Tagalog in Manila

So originally the plan was to go to the English congregation, however they had their zone meeting on Sunday and no more tickets so Sunday I took a taxi to Manila Bethel for the Tagalog meeting. What an adventure! The driver was confused and so took me to the wrong Roosevelt ave! Fortunately Id left early enough that we got there before 9:30 when the meeting started. So I paid the cabbie and ran on in, asking where the meeting is at the front desk. And I get a look. The meeting starts at 8:30 apparently. Ugh! Having such issues getting to the meeting on time in Manila. I ran on in and the meeting is packed (I found out later that they regularly have 200+ in attendance!)  A brother sees me and takes me to a seat in the middle of the row, and even gives me his own magazine in Tagalog! So I sit and listen, catching a word here and there, feeling quite conspicuous as the only blond in the room. For the song a young sister (a Bible Study I later learned) in front of me lent me her songbook since I hadnt brought mine since, of course, its in English. So I sang along, very quietly, in Tagalog.

After the meeting I was verily swamped by all the lovely brothers and sisters, introducing themselves, asking where I'm from, US, is that near California? Not really. I grew quite adept at showing with gestures where exactly Ohio was in relation to California, though theres no guarantee how well it was understood. Though they learn english in school, my American accent is hard to understand. Still, these lovely Philipino brothers and sisters are just the sweetest, most hospitable people, and I ended up spending the whole day until 9 that night with ones from the congregation, having not one but two delicious home cooked meals. Ive said ever since I now have family in the Phillipines. :)

The next day I woke early and researched how to get to the Manila Clark airport,which is around 1 1/2 north of the city. From my hotel I took a taxi to the bus stop, then bought a ticket to Dau terminal, then took the airport shuttle, an airconditioned Jeepney (and here I would suggest googling Jeepney because they are a fun way of getting around the Philipines, and colorfully decorated). The end cost was under $10. The line to check in was long and took forever, but made it through without incident. Apparently I wasnt suspicious looking enough to require further inquiry. :p Mostly slept on the plane, since I was quite worn out from the late night then early morning (ah jet lag).