It’s a story I tell every chance I get, walking along the Boardwalk or on the Bolsa Chica trail. It’s also a story that always brings smiles and thanks from the people with whom I’ve shared it. And it’s a story that I hope I never stop tiring of telling! It’s a story that reminds me that God is at work in the background, even when (maybe especially when) I don’t see Him doing what I want or expect.
Not what i thought
Last year when we returned to Davao for Sherry to volunteer at Mercy Maternity Center to learn more about midwifery and to help deliver babies, I thought I’d be working in some of the rural areas on Mindanao, helping to drill or teach how to drill hand-dug water wells like we did in Uganda in 2011. Before we left, I’d made lots of connections and plans to meet with ministries and people who said they were interested in the WaterForAll technology.
Once I got there, nada. Nothing. No response.
The people I contacted didn’t respond or after the initial, “Yes, we’re very interested,” extended no further communication. I was stunned.
Faced with unexpected and forced idleness, I turned to walking. And praying. We had no vehicle, so whenever Sherry wasn’t working at the clinic, we walked together and nearly always walked holding hands. What we didn’t know was that many of the midwives at the clinic were watching. They saw us as we walked around the city, as I walked Sherry to the clinic and met her after her shifts to walk her home.
Immigration forced us to leave
After we’d been there for about 4 1/2 months, we were forced to leave by the Immigration head in Davao City (that’s a story for another time!). One of the local missionaries gifted us with a Despedida, which is a heartfelt “going away party,” which we learned later is deeply rooted in Filipino culture – and symbolizes both celebration and sadness. After we’d finished our meal, the host gathered everyone into a circle and began what the despedida is famous for. We’ll never forget that evening!
In attendance were all the Filipino midwives from the clinic (except those on duty that night), all the Filipino techs and other workers from the clinic, all the midwifery students from the school, and several Western Missionaries. They began telling stories of how Sherry had profoundly impacted their lives. How she exemplified what a mature Christian woman should “look like.” How she was a “learner,” despite having a Master’s degree in Nursing, which is far more education than any of them. And they were all crying and passing around a roll of toilet paper to wipe their tears. But two things stood out most; first, the Western missionary head of the clinic said Sherry had effected something that had never been done before – she succeeded in bringing together Western and Filipino cultures! Secondly, nearly every one of the Filipino women commented on Sherry and me holding hands. They said it gave them hope that they would find a husband who would love them into their senior years!
My true purpose for being there
It was only then that I realized my true purpose for being there wasn’t about wells, but supporting Sherry, holding hands, and demonstrating what loving my wife looks like to people watching us!
As always, I enjoy your stories and reflections. And, as always, each time you come to mind either from your input or occasionally when He brings you to mind ‘out of the blue,’ I lift you and Sherry up as well as the family situation you shared when we were together…. I love the Gregorys
Some of my fondest memories (and wild stories) revolve around our times with WFA and you and Terry and the WFA crew! Thanks for the prayer and the encouragement!
Beautiful story, and I’m not surprised. You and Sherry always exemplify the love a marriage should have and are so generous of your time and knowledge to others. I’m sure the Filipino people you met over those 4 months will forever be impacted by you both.
Thanks, Nolann!
Beautiful
Richard, what’s beautiful is the way you and Julie have continued to REACH out to a lost and hurting world!