It was my second OJ. For those who doesn’t know, OJ means Operation Jabez. We are trying to make the prayer of Jabez a reality, by extending our territories.
OJ Ilocos was very different from the first one. In ways that I never expected to be. How?
It was the first metro OJ. Thus, in just this single II project, I met many professionals from the four metro areas. The different personalities brought about interesting encounters. Some whom I thought to be very serious during the orientation, were in reality crazier than me. Some who looked quite intimidating turned out to be caring mother-hens. Someone whom I really quite feared I discovered to be hilarious (but I still need to get over my fear of this person).
I met people who became friends. I know that I may not see them until the next OJ but for sure, they are just a text away.
Encouraging and a blessing. The words that I must use to describe the local workers. It was wonderful to see these people who were willing to give their time, effort and money for the ministry as well as to make our stay more comfortable and memorable. Gladly, the church members and even the barangay captain opened their homes to us, welcomed us to a riverside resort, sent out delicious bibingka, cooked freshly caught fish, transported the sound system as well as the delegates, lent their hand during the free medical and dental day, and just plain supported us.
A comment : they all oh looked so young! Teen-agers turned out to be in their twenties. Those in early twenties were in reality in their early thirties! Who wouldn’t love to be a Fiipino?
OJ seems to bring me experiences that are not always very welcome. Moi, who has weak knees for blood, gave in to insistent demands to support the head of a dental patient. One patient is enough. Saw the bloody tooth straight from his mouth. Still, it was a memorable experience.
Another experience : I had to go to the market every other day (accompanied by a local worker) and do the shopping (sosyal na word for pamamalengke!) for our week-long meals. No problem with that. But how does one calculate the no. of kilos of chicken or fish that I need to buy in order to feed a 16-man team, plus some local workers and stay within the budget? With three big men whose appetites are hard to predict? What kind of vegetables must we serve? What fruits must go with what meat? Challenging? Very. It’s been so long since I last went to a public market in Manila. I buy at the grocery, just enough for 4 people, not four times that. But I did pass the hurdle, didn’t I? I hope. Maybe they left with an inch added to their waist.
The artist in me had the opportunity to flourish. I had a great time taking pictures of the people as well as the hidden beauty of Burgos, the last town of Ilocos (I hope I am right!).
Enjoyed our lunch with the beautiful view of a river in Burgos.
A short break one afternoon found me running after the little kids.
At the back of our host’s home, I found a wide expanse of land dotted with white cows.
The ocean, just a stone throw away. Pass by the fields, and you will arrive at the South China sea.
No OJ is complete without a day for rest and recreation. Pagudpod, famous for its beach, is now accessible! Just less than an hour away!
Just enjoying the fine sand of Pagudpod. And the beautiful sunset.
Only in Ilocos did I find an empanada that I like. A half moon of flattened rice dough, filled with egg, sausage (healthy?), and vegetables, deep fried, hot and crispy from the fire, add vinegar, and voila! A healthy, delicious and filling merienda! Add the suman Illocano (bibngka in Manila), the fresh seaweed, the grilled fresh fish, the over-flowing supply of watermelon, melon, mango and bananas! Plus the native ice cream and the thirst quencher halo-halo!
OJ Ilocos? It has its little inconveniences and discomforts. There are tiny ordeals and small tests. Just like any other activity or event. But I must focus more on the wonderful support of the people (local or delegates, as well as the financial supporters and the prayer partners), the unexpected experiences, the superb camaraderie, the admirable giving of self,and the unity of every soul for service for God and man. 21 hours, 8 days, 3 teams, 1 province. All for God.
