The Patient Aliens

Bethany's been writing our blog so far, but I think it's time I share my side of the story. I noticed on yesterday's post that I appear as a bit of a slacker. Well I'm no McFly (you wouldn't get a Back to the Future reference from Bethany, would you?). As she pointed out, I've been battling with a bit of illness, so I wasn't able to help out around the house very much a couple of days ago. Yesterday, however, I was feeling much better and I proved myself very helpful. This picture of me putting up curtains is proof. (Yes, I know it's sideways, but I can't fix it)


I'm learning that everything takes longer in this country. I suppose that is good for me because it means there is a lesson on patience waiting for me at every turn. Yesterday we went grocery shopping. Wow. It took forever. You may be aware of my "mild" distaste for SuperStore (a grocery chain in Canada). I'm afraid the checkout stand at SuperStore is a Utopian paradise compared to yesterdays experience. With the Lord's grace I was able to stay positive and keep smiling. Okay, maybe I wasn't smiling much, but I didn't scowl or roll my eyes, which is a personal victory for me.

In our orientation meeting yesterday, Matt reminded us that we are the aliens in this land. Sometimes it is so easy for us to assume that the Filipinos around us should conform to our way of thinking and do things the way we are accustomed to. We are praying that God will give us the grace to understand their culture without pushing our ways on them, even if it means standing quietly in line at the grocery store while they find every way to be inefficient.

After we finished up our work for the day, we joined some of our new friends for a game of Settlers. There will be rumours that I had an accident, but I assure you I simply spilled some water on myself. We had lots of fun.


Please continue to pray for my health. I was suffering from a cold, but now I seem to be wrestling with some sort of stomach virus. We were hoping to visit a church tonight, but that may not happen. Bethany has done a fabulous job of making our apartment feel like home. Even with her limited resources (our cargo still hasn't arrived), this place is looking great. In fact, I'd better go help her out.

Cheerio.

Tim.