I'm now 24 years old, and have officially celebrated a birthday overseas. It has been such a crazy, interesting, and awesome week all in one.
As you may have seen, the Philippines has been taken over by rain from the most recent Typhoon! Starting sometime Sunday night, it rained (and I mean raaaained) for almost three days straight. We are blessed to be on the eastern side of Manila because the most damage was experienced in the western part of the city. It's technically the "rainy" season but we've joked that it hasn't actually been THAT rainy. We spoke too soon because we got our fair share of rain this week.
The part that I'm excited to share with you is how awesome it was to take a step back and realize that this week was no accident, and the Lord most definitely had a hand in all of it.
Through a series of circumstances, two extra teams from our squad who are placed in different ministry sites around Manila ended up returning to KIM on Monday afternoon. Those of us who have been staying at KIM welcomed the refreshing reunion with our fellow squad mates! We instantly began trading stories of our experiences thus far and all the ways God has challenged and used us.
To make a long story short, both teams ended up "stuck" here until Wednesday afternoon due to the rain. All of our ministry activities had been cancelled for the day. Frustration and maybe even a little cabin fever began to set in Tuesday late afternoon when the atmosphere was intentionally changed by our loving friends. One of my squad mates, Dusty, had a birthday on Tuesday, September 27 and mine was the 28th. Our teams along with Cindi, one of the full time missionaries here, baked two cakes, sang possibly the loudest happy birthday I've ever experienced and had purchased a karaoke DVD earlier that would allow us to all sing our hearts out as the rain poured! For those who may not know, Karaoke is taken VERY seriously in Asian culture, and it is something that takes place frequently.
Needless to say, what began as a dreary day, turned into such a fun evening of laughter and singing with my fellow squad mates. I instantly thought, Lord, you brought these people here on purpose! You brought all of us here for one big refreshing break and a chance to celebrate!
The next day was my birthday and let's just say it was one of my best birthdays yet! I don't deserve John Michael and his servant heart, but I'm keeping him! I felt such an overwhelming sense of love and kindness from my teammates as well. However, as I tried to skype my family later in the evening I became frustrated and annoyed at the spotty internet connection. I feel that my parents have always spoiled us and made a big to do about our birthdays which is a tradition that John Michael and I plan to continue. Not being able to reach them dampened my spirit at that moment when I felt the Lord's gentle reminders that…
1. Saying yes to the world race meant giving up my own expectations and ultimately dying to myself and my comfort in many ways.
2. He has richly blessed me with 45 new family members that I so quickly looked over.
In my frustration of not reaching my own family, I neglected to see the family God has given me for this journey. Yes, they are different, new, and out of my comfort zone; however, there is a bond that has taken place that is unmatchable. This unique journey we are on together has linked us to these people in a way we have never experienced. I truly believe this week was divinely appointed to , if nothing else, reveal these things to me. I miss my family so often, but God loves me so much to have placed these specific people in my life. I can't describe how grateful I am. I don't deserve the abounding love I receive.
Ultimately, as a girl who thrives on sunshine and warmth, I was able to appreciate the seemingly endless rainy days. They brought a newness to this place and to our family. It felt as though the Lord was raining down his unwavering love and blessings in order for us to be still and listen. We get so caught up in "doing" even in ministry, sometimes we forget the power of stillness. This is a lesson I am glad to have learned early. My prayer is that I will take time to sit and be still.
I thought I would also show you a few pictures from the most recent feeding I attended since the Typhoon hit. This particular community was hit hard and is experiencing an incredible amount of flooding. The water becomes contaminated with so many different kinds of waste and toxins, causing the people to live in a state of constant illness.
It is heartwrenching when so many kids swarm us for the feedings. We pray that God would multiply the food we have!
Normally, all of this is regular dirt and soil.
Please continue to pray for the people of the Philippines as they rebuild from typhoon damage as well as prepare for the remainder of this season. The people of these communties are beautiful, loving people with spirits like none I've seen.
