Bitter Sweet
Today we woke up at 5:30 am and took a morning ferry to San Carlos to visit the Bermejo Clan. We joined up with two of my aunts, cousin, and uncle all visiting from the US - so it was a family reunion of sorts. In the afternoon, we joined in an outreach sponsored by my two aunties and cousin, Ryan, who purchased enough bread, juice, and sweets to feed over 300 kids in a depressed part of town. The kids lined up and waited patiently, as my auntie and cousin led them out in some songs. Many of the kids were part of large siblings sets and we witnessed older siblings taking care of younger siblings, including babies.
The entire experience was bitter sweet for me personally. Bitter because it affirmed some feelings for me about this country, ranging from anger to even embarrassment. Anger because the Philippines, which is regarded as one of the most corrupt nations in this part of the world, lacks the leadership and moral will to effectively care for its people. In my opinion, this country has failed to prove itself throughout the decades to be of any relevance in the global community. Saddened, because the whole set up here is dependent on others - family members going abroad so they can send money back home. The economy is depedent on this arrangement and on consumption rather than on investment. The Philippines exports its greatest resource - its people - at a tremendous cost. People will argue that the costs outweigh the benefits. I am not convinced. And finally embarrased - because a culture that supposedly adores and loves children, offers little in the way of opportunity. The level of parental responsibility in some parts here is questionable, making me wonder if parents really care for their children. The Catholic Church, which wields incredible influence here, opposes family planning on the basis of sanctity of life. Education, health care, training, employment, cohesive families, strong marriages - the lack of all these make me wonder whether life here is sacred anymore.
I have just unloaded myself here. So I will close by saying how sweet it is to be around people who amaze me with their generosity and loyalty. I'm talking about my aunties and cousin, Ryan who showed me that we were all blessed to be a blessing. Each of these children are precious in the sight of their Heavenly Father, who loves and cares for them beyond any kind of measure. To see them smile and enjoy a kind gesture was absolute sweetness.
Below are some photos from our time there. These were taken by cousin, Ryan
The children were beautiful. Thank you Father for clothing your children more beautiful than the lilies and the grass in the field (Matthew 5:28-30).
One thing I hope to pass onto our children is the spirit of generosity that many in my family carry. Thank you Father for family who excel in giving. They are a blessing to me and others.
Over three children came to receive a piece of bread, juice, and some candy. In return their smiles gave use joy. Thank you Father for reminding us that there is joy both giving and receiving good gifts.
The children as we prayed for them and the goodies they were about to receive. My Auntie told them that all of it was from Jesus. Awesome! Thank you Father for daily bread.
My cousin, Ryan, who is from Florida and the kids. Thank you Father for Ryan's heart.
We were amused to see this pedi-cab as we were leaving. Thank you Father for the simple ways you make us smile.
The entire experience was bitter sweet for me personally. Bitter because it affirmed some feelings for me about this country, ranging from anger to even embarrassment. Anger because the Philippines, which is regarded as one of the most corrupt nations in this part of the world, lacks the leadership and moral will to effectively care for its people. In my opinion, this country has failed to prove itself throughout the decades to be of any relevance in the global community. Saddened, because the whole set up here is dependent on others - family members going abroad so they can send money back home. The economy is depedent on this arrangement and on consumption rather than on investment. The Philippines exports its greatest resource - its people - at a tremendous cost. People will argue that the costs outweigh the benefits. I am not convinced. And finally embarrased - because a culture that supposedly adores and loves children, offers little in the way of opportunity. The level of parental responsibility in some parts here is questionable, making me wonder if parents really care for their children. The Catholic Church, which wields incredible influence here, opposes family planning on the basis of sanctity of life. Education, health care, training, employment, cohesive families, strong marriages - the lack of all these make me wonder whether life here is sacred anymore.
I have just unloaded myself here. So I will close by saying how sweet it is to be around people who amaze me with their generosity and loyalty. I'm talking about my aunties and cousin, Ryan who showed me that we were all blessed to be a blessing. Each of these children are precious in the sight of their Heavenly Father, who loves and cares for them beyond any kind of measure. To see them smile and enjoy a kind gesture was absolute sweetness.
Oh Heavenly Father, help me to see what you are doing in the midst of all that is wrong here on earth. Help me see what is true instead. Your truth, which says that all what is enslaved can still be set free, what is broken can still be mended, what is diseased can still be restored, what is hated can still be loved, what is dirty can still be made clean, and what is wrong can still be made right. Thank you for inviting me into your work of making all things new. Amen.
Below are some photos from our time there. These were taken by cousin, Ryan
The children were beautiful. Thank you Father for clothing your children more beautiful than the lilies and the grass in the field (Matthew 5:28-30).One thing I hope to pass onto our children is the spirit of generosity that many in my family carry. Thank you Father for family who excel in giving. They are a blessing to me and others. Over three children came to receive a piece of bread, juice, and some candy. In return their smiles gave use joy. Thank you Father for reminding us that there is joy both giving and receiving good gifts. The children as we prayed for them and the goodies they were about to receive. My Auntie told them that all of it was from Jesus. Awesome! Thank you Father for daily bread. My cousin, Ryan, who is from Florida and the kids. Thank you Father for Ryan's heart. We were amused to see this pedi-cab as we were leaving. Thank you Father for the simple ways you make us smile.
posted by ERuss at
9:42 PM
1 Comments:
This reminds me of the time I lived with my great Auntie and Uncle in a remote farming village in Korea. I lived there for about 6 months. Everyone was poor. They were all farmers. Our school was far into the woods where we had to walk a mile to get there. I remember being hungry all the time.
Anyway, on Wednesdays, there was a man who showed up at the school entrance with freshly baked white bread (sort of like a dinner roll)
and broke it and gave it to each one of us. His trunk of full of trays of these baked bread and he'd give them out until they're all gone...they smelled like heaven! It's always my dream to go back to that school with loaves of bread like that and hand them out like that man...in honor of him...I'll never forget his generosity!!! Inspires me to show generosity to others in need every time I think of him.
Thanks Russ for sharing your experiences and photos...and your prayers. I pray for you guys every day.
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