So I thought I could make it a while without having to write about these two, but I don’t think our home would run without them. Now, after my time in the hospital and thinking back on how they took care of me, I feel it’s time to write a little about them. Just to give you a little insight into their personalities, I’ll tell you the first thing Larry said to me in the hospital. He came in and told me that it’s customary when Filipinos visit the hospital to bring a gift to the patient, but since I was American, he wanted to ask if it was ok first. Somewhat jokingly, I told him I always accept presents, and just like that he was out of the room to go buy me ice cream. He returned several minutes later with more ice cream than I could even imagine eating.
Larry and Belen have been with the home since it started because of their heart for camp ministry. They started dreaming with another couple that is so close to me out here (I’ll write about them later too) and they started a summer camp for underprivileged children. It’s unbelievable to hear stories about how they had no clue where money for lunch or dinner would come from, but it somehow always came. Now they have expanded the vision to include huge feedings on every Saturday where nearly 300 children come each week for a meal and some valuable teaching.
As far as Larry goes, he seems to never really slow down. He does morning devotionals with our kids every morning, runs the Saturday kids fellowshio and feeding, and he is also the pastor of the church that meets on our property and consists mostly of family members of people from the jail. He may not have a long list of official titles or responsibilities, but I don’t think he ever really slows down. I spent my whole first day in the Philippines with him and even though I knew he was a busy man, he was more than willing to just drive me wherever I needed to go all day. He is such a good picture of a servant, and the best part of it all, is I rarely ever see this man without a smile. He just knows how to excite and lift up a room.
Now for Belen. I think she’s in charge of everything. She essentially runs this home and I just give out money whenever needed. SHe knows about all the kids’ individual needs, discipline issues, and just how to be mom to each of them. Belen seems to be constantly on some mission, and she is just such a blessing to work beside. Not too long ago, a mother left her baby with Larry and Belen because she believed they could raise her son up to become a pastor. NJ is still under a year old, but is so attached to his new mom and dad that he even looks like them already.
I have to admit, I consider myself so blessed to be on a team with these two and I wouldn’t know what to do without them. Even as I hear Larry’s voice belting out “I’ve got peace like a “riber”” at 5 am every morning with the kids while I’m still in bed, I just have to smile at the team I have around me. I know if these two ever left, God would provide, but it just wouldn’t be the same. They have definitely left their mark on this city, this home, and as small as it seems, me too.
This will be a tough place to leave…
