The Philippines has by far been one of my favorite months on the race. This country stole my heart, here are just a few reasons why…
- The color…
From the brightly painted buildings that line every street, to the beautiful tropical flowers. Everywhere you look is full of color. Its like a rainbow painted the city in every color imaginable. It’s beautiful and such a joy to look at.
- The food…
OH MY GOSH!!!! Filipino food is bomb! If you have never tried lumpia… you are missing out. It is kinda like a spring roll. You mix pork and vegetables together and then roll them up in this dough wrapper. Then you deep fry it. One of the best things I have eaten, ever. We also had these really good pancakes for breakfast several times. They were a little more eggy than American pancakes and they just had a little margarine and sugar on top. SOOOOO GOOD! There are bakeries on every corner with all kinds of homemade delicious treats that you can buy for just pennies. And if you are the kind of person who likes to be adventurous you can try balut or some of the other street foods. (if you don’t know what balut is, google it. I did not enjoy eating it but I am glad I gave it a try.)
- The Square…
In Bulacan, where we stayed there was this main square in the middle of town and all the events happen there. There are places like this all over the Philippines. On Monday, Wednesday, and Friday there is Zumba in the square. It is free to the public with an optional donation. Just make sure you have a selection of colorful shirts on hand because everyday has a different theme.
- The sunsets…
Imagine God’s hand painting the sky on fire. The horizon burns a bright orange and slowly smolders to a hot red. The last embers of the day waiting to fade to darkness. This is how almost everyday ended, with a beautiful display of God’s handiwork.
- The flexibility in sharing the gospel…
One of the most important lessons of my race so far was one I learned in the Philippines. It was that anything and everything is ministry if you are doing it to the glory of God. Literally, our ministry host took us to the square and taught us Arnis (a Filipino martial art form where you fight with sticks) and that was ministry… mind blown! I mean I have always done ministry in many different ways and I guess it was less of learning something new, and more of solidifying what I already knew and broadening my horizons even more. But how often have I put God in a “ministry box” where I defined ministry as something with the church? God wants to work in every moment of my life, not just when I am at “ministry”.
- The eagerness to hear the gospel…
The people of the Philippines are a people trapped in a ritualistic faith. The majority of the people are catholic and they believe that God’s love for them and acceptance is based on what they do. The people are hungry for hope, and we carry it with us. Because we were only the second American group to ever visit Bulacan, people were eager to hear what we had to say. We were able to share Jesus with just about anyone we met. It was a unique opportunity to offer freedom to people who live in a religion that is completely works based by introducing them to the beauty of grace.
- Tricycles…
Have you ever fit 7 people on one motorcycle? Neither had I, until I went to the Philippines. Picture this… One driver, two people sitting side saddle on the back of the motorcycle behind him. Then 4 people crammed into a little side car about 3 feet x 3 feet, 2 squished together on a tiny seat, one in the floor at their feet, and one barely in the side car with their legs on the little foot step out the door way. It is a super cheap and really fun way to travel. I love the feeling of the wind in my hair so this was perfect for me.
- The people…
Specifically these guys
Everyone we met in the Philippines was very kind. They all treated us with such hospitality. But Moraiah Baptist Church and the youth group really made the Philippines for me. They were so joyful and we laughed together often. They also had some of the most selfless servant hearts I have ever met. These teens were at the church all night preparing for VBS. They made and put up decorations, and they continued to work long after we left and went to bed. They worked hard and not once did they complain. They worked so joyfully and found their energy and strength in God. They loved and served us well. I love and miss them all dearly, and cannot wait to be reunited with them again some day, either on earth or in heaven. I am so thankful for these incredible young men and women and how fervently they chase after God’s heart.
