06/23/2026
Jasmine served as a 6 month intern at the Project Pag-Asa school for orphans in the Philippines. Here is her story:
Finding Healing While Serving
No one really prepares you for the heartbreak of saying goodbye to a place that has captured your heart so completely. The Philippines became more than an internship location—it became a home.
When I arrived in the Philippines, I expected to learn about ministry. What I didn't expect was how much God would use the experience to transform my own heart. One of the most impactful parts of my internship was serving alongside ministries that support vulnerable children and families. Through opportunities at Project Pag-ASA, orphanages, and child safety and abuse prevention training, I was introduced to the realities of trauma, abuse, and the importance of creating safe spaces where children can heal and thrive. As I listened to stories and walked alongside children carrying difficult experiences, I saw firsthand how powerful simple acts of love, consistency, and presence can be.
At the same time, God was doing His own healing work in me.
Through the guidance of my mentor, Agnes, and the relationships I built with ministry workers, teachers, students, and families, I learned to slow down, trust God more deeply, and allow Him to heal areas of my own life that I had often overlooked. This season stretched me, humbled me, and challenged me in ways I never expected. It also reminded me that healing is rarely something we do alone—it happens in community, through relationships, and through the faithful presence of God.
One lesson I will carry with me is that ministry is ultimately about relationships. Often the most meaningful moments weren't large ministry events or programs, but sitting with a crying child, encouraging a burnt-out teacher, sharing a meal with a family, listening to someone's story on a jeepney ride, or simply showing up consistently at 7 a.m. day after day. Most of all, I will never forget the children. Despite the challenges many of them have faced, they showed me incredible resilience, joy, and love. They gave me far more than I could ever give them.
The Philippines taught me to live more simply, love more deeply, and trust God more fully. I am incredibly grateful to ACTION Philippines, my mentor Agnes, the Potters, every teacher, caregiver, ministry worker, and child who welcomed me into their lives during this unforgettable season.
