Well, I finally made it here! I say that for two reasons, 1) Because I have been trying to arrange this trip for a few years now, and 2) because it truly was the longest trip I've ever taken in an airplane! I left Saturday morning, Kansas City time, and after three flights totallying 19 hours in the air, and two layovers of about eight hours, I arrived just after midnight, Monday morning. It's 2:30 AM here, and I'm still up. Molong, Albert, and I were up talking a bit before retiring.
Filippino culture is very accomodating. I learned that Filippino homes don't have guest rooms, so someone willingly gives up their room and sleeps else where for the duration of the guest's stay. I jokingly said to Molong that it is good I am only here two weeks. He said he has had other guests here three and four months. It was quite humbling to think that someone is doing without to accomodate my being here. But, I already feel like part of the family. That is the way it should be, anyhow, in the family of God. But, I will be talking more about "family" from the Filippino persective. What we call the "family of God" in the US, and how we live it out, is still quite different. All cultures are different, but I truly think we can learn much from what Molong and his family do here. As I learn more, I will share it.
When I arrived, I was mobbed by taxi drivers trying to give me a ride. They gather ouside the exit to the airport waiting for business. In the US, they sit at the curb, but here they proactively come up to you and try to persuade you. I'm glad Molong came to pick me up. I hear some of the cab drivers don't run the meter.
It seems everyone here drives motor bikes--its the way to get around. So, I will be driving a motor bike, so I heard. It is legal for us to use our stateside license for up to three months, Molong assured me. In any case, this should be interesting.
In the true Filippino tradition, we do not have an agenda of events to do, so I will find out each day and give updates in the evening as I am able. There is much to learn here. Also, I feel very tall here. I'm really not used to that. I'm usually the shortest one, and here I'm one of the tallest with a few exceptions. I'm sure I'll get used to it, but for now, I'm feeling a bit uncomfortable with that.
I give God all the glory for allowing me to come here. A year ago, I didn't have any idea how it would happen, but God challenged me to pray and truly believe, for nothing is impossible with Him! I've been gulity of often praying prayers that are not truly in a manner that expects an answer. But Jesus said that if we speak to this mountain and tell it to be cast into the sea, and do not doubt, it shall be done! I often fall short of truly believing that it will be done without doubting. Of course, we are not to pray silly, selfish prayers, but as we come to know Him, His will, His Kingdom, and His ways, we can learn to pray as Jesus did, and then truly nothing is impossible. Though I believe, Lord, help my unbelief.
Until next time!
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