Hi my name is Emma Longden and I am 16 years old. I have been living in the Philippines with my family since I was 9. My whole family are missionaries here in Cebu and this is my experience.

Well! On the positive side of being a missionary, serving the Lord is a great thing to do! You’re living among the people that you know he loves so much, and of course you learn not to take your blessings for granted.

I have seen people’s lives touched by God, I have seen them grow in the Lord! I had the chance to share his love in ways I never thought I could. The moment we arrived here we immediately had an extended family, sometimes that’s great but in other ways it’s hard for me and my sisters. You know I think that there is no way anyone can come here and not fall in love with the people here especially the children.

But there are a lot of difficult things too, that come with being a missionary. Sacrifices have to be made! The little things on a day to day basis get to you! But God puts a positive turn on things! I have been here for six years and have had my share of ups and downs. Honestly when you first come here you may think you know what to expect but truly you don’t have an idea of what to expect because it seems to be the total opposite.

Some of the things that I have found personally challenging include: sharing my Mum with everyone! I know its for God but she’s my mum, living where we work, even on the weekends having to go to the hospital to help people, being on call 24/7, sharing my bedroom, bathroom and house with other people, the difference in culture, people think that its cool but you know what its really stressful for us sometimes, people think that we are nuts and judge us for our different life style but we are just obeying the Lord, its hard for us at school because of the mission work that we do. We are judged by our friends and even some of our teachers but we love God and just want to serve him.

But you know when I go back home (Australia, I have only been twice) or visit somewhere more western, I end up missing Cebu. This is where my home is, my comfort zone, my friends are and the babies and kids that I enjoy looking after. So I guess for now this is where I am meant to be and where God has me. I am thankful for seeing that in my life.