These pictures are from Enchanted Kingdom, Buko Juice stops (pure coconut juice...literally a straw in a coconut..that's it), jeepnie rides, and Michael's home visits!
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Sunday, March 29, 2009 - SOR and Graduations
Hello to all! Sorry it has been so long since the last entry! I am thinking that about once a week is all the time I have to really devote to the blog! From now on, I will try to update the blog every Sunday.
This past week has been very full. Last weekend we had the "School of Oriental Religions". It was a very interesting time of lectures on the history of our Church and its relationship to other religions, and the relationships it is trying to foster today. We had a total of 3 bishops here giving lectures, including one archbishop along with some members of the focolare, all of whom truly live inter-religious dialogue in their daily lives. So amazing are the experiences from these countries where Christianity is the very tiny minority (excluding the Philippines of course, where it is the mass majority something like 90%).
You realize how much there is to receive from other religions, and how much there is to give from ours. We learned that in "Nostra Aetate" from Vatican II states, "The Catholic Church rejects nothing of what is true and holy in these religions...which often reflect a ray of truth which enlightens all men" (NA2). And that in the Catechism it teachs, "The Church considers all goodness and truth found in these religions as a "preparation for the Gospel", and given by Him who enlightens all men that they may at length have life" (CCC 843). It only strengthens my faith in my own religion every time I learn of others, and how God does not abandon any of us, but reveals himself in many ways.
Other points focused on the need for common aspects needed for dialogue; respect for life and a need to build a common community. The nature of dialogue; internal-meaning an accpetance of oneself without blindness to one's imperfections and external-truly welcoming without fear and keeping an openness to see beauty and truth in the other. There was the language of dialogue; listening must be reciprocal - "resonating with awe and profound reverence through which the other experiences the divine". (Sounded like a good basis for a marriage prep class as well!)
This week has also been full of graduations from the surrounding schools, including Bukas Palad and Pagasa, where Michael and I work. The summer time here is from April to the end of May. The graduations are fun, lots of games and dancing, and gifts as well for the children who are moving on.
From Bukas Palad we gave away new black leather shoes to all the children (even those that weren't technically graduating) because they received a huge discount. This meant a lot of work for us, organizing and finding which shoes would work for which feet...and then we had to wrap them with gift wrap...I am definitely a professional gift wrapper now.
Another interesting thing is that at the graduations they have a type of pinata as well, except instead of being made out of paper it is a clay pot! An influence from the Spanish, I am sure.
Michael and I are also learning how to venture out a little more on our own now. It adds a little excitement to our lives, trying to figure out jeepnies and tricycles for ourselves, as well as where we are! By the time we leave, we are sure to be fluent in all the ways of travel here in this beautiful country!
Thanks for staying interested in all we are doing, and for all your prayers. We miss you all.
This past week has been very full. Last weekend we had the "School of Oriental Religions". It was a very interesting time of lectures on the history of our Church and its relationship to other religions, and the relationships it is trying to foster today. We had a total of 3 bishops here giving lectures, including one archbishop along with some members of the focolare, all of whom truly live inter-religious dialogue in their daily lives. So amazing are the experiences from these countries where Christianity is the very tiny minority (excluding the Philippines of course, where it is the mass majority something like 90%).
You realize how much there is to receive from other religions, and how much there is to give from ours. We learned that in "Nostra Aetate" from Vatican II states, "The Catholic Church rejects nothing of what is true and holy in these religions...which often reflect a ray of truth which enlightens all men" (NA2). And that in the Catechism it teachs, "The Church considers all goodness and truth found in these religions as a "preparation for the Gospel", and given by Him who enlightens all men that they may at length have life" (CCC 843). It only strengthens my faith in my own religion every time I learn of others, and how God does not abandon any of us, but reveals himself in many ways.
Other points focused on the need for common aspects needed for dialogue; respect for life and a need to build a common community. The nature of dialogue; internal-meaning an accpetance of oneself without blindness to one's imperfections and external-truly welcoming without fear and keeping an openness to see beauty and truth in the other. There was the language of dialogue; listening must be reciprocal - "resonating with awe and profound reverence through which the other experiences the divine". (Sounded like a good basis for a marriage prep class as well!)
This week has also been full of graduations from the surrounding schools, including Bukas Palad and Pagasa, where Michael and I work. The summer time here is from April to the end of May. The graduations are fun, lots of games and dancing, and gifts as well for the children who are moving on.
