On our way to our hostel to begin our ministry in the Philippines we had quite an adventure. What was suppose to be a 1 1/2 hour taxi ride took 3 hrs. Rachel, Wendy, and I rode together laughing at the crazy traffic and crazy driving in the Philippines. Its every man for themselves here…. no lights, no speed limits, no stop signs. It is constantl cutting off other drivers and then getting cut off yourself. Dirvers continually honk their horns at each other. Driving in the Philippines is complete chaos, it's like a video game (Glenn you would love it here.)
We talked with our Tax driver (Jimmy) about his family, his job as a taxi driver, and he told us he was a Christian. I felt very safe with him. He was sweeet and sociable. I told him how crazy I thought the road here were. I asked him about accidents and tickets. He was a very good driver with a clean record. Then we got pulled over (video below) Rachel, Wendy, and I didnt feel like he did anything wrong. It was confusing and little unnerving as we sat there knowing he was getting a ticket and that he was struggling to support his family (4 children.) The officer was harsh and stern and made me uncomfortable. I could tell afterward that Jimmy was embarrassed. Us three Ladies of Light laid our hands on him as we got back on the road and prayed over him. I felt terrible for JImmy but soon the conversation contiued as we talked about things we should do in the Philippines, like eat BALUT, and he said he'd be our personal Taxi driver and gave us his direct number.
It started to get dark and we were in Malate, Manilla where we were suppose to be. However we drove and drove down one way downtown streets circling. We had only the address written on a peice of paper. Jimmy didnt know exactly where the place was and had to stop the car and get out several times to ask directions. The areas we were in were very impoverished. Kids kept coming to the windows of the taxi looking sad and asking for money. Jimmy told us to keep windows up and doors locked. Everytime he got out of the car to ask directions he told us to lock his door behind him. People in the Philippines will never admit if they do not know something its just the way they are… so many bad directions were given to Jimmy. It was a little strange to sit in that taxi thinking about the fact that I was in the middle of the Philippines, somewhere, and completely at the hands of a stranger. I had only a piece of paper with an address. I couldnt tell you where i was going or where I had been. I spoke none of the language. I had no phone or numbers if I could even get to a phone. However I just smiled… this was the World Race ….and I was in GODs hands. I knew Id be fine and it was oddly liberating. Next time I journey out I will be mch more prepared and street smart though.
It seemed like forever but we finally made it to the Friendly's Guesthouse almost 2 hours late. The other three Ladies of Light were extremely worried about us. We all agreed to be smarter about travel in the future.
