Where do I begin to explain my experience in the Philippines? How do I start to explain what God did during these 3 incredible months here? I'm going to try my hardest to explain some of the moments that have changed my life forever and the people that have blessed me more than words can describe. But even more than that I want to share something that I have been able to find while being here.
To start off with I got to spend 24/7 with my 20 brothers.
Christopher, Samuel, Joel, Jayvee, Marvin, Jude, Jonel, Jerry, Ronel, Joseph, Patrick, Tisoy, Jojet, Gio, J.P, Cedric, Daniel, Nick, Paulo and Michael. These boys have changed my life forever. They are the most loving, caring, chaotic, hilarious, giving, hard working, talented boys that I have ever met in my life.
I will be forever grateful for the love and happiness that they poured into my life. I will never forget all of the crazy memories and serious moments that we all shared together. I could go on forever talking about all of these boys but I will stop here by saying God truly made us into a chaotic, big and loving family.
The last 3 months I was able to see what breaks God’s heart. I was able to see another world that I have never seen before.
Hanging out with teenagers in trouble with the law at CICL.
Going to Ondoy (a refuge village created by the red cross in 2009 when the typhoon took their homes and loved ones).
Getting the chance to love and play with the beautiful children at Destiny’s Promise orphanage.
Having a weekly bible study with a group of incredible woman in prostitution to provide for their incredible children.
Spending time at night with street kids and listening to their stories near the Grocery Store Shop Wise.
Becoming friends with a group of woman who make bracelets through the organization Threads of Hope to support their families.
Being blessed by a group of “yellow angels” in the Antipolo Jail. Woman wearing yellow that encouraged and impacted my life forever.
Worshiping, praying and loving on the homeless at the popular Filipino fast food restaurant Jollibee and being able to hold and run around with street kids.
Having devotionals, late night talks, worship, dinnertime, random dance parties, celebrating Christmas and New Year’s with my family at Children’s Garden.
Visiting some of the most beautiful places and islands in the Philippines. From visiting Duranak Falls, to hiking the Taal Volcano in Taygaytay, zip lining in Subic Bay, spending some nights in the beautiful city of Manila, and spending time with the girls on my team and my ministry contact at Puerto Galera.
This blog could never give justice to the experiences that I have had while being here. These brief descriptions about the ministry could never show the full impact of how many lives God touched.
But here is one thing that I have been able to find.
And that’s happiness.
As cheesy and cliché as that may sound its so true. For years I have tried to find happiness. Don’t get me wrong I have been blessed with incredible friends and family but I caught myself everyday trying so hard to be happy.
If I’m being really honest I struggled loving myself. I struggled with looking in the mirror and seeing myself the way God created me and viewed me. I worried so much about what others thought about me and said about me. Even having a genetic tooth disorder destroyed my self-esteem. I tried so hard to be perfect and to act happy all the time when I felt like my world was falling apart. But that’s the thing. Happiness doesn’t come from those things.
While being in the Philippines I have been covered by love from my Filipino brothers. I have watched them love one another and grow into incredible men of God. I have laughed and cried with them. Worshiped and danced with them. And in those moments. Those countless moments I stop and think about how genuinely happy I am. I think about how God has changed my life and is constantly perusing a relationship with me. I think about how grateful I am to be able to serve and love others like Christ has loved me. And above all else I am happy. Even during the teary goodbyes I will always be thankful. That’s something that I will take with me and never lose or forget.
This is where I am leaving a part of my heart. But I know love and prayers are sending me off from my family and friends that I have come to know and fall in love with here in this beautiful country.
To my supporters- Thank you! Thank you for financially supporting me and keeping me in your thoughts and prayers. From the bottom of my heart I could never thank you enough. I cannot wait to see you in May and be able to share the incredible things that God has done. I pray for you all every day. I love you all. I would love to hear from you and you can email me at [email protected] or add me on facebook! God bless!
On Friday February 1st. My squad and I will be on our way to Malawi Africa (my final country! Cant believe it). We will have an early start to our travel day starting at 3 in the morning. Our flight leaves around 7 in the morning and we will land in Malaysia then take a plane to Thailand for a 10 hour layover, another plane to Kenya and finally one last flight to land in Malawi Africa on February 2nd. Please pray for good health and safe travels for my entire squad.
Just like in Nicaragua my entire squad will be living together. We will be working with Zehandi ministries located in Senga Bay, Malawi. I do not know much about it besides the fact that my team and I will be working to build a bible school and working with the community.
I am very excited for all of this but also torn between leaving my Children Garden’s Family. Prayers would be greatly appreciated.
Yours In Christ,
Sarah Henderson
Sarah I am so proud to say you are my best friend! I am so happy God has placed you in my life so I can hear all the amazing things you do and all you see. Keep up the fantastic work. And extremely excited to see and hear so much more in May! I love you!
Sarah,
What you are doing is so AMAZING!!! You are an amazing person and I am so proud of what you are doing. I wish you well on your last part of your trip and I will be praying for you and everyone that is traveling with. We all miss you and love you and cant wait until you are back home.
Teresa
This is amazing, Sarah. I’m glad the Lord has used the Philippines to bring more peace, affirmation, and “happiness.” I am believe some big things for you all in Malawi. Excited to see you and the team in a few days.
Sarah,
I am so extremely proud of you and honored to be called your mom! I cannot begin to describe how much it means to me to see you grow and mature right before my eyes. I cannot imagine all of you have seen and the lives you have touched through your obedience of saying “yes” to God! I love you so much,
Mom
I can’t even begin to tell you how unbelievably proud we are of you. With every blog I read I realize how truly amazing you are and how blessed we are as your family to have you in our lives. As I read the words you post, I feel your excitement about the work you’re doing, the pain from the heartbreaks you experience, your amazement at what your experiencing and most importantly your faith in God and his unfailing love and protection. You have more strength than you will ever know and are truly beautiful inside and out. Thank you for having the courage to take this step and you have our prayers day in and day out. We love you very much Sarah Lynn and we can’t wait to see you in May!!!!
I wish you could have seen yourself thru my eyes growing up. You have always been this beautiful girl that lights up the room when you walk thru the door. You talked 90 miles an hour but you still lit up the room! I remember telling you one night when we were trying to go to sleep, that if you didn’t quit talking I was going to send you to Kalamazoo! You were quiet for a few minutes, then you said “I think that is located in Texas! My favorite story! I love you and miss you but I am very proud of you. I pray for your safety and success in Africa! Look forward to hearing from you. And happy birthday early!