Manila with Middle

Ate Vicki in her area, with intern David, and Katie Middlestead

Things I've learned in the Philippines in the short period of time I've been here:

1. You sweat more here. It is really hot - standing in line for the tram is like standing in a sauna, except there is no relief of a cold shower afterwards... no, no, you must stay hot all day long. Did I mention it was hot here?


Sweet girls living in bamboo shacks on the edge of the ocean.

2. You spend more time on transportation than at your destination. On Saturday, when Katie (my friend here working with Food for the Hungry (FH)) took an intern and myself to some FH sites we took 15 (FIFTEEN!) different vehicles. Everyone here takes tricycles, jeepneys, peddlebikes, buses, mini buses, taxis for public transportation. Yet with all the insane driving, I haven't seen any accidents.

View from the inside of a tricycle.

3. Facial expressions and hand gestures are a significant means of communication. So if you don't feel like saying yes, just raise your eyebrows and that's enough. Don't feel like pointing? Purse your lips and nod your head and that'll do as well! Rest your hand on my leg, or around my wrist... well, don' worry, that doesn't mean anything other than that you're my friend.

4. Malls are the place to be. And that's not because they have any great stuff really, but because they are.... drum roll... AIR CONDITIONED!! Ahhh. They are wonderful.

This young girl with a shy smile suffered from some kind of deformity where her feet were turned inside, unfortunately I have heard this malady is not uncommon.

5. Probably the neatest thing I've learned here is how the work of the Gospel is still being spread by God's faithful servants. Not only are FH's employees, like Katie, helping to minister the truth through service, but we visited a church in Los Banos that is doing a bunch of church planting. Speaking with their pastor was exciting, because of his vision and heart for the poor. It's not easy, especially hearing FH's struggles with the poor who are unwilling to work out of their situations - but seeing a church like NCC come alongside the people most often forgotten or ignored is a hopeful chance to see Jesus alive in His people. At NCC those unable to tithe take home bags that they can fill with rice to bring as a tithe instead. Even out of nothing, people are willing to sacrifice and dedicate what they have to the Lord. It's really beautiful.

These boys couldn't get enough of the camera! Either their faces or fingers managed to get in every shot!