For the past 11 days my team and I have been living at the Jaz home here in the Philippines. This home houses over 30 girls ages 12-20 that have been through abuse in their lives. I can honestly say that God has stretched me in faith so much more than I ever expected the past week. Every day I grow closer to these beautiful girls. Each one is different and unique in her own way- all portraying their own individual personality traits. Jessica is my sassy and trickster friend who quickly discovered my fear of the huge flying cockroaches that call the Philippines home. She spends her free time trying to catch them and throw them at me and our time together is always filled with laughs and jokes! Ella is the “big sister” of the house and was the first girl I met from the house on my first night in the Philippines. She is gorgeous and fearless and dreams of being a missionary in Africa one day. She currently attends college taking journaling & broadcasting courses and we bond over guitar lessons & late night movies watched on my laptop!
My heart is so big I feel like it could burst at any second. Praise God for providing all these girls with a safe place for them to live and to know Him better. Every day Is a spiritual struggle for me. Many of these girls experienced years of violence, rape, neglect, and poverty before coming here. As they’ve grown closer with me I’ve been blessed to hear some of their personal stories and every time my heart breaks. Every time I can’t help but wonder “God how could you let this happen? Why this sweet innocent girl?” And every time God is patient with my questions, giving me a peace in the redemption I see in their lives now. These girls are happy and vibrant and loving. Most important of all, they love Jesus and fully trust He is faithful and has a plan for their life. I can only hope one day I could have a fraction of their faith. Words cannot describe the joy I experience every day knowing that God is in control of all. I am set free in knowing that the creator if the universe wants what’s best for me and all of his children, and all I have to do is submit to Him and trust Him. It’s a daily process, but I’m oh so thankful it’s a process that He is walking me through!
Please join me in prayer for the Jaz home, and for continued healing in each and every one of these girls’ amazing hearts.