From Bukas Palad we gave away new black leather shoes to all the children (even those that weren't technically graduating) because they received a huge discount. This meant a lot of work for us, organizing and finding which shoes would work for which feet...and then we had to wrap them with gift wrap...I am definitely a professional gift wrapper now.
Another interesting thing is that at the graduations they have a type of pinata as well, except instead of being made out of paper it is a clay pot! An influence from the Spanish, I am sure.
Michael and I are also learning how to venture out a little more on our own now. It adds a little excitement to our lives, trying to figure out jeepnies and tricycles for ourselves, as well as where we are! By the time we leave, we are sure to be fluent in all the ways of travel here in this beautiful country!
Thanks for staying interested in all we are doing, and for all your prayers. We miss you all.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Tuesday, March 17, 2009 - Been Busy
Rollarcoasters, sushi lessons, book launching, more home visits, and English lessons.
Sorry for the long pause in entries. Life has been full here, and in trying to live every moment to it's fullest, we have unfortunately been unable to find many moments to get online.
I have now started to teach some of the other volunteers, youth of the Focolare movement, english. Both girls come from Indonesia, and are very good students, eager to learn and patient while I sometimes struggle to express in simple words our English language.
With more home visits and pre-school lessons in the afternoons, combined with the excitement of our first arrival starting to wear off, and the ability to look at just how desolate the situations is for some of these families is sometimes very overwhelming. My only consolation is knowing that God loves them more than I could ever comprehend. The Philippinos always continue to smile, and at first it was preventing me from really understanding what many live with, but now I am starting to realize there is a far deeper meaning to there beautiful smiles.
Last week was tough with news of a gen 2 (member of the focolare youth group) girl passing away, along with 2 of her friends while walking on the side of the road near their school. It has truly had an effect on the everyone here, and it is hard to know the sadness of her family that loved her so much. Michael also had the opportunity to visit some homes that were destroyed in a fire the same week. This was overwhelming for him to see just how much each family truly lost.
Wednesday I learned how to make sushi, and couldn't be more excited to share this new talent with all of you. Vicki, from China and her husband Anthony had us over for dinner, and we ate very well. They have also moved in with us for the rest of their stay here (they leave March 24) because of the arrival of more people and the limited rooms available.
On Saturday was a book launching for "Essential Writings" by Chiara Lubich, the founder of the Focolare Movement. It was hosted in Manila at the University of Saint Thomas, where she also received her honorary doctorate. It was a great chance to hear want people had to say on the book and the impact the movement continues to have here in the Philippines.
Sunday we spent a day with Eugene and Anne a newly married couple (last May) and our Chinese couple (also newly married, Sept. 1). We got up at 5:30am and didn't end the day until 12:30am. Very full, but so much fun. We went to a small amusement park, called Enchanted Kingdom and had fun being kids again on roller coasters, watching fireworks, and eating mango smoothies.
I hope to write soon, more on my impressions of our stay here, but wanted to just give you all a quick update!
Sorry for the long pause in entries. Life has been full here, and in trying to live every moment to it's fullest, we have unfortunately been unable to find many moments to get online.
I have now started to teach some of the other volunteers, youth of the Focolare movement, english. Both girls come from Indonesia, and are very good students, eager to learn and patient while I sometimes struggle to express in simple words our English language.
With more home visits and pre-school lessons in the afternoons, combined with the excitement of our first arrival starting to wear off, and the ability to look at just how desolate the situations is for some of these families is sometimes very overwhelming. My only consolation is knowing that God loves them more than I could ever comprehend. The Philippinos always continue to smile, and at first it was preventing me from really understanding what many live with, but now I am starting to realize there is a far deeper meaning to there beautiful smiles.
Last week was tough with news of a gen 2 (member of the focolare youth group) girl passing away, along with 2 of her friends while walking on the side of the road near their school. It has truly had an effect on the everyone here, and it is hard to know the sadness of her family that loved her so much. Michael also had the opportunity to visit some homes that were destroyed in a fire the same week. This was overwhelming for him to see just how much each family truly lost.
Wednesday I learned how to make sushi, and couldn't be more excited to share this new talent with all of you. Vicki, from China and her husband Anthony had us over for dinner, and we ate very well. They have also moved in with us for the rest of their stay here (they leave March 24) because of the arrival of more people and the limited rooms available.
On Saturday was a book launching for "Essential Writings" by Chiara Lubich, the founder of the Focolare Movement. It was hosted in Manila at the University of Saint Thomas, where she also received her honorary doctorate. It was a great chance to hear want people had to say on the book and the impact the movement continues to have here in the Philippines.
