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This Is Why

Baby girl in a walker.

Babies are the new thing.

Infant baby.

And you guys are so nice.

Young boy looking into the camera.

During these sometimes challenging days of homesickness, wet clothes, and bad hair, I soak up your sweet comments, emails, and messages like a dry sponge.

Infant baby.

Sometimes I feel so far away from my old life.

Photos of Crockpot Carnitas suddenly seem so stupid next to photos of these eyes.

Young girl looking into the camera.

I mean, really.

Your interest in what’s happening in this new Filipino life of ours has been a huge encouragement to me.

It reminds me that this is right, this is ok, and that maybe I won’t have any white chicken chili photos ready for Wednesday, but it’s ok. And that it might be better that way, for now.

Baby boy sitting on the ground.

You guys. I love food. I love photographing runny eggs dripping down the side of a cornbread waffle. I love it so much that it’s giving me goosebumps right now. Crazy much?

I love loving food with you.

And then I also love days like this.

Woman showing young children something.

And I remember that this is why I came here.

Young boy with glasses.

If you can get past the ever popular hand-on-chin pose, these faces are saying something, and it’s this: thanks for being supportive, for loving these sweet kids with us from half a world away, and for praying for their futures.

Dear family, friends, and readers, thank you.

Filed Under: Living Abroad

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68 Comments

  1. Pinch of Yum Logo

    Really beautiful pictures and thanks for the reminder that there’s a life beyond food. It’s a wake up call I need from time to time.

    1. Pinch of Yum Logo

      At one point in this post I wrote something like, “these scrumptious kids”, and then I restrained myself. Glad to see I’m in good company with that one. 🙂

  2. Pinch of Yum Logo

    You are wonderful! I love this post, I am nearly in tears! I love seeing you live into such a beautiful calling.

  3. Pinch of Yum Logo

    Two things that make me come back to your blog:
    1. You are a follower of Jesus
    2. Your food is yummy

    Keep being you and enjoy the moment, those little ones look like fun 🙂

  4. Pinch of Yum Logo

    I think it is so awesome that you and your husband were able to take a chance and spend a year doing something that is so meaningful and will actually change lives. These children are gorgeous! You will never regret this!

  5. Pinch of Yum Logo

    Tissue please! These are the sweetest little kiddos you get to spend your days with, I love seeing your posts about life abroad just as much as your food ones! Cheers from the West Coast 😉

  6. Pinch of Yum Logo

    Exactly!!! This is why! Love you, Loo! You and Bjork are doing what matters, truly matters, right now! Love this post (ok, how can you not love these photos of cute kids?!?!). 🙂

  7. Pinch of Yum Logo

    Such a beautiful post! The work and sacrifices that you are making everyday are such an inspiration. The lives you are touching and helping is such a wonderful mark on your soul. xx
    adahliavolk.com

  8. Pinch of Yum Logo

    And thank you for all that you do! These children need wonderful people in their lives like you. Such a wonderful gift<3

  9. Pinch of Yum Logo

    What you and your husband are doing takes a lot of strength and courage. Definitely admirable! Perhaps you should bring one of those beautiful little babies home with you! 🙂 You’re on an amazing journey, always remember that.

    On a different note, we’ll be trying your “healthy” pumpkin & bacon pasta this coming week! Yummmmmy!

  10. Pinch of Yum Logo

    Love you Linds. This made me cry and I miss you so much right now. Wish I could send an e-hug.

  11. Pinch of Yum Logo

    I agree with Kristin! Thanks Lindsay for all that you and Bjork do and reminding us what is really important. Love you! Dad

  12. Pinch of Yum Logo

    I admire you and your husband for uprooting yourselves and working in a place that is not necessarily comfortable for you. It’s an incredibly difficult thing to do. Although you are the same person who left, you will come back fundamentally changed (in a good way). I absolutely love reading your posts, whether they are yummy recipes or pictures of (your) children.

  13. Pinch of Yum Logo

    I love food, too, but I would give a great deal to be there next to you, and be one of the reflections in those eyes!

  14. Pinch of Yum Logo

    The kids are the reason I go to work because it is so rewarding to walk down the hall at school and get the smile or just the eye contact, the hug or to see the light come on when I help with a math problem or just help them with something that seems trivial to me but it isn’t to them.

    What you are doing may not seem like much now but those kids will remember you for a long, long time. You are make a great deal of difference in their lives.