March 30,

We were up and readying by 0700. We had our Javas and breakfast of Muesli and yogurt. It is a sunny morning, as we tried to E-hail a Grab taxi. It was continuously searching for one so we tried hailing one. We finally flagged one down, just as the Grab app responded. That was a little awkward, but we got a ride to the Girl Scout Camp where the GC Baguio church meets.

We arrived around 0910 for the 0930 service, and we mingled with a few members. One of the Pastor team came up to us and asked us to do some readings of the service. She had slated another couple – the ones we went out with last week – to do the service, but the man was not feeling well and did not come today. We said we would. This pastor also related a sad issue dealing with a member here – a young doctor. He was found dead at the hospital where he worked. He left behind a wife and two young children. More prayers to lift up!! We then spoke with the lady from last week and she gave us some information she had found in her files. That was very nice. She said her husband just was not up to coming today. She also gave us her & her husband’s email addresses.

Anyway, the service commenced and followed the same sequence as last week. The Praise and Worship lasted 30 minutes today – still just three songs. I read with the congregation at times from Psalms 32:1-11 – that was a unique experience. Then we had the offering and a song. Next was Congregational Prayer- where we broke up into small groups, voiced our concerns and prayed over them. Then we watched a Speaking of Life video, by Jeff Broadnax. Now my Jeff read a pre-written theme outline for today’s appointed scriptures, with a message relating to reconciliation, and closed with a written prayer. I don’t know about Jeff but it was nice to participate. Then came the sermon. The lady Pastor spoke on 'Reconciling- Gift of Sight.' I noticed she had the same last name as the main pastor. She may be his mother(?) Anyway, it was a good service. Lastly was Communion. After that we all sang one of the three earlier songs and had a closing prayer. We were invited to stay after services, for a bridal shower and ‘brodal’ shower. The hall was split up women on one side and men on the other. We bowed out, as we did not know the couple to be married.

We started walking back to our place and decided to stop at a Mexican restaurant, Chimichanga Sabor Mexicano. So glad we did this was the closest to authentic Mexican food that we have had since leaving USA!! It was even better than the Mexican restaurant we’d eaten at in Bangkok! Before our food arrived a waitress brought out our tableware, including a box of gloves(?) (When we got our food it was understandable.) Jeff had a Burrito Classico- described as “a dish in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine that took form in Ciudad Juarez, consisting of a flour wrapped into a sealed cylindrical shape around various ingredients,” including your one meat choice from a list of six kinds – he choose Kini-ing (Benguet Smoked Pork). Some of the various ingredients included corn, rice, beans, cheese and jalapenos. I had Birria- two tacos, described as “a Mexican dish from the state of Jalisco. The meat is marinated in an adobo made of vinegar, dried chilies, garlic, and herbs & spices (including cumin, bay leaves, and thyme) before being cooked in a broth (consume).” My taco shells were deep fried and the meat was dripping juicy. We also had an appetizer of Jalapeno Cheese sticks, which came with sour cream for dipping. The two entrees had four dipping cups: a Verde sauce, a Colorado sauce, a salsa, and sour cream. For drinks: I had a Margarita and Jeff had a San Miguel Pale Pilsen Beer. One of our waitresses had a great work t-shirt, with a saying on the back – ‘you are the salsa to my tacos’. I loved it and asked her if I could take a picture of her t-shirt. She giggled, a bit embarrassed, but definitely willing and turned so I could!! I love the smiles of the Filipino people. I actually find myself smiling to them as we are walking about because they reciprocate! Anyway, we paid 1,170 PHP, which was $20.39.

We walked back to our place and appropriately had a siesta!😂  We watched some YouTube and had a light supper cheese and crackers, followed by some popcorn. We had just talked with my mother the day before so we just linked up with our church back home, then bed.

March 31,

We slept in a bit, as per normal since we’re late getting to talk with our church back home the previous night. But this works in our schedule. We had our Javas – with a minor complication. Our kettle stopped working. The switch never turned off, so we weren’t to surprised. We just always had to unplug it. So we heated the water in a pot on the hot plate, which we had to do anyway, for our oatmeal. Jeff texted our host to let her know.

Finished, we then linked up on video via WhatsApp with my sister. After catching up with her, we did a quick walkabout to the Robinson’s Grocery Store for sundries. Then we saw a different bakery and went into it. They had a hearty multi grain bread and some lemon pound cake slices, which Jeff and I are both suckers (pun intended, and the more tart the better) for lemon anything!! We walked back with our stuff. The mid-morning was sunny with big puffy white clouds, dappling the sky. It was nice walking weather.

Once back we, linked up with Jeff’s sister and her husband. When we finished talking with them, we saw the sky had become ominous with those white puffy clouds now turned dark gray and taking over the once blue sky. It was supposed to rain… and it looks like it could any minute. So we had lunch in, making salami cheese sandwiches with sesame sauce that we love and seem to find all throughout SE Asia. When we finished our sandwiches, we had the lemon pound cake slices we had just bought. OH MY!!😋😋 Glad we did not buy more, because it was sooo good! I could eat way too much of that! I blogged; Jeff had a power nap and read. Around 1430, the skies finally brought forth the rain the clouds seemed to have been promising over the last couple of hours.

Afternoon turned into evening with rain on again – off again. For supper we made more Blue Marlin Curry Pasta. Then watched YouTube. Still loving Baguio!