Rachel Hampton

Off Day! February 24, 2009

One of the things that many people look forward to each week is their off day. You can do whatever you want. Some people use it to relax on the ship, but many want to go off the ship and explore the city where we are living for now. Yesterday was my off day. A small group of us had heard about a local resort that had beautiful waterfalls and swimming so decided we were going to go there.  One problem, we had no idea where it was or how to get there.  We knew one group had previously taken a bus so headed out with the same goal in mind.  We left later in the day than planned (you can’t blame a girl for wanting to sleep in on her day off) and stopped at the local mall to use the ATM.  By the time we FINALLY left there, it was after 2pm.  There were six of us, me, Adam (also from the USA), Carola and Katherine (Australia), Kenji (Japan), and Yuriy (Ukraine).  We crammed ourselves into a taxi and asked him to take us to the bus station.  And when I say crammed, I mean it.  We were stuffed like sardines and prayed that the bus station was not far.  And when I say bus station, you are probably imagining something far different than what we experienced.  It was basically a parking lot with small, open-air buses parked with painted letters on the front letting you know where it was headed.  They stuff as many people in one as possible and then off you go. The bus we were on was very similar to a jeepney…where most of the seats face each other.  If you want to look out the window, you are forced to look past the person across from you.  Then they think you’re staring at them and give you a questioning look.  Then you try to shift to look elsewhere, but run into the same problem again.  It’s quite interesting . 

After an hour and a half bus ride, we get to our destination.  It only cost us 35 pesos…less than a dollar.  I think a dollar is around 47 pesos. We arrived at 4pm and found out that the last bus back to the city left at 5:30pm.  It didn’t leave us much time so we hurried and hiked to the waterfalls.  They were truly beautiful.  I have photos but due to internet issues, am not sure when I’ll be able to post them. Soon…hopefully.  Don’t lose heart There were other things to do there like go swimming in a pool, dip in the hot springs, climb the rock wall, and walk across the rope bridge.  We didn’t get to do any of that but the ride up there was so breathtaking and the waterfalls themselves so gorgeous that we didn’t care!  Oh, and I can’t forget the bats.  There were probably thousands of bats hanging high from the trees above us.  Sick.  In fact, Katherine and I hiked a little farther than others and could hear the little pests moving in the trees/bushes around us.  And yes, when we heard them…we ran.

We headed back to the city and were so proud of ourselves for figuring out the interesting transportation without a locals help.  We are sooooo international .  We went back to the mall for a quick dinner and then walked back to the ship.  It was a wonderful, relaxing day.

Today was my e-day for this week.  You heard me mentioning it before.  We stayed on the ship today and had to put on a program for four different schools that were coming for tours.  My group was a lot of fun and we enjoyed performing for the kids.  I had to act the part of “mom” and we also did a song explaining the different jobs on board.  It seems to be a popular one for the kids.  Honestly, edays are becoming my favorite days.  I just love getting to work with various people from the ship’s crew and often acting like a fool.  I know, you’re surprised by that admission. 

PS. Random sighting in the bookshop…a Beggar’s Fortune CD!  Some of you know how weird that is.

Excuse me, that’s my bum. February 20, 2009

Yeah, you read that right. Yesterday, me and one of my Australian friends, Carola, went and got massages.  Some girls on the ship had mentioned how they got one and it was amazing, so since we didn’t have to work until 4:30pm, we thought we’d go for it.  First we stopped at a local Pizza Hut for lunch. Yum! I’m trying not to think about all the wonderful food in the states I’m missing. Cheese fries….sigh. 

ANYWAY, the massage was an hour and a half for only 350 pesos…that is about $7!  It was my first one ever and it was in the Philippines.  And yes, the girl massaged my bum.  That was weird. I was trying really hard not to laugh.  So I guess that means I’m still a 5th grader at heart. I mean, come on, don’t tell me you wouldn’t have been the same way.  At least i had a girl masseuse. We floated back to the ship after that and then had to work that night til after 1am. Carola mentioned that we should’ve gotten our massages AFTER the night was over.  Hindsight. And it’s Saturday, so the mess in the bookshop is probably going to be worse tonight…another long night.

