Rachel Hampton

My name is Rachel and I hate bugs January 28, 2011

Clarence told me that at this point everyone understands my hatred for bugs…especially huge cockroaches. Still, I can’t NOT share this story. In my head this is what happened: There was a cockroach conference meeting sometime last week. The CEO stood up and announced while pounding his antenna on the table “What are we going to DO about Rachel? She leaves in a month. The time to attack is now!” The discussions went round and round.

“We could block her path to the front door!”

“That’s been done.”

“We could scare her when she goes to throw something away by flying out of the garbage!”

“Again, it’s been done. Think creatively, insects!”

Suddenly the yoda cockroach clears his throat from the back of the room. Silence envelops the group as they wait for his inevitable words of wisdom. His soft voice whispers the most perfect plan:

“We could touch her. That will be her worst nightmare.”

And I’m sorry to say they carried through on this evil scheme. Let me set the stage. It’s 7pm on Thursday night. I’ve just finished my Zumba workout (which is super fun and you all need to try). Clarence had called me on skype and I told him to sit put while I jumped in the shower. Little did I know the terror that waited ahead. I turned on the shower, disrobed (sorry, but this is the natural order of things people), and jumped inside. Immediately I saw a huge cockroach on the wall in front of me. So OF COURSE I screamed. And jumped out of the shower not paying attention to where the cockroach scurried to.

After composing myself I glanced around trying to find it. I figured it would be easier if I was covered up, so I grabbed the towel off the rack. Then….

*shudder*

…to my dismay, the cockroach had hidden behind the towel. So as it was pulled hurriedly from the rack, the cockroach came with it and flew directly towards me. It was like slow motion. Out of the corner of my eye I see a dark shadow. It is too late to do anything. It lands on my arm. I scream and flail and generally go completely insane. It falls to the floor. I am still screaming and flailing.

I’ll spare you the rest of the story. It basically involved a lot of me trying to gather courage to kill it, Clarence telling me to just do it already (and laughing at me), and ultimately it scurrying off w/o being killed.

So I’ve lived to tell another tale. I’d rather not have to tell it, but that is life in the tropics, my friends. One more month. I can make it one more month. Then no more huddling in corners, gripping brooms, and muttering “why is this my life?”.

Brrrrr…. January 20, 2011

I am in so much trouble when I go back to the US.

It is 80 degrees here in Manila and I have been a bit cold at times. Yes, you heard me correctly. After spending the past two years in Asia where it is always hot, my body is a bit confused about what the definition of cold weather actually is. Sunday after church I was walking around outside with some friends. The sun was behind the clouds. There was a slight breeze. The air was cool. Normally back home I would live for that kind of weather. And while it was very nice…I was thinking how I wouldn’t mind having a jacket.

What is happening to me?

I’ll tell you what is happening…

I’m asian now. You might not think so to look at me, but my body sure thinks it is. It’s in for a rude awakening when I go home in a month. Snow? Gloves? Sweaters? Boots? What are those??? It’ll find out soon enough. Let’s hope my asian self quickly remembers my American self.

Things I’ll miss… January 18, 2011

I can’t believe it but I will be headed back to the States in a little over a month. My year in Manila has been absolutely amazing! I thought I’d make a list of some of the things I will miss of my home this past year.

1. The people. Especially my office mates. Filipinos are some of the friendliest individuals in the world!
2. Being asked by taxi drivers if I was a movie star. Ha! Though I never considered any of the marriage proposals, it was sweet. There is not a better place in the world to be for pale people like me. I’ve never felt so beautiful.
3. Delivery! Everything in Manila delivers. McDonalds, Wendy’s, Pizza Hut. I can even call and have someone come to my house and give me a massage. Which leads me to #4
4. Cheap pampering. I can actually afford to get a pedicure and massage from time to time. A pedicure costs about $6 and a massage the same. I won’t have that luxury when I get back home so I’d better enjoy it while I can.
5. Jeepneys. These are only found in the Philippines and so fun to ride in. It’s a cultural experience I will definitely miss.
6. Carla. It has been nice to be in the same country as my sponsored child and spend a couple days with her
7. The food! I have always been a picky eater but after spending two years in Asia, I have eaten a lot of stuff I didn’t think I would. Sisig. Adobo. Tocino. Pancit. Mangosteen. Rhambutan. Yummmmmm
8. Beauty. There is some stunning beauty in this country. You saw some of it when I traveled to Palawan. I’ll see more when I go to Boracay for my birthday. I’ve heard it’s one of the most beautiful places in the world so I can’t wait to see for myself!
9. Cheap movies. I can go see a movie in a comfortable recliner with popcorn and a drink for $6! I couldn’t even see a regular movie for that in the US.
10. Tagalog. I absolutely love hearing people speak in a different language around me. I’ll miss the familiarity of the Tagalog language. It’s beautiful to hear!

So those are just a few things I will miss. I ♥ the Philipines!

Jericho January 11, 2011

I’m not always the best at having faith. True, undiluted faith. The kind where I believe something so boldly that I do not worry or fret about what could happen if…by some chance…I am wrong.

God is slowly breaking me of that.

