My time here in Tacloban is amazing. I’m meeting so many new people and making so many friends. I’m exploring different places and learning the culture. I’m cleaning. I’m painting. I’m feeding. I’m singing. I’m dancing. I’m learning. I expected to be the one showing all the love on this trip, but since Valentine’s Day has come upon us, I’m also reflecting on the different ways I’ve received love on this mission.
Our hosts are some of the sweetest people. Our hosts family has never let our group of 15 go hungry. They always have a yummy meal prepared and (dessert every single day holla). They always help us out with transportation, whether its ministry or some free time fun activities. Chris is always driving us to feedings every day. Beryl is always checking in and updating us on logistics. Kurt, one of our host’s sons, is always hangin’ out. It’s like one big family.
The construction of the sea wall is right in front of the house. Many of the construction workers love to start up conversations. Today, Valentine’s Day, I was outside on the porch and I look across the street to see 15-20 construction workers standing on a truck waving and yelling “HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!” I walked to a community with teammates the day before and as I was passing two construction workers on break, they reached out for high fives and called us friends. The simple things like that make my day.
One of the best feelings is when I’m arriving at a feeding. As soon as I get off the bus, I’m bombarded with hugs and high fives and all I can hear is “I miss you, I miss you.” These kids remember my name and shout it out to get my attention. They remember my favorite color. They remember what I’m studying in school. They pull me every different direction to show me their classrooms. They clear the way so that I can slide down the slide. They insist that I play on the monkey bars. They tell me how beautiful I am even though I’m sweating buckets. They ask so many questions about me before I can even ask them anything. I get so much love from the little ones that I challenge myself to outdo them the following week. (They always win, they’re just sooo sweet!)
So, I know I’m here to spread the love of Jesus, but how awesome is it that I’m receiving more than I can give! Tacloban is definitely abundant in all the sweet moments of life and I’m learning to see Jesus in every little thing. Here’s a small challenge for today: Take a minute and think about the little ways that you can love someone today. Take a minute to think about how someone has shown you love today. Take a minute to thank and praise Him for the love He’s given you.
HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!!
