I’m officially 10 days deep into the World Race here in Cainta, Rizal, Philippines, and this morning I found myself sitting alone in silence for the first time since launch. The pouring rain, which comes in frequent spurts, had just begun to fall, and I took a moment to appreciate my surroundings. Tiny specks of rain made their way through the window screen and onto my arm that rests atop the back of a cushioned wicker couch. I heard the community children out in the pool welcoming the rain, their voices full of joy. And for the first time since we’ve been here, my heart began to swell for the Filipino children and their eagerness to love. Reality settled in, and I realized that the moments in which I hear the children call out to me “Tita! Tita!” (“Aunt! Aunt!” in Tagolog) are limited. I began to actually feel for the fact that we only get to spend two and a half weeks here in the Philippines.
We’ve been really blessed this month, working together as a squad at Kids International Ministries. Not only do we have serious amenities (I’m talking beds for all 42 of us, washing facilities, a pool, and a team of Filipinas to cook our meals!), but we also get to hang out with and tutor some amazing kids. Now, I am by no means a ‘kid person.’ Of course I’m keen to those that I’m related to and have a seriously special bond with my two oldest nieces, but when it comes to other peoples’ children, I’ve always been sort of indifferent (ah, the harsh realities). Coming on the race I was a bit anxious that I wouldn’t be able to connect with the children we’d meet, but I was so wrong!
On our first day of ministry, my team was getting briefed on rules for the kids, and I noticed one girl peeking into the room. Every time our eyes would meet, she’d get a grin on her face so big that I couldn’t wait to meet her. She was immediately drawn to me and didn’t hesitate to hold my hand and drag me around the yard. We’ve become friends over this past week, and the excitement to see each other is always mutual. It’s amazing that I’m able to show and receive God’s love by simply hanging out with this girl.
