After spending a few days in Puerto Galera, on another Island checking
out debrief spots (beach resorts), we headed back into Manila
yesterday. Leah’s younger brother is adopted from here, and she has
been in contact with the pastor who assisted in the adoption 13 years
ago. We met the Burdick’s about 5am after an only slightly
adventurous trip back from PG, and had dinner with them. Spaghetti,
salad, banana cake w/ cream cheese frosting, fresh brewed coffee… it
was amazing! I have had spaghetti all over the world and none as good
as Mom’s but Kim Burdick’s tasted just like it! I could have cried
for joy!
We were supposed to have had reservations at a guesthouse, but due to
a miscommunication, there were no rooms available, so the Burdick’s
opened their western style home to us. They have 4 kids, the oldest
of whom is in the States at college, they other 3 still here. They
opened their rooms for us to crash for the next few days, and fed us a
great breakfast, potato and egg casserole, with more fresh brewed
coffee. (Instant is the most common form of coffee around the world.)
We attended the church where Brent Burdick is the senior pastor, and
following church another American couple invited us to come to their
home for the day and do ALL of our laundry in their waster AND dryer!!
We’ve started the laundry and are enjoying sitting in their living
room, with internet and homemade cappucinos, sharing our lives with
Keith and Judy.
Keith said we all need a ‘sanctuary’ from time to
time, while we are on the field, and that’s how it feels now.
We enjoy the simple blessings now, such as sheets, toilets with seats
that swallow toilet paper, movies to watch, quiet space with couches,
dining room tables, and family dynamics. I love being with a family.
This is a good week. 🙂
