Day 1: The Arrival

Its official, Brazil is on my top 10 most favorite places in the world. The people are not only nice, but they are really great people here.

When I got off the plane I had to go through customs, which is probably the quickest I ever went through customs. And then I finally got to see my bag for the first time in like two days. It was great to be reunited. But than I had to figured out where to go for my next flight; but that wasn’t too hard, I had so much time, so I decided that I should try to walk outside for a little bit – Sao Paulo is beautiful. But I didn’t really get to see much, because I didn’t really speak Portuguese, so I figured I should just stick around the airport.

My flight was actually delayed, but I didn’t really know what to do; so I just followed the crowd to the where everyone was going. They actually bussed us to another plane, and then we quickly loaded and were off to Belo Horizonte. It is beautiful there too. It seems like everywhere I am going to be going in Brazil is just going to be beautiful. But I finally saw my friend for the first time in a while. It was good to meet the family too. But since I hadn’t really eaten (because all the food was not vegetarian even though I requested for it), we ate.














After we ate we drove to Ouro Preto where I was able to get settled into a room, take a shower, and then walk around a bit. It’s a really nice (and I guess historical) city – even though I would call it a town. Basically we were out for a while, so now its time to try to sleep.

The Consulate & Chicago

Click here for my day in the Windy City.

I woke up late – 6:40 and needed to leave at 6:45, so I brushed my teeth and was like, umm, the shower is going to have to wait, I need to get to the bus station quick. We got there, and I had just enough time to ask for a round trip ticket, directions, and which bus it was. Then I boarded the bus and was able to have devotions. It was a short ride.

When I got off the train I went to the nearest Walgreens to get a Passport Photo for the visa and start walking to Michigan Ave. When I got to Michigan Ave. I turned right, because that is what I was instructed to do, but I started to go South and when I got to 400 something it was not the correct place. So I asked the police and he said that I was way off and needed to start going the other direction. I don’t think that I’ve ran so fast for a while with a backpack on. It was good though, because man was I awake when I got the consulate. I still arrived at 8:30, the time that I was told to arrive because lines would start to get big early and they didn’t open until 9. I was the fourth person in line and the people in front of me were one family.

When I got in I asked for the person that I was told to ask for and I was immediately helped. He was very kind, and things were figured out quickly. I was told to wait and see what would happen, so I waited for a little while. It was odd because I had all this food in my backpack from my Auntie and I just couldn’t eat, I was like I just need to pray. But after a while I was told to return at 12:45 (15 minutes before they closed) to pick up the visa. I haven’t wanted to show so much appreciation in a while. I actually went to a story and got a thank you card.

Chicago is very different, but in many ways it almost like a bridge between San Francisco and Boston. There are parts of it that I liked; but it was a nice city. Since I had a few hours to kill I was able to go to the John Hancock Tower and take pictures of the whole city. I also figured that I might as well get the whole experience and listen to the audio version, so I was able to get a good number of the city down. And since three hours is a long time I was able to walk a great portion of downtown. I think there are only a few things that I was not able to see.

When I returned I got the visa and quickly started to walk to the train station. On my way though I saw the older gentlemen all tucked up and not in such a good condition. Often we pass by these people, but my heart tugged within me and I asked him if he would like any food, so I offered to get him subway since it was right there and he gladly accepted. I wish that I could have stayed and talked with him a bit more, but I was in a little rush so I hope that he enjoyed his food.

When I got to the station I saw that the #6 train was boarding for Hinsdale/Aurora, so I quickly ran over and got on the train. I finally got back to Hinsdale and called up Emilie to pick me up. The Lason family is a very kind family. They had food for me and all when I got back. I almost wanted to stay one more day, but I had already delayed my trip to Brazil for two days. I think it is time to finally get on the way.

I was able to spend a little more time with the family at the mall and get Vanessa a camera, I hope that she likes it. But it was good, I got to the airport with a good amount of time. I was able to see some more Filipino’s and talk with them a little more. I called my friends again to tell them that I was leaving again. And then I finally made it on the flight to Brazil. It’s going to be a long night. But in a few more hours I will be in a whole new country once again.

