THE WEEKEND AND BEYOND

The Weekend

It’s Saturday, yeah!!  The girls (Shirley and Ronda) are headed off for a baby shower this morning and Rich suggests that we go get a massage.  Greco wrestling is more like…I came home feeling black and blue.  But, once the soreness wore off I forgave the poor girl and am feeling quite relaxed. We foraged for lunch on our own and then studied until Shirley came home.  We went to the Russian market (one of Phnom Penh’s several big markets filled with everything the country has to offer).  We only looked today, and we will go back and purchase several things before we return to the states.  We are home for a little bit and then will go for a tour of the city by evening.  We will go down by the government buildings, embassies, and the river Tonle Sap.  It is an interesting river in that part of the year it flows one direction and the other part of the year the other.  Actually, it is how Phnom Penh got its name.   Long story, much legend, google it!!!

Our drive to the river was wonderful.  No air-conditioning in the car, but…it has to have cooled down to at least 90.  To see the river where the Tonle Sap and Mekong come together and all the people out enjoying the parks, fountains, etc. is very nice.  We had dinner at the Kiwi Bakery…two floors up overlooking the river with a nice breeze blowing.  Great food, low cost…exceptional company.  Are you ready to come to Cambodia yet?

Sunday morning comes early.  The church meets at 8 am for two hours.  Actually, that’s the Phnom Penh church.  We have been going there in the morning and the University church which meets at the PIP house at 4 pm.  It makes for a long day but one filled with fellowship and love and laughter.  Rich taught at the PP church this morning and I preached at the Pip house tonight.  In between we studies and took a small nap.

This evening we went to dinner with the Dolan’s, the Welsh, and Tab and Troy who work with the nutrition and literacy programs for PIP.  We went to an Italian restaurant.  It was great food and good fun.  Shirley will have to explain the décor to you.  I had pizza and Shirley had Carbonara.  We gave in to the temptation.

We are at home now getting ready to get some rest for a new week of studies.  Next Sunday we are going to the countryside.  We will visit one village where a graduate preaches and have fellowship with their congregation.

Hope we can talk to Mikayla tomorrow on her birthday.  Phone situation is a little finicky.

Monday our time/Sunday yours

We started the day with the anticipation of talking to Mikayla on her birthday.   After a few tries we were able to hear her sweet voice and learn all about her day.  She was so filled with news for us and she sounded much older as if she has grown greatly older in the four weeks we have been gone. 

The workday started with a walk to the school and chapel.  My teaching seems to be hitting the Khmer mind a little bit better.  I have tried to make a healthy adjustment.  Questions, questions, questions…they are filled with the questions of a mind ready to soak up any and all of God’s word that they can.  I filmed my ride home by Tuk Tuk and hope to add it here…

This afternoon Shirley and I walked in the heat of the day to a bank that also handles Western Union.  We had an urgent need from India that we needed to help with…the saying about “Mad dogs and Englishmen” is what the people must have been saying in Khmer.  They don’t walk in the heat of the day.  We deserved it.  We treated ourselves to Pepsi and Juice on the way home.  They squeeze sugar cane into a plastic bag and at ice and water to make a very refreshing drink.  You see it dangling on motorbikes all over town. 

Some additional study this afternoon for tomorrow and a quiz for the class came before dinner.  The meals are fun as we share them around a table with the Dolan’s and learn of each other’s lives. We are feeling the blessings of the Lord again tonight as we grow closer to sleep.  Good night friends…

Tuesday

The power went off last night at 10 for a couple of hours.  Without the fans in the room the temperature went up to 90 almost immediately.  That meant no sleep for hours and the restlessness that goes with it. It made for a long morning of teaching…but, a good one nonetheless.  For lunch Dale Lundy from St. Louis joined us.  Dale has been teaching leadership in and about Cambodia and Singapore on this trip.  He has a keen interest in Cambodia and his presence here was welcome.  He leaves to return to his family tomorrow.

