It is blowing my mind that this chapter is coming to a close & I’m starting to prepare myself for what’s to come. I have been counting down the days since I left home in the middle of January and here we are hours away from departing this country I’ve called home for the last 3 months. As excited as I am to see everyone & get back into the swing of reality for me I’m finding myself getting more emotional about leaving as the hours go by. This country & it’s people will hold a very special place in my heart.
I’m not really sure what to say about this season. It has been challenging in every way you could imagine. From incorrect ministry, to leadership, to community, & everything in between. As I try to navigate the best way for me to process what I’ve done, what I’ve seen, who I’ve grown to love, I find comfort knowing most of you are going to continue to walk beside me as I step into my next season.
I’ve said it before but I’ll say it again, going into this I had asked the Lord to challenge me, to grow me & that’s exactly what He did. It didn’t happen in the ways I was hoping it would but I also understand it’s not always the way I want or think. Truthfully, I know in my heart I have grown but I’m still trying to figure out how so I’ll keep you all posted.
Here is some good that came from this season:
I walked away with 3 new lifelong friends. They understand this season in a different light & that’s simply because they walked with me day in & day out. They are women who embody strength, resilience, patience, authenticity, & so much more. It has been such a blessing to have them by my side.
I also got to partake in daily feedings. We would travel into poorer communities & feed the kids lugaw out of the back of our van. Kids would come flocking with their bags, cups, or bowls & a spoon. Some would come in nothing but a t-shirt, many would come with holes in their clothing, & many would come barefoot. Some were dirty with bug bites up & down their arms & legs. There would be multiple generations living in small wooden boxes which they called home. Roofs are sheet metal. Floors & walls are wooden maybe concrete. Little to no ventilation. Some families had more than others but one thing every community had in common was they took care of each other. All I can think of is the saying “it takes an army to raise kids.”
There are a bunch of kids who live in the Barangay (neighborhood) behind the Lighthouse. In addition to coming every Saturday for Awana the kids would come hang out everyday after ministry. There is a group of high school girls I got to build relationships with. They each hold such a uniqueness to them. One of the many things that bond them together is the fact they have all survived Typhoon Yolanda. Many of the girls are open about what they saw, the smells, what they lost, & so many other details.
It has also been super rad to live right across the street from the ocean. Literally a 5 minute walk. The water is saltier & warmer than the ocean in CA. There was one off day I was in the water talking with a few girls & we look to the left & there was a massive jellyfish. Alright, alright I don’t know how big jellyfish actually are but this one was as big round as the seat on a bar stool.
Some other little things I’ve been super thankful to have this season is:
Mama J (one of our host): she cooks all of our meals & cleans up. One of the funniest, most loving woman I have ever come in contact with. She holds such a special place in my heart.
Kurt (Mama J & Papa Sell’s son): he’s 12 & honestly was the little brother I’ve always wanted. (Sorry meg)! 😉
Vegtable lumpia: MY FAVORITE Filipino dish. It’s basically a spring roll.
Filipino time: it’s an expression..I think. The lifestyle is a lot slower here so it’s taught me to slow down & enjoy the moment I’m in.
Filipinos: some of the most friendliest, hard working people I’ve met. Seeing the joy in their spirits after everything this island has experienced makes me take a step back & re-evaluate my life.
To those who supported me,
A HUGE thank you. I wouldn’t be here without your support & love.
Until next time Tacloban!
BOISE! I’ll see you on Monday!
