I am writing to you all from deep within a jungle, somewhere outside of Cebu, Philippines. I'm here representing APNTS (Asia Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary) for the Philippine Nazarene Youth Congress (PNYC) 2011. We're at a place called "Hidden Paradise," and it is very well hidden. It took about an hour on a bus from Cebu to reach the foot of the mountain and another 45 minutes to drive the long and winding mountain roads that eventually brought us to the resort. The place is beautiful enough that you almost don't miss the internet and cellular service. There is one satellite internet connection (presently not functioning) which can be used for a mere 20 pesos an hour. They tell me it will be fixed in a few hours… but that's what they told me yesterday as well.
The event has brought about 400 youth from all around the Philippines and Micronesia. It's been great to see familiar faces from around the Philippines. I'm bunking with some Dabawenyo friends if mine from the East Mindanao district. They usually use English with me in one-on-one conversation, but everything else is in deep, Davao-style, Bisaya (a common dialect in Mandanao). I understand Tagalog (the national language) but it doesn't do much good here. English and Tagalog occasionally garnish their conversation, in which case, I am able to have a very brief window of understanding where I get to determine the basic topic of conversation. Other than that, I'm usually in the dark about most of what they are saying (however, I'm quite fluent in non-verbals). Hopefully, I will be able to brush up on my Bisaya before heading back to Tagalog-speaking Manila this Saturday.
The week has been a wonderful time of reflection and connection with friends from around the Philippines. I have been encouraged to talk with so many people that share my same interests and passions in ministry and social action. I'm very excited to work with some of these dynamic leaders in the future. My conversations this week have started my mind turning and thinking about new and creative ways to live out one's faith and theology in a world and church that is need of new and renewed hope. I don't know what the next few years may bring but I hope that these people can somehow be a part of it.
(more pictures to come...)
