explorations

Before heading home we took a few days to explore

the beauties of this region of the world.

 An early departure on Amy & Elise's 15th Birthday

We rented some bicycles and rode through countryside

stopping by the side of the road for a Coke break and a visit

so thankful for Mark's expertise - those old bikes needed help!

Pausing to admire the rice terraces

We visited a monkey preserve where the monkeys roam free.  

It was amazing to see them so close up!

Our very own Michael monkey...

Mark's expression when a guide tells us that the monkeys DO bite...eeek.

 No, they didn't bite Mark.

But we kept more distance after we heard that.

And then it happened.

One of those monkeys spotted the bottle of water Amy was carrying.

He started after her,

and with great wisdom, 

Amy threw the bottle to him.

one thirsty monkey

It took that monkey all of 3 seconds to whip the cap off the bottle.

He was obviously experienced.

Then he tipped it over to let the water pour out, and lapped it up.

He even pounced on the bottle a little to get more water out.

And when he gave it up in disgust, 

a younger, less aggressive monkey moved it to get the last few drops.

We also went to the beach...

Amy's finds

where for about $10 Michael got a 2-hour surfing lesson

this was such a fun surprise experience for him

a glorious sunrise

from the rising of the sun to its setting my name will be great among the nations  Malachi 1:11

We also did some hiking

around a tiny island.

It was hot, and tiring,

but the setting was intriguing

not your average city street

approaching women on their way to the temple

laden with offerings

down a steep hillside

gathered at the temple for a wedding

 This island produces seaweed for commercial use.

The smell was strong,

but the views we had of the process 

as we walked through the area were amazing.

harvesting the seaweed

The farmed seaweed is used in a wide variety of common items:
medicines

toothpaste

paints

cosmetics

textile printing

fertilizer

adhesives

gels

drying the seaweed

 Then it was time to board one more of our 8 flights on this trip 

and head back home.

In the pocket of the seat back was this invocation card:

It included prayers for every imaginable religion

and reminds us again of the need for all the World to hear

what God's Word says is true...

one Lord, one faith, one baptism,

one God and Father of all, 

who is over all and through all and in all.

Ephesians 4:5&6

 Thanks for spending time with us here at earthen vessels, 

exploring these nearby S.E. Asian islands!

This past Sunday marked our 2-year anniversary of arriving here in Davao.

Thanks to all of you who have joined us on this journey, 

reading about our experiences,

praying for us,

and encouraging us in so many ways.

We give thanks to God for you!