Afternoon was hours of study and a nap.  A couple of great hours with the Dolan’s and now it is time to prepared for some more study and then sleep.  Tomorrow will be a good day.  It is a “minor” Buddhist holiday so Shirley doesn’t teach.  She will get to go to chapel with me in the morning and then she is going to see some sights with Ronda.  She is most anxious to get to the Post Office as they have no home delivery here.  She wants our postcards to beat us home! 

Now, everything you wanted to know about Demon Possession for class tomorrow before 11 pm.  Wish me luck and keep the prayers coming.  God Bless…

Wednesday

I found out that yesterday’s minor Buddhist holiday was the combining of Buddha’s birth, death, and day of enlightenment…corresponds with a full moon.  No big deal!  Unless you are in a Buddhist country.

Shirley went to the embassy this morning with the Dolans.  Since she did not have an appointment they wouldn’t let her go in.  So, she waited outside and took pictures of children, etc.  After a while she noticed a guard from the embassy motion for her to come over…seems she was not allowed to take pictures of the embassy and it was in the line of sight for her photos…They took down all of her passport information, etc. and ran a check on her.  After deleting the pictures she was let go.  I told her that whereas I was the only one in the family who had been cursed by a eunuch, she had the unique distinction of being the only one in the family detained at an embassy as a potential terrorist.  I called her Achmed the rest of the day…

Greet day in class and our worship tonight was good too.  We were able to converse a little with some of the students and the evening was filled with laughter.  We did go shopping a little today as well.  The girls had a gelato and I was followed around the market by two little girls…they giggled and seemed to  be fixated on my tummy…I shared gum with them and we parted ways as we were leaving.  I have no real idea what to think about it…maybe they wanted money.  I called them my two stalkers. 

 

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ANOTHER DAY IN THE KINGDOM OF CAMBODIA

Another day in the Kingdom of Cambodia

Today was my first classroom experience in Cambodian Bible Institute.  The students were bright and alert and seemed to be listening to what was being translated in Khmer for them.  Tawn Lork, one of the teachers and translator for the school has been ill since coming back from Thailand.  He barely made it through the class and I tried to give him an extra break and stopped a little early.  I hope he is better tomorrow because we will have to begin running over time lost.

Teaching for three hours in the hot Cambodian days, take it out of an old Californian.  I find myself staying very close to the fans.  Luckily, we teach barefooted and the tile on the floor is relatively cool.  I got home before Shirley today, by Tuktuk, and we had a quick lunch and afternoon siesta followed by several hours of study and preparation for tomorrow.

Robert Holmes from Houston is visiting for a couple of days and it has been nice to get to know him.  He was one of the first “Aggies for Christ” out of A and M.  Tonight we met the ladies from the PIP house who teach English at a Pizza place at the mall next to the central market.  It was good pizza and we shared lots of laughter.  These are some of the finest people I have ever known and I am so proud to work alongside all of them. 

After dinner we found a grocery store and got some crackers for me and some caramel tea for Shirley.  I also found an ATM that has no service charge and that made us happy.  Back to the Dolan’s and in for the night.  It’s almost 10 and with a little more study and ready we can call it a night.  Morning comes early and the chirping geckos serenade us.

Be happy for us and continue your prayers.  The Khmer are wonderful, sweet, and innocent people and we are loving our time with them.

Wednesday

Another day of classes for both of us.  Tawn had to leave into the third hour to go to the Doctor.  I think he has an inner ear problem, or maybe a sinus infection, bless his heart.  I gave my first quiz today and the students for the most part did ok.  I might have to adjust my style a little to make sure they completely understand me.

This afternoon was another study time.  A short nap in the hot of the day made for a much better sleeping night.  Tomorrow night I am teaching at a gathering of missionaries so I must add that study as well.

This evening we went to the airport to see Robert off.  We also took advantage of the fact that there is a Dairy Queen at the airport.  Yummmm, a Blizzard with chocolate chips and brownie chunks.  My reward for the mile walk in the hot temps to school each day.  They say you never have much trouble around here finding someone to take you to the airport!  Each way we pass by many “clubs” where there is music (loud), alcohol, and girls to greet you.  The girls are dressed in what I could call 80’s prom dresses. Some clubs even color coordinate.  Very interesting things are afoot here in the Kingdom of Cambodia.

