Tuesday:
Love of Humiliations
Rain-soaked and Grateful: An Outing That Humbled Us All
An Outing That Humbled Us All
Our recent trip to Kiamba, Sarangani in the Philippines was meant to be an exciting day of water tubing — our truck packed with food and gear, ready for a sun-soaked adventure with family and friends. But as soon as we all stepped outside, the rain began to pour. It wasn’t just a drizzle — it was a full, unexpected downpour.
It was close to the afternoon, and with the rain showing no signs of stopping, we had to pivot our plans immediately. Disappointed, the kids' faces fell as we unloaded the food and gear back into the house, now left without a clear idea of what to do next. The sting of instant gratification being taken away was real, but what came next was a lesson none of us expected.
In the midst of this change of plans, my wise father-in-law — whom we lovingly call Tatay — suggested something surprising.
“Why don’t we just have fun in the rain?”
He encouraged the kids to ditch their shirts or slip into their swimwear and embrace the weather. At first, the kids were hesitant — after all, this wasn’t the adventure they had envisioned. But slowly, with a few nudges and Tatay’s infectious laughter, they started running through the rain, giggling and playing in the puddles.
Tatay stood by, snapping photos and taking videos, his smile wide as he watched his grandchildren revel in the rain. The seniors in our group stayed inside, ensuring their health came first, but their laughter echoed from the windows as they watched the playful chaos unfold.
Growing up in the Philippines, I remember doing the very same thing — dancing in the rain, feeling free and unbothered by the weather. It was a simple joy we sometimes forget as we grow older, and it felt special to pass that experience on to our kids.
When the rain eventually slowed, we gathered inside, playing card games and listening to stories from my parents’ old classmates who had come along. Their tales of friendship, marriage, and raising children reminded us all that life’s most cherished moments often come from unexpected places.
And as it turns out, there was a hidden blessing behind that rainy day. When we finally made it to the water tubing resort the next day, the crowds were gone. What had been a packed venue the day before was now practically our own private resort. The rain may have delayed our plans, but it gifted us a quieter, more intimate experience — a reminder that God’s timing is always perfect.
If you're by the area in the southern tip of the Philippines, near the Mindanao region, please consider exploring Lucena Resort White Water Tubing Adventure. They fully take care of you with amazing hospitality. Each member of our family had a dedicated guide during the water tubing, plus a camera/video guide who captured every moment. What’s more, each guide even had their own motorcycle, ensuring we were well-accompanied and safe throughout the adventure. The team not only carried our gear but also trained us, making the experience both thrilling and secure. To top it all off, the resort cooks meals fresh on-site — a true treat after a day of outdoor fun. It’s a convenient, relaxing place where the fresh air and serene surroundings provide the perfect blend of adventure and tranquility.
This trip wasn’t just about chasing an adventure — it was about embracing the unexpected, learning humility when things don’t go our way, and finding joy even when plans fall apart. Instant gratification might give us a quick thrill, but it’s in the moments of surrender and grace where the real magic happens.
So, the next time a trip doesn’t go as planned, remember: sometimes, the rain isn’t a setback — it’s part of the adventure.
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