First impressions.

My first thoughts as the plane lowered itself into the atmosphere of the Philippines was this: "everything is shiny." the city of Manila was a sparkling city. The lights from the houses and towers and shops etc were all the colours of the rainbow. The runway was lit up in rows and the sun was setting red and golden over the ocean. And even the water was filled with little floating buoys that flickered with lights. The moment I stepped onto Asian ground, I noticed the atmosphere is entirely different to Australia. Everything feels different. The air is moist and heavy with tropical flower scents and everywhere I look there are palm leaves, ferns and hibiscus trees. We were ushered along quickly in the Manila airport because we had under a minute to board our next plane. That plane was a little less comfortable and enjoyable than the previous one, but it only went for an hour or so. Laoag airport was made of bricks and had archways everywhere, making me feel like it was medieval times or something. We crossed the road and passed. A long barb wire fence, to be practically smothered by locals who had come to welcome us. And because of the frangipani aroma filling up my senses, everything was happy and tropical. The air has a different feel here. The city smog hangs low on the ground so I have been inhaling horrible fumes, but I've gotten used to the foggy feeling. Besides, everything else around the city is too intriguing to worry about the fumes. The people here are so polite, and so friendly. Not once have I heard any cussing and swearing, which is so refreshing. As I said in my previous post, I can't stop smiling. When you are around the philippinos. It's all you can do. And especially when they don't speak English - smiling has its own language. There haven't been any mosquito bites. Apparently the chances of getting malaria where we are now is about the same as if I were back in Australia. I love the feeling the streets, as well as the country side. But I am really pining to be out among the churches in the villages, that will be Sunday I think. At 12:30am today we are going to meet our sponsor children I am so keen. We'll be able to take them shopping, give them our gifts, play around with them, meet their families and see their homes.
Having everyone treating me like a celebrity already makes me feel sorry for those who are famous. It is funny seeing everyone waving and going out of their way to be seen by us. But I am no different to them, just a different height and colour. Our compassion helper Nathan is extremely nice. He guides us everywhere, shows where the best sights are and helps with everything. He also has a similar camera to mine so we walk around taking photos of everything together. Sometimes I catch him trying to take a photo of our group or of me taking a photo myself. He is a bit odd like that, but he is wonderful. Especially because we share the same passion for missionary work.

So I have written as much as I can think of right now, sorry about the lack of paragraphs and probably good grammar. It is hard to blog on an iPod.
Oh yeah, tomorrow we are doing a 'March For Jesus' parade with the whole city, where we will be parading the streets of laoag with thousands of philippinos who are eager to praise God. I know it will be life- changing.