Day Two of our mission here in Bicol was a joyful reunion between the Advanced Party, who arrived Monday afternoon, and the Main Party who arrived on the following afternoon. Led by Amy and Sr Angeline, they were met by Uncle Al and Samantha at Legaspi's airport. Glorious weather welcomed the new arrivals, but with the majestic Mayon Volcano half-visible.

Here are some pictures of their arrival just shortly before 2pm from Manila on 9 December.

Unlce Al and Samantha brought the new arrivals for lunch to the halo-halo joint across the Pacific Mall, and proceeded to Guinobatan town from there. They reached the hostel by 5pm, where they were joyously met by the waiting bunch.

Many hugs and kisses later, the entire group received word from Singapore that Shannen has been taken out of ICU. We erupted in thanksgivng, and did a mini-praise and worship gig before the welcome dinner at 6pm.

Fr Dave Ramoso, the parish priest of Assumption Parish in Guinobana, blessed our mission with an invocation, while mission partner Prof Lani Pavilando and Bicol University College of Agriculture and Forestry dean Dr Amano welcomed us.

Uncle Al gamely agreed to accompany Republic Academy's Bing Herrea, while BUCAF's volunteers, together with Prof Pavilando, rendered a song.

More numbers came: this time from Republic Academy's volunteers.

Our missionaries responded with a rousing rendition of You Are Holy and Receive the Power, which set the tone for a memorable evening of fun and games!