It’s like a competition. Just when you think the jeepney is full, the driver stops and picks up three more people. I have never had my hips squeezed so tight. Ok, I should back up. A jeepney is a common form of public transportation here in The Philippines. They were originally made from American jeeps left here during World War II. Essentially they are just a large jeep with two benches facing each other in the back. So, you ride sideways, hips smashed into the people next to you, and facing the other bench. When you are riding, you somehow have to access your pocket and pay the driver or their assistant. Then, when you want to get off, you pull a cord that controls a little light on the dashboard so the driver knows to stop. jeepneys are a less than glamorous way to get around, but they are part of the Filipino experience.
In order for our team to get wifi, we must take two jeepneys, and travel about an hour, to get to a Starbucks. It has been hard being so isolated, and having to travel for so long just to check in with people back home. However, it has also been good to have quiet, and to have time to myself. Ministry has been a little more relaxed this week. We have been doing a few chores around the camp, such as painting a room and varnishing some furniture, nothing too taxing.
Our team is very excited for debrief, which starts on Thursday. We will stay with the whole squad (all 50 of us) for about a week at a hostel in a different part of Manila. It will be a time to relax and recharge. After this, my team will come back here to the camp, along with five other guys on the squad, for the week of Christmas.
After Christmas, all of the guys on the squad will be staying at a different ministry site for the rest of our time in The Philippines. I am sad to leave the camp, but also excited to be serving with all the guys from the squad at a different ministry site. All the guys will be staying at Children’s Garden of The Philippines, where we will be living with and ministering to teenage boys. I would ask for prayers that debrief is a great time, and that the guys ministry would go well. I miss everyone back home, especially now during the holiday season. God bless!