Thursday

Today was another wonderful time with my class.  I am beginning to see things emerge as to the leaders, etc.  A Cambodian wedding was taking place across the street.  They are long affairs…this one started yesterday afternoon and finished today at about two.  Complete with loud speakers that make it very hard to hear yourself.  Lots of customs, I will share later.  We have been invited to a wedding on the weekend of the 8^th.

After class we rested, studied, graded papers, recorded test scores and studied some more for a class at the PIP house that includes all the missionaries in town.  It was interesting as we sang songs familiar to us in English and worshipped without any Khmer.

I heard an interesting comment tonight.  Two ladies were discussing going somewhere together tomorrow and the question was asked “Car hair or Moto hair?”  Translated that means are we riding Motor scooters (no fancy hairdo) or in a car (fully coiffed).  The things you see and hear in Cambodia.

FRIDAY!!!

When I asked the students what their most special day was (I was going to compare that with the Day of Pentecost in my study and I expected, birthday, weddings, etc.) their answer was “Saturday”…when I inquired which Saturday they said…”every Saturday”.  After a long week of teaching, meetings, Bible studies, etc. I had to agree.  It was nice to see a Saturday coming.

The study is going well and I think I have about worked out a style that engages them.  It has been hard with a change in translators as Tawn is still sick.  But, the new translator Vesnay is a former student and one they all know.  His English is not quite as fluent as Tawn’s , but he does very well.  They tested better today so I think my adjustments are working.

After school and a little study for Monday we went to the Welch’s for dinner.  It was a time that they invited all the students and many other Khmer church members and we sang for over an hour.  The people are so young and sincere and filled with enthusiasm for the Lord.  We enjoyed our time very much and played with some of the children.

Home to blog and to sleep…tomorrow is SATURDAY!!!

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Arrive in Thailand…

This morning we left Angeles City at 5:30 am to make a 10 am flight in Manila; one hour direct…and three hours with traffic.  All and all, it was a good ride and to see the sights along the way are always interesting and amusing.  Even at 5:30 the air conditioner is cranked up all the way.  Humility again is the hardest thing for us to deal with.  But, we are getting a little used to it by now.

A couple of hours at the airport and some switching things around to not be charged with excess baggage and we called the kids and waited for our flight to Bangkok to be called.  It was a three hour flight and Shirley was able to get some sleep along the way.  Arrival and immigration in Bangkok was swift and we were met by Patinya and Tuli.  It was wonderful to see them. 

A trip to Patinya’s to drop off what we wouldn’t need at camp and we were on our way to the 2010 Bible Camp at Cha-am Beach.  That meant another three hour drive, but the countryside was beautiful and Shirley was getting her first taste of Thailand.

We arrived at the camp and then checked into our accommodations.  We are staying at a Red Cross run hotel a few miles from the beach.  Nicest place we have stayed on the trip and the cheapest too.  The first day of camp found us meeting old friends and making new ones.  Unfortunately, everything at  camp  is in Thai.  We still love the singing and try to follow the passages for Bible Study.  Today in Thailand is New Year’s Day and everywhere you go people douse you with “powder” and water to refresh you, we are told this part lasts all week.  They take their jobs very seriously.

Tomorrow morning Patinya is taking us to the “fresh market” in Cha-Am.  We will see the days catch and find some fruit and vegetables.  Then we will return to camp for morning study and devotional.  After lunch we will head back to Bangkok.  On Thursday Tuli is going to be our guide in town and try to keep us from the “mobs” that are fighting with the government and the military.  We feel perfectly safe.

Last Day of Camp and travel back to Bangkok

Today began with an early morning trip to the Fresh Market of Cha-Am.  It reminded us of the Queen Victoria Market in Melbourne.  Lots of people, lots of produce and meats and fish…little counter top restaurants.  Painya had a bowl of noodles and what he said in America would be menudo.  We passed and found beautiful fruit.  I had a coffee, but most things here are instant.  We did eat a little fried bread.  Kind of like a small star shaped donut without anything thing on the outside.

