 |
Sometimes we wonder how we can take journeys together at all. All the planning, details, enthusiasm, expense, hardly prepare us for the inevitable murmurings, complaints, personality clashes, (like 40 years in the wilderness???) not to mention the phenomenal energy exhibited that is previously unseen, the rest of the year, when work needs to be done. Every journey, though back-breaking, nerve-twisting, mind-boggling, is a real break especially for us who live in the city, who see very little of God’s creation than is right for a human life. In contrast to preparations for the Feast which are planned a year in advance, fellowship journeys are decided spontaneously, (to the sheer delight especially to those who are docile almost the whole year except when there are outings or trips). As the Lord God provides. This happens in the summer months after the Days of Unleavened Bread and on a learning tour during the Feast of Tabernacles. Every mountain, slope, beaten path, river, coastline, trail, forest glade, restores our soul with the serenity that comes from meditating on the sheer wonder of creation. It is as well a test for us to work together, be patient, cooperate, not complain. It is a blessing for those who delight in blessings. Let us share with you some clips from recent trips: |
|
| |
After visiting a a recreated Ifugao village, the children raced each other to make the 2-hour trek up to the top of this highest peak in Baguio City. Only to meet schoolchildren who made the climb every day, to go to school! Near the top we walked right into a thick cloud cover, and it looked like it just wasn’t the right day to come. As some started back down, the mist suddenly parted, and bright afternoon sunshine enabled us to feast upon the sight of endless encompassing vistas of mountain ranges to the sea. |
|
 |
This was really special. Above La Trinidad valley, hidden from the main road is a house called Fun-T’-See-Eye-Land. Inside is a visual feast of butterfly mosaics, vintage and storied postage stamps, fossils, marine and land specimens gathered from forests around the world, most of which we might never see in our lifetime. We met and interviewed Amparo Rimas, widow of founder Greg Rimas, who told us how her husband assembled all these treasures, and of a time when everyone in Baguio City still knew each other. |
|
| |
On rare weekends, in between workloads, young people trek to breathing spaces within the city. They may see eagles in a wildlife park, pet baby ostriches in an open zoo, try their hand at papermaking in a mountain studio, throw boomerangs in an empty field, check out a grounded helicopter in Museo Pambata. Once in a great big while! |
|
| |
On the eastern coast of Luzon, are several diving points and coves. Some summers we are so blessed to be able to pack the baskets and go out to sea. Swim in the blue waters, build sand castles, try kayaking, water biking, hunting out tiny shells, tug of war, or just roast fresh fish, eat together around bamboo benches banana leaves under coconut trees. Then it’s back to work. |
|
 |
In the summer of 2002, we followed the map and drove further north than we had ever been. We slept by the sea, catch of early morning fishermen, talked with the lighthousekeeper who lived alone in Cape Bojeador Lighthouse. Past fishing villages, ancient Spanish towns, so far that celphones lost signal. There seemed to be no end to the road. But then, we rounded another turn, and suddenly, there it was, spreadeagled before us, the wide blue ocean. The tip of Luzon island! Patapat Cliffs! |
|
| |
We got up early and mixed with the crowd gathered at the Manila Bay waterfront, biking, singing, sailing on a Manila Bay Cruise, and treated the children to rides at Star City. All this for a job well done. Standing up for what is right. |
|
| |
On May 18, 2003 the fellowship was still able to go out to the sea before summer gives way to monsoon season. The water was even starting to be prickly! We roasted tilapia (St. Peter’s fish), bangus (Milkfish) beef kebabs, with large helpings of raw mango salad, on banana leaves. Plus, had the rare opportunity of sharing stories under the shade of the coconut palms.. |
|
| |
|
| |
|
