Through my eyes, I saw 600 kids attend a mass Christmas party. I saw 1200 eyes staring desirously as both an ice cream and cotton candy man forced their way through the crowd. I saw some of my teammates dive head first into the chaos, and I saw others (raises hand) walk awkwardly around, getting lost in the sea of children. I saw the line lengthen as registration drug on. 30 minutes. 1 hour. 1.5 hour. Ready to begin.
I saw the kids split into age ranges from 4-7, 8-11, 12-15. I saw the excitement mixed with a healthy dose of hesitation in the eyes of the youngest. I saw the rebellion and sugar high kicking in with the middles. I saw the teenagers acting “too cool to be excited.”
I saw Aira grab the mic and maintain order. I saw silence over take the crowd as those participating in the Christmas Program were called. I saw them sing their hearts out.
I saw the group released and the games begin. I saw 100+ kids rushing towards me as I shrunk in real terror. I saw them slip and slide and jump their way to win. I saw the largest game of Herod, Wiseman, Star (rock, paper, scissors) there could ever be. I saw crafts followed by cupcakes.
I saw enough food made available for each and every child. I saw teary eyes as it was distributed. I saw presents prepared. I saw presents dispersed. I saw women weeping from their joy and children rejoicing from their gains. I saw miracles happen.
I saw quilts, coffee mugs, and soap distributed amongst communities. I saw real, genuine smiles of gratitude as they were received. I saw Christmas decorations on every street.
I saw a dance crew battle held in the local mall. I saw a friend perform. I saw my team become someone’s biggest fan club.
I saw our ministry site be filled to the brim with the arrival of an Australian men’s basketball team. I saw accents questioned and tested. I saw friendships form.
I saw a mass grave of over 1,000 people killed during Typhoon Yolanda. I saw more overgrown by the growth that once was maintained. I saw buildings left in rubble. I saw buildings rising from the ashes. I saw a cargo ship made memorial washed ashore into a village. I saw a community refusing to live as a victim.
I saw Zumba in the park. I saw the instructor take a selfie with us as we danced (poorly by the way).
I saw the memorials commemorating the arrival of allied forces in the liberation of the Philippines.
I saw basketball games. I saw them played in allies and on courts. I saw volleyball. I saw soccer. I saw tennis, and I saw running.
I saw tubs of food distributed to nearly 200+ kids at a village school. I saw kids literally hanging from my teammates. I saw them swinging from limbs and climbing up backs. I saw vans pull over to the side of the road to pass out more food. I saw kids and adults alike line up with plastic bags, bowls, and pitchers waiting anxiously for their portion. I saw the same people come back for seconds. For thirds.
I saw a home for sexually abused girls. I saw a whiteboard listing out the cases. I saw categories such as rape, incest, abuse, and malnourished. I saw cases pending and abusers at large. I saw girls we weren’t allowed to touch shrink back when we entered. I saw them bruised but not broken. I saw them lighten as presents were paired with their new owners. I saw them receive our offers of prayers. I saw the whiteboard again as we left.
I saw an orphanage filled with babies and young children. I saw the smiles and love in the eyes of their caretakers. I saw members of my team melt at the site of the children. I saw the boy who opened his bag of legos sit at my feet until we had built his cop car.
This is what I saw.
I see.
I see a people who are strong. I see a people who are striving. I see a people who love and care for each other. I see a people rising. I see a people refusing to live in the past. I see a joyous people. I see a people with love in their heart. I see a people with a story. I see a people who love to laugh. I see a people who love to sing. I see a people who love to dance. I see a people who love to live. I see a people who love.
I see God stretching His hand over them. I see Him creating in them a people much stronger than before. I see Him sending rainbows to reassure. I see Him sending people to remind me of His goodness. I see Him equipping a people who love.
This is what I see.
