A few days ago two of the girls, Erika and Annie gave me pictures of themselves and placed them in the inside cover of my bible. Juvielyn and Ann Shayra both wrote beautiful letters in my journal. Sam and I are continuing to work with the girls in the home and having daily bible studies and just getting to know them in general. We are going through a devotional of “I am…” Where we explore who God says we are, like “I am redeemed,” “I am forgiven,” “I am loved,” “I am beautiful.”
Some of the stuff from my girls…
One of the interesting things that I have noticed is that a lot of these girls do not realize that there are other countries like theirs all over the world. A lot of them tell me that they don’t like the Philippines because it is a poor country and they want to leave to have “better lives.” But what is a better life in their eyes? More clothes? More shoes? A house? Car? “Success?”
As I have previously posted a lot of them thought I was Filipino and I explained to them that my family is from El Salvador. And over time, I have been able to talk to them more about El Salvador and explain similarities between the two countries. They are shocked when they become aware that there truly is a place like their country.
The Philippines on the left, El Salvador on the right…
I want those girls to know and understand that their people are not the only ones in need. Every where around the world we see poverty… American culture has a big influence on other countries and they dream to have all that the movies and TV shows them. But the reality is that most people around the world won’t get that, they fight daily for what they will eat or what they will drink and how they will get it.
I really don’t think I had a “theme” or certain “point” to this blog…. The only thing I have to say is that people are the same all over, they strive to better themselves and achieve their dream, an admirable quality. But in the end, we are all just need to be grateful for what we have, what we own, what we’ve been given. For it is all a gift from above… Some people have more and some less…. And if you have less… you are not the only one…
But we can have more. More joy, more happiness, more love, more laughter, with Jesus and thankfulness in our hearts. “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.“-2 Corinthians 12:9
Sorry for all the scattered thoughts, I have a lot on my mind. 🙂 But I am really loving my time here. 🙂
Love always,
Bea
P.S.- I am still on the look out for one time and monthly donors at any price level (seriously). And thank you to the annonymous donor, I have no idea who you are but I really appreciate it. 🙂 I need $5,909 more to be fully funded! And I need to meet Dec. 1st's deadline of $10,500. (I am approximately $1,600 away from that deadline, please don't send me home!)
Love you all!
xoxoxoxo
