PHILIPPINES
This has never been more true for me than it is today.
Waking up after a 36 hour travel day, I had a difficult time getting going. I slept through breakfast, and the air was so thick that I felt like I was drinking it.
On most days, this would put me in a bad mood or make me cranky… but today was an exciting day for me — my first day in the Philippines.
I have been preparing for The World Race for over 6 months now, and it is now officially my life.
After lunch, our squad walked around the village to get a feel for the culture of people we would be ministering to.
The sight was right out of a national geographic, and I had to consistently pinch myself to make sure that I was indeed awake and not just dreaming.
We passed shacks made of scrap wood and concrete, stray kittens, and rubber tubs full of stagnant murky water used to wash clothing. Everyone we passed was covered in dirt, and there were plenty of children running along the gravel road that appeared to be unbathed as well. Wafts of fecal matter, mold, rotting foods and other not so pleasant smells filled the air between waves of anchovies, chicken, and cigarette smoke. Despite the desolate surroundings, the Filipino culture was welcoming and warm. Children here love high fives and to be picked up and spun around…something I have found to be universal in all cultures.
Amongst the not so grand smells, humidity, and immense poverty I sensed an overwhelming spirit of hospitality and joy. I wondered where this came from, and evaluated how I would respond to others if I lived in these conditions. Definitely not nearly as gracefully as these locals have greeted us today.
I look back on even just the gear preparation for the race, and realize that I truly don't NEED as much as I thought I would. Life here is simple, and the buzz of metropolitan white noise is no where to be found. The need for the best of the best has fallen by the wayside as well.
I am realizing today that many of my last choices and picks in life easily beat out many peoples most valued hopes, dreams, and ambitions.
God has truly blessed me with the community of World Racers, the sisterhood of my Team: Desiderio Domini, and the opportunity to seek out beauty in all nations.
I am honored to share his love with others, and can already tell that this year will contain much growth and challenge… but it will all be worth it in the end. I am blessed to be reminded daily of how fortunate I have been, am today, and will be for the rest of my life.
To all of you that have helped me spiritually, emotionally, and financially — THANK YOU.
My dreams are coming true as I am helping others chase their own.
I am forever grateful for your continuous love and support.
I am currently 60% funded!! 🙂
If you would like to partner with me in this ministry and help me obtain my next deadline of $11,000 please click here.
