FOR REAL
Back in Manila after nearly three months of mission work in the remote areas of Real (yes, the catastrophe-ridden Real of November/December 2004!) in Quezon Province.
Life as a missionary has its share of miseries, but I've learned to find joy and grace in those trying moments when I had to walk long distances from the town proper of Pandan to the seaside village of Kalamankas, over huge rocks and mud, under the whimsical sun, amidst the consolation of scenery and, yes, God's Spirit.
Then, there is the pervading danger of snakes, particularly that of the Philippine Cobra. There is the possible nuisance of the bulog (a very ugly monkey) hurling coconuts at you from the treetop. Mosquitoes of all kinds challenge you at night, even during the day. Those afternoons can be too warm.
The dark-skinned denizens of such remote spots as Dakil are friendly, at times drunkenly childish. The diet of fish and vegetables may be austere, but ah, ideal for one's soul. There are the occasional arguments among mission workers. But I've learned to bear the brunt and to stand up for what's right, even if it means having to part ways with the local pastor, a la Paul and Barnabbas...
I am thankful for the village folks people who took me in--Brother Anso and Ate Cena. I am also grateful for the advice and support of the mother church's shepherd Rev. Jose Gatus, his wife and his daughter. I am full of love and respect for my new pastor-friend, Rev. J. Angelo Guerrero, from the barrio of Langgas, whose friendship and teaching made their mark on me, and encouraged me to continue with the second part of my mission work in Real--teaching and inspiring the youth to become solid Christians and better citizens for future good.
As I write this piece in a busy Internet Cafe at the junction of Mandaluyong City, I remember... the wondrous vista of sea and sky, layers of the Sierra Madre that beckon like scupltured dreams, the cool-clean waters of River Inadwang, the soothings crystal falls of Uugak Rock, the verdant rice fields of Langgas, and God's smile shining through the rainclouds of a real haven one has come to love so dearly... REAL.
I can't wait to get back in September.
Life as a missionary has its share of miseries, but I've learned to find joy and grace in those trying moments when I had to walk long distances from the town proper of Pandan to the seaside village of Kalamankas, over huge rocks and mud, under the whimsical sun, amidst the consolation of scenery and, yes, God's Spirit.
Then, there is the pervading danger of snakes, particularly that of the Philippine Cobra. There is the possible nuisance of the bulog (a very ugly monkey) hurling coconuts at you from the treetop. Mosquitoes of all kinds challenge you at night, even during the day. Those afternoons can be too warm.
The dark-skinned denizens of such remote spots as Dakil are friendly, at times drunkenly childish. The diet of fish and vegetables may be austere, but ah, ideal for one's soul. There are the occasional arguments among mission workers. But I've learned to bear the brunt and to stand up for what's right, even if it means having to part ways with the local pastor, a la Paul and Barnabbas...
I am thankful for the village folks people who took me in--Brother Anso and Ate Cena. I am also grateful for the advice and support of the mother church's shepherd Rev. Jose Gatus, his wife and his daughter. I am full of love and respect for my new pastor-friend, Rev. J. Angelo Guerrero, from the barrio of Langgas, whose friendship and teaching made their mark on me, and encouraged me to continue with the second part of my mission work in Real--teaching and inspiring the youth to become solid Christians and better citizens for future good.
As I write this piece in a busy Internet Cafe at the junction of Mandaluyong City, I remember... the wondrous vista of sea and sky, layers of the Sierra Madre that beckon like scupltured dreams, the cool-clean waters of River Inadwang, the soothings crystal falls of Uugak Rock, the verdant rice fields of Langgas, and God's smile shining through the rainclouds of a real haven one has come to love so dearly... REAL.
I can't wait to get back in September.
posted by Brother J at 4:50 AM
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