A weekend getaway..

Hi friends..

I have just returned from a wonderful couple days in the village of Bugnay. It was nice to disconnect a bit and to experience a place that people here have spoken so fondly of. I see now why they love it so much.

Our trip started out well. I was so excited to ride top load for the first time in my life. Thank goodness I'm not afraid of heights. The view from on top of the bus was absolutely amazing and entirely worth every frightful moment.. and there were a ton! Trust me. I was told it's a good idea to make sure you are right with God before you take a trip like that. We all survived, thoroughly enjoyed the trip, but were so grateful to arrive at the clinic in Bugnay(as were our tailbones). The clinic is an awesome little place clinging to the side of a mountain. It is an extension of Abudant Grace of God Maternity(where I serve here in Tabuk), but really cannot be compared. It is different and amazing all in it's own right. We were greeted by some of the village there, as well as Crystal, the midwife who runs the Bugnay clinic. After a quick little rest and orientation, we hiked down the mountain, over the bridge, and up into the village.
People keep asking me if I am experiencing culture shock being here, and honestly, I feel like it's more culture awe. These people amaze me! They inspire me. They encourage me. And they probably don't even realize they have that effect. I could have sat in the village for hours upon hours just watching how they live and interact. We toured the village a bit, visited a tree with a creepy history, and enjoyed some coffee. Shortly before dark, we trekked back across the bridge and up(WAY up) to the clinic for some supper, relax time, and a much needed sleep.
The following morning was church in the village. That is one of my favourite memories of this trip. This service was so beautiful that it brought Aisling and I to tears. I couldn't understand a word that they were saying, but the way they worship is so genuine and humble. It was a bunch of the youth leading and man, I just wanted to bring them back to Canada so other people could experience this. It's hard to put it into words.. all I can say is that even though I didn't know what the words were, I knew what they were saying.
After church we had lunch in the village, went down to the river to swim(or soak sun burnt legs), then headed back to the clinic for the rest of the time. Crystal was such a great hostess to us and I loved getting to know her a bit. She has become an honourary Canadian.
This morning we hopped back on top of a moving vehicle to head home, but this time it was a jeepny instead of a bus which meant it was a bit lower and didn't involve us having to duck to get under power lines. Ah the little blessings!

I am now happily home. Yes, home. In my comfy bed. Feeling thankful. Very thankful. The things I am getting to experience here have brought about a lot of new perspective, but also help me live in a more continuously thankful mindset. I am thankful for the people here and I'm thankful for my life and friends in Canada. I'm thankful for the different culture here, and I'm thankful for the comforts at home. I'm thankful that I have many places that are near and dear to my heart, that I call home, and that this place has quickly been added to that.

God is good friends.. He is so good. I truly hope and pray that you see that in your day ahead. Take some time to just be thankful.. for where you are, for what you have, for who you love.. and then drink some good coffee for me cause I darn well miss it!!

Sending some love from way over here...
A

p.s. For those of you letter writers, or care-package senders.. here is some useful info for you :)

Alexandra Pagnucco
C/O Abundant Grace of God Maternity
Magsaysay
Tabuk, Kalinga 3800
Philippines