L.I.G.H.T.

I have had the most gracious hosts while I have been here in the Philippines. I was trying to think of how I would describe my sister’s in-laws, Albert and Shirley Kalaskas, but most of what I came up with sounded paltry in comparison to the magnitude with which I consider these amazing people. Fortunately, I heard someone else give the perfect description. On my last night in Baguio City, we were invited to Momma Karing’s 76th birthday celebration. I met her at a wedding earlier during my stay. She plays the piano and taught music for many years. We arrived at her residence and were greeted with a display of all the yummy food laid out for the feasting, and I thought we would be eating soon. No—out came the hymnals (what do you expect with four ministers and two retired ministers in the mix). We had a little birthday celebration church service complete with readings, hymns, homily and all.

Pastor Pete started speaking in the local dialect, paused, and apologized before shifting to English. I am glad that he switched because his words were beautiful. He described Momma Karing as a light bringer. As I listened to his homily, I realized he was also describing Albert and Shirley. He had come up with an acronym for light: light bearers are a depiction of love, integrity, generosity, humility, and trustworthiness. That summed it up for me. Albert and Shirley are all of those things and much more. Spending the holidays with them has been a blessing as it is rare to find two people who have been married for nearly forty years who share so much happiness; who move together fluidly, laugh often, and have accomplished so much—raised two children, built four churches and plan to build sixteen more, put their own children through college as well as half a dozen other young adults. The way they love each other and those around them is extraordinary.