So I know, it's been two weeks in the Philippines and I haven't posted so much. Doesn't mean stuff isn't happening. A whole lot has been happening. I'm just working on processing it all and getting it into something I can write down. God's been working on me big time, and it's hard, but good at the very same time. God's teaching me a lot and stretching me even more. I'm learning what it must have felt like for Jesus to walk down the street.
How do I help the child, with a burned foot from a motorcycle? I wash her feet with the soap I bought with the 50 pesos (a little more than $1 USD) I have in my pocket, bandage her foot, and wash her hair that has never been washed with that very same soap. I lay on the alley street with my ipod softly playing worship music as she sleeps cradled in my arms, brushing her hair with my hands, and whispering prayers.
What to do with the child who approaches you asking for food during the ministry's feeding without a bowl? Well, you scoop his soup into a plastic bag and pray that the bag will withstand the heat of this warm meal consisting of more than just rice for the first time in a week. (The meals that are provided on these twice daily feedings, consist of rice, vegetable pieces, beans, and chicken. Each village is visited once a week, so 9 villages are aided by this ministry.)
What to do when you walk in to a refugee home with 10 children under the age of 12 after the morning feeding? Sit with one of the 10 children, 5 of which are not wearing a stitch of clothing and spoon feed them, as the mother breast feeds and spoon feeds another little one.
It's not all heart breaking, though. Last Thursday morning, I was blessed to see as 21 women's faces light up, individually, as they heard the heartbeat of their little one for the very first time, some already 40 weeks along. I walk out the gate of our compound and am always approached by a child, or maybe catch a child who catapults themselves into my arms (I've learned to be ready, even before I step outside the gates). My afternoon, yesterday, was spent walking back and forth from one end of the monkey bars to the other, with one precious little girl. As she beckoned me all the afternoon, "Tita, Tita, watch me Tita" (Tita meaning Aunt). I sat with her in my lap as we watched the story of The Good Samaritan acted out by some of my squad mates. It was hard leaving her, even though I knew I would return, the next day, as she said, "Tita, don't leave me."
My heart is so full these days, my heart breaks these days, my heart is processing so much these days, my heart cries to do more these days. I ask for your prayers, as I pour out as much love as I can these days. Your prayers, as Team Luna reflects the light of the Son. Your prayers, as we are here for 4 more weeks, before we depart for the flood lands of Thailand. Your prayers, as I seek out my Papa's plan for my life. Thank you. Thank you. THANK YOU. Please know that I'm praying for each one of you, my faithful supporters and followers. May the Lord bless you and keep you, this day.
