Coming to the Philippines you expect to get bicultural but this year I go a bit tricultural. I mentioned in an earlier blog that the people that run Ruel Foundation are New Zealanders. Well as it turned out they have had an 18 year old recent graduate staying with them to do volunteer work. She's one of those people you fall in love with in about 1/2 a second. I told her she was the sweetest person I'd ever met (and I know some sweet people). :) Sophie is a true servant- she would work for free her whole life if it were really possible. Her faith reminds me of George Mueller- a missionary who literally relied on prayer to get him the very basics in life. Sophie is humble. She is kind. She is so selfless. I think of her like a little sister but I have a lot of respect and admiration for her. She wasn't a part of Nehemiah Teams but she was a part of the Ruel Team. In fact all my nannies/mannies met her and fell in love with her spirit immediately.
Sophie and I got to have 2 1/2 days bonding in Manila before she headed home and let me just say New Zealanders are so much fun. :) Plus I think if all Christians had "Sophie spirits" we wouldn't push people away as much. So- so much for me being bicultrural this summer. Thanks to Sophie I'm tri! :)
Monday, July 18, 2011
Again @ Ruel
I was really excited to be back at Ruel. My time there expanded over two different weeks because of our 4th of July break falling in the middle. That was okay though because it's easy to have fun at Ruel.
I got to know the kids more personally this time. Now remember these 20ish kids only span from a month and a half old to 9 years old. Between walks, painting, water play in the swimming pool, birthday parties, giving bottles, and tickle time- I was able to join Mabry, Hannah, Candace, and Katerine in showing these kids love.
A child that really spoke volumes to me was J. She;s a nine year old little girl who gets it, she knows she's an orphan and she understands what's going on. One night we had taken the kids to Jollybee for another child's birthday party and there was a family- a mom, dad, and little girl (about J's age) sitting near us. I couldn't help notice J's constant glances to their table, the longing in her eyes. It broke my heart because she's a smart, beautiful little girl and all she wants is a family to love her.
Though a lot of my time has been serious work, I do fit in a bit of fun! I don't want you to think ALL we do is work. You know I love to have fun! Whether it's eating pork on a stick of a side walk vendor, trapsing through the rain without a jacket or umbrella, taking "Sophiewalks" (long walks) everywhere to save money and get some excercise, playing "futbol" with Tyler and trying to include Candace but she was being the responsible one, team bonding on tricyles, in vans, and over the healing of Mabry's arm- which worked (Thank you God)- there was all kinds of fun at Ruel.
God definitely was using the team there as well. I often found Katherine juggling a baby on one hip while making a bottle with her free hand. I would find Candace sitting with a little one laid over her lap, her gently patting his/her bottom until they fell asleep. She was a pro at that. Hannah knew where every child's clothes went along with their medicine schedules and everything else it seemed, that girl had it going on. And then I'd walk downstairs where I'd find Mabry and the older ones singing a song or playing in the water or talking a walk or playing with paint. She had a way- that Elementary Education major. ;) Though they were all different- their talents worked together and molded perfectly to make the team work. I was impressed.
I am thankful for God using our New Zealand friends to run and mantain the Ruel Foundation- Warren and Pauline and Sandra. Please pray for their ministry. They don't want the need of orphanages- do you? Let's join in prayer for forever families for orphans everywhere.
I got to know the kids more personally this time. Now remember these 20ish kids only span from a month and a half old to 9 years old. Between walks, painting, water play in the swimming pool, birthday parties, giving bottles, and tickle time- I was able to join Mabry, Hannah, Candace, and Katerine in showing these kids love.
A child that really spoke volumes to me was J. She;s a nine year old little girl who gets it, she knows she's an orphan and she understands what's going on. One night we had taken the kids to Jollybee for another child's birthday party and there was a family- a mom, dad, and little girl (about J's age) sitting near us. I couldn't help notice J's constant glances to their table, the longing in her eyes. It broke my heart because she's a smart, beautiful little girl and all she wants is a family to love her.
Though a lot of my time has been serious work, I do fit in a bit of fun! I don't want you to think ALL we do is work. You know I love to have fun! Whether it's eating pork on a stick of a side walk vendor, trapsing through the rain without a jacket or umbrella, taking "Sophiewalks" (long walks) everywhere to save money and get some excercise, playing "futbol" with Tyler and trying to include Candace but she was being the responsible one, team bonding on tricyles, in vans, and over the healing of Mabry's arm- which worked (Thank you God)- there was all kinds of fun at Ruel.
God definitely was using the team there as well. I often found Katherine juggling a baby on one hip while making a bottle with her free hand. I would find Candace sitting with a little one laid over her lap, her gently patting his/her bottom until they fell asleep. She was a pro at that. Hannah knew where every child's clothes went along with their medicine schedules and everything else it seemed, that girl had it going on. And then I'd walk downstairs where I'd find Mabry and the older ones singing a song or playing in the water or talking a walk or playing with paint. She had a way- that Elementary Education major. ;) Though they were all different- their talents worked together and molded perfectly to make the team work. I was impressed.
