Travel days: unpredictable and the unexpected
I have officially launched with my sweet squad to start the WorldRace. We said our goodbyes and headed for Asia yesterday-or was it two days ago?? Jumping through time zones and skipping days has got me all confused- but what an incredible journey it has already begun to be.
Our travel itinerary has consisted of four different flights:
GA -> LAX -> Taipei -> Manila -> Tacloban!!
We had a 12-hour layover in LAX, which was a sweet blessing in disguise. We roamed the West Coast and landed on the beach- conversing with some of my teammates with our toes in the Pacific about how incredible our journey is, and how it has only just begun.
It got me reflecting on my time of goodbyes before launch—what a weird season to be in. Saying goodbye to all the people who have poured into me and helped push me along to take on this adventure. The Lord is so sweet, and His plan is seriously insane. What a gift to be the one in the middle of the prayer circle or to have my name on sweet goodbye notes and encouraging conversations about what this year will look like. I thought about that while staring into the ocean in Manhattan beach, how I cannot believe the Lord chose me to go, His promises are just good.
Once we left Lax we arrived in Taiwan 14 hours later. Having our feet finally planted in Asia was surreal. The journey all 37 had decided to embark on about a year ago was finally becoming reality. We then hoped on a short flight to Manila, then split into our 6-person teams, in which my team then ventured off to Tacloban.
In just preparing for this adventure, I have been constantly reminded of just how intentional the Lord is and how perfect He executes the plans He has for us if we simply say ‘yes’. I am so incredibly grateful and excited for this opportunity and cannot believe I get to be a witness to all that this year will consist of…
After 40 hours of travel and four plane rides later, we have finally arrived in Tacloban. Tacloban is Southeast of Manila on the Island of Leyte. This month we are staying at The Lighthouse. The Lighthouse sits East of the Gulf and is a safe haven for the people in Tacloban.
2013 Typhoon Yolanda struck Tacloban and left lasting effects on the land- killing thousands, destroying homes, shops, roads, and caused their corrupt government to lie about mortalities to prevent being taken over by the United Nations. Lighthouse has been here since then to reach the unreached. Currently Lighthouse is run by Papa Sel and Ate’ Beryl. They are a part of Kids International Ministries that aim to reach abandoned children by showing them the gospel through outreach programs, schooling, feedings, and simply loving on others. Since we have been here we have been able to ride along with feedings, witness what it looks like to surrender over time and money to healing a community and interact and be with the locals.
Feedings consist of us gathering in the van with 2 bins full of a chicken and rice porridge. We drive to schools and ride through villages yelling out the window ‘feedings’ to alert those who are hungry to fall in line. Seconds go by and you can hear high pitched excitement and feet running towards the van. Everyone lines up with their type of dish and we scoop what we can in their bowls to hopefully fill their bellies- this outreach is close to my heart. It is so special to be a part of a time that brings hope and ease to so many.
I have already fell SO in love with this island. As always, THANK YOU for reading what my time here looks like. If you feel led, pray for The Lighthouse, pray it continues to reach those who need to be reached, pray for redemption within Tacloban, and pray for my sweet new friends to know they are loved by their maker.
