Philippines Trip January 2011 #9

This week has been quiet , so I have had some opportunity to read. Two of my favourite books so far on this trip are: “The Naked Now: Learning to See at the Mystics See” by Richard Rohr and “Present Perfect: Finding God in the Now” by Greg Boyd. As the titles imply, both books focus on living in the present moment. Both build on the thoughts and writings of earlier mystics and contemplatives to encourage what brother Lawrence called “practicing the presence of God.” Reading these in the midst of all our adventures so far has reminded me of how much I need this discipline – to see people and events from the perspective of faith and of God who is in me and all around me. Especially the adventures associated with the trip up here on the 5th made me aware of how much I still want to be in control and have things my way rather than seeing and appreciating what God is doing and allowing every moment of my journey with him. Isn’t it great to still have the opportunity to grow and mature at every age and stage of our lives.

On Tuesday we went to visit Theodoro, the Asibanglan village chairman, at his house in Tabuk. Theodoro and his wife Margarita are both retired teachers and like many Kalingas of some means they also maintain a house here in Tabuk, the provincial capital. We had heard that he had come down from the village to Tabuk, but when we went to his house he was out on official business. We did have a very nice visit with Margarita, who is very hospitable and sociable. Yesterday Theodoro and 3 other village leaders came here to Christy’s house to see us. We had a great time discussing and firming up plans for the library dedication next week. The community leaders appreciate this investment in their village and want to do all they can to support the event. We will provide a couple of pigs to butcher and the community will supply rice and people to do the work of cooking and also carrying supplies and our luggage up the steep mountain trail from where the road ends in rainy season. Today I expect to work with the Lubuagan translation team again. One of their parents was gravely ill, so I have not seen them for a few days. It made for a more relaxed pace so far this week.