I have never been famous, shocking, I know. I also don’t think I’ve ever spotted a celebrity in the wild-a street or in a restaurant. I imagine though that when one recognizes a famous person, one stares shamelessly and, if brave enough, requests a photo.
Well, my team and I aren’t famous, but Filipino people are definitely brave. Wherever my team and I go, people stare, honk, wave, and even ask for pictures. The lady who runs the hostel reassured us that it is because we are “beautiful and gorgeous”, but I suspect that it might also be because we are the only white people here.
It’s our second day here in Quezon City, and we’ve quickly grown familiar with the constant sensation of being watched. We’ve begun waving back and freely offering smiles.
This afternoon our polite smiles earned us the privilege of encountering Hannah. Hannah came running up to us asking if we would take a selfie with her. She’s an eleven year old with a serious love for Taylor Swift and an evident passion to live. Hannah shared about her ventures to New York and asked if we had been to Hollywood. She even showed us her 5SOS tshirt (Dad, that’s a boy band that the kids are listening to these days) that she carries with her everywhere. Our simple but sweet meeting ended, and Hannah returned to her friends.
We headed home with two bags full of bananas, oranges, and cereal, and a bit of Hannah’s spunk. We filled Darlene and Audrey in on our newfound joyous eleven year old pal as we climbed the stairs of the crossing bridge. There at the top of the steps sat a father with his daughter in his arms. A couple of us dropped a couple pisos in the cup and continued on our way. Immediately our stomachs clenched, and Audrey suggested we go back. We knelt around the two and held hands as we asked God to heal the young girl. Romy looked about eleven years old. Her body was limp, skin was wounded, and lip showed a clef pallet scar. Her father’s eyes flooded our hearts with love and desperation.
Romy wasn’t miraculously healed, and we didn’t get to talk to Hannah abou Jesus. But God moved today. He let us celebrate with Him in meeting Hannah, and He let us weep with Him as we prayed with Romy. He showed us what brings Him joy and what breaks His heart. He took two 11 year old girls, and in two brief moments showed us some of what these 11 months and 11 countries will hold.
