Here are 3 moments that have touched me so far this month. I hope they give you a little insight into life on the Race.
Part of our ministry this month is to clear a huge area of dirt from some land so they can begin construction on a center for pregnant women to have their babies in a clean and more calm environment. A few days ago, a group of about 8 girls and I went out for the afternoon digging session. On the way to the site, a little boy and girl joined us, as usual, to hang out and see where we were going. They watched us for a few minutes as we began putting gloves on, picking up shovels, and digging into the dirt. Then, without any prompting, both the little boy and little girl picked up a couple of extra shovels and began getting as much dirt on it as they could handle, which wasn't much, and putting it in the buckets to get carried away. The kids couldn't have been much more than 4 years old. The shovels were bigger than they were. But seeing their hearts in wanting to join us and help meant the world to me in that moment. I think God sent them with us to give each of us the strength to keep going, to keep digging.
A "feeding" is where we take some hearty soup with rice into different areas of the community and give a couple scoops to the children and parents that come get in line. KIM does ten feedings a week, each one in a different community, either in the morning or evening. The first feeding I went on was only about 5 minutes away from the house where we stay. We brought the big buckets of food down to a community basketball court and kids started coming over as soon as they saw us with their containers to hold their dinner. Most of the kids had tupperware bowls. Some kids had cups. Others had little metal plates. But the ones that stood out the most to me, were the kids that brought little sandwich bags. Not heavier plastic ziplock bags. Sandwich bags. To hold soup that is so hot it can burn your fingers if you touch the bottom of the container it's in. But they brought those bags because it's all they had. to hold the food they need. and they said thank you.
Yesterday, I went on my second feeding trip. This one was about 30 minutes away at "Tent City". Tent City is a community of people that were displaced because of the typhoon that hit about two years ago. Many people were not allowed to go back to their land or rebuild their houses, so either the government or Red Cross built a bunch of tiny houses for the families. The houses are pretty much one room, with the bottom built from cinder blocks, the top a sort of thatch, and the roof is made of tin. We served the food from the back of the van this time. People came from all directions. In a way, the feedings are so obviously rewarding. They are a very tangible gift of love, and being on the other side you see the huge smile and hear the sincere thank you. It makes you feel like you're really DOING something. And it's a very joyful time overall. At least it had been for me. Because at the first feeding I went to everybody got food. But this time, not everyone did. We ran out before some kids could get any. That struck me pretty hard. Woke me up to the reality again. I don't want to lessen the value of those that got fed and shared smiles and said thank yous. Those people are extremely important and building those relationships even if just for moment is vital. But it's also important to remember the kids that left with empty bowls. It's important for you to know that in the Philippines and around the world and in America, kids have empty bowls.
I honestly cant remember the last time I didn't have food available. It may not be my first choice food, but I've at least had food on my plate for as long as I can remember. What an incredible blessing from God. Really, that is what it is, a blessing. And to think I get a little cranky when I dont have the midnight snack I'm craving. Kids have empty bowls that need food and empty hearts that need God's love. Your love. Are you doing anything about it?
"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; not does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glority your Father who is in heaven." Matthew 5:14-16
