Nicknamed, "The City of Smiles" my experience of Bacolod, a city in the province of Negros Occidental, Philippines, would be in agreement with one exception. While a simple smile graces the face, our hosts smiled from the heart with an outpouring of generosity that repeatedly overwhelmed me.
Tim and I departed at 2 am the morning of the 28th for the island just to the south of Manila. Momentarily overcoming her fear of flying, our seat mate entertained my plea for the following pictures during out decent. Bacolod, is derived from bakólod the word for a "hill, mound, rise, hillock, down, any small eminence or elevation" The entire day I could feel a gentle soothing from the rolling hills, fresh air and green, green landscape. By days end I had to concede that I am more of a wide open spaces kinda gal than I realized.
Tim seemed taken back by the large poster that awaited him at the exit of the airport. He recovered quickly and immediately engaged Biljie and the entourage that awaited. Whisked off for breakfast we began a day full of intention and obvious planning marked by one goal; they were going to make this sponsor visit memorable. Memorable it was, following is a brief photo summary of the days events!
Biljie shared with Tim the boarding home the Eisaman family helped to provide rent for, a tour of the university they help him to pursue a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management at and a mural he painted acknowledging the 35th anniversary of the insitution.
We ventured to a favorite escape outside the city and participated in a multiple waterfall hike, a tour of some sulfur springs and a jaunt through a butterfly garden. Tim and I agree, this mountain adventure was a big highlight of the trip.
The team sought to provide a well balanced perspective of their home land so we ventured to a few "points of interest" as well. Including a sugar cane plantation with this exquisite mansion that was found to be indestructible during the second world war.
Watching the sunset on Bacolod while I waited for the plane I realized I had not lifted a finger all day. I was only the guest of the sponsor and yet my meals were covered, my entertainment was covered, around my neck hung a necklace from the butterfly garden and my bag was a bit heavier with a new shirt and key chain memorializing the journey. I am thankful to Tim for the invitation to go and indebted to Biljie and his family for their favor. Drifting off to sleep on the flight back I felt like I was being tucked in by a big, strong arms warm with love. Thank you Jesus for this day; I have seen and experienced your affection in oh, so many ways!
