Pilgrims To Jerusalem

  Within fifteen more minutes, the dining hall resembled a small UN gathering, with representatives from various countries. Tourists from Australia, New Zealand, Great Britain, Greece, Cyprus, Japan and Korea all started taking their seats and asking their waiters what was on the menu.

  “Are you excited to see Jerusalem?” Jonathan asked his wife.

  “Of course. I’ve been dreaming of setting foot on the holy land. In a few hours, that dream will be a reality,” Ruth said.

  “What part of the city are you excited to see?” Jonathan asked.

  “I’m excited to see the Wailing Wall,” Ruth said.

  The Wailing Wall is said to be the only surviving part of the original wall of Jerusalem. Ruth wanted to write a feature article about the ancient landmark for an Australian magazine which she worked for part-time as a freelance writer.

  Soon, Gene came back carrying a large tray with two silver plates filled with beef tenderloin, rice with margarine, fried eggs, olives and grapefruit. The tray also carried Jonathan’s cup of coffee and Ruth’s cup of tea.

  “Sorry to keep you waiting, Ma’am,” Gene told Ruth.

  “Oh, that’s alright,” Ruth replied.

  “Gene, at what time do the tourist groups usually leave the ship?” Jonathan asked.

  “At around six-thirty in the morning, Sir. There are two buses which bring the tourist groups to Jerusalem,” Gene replied.

  “Alright, thank you,” Jonathan said.

  “Is this your first time to visit Jerusalem, Sir?” Gene asked.

  “Yes, it is. We’ve been thinking about doing this for a long time. At last, we are here… pilgrims to Jerusalem…” Jonathan said.

  “I wish I can see Jerusalem someday,” Gene said.

  This statement came as a surprise to the husband and wife.

  “You mean you haven’t been there yet?” Jonathan asked.

  “No, not yet, Sir,” Gene replied with a little embarrassment.

  “Oh, I thought you’ve been there since your ship comes to Israel often,” Jonathan said.

  “We are not allowed to leave the ship, Sir. We have to clean the ship and prepare the provisions while the tourists are away,” Gene explained.

  “Well, I hope you can join the pilgrims to Jerusalem in the future. This is the city to see,” Jonathan said.

  “I know, Sir. I am praying that God will allow me to visit Jerusalem someday,” Gene said.

  “I’ll pray for that, too. I hope you’ll be able to visit Jerusalem one of these days,” Ruth said.

  “Thank you Ma’am Ruth. That’s very kind of you,” Gene said.

  “You should see Jerusalem. You’re already on the borders of Israel. The travel brochure says it only takes an hour’s ride from Haifa to Jerusalem,” Jonathan said.

  “I think we should pray that God will touch the heart of your officer to allow you to leave the ship and go with the tourists,” Ruth told Gene.

  “Yes, Ma’am. That’s what I need to do to be able to see the city of Jerusalem,” Gene said.

  He wanted to say more, but two British women who were sitting at a nearby table were trying to call his attention. Gene excused himself and promptly attended to the two British women who were also pilgrims to Jerusalem.

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  . . . CHAPTER . . .

  5

  “Ma’am Ruth, enjoy your trip to Jerusalem!” Gene smilingly exclaimed from the ship as the tourists lined up to board the first bus which would take the pilgrims to the city of David.

  Ruth and Jonathan heard him, and waved at him. Gene waved back at them.

  When the first bus was filled with passengers, the driver drove it to the Israeli immigration building at the Port of Haifa so that the tourists could obtain their immigration passes.

  Another bus came to fetch the tourists who were still in line, waiting at the port.

  When the second bus had left, Gene went back to the dining hall to do his tasks for the day. He was assigned as a dishwasher, together with two other Filipinos. The name of one of the Filipinos was Herminio Daligdig. He was called Minoy by his fellow Filipino crew members. The other was Mario Encomienda.

  “Gene, we have a lot of dishes to wash. Are you ready?” Minoy asked him.

  “Yes, I’m ready. This is our job. Let’s enjoy it,” Gene said with enthusiasm.

  Mario laughed. “For someone who is about to wash a lot of dishes, you sure sound eager. But I agree with you, Gene. We have to enjoy the work that is given to us. This is the reality we are in, and at this point in time, we cannot escape it,” Mario said.