Ok, I have something serious to talk about.  It pains me to say it.  Many of you know my concern about cockroaches on the ship. Yes, they are here. On the positive side, the ones I’ve seen are small. You kind of get used to them. On the negative side, one of the ones I saw was in my dinner! *body shiver* A few nights ago I was casually eating dinner with a couple guys from my pre-ship (the group of people that just recently joined with me).  I had eaten about 3/4 of my meal and had forked another bite. As I lifted the utensil to my mouth, I glanced down and saw a dead, disgusting roach with it’s little legs sticking straight up at me.  After a moment of shock, I whimpered, dropped my fork, and put my face in my hands…visions of all kinds of disturbing things running through my head.  The guys wondered what was wrong til I pointed it out.  And no, they really weren’t that sympathetic.  At least I don’t categorize laughter as sympathy.  In fact, as I cried out “whyyyyy???|”, Adam answered, “because God wanted to bless me today.”  Jerk.  (The Lord got him back though because a few minutes later, there was a cockroach crawling up his leg).  So needless to say, I have been checking my food diligently since then for any unwanted insects. And if you are as completely revolted as I was…my job here is done. Good day.

Jeepney…what? February 17, 2009

The wind blew my hair into my face and water splashed onto my leg from the side of the little cart I was in.  Still, I was having so much fun! The mode of transportation in the Philippines is anything but normal to Americans.  The most popular way to travel is in something called a jeepney. You pile more people in than you think possible and off you go.  It is also very inexpensive. Google it for a photo. Another way to travel is small carts attached to the side of a motorcycle or bicycle.  As you weave in and out of traffic, you pray to God that He’ll protect you from that car that is inches from side-swiping you.  But what a way to go.  Sarah (Germany) and I rode back from the local mall on our day off in one of the small carts.  We were attached to a motorcycle and couldn’t help but look at each other and smile.  This is just one of the few little things that brings me joy from day-to-day.  Sometimes I can’t help but look around me and think, “I am really living on this huge ship which is hanging out in the Philippines.”  It still hasn’t completely sunk in.

I had my birthday a few days ago and it was wonderful!  Not that it was anything special, but I know I will always remember it.  Part of the day was spent working…some of which was in the rain.  My jeans were soaked to my shins but I didn’t care.  We are in a city that is known as the “city of smiles”.  It is true.  The people here are so friendly!  They also love taking photos.  I don’t know how many times this pasty white girl has been asked to pose for a photograph.  I look at my face next to the Filipino brown skin and think, “dang, I’m white”.  One girl told me today though that they wish they were not so dark.  I guess it’s true that the grass is always greener on the other side.

Today was my first E-day.  It stands for Evangelism and we have one a week.  You are placed on a team of people who are also having their E-day that day and are given some kind of task to do.  Sometimes you stay on board and give tours.  Sometimes you go out witnessing on the streets.  Sometimes you host events on the ship.  Today, we went to a local high school.  We split up into groups and went into the different classrooms explaining who we are and what we are doing on board.  We also had a time for questions.  The most popular? How old are you and Do you have a boyfriend.  We also had an outdoor program that afternoon.  We performed dramas, introduced ourselves, I gave my missions testimony, and challenged these kids to serve the Lord.  They are in a Christian school but we all know that doesn’t mean they are Christians.  I had a really good time getting to know new people on the ship that I had never met before.  On our way back, our driver stopped at an eco garden.  They had all kinds of intersting birds and reptiles…including a HUGE python.  Some people in my group were brave enough to hold him.  I couldn’t bring myself to do it.  Maybe next time I get the opportunity to hold a snake that is bigger than I am, I will take advantage of it.

There are so many opportunities to just trust in the Lord.  In this environment, it is impossible to expect to do things in your own strength.  And the testimony of people you see around you is just amazing.  We are truly blessed to be here.  If only I could bring each and every one of you to stay here with me.  Everyone should have this opportunity.  And no, maybe it’s not for everyone.  I’m sure living in cramped quarters on a ship does not sound like a good time to many of you but, I swear, it’s a blast!  Please keep your prayers coming.  I know that it’s only through them and the grace of God that I am loving it here as much as I am.  And keep those comments coming…it makes me feel nice to hear from you and know you care.  Love you all!

Settling In February 9, 2009

Well…it is official, I know my room, roommates, and job assignment. Curious? Suspense…

Ok, I am rooming with the same four girls that were in my temporary cabin this past week. Nikki is 20 and from the Philippines, Elly is 40ish and from Indonesia, and Fumie is around 18 from Japan. Our room is one of the smallest on board with no window BUT I hear that in four months or so when the new preship comes, we are some of the first ones that get an option to move to another cabin. I moved my stuff in yesterday and was displeased with the bland bedding that the ship offers (though they offer it kindly) so I went with a friend to the local mall and bought some bedding. It feels more cozy and happy now.

