God doesn't call the qualified...or does he?

Who would have known that many years ago, when we wanted to sponsor an African Compassion Child, that we would be asked to sponsor a girl in the Philippines. I had felt that after visiting Africa I would be directed to help African kids...but God had other ideas.

Several years later, I met the Snellgrove’s. Who doesn't love them?? They are so much fun! They love Jesus! And they love the Philippines!

When they moved to the Philippines in 2013, I decided to visit them. I only stayed for 5 days as I had my 8 year old daughter with me and wasn't sure how she would cope. But 5 days wasn’t enough! There was something about it that captured my heart. And I wanted to go back.

Over the next couple of years, I saw many types of visitors heading over to visit, particularly professional people who hold all types of specialist qualifications.

So when my trip in October this year approached, I was starting to have feelings of inadequacy. You see, I don't have a university degree. I am not a teacher; so I cannot teach children. I am not a doctor; so I cannot diagnose their illnesses. I am not a nurse; so I cannot give needles or look after their wounds (to be honest, I actually faint at the sight of blood, so I'd be totally useless at wound care). 

Sure, I do have some qualifications. I have several Diplomas in Management and Tourism, and I am a qualified workplace trainer. But none of these qualifications would be particularly useful at a children’s home in the Philippines right? 

I arrived to a house full of smiles and love. I was lucky enough to celebrate my birthday the day after I arrived and, even though I was away from my family, I had so many hugs, kisses and cuddles from all the kids in the house…I didn't really feel like I missed anything at home! 

Every day, the kids at Safe Haven blessed me with their love. These kids, many of whom had come from very bleak backgrounds and had so little, gave me so much. They loved freely, smiled, played, learned and they had fun. 

Cherie Snellgrove had invited me to work alongside Safe Haven staff members to do some baking for the residential children’s home and the feeding program located in Payatas Dumpsite because that's what I love to do! I love to make homemade treats for my kids.

Big deal! Cookies and cake? 

So I made several batches of cookies, with the help of two beautiful Safe Haven kids, and headed down to Payatas Dumpsite. We handed out cookies to the kids at Pastor Fred's church, with cups of lovely blue and green icing and sprinkles. Cherie instructed them on how to ice and decorate the star and heart shaped biscuits. I was so humbled and moved by this experience as I realized that these completely underprivileged kids, had probably never done something like this before. Never licked icing off a spoon or put a spoonful of sprinkles into their mouths. Every time I make a cake at home, my kids lick the bowl or the beaters. The simple things in life that we just take for granted because we live a privileged life.

So we headed back to Safe Haven for some more baking. Two young girls at Safe Haven particularly enjoyed this; rolling and then placing them onto trays and into the oven. But most of all, the kids (even the big kids) seemed to enjoy eating the finished product!

Other than baking, I just spent time with the kids. One of my favourite nights, was spent with three young girls in the house. We just hung out and played charades and made each other laugh with funny faces. We all laughed so much that we either had sore tummies or tears running down our faces. It was such fun!! 

Dancing in the lounge room with all the kids was another highlight. Let's just say my dancing skills have a lot to be desired, but they didn't seem to care. We all danced like crazy!

So as I left Safe Haven this time, I left with a sad heart. Once again I had been touched by the amazing staff and kids at Safe Haven. I wanted to go home to see my family, but I didn't want to leave either! Such a conundrum!!

What did I bring to Safe Haven?

Well...myself!

I went with no agenda, just to do whatever needed to be done.

As I arrived back into Sydney and I turned on my mobile phone (as you do), a Facebook feed from Joyce Myer came up. For me, it was very timely, reassuring and encouraging!  

What did it say?

'God doesn't call the qualified, he qualifies the called'

So...I may not be able to heal the sick, but I may be able to heal hearts, give and show love to kids who have been deprived of this simple human need. We can all do that.

So come! Be a mother, a father, a sister, a brother...be a friend.