Christmas in Hinsdale

My mom called me at about 1 AM and said that we have really close family friends who live here in Chicago. She said that they were willing to pick me up then, but I was like how about tomorrow? I still have some things that I need to figure out at the Airport, like what is happening with my luggage that they wouldn’t let me have back.

Either way, I was driven back to the airport and was able to get a ticket for tomorrow, in hopes that I get a visa, and then I just sat and waited for a while. Actually I started to read a book entitled the Cost of Discipleship. It’s a very good book so far, and I’m only in the first few pages of the first chapter.

Sometime later in the afternoon I was finally picked up by Uncle Emmanuel. It was nice to be around people who though I don’t really know, at least I know that I can trust. When we got to their house they had some really good vegetarian food all ready for me. Thank the Lord too, because I was hungry and hadn’t eaten since yesterday. Auntie is a very good cook.
But later I was able to meet the rest of the family, who invited me to a party and where I was able to meet Rey – a friend from PUC. It was so ironic; but it was great. It was fun just to see everyone opening presents. Good times. All prayers needed tomorrow though, because I need to wake up early and go to the consulate.

Christmas Eve

Last night I spent my first official night in my own apartment. It was a bit nice, probably an unnecessary amount of space for just myself. But that’s okay.
I woke up several times this morning, but the thing that finally woke me up was a call from my father. We talked for awhile, and then I decided that it was time that I really begin my day. So I woke up, took a shower, had good devotions and went to get things situated for my room – I still had paperwork to fill out.

I was able to talk to Dr. Finley about some things. Man, that was an interesting conversation. But I should be getting my grades any day now – it’s a bit nerve racking. He almost made it sound like I didn’t really get a high “A;” so he has me a bit concerned.

Really most of the day was spent just getting things situated, doing laundry, packing and getting to the airport. When I got to the airport I got my tickets from South Bend, IN to Chicago, IL to Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Eventually I get to Chicago, and I got some food from a place that was filled with Filipino’s. It was fun though, because I spoke a little bit of Tagalog and they were shocked. Haha, I love doing that. But now I know where to go every time that I want to get food – at least if I’m flying United Airlines.

I decided that it would be a good thing to make sure that my ticket and information was correct. So I talked to the person at the counter about an hour before the flight, and here’s what the conversation basically went like:

“Where’s your visa?” I need a visa? What? “You don’t have a
visa? You can’t fly today then. You will have to speak with the
Brazilian Consulate on Wednesday because they are closed tomorrow because of the
holiday. We will put you in a hotel tonight, because they should not have
flown you here to Chicago if you did not have a visa, and then also given you a
boarding pass for Brazil if you did not have a visa. I am sorry, but you
are not flying to Brazil tonight.”

Talk about feeling like a big idiot. I really felt unsmart. But I called all the people that I knew – especially the person who’s related to the person that I’m going to be visiting, and they told me that she might know someone who might be able to help me when I go to the Brazilian Consulate. But for tonight, Malcolm is going to be in the Hilton, and I’m going to take full advantage of as much as I can while I’m here.

Road Trip: Minnesota

I left at about 9:30 AM, Arizona time for New Mexico, where I would meet my cousin and he would help me to drive all the way to Minnesota.














The last picture that I actually took with family was my little nephew.

And about two hours later, I was in the mountains of Arizona. And there was snow. It was pretty nice to be back in cold weather again. I guess I'm a bit more used to it now.

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Eventually I picked my cousin up at his house, and we were off to TX, then OK, then Kansas where we ate breakfast. Since we drove all night the goal was to get to MN by Monday afternoon; but we decided to take a little detour to Nebraska and visit Union College.







































































Before we left, we tried to get in touch with a friend; but it was finals week so we weren't able to get in touch with her. I guess till next time.
Oddly enough, though, we saw one of the most interesting gas prices. Can you see what's wrong with this picture?