My church is going through a 7-day process together. Each day there is a devotional to do and as the days roll on, we are to sit before the throne of God and listen. Just draw close to Him. Talk. Listen. Just be. I’m not so good at being still, but I am listening intently because there are a lot of life decisions coming up this year and I want, with all of my heart, to follow God’s leading…not my own.

Well yesterday was day 4 and BOY did God speak. He’s been speaking everyday, but yesterday was different. I’ve spent too much time recently worrying about me and Clarence being in the same country. Of course I have prayed about it, but I have never truly let it go. Well yesterday God spoke and it all started with a sermon on faith. This verse stood out to me the most:

James 1:5-6

If you need wisdom–if you want to know what God wants you to do–ask him, and he will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking. But when you ask him, be sure that you really expect him to answer, for a doubtful mind is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.

Ooops. So all those times that I pray and then worry about what will happen or try to make back-up plans (cause God really needs those, you know) it’s essentially not believing that God will give me the wisdom I need.

Then I started listening to some praise music. Planetshakers “Nothing is Impossible” was first as we had just sung that in church. Then I moved on to Chris Tomlin “Our God”. This song I’ve heard a million times but I felt God calling me to claim those words as truth!

Our God is GREATER, our God is STRONGER, God you are higher than any other. Our God is HEALER, AWESOME IN POWER, Our God.

And if our God is for us, than who can ever stop us and if our God is with us than what can stand against?

In prayer we claimed this promise. God is with me so what can stand in the way of Him completing the things He wants? Or what is going to stop Him from answering His daughter’s prayers? Nothing. Cause nothing can stand against.

Then as I was reading the devotional of the day from our church, I was hit again. We are going through Joshua and the title of that day’s devotional was…..Conquering Faith. There’s that word again. This part stood out to me the most:

The walls of Jericho did not come down because of man’s ability–they fell because of God’s power. In the same way, no matter how huge the obstacle or impossible the situation before us may be, we can trust God to fulfill His promise and give us the victory.

There is nothing I can do to bring victory. Not worry. Not working harder. Nothing. God’s power is what breaks walls and boundaries that we think are impossible. And the thing that seemed impossible for me was Clarence finding a job in the US because of the economy and him needed an office that will sponsor his work visa.  But this reminded me that nothing is too huge for God to conquer. He will bring victory.

Since this theme seemed to be all about faith I turned to Hebrews 11. I was struck by verse 30.

It was by faith that the people of Israel marched around Jericho seven days, and the walls came crashing down.

I heard God saying “Rachel, how many days did they march?”

“Seven”

“And how long is this fast with the church?”

“Seven days”

BOOM. God’s word to me. HAVE FAITH. Pray and believe that I am going to work. Just as the walls of Jericho fell in seven days, at the end of your seven day fast I am going to break down the walls and provide a job in the US for Clarence. All you need to do is keep drawing near to me and BELIEVE IN FAITH.

How can I doubt with such a clear word from the Lord? How amazing is our God?

So now we just sit, listening, praying, joyfully waiting for God to reveal His plan. Only 2 more days until the walls fall. I’m looking forward to dancing with joy on the rubble and singing a song of praise to God. You’re welcome to join me!

Reflection January 2, 2011

I am resisting the call of “all aboard” and instead of jumping on the train of resolutions, will reflect on this past year and how God provided.

I had the blessing of unexpectedly ringing in 2010 in the US. I was able to see my nephew for the first time and spent a wonderful time of rest with my friends and family. There were visa difficulties, but God provided in His timing.

In early February I arrived in Manila! There was such joy as I walked into my second year of serving overseas with Wycliffe. It was a long time coming, but God was so faithful to bring to completion all he had promised. God also provided me with a perfect apartment. It only took me 3 weeks to find, was a good location, and a price I could afford. I’ve loved living here (despite the cockroaches)

In April I started helping out with a local ministry which is something I really wanted to do. It was also the month I went to visit Clarence for Easter and our relationship started to shift. I would say he is the biggest blessing of the year. When I look back at 2010 I will remember how God brought us together. How we started as friends, starting praying about a possible future together, and then gradually fell in love. He balances me in the best ways and makes me want to be a better person. He’s so selfless and sweet to me, it makes me want to forget about my own selfishness and do things for him. I cannot say how thankful I am for this man!

In May, I was able to get LASIK eye surgery for a great price and am so blessed by the perfect vision I now enjoy! Also I ran a “marathon”. Ok, it was only a 3k portion of the main marathon but for me that was quite a feat. I hate running!

In the summer I was able to travel to Indonesia and Papua New Guinea for work. It was so special to try to help our partners there in some small way. Nothing I did was mind-blowing, I’m sure, but God called me to something and He is taking care of the outcomes. I’m just glad I get to be apart of his work!

I went to South Korea.

I became an aunt for the 5th time.

I was able to attend my brother’s wedding and introduce Clarence to all the family.

I worked with a video team to capture stories of how small churches in the world are participating in missions…and still continue to gather these stories.

I can’t believe a year has almost gone by since I arrived here in Manila. There are so many ways in which God blessed that it’s impossible for me to discuss them all. He has blessed and I’m so happy I get to serve Him. I can’t wait to see what He has in store for 2011. May He richly bless all your lives this year as well! Being surrendered to Him and His will for your life is a great place to start.

Happy 2011!