Sunday we spent a day with Eugene and Anne a newly married couple (last May) and our Chinese couple (also newly married, Sept. 1). We got up at 5:30am and didn't end the day until 12:30am. Very full, but so much fun. We went to a small amusement park, called Enchanted Kingdom and had fun being kids again on roller coasters, watching fireworks, and eating mango smoothies.
I hope to write soon, more on my impressions of our stay here, but wanted to just give you all a quick update!
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Sunday, March 08, 2009 - Home Visits, Santa Rosa, and Open City
The last few days have been full and good.
Starting with Thursday as the first day of work for both me and Michael, I can truly say that it has been eye opening. In the mornings I work at the Clinic, helping to organize things such as prescriptions, and then in the afternoons I work with the Pre-school students. I think the most important part of my day there was a conversation I had with one of the teachers/volunteers. She said, "You know, this really is meant to be more than just a charity center. We don't give away food or school supplies for free, we discount them greatly. By paying for the supplies this allows for the parents and students to preserve some dignity in being able to provide for their families. And we also try to create a reciprocal giving. Not that we expect them to give back to us, but to give in return to others." It was a beautiful moment for me, a moment of realization of the ability we have to give more than just money to those in need.
My second day of work, on my birthday, I was given the opportunity to accompany a teacher on her "home visits". This is when the teachers go to visit students and their families. It was a huge eye opener for me. Not so much by the immense poverty that exists here, homes made from bamboo and items found in the forest, or metal scraps. But it was more of an experience of building a relationship with the people I met and the similarities I discovered between us. Although the homes were extremely poor, there was a great attempt at creating a harmony in the home, and a welcoming atmosphere (something that is taught here at Bukas Palad). The social center helps teach the families how to budget and plan for their families, and home visits is an opportunity to help them with struggles they are facing or questions they may have. One mother was concernced with not having enough money for the expenses of her son in order that he might graduate. So she gave her friend all her money to hold and save. This way she said she wouldn't be tempted to buy the little things her children ask when they go to the grocery, because she wants to give them everything they ask for and knows the money would be gone. I relate to this because of how often we want to spend and give others everything that they ask for, even though sometimes this isn't this best way to love. I realized also that many of the problems they faced were the stresses that are associated with wondering if they have enough money. A stress I think that never goes away, even if you have a lot of money. The social center here is offering them something much more that just money, and resources but hopefully a way to really find something meaningful and a way to "love their neighbor".
Michael's work has been good as well, although more of a physical nature! The first day he worked at Pagasa, the other social center helping to distribute food to the poor families. But the second day he worked on cleaning the roof of Pagasa a 3 story building. This also offered him a chance to get closer to the sun, and even though I strongly encouraged sunscreen he suffers from a nice burn.
Friday night we went to Santa Rosa for a Word of Life meeting, where we study a phrase from the Gospel from this months readings. It was a good chance to meet the families in the area, some newly married just like us.
We stayed with one of them, in a very large, beautiful home. A stark contrast the the homes I had just visited earlier that day. It gave me an opportunity to see two very different social settings in which the families and the social centers are trying to help teach a Christian lifestyle.
We went swimming at the local country club and played some tennis, just long enough for Michael to get an even worse sun burn, hahaha.
On Sunday, today, was open city, a chance for people to visit the social centers and for the volunteers to share about the mission here. So many people from different countries and religions volunteer here and come to live an experience of "love thy neighbor". What a view into how the world could live harmoniously.
Miss you all!
Starting with Thursday as the first day of work for both me and Michael, I can truly say that it has been eye opening. In the mornings I work at the Clinic, helping to organize things such as prescriptions, and then in the afternoons I work with the Pre-school students. I think the most important part of my day there was a conversation I had with one of the teachers/volunteers. She said, "You know, this really is meant to be more than just a charity center. We don't give away food or school supplies for free, we discount them greatly. By paying for the supplies this allows for the parents and students to preserve some dignity in being able to provide for their families. And we also try to create a reciprocal giving. Not that we expect them to give back to us, but to give in return to others." It was a beautiful moment for me, a moment of realization of the ability we have to give more than just money to those in need.
