Monday, January 7, 2013

Where is my love and passion for the Philippines?

I dropped off Wayne at the church for his language class. I parked the car nearby and decided to just walk around the area to find 2 things- a Starbucks that had wifi, and a BPI (bank) to withdraw some cash. As I drove to the church earlier, I saw lots of BPIs, so I was cheering silently that withdrawing money can easily be checked off my list of things to do. So I started my walk around the neighborhood (more like financial district). The first Starbucks said their internet is down. I frowned even though they were very apologetic. I walked out. Then I saw a BPI - as I walked up, I saw the sign, "Offline". Grrr... Ok, go on. The 2nd Starbucks I walked into, was charging P60/hour for wifi. (about a little over 1 Canadian dollar) That's ridiculous, I thought and walked away. (Yes, I am cheap!) Of course, I was planning to buy a coffee, so that should merit my getting free internet, I was telling myself. Then, I continued discovering the area. Aha! BPI, yes, as I climbed the steps towards the ATM machine, I saw a flimsy written note, "Inquiries only, no cash dispensing". Hmmm.... Is there any machine that has cash in this supposedly financial area? Along the way, I'd see people walking, street sweepers cleaning, security guards standing around. I paid no attention to them. No smiles, no hellos, just muttering inside - "Where are those silly bank machines?" "Is there anywhere I can get free wifi?" I finally saw another BPI and heaved a sigh of relief when it actually gave me the mulah that I needed. Thank you! I walked back to the first Starbucks and decided to just get a coffee. I casually asked them how much they charge for wifi had it been available. P90/hour, egad! Oh well, I guess that's how things really are here. The lady who served me was really nice. As I sat down to enjoy my coffee, I realized I was so concerned in "accomplishing" my goals this morning, that I had no passion, no eyes, no heart for the people around me. How easily I was caught up with my things to do, I failed to stop and chat with someone or even talk to our Father for the people in the neighborhood. Help me, O God to feel as You would feel, to think as You would think, to act as You would act.