We had packed our bags the night before so we went back to the hotel to load our bags and head for camp for our final day.  The day was filled with beautiful fellowship and a longing to get to heaven where we can communicate in the same language.

After lunch we experienced a Christian form of the water blessing that is being observed all over Thailand.  All of the people in camp over age 50 (Shirley and I included) lined up on chairs at the edge of the Pavilion.  Some had mixed vats of water mixed with Thai perfume and red and white flowers.  The white flowers were Jasmine and represented long life and the red rose petals represented an “easy” life.  Everyone else in camp would go down the line and pour water through your hands.  They would bow and offer and blessing and we in return would offer God’s blessings to them.  It was both reverent and fun.  Some would also dip their hands in a pasty powder and but in on your face.  After words I believe everyone left was in for a water fight.  As it was plenty hot…I can imagine it would have felt great. 

The return to Bangkok was uneventful except for stops for limes at a roadside stand and ice cream from 7-11 (they are everywhere).  We arrived on campus at about 5:30 after a stop at the grocery store for some supplies.  We ate a dinner of a sandwich and some chips and lots and lots of water.  An early night came soon after.

Tuli and the trip to the Golden Mountain

Tuli picked us up at 8 this morning with black coffee in hand…bless him!!!  We started our trip in Bangkok to visit some of the sights.  We had to take some back roads either because some were closed due to civil unrest…or the Royal Family were on the move in the city.  We saw only scant activity of the mob and later did have to wait for a Royal entourage that included the Prince of Thailand. 

We began the day at the Golden Mountain Temple.  Last year Tuli took me there and there were so many steps that I couldn’t make it.  I told him I would try again this year…and Shirley and I easily made it to the top.  The steps spiral around a mountain to the temple on top.  Inside the Shrine at the top was a Buddha of gold.  After seeing the city from the top we came back down stopping a little way from the top for Tuli to recite the Great Commission with the great city of Bangkok in the background.  I am hoping we can use it at opening chapel at Sunset this coming August.

From the Golden Mountain to the Grand Palace was our next stop.  Tuli waited outside as we toured the Grand Palace at its many shrines and sites.  The grounds are immaculate.  The mood is reverent.  And the soldiers are real.  We stayed for an hour and were held up at the gate while the Prince passed.

For lunch we went to a restaurant on the Chao Praya River.  It was a beautiful day and we ate wonderful Thai food with the river and its many craft passing by.  From eating we strolled many of the street markets and then headed home.  Today was the first day I could find Western Union open so we stopped at the “Fashion Island” all and took care of making sure money was sent to India.  Tuli also had a favorite ice cream place so we ate some gelato.  Mine was mountain fruit…very yummy!  Shirley had passion fruit, a favorite from Australia, long missed!  Return to the guest room at the school called for a nap.  We will forage for dinner and then spend the morning with Tuli’s family before heading to the airport and our travel to Phnom Penh,  Cambodia.

Last Day in Thailand for now…

We began the day in the home of Tuli and Newi Kalwiboon.  Newi had fixed breakfast for us (delicious) and we visited for an hour or so.  Tuli returned us to the guest quarters until 11:30 and then took us to “Fashion Island”…the mall!  We spent a couple of hours looking at Thailand from a different perspective and watching people.  It was very interested…a little more ice cream (gelato) and we were on our way to pick up Patinya and head for the airport.  The time we spent allowed us to talk shop and see the needs of the school.  Mostly right now what is needed is a couple of computers so the students can learn these skills while studying at BSLI.  We said fast goodbyes and then they were gone.  I am finding certain people are becoming harder and harder to leave.  Patinya and Tuli are among them.

