February 21, 2025 – Ayala Museum and CBN Asia

In the morning time, Johanna booked a motorcycle from my condo to the Sagitarius building in Makati; the headquarters of her workplace; CBN Asia and the headquarters for ACM (Asian Center for Missions). Johanna was waiting for me at the entrance to the skyscraper. She gave me a big hug and an even bigger smile. Our hands clasped together in what seemed to be teenage delight and then we ascended the building to the CBN Asia headquarters. I got to meet all Johanna's co-workers including her coach Angel and Lester, and her whole team including Juniem Joebert, Roxanna, Ruth, and many more. We had a great time of fellowship, I was given a few different gifts, we all laughed with joy and excitement for Johanna's and my soon to be engagement, Lester and I prayed for one another, and then we all parted ways. The books I received as gifts are: Faith Walkers by Dr. Albert Clavo and Heaven in Your Eye, Earth On Your Heart by Steve Donald. Also, Johanna gave me a blue baseball cap that says Made to Worship; the 'a' is an alpha sign, the 'o' is an omega sign, and the 't' is a cross. Great hat and it fits well. Thank you guys for all you do at CBN Asia. Thank you for praying for the world and America. God bless you guys and be with you.

Next, Johanna and I went up to the ACM headquarters. Johanna simply wanted to show me their office and get a taste of what they do. Their mission is to advance the kingdom of Jesus Christ by training and facilitating the sending of missionaries to the least-reached people groups through prayer, mobilization, resource generation, and missionary care and partnership with churches and other organizations. ACM is a missionary training arm of CBN Asia. Visiting the office of ACM was a wonderful experience. Who knows? Only God knows: perhaps Johanna and I will become missionaries in Asia someday. We will seek the Lord's guidance in this particular, life-changing calling.

Afterwards, Johanna and I went down to the 711 convenience store to buy vanilla yogurt-flavored milk (Johanna really likes it and I do, too now). I gave her the day 9 gift and love song: 'The Boy and the Girl.' I gave her the sloth stuffed animal because we were so slow in coming together as boyfriend and girlfriend, and soon to be, husband and wife. She was giddy with joy and excitement. We both can't believe that our love-story is finally unfolding. At the convenient store we shared hopes and aspirations for our future, and no matter what we hope to bring glory and honor to the good Lord up above. Thank you, Jesus, for this amazing experience in an exotic foreign country with my one true love. We saw Roxanne and Junie at the 711. We waved hell and said goodbye. Then, we walked down the road in Makati to the Ayala Triangle Gardens and then we went to the Ayala Museum.

The museum was so unique and outstanding. We started on the 4^th floor. On this floor is an exhibit of ancient Filipino gold. The exhibit was gold artifacts from the Surigao Collection...tons of gold left behind by the indigenous tribes and Spaniards when they occupied the land. On display were gold bracelets, cuffs, finials, necklaces, jewelry of all kinds, rings, bowls, sashes, and ornaments. The indigenous people wore this gold as a sign of prestige and power. Also, in this collection, was an array of textiles (clothing and the like) from these Filipino ancient tribes. Lastly, on the fourth floor was a collection of pottery belonging to the ancient Filipino tribes.

On the third floor was artwork by Fernando Zobel. He was a Filipino artist, poet, sculptor, and writer. The creative collection and amount of his work is astounding and absolutely incredible. He painted mostly abstract art, and his artwork is timeless. It spans time and is still a masterpiece, relevant in this modern age.

The second floor has a diorama that tells the history of the Filipino people from the time of the cavemen to the present day. There are 60 dioramas each telling and showing a unique part of Filipino history, heritage, and culture. It was truly a wonderful sight to behold. Also, the displays were very informative.

Finally, Johanna and I got a Grab after going through the museum in its entirety. Johanna was tired and she fell asleep beside me. Jehu, the sloth, cuddled in both arms. Johanna is very tired. This whole week she has been working throughout the night, then going on excursions with me throughout the day. She is a strong, resilient woman and she has not complained a bit. When she does get tired, she'll lean against me and I gently wrap my arm around her shoulders. These small, sweet moments man so much. I love spending time with Johanna. Like I have said before, I truly believe that we are soul mates. I can't wait for the rest of our adventure together. I love Johanna, and I really believe she loves me for who I am, too.

The Grab took us to Dimasalang Street. Johanna was tired, but she stayed up to eat Mrs. Cora's dinner...a chicken noodle with macaroni noodle soup, beef stew with vegetables, potatoes, a salad, and lumpia. It was a fantastic meal. Thank you Mrs. Cora, from the bottom of my heart for making my stay here in the Philippines amazing! Thank you for your rich hospitality and love. Thank you for all the wonderful meals. I love your family Mrs. Cora and Mr. Joe. I believe our marriage will work out for our joy and for God's glory.

Following dinner, Johanna wanted to sit by my side and chat for a while. We offered each other sweet endearments and love. She is such a sweet girl and I love her. She loves physical affection, and I do, too. I believe when we get married, we will hug each other all day long. I believe children may be on the way after we get married. She is the most uniquely beautiful islander woman that I have ever seen. When God made Johanna, he made something very, very good. Johanna finally let go of me, she went to sleep, and I went down to the first floor to fix up another bike. I got the bike's gears and derailleurs working as they should but one tube is bad and one wheel needs to be trued. So, I am going to buy some more bicycle parts and tools for the Binuya family (especially for Jayson and Jonathan since they ride the bicycles and motorcycles most often). Also, Johanna and her dad can use the tools as well. Here is a list of things I need to buy as gifts for their homestead:

Two 26” x 2.125” tubes
Foot Air Pump
Air Compressor with Accessories
Bicycle tire irons
Small spoke wrench
Chain removal tool
Bottle of degreaser

After working on the bikes for a while, I decided to work on the electrical system, starting on the first flor of the house. I noticed that a switch wouldn't properly turn on a light. I fixed the issue—one of the wires came loose from the terminal screw of the switch. Another box needs a blank cover, and upstairs there is a missing bulb. So, the list of items needed for electrical are:

Single-gang large blank white cover.
Pack of LED Edison-base lightbulbs

As I was doing the work, Mr. Joe and Mrs. Cora called me in to meet Mr. Armand and Mr. Ellie, two men that attend the house church in the Binuya home. Afterward, Mr. Joe started talking with me and I was getting agitated. I had to walk away from him to go back to working on the bikes. This kept me from getting angry, but it might have came across as rude. I did apologize to him today, so I hope he can forgive me. I pray we can still be great friends. After all, we will be family (Mr. Joe will be my father-in-law) if Johanna and I get married. Afterwards, I gathered my belongings, and Jayson gave me a ride back to the AirBnB on his motorcycle.

This morning is the start of day ten. I'm waiting on Johanna to meet me here at the Grace Mall. Today is one of her favorited from the old songs: Johanna Banana. We will be heading to Lipa, Batangas via bus. I'll write more later. Johanna may be close by. God bless and God be with you. In Jesus mighty, holy, and wonderful name. Amen!