Travelblog II

Day 2

Having arrived around 1:00 that morning, we were allowed to oversleep a bit. We had breakfast, then carried two large containers of food to take to a gym housing roughly 168 families. Their houses in a squatter village were still unlivable due to flooding from the three typhoons that hit a while back. We drove in two vehicles, arrived, and following the directions of the ministry worker we came with, set to work.

The line moved in an orderly fashion. Later on in the week it would take more effort to keep order, but it did get warmer each day and I'm sure that counts as a good reason. The children ate first, then introductions were made and tall visitors were climbed on by kids. Fun was had by all.

I encountered a first on this trip--kids having trouble saying "Matt." On our first visit, a couple of failed attempts deemed me as the unpopular one as I trudged to the corner alone while youths chanted easier names. Later in the week I surrendered to a name change. I was "Match" or "Max," depending on the speaker. Both guys were a lot of fun, but Matt is a bit of a downer, I'm afraid.

We went back to the ministry building, ate lunch, and planned a Bible study for later in the afternoon. A few hours later, we returned to the gym, split into two groups, and had two lessons for the young children and adults, respectively. The younger group had translation, as it was needed, but those of us with the adults settled on an ESL-friendly gospel message. Our Bible teacher gave the message, and the listeners were intent. After the message, we served the second meal of the day, then played and visited some more. We made it back at a reasonable hour, and made it a point to get plenty of rest. We had a full day ahead of us.

Yet another Travelblog

In case some are unaware, my wife and I joined a group of teachers and students going to the Phillipines over Thanksgiving break. Those who know me know my love of travel is almost equal to my love of yammering about it, so here goes. Day 1.

We arrived at the bus station on time. We also arrived at the airport on time. We got to the necessary desk, and...there was a problem. Two of our students were under fifteen and had the necessary paperwork. Unfortunately in the world of travel, today's necessary is tomorrow's unacceptable. If the parents weren't with us, they couldn't go.

We pleaded, paced nervously a little, then gathered as a group and prayed. This was it. we were going, or sending these three students home. We hoped for the former.

Shortly after the prayer, we got a call from one of our staff members. There was a possible way. It took a while, so those who were able crossed over and waited as we gobbled down overpriced sandwiches. At that point, we had about a half hour to go before boarding.

The flight was delayed by a few minutes and the remainder of the group joined us in time. The flight was four hours long and uneventful.

We heard a whistle while we waited outside the airport in Manila. One of the three dropped and said "I'm fifteen!" Thankfully, the whistling was unrelated.

By 2:00 in the a.m., we were in the Philippines, trying our best to sleep.

Happy Whatever

I have those days when I realize I've lived here too long. The other day, a co worker came in wearing a flower for, as he put it, "Remembrance Day." Of course, he added, that's what they call it in Canada. In the US it's called Veteran's Day.

I offered my trademark blank stare.

Was it today? someone asked. No, he replied. November eleventh.

"Oh!" My eyes lit with recognition. "Peppero Day!"

Because you can't compete with edible pencils.

Think Fast (or just break it)

So, usually I don't eat breakfast, except for on the weekends. This Sunday, we overslept a bit and the fast lasted another day. Big mistake. I began to notice as we headed to church.

After church we usually enjoy doughnuts that are graciously provided. They were foremost on my mind as we stood to sing and I noticed a varity of doughnuts singing around me. I'm sure it didn't help that I was drinking coffee to trick my stomach.

I gotta go eat something.

Gifts and Curses

I just watched Drag Me to Hell, and I was surprised to learn a valuable lesson. Never deny a loan to a creepy gypsy woman. You'll regret it. And don't play "button,button, who's got the button" either. Just so you know.

Fun with Cable News

More Student Quotes

So, I'm giving my middle schoolers basic information about an upcoming assignment, then I say more information is to be announced. After the last three words, I add, "TBA".

"What's TBA?"

Cut to my ESL class with a sixth grader. I throw out a question on a test because I realized we didn't cover the rule for it in class. She already answered it right, and argues she should get extra credit.

"I can't give you extra credit. You guessed."

"I didn't guess!" she insists. "I use context!"

She got extra credit for "context". We English teachers like words like that.