In the past 9 months of the Race I’ve inherited several new mothers from the places I’ve been. Women I have met who have impacted me so deeply that years down the road, I’m confident I’ll still be discovering the ways in which they have touched me. Some of these women are biological mothers, others adoptive. But it isn’t so much children that make these women mothers to me, but rather the ways in which they gave me life through our interactions. This blog is my effort to honor and celebrate their stories and give light to the ways in which they are impacting the Kingdom.
Rona: I wish everyone could hear Rona tell her story. Raised Muslim, trafficked as domestic help for years, raped and abused, she has been through hell and back and yet she speaks relentlessly of Christ’s redemption, provision, and power. I first met Rona when I assisted her with a birth in the community and I was immensely blessed by her friendship in the Philippines. As a midwife Rona literally ushers in new life but it’s her hope and joy in The Lord that boasts of a woman reborn and births life eternal. She showed me the beauty in generosity and what it looks like to fight for relationships with friends and family
Maryvick: Sweet Maryvick was one of the cooks in the Philippines and my absolute favorite pass time between ministry was just sitting in the kitchen and chatting with her while she prepared meals. Maryvick was a single mother who traveled quite a ways for work while her mother looked after her young kids. She taught me how to serve quietly and love gently. (Maryvick also showed me the power in a secret stash of fresh baked chocolate chips to make someone’s day)
Nalynn: Nalynn was one of the full time caregivers in the nursery at the Children’s Home in the Philippines and though we spent many days and nights together, I never had that many conversations with her. (There isn’t much time for talk when there are 17 infants and toddlers in your midst) I did however spend many hours watching the way in which she loved those kiddos like they were her own and the patience, self control, and gentleness with which she did so. She knew how each of them got to where they were and understood them deeply. Nalynn embodied Jesus so well, teaching me how impactful and important it is to simply make known your presence to those that are hurting.
Damaris: She only ever says “okay” in English and yet no other words are ever necessary because the way in which she loves speaks so loudly. Damaris prepares three delicious meals a day for my team and I as well as for her husband and four children and whoever else from the community is hanging out on the porch during meal time. She makes and sells her own jewelry, cakes, and Avon products. She weeps whenever she prays and preaches the Gospel like Jesus is coming back tomorrow. I’m tempted to call her superwomen but in actuality, she’s just an ordinary woman who draws all her strength from the well of living water. Damaris loves and serves her husband, kids, church, community, and us, so so well and I’ve never met a woman so hospitable, gracious, and passionate.
The stories of these women are etched on my heart forever and the ways in which I watched them love others play in my head like a movie reel. They are movers and shakers in the Kingdom and giants of the faith and though they live humbly and quietly, these women’s lives shout of the goodness of God ever so loudly.
