Manila

This is pretty big news if you haven't heard yet, but I will be going to Manila, Philippines for MATUL! It's hard to explain in words how I ended up picking Manila, but the uncertainty that I felt with Bangkok, I don't feel with Manila. I trust that the Spirit has led me to choose a site where I will fall in love with the culture & people and be able to thrive, not just survive. I know that God is going to reveal so much to me in Manila. I'm excited, but of course nervous never having been there before, as there are so many unknowns that lie in the future.

On the other hand, my heart is so heavy right now for everyone that's been affected by Typhoon Haiyan, so it feels kind of weird to be excited to go to the Philippines right now.

Lately I've been asking myself, "What does it look like for me to die to myself and take up the cross on a daily basis?".  Dietrich Bonhoeffer, one of the men involved in the plot to assassinate Hitler said, "When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die." Outside of the Christian realm, that sounds kind of weird, but it's something that God has been placing on my heart. Seeking to do God's will and to honor him with my life above all else.

An art piece on a wall in Skid Row. "It's that wonderful old-fashioned idea
that others come first and you come second." 

I've been listening to a lot of Jon Foreman lately, and this song in particular reminds of Matthew 16:25 (Whoever wants to save their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for Christ will find it)

With Cailah & our friend Lucky at an event in Skid Row. 

The kingdom of the heavens 
Is now advancing
Invade my heart 
Invade this broken town
The kingdom of the heavens 
Is buried treasure
Will you sell yourself 
To buy the one you've found?
From Jon Foreman's Your Love is Strong

There's only 3 more weeks left of the semester until we all go home and spend time with our families before heading out. I have no idea where the time went. I feel like it was just yesterday that I was moving to Los Angeles. It's crazy how after becoming really close with our cohort, familiarizing ourselves with the area, culture, public transportation, and people, we have to say good bye soon. Goodbyes are really hard. ): I find that I become easily attached to people and things, and even though my psych evaluation and other strengths tests indicate that I'm really adaptable to any environment, I struggle with having to say goodbye to the people, places, and things I've grown to know and love.

But right now, there's so many things to get done between now and the end of the semester that I don't know if the realization of everything is hitting me quite yet. I'm trying to live in the present, but in less than 2 months, I'll be overseas for the longest period of time that I've ever been away from home. But Manila will be my new home, and I know it's going to be so beautiful.