Harder to Ignore

The past few weeks have been packed full of new and exciting things. I’ve learned lots of new things and the Lord continues

to teach me through experiences and people here. Below are some of what I’ve learned and want to share with the world.

It’s hard to describe what takes place in the home. For the protection of the staff, I will not share too many specifics, but just know that it is very different than America. Once you see my pictures upon my return home, you will maybe understand a little more about these dear children. They are not just orphan statistics. They are real kids with real stories with real hearts with real devotion to the Lord with real hopes and dreams of following His will for their lives.

Just like David Platt observed, I’ve noticed that orphans are easier to ignore before you know their names, see their faces, and get to know them. It’s easy to pretend they will be okay before you hold them in your arms. It’s easy to not empathize with the fact that there are millions starving while we eat a $10 meal in America (which pretty much would provide at least a week of meals over here). It’s easy to not really believe the conditions they live in. It’s so easy to ignore and stick to our comforts until you abandon them and rely on Jesus to see you through day to day.

It’s easy until you’re here and you see the needs. Once you do, everything changes. The statistics become real children who need parents. They become the people we are told to be voices for. They become who you want to help and who you desperately want to love and care for.

Home

Where You go, I'll go.

Where You stay, I'll stay.

When You move, I'll move.

I will follow You.

 

Well, I'm coming home. It has been a very emotional past week. I did get to come with my team to Davao for our mid-summer break. We got to hang out with another orphanage team. So I was able to chill, relax, see some sights, and make more memories with my sisters. However, today my team went back to Malaybalay and I stayed here. I'm still coping with this whole situation. I've learned a lot just in the past week. The lyrics above have been playing in my head for a few days now. I have to be obedient and follow Him; even if He's going to Aberdeen.

 

I was obedient in the fact of following His call on my life to come halfway around the world to the Philippines. However, He never gave me a time frame. He never told me I'd be here for 2 months. I just assumed that. I guess 1 month was all that He needed me to do here. It was hard saying goodbye to the kids and it was just as hard saying goodbye to my teammates/sisters. I feel as though there was so much more that I needed to learn about them. It's okay, though. We all live fairly close to each other and can visit. I know my parents are ready for me to come home. I'm sure it's been just as hard if not harder on them than anyone else.

 

I ask that you continue to pray for me, my team, and my other brothers and sisters that are still serving the Lord. Who knows what He has planned for me back at home?! No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind can conceive what God has planned for those who love Him. - 1 Corinthians 2:9. You can't out-dream God. He is sovereign. 

 

-Claire

Arrived!

   We arrived at NFF on Friday after a 5 hour bus ride from Davao City. As we pulled in all of us were  squirming with excitement in our seats.

    The first place we came to was  the church, Mt. Moriah Baptist Church. This is where we will be spending our Sunday mornings. Next we came to the big dining hall which is used for AWANA and Saturday Fellowship during the summer. It is basically a big screened in bamboo pavilion.

   Then we were shown where we will be staying for the summer. We have a room with a balcony, that has an amazing view of the NFF Home and mountains. The room has bunk-beds and our own bathroom. The walls have been decorated by previous teams with words of encouragement.

   Finally, we were taken to the children's home. Downstairs is the kitchen where meals are prepared by the cook and where everyone eats. Upstairs there is a boy's side and a girl's side. Each side is made up of 4 bedrooms. There is also a wing for toddlers and babies.

   The home seems very organized. They children know their (daily) chores and know when to do them. It has been absolutely amazing meeting and getting to know these precious children.

   Malaybalay is a beautiful place. Yes, there are lots of things we are going to have to adjust to around here but we are beyond blessed to have beds and running water. So many of the other teams do not have those luxuries right now!

   The four white American Southerners are making adjustments and building relationships in the Philippines. We are looking forward to seeing what God is doing to do in us and through us this summer!

The guest house where we are staying.

The dining hall.

The New Faith Family Children's Home

Saturday Feeding Program in Malaybalay

   We had the privilege of helping with the orphanage's Saturday feeding program on our first full day here. The orphanage sent out three vans to pick up kids off the street and bring them to campus for music, games, Bible stories, and a meal.
   They brought in 100+ kids of all ages and said as they continue to do this, the numbers will go up to the 400's. The kids were so energetic and loved all the songs and games! But their favorite part was repeating the Bible verses and eating a good meal. Some kids came back more than 4 times for more! Most of these kids this is the most nutritious meal they get all week, it is a great ministry, feeding the kids spiritually and physically.
   Seeing all those smiling faces and the joy this small amount of time and love meant to them overwhelmed me and humbled me greatly.
   by Maicie

The New Faith Family Malaybalay Team

Maicie, 20 years old

TN Tech University, Nursing

I could all the President's names in order by age 4.

Victoria, 20 years old

Mississippi College, Social Work

I once swallowed a penny as a child.

Joelle, 19 years old

Liberty University, Family and Child Development and Woman's Ministries

My first word was canteloup.

Claire, 22 years old

Mississippi State University, Elementary Education Major

When I was young I used to wrap up random household objects and give them as gifts to my family.