Welcome to El Nido, Palawan, Philippines. After a short flight from Manila to Puerto Princessa, a 9 hour bus ride, and a questionable lunch of stewed goat from a roadside cafe, we have arrived. For lack of a better word, this is missionary heaven. We are surrounded by white sand beaches, smiling faces, limestone mountains, Christ’s love, and natural beauty beyond compare. We are truly 7 undeserving World Racers soaking up the beauty of the landscape and the hearts of the people.
How am I doing? Mabui kaysa dati! (BETTER THAN GOOD!)
El Nido is known for two things, eco-tourism (a backpacker type of tourist attraction) and its beautiful landscapes. It is also a place of extreme poverty. Trickle down economics do not apply here and the rich continue to become richer as the poor, who live in the outlying villages and not in the town proper, continue to struggle to survive. Ministry here will include building homes, special medical case visits, working in pre-schools and many other things through a pre-existing organization in the area called, International Care Ministries. We will know more of what is expected of our time here once we meet with our contact and go through orientation. Until then, we will just sit back, relax, and enjoy the views of our own personal oasis.
