My time in the Philippines began with caring for a fragile baby named Xyan. He was very sick, and caring for him became one of the most profound experiences of my life. I held him, fed him, and whispered prayers over him, hoping my care would ease his pain. Despite every effort, Xyan didn’t live long—but his memory remains etched in my heart forever. It was through Xyan that I first felt the deep calling to care for ‘the least of these.’ His short life sparked in me a desire to serve, love, and bring hope to others who are often overlooked.
Serving on mission trips, particularly working at an orphanage in the Philippines as the sole caregiver for 16 toddlers, has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life. The days were long, often stretching into sleepless nights filled with cries that needed soothing, tiny hands seeking comfort, and hearts yearning for love and attention. But every moment spent caring for those children left a permanent mark on my heart, reshaping my understanding of service, sacrifice, and unconditional love.
Stepping into the role of a sole caregiver was overwhelming at first. Sixteen little souls depended on me for everything—from their basic needs like food, clean clothes, and hygiene, to emotional support and companionship. I vividly remember the weight of responsibility I felt each morning as I looked into their expectant eyes. Yet, amid the exhaustion and challenges, there was profound joy. Every small milestone—a shy smile, a first step, or the sound of a child learning to say my name—became a celebration. These children, despite their difficult beginnings, carried an unyielding resilience and a capacity for love that inspired me daily.
One night at the orphanage remains etched in my memory. The air was thick with humidity, and the faint hum of crickets filled the silence. Sixteen toddlers, all under my care, lay scattered across worn-out mats, their tiny faces illuminated by the dim glow of a single bulb. Just as I began to drift off, a soft cry broke the stillness. Then another. Before I knew it, I was bouncing one child on my hip while trying to soothe another with a bottle. In that chaotic moment, surrounded by little hands reaching out for comfort, I realized—I was exactly where I was meant to be.
That night, and so many others like it, ignited a passion in me for mission work, showing me how impactful even the smallest acts of care and kindness can be. It wasn’t just about providing physical care; it was about showing these children that they were seen, valued, and loved. I realized then that mission work isn’t confined to grand gestures or monumental efforts—it’s in the day-to-day acts of compassion and service.
Today, that same passion fuels the work we do at World of Assistance. While the setting may differ, the mission remains the same: to serve, uplift, and bring hope to those in need. Whether it’s supporting families facing crises, aiding underprivileged communities, or providing resources for sustainable change, the core principle remains unchanged—every life matters, and every act of service counts.
The lessons I learned in the orphanage in the Philippines continue to guide me. They remind me that real change begins with showing up, being present, and loving without reservation. My heart remains tethered to those toddlers, and their faces still remind me why I do what I do today. Through World of Assistance, I am grateful to continue this journey of service, carrying forward the same love, resilience, and dedication that was so beautifully modeled to me by Xyan, those 16 little souls, and so many more.