From a couple weeks ago…
When I first imported my pictures from today to my computer, I labeled the folder “best day ever pictures,” but Megan and I agreed that more adjectives were needed to adequately describe the day. So it’s now the “best amazing greatest day ever.”
Jeanette, Megan, Seth and I left after lunch to visit Pastor Robert Nunez and his wife, Virgie, again. We had about an hour after we arrived before they planned to start worship, so I set off with a small following of children to walk around the neighborhood. As we went, more and more children joined us, laughing at my attempts to remember (and pronounce) all of their names. They eagerly guided me through alleyways, around mud puddles, and across bamboo bridges. Holding their hands and laughing, I was already thinking what a great day it was turning out to be.
Before we started worship, we were able to present Pastor Robert with a new guitar. “Glory to God!” he shouted, raising it high, and immediately he began to play. The church we stood in was a cramped bamboo hut with dirt floors and a roof that leaks when it rains. It is also the pastor’s home, their tiny room attached serves as a Sunday School room. But as we worshiped, I was reminded again of what little importance the physical structure of achurch really is.
Later we led the way to a community basketball court/ stage area to do a children’s program. Virgie told us she usually has about 25 kids in church, so we should plan for 50. We did, and still ended up hastily cutting more ribbons to have enough for the angel craft we did later. We all agreed it was probably the best children’s program we’ve done so far. Kids, adults, and teenagers alike were gathered around, cheering at the games, singing the songs, and shouting the memory verse. I helped tie wings on coffee filter angels until the last bit of daylight was gone.
We had dinner back at the church with several other pastors who had come along with us. Pastor Robert and Virgie stood and watched while we ate, as seems to be the custom here. It was a simple meal of rice, fish, and soup made with cabbage, sweet potatoes, and bananas. We were told that the fish was the best fish in The Philippines, and it was delicious. We were humbled though to think that these precious people would offer us the best there was, even as the rain began to fall and leak through their thatched roof.
We prayed and said goodbye, as the children gathered our belongings for us. Carrying our bags and water bottles, they ran with us through the rain to our truck. A boy not older than seven held my hand to guide me across a slippery area. They stood waving their hands and shouting our names as we pulled away.
I’ve definitely had days with more interesting or exciting events than today, but there was just something about it… Even after just two days, that community has become a favorite of mine.
