Series 2/5 - Artwork Inspired in the Philippines: "Speechless"

What are one of the most incredible moments in your life? If you're a parent, it's probably having a child, or your marriage day, or something involved with traveling... well how did it make feel? How would you describe it? If it is as profound as "incredible moments" would be... then it probably left you speechless - as this experience left me. I've had some time to reflect and process my trip to the Philippines (it's been a little delayed considering my life circumstances pretty much immediately returning from the Philippines). But this experience brought me to tears and etched an impression in my heart the moment it was happening. 

I guess I'll start at the end... it was the last Christmas party we helped with in the Philippines (more about the parties later in this series). The Extreme Response (ER) Christmas Team consisted of several American volunteers and a few ER staff who lived there in the Philippines. We took a small airplane from Manilla to Bohol:

Once we got there, we checked into this great hotel, Bohol Sunset Villa, had a delicious meal and took in some gorgeous sights (if you missed it, check out a few scenic photographs of our view from "Series 1: The Scenic Route" HERE). We got ready and headed to our last Christmas party. This is what greeted us when we got there: 

Gotta love a heart-shaped gate wrapping the home in security and love. 

The mission for this agency is: "to give abandoned and abused children in Nicaragua and the Philippines a home, a family, and a future, with the hope that they will become the leaders of tomorrow in their communities and churches... And now also focuses on helping vulnerable children in our local neighborhoods who are highly susceptible to illness, hunger, lack of education, trafficking and exploitation due to extreme poverty."

 

It was a gorgeous property full of love and warmth that was palpable. When we got there, we started to set up outside and get things ready for the party (games, arts and crafts, nail painting, face painting and more) but then it started to rain. We all ran into that blue building pictured above, which is used for Independent Living skills for the older children. It has a small kitchen and a nice open space. Everyone was so fluid with this... all the kids sat down on the dirt floor and the adults sat right there with the kids, or found a spot off to the side. The staff and older children moved the sound system in there and the festivities commenced. The kids had planned out skits, stories, singing and dancing and one of the most powerful moments in my life was worship there, on the dirt floor, in the Philippines, serving these orphaned children, hearing their sweet voices, and praising God for how great He is. Once again, I wish the sentiment could be captured in this video, but here's just a little peek into this beautiful moment:

 

 

After worship and entertainment, the weather cleared up and we all went outside to enjoy a really laid back, joyful and celebratory party with the children. It was such a wonderful way to wrap up the Christmas parties. 

 

                                                       

 

At the end of the parties we handed out gift bags to each child, but this party each gift included their very own recorder, thanks for the beautiful hearts and donation of one couple. The gift of music is one of the most precious gifts. And let me tell you how marvelous it was to hear ALL! THE! CHILDREN! trying out their new musical instruments. It was an experience to hear, that's for sure!

 

                                                     

 

And then it happened! As we were wrapping everything up and planning to leave for dinner - they surprised us with a freshly roasted pig and incredible home cooked meal! It was surreal... and I got to try real chicharrones that night (fresh, right off the pig, "pork rinds").

 

 

 

 

And there it was, one of the most incredible moments in my life: sitting under the most incredible bright moon, eating this authentic, delicious meal, having experienced the most beautiful worship and party that day, the last Christmas party... my heart was overflowing, with gratitude for this trip, opportunity to serve,, bring joy to children and offer my gifts and talents throughout that trip. As I sat there, I couldn't help the tears from leaking out of my eyes, as they are now as I reflect on such an incredible experience - that left me speechless.  

 

                     

 

Thank you for reading this through and now having a little part of such an intimate experience. I would love to hear about your favorite incredible life moment that left you speechless - please comment here or message me. With so many negative things going on in the word, let's sprinkle some TLC in the day and please SHARE!               

 

 

 

Truly,

 

 

 

 Deserea