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Eventually we made it to South Dekota, and then just before sunset we made it to Minnesota. I think in total we made it in the expected driving time of 28 hours.




































We finally made it to Auntie Feve's house. And I saw Mandi, Rochelle, and AJ. Aww, the good times begin.

I flew home today...

and for the first time since I've been flying into Arizona, we flew over Thunderbird Adventist Academy. For those who know, can you spot it below.



























[Its the green spot with those brow buildings around it]

But I was also able to get a good snow picture of an Arizona mountain.














But the first thing that I did as soon as I got back was eat at In n Out. Oh, good times. I was so hungry. I didn't eat anything this morning, but I was able to have some good company. I guess Chelsy's flight left a few minutes after mine. Well, actually both our flights got delay; but mine was delayed in NY. Its okay, I'm home now.

Adventist Adventures in New England

Today we left Portland, ME at 6:00 AM and were off to Washington, New Hampshire to see the first Seventh-day Adventist Church. Really the first Sabbath keeping advent believing church. Below are the promised pictures.





























































































Later we drove to the William Miller home. For those who do not know, William Miller is considered the "founders" of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. He wasn't really the founder, Captain Joseph Bates was; but because of him, the Seventh-day Adventist Church adopted many of the beliefs from the prophecies within Daniel and Revelation. Much of there theology develops from Millerites of the 1840's.

Slippin' and Sliding

Happy Birthday Mrs. Finley

Snow in Portland

This morning I was awaken with the message that we don't have class today because it was snowing. So I looked out my window and to my great amazement there was a lot of snow. I've decided to share a few pictures and a video or two.








Click here for the pictures.

Student loans paid

... in cash...













Doesn't that look like a lot of money? It was funny because I walked into the bank and said, "I would like to pay off my loans." And the kind lady asked, "How would you like to pay your loan?" And I pulled out 27 $100 bills. And she said, "Oh, okay." And then the others looking behind her were looking as if I had a lot of money. LoL. Just savings. Now I'm back to have a bit less. Time to save again.
PS
Happy Birthday Dad!!!

Current...

feelings are just what I read -

"Oh that I were as in months past, as in the days when God preserved me;
When his candle shined upon my head, and when by his light I walked through darkness;
As I was in teh days of my youth, when the secret of God was upon my tabernacle;
When the Almighty was yet with me..."
Job 29:2-5

Don't take it too far. But yes, "Lord I need you."

Goodbye Montreal

This morning I woke up and was so exhausted. I had blood shot eyes, I was so tired. But we got to the bus station at 7:20 and there was still a long line.

When we finally got on the bus we were off and away, until we were stopped at the border and when I mean stopped, I mean it literally took a long time.

Then when we got to Boston we arrived a little late so the Portland people had to rush, only to be stopped because before we could go more than 3 blocks or so the bus broke down, and we had to wait for another bus to arrived.

When we finally got on way I realized that I didn’t have anyone picking me up, so I had to get a taxi, but then I realized that I didn’t have enough money, so I had to get money. And it seemed like I had to walk everywhere just to get to an ATM that worked. But alas, I finally made it back, and I was able to talk with the Taxi driver for a little bit, he was a Muslim and seemed a little impressed that I knew a bit more about Islam that he would have originally thought.

In all the time it took to get back was like 13 or 14 hours. I could have flown to Korean from LAX in that time. Next I'm flying. Haha.

Now its time to chill. Tomorrow I begin packing for home. YEAH, Malcolm is going home!!!

Montreal: Day 4

Magandang Sabado!!!

Today is my last full day in Montreal, but it was probably one of the best days I’ve had in a while.

Sabbath school was interesting – “Seeing the Invisible.” There was quite a discussion, to be kind with words. But some people are just really opinionated.

Afterwards, for divine service, I was the speaker; but I didn’t start speaking until 12:20, and they were supposed to get out at 12:30. So I informed them that since I am Filipino, and today was the Sabbath, I am going to have a little Filipino time. I believe that the sermon went very well. As many people said afterwards, “It was a timely message.”

