Manila

I arrived at Manila just before midnight of the 23rd.  The flight coming over the Artic was quite spectacular.  There was just enough light to make out the sea ice in huge floes as we left the Alaskan coast.  Heading over Siberia, it made me thankful that I was inside the plane.  All I could see were mountains and mountains covered with snow and rivers frozen solid.  I think that it would be beautifull in the summertime, though.

 

I stepped into the warm moist Manila air and had reason to be thankfull that my hands won't chap like they did in the states.  I checked into the Pensione Natividad hotel, but had a very hard time sleeping, and today I am having a hard time staying awake.  Tomorrow I fly to Puerto Princessa, buy my food for the next few months and take a shuttle or bus down to Brookes Point.  Hopefully I can make it for Thanksgiving on Thursday!

 

The sights, sounds, and people are familiar.  Still I see here that people in the Philippines just as anywhere are in need of a heart turning.  People come to this huge city of Manila to find fulfillment in life.  They come to find a job, or fashion, or money and I doubt that many of them realize that what they really need is God's Holy Spirit to transform their hearts into hearts of love for others and that then they will  truly have satisfaction.  There have been times that I have found myself in that same worldly mindset.  But thankfully, God, in his infinite wisdom and mercy,  loves us enough to lead us to repentance.  Thank God for His love.

 

In His service,

 

Brian