As far as my job…yesterday morning they had a big presentation for us.  They would call a person to the front and present them with an envelope. They opened it to see a certificate with their name on it, inviting them to join the  ______ dept.  Well, I was hoping for book ex and I GOT IT! I can expect to sweat alot because it is really hot in there.  Still, I am excited to get started.  We have our first day of training tomorrow.  Then Wednesday we have to pack up the entire bookshop for sailing late that afternoon.  Then we set everything back up on Thursday in another port in the Philippines.  So we’ll definitely get a crash course in the book exhibition. 

Today we got to learn about the life rafts and were lowered into the water from the ship and then sailed around the port a little bit.  It was fun though I’m hoping that is the only time I will have to do that…next time it would be because the ship is sinking. We also got to shoot the fire hoses off the stern of the ship for practice.  We had a lot of fun with that, especially since the wind was blowing towards us and everyone got soaked with the salty sea water.  We were trying not to think about all the trash we’ve seen floating in that water over the past week.

Saturday evening I was able to meet up with the Children of the World kids and a few chaperones! It was so good to see them and I can’t believe how big they are! They got a tour of the ship and then we went to the mall and ate dinner at Jollibee.  It is a popular fast food restaurant in the Philippines.   We just hung out, took photos, and went souvenir shopping. The time passed way too quickly and then we had to leave the mall, they going their way and me going mine. Those kids are awesome and I’m so glad we got to hang out.  I think they were happy to see someone from the US in their own country.  It doesn’t happen often. OH! and I almost forgot…when we were shopping guess what song came on? “How am i supposed to live w/o you” from Saved by the Bell.  I laughed out loud.

I am feeling more and more at home here.  I’m starting to understand my way around the ship and how the rules work.  People are so nice and it’s easy to sit anywhere in the dining room and just start talking to someone. Everyone says that by the time I leave, I will know everyone on board so much more than I do now. I am still really looking forward to this next year.  It’s hard to believe I am finally here!  God has been teaching me a lot in Isaiah as I’ve been reading this week. Mostly about the kind of person I DON’T want to be. There’s a lot of growing to be done, but that’s good. I’ve never liked staying in one place to long anyway

Overwhelmed! February 6, 2009

That about sums up my main feeling in the past week or so. Wow, it is crazy to be on board the ship now. We arrived on Sunday and it was so amazing. To pull up and see the name of the ship right before my eyes was crazy. How many times have I uttered that word or seen pictures of it? Too many to count.  And now here I was…with it right before me. Words cannot describe that feeling.  Pair with that the hundreds of people standing on either side of our bus with their national flags, cheering for our arrival. Definitely one of those memories that will stay with me forever. So you jump off the bus into a throng of people, none of who you know, but all of who are smiling. Then you walk up the gangway and encounter more people. You’re led to your temporary cabin and sit for long enough to take a breath and then it’s off again. We are still going through some training and do not know our jobs yet so we don’t feel quite a part of the ship yet, but we are slowly but surely meeting new people and getting acquainted with ship life. There are definitely some amazing people on board! We are in cabins just for this week because there are people moving off the ship and we will be taking some of their places.  So in just a few days I’ll finally be able to unpack (after 4 weeks) and settle in.  I’ll know who my roommates are and know what kind of job God has placed me in for the next year.  It’s hard being the new kid but I’ve been able to spend a lot of time in the Word and God has definitely encouraged me.  I’m in Isaiah right now and the “my ways are higher that your ways” verse always helps me when I’m feeling a little out of place or lost.

This ship is very small but cozy. I kind of knew to expect that so it wasn’t a big surprise. It is confusing to make your way around.  Especially at first.  I’m feeling a little bit more comfortable now….I know just where to look for the boy’s cabins.  Kidding, kidding.  There’s no dating in the first year on board anyway.  Not that I’m looking to.  Although, yes, there are Asians on board.  I knew some of you were wondering

And here’s a little jewel (especially for you Hampton’s)…God has prepared me for the ship internet by “blessing” me with dial-up for the last three years at my parent’s casa.  It is reallllllyyyyy slow! Facebook is so bad there is almost no point.  So don’t be offended if I don’t comment back to you. I’ll try to get some photos up at some point because I’m sure you’re interested to see what’s been going on.  We sail in less than a week so I’ve got my sea sickness bag ready…though I’m hoping I won’t have to use it.

Tomorrow night some of the previous Children of the World kids are coming to visit.  I cannot wait!!! It will be so good to see them.  That’s all for now. Aye Aye.