How I Became an International Dynamic Woman

After forty-six hours of travel and a late dinner at Faith Fellowship Aurora, we arrived at the Send Guesthouse for just one night before embarking for Pozorrubio in two large vans.  The guesthouse was kind enough to allow us to leave the bulk of our luggage with them so that we could take smaller bags for our three nights in Hotel J'Adore in Pozorrubio.

Our first morning in the Philippines, we enjoyed a breakfast of eggs, bacon, Toast, and juice at the Send Guesthouse.

Cindy, Diann, Kim, and Janice

Sonja and Tina

Devri, Amber, Danya, and Charie

On the way to Pozorrubio, we had a three to four hour ride through the countryside.  

Hard at work...not unusual to see while traveling through the countryside

Lunch was at a very nice McDonald's, where the girls were thrilled to enjoy chicken and spaghetti.  I played it safe with a Filet-O-Fish sandwich. And yes, it was just like what we have in the USA.

The Hotel J'Adore (new) boasts of being the first and only hotel in town and is quite nice.  The staff aims to please; they were gracious and kind to us. When we arrived, you can imagine our disappointment to find that there was a brown-out (electricity was off) and the interior was sweltering.  The towels we were given on our first night (to wear down the back of our shirts) were going to come in handy. 

Another disappointment for some of us was that not only were we to share a room (which we expected), but we were also sharing a bed.  Not a big deal in many parts of the world but I must admit, we Americans tend to be spoiled in regards to not sharing beds.  I grew up sharing a double bed with my sister, but since that time have had a queen-sized all to myself.  And my roommate, Marsha, is married and accustomed to sharing with her man.  We looked at each other with laughter and dismay when we saw this:

Hotel J'Adore

I know, I know.  Some missionaries are in huts in the jungle and this is lovely and luxurious.  Nothing to complain about here.  But we laughed about this a lot.  And it was especially funny the evening we partook of our complimentary massage. One massage was included as part of our hotel stay and it was a welcomed treat after a long, hot day.  

We were laying side by side on this bed while two lady masseuses worked on us. Mine massaged one arm and hand and then I felt her holding my other hand and I thought it strange that she was "just" holding it.  Until I realized that she was actually now down by my feet and I was holding my roomie's hand!  This was our Lucy and Ethel moment.  We laughed about it later.  I don't know if Marsha even noticed at the time (I think she was in a massage trance), but I was embarrassed. Especially because we were unable to communicate with the masseuses in English. When I first spoke to the lady before she started, she said to me, "I am getting a nose bleed."  I said, "Oh no, do you need a tissue?" and she shook her head side to side.  I found out later that the phrase "I'm getting a nose bleed" is used when one is unable to speak English or tired of trying.

My wonderful, patient, gracious roomie, Marsha

After leaving our belongings at the hotel, we walked down the dusty street to check out the church where we would be ministering the next day.

Bawal Umhi Dito translates to "You can't pee here."

This picture was taken through a van window as we were departing on Tuesday. Apologies for the lack of clarity. The official church sign (white sign by the door) says "Pozorrubio Faith Fellowship."  

Beyond these walls is a little church that serves as a beautiful haven on this dusty road in a precious little town typical of provinces in the Philippines. There are many economically impoverished living in the area.  Pastora Connie Ragado lives and serves behind these walls and out in the community.  

Pastora Connie and her niece, Eliza

She is a beautiful lady inside and out!  Precious Shepherd of her congregation and lover of God's children (and impressive carpenter by hobby), Pastora Connie felt called to start this church under the umbrella of Faith Fellowship.  There were many times early on that she preached to just one person.  She continued to be faithful and now regular attenders on Sunday morning number from fifty to sixty people.

Imagine our surprise when we walked beyond the cinder block walls to find this sign greeting us:

Sign in the courtyard of Faith Fellowship Pozorrubio

OMS stands for One Mission Society, which is the organization that sent the Burdick's to the Philippines for their 20-years of service.   Brent was the Pastor at Faith Fellowship in Aurora for many years. Throughout our travels, it was clearly evident that there is a deep love and appreciation for Brent and Kim and their family here.  Kim, Brent's wife (and one of my dear friends), was the leader of our team.  Kim and Brent's daughters, Danya and Devri, were also members of our team.  We were sent by OMS Dynamic Women In Ministries  and our home church, Good Shepherd UMC, and not to be forgotten, by the generous donations of friends, relatives, and co-workers. You know who you are.  I pray that God will richly bless you for giving so that our team could have this opportunity and so that many could (hopefully) be encouraged by the Lord through us during our travels. What a privilege we've had!  Your investment is greatly appreciated more than you can ever know.  Thank You.

Breakfast outdoors at Hotel J'Adore with sweet girls and dear friends Amber, Danya, and Devri

So, that is, in a nutshell, is how I became an International Dynamic Woman, not to be confused with international man of mystery!  My roomie and I enjoyed calling each other International Dynamic Woman.  Hear us roar!  :)

Stay tuned for part two and more on our time at Pozorrubio Faith Fellowship.  (I promise not to wait so long to tell you the rest of the story.)