April 19th- Our team departed from Manila Intl. Airport to Los Angeles Ca, USA, where we met a caravan of teammates and friends from way back. It was a tiring and yet adventurous trip. We were pinching ourselves when we landed because we were still in awe of how fast things went that led us finally to our intended destination. We waited for almost one and a half years, and yet when it came time to leave, we felt ten days was too short to say goodbye, leave mem'ries and pack our stuff. After having our first American breakfast (pancakes and omelet) in the USA, our caravan of three vans and a car drove to San Diego, the ultimate destination. ( for now). We were guided to our temporary houses - some generous individuals who agreed to take us in until we found our more permanent housing. Our hosts were waiting for us...They prepared a sumptuous dinner for our first supper in the USA.
April 20th - We took a quick look at what we can do to start living, really living in the US...Bank, Social Security, license. We only finished one item...Bank. I realize that we are all at the mercy of our patient teammates, who took us around in their cars. Mobility here means you've got to have your own car. Now our confidence level started to melt down as we traverse the freeway. My husband can drive in Manila at 120 kilometers per hour only on New year's day (morning) and Good Friday. (meaning, only few cars on the road) Here at anytime, people can drive at 75 miles per hours. Or perhaps except during peak hours, where the freeways could look like EDSA. (a major road in Manila leading to the main business district)
April 21st - The six of us finished applying for our Social Security numbers...Here everywhere you go, to apply for a phone line, or electric power or insurance, you've got to have an SS number. How can all those who cannot have one survive in this country? We are blessed that we can, it will take four weeks or so to process though. Another exercise in waiting.
April 22nd - Our very first team meeting...Getting to know you's...What has been our lesson for the long wait and more importantly...To appreciate the ONE who made all these things possible. We thanked the Lord for the miracles both great and small, the visas, permission, provision. Etc etc.
April 23rd - Our first Sunday at different churches. It was just so good to connect with the body of Christ here. Then we had our first team dinner, this time with all of us there including the kids. Why do I feel like we have been teammates for a long time? In reality ... We are, we all went through the same emotional ups and downs with the turn of events even though we were from different sides of the globe. It was just good to be with each other face to face and rejoice that finally, we can work and struggle together in the same place.
April 24 to May 1- MPD training in Orlando where we met our former director and wife and had a great time being prepared for the days and weeks ahead of finding ministry partners. Jet lag is starting to take its hold on us. We were sleepy on most sessions but managed to get the most out of the training. Thanks to Ellis...To his dedication... We are blessed.
May 3 - We started to scout for houses, possible places and different options...We prayed, discussed and really take pains in getting the best place where we could live and find community.
May 6 - Ate Wilma hosted a party for Filipino friends and we had about 40 people come to the event. Some drove for 8 hours just to see us. It was an encouraging time for us. We met former teammates and old friends and also got to know new ones. We presented what our team came to San Diego for. It started at 3 pm and ended way past 10 pm.
May 8 - We started moving to the house Gin found, in a quiet and nice location, very near the freeway, with three bedrooms and a backyard, front lawn and 2- car garage...Just what we need...Two families joining together to save on precious dollars. This is when we more amazed of what the Christians can do in response to a need they were presented with...
May 10 - Leo and I slept for the first time in our new rented house...and the first appliance we got to use is the coffee maker given by our wonderful host. She even gave a can of Maxwell house coffee. I will never forget this day as this is my father's birthday...I miss him...
May 25 - today as I am writing this diary, our house is fully furnished, kitchenwares, bed linens, dining sets, home theater, armoires, beds, sofas, computers, office chair, tables, groceries, component, telephone apparatus, toys, etc, you name some need you may have, we already have it...For almost no cost at all... Everything given by the household of faith...Mostly given by those who have not met or seen us, who never knew us...By the way, our team also got 3 cars also given by generous Christians who loved God and responded to the need. We are not so immobile after all.
Six months ago we sold our stuff, but because we were delayed, we have learned to eat on a small picnic table, cook on just one pan and one wok, and watch programs on a borrowed TV. Today, we have gotten back all the stuff we let go of, and got so much more, now we are thinking of upgrading...(joke, joke)
The Lord is faithful indeed in His promise to provide, HE has always been so faithful, even at times we were not...
The road is still long and winding...and perhaps narrow... as we embark on the work the Lord has called us to participate in...we can only look to Him for what to do next...
BTW, you are all invited to a thanksgiving party...mark the date: June 17 lunch time...cya there.
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