A Journey to Courage (And a tribute to The Philippines)
Initially I just came on this trip to The Philippines because I was invited. I was excited but didn’t know what to expect. After 6 weeks in Indonesia I sort of just wanted to get out of Asia. Eat food I know. Get to France. But, I agreed that The Philippines would be fun so off I went.
Gratefully, god’s grace landed and peace found me. And, I threw myself into the adventure. Into the moment. Trusted. I would be safe. Healthy. I would like the food (and it me). I figured maybe I was supposed to go because I had ‘stuff’ to sort through. A ‘reason’ for this trip. Another opportunity for Self-study. Growth. ‘Experience of life' as a teacher.
So here I am. In The Philippines. So immensely grateful. Grateful to my friend, Kathy. For inviting me along. For her encouragement. And, her courage to try all sorts of crazy adventures. Like riding a bike on a zip-line hundreds of feet above of the ground. And for my courage. I am courageous!
Blown away by the beauty, the people, the ocean reefs and fishes, the food. Where it’s Christmas every day. Baby Jesus never grows up. Where a goat and a dog can be (unlikely) friends. And children play in the safety of schoolyards. Where motorbikes can carry 6 people. Colorful. Where they love Buffets. Karaoke. Boats. Smiles. Midday naps. Sun Umbrellas. Money changers. Tanduay. Where the whole country is made of Islands and Islands. Jolibees. Mangoes. Especially the mangoes.
I am grateful. I am healthy. Even if the food is sometimes not quite my thing. I’ve adventured beyond what I EVER expected…scuba, zip line bike riding, island hopping, snorkeling over sacred WW II sunken ships. I’ve met amazing people. Enjoyed spending time with others. Refining relational skills. Falling absolutely in love with the locals here.
And, on a spiritual level (It's all spiritual by the way), taking time to be devotional without being rigid as to how that looks. Accepting that the journey is designed just for me.
Not quite broke 😁. Ready for the next journey.
The future looks bright. Special every day. Miraculously perfect. Philippines perfect.
Mabuhay. Thank you.
Live long, be well Philippines. 🇵🇭
Mabuhay 🥂.
Love & Courage to you all,
Ella
This is post number two, about my recent experiences with travel, and the impact geography can have on one’s life, heart and soul. Please enjoy this series “Soul Led Travel Tales”.
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