I feel like I've been missing it. The big picture. The world I thought I was once living in, is so out of reach from the world I now know. I always knew there was something more. You hear stories. Stories of children starving to death on the streets. You see the commercials. Commercials of the immense poverty. And It touches our heart for a brief second. Often times our heart breaks in that swift moment, but we often carry on with our lives.
Completely the same.
But when you are face to face with this reality for everyday people, like you and I, it takes a completely different toll. This is reality for millions, and millions of people. I'm sitting on a dirty sidewalk holding these starving street kids. They have dirty, tattered clothes, lice, and have a displeasing smell. But that doesn't bother me. They're children of God, and I can't but help squeeze them with huge hugs. I can't help but run my hands through their knotty hair. I can't help but give them kisses on the forehead, and showing them love for every second I am with them. And I can't help but have my heart break, because these young sweet pieces of innocence, are being beaten down. Being broken by the world. Forcing them to be adults, before being able to be a child. It breaks my heart that they've never had mommies and daddies to hold them. To tell them that they're beautiful. Tell them they're proud of them. Tell them they're worth something.
Staring into these big, dark, hopeful eyes…I get it. I get why I am here. I am here to show them love. I am here to tell them my story, and how God completely changed my life. I am here to give them that hope. The hope that what their lives are like right now- That this isn't their Forever. That God has HUGE plans for their life, and even though the seconds on the clock may be ticking at a beyond slow speed, and that the hours seem dark..There's light up ahead. God's been able to bring my team and I here to show them that light. Show them that they have a chance. Their lives can CHANGE. Isn't that the hope we all need though?
"There are two ways of spreading light; to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it."
" The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name will trust in you, for you Lord have never forsaken those who seek you." Psalm 9:9-10
What a light you are…you were a light here too by the way! God is using you, you are his hands, you are his arms and you are his voice. What an amazing testimony you have of how God can change lives all over the world. Wishing you a beautiful Christmas and you truly get to share the celebration of who was born..and get to share it with hundreds! Miss you and love you.
We are so blessed when we read your blog. The love of Jesus pouring out of you is beautiful Nay Nay. It warms our hearts. Keep loving those kids and give them hugs for us! May God bless you tremendously. Our prayers are with you daily. Hope you have a joyous Christmas. Love, Millie and Greg
When I read this I think about not just why you’re in the Philippines or on this 9 month trip to 3 countries but this is the reason all of us are on this earth. This is why we are all “here” – wherever we are. To show God’s love through our actions. To serve others. To do what Jesus did. It’s so great that you are on this trip because you are learning things that you probably wouldn’t have learned in the US. I know I learned so much in Africa that I could only learn there. God’s just waiting for his people to open our eyes and see the work laid out before us and waiting for us to say “Here I am, send me!” Your life and your story is a testimony to soo many people and I hope it inspires us all to follow Jesus more radically. Love you NayNay.
You are such a studette. So blessed to see the light you bring daily, you continue to encourage and challenge me by the unveiled way you reflect the Lord’s glory. 2 Cor 3:18. Sick blog.
Love the rawness you write. You capture what you are truly seeing and it’s beautiful. Believe the big things for the darkest places. You bring so much LIGHT into a place, Irene! Keep it up!
I can relate with all your write about, having lived there twice and seen most of everything you describe. You are doing a wonderful ministry and those people will never forget you and if you would ever go back, they would remember your name. It’s so amazing! I think God is blessing and teaching you as much if not more than the people around you. Praise God for His goodness and mercy to all. Love you, Mama G.