Journal May 3, 2013

At DiBungko village, Isabella

The village built me a new grass hut which seems to last 2 or 3 years or more if the roof is repaired, this is number three. It is much cooler than a tin roof building and at night I enjoy the sounds of the jungle.

Returning here was charged with thanksgiving and appreciation to God for I didn't know if I would return, likewise the people may not have expected me for they had heard about my neck.  I spoke at the CMU and ICCP annual meetings, and the pastors fellowship. The first message with CMU was initially emotional for me but quieted down.

Crossing language and cultural borders God formed His love and friendship between us, and demonstrates His ability and intention for HIs church and His glory in Palanan valley!  This remains a wonder to me...yet it is all about relationships

The land and the people are very familiar. I am not a stranger here, but I am a foreigner, and will always remain a foreigner.  Why I am here is a mystery only God could explain.

Living here is a leap back into simple life and simple focus. Saturday at the CMU mtg. Pauletta looked pregnant but not big. Monday I was sitting in a bamboo shelter with Jason working on a propeller shaft for his canoe,  Pauletta was there, and a beautiful baby in a blanket was sleeping on the bamboo.  Bulol was there also, no one was going goo goo, gaa gaa, over the baby so I kept quiet.  Later I asked another women about the baby and it was Pauletta's, she had the baby early Sunday morning.  Monday they packed up their belongings, including fuel and a pig on a leash, and with mother and child, and the whole family walked down the steep trail to the river.

The absence of electricity removes amenities we consider necessary.  Joy, laughter, and contentment are evident. Fathers and mothers seem responsible. Children playing, the older caring for the younger and learning basic skills, an absence of fighting and friction among them. No toys.  Gathering at the church every night and Sunday...that's all.  This is simple church!

And...some of our visitors suffer without cell reception! Have we learned to be content only with Christ? Pray, He already knows what we need.

Journal May 2, 2013

At the Dome--Bagabag, Philippines

I make no excuse for repetition of the often used phrase "life is relationships."  There is no fruitful or meaningful life without others--the reclusive or self-focused person will live and die in loneliness.

God created us in families, clans, and nations to form our basic identity which binds us together for our good.  Dominant individualism is our enemy to life, joy, and the contentment achieved through giving of ourself for another.  Giving is the root of happiness--that is, giving our our life to another.

We learn where true relationships are formed by giving to God and others.  The possibilities are limitless.  Likewise is our joy and contentment when we are led into relationships which cross our identity over in to the identity of another tribe or nation.

Relationships are formed between different identities by mutual giving of one's self to another. Basic language is beneficial but not necessary for relationships to form by love and trust.

Presently I am visiting friends of a different root identity--with their world view, thoughts, and tongue different than mine.  Yet, transcending beyond our basic identities is relationship built of love and trust because we are followers of Christ!

 Notice the huge jack fruit from one of the many fruit trees
of various types grown on the property for training
 as well as producing food. This young man is being trained
 in electrical skills applying what he is
learning in the construction project below. 

This young staff man is giving us a tour of the new
 housing project for training indigenous people.