a little more info (and rest)

Well, I enjoyed a restful night of sleep and am ready for the day ahead. We fly back to Manilla this morning, with a day off to take in the culture a little deeper. The Philippines are a collection of islands covering a lot of territory, and we'll only see the 2 largest cities while here. It is helpful that they are the 3rd largest english-speaking country in the world...though it gets pretty confusing and overwhelming when they get going in their own languages and dialects.

I'm reminded of my experiences in Vietnam a little bit...scooters all over the place, chaotic and inventive driving a majority of the time, lots of people with scarves around their faces to keep off the sun and pollution while walking, riding their motorcycles, and working outside. Last night we ate at the nearby Kauna Grill (one of the sponsors of our concert) after the show, and here is some of the food partaken of: blue marlin soup, pork belly strips, chicken thighs, calimari, and some rocky road ice cream (you have to have dessert!). The meats were grilled over big fire pits and we had a soy sauce based dip as well.

Our concert was at the B.R.I.G.H.T Academy, a typical stage set up in a huge schoolyard. While seating was available, we invited those at the back to come forward to fill in the higher-priced seating on the wings and up close--ruffling a few feathers with the people who just wanted to sit and watch, but giving the show a little more energy and action. What a gracious crowd! We played some old songs, some we haven't played in years. Tea And Sympathy, Five Candles, Unforgetful You (invited 2 crowd members to come up and sing--partially because no one remembers all the words well), Liquid...these were hits in the Philippines, and it was a rush to play them and receive such a thrilled response.

Unfortunately Matt was unable to make the trip at the last moment. He turned around in L.A. with the news of his grandfather's soon-approaching death to be with family. His grandfather passed away late Sunday night, but it sounds like Matt was able to enjoy sweet time with him before his passing. Though we miss him, especially on stage (for the fans) but more personally, we are thankful for God's gracious gift in the midst of sadness. Prayers for their family...