Today as I concluded my teaching, I emerged to find the clouds settling on the hill where the seminary is perched. It’s beautiful here!
Category: Travel
Book Review: Prehispanic Source Materials
Prehispanic Source Materials for the Study of Philippine History by William Henry Scott The link above to Amazon is actually the previous edition of the book. The one I just finished is a 2022 reprint from his revised (and slightly updated) 1984 edition. As I travel I like to learn more about the places I… Continue reading Book Review: Prehispanic Source Materials
Jeepney
One of the most distinctive memories I have from my first visit to the Philippines back in March is the Jeepneys. Most countries in Southeast Asia have a form of traditional transportation in addition to more modern taxis and buses. In Medan where we live it’s the becok, a motorcycle or bicycle-powered transport for either… Continue reading Jeepney
Pre-Worship
This morning I am blessed to attend St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church in Baguio City, a member congregation of the Lutheran Church in the Philippines, a partner church body in full altar-pulpit fellowship with the LCMS. I arrive at 8:30am for the Bible study which, typical to Southeast Asian culture, doesn’t really start until 9:00am. Pastor… Continue reading Pre-Worship
Philippine Journeys
I arrived in Manila yesterday afternoon. Too soon to check in to my hotel but not early enough to go out and see much. Not with the traffic in Manilla! I left my hotel this morning and boarded the bus to Baguio City where I’ll be staying for the next two weeks, teaching at the… Continue reading Philippine Journeys
Overhead
I never cease to be amazed at the miracle of air transportation, even as I lose the slight jitteriness I’ve always had pre-flight. I’m now able to fall asleep relatively easily, sometimes without even meaning or wanting to. Waking up to find 30 minutes have tiptoed past and pleased at the prospect of the journey… Continue reading Overhead
Long Time Gone
At least it will have been by the time I return. Today I head out for a three-week stint abroad. Traveling in and out of Kuala Lumpur with buffer time for some catechesis with a young teacher there, the bulk of my time will be spent in the Philippines. The Lutheran seminary I visited in… Continue reading Long Time Gone
Exploring and Celebrating
This past week we celebrated Gena’s birthday by visiting a part of Sumatra we haven’t been before. It’s only about 50 miles outside of Medan, but our drive to Berastagi took nearly 4.5 hours because of rain and it being only a two-lane road all the way up and down the hills. Did I mention… Continue reading Exploring and Celebrating
Busy In Singapore
I still pinch myself. Here I am, sweating my brains out, clothes soaked through, lugging a 60-lb suitcase through the subway system. By all accounts I ought to be miserable, and I certainly do wish it was cooler. But then I remember, I’m in Singapore! That seems almost unimaginable still, even though Singapore is getting… Continue reading Busy In Singapore
On the Road Again
I successfully left Indonesia today. I wasn’t sure if immigration would want to see more documentation than the little stamp in my passport, but the officer didn’t say a word. We’ll see if they let me back in on Saturday! I’m headed to Singapore to lead worship for a small group of LCMS people there.… Continue reading On the Road Again
The Nelson Family Indonesia 