“Ang Dios ay mabuti” means “God is good” in Tagalog, the primary language in the Philippines. As I sit next to my friend, Baby Jane (who is teaching me to speak Tagalog, here on the island of Mindoro, I am reminded again that God is good. It is so wonderful to see beautiful women around the world living life and serving Christ. We are sitting around the table cooking, sharing stories, and laughing. We have been told that relationships are what matters in ministry with the Filipinos and we are learning that every day. (Isn’t that what all ministry is about?) What I love is that we are just living life with Pastor Al, Ate (sister) Marina, Ate Helen, Ate Judith, Lola (who I call abuela which means grandma in Spanish), and Jo Jo. They are a beautiful people with such a strong heart for the Lord and a pure love for serving His people. We are up in the rainforest on this island staying in the local pastor’s house. This involves, my team (6), Cody’s team (7), Pastor Al’s family (3), and the assortment of others coming in and out of the house at all times. Which means 16 people plus 13 massive backpacks are squished all around this extremely humble house. Yet we are experiencing life with them. The running water is not working right now, so flushing the toilet with pails of water is amusing…especially after I was having the runs all day yesterday. Yuck J. Today we went and washed our clothes and showered in a nearby creek and seriously, it’s the cleanest I’ve felt in the last week. We are also having the opportunity to talk with the women who work with making the bracelets to earn a living. Rather than selling themselves or their children into prostitution, they make bracelets. I’m so excited about all we are learning. More to come on that soon and more pictures 🙂
Best story I have so far is the following. Yesterday I was talking with Abuela and she asked me if I spoke Tagalog. I actually am doing well in learning some words because many words are the same in Spanish (Spain settled the Philippines). So often times I will guess a word and it will be right! Anyway, so yesterday when she asked if I spoke Tagalog, I answered “Mi poquito” thinking that “poquito” would mean “little” as it does in Spanish. I was wrong. In their language, poquito is the term used for sexual orientation. All of them started laughing immediately and I laughed unknowingly until one lady shouted in English, “Tricia you were just talking about your boyfriend, do you realize you just told everyone you are a lesbian?” Oops. J
