Manila and the Unexpected

Manila.  I'm sitting here trying to figure out how to describe this city to you.  I'm sitting in the lobby of our hotel looking outside.  Jeepneys wizzing by playing chicken with each other, motorcycles always with two riders, ingenious, homemade tricycles - the like of which you have never seen.  It's an amazing place.

Robinsons Big Honkin Mall!

As we sat down for breakfast yesterday,  we were spotted through the window by some local vendors.  Now I know how a trout feels as a fly fisherman attempts to lure him out.  It was really funny, as we ate - they kept smiling, beckoning us to come out and sample the wares.

Yesterday we went to explore- with the vendors following us for 3-5 blocks - must have been trying to make a quota..   Now then for those of you who have been here  you know. But for those of you who have not picture this: a family of 6 walking around, through and almost over traffic (real sidewalks - no)  exploring.  Past the street vendors - purveyors of all kinds of stuff - knock off sunglasses, hats, guitars and many other things.

We wound up at the Mall....Huge.  Like the Mall of America looks like Delaware kind of big.  Now I'm a geographer and pretty good with direction - but we came real close to never getting out of that place.  So we come across these three guys - obviously Americans - so we go say hello.  We had a great conversation with them about what it's like for them to live here in Manila, how they got here and how to pronounce 'Taclobon'.  These guys, one a retired Marine, another retired out of Federal service and another a retired NFL player that played for the Broncos - no kidding.  What a neat bunch of fellas.

Americans once here - fall in love with the people here.  We met all kinds, expats, hipsters, some shady - most not - just trying to get by in a busy city.  What I remember most though is sitting outside the hotel last evening with the family as it was cooling down.... A little boy, no more than 5 walked up, alone and asked for something to eat. Naomi gave him her soy drink, he turned and slowly walked away.  The need is great.  The call is real.   - Look around you now.  You are blessed.

We fly to Taclobon today - the city where our son is.  We covet your prayers - for him and us.

Marshall