Tuesday, Dec 6. We were up pretty early on this day. We had a boat to catch! We were going to a nearby island to teach at the local Bible college. Joanne Oftedahl (the missionary we were working with) decided to bring her vehicle to Bohol for our next few days of ministry. This would give us some independence to see the sights...and boy it was worth it. Joanne picked us up in town so she didn't have to travel through a lot of road construction and the ferry was on here side of town! It was a little hectic getting the ferry for the car and for us but eventually we were on board. The ferry took about 2 1/2 hrs. to travel to the nearby island of Bohol. Check out this link to see some of what we saw: http://bohol.gov.ph/ It's definitely a beautiful place and much more slower paced. Pastor Rey (local pastor in Cebu and the Bible school president) met us at the ferry and came with us. We arrived on Bohol, purchased some food at a local outdoor market, and drove to the school. Unpacked the car, brought in the food, our luggage and settled in. Not exactly sure what the time was, but by 7 pm we were in the chapel service with the students. It was great meeting them. The service was wonderful and the students were truly amazing. We hit the sack about 10 pm.
Wedneday, Dec 7. Morning chapel was at 7 am...needless to say we were up early to get ready. The 'comfort room' as they call the bathroom was very comfortable! Enough said!!! Chapel was amazing again...the students were very attentive and appreciative. After chapel we had a quick breakfast, rested some, then did some sight seeing. Pastor Rey was a terrific tour guide. We saw the Chocolate Hills (mounds of coral that the ground had eroded away from...called chocolate because in the fall they are brown), the Tarsiers (small, local only monkeys no bigger than my fist with huge eyes)...very cute but cannot be handled. We had a meal on a local dinner river cruise. Very nice! We were back in time to freshen up and have another chapel with the students.
Thursday, Dec 8. Another busy morning. Chapel at 7 am, breakfast and some rest. Little bit later we did some more sight-seeing with Pastor Rey. Enjoyed lunch at a local restaurant. By 3 pm we were back at the Bible school for the seminar Bill was teaching. After a great supper meal, there was another seminar at 7 pm.
Friday, Dec 9. Today's schedule was adjusted just a little. We were suppose to have the local pastor's join us for the teaching seminar but Pastor Rey found out many of the them were not able to come as planned because of scheduling and it was really raining. We still had morning chapel, then after lunch there was another session for about 1 hr. Being with the students was so encouraging and inspiring. They were so focused on all God had for them...it was truly amazing to see. We packed our belongings, said our goodbyes and boarded the ferry; arriving in Cebu by 9:30 pm. We stopped for pizza and were 'home' by 11 pm.
Again, Bohol Island is a beautiful island to explore; scenery, ocean, animals, and people. Our time there is a wonderful memory that still brings smiles to our faces. The most important part of the trip, though, was interacting with the students, faculty, President/Pastor Rey, and others who impacted our lives with there committment to all God has for them.
Next blog? A quiet, restful Saturday Cebu!
Whenever one is in the Philippines, Bohol should not be missed in the itinerary.
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