Thomas and friends!

Yet again I’ve found myself in a deep state of mourning. I haven’t lost many that were close to me, in fact I still have all 4 grandparents, the youngest of which is 82. But last week we lost a dear friend, the first person I met at freshman orientation when I moved to Chicago 12 years ago. We were roommates at one point. Phil Penner died doing what he loved most, serving his Lord and savior Jesus Christ in Southeast Asia. There aren’t a lot of answers, but in short, he caught dengue fever, which led to a bacterial infection that became septic, killing him suddenly.

Janet and I are discussing tonight these defining moments in our young lives–losing two close friends (Nathan Taylor) in a year and a half, both men of strength and faith, fathers, husbands, men who truly lived for what was important. It is hard to cope, hard to swallow, and yet, defining.

God is so good to me, He provided a ticket for me to go home for the funeral. Surely stories and pictures will follow in the days to come, but please watch this short video clip of my friend, Phil Penner. It was an honor to know such a great man.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CsmisXYW06M

I had the honor to visit this island on our trip. The fortress, impenetrable in its day, until the airplane. Japan attacks Pearl Harbor and on the same day, begins their assault on the Philippines where thousands of Americans are stationed. General Douglas MacArthur in command, out of retirement, is given the order to abandon his troops, and friends, including President Manuel Quezon. He refuses repeatedly and submits finally to a presidential order coupled with promises of coming help. “I SHALL RETURN.” He departs, no help comes, and the American/Filipino force surrenders. Bataan Death March follows, along with mass killings of POW’s. They say that for 27 days, approximately 16,000 bombs fell on Corregidor before the surrender, shown below at the Malinta Tunnel. Very moving, all of it. 48,000 graves or names to commemorate it. MacArthur fulfills his promise and comes through. What a picture of him landing at Leyte Gulf! I have never heard such stories of camaraderie as those of the Filipino Scouts and American Soldiers. I love the picture of them below with the two flags flying in the backdrop.

I’ve grown to appreciate burial sites lately. I’ve always felt indifferent about them since the soul, after all, leaves the body upon death. My friend Nathan’s death was a turning point for me as we uniquely buried him as a community in the Oregon forest.

On a hill overlooking Manila, you will find the most peaceful, beautiful burial site in the world, in my opinion. Here rest 16,636 American and 570 Filipino soldiers who died defending and liberating the Philippines. Additionally, the names of 32,520 soldiers whose bodies were never recovered or identified are inscribed on the walls of the missing. This circular grave, with perfectly manicured golf-green lawns and enormous Acacia trees was a sight to behold. I’ve spent the last few days walking through WW2 history (Pacific theater at least), which has always been something very sacred to me. I am ever more thankful for their sacrifice.

I actually have a funny story regarding a question in the last post’s comments section: we went shopping at this mall called “Shoe Mart” (has a lot more than shoes) and they had this huge independence day sale. “Sale” + Filipinos = 1 million people. Janet lost track of me and I panicked, looking out over a sea of 5′2″ dark skinned, black haired women. I can usually find Janet easily in a crowd…IN THE NORTHERN HEMISPHERE. When she found me she was laughing so hard.

Just kidding about the title. Well, kinda. Long and the short: I love the Philippines. Here’s a brief taste so far:

So Rob, what did you do in the Philippines? “I ate.” This beautiful creation below is called halo-halo. Laci, I’m sorry to break this to you, but this stuff makes tufahija taste like dirt. It’s a combination of baby coconut ice cream, and a million other things that I don’t even know. It is, in short, heaven in your mouth:

take 1:

take 2:

take 3:

take 4:

That’s it, you’re out of here!

Due to different calendars, holy days, etc, we got to Easter service an hour early. We mistakenly thought that daylight saving time had started. Conveniently located across the street is the Sarajevo Brewery, a wonderful place to hang out, esp. on Sunday mornings: