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I don’t find long distance travel very easy. Airplane seats are not designed for someone of my size. But things always change the moment I land and meet the people I have travelled to be with.

The proverb says it so well. It’s about the people, the people, the people.

And we the people in this place are together for just one reason. Each one of us is seeking greater maturity of Christian faith, not a simple obedience to religious laws and practices but a lively and transforming relationship with Jesus Christ who is God-with-us.

My first Philippines stop was Manila (top picture) last week. It was a national holiday on Wednesday and we had a cafe gathering.

We didn’t waste our time together but focussed on our personal experience of Christ in the past week, not a month or a few years ago but in the most recent days.

Then to GenSan in the south of the country at the Mount Matutum monastery of the Trappistine sisters. I have grown to love the bells of this place, calling us to prayer not only in the daylight hours but throughout the night, not that I am very good at responding in the dark hours but at least I recognise the call.

Our group (pictured at bottom) took over the sisters retreat centre for the weekend days together reflecting on the importance of shifting from all the points of view, perspectives and opinions about God and faith to the more personal and real prompt of Jesus: “but who do YOU say that I am”.

The trip home which I have just begun involves five flights.

It helps me to remember that even in Row 43 I am spending the twelve hours (the longest flight) in a seat more comfortable than my grandparents ever owned, with a huge supply of movies and TV shows, no phone calls to interrupt me, and food and drink brought to my seat.

Life really is all about perspective. (-: