Friday, February 29

The Doulos Escapade

pic by Kien
The MV Doulos is the world's oldest active ocean-faring passenger ship... she is manned by a volunteer crew and visits sea ports world-wide. The MV Doulos currently holds the biggest floating library in the world.

~from the wikipedia
Wow! I really thought M/V Doulos was such a huge vessel, only to find out that it was not at all! Why am I excited to get on board? It was because my parents told me that they got some of our books and a huge picture Bible from M/V Doulos when it docked in the sea port of General Santos City (my birth place) in the late 1970s. I heard from my parents, that this vessel sailed all over the world, bringing Christian literature to different continents and countries. My Dad often told us that he is so amazed of how God has protected this small ship as it cruises across different oceans.

Finally, I got the once-in-a-lifetime chance to visit M/V Doulos last December when she docked in Manila. We searched the net on how to get to her and planned our trip the following day. I also found out that we are of the same birth year (I was born in 1978, she first sailed in 1978). We took the Quiapo-Kalaw FX, then walked our way through Roxas Boulevard to pier 15, the entrance going to pier 13 . After a 30-minute walk (thanks to a rally!) we found our way to where Doulos was docked. At last, my long awaited dream was about to be fulfilled.

In the entrance booth, we paid P10.00 each and were greeted by an American and a Filipino. When we went upstairs, there were even more of the crew and of different nationalities! In their display area we found lots of books, not only Christian literatures but nonreligious books as well for all ages! Well, we were able to buy a Roald Dahl collection, a very thick book and very new for only P150.00. They also had some kids comics, hardbound, in full color being sold for P50.00 only (we did not buy them). But I am not gonna tell you how much was their Manga Messiah (a very cool anime illustration of the story of Jesus) ;)! We already have copies and bought it a lot cheaper (we are also selling copies for the benefit of GYMN).

I was so glad to have that experience before she stopped sailing, since that was the last trip of M/V Doulos to the Philippines as they are going to retire her soon... so long M/V Doulos, farewell!!!

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