Erickson’s Philippines Updates

Let’s try something new here. I will post every time one the FTC kids has a birthday, then all of you who read it can post a comment wishing them a happy birthday (along with any other encouragements you might have for the child). So for the first birthday we have Jennilyn Delos Santos. Jennilyn had her “Sweet 16” birthday today (March 28). Watching Jennilyn grow physically, spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and educationally over the last two years has been an honor for Andrea and I. She is independent and a born leader (So she and Andrea relate well).

Having the opportunity to daily pour into Jennilyn’s life has been a real joy for all of us. Jennilyn is in Andrea’s and my dorm as well, so we also have the responsibility of helping her through the good times, as well as the difficult. Jennilyn is in the tambourine, hospital, and street feeding ministries. We love you Jennilyn! Happy birthday!!!!!

I was so touched last night. I was in our house cleaning when I decided to turn on one of my favorite Hillsong CDs, “The I Heart Revolution.” I am telling the complete truth when I say that not even 10 seconds after the music started, Myrna (6), Josiah (2), and Sara (1) came running through the door, so excited to hear the music. They began dancing and raising their hands, RIGHT THERE IN OUR LIVING ROOM! They did not care about anything else at that moment. They were jumping, kneeling down, raising their hands, and even trying to copy some of the moves they must have seen from our “Body Worship” dance group at church. It was one of those moments when nothing else mattered, then I snapped out of it and took some quick pics.

It is not just the small kids either. Last Sunday, Andrea and I were at church and three of our teenage girls from FTC were sitting between us. It was so encouraging because as I was getting excited (anyone who knows me, knows that I love praise and worship!), the girls were getting more excited! Jumping up and down, moving from side to side, raising their hands… Singing with a kind of passion that is only fit for our King. I would have loved to take a picture, so you could see the sincerity on their faces, but sometimes I think that just distracts what is going on. Maybe next time!

I continue to be excited about what God is doing in our lives, as well as in the lives of the FTC kids. We are not perfect, and we also experience hardships and trials… But God is faithful-so faithful.

Face The Children welcomes Gemma with wide open, loving arms. Gemma is 9 years old, and just arrived with us today, March 3rd, 2009. At FTC, we believe in maintaining a certain level of privacy for the children, but trust me when I say that Gemma was in need of a miracle, and God answered by bringing her in to our lives. It will, once again, be exciting to keep track of Gemma as she grows physically, spiritually, mentally, and emotionally.

Gemma