Do you ever wonder what it would be like to live in rural Philippines?? (Probably not..but maybe some of you :)

Well..let's take a closer glimpse at just one area of life. Play along with me...

We hop on our bikes (or maybe get a tricycle ride with a friend) and go about 3km into 'town'. On the way at least one kid yells out "hey man" to Josh and then giggles until we're out of sight. All the elderly people quietly stare at the white people wondering when we're going back to America. And some people that we know will wave and say hello. 
We park in our usual spot at Lisa's. Actually, Lisa hasn't worked there since October, but we don't know the name of the owner now. She's too busy trying to convince us how good are fruits are to tell us her name :) So we park at Lisa's.

This is the local palengke. AKA market.
I could use many words to describe it. But really, it is ever-changing. The smells are always different. The variety of foods can vary from time to time. Mornings are loud. Afternoons are dead silent. Sunday's are crazy busy. There are always a few fish flopping. You might see crabs, stingray, or squid. Sometimes the vendors sleep next to their stands. Sometimes their crying children are there with them. A beggar child may or may not approach you. You can always count on it being dirty. And most of all, you can always count on a fun time.

 The palengke is actually one of my favorite things about our new life here. The food is so so fresh. And it is where we get the most practice speaking Tagalog. We've began to build some relationships with people who work there. Meaning we know their names, maybe how many children they have, and everything they sell at their little store/booth. They laugh with us when we can't think of words, because they know that we're trying really hard to speak like them. I long to be to the point where we can really carry on conversations and eventually spiritual conversations. But I am thankful to the Lord for the progress He's given us in the language thus far.

Nonetheless, the palengke is right in the center of Maria Aurora. If you need a taxi ride, there's always one available. The bus terminal is there. The pharmacy. The gas station. Our favorite bakery and the post office are nearby.  If you come visit, we'll be sure to take you here :) But until then, I hope you've enjoyed your little tour to the Maria Aurora Palengke.