On a recent trip to Dipolog City I bought lechon (roasted) pig to bring home to my kids. The lechon, in reality, was baked bread shaped to look like a roasted pig.  My two daughters squealed with delight when I unwrapped their pasalubong (souvenir gift). This, I guess, will be on display for as long as it can hold off attacks against molds or the ants.  Or I may just have to clear out my freezer so that I can put it in cold storage for awhile. Frozen pig bread anyone? I am seriously thinking of hosting a party in order to show it off



Another novel item I bought was on my trip to Cebu. It was from a street vendor hawking his wares. I, the hawker’s captured customer, trapped inside a taxi and stuck in traffic, could not avoid his sales pitch.  I succumbed and bought from him an intricately made tree which from a distance looked like a delicate glass sculpture. Upon closer inspection, however, one pleasantly discovers that it is actually a work of art made from a discarded plastic Sprite bottle! When I asked the vendor if he made it.  He replied, ‘No ma’am, a prisoner made it.’



Later, while waiting for our bus back home to Dumaguete, I could not help but just stare and be mesmerized by the object I was holding.  I was in awe at the skill of the prisoner who crafted the finely detailed tree. The fact that there were 4 or 5 other vendors plying the street selling the same item did not diminish my wonderment.

My thoughts then turned to God. How much more majestic and awesome our Father is whose hands created the world and us! The tree I was holding of course does not merit comparison, but the plastic tree brought to mind the tree of life which is mentioned in Revelation 22:2-3Revelation 22:2-3
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. ³ And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:  

WP-Bible plugin:

• Down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him.

If I can be excited over a plastic sculpture… picture that which God created… plus the thought of finally being with Him…seeing Him face to face in His Kingdom!!! WOW!!! One can only imagine…



I had to hire a porter to carry the few pieces of luggage we had so that I could take care of my seemingly fragile tree.

The other porters were amused by my precious treasure and one of them jokingly said, ‘Ma’am, ibilin na lang na!’ (Ma’am, just leave that behind!) I smiled back at him and said, ‘Of course not!’ And I went along my merry way lovingly carrying my recyled plastic Sprite bottle back home…



• This article was submitted by Ana Patrice
  

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