Together In Eternity

It is our last night here in Davao and boy has it been hard to say our goodbye's and thanks. The way this team of leaders and servants have blessed us, has allowed my eyes to be open to the inner beauty of Jesus Christ that is all around the globe. It's so amazing that our God is the same as he is in Boise, Idaho and in Davao City, Phillipines half way across the world.

Today I was processing the Christian people in Islaverde who were surrounded by filth and stench and had barely any worldly possesions. They did not worry about the great American dream of moving up the success ladder, all they cared about was serving the Lord with their spirits of joy and faith. I was thinking why some of these people, especially the children had to live in the conditions of scrounging for leftover rotten food and other necesities. They did nothing to deserve the poverty, just as I did nothing to deserve the prosperity that I have. It still boggles my mind and I'm just trying to recover from those wounds of curiosity.

I've never been so welcome to a place before as I have here in Davao. It's nearly impossible to keep my heart closed when all the people are greeting me wherever you go. I hate to say it, but I'm frustrated with Americans and how we do not greet each other like this...I'm angry at myself for this. Just the thoughts of the beautiful excitement when I will see these children once again in the future, whether it be when I return to Davao or in eternity. In Christ there are no goodbyes, and so I'm choosing to depart with my head up and a smile of gladness upon my face, knowing that this love they have shown me will forever be sacred in my heart. I wish I had spent more time with each and every beautiful soul, I really do, but I know my advent-ure and journey here is not at it's end. The presence of God is alive here and its fresh, prosperous, and childlike. Charlene, one of the leaders here, told me she knew I was to return. I think your right Charlene. It's a good feeling to have left this community with filthy feet.

In Love,

Isaiah