The title was “Higher than the Highest.” And no, I did not get the idea from GYC 2003. I got it from MYP page 40. It went amazingly well. All glory to God, for I could tell that He was with me. I must say though, it is hard speaking to Filipino’s.

It was amazing to see the reaction of so many, constantly the were in awe at my age. So many were shocked that I was 23. Generally the thought I looked younger; but being a “Pastor” and nearly done with my Master’s made them think that I was older. It was good to be appreciated. For those of you who don’t know – I come from a very prominent line among Filipino Adventists from the Philippines. It was just nice to be appreciated, it almost felt like I was at home (Philippines home, that is).

But afterwards I got to meet some new people at Potluck, and it seemed like everyone wanted to get me dish (whether or not I liked the food, lol); and then I was asked to pray a blessing for those people who have birthdays in November and December; and then assist in training people for the prayer gathering that they wanted to start today. It was busy, but it was good to “feel” like a Pastor.



























For what was left of the afternoon, I spent it at Uncle Jem’s cousins house. It was good, later in the evening we were finally able to get in touch with the newly arrived Filipino’s that I met at church. I was able to spend some time with them and talk and pray with them. It was a great blessing. PS – Jem, you better go to GYC, I hope that it works out.

Afterwards I went back to Uncle Jem’s cousins house, and then we went to Lolo Filip’s house. What a day, what a day, I leave early tomorrow…

Montreal: Day 3

Today was exciting. We went took the Metro to the Underground City, Downtown, and China Town. There was so much to see.















































































At one point while we were taking pictures we were told by a cop that we weren’t allowed, but he let us take a picture; and then we took another. It was fun. If you click on “Montreal: Day 3” you can see the pictures.

Afterwards, we picked up George, Le Tisha, and Peter to eat at one of my Auntie's house. Good times, good times.

Happy Sabbath.

Tomorrow I'm speaking at the Filipino Montreal SDA Church. "Higher than the Highest." Its a bit exciting. Pray for me though.

Montreal: Day 2

Today Lolo Phil and I went around town a little bit more. Basically we spent more of our time just talking to each other. He has good advice. It snowed a bit more today. It was pretty exciting. I guess I’m just not used to the snow.

Later in the day I was able to talk with my Uncle Jem, and we went and visited one of the Ladores family members. It was fun.

Montreal: Day 1

My Lolo told me to sleep in since we got in late, so I had no objections to the suggestion. We were off at about 10:30 – and first stop, the Conference Office. What can I say? I guess I’m an Adventist before I’m a tourist.














At the conference office, I met one of the conference people – I already forgot his name. He even gave me a book to read. It was so weird to see everything in French; but he gave me a book in English. I’ll probably read it in the next month or so. We’ll have to see about that. I have a lot of books to read right now.

After that we saw one of nicest Adventist churches that I have ever seen. It was bought for $50,000 (Canadian); which was still a steal. I guess there’s a story about it in one of the old Reviews. I’ll have to look for it.














Then we basically spent the rest of the day eating or driving around. It was really foggy so I wasn’t able to get any good shots; but I did see the Olympic stadiums and some other sites.














Oh, I know what I'm going to be speaking about this weekend - Higher than the Highest (Filipino)

Off to Montreal

Today I left for Montreal, the bus was 22 minutes late; but I still was able to get on the right one and had a two hour stop in Boston. The total trip was 10 hours and something. For now on I am further convicted that I will only travel by plane and train, well, at least in America and Canada. But it was nice. During the later part of my trip the girl that sat next to me talked for like two hours. LoL. She can really talk, she was also the lightest Haitian that I have ever met; but she was really nice.

When we got to Customs they questioned me on what I was doing in Montreal and I said that I was speaking in a church for the weekend. So then they had me talk to other people about my visit, and they almost wanted me to get a Visa for coming over; but then I told them that I’m also here just visiting family. It was interesting, they really had a lot of questions for me; but I was able to answer them all, so I guess they didn’t really mind. The trip was good otherwise. But I’m tired.