My second day of work, on my birthday, I was given the opportunity to accompany a teacher on her "home visits". This is when the teachers go to visit students and their families. It was a huge eye opener for me. Not so much by the immense poverty that exists here, homes made from bamboo and items found in the forest, or metal scraps. But it was more of an experience of building a relationship with the people I met and the similarities I discovered between us. Although the homes were extremely poor, there was a great attempt at creating a harmony in the home, and a welcoming atmosphere (something that is taught here at Bukas Palad). The social center helps teach the families how to budget and plan for their families, and home visits is an opportunity to help them with struggles they are facing or questions they may have. One mother was concernced with not having enough money for the expenses of her son in order that he might graduate. So she gave her friend all her money to hold and save. This way she said she wouldn't be tempted to buy the little things her children ask when they go to the grocery, because she wants to give them everything they ask for and knows the money would be gone. I relate to this because of how often we want to spend and give others everything that they ask for, even though sometimes this isn't this best way to love. I realized also that many of the problems they faced were the stresses that are associated with wondering if they have enough money. A stress I think that never goes away, even if you have a lot of money. The social center here is offering them something much more that just money, and resources but hopefully a way to really find something meaningful and a way to "love their neighbor".
Michael's work has been good as well, although more of a physical nature! The first day he worked at Pagasa, the other social center helping to distribute food to the poor families. But the second day he worked on cleaning the roof of Pagasa a 3 story building. This also offered him a chance to get closer to the sun, and even though I strongly encouraged sunscreen he suffers from a nice burn.
Friday night we went to Santa Rosa for a Word of Life meeting, where we study a phrase from the Gospel from this months readings. It was a good chance to meet the families in the area, some newly married just like us.
We stayed with one of them, in a very large, beautiful home. A stark contrast the the homes I had just visited earlier that day. It gave me an opportunity to see two very different social settings in which the families and the social centers are trying to help teach a Christian lifestyle.
We went swimming at the local country club and played some tennis, just long enough for Michael to get an even worse sun burn, hahaha.
On Sunday, today, was open city, a chance for people to visit the social centers and for the volunteers to share about the mission here. So many people from different countries and religions volunteer here and come to live an experience of "love thy neighbor". What a view into how the world could live harmoniously.
Miss you all!
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Wednesday, March 4, 2009 - Lunch with Magda and Cinti
Today we found out a little more about what we will be doing here. We had lunch with Madda and Shinti the two in charge of the Focolare Centers here, and it was great to catch up with them. I had met Cinti in Loppiano, and he knows the rest of the family as well from our stay there in 2001. He remembers Mary well, and the experience she gave with the Iranian girl her age, and how they became good friends.
Anyways, I will be working in Bukas Palad right across the street from our house. It is the social center that has a small Pre-school and health center. Michael on the other hand will be working in the other social center 4K away, that works with slightly older children. He might also work in the carpentry shop they have here. We're not sure yet though. I think he is a little unsure of the traveling he has to do everyday, taking a Jeepnie or tricycle, definately a new experience. I am posting a picture of the tricycle, and will post a picture of the jeepnie later so you can get a better idea.
Can't wait to start work tomorrow.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Monday, March 02, 2009 – Volcano Tour
This morning we got up very early to visit the volcano. The volcano is in the middle of a lake that Tagaytay overlooks. It is a gorgeous scenic view from where we live.
The group was numbered 6. Two Italians visiting their aunt, a member of the Focolare movement that lives here in Tagaytay, Attim and the driver, and Michael and I.
In order to get to the volcano we took a Focolare vehicle (a very nice modern car) and went down the mountain that Tagaytay is located on. It was such a windy road that Michael and I were both thankful we don’t get motion sickness (this attribute came in handy later on as well). After this we stopped to meet Attim’s aunt who set us up with a boat to take us across the lake to the volcano and to our surprise would help us find a guide to take us to the inside of the volcano. This was a special treat because not everyone normally gets to do this, and inside the volcano is another smaller lake with some hot springs.
The boat ride was extremely choppy but so much fun, and it took us about 40 mins to reach the volcanic island. The hike to the inside took us another 60 mins and was tough because we had to climb up the side of a crater. It was just an amazing experience, and well worth the work and time. The lake was beautiful and peaceful, and pretty warm (although I expected it to be warmer).
There are still people who live on the volcanic island even though it is only dormant. There livelihood is giving tours or making charcoal. They are very, very poor, but very friendly. Offering us drinks (which we declined unsure of how our stomachs might react) and seats after our long hike (which we accepted).
We were treated to a lunch in a nice restaurant by the Italian visitors. It was delicious but Michael was still hungry, haha. We had to eat again when we got home.
