thursday here, wednesday there

last night, our litt-world group send the sun down your way. we stood on the store of the south china sea and watched the huge orange ball fall into the water, a dramatic display, everyone gathered on the beach, cameras clicking away, mork from kenya trying to get a photo that looked like he held the sun in his hands and all of us trying to get photos of them getting the photo. very fun. we applauded the dramatic display and i said goodbye to the sun and asked it to carry my greetings to you in the west.

it was fun day at batanga bay. a group of seven of us took an hour boat ride along the coast in a narrow wooden boat (sat two by two with pratibha my new friend from nepal getting the bow) with bamboo pontoons (something primitive looking but quite workable). it was relaxing and fun, and cost $7 for all of us (no, not each). the food was great or interesting, all locale cuisines (i keep trying things, and mostly like them, but at least i try). learned a filipino game and laughed hysterically watching my fellow conferees play as children. after a beautiful dinner and cultural dance program, it was more game time for the group. we've all laughed so much and definitely become more like children as the days have progressed.

today is our last day together. we have another full schedule with a celebration dinner today. in the morning it will be goodbye and then some of us depart, others (like me) will tour OMF publishers and then shopping in manila. that group will stay overnight in manila, then we have different tours on saturday. i'm taking the city tour before flying home late saturday night. so our paths are parting soon. it will be a sad farewell as it's incredible the instant love and friendship we've developed. but then of course, home calls so strongly, i miss it dearly and hope somehow to carry back all that's been given to me by these amazing people.

in the days ahead i'll be profiling different people that i've met. so in that way you'll meet them too. for now, think of them you do not yet know, pray for them too. and pray for all our safe journeys to our homes, our little dots on the map of the world.

off to my final day of workshops.
mabuhay!