We were able to pass through tickets lines in a flash…no extra luggage charge, yeah!!  We had a late lunch and then met up with Rich and Rhonda Dolan and Tawn and Navy Lork.  We were all on the same flight leaving Bangkok headed for Phnom Penh.  My travelling companion has come down with a tummy problem.  We have eaten mainly the same things but she is now on a BRAT diet and taking Pepto.  Hope she is better tomorrow.  We arrived in Phnom Penh on time and met Rhonda’s sister Julie at the airport.  A quick drive through the city and we arrived at Casa Dolan.  We are now sorting clothes (Shirley) and blogging (Ron).  A chance to sleep in a bit tomorrow and then off to see how we will get clothes washed, but a cell phone sim card, and begin to get ready for Monday’s classes.  Our trip has been built around these next four weeks and we are anxious to get started.  Tired for now but thinking of all of you who have made this trip and the good things that go with it happen.  God bless you.  Pray for us!

Here we are in Cambodia

Saturday morning has been a bit of a restful time.  We slept in till 8 and then visited with Dolan’s around coffee and tea.  Shirley and Ronda have been to the market to get things needed for later in the day.  We went for a little ride to see the new school facility and the new place that the Phnom Penh church is meeting and then had lunch at a little café.  PP is filled with little cafes.  A noon time siesta (we are in the tropics!) and then more visited, study time, and dinner.  Tonight we had sandwiches and chips and great fresh mango and pineapple.  We talked until late and then headed to bed.

Sunday morning has seen us at worship time with the Phnom Penh congregation.  Tonight we will worship with the University church.  Last year I sat down in church next to Brad’s (our son in law) cousin Ryan and this morning Shirley sits down next to a lady who lives on the 13^th hole at DeCordova Bend golf course near my friend Norm Petersen.  Small world.  The worship was in Khymer, but they did a little translating for us.  It was nice to catch up with some of the former students and some current ones that I met last year.  We came home to rice and a beef and carrot dish and then another siesta.  The man who tends to the air conditioning is here and we expect to be kicked out in a minute so he can do his work.  We will worship later at the University congregation and Shirley will get her WEI initial instructions.  She will be teaching each morning while I am teaching in the Cambodian Bible Institute.  I expect we will eat at another café tonight with others we will be meeting.

Tonight we have been to the PIP house where the University church meets.  We worshipped with the wonderful brethren there and they asked me to preach next Sunday.  Caught up with Dennis and Sharon Welch, our other workers at CBI and made arrangements to meet up for meals later on.  After church time we ate at a nearby café.  We then came home to study for tomorrows classes. 

Monday Morning

Disappointment.  Tawn Lork, the third CBI teacher and resident translator came home from Thailand sick, “as a big dog”, and is still unwell.  My classes will have to wait until tomorrow to begin.  I put Shirley into a Tuk Tuk and took her picture as she went off to her first day at school.  She was a trooper.  No problem for her.  I went with Rich to language school before he headed back to the school for his afternoon class.  He can teach now in Khmer so there is no delay in his beginning.

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OLONGAPO GRADUATION AND SHIRLEY’S CLASS

Today has been really special.  We rose early to meet brother Roel and get to the school for the graduation at Olongapo.  It was filled with lots of good speeches, great joy, and even a few tears.  Brother Charles Smith and his wife Maryann were able to join the proceedings by Skype.  He has played such a powerful role in the lives of so many of these men and women during his years of service to this great country.  We finished the day with a feast and then a couple of meetings with the field workers and then the staff and faculty of PIBI-O.

 

At about four p.m. we were brought to Angeles City so that I can preach in the morning and Shirley can hold a seminar for Bible class teachers.  It will be a special day, one that Shirley has been preparing for now for months.  I am very proud of her abilities and glad she can share them with others. 

Tonight we had dinner with the Vitug family to thank them for the many many services to us while we have been here.  Roel and I are becoming fast friends and I am thankful for this family’s entrance into my life.  We are back at the hotel tonight.  I locked the key in the room and when I inquired about what I needed to do the response was, “we have no duplicate keys!”  Cost me an additional 500 pesos to have the man make a new one.  A mistake I will not make again.  But, really, have you ever heard of a hotel that didn’t have duplicate keys?  I am learning.

Our trip to and from dinner took us through what Roel calls “Sodom and Gomorrah”.  It is fraught with prostitutes and those who would use them…it must be a terrible thing to grow up in a country where so many have to seek this outlet to get by.  Sadder yet, is that many of the customers are westerners .

