Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Our trip so far.


We flew out from Davao on Tuesday morning. 
What was supposed to be a only-partially-exhausting trip, turned out to be a bit more than draining! 
Our flight to Manila was uneventful. Upon landing in Manila however, we were told that the city was flooded. We were advised that there were no night buses (we were planning on hoping on one that evening) and the lady who was going to pick us up, was stranded, attempting to get to the airport! 
Ok! So, we ran around the airport, looking for some semblance of a wifi connection, in order to book a flight to Tugegarao (the closest airport to home, Tabuk.) We did finally find a coffee shop outside, but, since there were typhoon winds and rain, myself, my computer and the $3 bread I was forced to buy (in order to have the wifi password!) were getting soaked! Not to mention, my computer battery was dangerously low! But God is good and sustained all things (including my patience) in order for me to book a flight and find a close hotel. Overpriced. But close. 
So there we have it, we got in a taxi, and were quickly taken to the hotel. The flood had disappeared about 20 mins before we landed (we might have doubted its existence, except for the trees/garbage/dirt all over the roads!) but apparently started back up about 20 mins after we got into the hotel. 
I have never seem rain like that. 
It alternated between down-pouring and monsooning! The roads would get flooded within minutes! We holed up for the night, thankful to be safe and dry! The next morning, we anxiously checked the internet to see if our flights had been cancelled. No, we were told, all Cebu flights were still going! Thank God, we thought! We called the airport twice to confirm (too good to be true?) and were assured that our flight was on schedule. 
We arrived at the airport "late", only an hour before out 11:25 take off time. We got to our gate and waited. 
1 hour passed, then another, then another. 
The terminal was packed with people. We waited some more, then, finally, at 3:00 (3.5 hours after we were supposed to leave!) they finally called us to board. I don't think I have ever been so happy to get on a plane! The 45 flight went by (mercifully) quickly and we touched down in the small city of Tugegarau. 
Georgia (the midwife I will be working with) had been patiently waiting in town for us! We were so happy to get off the plane, but quickly realized that none of our luggage was getting off the plane. 
*sigh*
 Luckily Im a praying woman, so thats what I did. Prayed for patience, for grace and for energy to get in that loooooong lineup to fill out the "oops we lost your luggage" paperwork. After 45 mins, the paperwork was done and we were (oh thank God!) on the road again! After a quick, delicious dinner (or was it lunch? When was the last time we ate?!) we made our way to Tabuk. 
Although it was already dark, I immediately felt at home with the warm mountain air, the quiet streets and the smell of life. We spend the night at Georgia's (we had nothing in our house) and were so grateful when our head hit the pillow! 
The next morning, we made our way to our house. Its a simple place, very rural. At first we were a bit taken aback, but we know that God will give us the grace to live here. We do plan on painting and fixing things up a bit (perhaps screens on the windows, so that the battle of the bugs might decrease?) and I think that will make us feel more at home. We really appreciate your prayers as we adjust to life here. We have been spoiled in canada with hot water and no bugs, but we feel confident that this is where God has us, surely He will give us strength to overcome obstacles! I spent some time at the clinic today, (4 births so far!) and it was amazing. I am so excited to know these women and their stories! They are friendly and sweet, not to mention so adorable with their round bellies! 

I will share pictures soon, as Im sure you are all on the edge of your seat to see our place! :) We do not have internet yet, so we have to lug our stuff to the clinic or gas station to get online. We try to check online every 2nd day at least, but please be patient if we do not reply to your email right away! 

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