Wasting Time Isn’t a Waste

Once in a month on a Monday, we waste our time together as a community, and for this month we did it “along the shore” last August 3. The Redemptorist resort in Babak, Samal Island was the destination. Leaving the house just after breakfast, the convoy moved on with quite a difficulty. Well, the road was rough and terrible, leading us to a merry-go-round trip as though we’re playing hide-and-seek. But, oh, at least we made it to the place. Not to mention a dozen or more of broken beer and the steep slope that our knees have to endure.

As soon as everyone had arrived, the fun had started to manifest itself – of course it was ours to make!
Some were in one corner feeling the thrill playing and/or watching card games and UNO Jenga. The latter was both interesting and intense as everyone anticipates for every game’s end. A glass of beer “dearly” awaits the loser (it’s not a lose, don’t you think it is?) The game even sounded favorable to others. Both the players and the onlookers were holding their breath each time the pieces of UNO quiver and collapse. More beer please!

Others felt like they were in the limelight as they stole the others’ attention “roaring”, oh I mean singing, in the videoke. Songs of different genres were sung but it was songs like “La Bamba” and the like that heightened the intensity of the fun, complemented by the hilarious moves of those who found themselves in the dance floor – Fr. Brendan O. in his wiggling feet, John in his wobbling hand-tummy-knee combination and Joseph in his stiff yet breathtaking steps to name a few. Shake, screech and sweat!

Likewise, others enjoyed the panoramic view of the low-tide sea in a clear sunny day. Both the Boracay-like sand (really?) and the soft breeze blowing under the sweltering heat of the sun made the place more relaxing. But did anybody dared to swim?

Foods and drinks were given facts in gatherings like this – rather too many to mention. Oh, the junk foods are reminiscent of the days that have been in our childhood years!

After filling the stomach during the lunch, one by one we searched for a cozy place to take our catnap. Let us see who the real missionaries are. There was an open space upstairs, rooms and benches downstairs in the small yet equally comfortable house where some took their nap. The shore and its alluring white sand was enough for others to spend forty winks. The dog on their side made their nap even adoring. But a brother was creative and daring enough to take his siesta up on the tree. Sweet dreams!

At around 3pm, we cleared up our things and journeyed back home –again, a short trek and sea-crossing event before finally coming home. The day’s event was indeed full of merry-making. Though a bit tired, I believe out wasting time together was not a waste. ‘Til then!

(-RJ)