  “I don’t mind doing it. It’s an honorable job. I’d rather wash plates than steal,” Gene said.

  “By the way, Gene, you should greet Minoy today!” Mario said.

  Gene was surprised and turned to Herminio, “Is it your birthday?”

  “No. It’s his wedding anniversary!” Mario exclaimed.

  “Oh! Happy wedding anniversary, Minoy!” Gene said, giving his friend a pat on the shoulder. “How long have you been married?” Gene asked.

  “Menchie and I got married in 1981. We were wed in Paoay, Ilocos Norte,” Minoy replied.

  Gene asked him if he was originally from Paoay. Minoy replied that he was born and raised in Tagudin, Ilocos Sur. It was his wife who was born in Paoay, Ilocos Norte.

  “I’ve been to Laoag, Ilocos Norte. Is it far from Paoay?” Gene asked.

  “If you’ve been to Laoag, and you travelled there by bus, then you most likely passed near Paoay. We’re just less than twenty kilometers southwest of Laoag,” Minoy replied.

  Mario asked how Minoy felt being away from his wife on the day of their anniversary. Minoy said that he was sad, of course. He missed his wife and his three children. Although two of his children were already married, his youngest, a girl, was still in college.

  “My two sons are both married and have children of their own. They have given Menchie and me a combined total of five grandchildren. Our youngest, Marie, is in her third year in Far Eastern University. That’s a school in Manila. She’s the reason why I’m still working abroad…” said Minoy, whose voice nearly broke as he tried to suppress his emotions and tears welling up in his eyes. His buddies cheered him up. He composed himself. “That’s why I’m working in this ship. Once she graduates, then I will retire,” Minoy said.

  “Where will you spend your time when you retire?” Gene asked him.

  “Maybe in Manila. We have a small apartment in Sampaloc. I inherited it from my parents,” Minoy replied.

  “I also have an apartment in Manila, near the University of the East,” Gene said.

  “Oh, so we are not far from each other,” Minoy said.

  Gene told Minoy that he bought a house in Quezon City, but he also owned an apartment in Manila. He also had a small restaurant located near the apartment. His wife Betcha was managing the restaurant.

  “Why are you still working abroad then? You should already retire, and manage your businesses back home,” Minoy told Gene.

  “The restaurant is still small. And we’re barely breaking even. There’s very little left after we pay for rent, water, electricity, wages and ingredients. I tell my wife, At least we can eat the food we prepare, that is, when there are left overs. So I continue working because our three children are still in college. Our earnings from the apartment and the restaurant cannot pay for all their tuition and our monthly living expenses,” Gene replied as he washed the plates together with Minoy and Mario.

  “So how long will you still work abroad?” Mario asked him.

  “I don’t know. I’m hoping that our youngest is able to finish in five years time. If the older ones are able to help us out, once they finish and have jobs of their own, maybe I can retire sooner,” Gene said.

  “Is this our destiny? We work away from our families for so many years. People at home think that it is nice to work abroad because we receive high salaries and get to see other places. If they only knew about
the hardships we go through…,” Minoy sighed.

  “Our salaries are deemed high compared to the Philippines because of the exchange rate. But here, our salaries are but a pittance,” Mario commented.

  “Well, this is our destiny. To work and to suffer. But people back home don’t feel what we feel. And I’d rather have it that way. I don’t want them to worry more than they already have,” Gene said.

  “Our government calls Overseas Filipino Workers as the new heroes of our country. To me, that’s more of a flattery,” Mario said.

  “Our government flatters us because the politicians back home can’t create jobs which can sufficiently feed our families and send our children to school,” Gene stated.

  “Dishwashers of Queen Virginia, let us unite and vanquish the evil forces of stains and grease! We are the new heroes of the Philippines!” Mario said as if making an announcement. His statement elicited laughter from his companions as they continued their chores.

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  . . . CHAPTER . . .

  6

  “It was six in the evening at the Queen Virginia. All the tourists from different countries who went to see the city of Jerusalem were back in the ship. Some of them were taking dinner, while a few were still resting in their own rooms.

  Jonathan and Ruth were among those who were in the dining hall for supper.

  Gene, who was among the assigned waiters, greeted them.

