Dispatch from the front
Dear Friends and family,
Since I’ve been getting quite a few emails asking about the landslide, the stampede, and other recent tragedies here in the Philippines, let me just write now to say thanks for all your concern… my family and I are fine and well. Natural disasters seem to be a part of the make-up of this country, and it’s sad that while the earth crumbles, so does morality. While listening to this morning’s news over my breakfast coffee, it was appalling (though not surprising) to read of reports of the attempted coup (the arrests of those said to have been involved in the plotting).
While Filipinos prepare to celebrate the “People Power” revolution that took place years ago, we still don’t know what the future holds—will it be celebration or mourning? (Hmmm..looking on the bright side of things, they have made today a holiday… anticipating, of course, whatever may happen on Edsa…)
Yesterday I took my kid sister to the children’s cancer ward so that she too could learn the joys of reaching out to others. I wondered a moment what affect it would have on her were she to make friends, but then see them pass away. Would it affect her negatively? The words of an old song came to mind…
I will pass this way but once
If there’s any good that I can do
Let me do it now
For I shall never pass this way again.
I will see this day but once
If there’s any kindness I can show
Let me show it now
For I’ll never see this day again.
I will know this world but once
If there’s any love that I can give
Let me give it now
For I’ll never know this world again.
…I know she’ll learn the most important lessons in life here.
It does seem ironic that my friends in Uganda fear for my safety here (thanks, guys!) and even more frightening is the thought that there really is NO safe place in the world these days. My one consolation for my family and for all of you, is that when we are in the center of God’s Will, He keeps us in a constant state of inner peace.
Love you and am praying for you all…
Nyx
