TOUR OF MANILA

TOUR OF MANILA! 

Today we walked among heroes, we walked where they once walked and praised their memory through the gracious memories of those whose independence they taught. We started the morning with prayer and a beautifully prepared breakfast in our prayer room. We talked about challenging eachother and gave affirmations. 

Then the tour day began at Rizal Park, a beautiful Spanish fort where the breath taking garden grew and was planted over the dungeons of times past. Dr.Razal the hero of the Philippines, loved by the people he inspired, spent his life fighting for revolution by eduction and peace, not through war and blood! We learned about the Filipino culture and history. We were blessed with rain and beautiful nature by the parks amazing spirit. 

Next on our amazing journey we saw the San Augustin Church, the only monument left standing after the devastations of World War 2. The wooden carvings and painted ceiling were stunning and effortlessly beautiful. The old painting sharing the faces of the priests and holy history of the churches past and present. At the national museum we got to see a made up house of traditional Filipino culture. The carving of the bath tub and attention to detail show not only the craftsmen ship but the hardwork they put into everything they do.

After that we went to the Ocean Park Aquarium. There were so many different types of fish and it was amazing to see how truly creative

our God is. Some of us went to a fish spa, where a fish called, "the doctor fish" actually eat the dead skin off your feet. There were lots of giggles, screams and photos. 

Originally we were suppose to go on a dinner cruise, but it was cancelled because of weather conditions,however we attended a buffet where traditional dancing, music, and singing were in wonderful supply.  The food was amazing and thankful smiles filled the room. We ending our night praying together at our hotel, sharing our highlights of the day and thanking all and everything around us. The day went by in the blink of an eye, and taking a moment to reflect upon everything that we were given is just what we needed to appreciate the beauty on the never ending supply of humanity today in the people that outpour kindness. 

Tomorrow we embark on a 8-12 hour bus ride to Deat where we will meet the community and families we will be staying with. So far we've only had a few upset stomached and tiredness of jetlag.

Quote of the day: "We are a novelty to them, but they are a novelty to us!" -Mark 

Highlight: having dinner at the restaurant where there were TONS of choice, live entertainment and great conversation, which wasn't planned! 

Prayer Request: that we can continue to step out of our comfort zone and build friendships. 

Blog written by: Hannah Merk

Peace &love, 

The Arch Team