Life here in the Philippines is in many ways similar to that of life back home in Alberta –and in many ways very different as well! I have been accepted with great hospitality and patience into the home of Ate. Amy. It has quickly become a home away from home. The roosters crowing in the morning are now a welcome wakeup call, and the mangoes thudding onto the roof in the middle of the night are a reminder that there will be fresh fruit in the morning.
I have spent some time getting to know the people in the UCCP national office, who are all very patient with me as I struggle with the first steps in my Cuebueno lessons.
I was received by the UCCP National church and commissioned to my work in the Negros conference by the General Secretary Bishop Pascua himself! I was sent off with a stole, Cuebuen bible, history books, Malong and tsinelas (sandals).
Never have I felt more at home here though, than in worship. It is amazing that no matter what language is being spoken, praising God feels like home. I may not understand the prayers, or the hymns, or the majority of the sermon, but that seems to matter a lot less than I had thought it would. The Spirit moving in and through these congregations is palpable even without the language.
I had the opportunity one Sunday to worship at Ellenwood United Church – the very first UCCP church where the basis of union was signed. And the church geek in me rejoiced!
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