Words cannot describe the sights, sounds, and smells our group of six (Lito Reyes, Mike Moyer, Dan Christians, Dan Fittro, and Tim Gomez, and IBC Host, Ulyssis) encountered while "roughing it." While the other group stayed in Iloilo, six of us took a road trip filled with excitement and adventure as we went "native" for a couple of days.

We left the hotel in Iloilo at 7:00 a.m. and took the Sea Jet (a passenger ferry) to Bacolod. We arrived at about 9:00. We then hopped on a couple of taxis to the bus station where we boarded an authentic, public, non-airconditioned bus for the 2 hour and 45 minute bus ride. Public transportation is a bit of a culture shock. You get to be up close and personal with the people of the Philippines. The drivers are truly amazing dodging pot holes, dogs, sugar cane, tricycles with 20 people on board, and people.

Next was another transportation adventure, as we piled on motorcylces. We did not fit as many as some do, but we were able to manage 4 people per motorcycle. The drivers once again amazed us while driving up the mountain on rocky terrain in the rain. We all arrived safely to a point were motorcycles were inaccesible. Now it was time for the 4 kilometer hike up the mountain. There were 2 horses with wooden saddles waiting for us. All of us at one time or another were able to ride the horses (when they cooperated). Even Dan Christians rode the horse until it screamed for mercy. The hike took us one hour along the muddy and rocky terrain. It was definitely worth the hike, however.

When we arrived at Victory Fundamental Baptist Church in Orinagao, Negros Occidental around 2:30 there was a large group of people gathered waithing for us to arrive. They were such friendly, happy people. Our hearts rejoiced as we heard them sing with such fervor and love for God. It was very evident that this church had a great love for the things of God. After congregational singing and a special from the North Valley guys, Dan Fittro preached a message from Malachi. After the service, the church treated us to a wonderful meal of chicken, rice and deep fried carmelized banana (bananacue). Pastor Selvino Lindayao is doing a great work there in the rural areas of the mountain. What a privilege it was to meet this man who North Valley supports and to see the building that our church has built. What a thrill to know that NVBC is helping to make a difference in the rural areas of the Philippines.

After a great time of fellowship we headed back down the mountain on foot and horseback. By the time we were done with our hike our shoes and pants were caked with mud, but none of us minded a bit. It was truly an honor to see the work. We then loaded back on the motorcycles and travelled to Lighthouse Baptist Church in Camingawa, Negros Occidental. Pastor Remulito Elino met us and took us to his house church. This new church meets outside under a tarp. Once again, the people were so friendly and inviting. We once again sang a special and Dan Fittro preached. He preached a message on "How to Praise God." This church was also started with the support from North Valley Baptist Church. We were only able to stay a short time at this church, because we had another journey to get to our final desination of the day.

The final desination was about another 30 minutes on motorcycle up to the top of the mountain. The fog had settled in by the time we arrived and it was actually cold. We didn't think it got cold anywhere in the Philippines, but it was there. Pastor Florencio Muleta and some of his people greeted us with a welcome rattan (similar to a Hawaiian lei). We were able to spend time with the Pastor and his family, and they prepared us a delicious meal of chicken, pork, mangos, bananas, and rice. We were shown our room for the night. Pastor Muleta's sons graciously gave up their room for the night so we could stay there. It was a 15'x8' room, consisting of two beds and a dirt bike. Our beds were made of bamboo and were a good reminder of how blessed we are in the states. Our night was filled with noises of roosters, cats, and rain. Although, we did not sleep as well as usual, I think all of us were very grateful for the experience.