We’ve spent a lot of our time here in the Philippines getting to know
our neighbors and hearing their stories. I’ve spent countless hours
spinning in circles and singing with children. I’ve seen lice and I’ve
been close to getting it myself. I’ve watched women make bracelet after
bracelet and I’ve begged them to take my money to buy them…they always
end up giving them to us anyway. 
But we went out into the
neighborhood today to meet more people and we ran into the most adorable
little family. The mom was busy washing their clothes while the dad
entertained their little 4 month old baby. After talking for a minute
and attempting to get past our language barriers, the man told us to go
down the hill to talk to a group of people.
All of a sudden, he
motioned something about VERY LARGE butts and told us that those people
were in another direction. After continuing this extremely hilarious
gesture for a few minutes, he began talking about long hair all while
motioning “big butts.” All we could think was “long, hairy
butts…what??!”
In that moment, I honestly have no idea what he
was trying to communicate to us and I’m really not sure if they
understood our hysterical laughter, although they were laughing just as
much, but it was so refreshing to laugh with a family who barely
understood us, or us, them. To try and communicate with us better, he
began slapping his butt and going back to the “big butt” motion. I
can’t even put into words how hysterical it was!
I’m enjoying our
time walking around the village and getting to know the people here.
Hearing their stories, misunderstanding their language, and meeting the
families.
We have the opportunity tonight to minister to all of
the women in the village. We’re praying for God’s power and love to move
over this place and impact the Kingdom for His glory. I’m so excited to
hear more stories of brokenness, despair, and hilarity. We want to get
to the heart of these women and show them the love of God unlike
anything they’ve ever known. I’ll keep you all up
dated on what happens.
I’m hoping for huge things, but we’re praying for a simple legacy to
begin. If one woman hears the message, takes it and runs with it, the
impact on the rest of these women will be insurmountable.
Lord,
speak to these women and show them how much you desire and delight in
them. Give them worth and love that only you can give. Reveal to them
the mystery of your heart and your intense intimacy that you desire to
have with them. Show them what it means to give it all and praise you
with everything they have. Lead us in what to say and how to encourage.
We are your vessels, Lord, ready and willing to move to the beat of your
drum. Fall on this place, Lord, and move in these hearts that desire to
know more of you!
We dedicate this night to Him, for this is all for His glory and majesty!
