after climbing for 6 hours.. happy pa din!
THANK YOU!!**salamat sa inyong mga panalangin, ramdam na ramdam ko ang shield ng Lord sa pamamagitan ninyo. :) - rolitessWe met a Medical Doctor named Dr. Sunni Moreno (whom I was really blessed), he was so delighted that he even wrote an article about us.
**sharing you our adventure!
What do Ethel, John, Alan, Romy, Grace 1, Grace 2, Ianne, Carol, Lynette, Tess, Alan, Mike, Romeo and Mon have in common? Sunburn, aching muscles, sore backs, dusty feet, craving stomachs, itching scalps and insect bites. Sharing these conditions with them are Betchie, Denden, Neneng, Lilet, Menchie and Sunni [TMFI staff and volunteers], all supporting participants of the Kabalantian and Malikongkong medical outreach, which was actually organized for the benefit of Batch 18, who needed to undergo this local exposure before they could qualify for the international exposure trip that would finally give them the full status as bona fide missionaries.
March 30, 2007 was the day that they had been anticipating, and even before the sun showed its rays they were already crammed into a jeepney and were on their way to Maluan – a sitio that is the end of the road for all motorized vehicles. They got off the jeep and started trekking towards Kabalantian. They were warned beforehand that the distance would be great, and that they would have to climb steep paths but obviously they were unprepared for what lay ahead. This became obvious when some started to rest every few meters while gasping for breath and gulping down liters of precious bottled water.
Anyway that same day Kabalantian was conquered and the elated hikers were finally introduced to the Matigsalug community. Teams immediately got busy with their previously assigned chores and in no time dinner was ready, as the sun disappeared and the moon took its place. It was a very beautiful and serene evening that was punctuated by the chorus of snores in crescendo and decrescendo.
The following day was busy with bathing children, feeding them and attending to the long line of patients who took advantage of the very rare presence of a doctor and free medicines. The batchmates also took the opportunity to fulfill the requirements to translate some words and phrases from English to Matigsalug and to learn and teach new songs.
Sunday dawned bright and clear and church service got underway with the lively participation of the children in a very animated and touching manner that is peculiar to the Matigsalug youngsters. The Spirit of God was indeed felt in every heart throughout the service. The Chieftain – Datu Buwaya, was so touched by the presence of the team and all their efforts to uplift the wellbeing of his tribe that he butchered a pig and offered it in a rare display of gratitude and love.
Kabalantian could be considered in history as the place where a new recipe was discovered, thanks to Pastor Alan and cohorts who came up with the recipe: Matigsalug pork con cassava. An exotic blend of western, eastern, northern and southern cultures minus the pressure cooker. The natives were on hand to help devour the surplus, which obviously was overflowing.
Monday saw the team pack their bags and head downhill for the hike to Malikongkong. At the Davao River they had a solemn service for some natives who displayed their acceptance of the gospel through the rite of baptism. The team also ate lunch nearby at a shady spot with a pool deep enough for diving. This respite gave them enough strength to tackle Malikongkong, which was a mountain full of challenges and victories.
The reception at Malikongkong was unexpected. It was actually a grieving one with the cries of the bereaved family audible even from a distance. A pregnant woman succumbs to hypertension and dies a few hours before the team arrives. This unusual timing of events gave the team enough reason to dig into their reserves for the answers to some questions and to look up to God for guidance and deliverance from the unseen enemy.
The following day the team was joined by another group composed of nurses and volunteers from the All Nations Christian Fellowship in Davao City that was organized by Charlotte 'Myong' Condevillamar. The medical clinic got underway and the team was swamped by the greatest number of patients so far. Meals that day and the following day were an influence of Japanese and Chinese cultures, and were served hot and steaming. It didn't matter if they called it odong or noodles. What was important was that the team ate it much gusto and went back to the kettle for a second and even third helping.
April 5 was the most anticipated day of all. In the mind was a soft bed, 'normal' meals, a clean, tiled and stink-free bathroom and all the amenities that modern day has pampered us with. The team starts the descent to Maluan and it was with a heavy heart that they said goodbye to the Matigsalug who they came to love as true brothers and sisters in the short span of time that they lived among them.
The aches and pains would only be temporary, and the lack of sleep only a fleeting experience. But the smiles of the children, the trust that they displayed, the suffering of the sick and the plight of the marginalized and deprived natives would be a lasting memory that would haunt the team members and give then the resolve to do everything within their means to uplift the lot of the Matigsalug.
It would not be a wonder if one day some of the members of Batch 18 would find themselves retracing their steps on the steep and winding path to Kabalantian. They can say with all sincerity that they left their hearts with the Matigsalug.
**Article by Dr. Sunnie Moreno
Ice breaker: Why don't we stretch? (Grp.2)
Group 1 - prayer time
guyz - mon, Pas Aldean, Boyong and kuya Jimmy
open forum (Appreciation, nakikitang kulang, namimiss gawin)
after the event 1:30am
rubber bond forum 
kids happy feet! praying for slippers
the kids of Kabalantian tribe singing Maepiya ka Manama (kay Buti ng Diyos)
sleep over at Davao Bible School
Evaluation - sharing time @ Davao Bible school (President's house)
overlooking Samal Paradise
visit at Sinuda, Bukidnon (Literacy Institute - Bible translation for Matigsalug tribe)
Penong's treat with ate grace (the best sinugba ever! - inihaw)
groupings
hanggang sa pagligo samasama pa din!
foggy morning with Datu Buwaya (seated at the middle)
Bonding!
bonfire at Malikungkong - Evangelistic night
kuya Romy's bible story
toy giving - kids just love it!
sunday service - kids special number
group devotion and prayers
morning worship
Pastor Romy, praying to a sick child
Team with Datu Buwaya (middle) - the Chieftain of Kabalintian tribe
Teambuilding - interconnection
feeding program - arrozcaldo!
mommy Ianne - teaching the kids (toothbrush)
Ms. Ethel - nailcuttering
me, bathing the kids :)
Ms. Lilet and the Medical team (she is our team leader - from TMFI tribal missions foundation international she gave up broadcasting and pursue tribal ministry)
Dr. Sunni Moreno (our very funny, encourager doctor - we love yah dockie!)
Pastor Alan (in Sarong) and the team B Cooks 
the water falls (Salug River)
during the water baptism
after climbing for 6 hours.. happy pa din!
