Sunday, November 25, 2007

The Rapids

Be still.
Enjoy the cold breeze
The backdrop of the blue sky
The hovering birds
The freshness of green.

The rushing water
The angry rapids
Hold on tight
Your knuckles turn white.

Sweat.
Breathe heavily
Row hard with the blue paddle
Careful not to hit the large sharp rocks
Don't topple down on the icy water.

Race.
Have sheer strong faith in the man at the helm.
Faith in yourself.
Patience.
Hope.
Win!

by Christine
edited by Rianne

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

I Chronicles 4:9-10

Oh that you would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that you would keep me from evil.

Thursday, November 15, 2007

My Kalinga Experience


I had fun and adventure in Kalinga. I don't know how to swim, I don't even know how to paddle...in fact, I am afraid of the water.
This was our boat - "Allasiw". I was with the best paddlers and swimmers, that there was really no need for me to paddle but hold on and pray hard that I will not fall down. Thanks to Sir Rene, Kuya Jun, Ma'am Marlyn and our tour guides, Kuya John and "Marine" (I forgot to get his name. But I will call him "Marine" because he graduated as seaman).
The boat almost flipped three times. I couldn't talk. I could not even shout...I don't know how many rapids we had to hurdle. Too many times, I asked our guides if we were already halfway through, if there was another way out, if there was a motor boat where I don't need to paddle and row.
But I am really so grateful, we went through the 3-hour rafting experience without falling, tripping, etc. Two boats flipped. The first group fell down but were able to climb back. A second group fell down, some hit the rocks, got hurt; while some drank to much water from the Chico River. Good for me, I was not able to see it (Good for us, we were saving the paddles from the first boat that fell down). But all went well and everybody enjoyed and treasured the experience. Some really wanted to give up and walk but there was really no way out but continue rafting.
That was some experience!!! But I learned what teamwork is with the experience; following the right instructions, listening to the leader, being united and obedience.
I enjoyed the experience the way I enjoyed entering the caves of Sagada...but in the process, I really miss sharing it with my Mom.