I am thankful for God using our New Zealand friends to run and mantain the Ruel Foundation- Warren and Pauline and Sandra. Please pray for their ministry. They don't want the need of orphanages- do you? Let's join in prayer for forever families for orphans everywhere.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
God's Beauty on Puerto Galera
What an awesome 4th of July break! Each year Nehemiah teams allows for a 2 night/3 day mid-summer break to regroup and relax. This year I got the opportunity to spend that with 3/4 of my Nanny teams. I was really excited! While it was a time for fun- turning into lobsters, para-sailing, snorkeling, banana boating, playing in the ocean, going to a waterfall, shopping, night adventures in the rocks and water, it was also a time to share what God was doing. While I had seen God's work in each of the teams, it was neat to hear and for the teams to share between each other and encourage one another and pray together.
Another awesome thing was marveling at God's beauty. Yeah I took pictures, but pictures don't do those sights justice!!! I saw this weekend how talented and how marvelous His creation is. Oh and don't think we took the weekend off from our purpose here. We had tons of opportunities to share our faith because- we're WHITE!! And in the Philippines- Go figure! haha :) Thank You God for ALWAYS being at work!!
Another awesome thing was marveling at God's beauty. Yeah I took pictures, but pictures don't do those sights justice!!! I saw this weekend how talented and how marvelous His creation is. Oh and don't think we took the weekend off from our purpose here. We had tons of opportunities to share our faith because- we're WHITE!! And in the Philippines- Go figure! haha :) Thank You God for ALWAYS being at work!!
Restored from Brokenness
Isaiah 61:1-2 "The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners. to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn."
That is why I am here. You don't go on a mission trip as a vacation.You don't go on a mission trip to for an adventure. You don't go on a mission trip to be comfortable. You don't go on a mission trip to be pampered. You don't go on a mission trip for selfish reasons. You don't go on a mission trip to still be mommy and daddy's baby or your "significant others" for that matter. You don't go on a mission trip for a shopping spree.
Matthew 8:18-22 talks about how you have to give up everything to follow Jesus. That might mean being away from family, comfort, and life's luxuries.
To many- the "American Dream" sounds much to dreamy. To me though it's simple. In Luke 9:59 Jesus says, "Follow me."
Is that hard to do? Well yeah- but think about what Jesus has done for us. He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities, he was MURDERED for OUR sin. I think the least I can do is share His love with others. I can preach good news to the poor. I can bind up the brokenhearted. I can proclaim freedom to the captives. I can release prisoners from darkness. I can comfort those who mourn. What can you do?
That is why I am here. You don't go on a mission trip as a vacation.You don't go on a mission trip to for an adventure. You don't go on a mission trip to be comfortable. You don't go on a mission trip to be pampered. You don't go on a mission trip for selfish reasons. You don't go on a mission trip to still be mommy and daddy's baby or your "significant others" for that matter. You don't go on a mission trip for a shopping spree.
Matthew 8:18-22 talks about how you have to give up everything to follow Jesus. That might mean being away from family, comfort, and life's luxuries.
To many- the "American Dream" sounds much to dreamy. To me though it's simple. In Luke 9:59 Jesus says, "Follow me."
Is that hard to do? Well yeah- but think about what Jesus has done for us. He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities, he was MURDERED for OUR sin. I think the least I can do is share His love with others. I can preach good news to the poor. I can bind up the brokenhearted. I can proclaim freedom to the captives. I can release prisoners from darkness. I can comfort those who mourn. What can you do?
Follow Me- Two Simple Words?
Matthew 8:20 states. "...the Son of Man has no place to lay his head." We are told in Matthew 8:22, "Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead." These words cut deep to my heart. For one, Jesus was homeless. He never knew where he would be sleeping and I have a nice room I return to each night on normal circumstances.
The part about letting the dead bury their own dead- wow deep stuff. To follow Jesus mean we must give up- give up our plans, ambitions, and career. He demands complete and total allegiance over houses, things, and even family. In order to follow God we have to follow through commitments- we can't let our words be empty. We might have to leave our family for extended time. But we cannot stay where we are and follow Christt.
Adoniram Judson, a missionary of the 19th century wrote these words for would be missionaries, "Come out for life. Do not fancy that you have a true missionary spirit, while you are intending all along to leave the unreached soon after acquiring their language. Leave them?! For what? To spend the rest of your days in, enjoying the ease and plenty of your native land?"
He knew what it meant to give up and he did just that. That's what my heart wants- I don't want to be here- my heart is completely wrapped up in this culture and in these people- then go home and live the same way I always have. I want there to be a change in me because God is so at work in my life.
I love my family. I love my job. I love my friends. I love my home, but God didn't call me to chill in Dtown my whole live. He said, "Follow me." What is he asking you to do?
The part about letting the dead bury their own dead- wow deep stuff. To follow Jesus mean we must give up- give up our plans, ambitions, and career. He demands complete and total allegiance over houses, things, and even family. In order to follow God we have to follow through commitments- we can't let our words be empty. We might have to leave our family for extended time. But we cannot stay where we are and follow Christt.
