Even though 'our' church in Manila is MEGA, it was amazing how many familiar faces we saw as we made our way to the meeting room our first Sunday back. We had 'warned' a few people that we would be there, so it was wonderful to be able to meet up with several of them for coffee, wee chats and just a hug or two from others. Unfortunately our time was limited in being able to spend time with all those we would have liked to. A phrase we found ourselves using over and over again was 'next time.'
The time of worship with our fellow believers, timely message by Pastor Peter TanChi and smiles and hugs from many friends were so appreciated.
We have tons of fond memories from our years of fellowshipping at CCF.
The following day found us making our way to our former flight center, where we had lived our last four years in the Philippines.
While doing some errands in one of the small towns, JP, Susanna, Eydbritt and I went from one store to the next in a tricycle - definitely the trikes are Filipino size!!
Each stop we made along the way, lots of vendors would soon find us, wanting to sell their various products - from quail eggs to freshly cooked peanuts to barbecued pork.
We so wished we could have helped all of the little children trying to help their parents make some much needed money.
During our years of living on our flight center, I had the privilege of having a weekly Bible Study with lots of the local ladies.
What a joy to be able to meet with them again. They had gotten together that morning and made a scrumptious lunch for us and our relatives to enjoy.
What fun to be with them all again, hearing how they have been doing and how God has been leading them. It was encouraging to hear that the Bible Study has continued each Wednesday afternoon, and they are growing from their time spent together.
I wish I had remembered to have our picture taken when we were all together, but this is about half of the ladies. They took us on a tour of the former flight center. It was fun to walk through our house once again, due to the graciousness of the present owner.
One more stop in that town - a visit with our friend, Nilo, who treated us to 'ube' bread in his back yard, in the gazebo he had recently finished making. He was very creative - I am sure he and his family will enjoy many hours in that pleasant spot.
Now it was time to make our way to the breathtaking Banaue Rice Terraces - commonly referred to as the 8th Wonder of the World. Pictures don't do this 'sight to behold' justice, so we were thankful for the day to be there with our relatives. It continues to amaze us how these terraces were originally carved out of the mountains nearly 2000 years ago, largely by hand, plus continue to be maintained after hundreds of years.
These terraces are located approximately 5,000 feet above sea level and cover 10,360 kilometers of mountainside. They are still fed by an ancient irrigation system from the rain forests above the terraces. We have been told that if the steps were put end to end, they would encircle half of the globe.
Ifugao musicians often sit near the rice terraces, portraying their native dress.
Ladies continue to weave blankets, tablecloths, placemats etc., which they sell in local shops.
Men working on beautiful carvings outside their homes, is a frequent sight. 
Lots of choices are available for souvenirs.
On our way back down the mountain we saw lots of coffee drying on the side of the road.
Lots of beans almost dry, ready to have the husks pounded off and then roasted to the farmer's delight.
1 comment:
Now this is the one I was so excited to see - all the dear ladies!!! So much fun to follow the journey you took this month. :-) Looking forward to the next installment!
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