Davao and back again

Last Monday we drove to Davao for our annual retreat. Tom and Michelle and two kids rode with us as far as Nasuli, where they picked up the Wedel's car. Dad had been up most of the night preparing his talk for Monday afternoon, but he did a great job driving all that way.

Our retreat was held at the Waterfront Insular Hotel. It was nice, and the food was especially good! Different Christar people spoke, and we watched two John Piper DVDs which were excellent. Tom and Michelle were in charge of the retreat this time, so all we had to do was attend! That was nice! The retreat was over around 10 am on Thursday, but we made arrangements to stay an extra two nights so we could be there for our anniversary (38th!). We got one night free because we had used so many rooms for the retreat, so that was even nicer!

We ate out at De Bonte Koe, a very nice restaurant run by a Dutch fellow who really knows about excellent, delicious food and great service! On the 7th we had lunch with Bob and Feyma Martin at the Swiss Deli. I met Bob (known as Mindanao Bob) because of his web sites. He and his wife and kids live in Davao and we had lunch with them in CDO last month. They are a really nice couple and we really enjoyed having lunch with them! We also had breakfast with them the day we left Davao, and plan to have them at our place when they come through Cagayan de Oro. Later that night (7th) we ate at the De Bonte Koe with Teody and Bing Pajaron, the official signatories on our house, and also our dear friends. We had such a nice evening with them!

On the 9th we reported for duty at the opposite end of Davao for the Ilana Bay team retreat. We stayed in an apartel nearby and had all our meals with the team. We spoke on Sunday afernoon and evening, Dad on 'How Our Enemy Works' and I spoke on 'Transforming Love.' The next day we both spoke on spiritual gifts, using the 'motivational gifts' model, which we have found so practical. We enjoyed getting to know the members of the team better. They are a great group!

After breakfast with Bob and Feyma, we left Davao about 10:30 am on Tuesday monring. It was a beautiful drive home! The sugar cane and corn fields had all been planted about a month ago, so everything was a wonderful shade of green! Blues sky, big piles of clouds, and gorgeous views of the mountains!