in line, and has earned their respect and their love. She has been so kind to us and never treats my team like a burden even though we sleep in the living room and all our things are in a closet at the Children’s Home.
Fast forward a month when Anna, my teammate, and I unknowingly met Nanai Virgi’s granddaughter, Roxanne. We first met her at the local pregnancy clinic here that Anna and I were doing ministry at. Roxanne and her mother had rushed into the clinic thinking she was going into labor. It was only false labor but Anna noticed her right away and even prayed for her before we left for the morning.
We visited Roxanne twice before she gave birth and got to know her and her wonderful, sweet family, who only showed us the greatest hospitality and kindness.
Anna and I finally had the privilege of rushing to Roxanne’s rental house at 11 p.m. one night to help deliver her second son, Zac, into the world. We’ve been back to visit her several times, there when Zac developed pneumonia and when Roxanne bled out because there was leftover placenta still in her uterus (she’s doing great now, don’t worry!).
During our last visit, Roxanne told Anna and I that her family had enough to pay for her hospital bill but now don’t have enough to finish building their new home (that’s being built across the street from the Children’s Home). This consequently puts this whole family’s lives on hold. Roxanne doesn’t want to marry the father of her two children, Jeremy, until they move into their new home. Roxanne’s mother, Alma, is now taking a job as a caregiver in Saudi Arabia for three years in order to gain enough money to pay for their house. She will miss the first three years of her grandson’s life and won’t be able to be with Roxanne to help with her children. And, no one gets to live in the comfort of their own home, but rather has to continue to live in rental houses for three years.
20,000 pesos. That’s all this family needs to finish their home. That is just under $450 United States dollars. Yes, that is a good chunk of change but not for a place to call home. I know most of you have supported me financially but it’s because of you that I’m here right now and met these beautiful people. I’m asking for a donation and I’m asking you to bless this family who has continually blessed us and the community we live in.
Please pray about it and if it’s on your heart to help give this family a home, e-mail my parents at [email protected] who will help you help them.