The group was numbered 6. Two Italians visiting their aunt, a member of the Focolare movement that lives here in Tagaytay, Attim and the driver, and Michael and I.
In order to get to the volcano we took a Focolare vehicle (a very nice modern car) and went down the mountain that Tagaytay is located on. It was such a windy road that Michael and I were both thankful we don’t get motion sickness (this attribute came in handy later on as well). After this we stopped to meet Attim’s aunt who set us up with a boat to take us across the lake to the volcano and to our surprise would help us find a guide to take us to the inside of the volcano. This was a special treat because not everyone normally gets to do this, and inside the volcano is another smaller lake with some hot springs.
The boat ride was extremely choppy but so much fun, and it took us about 40 mins to reach the volcanic island. The hike to the inside took us another 60 mins and was tough because we had to climb up the side of a crater. It was just an amazing experience, and well worth the work and time. The lake was beautiful and peaceful, and pretty warm (although I expected it to be warmer).
There are still people who live on the volcanic island even though it is only dormant. There livelihood is giving tours or making charcoal. They are very, very poor, but very friendly. Offering us drinks (which we declined unsure of how our stomachs might react) and seats after our long hike (which we accepted).
We were treated to a lunch in a nice restaurant by the Italian visitors. It was delicious but Michael was still hungry, haha. We had to eat again when we got home.
Sunday, March 01, 2009 – Palengke (Real market) Philippino Meal with Attim
Today we had a true Philippine market experience. We took a tricycle down to the Palengke (Market) with Attim and bought lots of vegetables, fruit, and to my dismay fish and meat (I was a little unsure of the sanitary measures used here). Many people stared at Michael and I because we look just a little different, and I am sure that if we were not accompanied by Attim we might have spent much more money. But instead the prices were extremely low compared to the other more commercial market.
For lunch Attim gave us a lesson on how to cook Philippino food. It was with pork (that we boiled twice to clean, which made me feel only a tad better) and lots of vegetables and rice. She also fried up some egg/fish patties which were actually very delicious. It was a great time, and a good chance to get to know our new friend Attim. She comes from a small island off of Cebu (another island near Manila) and met the Focolare in her high school.
Saturday, February 28, 2009 – Tour of Mariapolis Pace / Bukas Palad
Attim has been our tour guide of the Mariapolis Pace (Focolare Center, pace means peace), and the social center Bukas Palad which means “Open Hands”.
The area has three main parts, the women’s side, men’s side, and the families. We are on the women’s side. Both men’s and women’s side have a Bukas Palad, the women’s side has a very small health clinic and pre-school, while the men’s side has a grade/high school.
The health clinic and schools serve over 400 children and 360 families. The children are provided with most of the essentials for school through a Focolare program called “Adoption at a distance”. This is where families in other parts of the world send funds for a particular child in order that they might receive an education. Occasionally the clinic will have a doctor or dentist come by and they will treat over hundreds of families over the course of two days. Otherwise the provide basic help, some physical therapy, and try to teach the children health lessons.
We toured the men’s side which is a little ways away and requires transportation. This got pretty interesting. First we took what is called a tricycle. A tricycle is actually a motorcycle with a small covered side car attached to its right side. It doesn’t go very fast, and doesn’t take you very far. The next was a vehicle called Jeepney. This is basically a tin low ride SUV crammed with up to 20 people, and provided a very interesting experience, hahaha. The cost is extremely cheep.
There is a carpentry shop and metal shop on the men’s side and they do beautiful work. They send there work to various countries to be sold. Unfortunately the demand is low so the work is of course much less. In order to keep all the workers, and continue to provide a livelihood to some of the surrounding families, they decided to let some of the workers work 3 days, and the rest the remaining 3 work days.
The area has three main parts, the women’s side, men’s side, and the families. We are on the women’s side. Both men’s and women’s side have a Bukas Palad, the women’s side has a very small health clinic and pre-school, while the men’s side has a grade/high school.
The health clinic and schools serve over 400 children and 360 families. The children are provided with most of the essentials for school through a Focolare program called “Adoption at a distance”. This is where families in other parts of the world send funds for a particular child in order that they might receive an education. Occasionally the clinic will have a doctor or dentist come by and they will treat over hundreds of families over the course of two days. Otherwise the provide basic help, some physical therapy, and try to teach the children health lessons.
