Our first month of ministry in the Philippines has come to a
close. It has flown by faster than I ever expected it to. And it hurts to leave
more than I ever expected it to.
The process has begun. While I was still home, my thought was that with each
country we’d visit, my heart would slowly be left behind in each. It’s
interesting to be prepared for it, but, still, how do you prepare for emotions
this strong? I’m definitely leaving a piece of my heart here.
It’s with KC who is one of the sweetest, gentlest spirits I’ve ever met. She
was one of the first that I met and one of the last to say goodbye to.
It’s with Sarah. A young single mom with a difficult family life and a rough
past. She knows who she is, but fears that others can’t see. She’s one of the
most incredible moms and cares for her son despite her background and the
things that could bring her down. She has such a fighting spirit, one that I’m
confident God has given to her very purposefully.
It’s with Baby Jane. A young girl who helped care for us the entire time we were
there. She served without asking anything in return and was so generous with
her time and abilities. Her story was one that touched my heart because she had
so much gratitude and energy despite not having the same opportunities as other
girls her age.
It’s with Angelica, the wild, ball of energy, 
excitement and love. Each time
she spotted me, she’d yell “Jennilee!” and run over to jump in my
arms. She was always willing to play more games, dance to more songs, and laugh
more than anyone else.
It’s with Ning Ning, who gave and gave and gave. She wouldn’t take anything for
a broken chair or the many bracelets she made. She was so quiet and I never got
to talk in depth with her, but I know that God’s given her an incredible story
and I’m praying that one day, she won’t be afraid to share it. 
It’s with every child that hugged me, climbed on me, swung with me, gave me
bracelets, taught me Tagolog and welcomed me into their lives.
It’s on the volleyball court and at the feet of the women we served.
It’s with Pastor Al and Ate Marina, who so generously opened up their home to
15 crazy World Racers. They held nothing back, but served us humbly with all
their hearts. They prayed for and with us. They brought laughter and joy to us.
Their hearts for us are overwhelming!
Pieces of my heart are on that mountain at sunrise…at the river during a
storm…at the beach at sunset…stargazing in the midst of the
darkness…fighting off demons on stage…hearing God as we listened for His
voice…seeing Gods power and dominion at work in these people’s lives…
A piece of my heart will always be in Aninuan, Puerto Galera, Philippines.
Thank you for stealing my heart and showing me even more of God’s perfect love and beauty!
