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Living in the Philippines, for the last six months, has taught me a lot! More than I could have ever imagined. I have observed, and recorded in my mind the people, their lives, their world. I foresee, one of these days, the residents here showing up in a story somewhere.

I have tried my best to settle in, and get comfortable, which is difficult when you are a pampered American. I have done what I could to fit in, but looking so different than them, some wouldn’t let me. Like today, at the time of this writing, I was cursed and the old woman made a spitting motion at my feet three times. I’m not saying I know racism in its fullest now, like some do in America, but I have experienced a taste of it, and it doesn’t taste too good. On the flip side, I have made friends, who call out my name whenever they see me out on the streets. That’s a good feeling no matter where you live!

As I made this place home, there were days I was jolted when the realization hit me, Mark, this is not your home. You’re an alien, a sojourner. Just passing through, for a specific time and purpose. For that matter, America is not my home either. I’m an alien there as well, just passing through for a specific time and purpose.

So where is my residence?

“So then ye are no more strangers and sojourners, but ye are fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God” Ephesians 2:19 (ASV)

After I accepted Jesus, my forwarding address was in heaven, God’s kingdom. As a residence of that land, I have full rights to everything the kingdom of God offers. I’m an heir to the King of Kings. I fit in. Everyone is accepted, no matter how weird they are on earth. Racism doesn’t exist! With nothing but love there, I am making heaven, my last stop.