Philippine Trip - Part Three When we last checked on CCT's trip progress we had just returned from Mindanao to Luzon by way of Cebu. We got back to Roger's place on Friday and had four more congregations to visit on Saturday and Sunday before leaving for America on Monday. By the grace of God, we made it! 
Wanasen Women! May, on the left, with her daughter, Shekinah, in front of her. In the middle is a neighbor who comes to church with them, Geneva. Upper Right is the First Lady of Roger, Doris, and Quennie is on the lower right, a lovely daughter currently in med school to become a Doctor. Here they enjoy Sunday dinner at Kenny Roger's Chicken Restaurant .... yep, that Kenny. 
Traveling on Sunday with the family during a lighter moment. 
The debonair Hilario Ace "Tyson" Wanasen 
These pictures were all from the first Lord's Day in the Philippines, but I saved them for last. The couple in the front is Rolly & Cora Abainza, and we will see their famous children soon. 
A heartwarming moment for me: The children at Lagro memorized a children's song with several memory verses and Bible subjects included - and they did it in English for my sake. Alright now, here's a first for me: A homemade video! Well, not made AT home, but made a long way from home by me, so sort of homemade. I am so sorry I don't get sound, but at least you can sort of see them move - they were charming!
That afternoon, at Rolly Abainza's home, we had a service and here are some of the children present: Che, a neighbor; and the three famous children of Rolly & Cora: R.J.; Amazing Grace, and Charmin Faith!
Now fast forward to the last Saturday of the trip: We drive up to Macabebe where we have an excellent study with the congregation there. This is the church that has had elders now for about three years and it progressing very well. Here are two shots that give you a closer view of the group, if you can sort of stitch the two together in your mind: 
Here you get a view of Charles Ross delivering a lesson as Roger translates at first, then summarizes later. Charles wanted to be sure he translated his first words especially. 
"Meaning to say ... Smoking is a sin?" Sign on the front of the Macabebe meeting house. ON TO RESURRECCION: Roger's home congregation. 
The Wanasen Patriarch: Hilario M. Wanasen - still smiling and out to church several years after his stroke. 
Hilario and Carmelita Wanasen, mother of his four youngest children. 
"I know it was the blood, I know it was the blood .... " Uncle Pedro Wanasen on his way to the hospital.
He waited until he saw me before checking in. 
Sunday morning at Cabanatuan meeting in the place of Roger's brother, Enrico, and his wife, Dr. Jody Wanasen. 
The last four meetings I had Jinny Cris Sarceda as my summarizer, and once as a translator. He did a fine job, I think.
Another view of the Cabanatuan congregation. 
A new name written down in glory: Charlene Padilla arises from the watery grave a new person in Christ! Brother Enrico took charge as we witnessed the happy event! 
Another shot of Enrico and Jody in their kitchen. 
Enrico and Jody's son, Jonathan, on the left and his sister, Rose Marie, on the right, with Jody's mother next to her, along with an unknown young relative.
Jinny leans on the balcony of the second story at Enrico's place with the scenic backdrop. 
Looking down from the balcony at Enrico. Oh yeah, they pump iron sometimes. 
Food good! Charles and Rolly eat after the rest of us - some of the world's finest mangos and bananas seem to go better with Coke, and of course, who can forget the rice? There are some Carmelita-made egg rolls along with a meat and potato dish - an especially fancy meal for us. 
Our last meeting was Sunday afternoon at the Bulacan congregation where we received a very warm welcome. The blue-plaid brother in front of Charles Ross may have been the tallest Filipino we ever met. I wondered if maybe he might be half-Filipino, but didn't ask. A very nice group. 
One last shot of the happy congregation! NOW ... What about Japan? 
Here we see Japanese agriculture, industry, and fishing all in one shot! 
Not a real clear picture, but out the window of the Northwest Airline cabin you can see a white dot on the horizon which is Mount Fuji ! 
A distinct view of the peninsula out from Tokyo, where we landed going to and from the Philippines. 
"Welcome to Japan" 
Some cool Japanese artwork 
And of course, who could forget origami? Well, that's all I got - thanks for taking the tour with me, and I hope you enjoyed the taste of Asia. Thanks for all the prayers on my behalf, and continue to pray for these good brethren in the Philippines! | 
