"Welcome to Manila...

(pic 1 - Layover in Taipei; Pic 2 Heather and Beth leaving the Manila airport) ...the current outside tempurature is 30 degress celcius, and the weather is mild rain. On behalf of Philippine Air and this flight crew, we'd like to wish you a wonderful stay here in Manila. Mabuhay!" _____________ Yup, we've landed. And then some. Actually, it took our plane two tries to land, probably because there was something on the runway or a miscommunication in the holding pattern the first time. But we made it, and without any hang ups!!!! Praise God! Even as I went through the customs desk at the Manila Airport, the office (a young woman) stopped me, told me that she had been looking for ways to volunteer with GK, and then asked me who she could contact to get involved! There is a new revolution happening here - a new hope is growing in the Philippines - people of every class, every generation, and every skill and ability are uniting to eliminate poverty in this country, and to shine a light for the elimination of poverty worldwide. Don't be fooled - 6 months is a very short time in such a grand scheme, but it is very exciting to be even a small part of such a powerful movement of love. Even as we are still ironing out what we will be doing here, there is already talk of how to continue the mission after we leave. But I am jumping ahead. It wouldn't be right to lose you in a world of dreams without sharing the stark realities of Jeepnee-crowded streets, overflowing generosity, and early morning roosters! The couple we are staying with for the first few nights is amazing. Their house is simple, but beautiful. They said to us that they were happy to have us in return for the generosity they always receive whenever they travel to the States. I was glad to know that a non-American received such generosity, in sharp contrast to the regular negative image that we so often here of abroad. The van ride that took us from the airport to the GK headquarters, and then from the GK headquaters to tita Corky's house was the adventure of a lifetime. For those of you who tire of Chicago driving, or simply hate Chicago drivers for their agressive style, let me assure you, you ain't seen nothin' yet! Perhaps you can be a little more forgiving to know that when they stay between the lines and only cut you off with a four-foot clearance, they are being very restrained for what you might experience in metro-Manila. A three lane road here has traffic five vehicles across, and mopeds in every crack! I am tempted at times to reach out the window and grab a Pepsi bottle off the back of the passing delivery truck. The double yellow line in the middle - if it exists at all - is merely a suggestion for which side you should consider driving on, and playing chicken with on-coming traffic is a regular sport! And that doesn't even get into pedestrians! Wow! So, driving here is not going to happen in the city any time soon! At the GK headquarters, we were immediately greeted again by tito Tony Meloto, founder of GK, and several other full-time workers, who repeatedly reminded us that they have been waiting anxiously for the arrival of the "first batch" of Builders Corps (that's us!). After a short meeting with tito Tony we were ushered to our host's house, tita Corky. She offered us dinner, but we graciously declined, and the four of us were asleep by 8pm! Two days of traveling (three on the calendar) will wear you out, and our hosts were very understanding. We have to go the mall now to exchange our money and take care of some other business. Please keep on praying, and know that things are moving quickly here. More updates are coming soon! And again, my thanks to you all for your endless prayers and support. God is doing great things here! See you soon! (Hopefully.)