Dear Philippines,
I’ll miss you.
I’ll miss the mountains and the fresh air that we were surrounded by.
I’ll miss our porch and the view from the top of the hill. Sure it was a hike but it was the most beautiful outlook I have ever been on.
I’ll even miss the city of Manila with all its smog and air pollution and traffic. On both Christmas Eve and New Year I found myself above the city watching hundreds of fireworks being set off in celebration. They sure know how to bring in the new year.
But most of all I will miss the people.
I will never forget the kindness that was showed to us by….everyone.
Mike and Natalie who God has given the passion for this ministry.
Rhyan and his family welcomed us with open arms and looked out for us while we were here.
Titus let us listen to his music.
Elisha did our makeup.
Gab Gab was just there, making us laugh and filling us with joy.
Marga danced with us.
Marlon and Ehman helped us with the massive dirt pile. They also walked with us around Pintong Bukawe so we wouldn’t get lost.
Khyn played with our hair. She talked to us and became our friend.
Rhonaline translated for us and became one of my best friends.
Neighbor kids helped us shovel dirt just because.
The street boys let us join in their basketball games even through even the kids half our size could have creamed us.
The jeepney drivers turned the music up when we got in so we could dance on our way to get wifi. They also helped us find the right jeepney a during rush hours when there is no possible way we would have squeezed past the Filipino trying to get a seat.
They took pictures with us and played with our hair.
They tried to get us to eat balute, a duck embryo.
They watched movies with us, even if they were scary and I hit behind a pillow the whole time.
They worshiped with us.
They held our hands when we walked and taught us Tagalog.
You accept us as humans and not just as Americans.
You all loved us so well. You made us feel like we belonged.
So peace out Philippines. It has been good.
