Update 1--Jungle Missionaries

Dear  family and friends,

We are officially jungle missionaries! Our blog is just now getting updated because solar electricity and satellite internet are inconsistent here. I was unable to upload photos with this update; however, I will try to do so in the next update. I can imagine few places more remote and beautiful than this mission project. Here is a brief synopsis of our activities since departing America: 

The trip started with our departure flight on Monday (Oct. 25) from Nashville and ended  40 hours later when we landed in Puerto Princesa (capitol of the island of Palawan, Philippines). Thankfully our history as night nurses made the jetlag tolerable. As soon as we arrived on the island, we knew we were in for a cultural treat—native food, foreign driving methods, many smiles, and 200% humidity. 

The first two days were spent with Kent & Leonda George in the capitol; buying and organizing needed supplies for the mission compound. It was difficult trying to choose all the food we would need for nine months! Four grocery cart-fulls of food will hopefully see us through until June. Produce (mangos, bananas, pineapples, rice, and native foods) are available in the mountains, however, everything else we had to buy for the whole time.  

While shopping in Puerto, it was amusing watching the locals drive around in tricycles—a motorcycle with a side car and roof. The Filipinos are quite efficient at packing lots of people and stuff into small spaces. These vehicles fit about three of us Americans, however, can fit up to 14 locals or a literal ton of rice (that is if the tires don’t pop)! 

After our stay in Puerto, Becca and I journeyed to Brooke’s Point (city closest to the mountains of Kemantian—mission project) via bus. The five-hour bus ride was complete with chickens, pig feed, 70 people in a 40-passenger bus, and no A/C! Though our backsides were certainly sore, we enjoyed the trip and count it a blessing to have spent such “bonding” time with the locals. 

Following our safe arrival in Brooke’s Point, we spent our first Sabbath witnessing a baptism in a nearby stream. It was awesome to see people of completely different culture and background than us experience the same emotions and peace when they give their hearts to God. Also, we have been amazed at the dedication and love the George’s (AFM missionaries) have shown the Palawano people for 15 years. Truly amazing.

On Sunday, we made the three-hour trek into the mountain village where the clinic and school are located. This hike was far different than taking a stroll on the Appalachian Trail. Cleats are needed to maintain grip on the steep, muddy trail. Also, water shoes are needed for slippery river-walking, and a keen sense of direction is needed to avoid getting lost in the dense jungle. Despite the treacherous conditions, the natives walk these trails barefoot carrying up to a hundred pounds of supplies on their heads! They are very gracious people and carried most of our gear for a couple dollars. The rest of the gear was flown in via helicopter. 

Now that we are finally here at the mission project, Becca and I have spent time settling into our hut, getting acquainted with other missionaries and natives, and familiarizing ourselves with the clinic. It will still take some time for us to get used to the language barrier, living with unwanted critters in the hut, time-consuming meal preparation, cold showers, muddy feet, sleeping in mosquito netting, and damp clothes. Though these things are out of the ordinary for us, it has been enjoyable; almost like an extended camping trip. The surrounding mountains are beautiful and dotted with native huts making for a quaint picture. Becca thinks of it like a Swiss-Family Robinson adventure, except with more bugs. It truly is a blessing to be here, and we look forward to being able to help the Palawano people. Thank you for all your prayers and support. Take care!