07 Dec Little Therese… With Badjao Bridge and the Badjao Sea Tribe on Bohol Island in the Philippines (December 6th, Saturday)

When I first contacted Dan Johanson of Bajao Bridge a year ago and learned of his beautiful ministry here on Bohol Island I started sponsoring little Therese. Therese is one of the reasons I came to the Philippines and meeting her is something I have been looking forward to for months.

At first she was very shy, but after we got to know each other her strength and resiliency started showing through. She is one of over 100 children that go to school here as a result of Badjao Bridge that otherwise would not have a chance. I loved asking her about her pretty ring on her finger and where she got it. It was given to her by her best friend. Therese loves cooking and wants to be a schoolteacher. After getting to know this strong little girl, I have no doubt she can do whatever she sets her mind to.

After we got to know each other she wanted to take me back to her hut and cook for me. I was ecstatic. Getting there was quite the adventure and watching her navigate these rickety boards with the skill of a tightrope walker, I was incredulous.

If there is one moment here in the Philippines that I will never forget, it was the strength and sensitivity of little Therese as she instinctively reached back and took my hand, her grip was strong and had the feel of a big sister who had experience way beyond her years. She inspired me to just breath as she guided me through the most difficult parts. I knew then that I had a new friend…