Arriving to the Philippines
Feb 27
I’ve seen the movies, read the books, and heard the stories about the poverty in 3rd world countries, but seeing it first hand is another thing.
I’ve seen the movies, read the books, and heard the stories about the poverty in 3rd world countries, but seeing it first hand is another thing.
The charter bus with cushiony seats, air conditioning, and arm rests pulled up to the front gate of Kid’s International Ministries (KIM). As I looked out the bus, I saw a little 6yr old girl waving and smiling with enthusiasm.
She introduced herself to everyone and we immediately feel in love with Diana. Even though it was a struggle to communicate with her in words it was easy to express our excitement with our actions. I picked her up and spun her around. Her joy in the midst of overwhelming poverty was humbling.
Me and Christian Diana Marrin, Martin, Diana, and baby
Kendall, Ricki, Katie and I decided to go on a short walk around the neighborhood. Poverty surrounded us and little brown eyes watched our every move. The children weren’t shy at all. They came up to us and used all the English phrases they knew. “Hi, how are you? What’s your name? I’m 5.”
Kendall, Ricki, Katie and I decided to go on a short walk around the neighborhood. Poverty surrounded us and little brown eyes watched our every move. The children weren’t shy at all. They came up to us and used all the English phrases they knew. “Hi, how are you? What’s your name? I’m 5.”
How could these little children be so joyful? Didn’t they know they had “nothing.” Well, nothing if you think of it in American standards. They may not have the cars, clothes, or electricity, but they have each other. It puts me to shame when I think of how greedy I am. I’m always wanting more: new clothes, new electronics, a vacation…how often I take things and people for granted. When do we ever think about where our next meal is going to come from? Clean running water are you kidding? How about an education even an elementary education? How about our families? There are lots of orphans running in the streets with no mother to take care of them. Who will take care of them? But they still have so much joy!
Feeding Ministry
Feb 28
Dexter, a Philippino man that works for KIM took John, Luanne, Courtney, Ricki, and I to a community near by to help with a feeding ministry. We unloaded the rice and hardy soup mixture of beans, chicken, and vegetables. The children formed a line and came to the window with their bowls. I thought to myself “Now I’m on the World Race. This is exactly where God wants me.”
I looked down at the food and saw that it was running out. I started to worry. “Is there going to be enough food for all the children?” My heart started to pound and I began to pray for God to multiply it. Praise God that he is ALWAYS ENOUGH! He’s more than enough! As the last scoop of food was served the line was gone.
Afterward, we played with the children twirling them around and around in circles. As we left children ran along side the car waving goodbye.