  “Good evening, Sir! Good evening, Ma’am! Nice to see you back. How was your trip to Jerusalem?” Gene asked them

  “Wonderful, Gene! Finally, our dream to see the ancient city was fulfilled. We hope to come back to Israel, and visit Jerusalem again,” Ruth said.

  “I’m happy for you, Sir and Ma’am. Maybe someday, if the Lord wills, I will also be able to visit Jerusalem,” Gene said.

  “You should, Gene. I highly recommend that you visit Jerusalem,” Jonathan said.

  The couple read their orders from the menu. After making a note of these, Gene asked to be excused.

  “Sir, I’ll just tend to your orders. Please excuse me,” Gene told the couple.

  “Go ahead, Gene,” Jonathan said.

  Ruth told Jonathan that she wanted to sleep early because she was tired. Jonathan nodded. By tomorrow, they would be in Egypt, and they would see the pyramids. They both needed to rest early.

  Soon, Gene was back with a big tray, with two plates of food, and two glasses of red wine. Dinner consisted of broiled lamb, rice with margarine, olive fruits, and bananas.

  “Thanks, Gene,” Jonathan said.

  “Oh, it’s my job, Sir,” Gene said. Then, he left the couple to serve the other tourists.

  After the couple finished their dinner, Jonathan asked his wife to get the gift they bought in Jerusalem for Gene. When Ruth was back, Jonathan asked the waiter serving tea to a couple seated next to their table to call Gene Ensomo. The waiter was Minoy. He walked to Gene who was a little farther away from the couple.

  “Gene, there’s a couple over there calling for you. The man’s name is Jonathan,” Minoy said.

  “Oh, okay. I’ll go to them,” Gene replied. Then, he walked to the table where Jonathan and Ruth were seated.

  “Yes, Sir, is there anything I can do for you?” Gene asked.

  “Ruth and I just wanted to give a little present for you. We bought this in Jerusalem. It’s a symbolic key to the city. Zechariah 12 is printed on the key. If you have a Bible with you, you can read this chapter and see that it is a prophecy about Jerusalem in the last days,” Jonathan said. He handed the key made of aluminum to Gene.

  “Thank you, Sir. I have a Bible with me in my travelling bag. I will read that chapter,” Gene said.

  “We have to go back to our room and sleep early. We’ll be at the pyramids tomorrow,” Jonathan said.

  “What time will we arrive in Egypt tomorrow, Gene?” asked Ruth.

  “The ship will dock at Port Said at six in the morning, Ma’am. This ship will set sail for Egypt at eight o’ clock tonight. It’s a ten-hour trip,” Gene said.

  “Alright, Gene. Good night,” Jonathan said, as the couple rose from their seats.

  “Good night, Sir. Thank you very much for your gift,” Gene said with appreciation.

  “We hope that you’ll be able to see Jerusalem in the near future,” Jonathan said.

  “I kept what you said in mind, and I already asked permission from my officer, Sir,” Gene said.

  “What did he say?” Jonathan said.

  “He said he would see, Sir,” Gene replied.

  “Don’t be discouraged. Continue to pray. The Lord will let you see Jerusalem in His appointed time,” Jonathan said.

  “Thank you, Sir,” Gene said.

  Then, the couple left the dining hall and walked to their room to rest.

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  . . . CHAPTER . . .

  7

  The Queen Virginia docked the following day at Port Said in Cairo, Egypt after sailing for ten hours from the Port of Haifa in Israel.

  Gene was one of the four crew members of the ship who was assisting passengers at the gangplank. Two of the four crew members were Greeks and they were at the top end of the gangplank, near the ship’s main entrance. Gene Ensomo along with Mario Encomienda were at the bottom end of the gangplank.

  Gene saw Jonathan and Ruth coming down from the ship. Ruth was walking ahead of her husband.

  “Enjoy your day at the pyramids, Ma’am,” Gene Ensomo told Ruth as she reached the end of the footbridge.

  “Thank you Gene. We sure will,” Ruth said with exuberance.

  “Have a nice day, Gene,” Jonathan told Gene Ensomo.

  “You, too, Sir. Enjoy your day in Egypt,” Gene said.

  The couple was followed by three British tourists, then by a Japanese couple.

  There were two buses which were waiting for the tourists. The buses’ main color was green while the words CAIRO TOURIST BUS were painted in white on both sides of the vehicles.

