February 25, 2025 – Cuenca and Imelda's Garden

    Yesterday, Johanna and I woke up before sun-up around 4:30am. We had planned to do a hike at Mount Maculot during and after the sunrise. However, something came up and Ferds and Angel could not join us for the hike. We took a jeepney to Cuenca, nonetheless because Johanna and I still wanted to do the hike together. After arriving in Cuenca we asked about the location of the trailhead. We were told that the trail has been closed since the pandemic, so we were not able to do the hike after all. Instead, we walked the city streets of Cuenca to Imelda's Garden. Imelda's Garden is an extraordinary garden overlooking Taal lake, and the Taal Volcano. It was out of this world, Johanna and I had the most fun and quality time, and we stayed there until about 4:00pm. At the gardens we shot many photos (mostly of Johanna for she truly is an island angel) and leisurely, yet excitedly, made our way around the huge gardens. I also wanted to mention that the gardens have a splendid view of Mount Maculot (where we were going to hike). In addition to shooting many photos, we also drank a mango and a banana smoothie, and delved into a Bible study concerning the attributes of a woman about to be wed to a man. The whole day was like a dream. Even though we aren't supposed to show too much romance, we embraced one another, held each others hands, and offered sweet endearments into each other's ears. Around 4:00pm, we decided to make the hike back into town. The hike is about a two mile walk, so with the walking to and from and all the walking in the gardens, we had a great day of hiking together after all.

    In town, we went back to the bakery, bought some bread and other baked goodies, and headed out to catch the bus back to Lipa, Batangas. The bus ride took maybe 45 minutes to one hour, and the driver dropped us off at Robinson's Mall. By this time, the sun was setting. Johanna anted to get the coconut milk drinks we had the previous day, so we went into the mall, shot a couple photos, and found the drinks at a kiosk. Then, we walked back to Angel and Ferd's transient home in the nighttime. We arrived back at the transient home by 7:00pm and we started cooking dinner of hot dogs, tapas, eggs, cheese, and chips. I cooked up a tapas, egg, and cheese sandwich, while Johanna ate mostly hot dogs and some tapas. As we started cooking, Angel and Ferds arrived. We welcomed them in, but they had already ate. So, they talked with Johanna in Tagalog while we cooked and ate. I kind of feel like an outsider when they speak to one another in Tagalog, especially after they have been talking amongst themselves like that for over an hour. But all is well, and if nothing else it is teaching me about patience and helping me overcome my anger. God is good and he's go this. Dear Lord, help me respond with graciousness instead of anger. Help me Lord respond with joy and kindness instead of anger. Let me be forever grateful and joyful, even if some folks are unintentionally being rude to me...or intentionally being rude to me. I know you have me in your hands Lord. Please help me, Lord, especially when the anger is welling up inside of me.

    After eating, Johanna and I, and Angel and Ferds began playing Uno together. We all had a great time and it was a wonderful evening. Around 9:00pm, Angel and Ferds departed. Ferds and I prayed us out. We prayed for each other's relationships and we prayed that everyone will know hot to forgive in different situations. We both blessed one another and gave thanks to the Lord for this marvelous time. Today could not have been any better. God's plan is awesome, and like I said, “I know God has us in his hands.”

    Today, the 25^th of February, Johanna and I are up (though we slept in until about 7:00-7:30am). Johanna ate Lo Mei for breakfast while I ate some yogurt and a couple of baked goods from Luis Bakery in Cuenca. Now, we are getting ready to depart and head back to Manila. Not sure exactly what the day has to bring, but we are going to seize the day and enjoy the adventure that awaits ahead today. Thank you, Jesus, for all you have done in our lives. We love you Lord. Thank you for loving us.