The Resurrection

While living in a predominately catholic country, I haven't noticed many differences until our recent Easter holiday. 

First of all, I have never gotten Maundy Thursday off of school, and not even sure if I've ever heard the official name for it.  But I was excited about having an extra day off from school.

People had warned me that everything shut down on Thursday and Friday and that there was no one on the roads on Saturday.  They weren't lying...my friend Kelli and I ventured out on Thursday afternoon to see if we could find a McDonalds or something open to eat.  It was like driving through a ghost town (not literally, there were still people, but compared to the normal Manila traffic it was unbelievable).  Then later than night we went out to see the "Ortigas blitz" which is when people from all over Manila walk literally miles on the main road to the big Catholic church, Antipolo Church, on top of the hill.  There were thousands of people crowding the streets just walking, and the farther along you go the more you see processions that include devotees who self-flagellate and sometimes even have themselves nailed to crosses as expressions of penance, in fulfillment of a vow, or in thanksgiving for a granted request.

After three o'clock in the afternoon (the time Jesus is traditionally believed to have died), all noise and merrymaking is discouraged and the faithful are urged to keep a solemn and prayerful disposition. The city becomes so quiet, where I would normally hear karaoke and talking there was nothing.

Holy Saturday known locally as "Black Saturday", has the traditional silence and solemnity from the previous day spill over.  Some parishes will even have a presentation where Judas hangs himself because of his treachery towards Jesus.

The death of Christ was important, but it was so important because of what happened three days later.  He conquered death and rose again!  It is because of this that we have been given an opportunity to live eternally. I was shocked at the sadness this weekend in Manila...He is no longer dead, He has risen and lives today.

This Easter I have been touched by the humility in the death of Christ.  He wasn't pretending to be fearless, but went to His heavenly father and asked "My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will (Matt. 26:39b)."  

I think Jesus' prayers in Gethasmane have challenged me to be completely honest with God and to serve with even more humility.  I may not always love what I do every hour or even every day, but I pray that I can serve my Lord with humility and honesty.  I know that He has always been with me, and His will is ultimately the best thing for me.

I pray that His will be done in my life.

She'll be coming over the ocean when she comes!

This weekend I was blessed with being able to help out with Faith's production of Annie by doing all the hair.  It was a fun experience getting to know some of the high schoolers and middle schoolers.  However, it left me drained and very tired.  I walked into school this morning groggy, and with coffee in hand I was barely able to get through the morning.

I am also looking forward to a special visitor coming in just under two weeks. MY MOM! So excited for her to see my class, my work, my friends, my condo, and hopefully some of the fun things there is to do in Manila! As her visit is coming closer I'm realizing I'm missing home more and more.  I think the anticipation and knowing that she's coming soon is stirring up some mixed feelings.  I love the Philippines, but I'm also missing Seattle and even Chicago right now.  This time of the year is one of my favorite times in Chicago. The cool wind, and playing frisbee on oak street beach...but here in the Phils it's reaching into the 90s and I'm having trouble sleeping at night because hot season is just starting to hit.

But over all God is good, and I'm reminded of what a gift it is to serve Him here in the Philippines this easter.  I know that many of these feelings I'm feeling now Christ felt...he was someone living away from his family in a foreign land and struggled with cultural changes as well.  When I am weak He is strong, and I can know that He is with me and has already gone through what I am going through now.

The King and I in Thailand!

Two weeks ago a few of my friends and I were blessed to go on a trip to Bangkok, Thailand.  It was an amazing opportunity and I am so thankful that I was able to see more of Asia.  I found myself amazed with the rich culture and the hospitality of the people. 

On the last night that we were there we were able to go see a Thai cultural show.  I felt like I was part of the King and I eating, and watching this beautiful performance and taking in as much of the Thai culture as I could. The show illustrated the different regions of Thailand and the different cultures of each, one being a fishing community, and another being a mountainous region. 

As I sat there watching the show my heart was breaking for these people. They have come from some a strong roots, and the traditions of this country are beautiful, and yet they are so far from the truth.  They truly are a nation that is searching for truth.

The night before the show we were exploring more of the night life in Bangkok because we heard about the amazing night markets. Little did we know that with the night comes evil from it's dark corners.  The streets were lined with women and men who held folders filled with pictures of women, and flyers being passed out to passer-byes.  I have never felt so dirty in my life. 

After living in Chicago for many years I witnessed some terrible things, and was not surprised by the evil things people partook in.  Now living in Manila it's a regular occurrence for me to see poverty, drugs, and a unlimited supply of trash and filth.  But for some reason there in the streets of that Bangkok night market I have never felt such a spiritual darkness.

All this to say I have come away from this trip with a new burden. To pray for Thailand.  I can't imagine what it must feel like to feel forced into something that is so inhumane.  Please pray for these women and their families and that there would be a light in those communities where they can run to Christ.

A great experience, with great friends.  I count myself extremely lucky to be able to visit these different places in the south pacific.  It was also a time to get refreshed after another quarter of teaching.  But I love my kids and I was so ready to get back to them.

 

These are some of the pictures I took on the trip.  So many vibrant colors.  Overall I would love to go back again soon

An old sculpture at the Grand Palace... Love the gold in the background.

There is literally so much gold in the palace it was beginning to hurt my eyes with the sun...

Love this face... he's got a huge burden on his back...

wish I had enough time and courage to talk to this monk...he was in conversation with someone already...

The only reason I am wearing that sweater is because there was a dress code...long pants and sleeves. Yikes it was warm.

love the color in this one.

One day we were walking down the street when we ran into a small parade with elephants.  They were raising money for relief work in Japan. Who can say no to that big ol' elephant face...

This is me on the River Kwai and the bridge in the background. It was a great day to get out of the city and see some of the more rural parts of Thailand.

Bridge over the River Kwai.

More idols at a nearby temple.

view from up top...

La Mia and me...she was a great elephant. This picture was taken right after she had sucked up some water and sprayed it on herself trying to cool her off...and got me instead. Yuck!

our "river rafting" expedition... more like a peaceful float down the river.

feeding the babies :)

so precious.

they took us on a train ride called "the death train"...

elephant foot.

a very happy couple of friends.

On our last night we went to a cultural show which was amazing and so beautiful. Love the Thai people and their beautiful culture.