All of us were a bit slow moving to start our Friday. During the whole week, I had been getting only 3 or 4 hours of sleep per night. After an even shorter night’s sleep, I was dragging to meet Rody and Tessie at breakfast. It would be easier to blame my next blunder on tiredness than to admit my sheer stupidity in what came next. I drank the “service” (local) water they always pour for everyone. Though I have always warned American brethren traveling with me not to drink it and have never done so before, I made the big mistake. After taking just one swallow, I knew that I was probably in trouble. I always carry a bottle of Flagyl with me to treat a stomach and intestinal problem caused by an amoeba, as I am highly susceptible to it. So, I took a dose in hopes of avoiding any illness.
In our final class session, we covered Hebrews 12 & 13. Though it was a little faster than I would have preferred to do it, we got through all of the material at about 12:15pm, taking no breaks from our 9:30am start. We had a short question/answer period consisting of just two questions. We then handed out certificates of achievement, which is a custom in this culture, and had the “remembrance” picture taking which is also customary. The students were extremely attentive all through these classes, despite the stifling heat. Repeatedly, they expressed their gratitude for these classes and those American brethren who had made such possible. Almost all of them asked for classes every year on a book of the Bible and wanted to know when I was coming back.
I came to Palawan just a week earlier not knowing what to expect. What I found was 60+ preachers who were anxious to learn and grow. (As I understand it, another 15 to 20 preachers wanted to come, but were not able for various reasons.) Like almost everywhere I go in the Philippines, I found brethren wanting to study despite all of the hardships of overcrowded, hot, and sometimes darkened facilities that many Americans would never accept. Yet, they eagerly engage in Bible study all day long, without any of the creature comforts we take for granted, and are thrilled for the opportunity. I do the best I can in teaching these classes, but I am quite sure that my Filipino brethren encourage and teach me more than I do them.
I had to go back to the hotel, finish packing and check out by 2pm. After that, we went back to Dario’s house for lunch. The final task was settling up on the bills for the classes which wiped me totally out of pesos. About 4pm, I said my “goodbyes to the Belviz family. Dario, Rody and Tessie then took me to the airport.
Since I switched the airline carrier I had been using to begin using Philippine Airlines, they gave me complementary access to their lounge before all 3 flights I took. So, I went into the lounge, found a private area, and started looking though my carry-on bags for any money I had overlooked. I found $250 in my travel documents organizer! I was thrilled to find that money and change it into pesos upon arriving back in Manila. That is enough to carry me through to my departure for home on Tuesday.
When I got to Manila, I collected my bags and went to the taxi stand. After a short cab ride back to the hotel, I got an expedited check-in as I had filled out everything online. I went straight to my room and straight to bed. I immediately passed out though I had failed to eat supper. I slept until after 10am Saturday morning. After getting to the lounge just before they closed the breakfast, I ate, went back to the room, and called Leslie. Everything was fine for about 30 until the effects of the tainted water hit me and I was horribly sick for the rest of the day. Fortunately, by time to go to bed, I felt much better and assured James Paet that I would be ready to make the scheduled preaching on Sunday. More on that in the next report.
Thanks again for your support and interest! God bless.
Brotherly, Harry