Today has been an amazing day.
We arrived in Manila late last night. At the airport we waited a while for our ride so everyone jumped immediately on the wifi. It was like a mob!
Then Jeff arrived and he had two vans to carry all of us and a SEPARATE van for all our packs. It was comfortable riding, and we only had 30 minutes to travel. I got a window seat and let the wind wash over me as we rode through Manila. The air was warm but felt so refreshing on my face. It made me reflect on the other “first encounters” I’ve had this year.
I realize that I love what’s new. I love the feel of new air, either warm and humid or crisp and cold. I enjoy seeing the town speed by as we drive to a new place. I like sleeping someplace new. I get excited to meet new people and start a new ministry. I get anxious to learn all about our next steps but also love when I calm down and it all works out. I love learning about new cultures and always seek out novel experiences and unique activities.
This time it’s the Philippines. We landed last night and today was a transition day. We were shuffled in, shown rooms and told to get settled….but who could do that when they put out cake to welcome us?! So I brought in my bag, claimed a spot on the bed, and went down to hug our new contact, Jeff, and eat some cake! It was delicious and such an act of kindness. Then I slept in this morning and awoke to eggs, toasted toast, and … FRESH cut PINEAPPLE! Oh, and did I mention there are TWO, not one, American coffee makers here! I had probably 4 cups of coffee today!
After breakfast I went into the “gym” and discovered how weak I’ve become over the last 10 months. It was slightly depressing. However, just the proximity to the weights and weight room atmosphere made my heart soar.
Then I went into the house and took a cold, but delightful shower in the big shower, with curtain and provided towel. I kinda feel like I’m at the Ritz. Everyone left to go to a basketball game, but I was showering…so I stayed and uploaded World Race photos to the ever fickle Facebook. I even got my Nepal video to upload while the internet was freed up. During uploading I addressed and wrote postcards I got in Beijing. I was super productive. Around 6 pm, dinner was ready and I ate salad with romaine lettuce, carrots, cucumber and …honey mustard DRESSING!
How could the day get better? Well, a car was provided for those that needed to get to the ATM; I wasn’t one of those people. I stayed and worked on more photo uploading . But when my friend Kristin came back, she did not come empty handed. She brought me a Caramel Macchiato from StarBucks!!!!!
I thought my day was complete. I met the kitchen staff and made friends. I lifted weights. I was productive and I got my favorite fall Starbucks drink. But it wasn’t over. We had spontaneous Zumba in the courtyard! Swaziland was the last time I Zumba’d and I was past due. It was great to dance again and I remembered all the routines like it was yesterday.
Oct 30th was an amazing day and I feel so blessed. I think the day calmed me down, let me relax, and put me in the right frame of mind to continue this last month with lots of vigor and love.
