Our days here are drawing to a close, but we are making the most of each moment! Saturday morning began with a trip into town with Ate Leanna to buy a few supplies for a last minute art project idea. We bought some yarn and a crochet needle for each girl. Mary was plagued with a headache that lasted the day, but she still managed to give a detailed crocheting lesson, teaching us all how to begin the stitches in hopes that they will become bags for us to share and sell back home. It was rather difficult, but the girls seemed into it and willing to learn through the frustration. Although slow, the stitches began to take form. Our team, however, didn't seem to catch on quite like the girls, so we had a support team too ;)
After a very brief rest, we jumped in the vehicle for a night out on the town with all the Agape girls and Ate Becky. We were excited to be able to treat them all to dinner at one of our local favorites, Chicken Joe's. It's this great little place where you can get a delicious piece of Filipino barbequed chicken on a stick, served with a scoop full of rice and a yummy soy and vinegar dipping sauce. And the best part. . . it is customary to eat with your hands! They have little sinks for hand washing and then we were all at liberty to dirty up our little hands. After eating, Alisa and Megan had fun taking silly pictures with the girls at the restaurant, while Ate Becky shared the story of the Rainbow fire of '97 with Mary and I. It's so wonderful to have a moment to share the stories of hardship as well as how the Lord has worked wonders through it all.
Moving along, we all took a walk down the boulevard in search of a Pinoy (Filipino) delicacy, Belut. Belut is a fertilized egg, boiled in a distinctive broth and served according to its age. Some of the girls were up for the adventure of trying it for the first or second time. Our team kept a distance from the gross looking delicacy known more to us from Fear Factor. They order a few Pinoy ones which are just fertilized, more like a boiled egg. And then three of the girls tried a 16-day one. DISGUSTING!! You could see the little chick all formed! We enjoyed watching the girls try them with lots of vinegar and took some pictures too. Perhaps it's a right of passage here in the Philippines.
The girls have been particularly affectionate the last few days since another short term team left. It's so hard for these girls to have so many visitors that can stay for just a short time. They see a lot of coming and going and while it brings so much joy, it invites a little sorrow and longing too. I feel blessed by the fact that we can commit to returning with an Agape Art team each year. It's wonderful to be able to give them that consistency.
Becky
Agape Girls and Team-
Please do me a favor... Today, give Becky a long hug on this fathers day. I ask you to Pray for her and pray with her. I will be praying with her Family back at home... I would do anything to be with her today, so Please do this in my absence... Thanks in advance...
James!
Posted by: James Palmieri | June 15, 2008 at 02:10 AM