Adoniram Judson, a missionary of the 19th century wrote these words for would be missionaries, "Come out for life. Do not fancy that you have a true missionary spirit, while you are intending all along to leave the unreached soon after acquiring their language. Leave them?! For what? To spend the rest of your days in, enjoying the ease and plenty of your native land?"
He knew what it meant to give up and he did just that. That's what my heart wants- I don't want to be here- my heart is completely wrapped up in this culture and in these people- then go home and live the same way I always have. I want there to be a change in me because God is so at work in my life.
I love my family. I love my job. I love my friends. I love my home, but God didn't call me to chill in Dtown my whole live. He said, "Follow me." What is he asking you to do?
Friday, July 1, 2011
New Faith Family
I've spent the past week with our media guy (Tyler) along side with the 3 girls of New Faith Family. While their main focus is the 35 children in the orphanage , 10 in the nursery and the rest downstairs, they work with other ministries too. While I was there, I was really excited to be able to jump in and love on them. I found it to be an awesome experience to go to four different feedings. A "feeding" is when a group goes to a squatter village and serve a hot meal. Sometimes they pass out clothes or provide medical assistance also.
Seeing these people who had nothing, bringing whatever they could find to put their "hot porridge" it broke my heart. Kids often were playing in filth and many nearly naked. There was trash all over the ground. It didn't matter though, it was so easy to talk to and play with the kids. It was good to hear "hello" and "Magandang Umaga" spoken by the adults. It felt so humbling to serve a little girl a bowl of "porridge" that would feed her family of five. That ministry made me rethink my own surroundings.
Another cool thing that I got to do while at New Faith Family was participate in a huge box pass relay for a missions project. One night in the pouring rain a huge transport had brought a truck full of boxes to be unloaded at the base. 50 Americans and Filipinos worked together to unload that truck. Street children, senior adults, and summer missionaries, it didn't matter. We were united for the same goal. I thought it was pretty cool how our skin color, culture, social-economic static, size, religion, or anything else mattered that night. I thought it pretty cool it made me think about how if Americans Christians would put away petty differences and join as a body of Christ, what we can accomplish. I have faith @ New Faith Family!
Seeing these people who had nothing, bringing whatever they could find to put their "hot porridge" it broke my heart. Kids often were playing in filth and many nearly naked. There was trash all over the ground. It didn't matter though, it was so easy to talk to and play with the kids. It was good to hear "hello" and "Magandang Umaga" spoken by the adults. It felt so humbling to serve a little girl a bowl of "porridge" that would feed her family of five. That ministry made me rethink my own surroundings.
Another cool thing that I got to do while at New Faith Family was participate in a huge box pass relay for a missions project. One night in the pouring rain a huge transport had brought a truck full of boxes to be unloaded at the base. 50 Americans and Filipinos worked together to unload that truck. Street children, senior adults, and summer missionaries, it didn't matter. We were united for the same goal. I thought it was pretty cool how our skin color, culture, social-economic static, size, religion, or anything else mattered that night. I thought it pretty cool it made me think about how if Americans Christians would put away petty differences and join as a body of Christ, what we can accomplish. I have faith @ New Faith Family!
God is in Control
Isaiah 6:8 says, "Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?' And I said, 'Here am I, Send me!'"
When I think about my heart and my part in missions, I identify with this verse every time. From the day I was "old enough" I picked mission trips over camps every time. When I surrendered to missions I know what I was "getting myself into" to an extent because the Lord had been preparing me all my life.
When it came down to it, it was a growing process especially giving up 2-3 months to serve somewhere on the other side of the world. Each summer I come back to the Philippines I'm more prepared, more in tune, more in love, and more identified with the country, culture, and the people. I know the Lord has called me here to give my life to these people and bring these people to Him. I know that these mission trips back here to where my heart is is God's next step in my journey. Five years ago (2006) He gave me a passion for the Philippines and the Filipino people. My eagerness and will wants to be here how but I am learning to rely on His timing. Romans 8:28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose."
This verse reminds me that he is in control of my life and every moment of my future. He has the whole Philippines in His hands. He has my whole future in His hands. I will trust and obey Him.
When I think about my heart and my part in missions, I identify with this verse every time. From the day I was "old enough" I picked mission trips over camps every time. When I surrendered to missions I know what I was "getting myself into" to an extent because the Lord had been preparing me all my life.
When it came down to it, it was a growing process especially giving up 2-3 months to serve somewhere on the other side of the world. Each summer I come back to the Philippines I'm more prepared, more in tune, more in love, and more identified with the country, culture, and the people. I know the Lord has called me here to give my life to these people and bring these people to Him. I know that these mission trips back here to where my heart is is God's next step in my journey. Five years ago (2006) He gave me a passion for the Philippines and the Filipino people. My eagerness and will wants to be here how but I am learning to rely on His timing. Romans 8:28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose."
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