We toured the men’s side which is a little ways away and requires transportation. This got pretty interesting. First we took what is called a tricycle. A tricycle is actually a motorcycle with a small covered side car attached to its right side. It doesn’t go very fast, and doesn’t take you very far. The next was a vehicle called Jeepney. This is basically a tin low ride SUV crammed with up to 20 people, and provided a very interesting experience, hahaha. The cost is extremely cheep.
There is a carpentry shop and metal shop on the men’s side and they do beautiful work. They send there work to various countries to be sold. Unfortunately the demand is low so the work is of course much less. In order to keep all the workers, and continue to provide a livelihood to some of the surrounding families, they decided to let some of the workers work 3 days, and the rest the remaining 3 work days.
Friday, February, 27, 2009 – Dominican Retreat Center / Robinsons Market
We slept a lot. Hahaha. We went outside to finally get a look around, and send our first email of safe arrival to the families. We met up with Marla, a member of the Focolare movement who lives just behind us and she informed us she was taking the Chinese couple upstairs (along with his visiting parents) to see a Dominican Retreat Center and the Super-market. She offered for us to come along and we jumped at the offer since we definitely needed to stock our cupboards.
The Dominican Retreat Center was beautiful. Everything was very finely manicured, and the buildings had beautiful architecture. Marla informed us that this was due to the retreat center’s affiliation with the largest university in the Philippines located in Manila, which has a major focus on architecture. She also mentioned that many members of the Focolare movement get married at this chapel because it is so beautiful. A priest that runs the facility played a major role in the presentation of an honorary doctorate to Chiara Lubich (the founder of the Focolare Movement). After reading one of her books he believed she deserved this doctorate in Theology, and after 7 professors reading all of her writings, she received the doctorate.
The Super-market was very similar to ours in the U.S. except for the fact that there were just as many workers as customers. Every time we turned around someone was saying, “Good morning, Miss/ Sir”. It must be another way to give jobs. We picked up the essentials, and discovered the prices really weren’t all that great. Marla told us there is another market they usually go to, so we decided to wait to buy more.
In the evening we were given a welcoming party by all the members of the Focolare movement here in Tagaytay. It was a great chance to meet everyone (although a little overwhelming, about 50 people) and I think I remember only 5 names. Many people here are from different countries, mostly surrounding Asian countries, and they performed lots of songs for us. It was great.
After all of this we were quite exhausted and hit the hay.
The Dominican Retreat Center was beautiful. Everything was very finely manicured, and the buildings had beautiful architecture. Marla informed us that this was due to the retreat center’s affiliation with the largest university in the Philippines located in Manila, which has a major focus on architecture. She also mentioned that many members of the Focolare movement get married at this chapel because it is so beautiful. A priest that runs the facility played a major role in the presentation of an honorary doctorate to Chiara Lubich (the founder of the Focolare Movement). After reading one of her books he believed she deserved this doctorate in Theology, and after 7 professors reading all of her writings, she received the doctorate.
The Super-market was very similar to ours in the U.S. except for the fact that there were just as many workers as customers. Every time we turned around someone was saying, “Good morning, Miss/ Sir”. It must be another way to give jobs. We picked up the essentials, and discovered the prices really weren’t all that great. Marla told us there is another market they usually go to, so we decided to wait to buy more.
In the evening we were given a welcoming party by all the members of the Focolare movement here in Tagaytay. It was a great chance to meet everyone (although a little overwhelming, about 50 people) and I think I remember only 5 names. Many people here are from different countries, mostly surrounding Asian countries, and they performed lots of songs for us. It was great.
After all of this we were quite exhausted and hit the hay.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Arrived
Hey Everyone,
We made it to the Philippines. We are staying in a lovely apartment, quite big for two people, and have already feasted on mangoes and bananas! Last night we slept for about 14 hours, got to go grocery shopping and see a beautiful Dominican chapel today. Tonight we will meet everyone who lives here and works for the focolare. The weather couldn't be more beautiful, partly cloudy with a cool breeze, and occasional mist. Just beautiful.
We have decided to start a blog and will send you the site as soon as it is set up.
Thanks to everyone,
Colleen and Michael
We made it to the Philippines. We are staying in a lovely apartment, quite big for two people, and have already feasted on mangoes and bananas! Last night we slept for about 14 hours, got to go grocery shopping and see a beautiful Dominican chapel today. Tonight we will meet everyone who lives here and works for the focolare. The weather couldn't be more beautiful, partly cloudy with a cool breeze, and occasional mist. Just beautiful.
We have decided to start a blog and will send you the site as soon as it is set up.
Thanks to everyone,
Colleen and Michael
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