2-28-10

We just got home from church a while ago, what an ordeal ! Not the branch or the members they are so nice and welcoming, but getting there and home again. Unbelievable traffic, poor maps, non existing street signs, and getting lost made it a very frustrating experience. About seven years ago Elder Dallin Oaks came to the Philippines and attended a Manila ward that was full of couple missionaries, and members living abroad. He disbanded the ward and sent all the folks out to strengthen the branches in the Providences. (He probably had a driver, because if he had to drive it himself he might have reconsidered sending seniors citizens out in that traffic) As a result our branch is a good two hours travel. We were driven out the first time and Dennis took pictures of landmarks on our way back home. We might as well have sprinkled bread crumbs. We were hopelessly lost almost from the beginning, both going and coming back. At one point we stopped at a service station to ask where a particular road was and a nice young man lead us, he on a bicycle and we following for several blocks. It took us three hours to get there and three, blood pressure elevating to stroke level, hours to get home again. I clenched my teeth so hard and so consistently that it is a miracle none are broken.

Saturday we went shopping in a mall not too far from our house. It is called Market Market and it is huge. In addition to the traditional food stalls outside there is a super mall in side with four floors. It was so big and so crowded I was totally overwhelmed, and could hardly wait to get out of there. I needed a pair of shoes and after searching found a pair I liked and were big enough, (sorry lady we do not have shoes size 8)they were imported from Australia.

2-24-2010 Driving in the Philippines

Driving or for that matter riding in a car here in the Philippines is not for the faint-of-heart. There are no speed limits, no rules, in most places no signals, no traffic enforcement, and no right of ways. I have found that there are two types of drivers here. Those that drive between the lines of the highway and those that drive on the lines. With this method on a three lane road there can be five lines of traffic. Great way to efficiently use all available space on the road. So it doesn't matter how many lines there are, you simple go with the flow.

Picture a busy freeway as described above and then add a million motorcycles, people running across the freeway, cars stopping in the middle of the road to buy something from a vendor that is walking between the lanes of cars.

Off the freeway on the city streets a red light is a considered suggestion. If you stop at them the horns start to honk at you to get going. Right and left turns can be made from any lane of traffic. There is one rule that all obey. The car with the front bumper most forward has the right of way. This means that although there are cars speeding towards you, you can pull out and make a left turn right in front of them and they will be expected to stop. It takes guts sometimes.

There is however the rule of size. If my car is bigger than yours I should be first. The last thing you need to do to survive driving here is called No-See-Chicken. You simple pretend that you don't see the car you just cut off. By not acknowledging their presence you surely have the right of way.

We have now been in the Philippines for about 72 hours and they have been jammed packed. Our first impressions of Manila were of a huge city stuffed with too many people. The roads are gridlocked with cars, jeepneys, motorcycles and people . The constrast between the rich and poor is great. Making a living is a challenge, and the majority seem to live a very humble existance.

In the last 72 hours we also traveled by plane to an island south west of Manila called Palawan. This is a tropical island with many beautiful tourist destinations. In Port Princesa we met with a water and sanitation contractor who works with rural people to drill wells, develop clean drinking water and provide toliets. We stayed there two night and also met with a man who has a demonstration farm. His goal is to teach people his farming methods that are proven to increase yield. We may partner with both of these individuals to promote two of our five mission goals.

We are now back to our rented condo safe and sound, and can get a little rest before it starts again tomorrow.

02-14-10 Good Bye America

We have completed our two weeks at the MTC. It has been such a positive spiritual experience. The first week was dedicated to studying Preach My Gospel. The second week was devoted to learning the procedures for our specific tasks as Humanitarian Missionaries. It will be a challenge but we are up to it. Our association with other LDS couples of similar goals and values has been a highlight of our stay here. As has been interacting with the young Elders and Sisters. Sitting in a meeting with 2200 enthusiastic missionaries as they sing "Call to Serve" evokes such a strong spirit that it is overwhelming.

Tomorrow we leave for the Philippines. With layovers it will take us 30 hours of travel time, but only 19 actual hours in the air. It is not without a little apprehension that we leave our family, friends, and country for a strange land with different people and customs half way around the world. Never the less we take this leap of faith knowing that we are doing the Lords work and He will support us and watch over our loved ones.