Faces of the Philippines

I wish you could hear me say this in person, because it’s something I’m so passionate about, and believe with my whole heart: Places become a part of you. Places become people. So much of why I am on the World Race is because I want the world to have a FACE.

So at the close of my time in each country, I want to show you faces. These are the people who will be with me “like a handprint on my heart.” When I hear anything about the Philippines from now on, I will not think of the beaches or the bananas or the smoggy Manila skyline. I will picture them:

Outside the beach cafe that was our only source of internet, we started talking to those annoying vendors. You know, the local men who shake their necklaces in front of you while you’re just trying to relax on the sand? 

We got to know those guys. We went back nearly every afternoon to learn about their Islamic faith, their families, and to answer their questions about the Bible. They had a LOT of questions. What started as respectful questioning grew into several fun afternoons, full of laughter and drinking Coke out of plastic bags. 

The day before we left, Silas and I went back to say goodbye. We had no idea how honored we would feel to have the genuine friendship of these hardworking, happy men. We all prayed together, and I walked back to Pastor Al’s house with the strangest mixture of sadness and joy.

One of 8 children, this sweet, shy 12-year-old was my most dedicated tutor in Tagalog. Most days, right at 5 o’clock, she would run off the Jeepney in her long blue school uniform skirt with a quiz written out for me. Her English was not perfect, but we managed to communicate well enough. She talked about her family, about how Jesus loves her, and showed me her notebook of her favorite song lyrics: Hosanna, Shout to the Lord, and Party in the USA. The girl has a strong, beautiful voice, but she would blush and turn away when she’d catch me listening. She refused to look at the camera when I asked to take her picture, but I love that I captured her timidity. In reality, she is a leader. Her classmates followed her around and used her as a translator to talk to me. It breaks my heart that someone so intelligent will most likely not be able to afford any education past high school. I want the world for her. 

Pastor Al’s middle daughter, this girl is a true sister to me. Her sassy sense of humor got the best of me: she loved teaching me local slang expressions. Because of her, about 400 people laughed at me… at once… at church. It was awesome. I didn’t mind being embarrassed because I was still learning so much. I learned that Filipinos don’t ever laugh AT you. They laugh FOR you because they are happy that you are trying. Re-read my last post about the night we spent stargazing. That’s all I can really say.

This is how the world is changing: it is not just a map anymore. 

 I am here. 

Part of me will stay. 

How could it not?

Up next: the incredible amalgamation of cultures that is the city of Ipoh, Malaysia. We’re in the heart of the city, and loving it so far. For a preview, google “Deepavali”.

-Katie