  When the two buses were filled up, the drivers drove to the immigration building of the port so that the passengers could take their tourist pass to Egypt.

  “I wish we could be tourists, too. We have been to this country several times, but have not even gone beyond the gates of Port Said,” Mario rued.

  Gene Ensomo bitterly laughed. “We’re here as workers, not as tourists,” Gene said.

  “Yes, I know. One can always dream. Wouldn’t it be nice to see the pyramids of Egypt? It’s amazing how these were built over a thousand years ago, and still remain standing up to this day,” Mario said.

  Mario was a civil engineer. He graduated from an engineering school in the university belt in Manila. After his graduation from college, he worked for a construction firm with an office at Ayala Avenue in Makati. Their company had to shut down its operations after the February 1986 EDSA Revolution in the Philippines which toppled the regime of President Ferdinand Marcos.

  Mario transferred to another construction company, and worked in that company from 1986 to 1989. Then, he was laid off due to a bitter feud with his immediate boss. He was jobless for a year until a college friend working in the Greek company which owned the Queen Virginia asked if he wanted to work as one of the crew members of the ship. His college friend worked in the human resources department of the Greek company. He advised Mario that the pay was relatively good. He also told Mario that the route of the cruise ship was from Cyprus to Israel, then Israel to Egypt, and then from Egypt back to Cyprus to entice Mario’s adventurous spirit. Mario Encomienda applied for the job and he was accepted.

  “I thought I could see the city of Jerusalem and the pyramids of Egypt,” Mario rued again.

  “We saw these on video already,” Gene said with a laugh.

  Mario laughed, too.

  Laughter is good medicine for a frustrated heart.

  “How I wish I was born rich. Then, I can travel to any place in the world,” Mario daydream
ed.

  Gene smiled at him.

  “I’m praying that the Lord will let me see Jerusalem before I die,” Gene Ensomo said.

  Mario rebuked him.

  “Don’t say that Gene! God will let you see Jerusalem, but you won’t die yet after you see the city of David. You will live long,” Mario said.

  Gene smiled. Then, he nodded. He knew in his heart that one day, God would let him be a pilgrim to Jerusalem, too, just like the many tourists who sail the Mediterranean Sea with them on the Queen Virginia.

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  . . . CHAPTER . . .

  8

  “You should see the pyramids of Egypt, Gene,” Ruth told Gene Ensomo as he served her and Jonathan tea while the couple was having dinner at the dining hall of the Queen Virginia. The couple just finished their tour of the city of Cairo and the pyramids of Egypt.

  “Yes, Ma’am. I want to see them someday,” Gene said.

  “The pyramids are great products of engineering and architecture. It’s amazing how the Egyptians pulled up giant slabs of stone to build these great structures thousands of years ago,” Jonathan commented.

  “Egypt’s President, Hosni Mubarak, was at the Pyramid of Giza this morning,” Ruth said.

  “Yeah, he was there with VIPs from the European Union,” Jonathan added.

  “Egypt is one of the top tourist destinations in this region, Sir,” Gene commented.

  “Oh, yes. The pyramids of Egypt are always amazing sights to see. They’re amazing gifts to us by people of ancient times,” Jonathan said.

  “I read an article in one of the issues of National Geographic that the Pyramid of Giza was built by the trained slaves of Khufur, Pharaoh of Egypt,” Gene said.

  “Those pyramids were built for decades, not just in one or two years,” Jonathan said.

  “Many slaves died in building them. That’s very sad,” Ruth said.

  “It’s sad to be a slave, Ma’am,” Gene said.

  “That’s true Gene. But even sadder is to be a slave to sin, and never be released from it. We were once slaves to sin. But we thank God that He sent His Son in the person of our Lord and Messiah, Jesus Christ, so that we could be released from slavery to sin. The slaves of Khufu and the other Pharoahs who ordered the building of the lesser pyramids are to be the most pitied. They suffered in this life, and they continue to suffer in the afterlife. Without the lordship of the Messiah, Jesus, no one can be saved from the enslaving power of sin. That’s the reason why Jesus came. We should receive him by prayer into our hearts. When we pray to receive the Lord Jesus Christ into our hearts, we will be born again in the Spirit of God. Then, we will become His children, and we will inherit the kingdom of our Heavenly Father when we depart from this earthly life,” Jonathan explained to Gene.