Samantha's Page

Posted by Samantha on April 1st, 2008 at 3:11am
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Okay, so I stole that title from Sunday's sermon! : )

I realize it has been a very long time since I have written my thoughts, time just gets away from me and I seem to have less and less down time. I must admit that these last few months have been emotionally and physically draining. Some of that could be my never ending schedule but much is just the anticipation of 'transition' as I look at returning to the US for a year.

Today, Pastor Luis gave a message to the graduates (yes, Philippine schools are ending now, Faith Academy is not). We looked at the life of John the Baptist in Matthew 3. He lived a simple life and he knew himself and his mission and that gave him success and significance.

That made me think . . . what is my mission in life? I came up with . . . making a difference in the lives of children. How do I do that? I guess the hard part in working with children is that we don't aways see the success. It is there in the small things, those smiles I get when I go to the baby home. The interactions I get when I talk with little Johnrey or others. It is the times that Ethan runs up to me with a hug, or Jan makes a kind and encouraging comment to me. It is the parents that come in to say how much their child loves school. It is little Joshua who gets overly excited when I come to visit.

It is really hard to think that I may never see these people again. I knew the day would come when I would leave Faith Academy, I guess I didn't think it would be so hard. As I tell everyone, I will leave in June with the idea of returning in just 12 months, but also with the reality that life is never as we plan. What if God says in this coming year, I have other plans for you.

These past few months I have been trying so hard to make the most of each opportunity and experience, loving each person as much as humanly possible. I have been frustrated and discouraged by others who don't seem to see my desire to cherish each moment. They get busy and I feel cheated in my time with them. Which leads me to times of hiding and withdrawing, figuring 'what is the point' I will be leaving soon anyway.

My prayer in these next two and a half months, to continue with life and not begin to 'check out' as it has been termed. I have two and a half wonderful months to create new memories with old and new friends.

I am excited to see family and friends, but so sad to leave what I have grown to love here. What will I miss most . . . the people who make this home.