hello world!

We have been trekking in the mountains for over an hour. City-sleekers, we spent most of our vacation in Coron, Palawan, Philippines, island-hopping, snorkeling and swimming. Lastly, we moved to a mountain resort in Busuanga to trek.

Cold and tired, we needed shelter to rest. A clearing comes into view and we find a plot with flourishing vegetables that blended so well it looked like a colorful garden.

We hear a woman’s voice calling. The old woman smiles a toothless smile, eyes bright and kind. Her face, open and honest, is deeply lined. Thick, calloused feet and hands tell of long years of manual labor. She, like her husband, look strong and hale. Her name is Estellita and her husband is Vicente.

The hut has a small balcony that serves as the kitchen and dining while the only room serves as the bedroom. They have no electricity. By any standard, they don't have much. Estellita relates of the recent storm that leveled their small church in town. Their small congregation has been attending service in a make-shift tent and helping others. Very much moved, the couple donated their tiny plot of land for their church. To further help, they donated the wood material that they have been saving for their own modest home.

I look at Estellita and smile with wonder. Here was an old man and woman who live in a hut in the mountains. They didn’t have much yet they gave so much. How could they afford to be so generous?

In the city, Estellita and Vicente would be labeled impoverished senior citizens. The couple and their community have experienced years of abundant harvest and seasons of draught. Estellita and Vicente are generous as they have been recipients of others’ generosity. Living off the land, they see their faith in action.

Looking at the vegetable garden and the hut, the couple have all they need: food, shelter and livelihood. In town, they have friends they’ve known for years. Truly, isn’t life simply about purpose, love and trusted friends?