Hello to my dear friends across the miles, or as my Filipino family says, "Maligayang Pasko!!!" (Merry Christmas :D) This is officially my favorite time of the year, although I must admit it's a little weird listening to 'Winter Wonderland' or 'Sleigh Ride' when it's 80 degrees outside ;)
I know that my blogging has been really sporadic lately and with Christmas upon us, I don't know how much I'll be able to get done in the next few weeks, but I wanted to let you know that I am still alive and share some things that the Lord has put on my heart over the past few days.....
Meet Irene. The more time I spend with these kids the more I am touched by their love for people...I had never met this little dear before today, but the moment I picked her up she wrapped her bony little arms around my shoulder and gave me the biggest smile. As I cradled her in my arms, I couldn't help but feel how frail and light her body was - it literally felt like I was holding my old Bitty Baby doll. As she dozed off to sleep on my shoulder, I couldn't help but wonder how many times she's had the opportunity to be rocked to sleep. As I played games of Peek-a-Boo with her, I couldn't help but notice her cleft palate. Will she ever had the chance to undergo life-changing surgery? Probably not, unless someone either adopts her or sponsors her.
And there are others.
Little Dave, who just cut his first tooth and who gives the heartiest chuckle when you tickle him through the crib bars.
Sweet Sophia, who can't walk because of the casts on her legs, but who holds up her battered PlaySkool toy with great pride.
Darling Irwin, the little African baby whose parents are currently in jail here in Manila.
Joyful Fabian, who was born with serious bone defects in his legs that prohibit him from walking, so he simply pulls himself along the floor by his hands.
And I see not only these precious faces, but I also see the street children - two and three year olds - weaving in between five to six lanes of traffic as they try to sell cheap trinkets to passers-by. I must admit that the thought has crossed my mind, "How can I ever get used to this? How can I ever get accustomed to hearing these stories of lifetimes of pain and suffering?" And then, just as quickly, another thought: "I never, ever want to get used to this." As much as it hurts, I want my heart to be broken by every street child that pats my arm and holds out their hand. I want to meet little ones like Irene and wrap my arms around them for a time, even though I may never see them again. I want to love - with no conditions, no regrets, and nothing held back.
So I simply live. People keep asking me, "What are you doing while you're there?" And honestly, I don't have a good answer except to say that I'm just living life! Because when it gets right down to it, 'life' is the body of Christ in action - people from all over the world simply walking along this journey of life encouraging one another in the love of Jesus. And you know what? Every moment is truly beautiful.
Miss you all so much - I appreciate your prayers!! Hope you are having a blessed season celebrating the birth of our Savior :)
Bex <3 <3
PS Do you have another minute? When you get the chance be sure to check out this blog post....actually check out the whole blog while you're at it :) The author is a young man who I 'not-really-but-sort-of-kind-of' know through NCFCA - he is currently living in Uganda working with the International Justice Mission, and his stories are truly incredible. Take the time to read it - you will be encouraged and blessed :)
