So, just in case I haven’t told you yet, in a couple of hours, I will be boarding a plane to go back to the Philippines. It is a place that has stolen my heart and God has continually open doors to allow me to serve. However, things are always crazy the day before leaving the country, so I wanted to share a blog with you from someone that is over there now.
Let me fill you in a little about the World Race. Each month is a new location and new ministry to become a part of. Sounds easy. Sure build relationships, encourage others, play with kids. But how does that all begin? Often, we are given full control of how our days will look. We are given no schedule, and often the activities that are planned are completely handed over to us with little direction. This is where creativity, teamwork and patience comes in. It’s beautiful, but at times frustrating.
I was thinking it was more on the frustrating side of things yesterday. I was frustrated with myself as to what to do for the day. I really wanted to begin investing in relationships here but I didn’t know where to start. I thought, ” I could just go out walking and try to strike up a converstaion with someone.” But the thought that kept coming to my mind was, “Be patient, trust that I have a plan for you and don’t try to force a relationship.” So I sat and read my Bible and prayed. I kept my eyes peeled throughout the day for opportunities to meet locals. We joined together as a team around 3:30 for story time with the children. Jojo, our pastor’s daughter is amazing with the children and got them so engaged in the story of Joseph! Afterwards, children were playing around in the yard kicking balls and jumping rope. A ball rolled off towards the edge of the yard and I saw a young woman with a child standing there watching. We began talking (thankfully they speak English here!) and it turned out she really missed some girls from the past World Race team who were here in September. She talked about how they would come visit her at her house every afternoon to talk and learn Tagalog. It was perfect! I began smiling when I realized this was the woman God was desiring for me to be patient for. I was so thankful to have waited and seen His plan rather than forcing my own. I asked her (her name is Xyra, similar to Sarah) if it would be okay if I came and visited her in the afternoons, that she would be my first friend here. Her eyes lit up and said she would really like that.
She told me where her house was “behind this house and it’s the bamboo house.”( Needless to say I’ve had to ask people help with directions many times when it turns out I have gone to the wrong bamboo house.) I am so excited to get to know her better and to see where our friendship will lead.
