Highlight of the Trip

The mission trip to the Philippines and Japan was a unique and enlightening experience that allowed me to witness the fruits of service directly. As a pre-dental student, working with the dentists was a blessing that only furthered my love for the field and showed me how any profession can be used for the glorification of God. Doctor Hany and Doctor Christine were amazing mentors. Doctor Hany trained Filipino dentists to extract teeth, something that they said they had not done in their 20 years in dentistry. Their excitement and eagerness to learn under his guidance reassured me that even after we left, the community would always have kind and dedicated people who were willing to give their time and resources to others. Doctor Christine’s gentle approach towards the children was something I hope to emulate too. When the children were nervous, she held them, sang them hymns, and gave them handmade bracelets while teaching them about Christ and His love for them. Despite the exhaustion of treating hundreds of patients back to back, both doctors remained eager to do more, a level of selflessness that I hope to have myself one day. The impact of their work was so inspiring. Patients would walk out of the clinic beaming, explaining that extractions and fillings usually cost several days of work, which is why they weren’t previously able to prioritize their health and the health of their children. We take such services for granted here, and after witnessing our team working together in triage, prescribing medication, and providing supplies, I felt so grateful that I could be a part of such a wonderful group of servants. However, the true servants were the congregation of St. Mary and St. Mark. The second we arrived, I was so incredibly shocked to observe the faith and dedication of all the members of the church. Mama Marina, Michael, the “heroes” and all of the children exhibited pure love for the Lord as evident through their actions, their kind spirits, and their involvement in their community. After speaking with one of the youth, I learned that he converted to Orthodoxy despite being ridiculed by his family, and abandoned a bad past to fully immerse himself in God. He told me that this was a choice that he made at just 17 years old, a feat that I know my 17 year old self would lack the courage to do. Everyone there supported, lifted, and strengthened each other through Christ. We visited a children’s cancer center where, despite their conditions, the children ran and played and sang. They participated in the worship songs and dances with energy and joy, and found comfort and familiarity with the servants from St. Mary and St. Mark. I watched them as they engaged with the children and felt God’s love shine in them wherever they went and whenever they spoke. God’s presence was consistently undeniable among these people. I remember being so nervous when we were planning the youth activities, worried that they might not be engaged or think our ideas were boring. We organized an activity where the youth were split into groups and each had to make a skit based on one of the fruits of the spirit. As we explained the concept, one girl raised her hand and excitedly said that she knew all the fruits of the spirit and that she wanted to sing it for us. As we sat there, the room full of 35 youth burst into a joyful choir. I remember looking around the room and feeling their love and enthusiasm for Christ, praying that God would allow me to share even an ounce of that same enthusiasm and love as well. They were so open in Biblical discussions and participated with a passion for the Lord that I knew would never dwindle. When the youth surprised us at the retreat with their beautiful voices singing hymns, the cliché yet powerful theme of mission work set in: despite being there to serve and teach them, they were the ones who left my heart full and yearning to get even closer to the Lord. Being welcomed into a community that was unwaveringly faithful and driven despite being so isolated made me feel unworthy, because I knew my faith was not as strong as theirs. Abouna announced to us that they had been facing many obstacles in finding a bigger location for the church and asked the congregation to pray three times out loud, “Please Saint Mary, give us a new church.” The next day, on Saint Mary’s Feast, we were told that the offer for the new location that had previously been denied was accepted. I got chills in that moment, watching the heroes cry and thank the Lord with all their hearts, and I thanked God for allowing me to be there to witness His work in that moment. “We thank you for every condition, concerning every condition, and in every condition.” These people, their sacrifices and their gratitude for even the smallest things we had to offer, were a model for what Christ wants us all to be. I am forever grateful that I was able to witness such pure and selfless love for the Lord. I pray that one day I’ll have a fraction of their character. And I pray that I will get to see them all and share in their love for God again.