I stood among men today who wish to see that changed by their spirit of faithfulness to the word of God.  Pray for them.  God bless…

Sunday April 10

Started out early today with worship in Angeles City.  Told to start at 8…about 8:40 we began…Danny McNeal would have loved it…about 16 songs all together.  The church here loves to sing.  My lesson on Romans 8 was well received and we went to SM the mall and had lunch with Higato and Eden Tulan.  It was a great joy as they are such wonderful servants of the Lord.

Shirley and I walked back through Sodom and Gomorrah on our way back to the hotel.  After a short rest it was time for Shirley’s class with the ladies.  I didn’t stay past taking pictures but I heard wonderful comments after I came back and they were finished.  I am so proud of Shirley.

One of the ladies has a beautiful 11 year old daughter Stacey Lynn de la Cruz who cannot hear and thus cannot speak.  She is a beautiful young girl.  The doctors say that if she had hearing aids she could both hear and then learn to speak.  We will likely try to take on the role of sponsors for her and try to raise the $950 it will take to buy the hearing aids.  So talented and smart despite her inabilities…she is deserving of a chance to take her smile and give it with her words to the Lord.  I will include a picture.  Pray for her and her family.

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ALL THE ROAD RUNNING

Monday April 5

 A million miles of vagabond sky Clocked up above the clouds I’m still your man for the roaming For as long as there’s roamin’ allowed There’ll be a rider And there’ll be a wall As long as the dreamer remains And if it’s all for nothing All the roadrunning’s Been in vain.

 (Mark Knofler – All the Road Running)

 Here’s to believing it will NEVER be in vain!!

Shirley and I had a long but smooth flight over the Pacific and into Taipei, Taiwan before coming on to Manila. We were met by Sister Grace Camaganaran and her father Domingo. Brother Domingo is a long time preaching stalwart in the Batangas region of the Island of Luzon. Her has recently lost his loving wife and has renewed energy to be faithful to the end. Sister Grace is a great administrative helper in the work of the Philippine International Bible Institute at Batangas (the province) located in the city of Rosario. We came to the Tan Park hotel and had a long restful night of sleep. Morning has brought us the anticipation of the commencement service for the first 8 graduates of the PIBI-B school. I had been asked to be the commencement speaker for this first class and was honored to do so. Shirley said of the day “we were honored beyond our worthiness”. Such is the hospitality and devotion of the Philippine church.

 The commencement exercise was wonderful with lots of expression of faith and accomplishment. These 8 young men will serve the sake of the gospel with vigor and faithfulness. The gathering drew family, friends, and well wishers locally, as well as brothers and sisters from all four of the sister schools spread throughout Luzon. One young man had travelled up as far as the southernmost Island of Mindanao. After a feast and lots of fellowship, I had a meeting with all the staff, leaders, and field workers who had come from all four schools. We discussed some common problems and the future of the works here in the Philippines. These are exceptional men who have made sacrifices for the sake of their faith and ministry. They are deserving of all the help that many of you reading this are giving them.

The day ended with a return to the hotel and a reunion with Roel and Carmina Vitug and their children. We had a meal of Adobo and Lomi as well as lots and lots of laughter. Tomorrow we will travel with the Vitug family to a camp that is being sponsored by the brethren of Cavite. I will be speaking to the adults on the subject of family and faith. We are still in the midst of jetlag and will be sleeping early again tonight. We have a six a.m. start for the morning, but as Roel said “it’s 6 a.m. Philippine time”. That means we might leave by seven. What a joy to be among the pure hearted and simple life living Filipinos. God has blessed us and we continue to ask for your prayers.

