Ron has commissioned me to write from my perspective an account of this next part of our adventure. On Tuesday morning we were driven to the bus terminal in Naga. That would be the easiest part of the day. The “highways” between Naga and Santo Tomas are bumpy and winding with a lot of stop and go and wait for all the small vehicles, trucks and road work. The bus seating is designed for small Philippine people. Therefore, Ron’s knees touched the seat in front of him the entire way. Mine did as well because of the seat in front of me being reclined. We were VERY appreciative of the two stops during the 8 hr. journey.We are more thankful now for the easier modes of transport we usually have. The countryside is covered in rice where there is an open space and banana and coconut trees everywhere else. The sights were beautiful and it was inspiring to see the people as we passed. It was much to our relief that we were met by brother Moises as we got off the bus. Yes, we were in the right place! And, with him were his wife, Nina and son, Hidenel and Sister Grace with her grandson, Daniel. Grace drove us in her “ancient” van. This van is said to be going to heaven for all the work it has done in our Father’s kingdom. Another hour of driving (much of it on an expressway) brought us to Rosario. We needed and got a long night of rest. After getting our things in order, we set out on foot to explore the closest part of town. There we found an internet café which made it possible to get in touch with family to inform them of our safe arrival and get news from home (cost-about 10 cents). A wonderful surprise awaited us in the 7/11 where we stopped for drinks. A sister and brother from the church here greeted us at the checkout with “Hello, brother Ron”. Nice to be remembered and recognized even after 2 years. The evening was better! We were picked up along with 9 others and driven by Grace’s father to their home.
There as many of the church in the whole area as could come had gathered to greet us, share in a devotional and class time and eat a meal together. My “preacher count” guess would be about 40. What a privilege to speak to brothers and sisters a message from God’s word. They presented us with a beautiful picture frame with our photo they had gotten from the internet. Grace had cooked a big, delicious meal for all of us. The Lord will have many stars for her crown for all she does here.
She will again be giving us a ride to the bus for the next leg of our journey on Friday. It is now Thursday. We have walked over to the school for Ron to talk to the students about their studies and plans for the future. Also, we joined them for lunch at Jollibee which is the Philippine equivalent of McDonald’s. The rain poured for a few minutes but clear skies reappeared and we are enjoying a very pleasant afternoon. This work definitely has its pleasures.
