Fell in love with The Philippines this month.
I fell for its culture, its natural beauty, and its opportunity
but most of all, I fell for its people.
Our daily ministry helped facilitate my love for this place. Each morning our team would do physical work on our church’s property. From chiseling away at a concrete floor to outdoor landscaping, we did a little bit of everything. In the afternoons we had time to build relationships in the community. There were two options we were given for this time: house visits and beach ministry.
You’re smart. I bet you can guess which one everyone wanted to do. I mean – the waters are crystal blue, the sand is sugar white, and you can enjoy mango smoothies on the shore. The rays are perfect, the breeze is sweet, and ministry time ends just when the sun sets behind coastal cliffs.
Welp, naturally our team “got stuck” with doing house visits our first week. I could have been bummed about it, but then I wouldn’t have met Angelica.
Angelica is the face of The Philippines for me. Her 11-year-old smile is the sweetest memory I have. That first day doing house visits we befriended her family in the village. From that day on, our companionship came as naturally as PB & J.
She played with my hair and taught me Tagalog.
We held hands absolutely everywhere we went.
She volunteered to help me wash my clothes and my hair in the river.
We got invited to her eleventh birthday party and her volleyball games.
She asked me over for sleepovers.
We would watch Filipino TV shows about a girl who had 2 snakes that she hid in braided pigtails.
She’d drink sprite while I’d drink coffee.
She’d come find me during my quiet times and just sit with me.
She called me Ate Darcie, which means sister in Tagalog.
My favorite Angelica moments revolved around teaching her to swim. We hiked an hour up the river to Aninuan Falls where she learned to stay under the water without getting it up her nose. We went to the beach together one day where she learned to kick and use her arms at the same time. She totally nailed it. The best part for me was her big smile the instant she surfaced from the water. With that smile, her eyes would lock on mine. Her gaze said look what I did! and sought my approval. She always had it.
Angelica demonstrated and grew her trust in me through these lessons. Step by step, she’d take more risks as she truly understood that I would never let her sink. She’d be shocked at what she accomplished each time she increased her boldness. That makes for a good God metaphor & life lesson.
The pinnacle of our time together was when she got to go in a pool for the first time ever. She was so excited. Her little body literally couldn’t contain her joy. Watching her was completely precious and completely heartening. After some encouragement, our little champ CONQUERED the deep end. I was so proud. I understand maybe 20% of the pride a mother feels. We celebrated with ice cream. A girl after my own heart.
I miss this nugget already.
I miss being called Ate Darcie and I miss her sweet hand-holds.
I miss the flowers she’d pick for me and the temporary tattoos we sported together.
I miss the carefree way she’d skip from rock to rock down the side of the street.
I find comfort in the fact that God has got some big plans for Angelica. With a spirit like hers and a heart that already beats for Jesus, I have full confidence in His ability through her. I’m joyful that I got a preview of the sweetness He has in store for her.
Cheers to age difference, swimming, and “getting stuck” with the best things,
Darcie