Wednesday April 7 Yesterday was a travel day getting up at 5:20 to leave for the mountains of Cavite for the National Youth Camp. I will be speaking several times over the next couple of days. Our trip with the Vitug family was very enjoyable as Shirley is getting to know Carmina and I am renewing acquaintances with brother Roel. Sometimes in life you just meet someone you love almost immediately. Brother Roel is one of those men here in the Philippines for me. After arriving at the camp and getting the Vitug children signed in we travelled to Tagaytay (Ta-guy-tie) to find a hotel to stay. Tagaytay is a volcano that surrounds a big lake. Later today we are to explore the area on an outing with the campers. Last night Shirley and I venture a couple of mile walk into the town center for food and just see what was around us. We were not very adventurous with eating as we found a local chain food place called Chow King. Some good orange chicken and chop suey met the needs and we stopped and bought water and bananas for the trip back to the hotel and our night’s sleep, a good long night’s sleep. I would say we are recovered now from our jetlag and ready for the adventures of the day. We have just had breakfast (ham of two varieties, garlic rice, eggs, toast, orange juice (really Tang), and instant coffee.) We will see what the day unfolds – stay tuned!

 I forgot to mention that Monday brought the news of 17 being baptized in the resettlement village of Iram near Olongopo. The brethren from Cabalan have been going there each Sunday afternoon for a year to year those who had to resettle after the destructive power of Mt. Pinatubo in 1993. Daniel Emparo Jr. is the evangelist at Cabalan. He is a graduate and now instructor at PIBI-O. What a great victory won for the Lord. Daniel promises pictures that we can share.

Later today we met up with the campers from the National Youth Camp at the People’s Park in Tagaytay. It is a beautiful location overlooking the volcano Taal inside the lake surrounded by another volcano. We also shared a birthday celebration with one of Carmina’s cousins Emily. Some of her family had come from the U.S., an aunt from San Diego and an uncle from Virginia. The day ended with a meal at Jollibee (the McDonald’s of the Philippines) a stop at the store for water and more bananas, and a tricycle ride (Shirley’s first) .

Our last bit of time in Tagaytay brought up to the Palace in the Sky, now called the people’s park in the sky.  It was the palace of Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos.  After they were deposed the people tore it down.  It is still not restored, but is a reminder of what happens when you take yourself too seriously and forget what leadership is all about.

A drive day… Up today at 4:30 for a five and a half hour drive to Olongopo. Lots of traffic, Manila is a huge place and we had to traverse it completely from south to north. We arrive in good spirits…the Vitug kids and cousins slept the whole way. Camp always did that to me too. We are checked in at the Olongopo by the Sea hotel and will rest and catch up on communications until tomorrow at 9 when we will leave for the church building and graduations of PIBI-O. It is hotter here than in the mountains of Tagaytay. Tonight Shirley and I will take a walk on the beach and eat seafood at a restaurant next to the water. (All for about $10 – it’s a tough job, but someone has to do it!!)

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Leaving on a jet plane…(EVA air to be exact)

Tomorrow Nick and Becca will take Shirley and I to the airport for our first trip together to Asia.  We will be gone for six weeks and will visit at least five countries.  The purpose is to attend the graduations of two our the schools in the Philippines, we will also be going to a camp there and one in Thailand.  From Thailand we will go to Cambodia for teaching in the Bible Institute.  Shirley will teach English to university students and business people by using the Bible in the World English Institute.  I am adding a little about the trip in a document below…please pray for us!

1st Stop — Philippines

Pray for us as we arrive in the Philippines on Easter Sunday afternoon from Taiwan.  We will visit Rosario in Batangas  Monday through Thursday.  On Friday we will drive to Olongopo for graduation on Saturday.  We will then go to Angeles City for Sunday where I will preach and Shirley will teach the ladies about teaching children. 

Next Stop — Thailand

On Monday morning April 12th, we will be travelling to Bangkok and then to Cha-Am Beach to meet at a camp with hundreds of Thai Christians.  From there on Wednesday we will arrive back in Bangkok to see to the needs of Bangkok Servants Leadership Institute.  On Friday or Saturday we will be leaving for Phnom Penh.

Last Stop — Cambodia

 We will arrive in Phnom Penh on Saturday and have a day of rest before beginning four weeks of teaching at the Cambodian Bible Institute.  Shirley will be teaching English to University students through the World English Institute.  We will endeavor while in Cambodia to make a weekend trip to Vietnam and Angkor Wat.

God bless you all…especially may God richly bless those who are supporting this important work and a time in history where we can really make a difference.

Love to all,

Ron and Shirley

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