While my peers and former classmates attend their college classes back in the States, homework and classes seem like a distant memory to me. My life looks different from theirs and even from my own life two weeks ago. I’m continually amazed at the life I get to wake up to everyday. Here’s how it looks different from my former life:
In the States: In the Philippines:
I woke up to: I wake up everyday to:
My alarm, Little girls on the edge of my bed
An empty room, Who give me hugs when my eyes open,
A sense of dread for the coming day. Wonder for what the day holds.
Before I leave, I checked for: Before I leave, I check for:
Wallet, Watch,
Keys, Water bottle,
iPhone. Hair Tie.
When I left my house: When I leave the Children’s Home:
I avoided awkward eye contact I can’t walk five steps without hearing,
With the neighbors I never bothered “TITA [Aunt] ALEX! HI ALEX!”
To get to know. From a kid I’ve met in the last 8 days.
In the morning: In the morning:
I woke up with barely enough time I’m woken up early to spend time with
To get ready for the day and rushed My lovely team, and most importantly,
To work or school. My God.
My day consisted of: My day consists of:
Endless. Hours. Of. Tutoring Filipino kids in English,
High School. Trying to show God’s love to His children,
Or Domino’s/Steak N’ Shake. Spending time with 37 awesome people.
My day ended with: My day ends with:
An episode or 4 of Gossip Girl, A dip in the pool, or
Tucked away, alone in my room, Card games, before I lay down,
Restlessly exhausted. Happily exhausted.
Since today is day #8 on the field, I’ve officially been on mission longer than I’ve ever been before. Because I’m not just on a trip everybody. This is my life for the next three months in Manila, Philippines until we move onto Swaziland. It’s starting to weigh on me the enormity of an impact three months of intentional love can have on somebody. I’m so excited and thankful that God gave me a dissatisfaction for a conventional life and an urgent need to GO.
For those who are curious, the specific ministries I’m working with right now are tutoring four days a week at the local school, playing with the kids at the Children’s Home, and a few night shifts at the nursery in the orphanage. Please continue to pray for my squad and I as we continue His good work here at Kid’s International Ministries at the YMC (KIM’s headquarters), the Children’s Home (the orphanage through KIM where my team and I are staying), and at the JAZ House (a safe-house where abused girls live).
Thank you again for the continuous support and love I get from you all back home and keep those e-mails coming!
