I'm not really sure if I could sum up this last month in the Philippines if I tried. I love telling stories and sharing my life, but sometimes I get so overwhelmed in the details of it all that I feel like there is no way I could relate what we experienced and how I have changed and grown.
I experienced the messy parts of community and myself, and managed to not run away from it even though I wanted to, with everything in me.
I learned what it looked like to love the kids in the community, even after they have asked, "What's your name?" for the millionth time, because that is the only English they know.
I experienced (and survived) my first Christmas away from my family.
I ate way too many pieces of Spanish bread, and made pancakes like a thousand times. Okay, maybe a thousand is an exaggeration.
I truly felt like I had arrived as a Racer as I got excited about buying two new pens at the store, and when my sleeping pad and mosquito net feel more comforting than a bed.
I feel like I am just barely scratching the surface, but I'm learning so much more about what intimacy with the Lord looks like in my life.
I experienced the heart-wrenching (and confusing) dichotomy of a nation that has mega malls with Gucci and Apple stores minutes away from slums.
I had the privilege to help feed the children of the project community we were working in.
I made great friends in the youth of Bukangliwayway Baptist Church. I felt so loved and welcomed by them, it was easy to love them back.
I learned how to love beyond myself, as an overflow of the love of Jesus. Because there were days when I sure as heck didn't feel like it.
I am on the brink of something new and beautiful, and although I can't quite see the whole picture, I know I want it, and it will be life changing.
