[ pin, a sweet neighborhood boy who loves hugs.]
Although my chest aches from the pollution driven smog hanging thick over the skyline of this densely populated city, a unique fondness for the Philippines has developed in my heart. We have been here for only 2 weeks now & it already feels like home.
This month my entire squad of 54 people plus 4 N Squad teams are working together at Kids International Ministries in Cainta Rizal, a city on the outskirts of Manila. KIM is an absolutely incredible organization with a seemingly countless amount of ministries around the city. Jeff Long, the director, has his hand in every corner of this neighborhood as he works to influence orphanages, churches, schools, families, prisons, and the homeless-the work being done here is seriously incredible. With over 80 racers plus the Long family, staff, neighborhood kids, & numerous surrounding ministries, there is never a dull moment or lack of opportunity to serve around the KIM compound.
While there are many ways to pour into the community of Cainta Rizal, my team & I are working as house parents for the New Faith Family Children’s Home. I have the afternoon/evening shift which allows me the hectic, yet wonderful experience of bedtime routines, dinner, devotions etc. I absolutely love the opportunity to share this time with the kids & am already prepared to have my heart ripped apart from its seams when we leave at the end of the month. I wish you all could see through my eyes for a moment just to catch a glimpse of how incredible each & every one of them is. But, for now, my stories & photos must suffice. Stay tuned for more updates about my beautiful children.
[j.]
