A lot of flying. A lot of driving. A lot of moving. A lot of learning. A lot of thinking. A lot is changing.
Hello from the Philippines! Josh, Autumn, and I arrived here a little over a week ago to complete the last 2 years of Trek-X. It has consisted of settling in, unpacking, adjusting and getting schedules figured out; along with meeting the pastors of the local church and its many members. The location itself is absolutely beautiful. Right outside the door of my new home: a large tilapia farm, trees galore, herbs, potted plants, and flowers can be seen with any turn of the head. Mountains, flat fields and the ocean; it covers just about all terrain. Banana and coconut trees are everywhere as well as numerous rice fields in all stages of harvesting. The weather right now is rainy and humid, with gorgeous sunsets and cloud formations. The people have been welcoming and excited that we are finally here. The food is grand and the fellowship is even better. The best thing though is that the Lord is at work. The people have such a heart to serve Him and He is blessing that by giving them the desire and opportunities to minister to their own people. Not only locally but globally. I can’t wait to see what the Lord does here through us, and continues to do through the Filipinos.
But here are just a few fun facts and quirky things I’ve
observed. Asian babies are adorable. Toads are poisonous. Cold showers are
great. Cobras are deadly. Rain is a blessing. Bananas are served in every way
possible. Hammocks are good for relaxing and napping. Filipinos love games. Geckos are fast
and carnivorous. Instant coffee is the norm. Coconut trees are fatal. Sandals
are always acceptable. Rice is served during breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Cockroaches fly and bite. Filipino workers earn less than 5 dollars a day, if
they find work at all. Typhoons bring nice weather.
On a serious note though. Earlier this week my grandfather
passed away, it happened just a few days after arriving here in the
Philippines. It seems surreal. I imagine because I am on the other side of the world
and not home dealing with things face to face. The shield of peace and comfort
that the Lord has around me at all times is mind blowing. He knows exactly what
I need and He never lacks in providing for me. The word that I keep thinking
about is steadfastness.
Steadfast: firmly fixed in place; immovable. Firm in belief,
determination, or adherence; loyal.
This spiritual discipline has been one of the most difficult for me to learn. I can honestly say I’ve never really grasped the meaning of
this word until now. It doesn’t matter what happens, I’m not going anywhere. My
feet are firmly planted. My eyes are focused. My heart is set. My soul aches in
readiness. All on the only thing in creation that will never change. Never
disappoint. Never leave. Never fail. That is Jesus Christ, my Rock, my
Fortress, my Provider, my Comforter.
“Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right
hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to
glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I
desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of
my heart and my portion forever.” – Psalm 73:23-26.
My prayer is that Christ would be your only desire, and that
He uses whatever means to make that happen.
To Him be the glory now and forevermore,
Monica
