I was told it would happen at some point during the Race but I didn’t think it would happen to me. Of course, I was wrong. When I arrived in the Philippines, I thought it was just going to be a pit stop on the way to the countries I was really looking forward to but it has completely stolen my heart. I love everything about the Philippines— the people are so loving and happy, the country is beautiful with so much to offer, the ministry is one of my favorites so far, and I can’t forget to mention how much I love the crazy rides on the backs of jeepneys.
This month, we were at a ministry called Grow International. It is an awesome ministry located just a little ways outside on Manila. Grow International Ministries provides so much care for the surrounding area including a prenatal clinic, agricultural projects, education, and street boy camps and ministries (Check out their website growourworld.com). We spent a lot of our ministry time there with the street boys, helping at feeding programs, and doing various projects around the church and campsite. We helped throw a bunch of Christmas parties for the street boys, the church, and the women from the prenatal clinic! We met a lot of fantastic people that will always be in my heart.
One of my favorite parts of ministry in the Philippines was spending 2 wonderful weekends with street boys, who we lovingly called the “lost boys” as a reference to Peter Pan. Each weekend, a group of 15 boys ages 7-19 would show up at the camp and we would play games, watch movies, and just love them as if they were our little brothers. These boys lived a tough life trying to survive on the streets. Some of them don’t have parents; some have parents but left home for a variety of reasons. These sweet little boys absolutely stole our hearts. I am so blessed to have been able to serve at Camp New Beginnings. From the moment the kids arrive at the camp until the second they leave, their physical needs are met. They are fed, given showers, and they have the opportunity to wash their clothes. Above all else though, they are shown the love of God. The smiles on their faces were absolutely contagious and the joy in their hearts is something I long for. Saying goodbye to the boys at the end of the weekend broke my heart but I will never forget how much they meant to me.
This will not be my last time in the Philippines.
I want to apologize for getting so behind in blogging! Turns out, it is much harder than I thought. I will be more intentional on getting my blogs posted from here on out. Stay tuned for updates on what we are doing here in Vietnam!
Prayer Requests:
-Please pray for the wonderful people who hosted us in the Philippines- Mike and Natalie and their family as well as Rhayan and Michelle and their family. Pray blessings upon them and pray that the Lord can fill them up since they are pouring into the community so much.
-Pray for my fundraising as well as the fundraising of everyone on my squad. There are a lot of us that are so close to being fully funded and our last deadline is coming up soon!
-Pray for our time here in Vietnam. It is a Fatherless nation and we are in search of people who desire to spread the Lord’s name throughout the country.
