Last October, I went on a mission trip to the Philippines. I had been hoping for something like this for years. I didn’t even have a perfectly logical reason. I just had this strong desire in my heart. I can’t believe this was four months ago! But I would love to record and share this experience here.

It was a mission trip arranged by our church. 35 people, 1 team. All of us had our own roles. For instance, my parents were doctors, and my sister and I were in the Bible School team. Within the team, I had many roles: Praise leader, translator, and program coordinator.

The activities were fun, and we told them about God’s love. However, this was just the tip of the iceberg. There was so much more value to this experience.

We visited a church located in what people call a “trash village.” People warned me about the area. They told me it would be shocking, that I should prepare myself. I tried. But the second I stepped out of the jeepney, I understood what they meant. It wasn’t just “dirty.” It felt like the ground itself wasn’t ground anymore. Mud mixed with all sorts of trash. Animal carcasses, garbage bags about to explode, and filthy water. It didn’t feel like a temporary situation that could be cleaned up. It felt like the environment itself had become trash. I was honestly shocked. I also saw families using dirty water from small, unhygienic wells. Just looking at the surroundings felt like staring at the unfairness of the world.

But what shocked me even more than the environment were the children I met there: they were so so full of love.

I went there expecting my heart to break, mostly because of poverty and harsh living conditions. And yes, my heart did break. But it also got strangely warmed and softened by their joy. They ran and hugged us without hesitation, so naturally. They laughed so easily, and their eyes were sparkling, full of light. I don’t know how to explain it, but I could feel love and pure joy from them immediately. Physically, it was really tiring. It was scorching hot, and I was constantly running around to translate, singing and dancing to lead the praise sessions. There was one worship song where the kids kept moving closer and closer, singing like they meant it with their whole bodies. It was adorable and overwhelming at the same time. My body was exhausted, but at the same time, I was genuinely happy. I found myself smiling all the time! So many children called me beautiful. So many held my hands with their own tiny delicate hands. Every time our eyes met, I felt like they were sending me love:)

I was so grateful. We were total strangers to them, but I felt most welcomed in my entire life. We went there to tell them God’s love, but ironically, it was us who learned about what that looks like in the world we live in.

My entire body was aching after we returned home. I almost lost my voice, too! But importantly, everything started to feel different.

The food I eat. The room I sleep in. The neighborhood I live in.

I knew, in theory, that I had privilege. But seeing and smelling the trash village made me realize how “normal” I’ve treated comfort and opportunity. And at the same time, I felt incredibly thankful for what I already have: legs that can run, arms that can hug them, eyes that can lovingly look at each and every person, hands that can softly stroke, and a mouth that can tell them how beautiful they are! I have everything that I need!