Sunday, April 12, 2009

Day 1




Eight of us: Paul, Keith, Julie, Bryan, Brian,Chris, Rob and Margaret met at Perth Airport at about 8am today, Easter Sunday, to head off to the Philippines to be about our Father's business. We had a lovely group to farewell us: parents, spouses, children and friends. It was good to get through the luggage check with all sixteen pieces of luggage. The five hour flight from Perth to Brunei began with a rather rough take-off but then was fine. Everyone appeared to do justice to the plane food and drinks (non al, of course!) Most of us slept a bit at times, read, did crosswords and our esteemed pastor won a game of canasta. Over three hours was spent in the airport at Brunei. Chris had a snooze looking quite fetching in his citrone green mask. Then we flew for about two hours to Manila.

What a different world! The first thing that assailed us was the third world odour of open drains and rubbish being burnt for cooking. Then the air's warmth, humid but not unbearable at this time of the night, ten o'clock. We were met by Kirk and Colene and taken at a good speed by a people mover driven expertly by Kirk, via three lane roads with traffic going in a rather haphazard manner, toYunjin Ministry Centre where we were made very welcome, shown to our comfortable rooms having all facilities. We are keen to see more tomorrow as the city is fascinating, all types of buildings, large, small, slums, different vehicles, strange jeepneys which are a type of crowded small bus almost reminiscent of a well lit merry-go-round.

The only mishap so far, that we know of, is that half Chris's bodywash went through Julie's bag.
God bless.
Margaret

3 comments:

Unknown said...

Good to hear you all made it safely to Manila and are enjoying the sights (and smells) of the Philippines. We are praying for you.

Greg Beacham.

P.S. Paul you may want to change the settings for the website so that people without a gmail account can put comments on the blog.

Jodie said...

Hi everyone,
We're thinking of you and praying for you heaps. We've got the itinerary up on the fridge so we can keep up with what you're doing throughout the day. Hope the prison ministry time went great this afternoon. Sleep well tonight and if I'm awake anytime from 2am, I'll pray for ya then too! All's well this end. Lots of love esp to Robert, Mum and Dad from Jodie, Beth, Caleb, Gracie and Zed.

Sariska said...

Dear Team!
You are all in my prayers as you undertake this ministry! God is guiding you all and I pray that he gives you the words to speak and the love to share with all those you meet.
God Bless!

Sarah Lobegeiger
(I'm Margaret's daughter!)

PS... I miss you Mum xoxoxo