Silverlinings (for other editions, see Silverlinings)
Bus from Manila to Baguio
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Bus Trip To Baguio
(October
1, 2006)
Boarding the dimly lit bus, I noticed that the heavy-eyed passengers were already yawning. Several were watching the television high above the driver's seat; a few with their heads close together were talking quietly to one another; while others were busy texting family and friends. Climbing over boxes of fruit and vegetables and bags of clothing in the aisle, I dragged my luggage towards the back of the bus.
Settling into my assigned seat, I prepared myself mentally for the ride to Baguio, a five hour drive north of Manila, about five thousand feet up in the mountains. I knew leaving at 10:00 at night would mean less traffic, but I would miss looking out the window and seeing the sites along the way.
I guess it was ok as far as buses go. The seat in front was too close for my legs, and my knees felt the pressure when the passenger suddenly brought his seat back. That's when I noticed that the reclining bar beneath my seat did not work. Surprisingly, however, there was a cup holder. Oops, the cup holder was broken, and my ice cold water weaved under the seats, around feet and bags as it made a thin path in the dirt to the driver's feet.
Hill side Living
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Remembering the robbery on the same destination bus just the week before, I became very much aware of my immediate surroundings. However, my technique of identifying suspicious individuals is not very sophisticated. I decided on one simple premise: robbers by virtue of their character will act and travel in ways that can be distinguished from other travelers.
I glanced around at the travelers. Did anyone look different? No, only me-I was the only white person, the only non-Filipino. Was there anyone acting strangely? No, only me-I seemed to be the only one looking intently at everyone on the bus.
After a thorough surveillance equal to any crime show on television, I spied my suspect-a young man sprawling carelessly in a seat directly across the aisle. His scruffy, rough appearance made him look suspicious. He wore an oversized dark gray sweatshirt with the hood pulled up over his head, faded and stained blue jeans, and discolored coffee brown sandals. Black bushy eyebrows and unkempt hair stuck out from underneath the ragged hood.
I remembered a few basic safety rules: remain alert of any suspicious activity and make eye contact with people to send a message that they have been recognized. I put the smaller bag under the seat in front of me and juggled the other on my lap. I rotated the suitcase in the aisle so that the zippers faced my seat. I was careful not to show where I kept my money when the conductor came to collect the fare. Had I done everything to prevent a robbery?
Philippine Landscape
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As the bus pulled away from the station, I found it difficult at first to relax in the cold bus. Seeing others pull the curtains up and tuck them around the air vent to prevent the freezing air from hitting their face and shoulders, I stood and did the same. My eyes strayed now and then to my suspect. Sensing danger, several times I jerked myself awake.
I wondered if he would try anything. Half way through the journey, he did. I watched as in slow motion. He stood awkwardly to his feet, pulled the hood closer around his face, and leaned toward me as he reached behind him to jerk his bag forward. Then he walked quickly to the exit and stepped off the bus, disappearing into the thickness of the foggy night.
I was not robbed. I was safe. Perhaps, I have a good imagination. Perhaps, there was no real danger at all. Or maybe, just maybe, there was someone, somewhere praying for a missionary-praying for God's protection as the missionary traveled to do her ministry.
"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel" (Ephesians 6:18-19, NIV).
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