Dumaguete - Last Sad Monday

Monday, our last full day in Dumaguete.  We have all enjoyed our time and experiences here.  We have also bonded well as a group.  After the daily devotions  those of us leaving on the first flight on Tuesday and missing the devotions then were asked to say a few words.  It was touching.  Megan was pretty much in tears and I felt close to bawling.  There was a consensus of a strong desire to return again soon.  We will miss Dumaguete and the people we have come to know and love.

A few of us then visited NORSU (Negros Oriental State University), the university where 102 sponsored college students are enrolled.  We were led around by one of the LCP students and met a few others there.  We also spoke briefly with a few of the deans.  It was great to see the university where so many at LCP go.

Coffee Beans on Tree

After a little souvenir shopping we had a group lunch before we went to our separate afternoon visits.  I went with Megan, Tate & Coda to visit with a man in the provincial agriculture department.  He turns out to be a classmate of my sister Colleen.  It's amazing how many people are connected to my family in this city.  We went to visit one of the areas they are promoting the growth of coffee.  During the long bumpy ride their and back, I learned much about coffee and cacao production in the Philippines.  He taught me a number of things that I had not known from the research I did prior to the trip.  It was very encouraging to speak with him.  Each of the people that I have spoken with regarding the livelihood projects we are interested in pursuing have been very helpful.  I'm very encouraged that these ideas can bear fruit.

We then spent a little time with the kids prior to having a team dinner.  The kids get out of school at 5 here in the Philippines.  Going to school 8-5 sure makes for a long school day.  All the kids were hugging us and telling us that they didn't want us to go.  We had to pry ourselves away for dinner.  Sigh.

After dinner Megan went to be with the Wee Women for a while.  She is helping them with their homework and socializing with them one last time.  I'm wrapping up and packing our souvenirs and praying they all survive the trip.

We will all look back on the fond memories we have captured from this beautiful city on a beautiful island in a beautiful country with beautiful people.  Dumaguete has always been a home for me.