Here's to humidity, bugs, mud and dirty feet

I knew I wanted to go overseas again, but I didn’t know where. I had to be willing to be redirected. I thought that Ecuador was the place for me but - I’m heading back to the Philippines!

The decision-making process started last March. After researching, discussing, praying, and list making, my decision to volunteer with Project Destiny (PDK) was affirmed the beginning of July. PDK was started in 2003 out of a need to reach and minister to street kids. Butuan City children-in-crisis include child laborers, children caught up in trafficking, street children, and severely neglected slum children. This is the most vulnerable people group in the world because these children have no rights, no protection, are the most susceptible to abuse and disease, and they are the easiest to exploit.

I was reading a story about a missionary training the other day and the speaker asked the group a question, “who wants to go to change the lives of the people there?” Everyone in the room raised their hand with much enthusiasm. The speaker then went on to tell them that if that was their motive, they shouldn’t go. They should go because they love God. I have been pondering this since I read it, perhaps because I was a bit overzealous about my upcoming adventure.

I love God and He loves me…and that is enough. I am His and He is mine, wherever I go and whatever I do. And it is out of that purpose that ministry flows.