Day four is just about wrapped up, although several are still visiting here in General Aguinaldo. Our time in Isabella has been short but active. Today we woke up, had breakfast and then folded and prepared stacks of tracts for use in the Mayoyao outreach. The tract message was written by our dear friend, Lemuel Phillips. We departed at 7am and began the winding ascent to our destination (think constant sharp turns you must brace for on alternating sides while bouncing up and down in a van space that can’t fit your knees straight in front of you). This took a toll on some of our passengers, but with a little help from Zofran and Dramamine everyone pulled through. Hard, but BEAUTIFUL. What an area of the Philippines to behold. We took advantage of a couple of pull-out overlook areas to give ourselves a break from the drive. Once we arrived at Mayoyao, we were welcomed into the home where the church meets. We took time to visit, sing, and I gave a short devotional message. From there we split into three groups which took different areas of the streets to walk, visit with people and provide tracts on some basic beliefs of the Christian faith. Following this, we had lunch back at the house, and departed for Ubao. At Ubao, we gathered in the new building being constructed, and which they have been using since March. While there is still a good amount of finishing that needs to be completed once funding is secured (windows, restrooms, plastering over the cinder block structure), we are so happy that they are able to begin using this site for their gatherings. Leaving there, we stopped at Magat Dam, the largest dam in the Philippines which is only a few minutes from our overnight location here in General Aguinaldo. After enjoying the nice sounds of rain, and then dinner, we gathered for an evening devo, and Sean spoke. Now, there is just mingling (it’s 9pm), and I hear the traditional singing while I type this that always happens when Chris and Arnulfo get together. Wonderful place. More wonderful people. We love everyone here.

The late night song swap tradition between Chris and Arnulfo has begun.

Sean spoke at our evening devo at Aguinaldo.

A quick stop at the largest dam in the Philippines, just a few moments away from our residence for these couple nights. The storms were just arriving as we left.

A visit to Ubao on the way back from Mayoyao gave us an opportunity to see the building under construction. They have been meeting in this location since March of this year and hosted a VBS over their summer break.

Some beautiful scenery from today.

Visiting with a brother and sister who hosts the church in their home in Mayoyao, visiting with people in the city, and a devotional time with Matt speaking. Their young son made quick friends with us. We had a tract printed up for this visit for sharing from something Lemuel Phillips had written as a statement of faith — covering the basics of what is required for faith, as well as some basics of church life.

Stop to reset some inner ears on this road with non-stop winding through the mountains.

Breakfast and prep in Aguinaldo before heading out to work in Mayoyao.

Lunch on the outskirts of San Nicolas.

Passing through Pangasinan and stretching our legs where it is perpetually Christmas.

Morning in Manila, 8am departure for Isabella.

Baggage collected. Time to head into Sampaloc.

Left SFO Monday afternoon, arriving 7pm Tuesday in Manila, and the sun never went down.

Next stop, Manila.

Boarded up and San Francisco bound.

Waiting on flight UA1712

The four from College Station were all up in Lubbock today for Philip and Kate’s wedding. A great day. Tomorrow we head to DFW to prepare for our Monday departure.