Rachel Hampton

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!