Noise Pollution

One of the issues you face when living in Manila is noise pollution.  There’s the general noise, for example, like the sounds of engines and horns.

But it seems I’m always subjected to my own personal barrage of audio delights.  There is a videoke bar located across the street from me.  Inebriated patrons belt out lyrics, convinced they are singing a near-perfect rendition of their favorite songs (in reality it sounds more like a cat being run over by a lawn mower).

Then there’s the construction noise.  The apartment below me has been under renovation for what seems like an eternity.  Now it is about finished, so I thought I’d have a little more peace and quiet (relatively speaking, of course).

Who was I kidding–my neighbors have invented yet another way to make noise.  The powers that be decided this apartment building next to mine needed windows in the parking level (I don’t know why they didn’t make this decision while they were building it).  Time to break out the jackhammer and make some noise.  I took this video from my porch.

God is either working on building my patience, my sense of humor, or both.

I’m looking on the bright side–they are almost finished with this latest, noisy project.

Burned Out

I have a confession to make.

I’ve been feeling burned out lately.

This has been a glorious year of ministry: campus work, the new book, expansions in the radio ministry, etc. But it has also been a challenging year—funny how “success” and trials often go together.

Exactly what has caused the burnout? I’m not really sure. But I have a few ideas:

*First and foremost, I’ve had to make some tough ministry decisions this year. I’m at peace with these decisions, but getting there has been a long, exhausting process. Sorry for not going into more detail, but it’s for the best.

*This has been a very busy year—balancing several new ministry opportunities. I think I kind of hit a “wall” last month after February (my busiest month).

*Financial stress. God is faithful, and I’ve never once had to really worry about where my next meal is coming from. But like everyone else, I am affected by the current economic climate.

*It’s hot. Really hot.

I’m praying my visit home will be a time to recharge.