The Worst Thing About K.I.M.

The worst part about Kids International Ministries and the Philippines is very easy to tag down: leaving. This was my wife Jessica and my first Christmas in this wonderful country and the first that we didn’t focus on ourselves and what the next wrapped box had in store for us.

That’s the beauty of KIM and serving alongside it’s mission- you don’t have time to get selfish. There are ample opportunities to give of yourself, to dig in and sacrifice your time, energy, and money.

This being our third trip to the PI, we were able to solidify friendships, learn more, and really get to know the kids at the Children’s Home. We had the opportunity to smile with them as they opened many Christmas presents from friends around the world. We also got to see them learning how to bless others as they gave away one of their gifts to the kids living in utter poverty right outside the gate- most of the time, being cheerful, sacrificial givers.

We also got to meet a family of 11 kids who live off of $20 a week, sleep on concrete floors, and barely get enough food to eat, yet smile their dirty little smiles just because we showed them attention. We saw children and adults lining up for Christmas presents, listening eagerly to the Christmas story, and going away happy that they would have food to eat that night.

The best thing we saw, though, was Jesus’ love being poured out of overflowing hearts. People from all over giving their time and energy to bless these Filipino people. It’s awesome, and it’s how we should be living all of the time, not just at Christmas. It’s hard to leave this place, and we will anticipate our return next Christmas. Until then, Lord, help us be thankful for the many blessings you’ve given us and help us strive to be a blessing to others.

-Russell Phillips