All is Well

Jeepney of the week:


That's right--Bronco Nation exists in Cebu! Kevin reminded me when we saw this one that the Broncos are hard at it again. Yes, it's October even though we live with aircon 24/7. If someone will kindly report in on their season so far we'll be grateful. No TV--no radio--no newspapers--a smidgen of internet news. Sigh. We don't know what's happening with the economy or Boise State's football team either one.

Our neck of the woods is a mess thanks to the winter storm season! (That's "our neck"--world wide.) Metro Manila received 16 inches of rain in less than 24 hours earlier this week and as a result there have been 300 deaths including 24 church members. Many church buildings have been flooded but the temple complex is okay. Think of the distance between Cebu and Manila like the distance between Boise and Salt Lake. It's about an hour's flight, and of course you can't drive there in 5 1/2 hours. We could experience some backlash from their storms but it is less likely because Cebu is surrounded by other islands. Surrounded means you might see them on a clear day from the coast; they aren't that close. They take the hit for us.

Usually the Philippines handles its own disaster needs as far as church welfare goes. This time they've asked for help because this particular storm has left so many thousands homeless. If you want to contribute, the channel is through fast offerings. We will be having a special fast for the weather conditions and disaster victims this Sunday. You, of course, are invited to include us in your fast as well.

Another Signal 4 storm was due to hit Luzon on this morning. It veered a bit, going north enough to not clobber Manila again. The president declared today a day of prayer.

After our first taste of "a storm" about 6 weeks ago I watch the weather and discuss it almost every morning when we're walking with Kaikai. He is a keen observer and has lived in Cebu his whole life, which means next to nothing in terms of being able to predict what the weather will do. Today's weather, knowing that typhoons are swirling around out in the ocean, has been watched with increased interest, which I suppose still means nothing. The air was thick and the sky was leaden all day; it got dark early tonight--by just after 5:00. Rain in the night? Don't know and don't usually hear it thanks to ear plugs that keep the road noise at a distance.

Moving on to more manageable details, Kevin finished his first 8-week English Course last week. It included a final exam with written and spoken portions. All his students came to the office a week ago Monday evening and worked on the written portion, then we came upstairs for FHE. I did a lesson on the power of music in our lives and we sang some hymns.

Family Home Evening wouldn't be complete without a round of Fruit Basket Turnover, which the nine of us adults or near-adults squealed and giggled through. Pretty fun! Treats too. This was a first FHE experience for some of the students. A good time--they lingered for most of an hour after we were "finished". Most Filipinos live "less in a hurry" than Americans. We could take lessons; it would be beneficial to our relationships.

Going back a few weeks, we also took the class on a field trip to Museo Sugbo. This is a very nice developing museum housed in the old provincial prison with exhibits centered on Cebuano history. Kevin and I had been there in April and were totally amazed at how much more has been developed since then. We had a guided tour--in English of course, and then a photo shoot by the wishing well.


We took a jeepney


It rained on the way. This would be concerning except the shower goes on, then the shower goes off. We got off the jeepney and dashed for the building overhang across the street from the museum to wait it out.


This is the Provincial-Prison-turned-museum.



As you can see, photogenic and energetic students! We had a great time. Kevin has developed a very respectable road to improved English in these dear folks. Now he's on to another session, and as I walked by his class room tonight it looked like there were 6-8 students hard at it.



I wish for excellent English skills.

Piano is going well also. If you recall, I started out with 27 students and nearly sank with the ship until a few of them determined that they were too busy to take lessons.

It's fascinating to observe how each student takes in what's offered to them in their own way. I see myself in some of them; not a fast learner but intent. I think when we return home I'll take some lessons of some kind just to see if my teaching thought processes help my learning processes as well. I find myself telling my students things my teachers told me--some of it I "got" and some went over my head, but I get, now that I'm on the teaching end.

Our chapel instrument is a Kawai hybrid--can be a piano or organ. The Yamaha grand is relegated to the cultural hall which nearly kills me. I teach on either instrument so they have experience on whatever they might be called upon to play.

A handful of students are playing regularly in Relief Society or Sacrament Meeting and doing very well. They are coming along well enough to consider teaching organ technique to so they can utilize the organ portion of the hybrid, just no foot pedals, but a great bass coupler to help fill in the bottom end. They are sooooo eager! I'm working very hard with the beginning kids--four of them--very dear, but it's just plain hard work. The college student-age students are every piano teacher's dream come true. I make an assignment and they go home and do it.

Here's an organ APB: If you have organ technique material, would you consider sending me some copies of finger exercises--finger substitution--sustained playing--whatever seems good and useful. The music available here is purchased at National Book, which is sort of like a Borders or Barnes & Noble. They have a little section of piano method--John Thompson and Michael Aaron. It all looks like it's been around since the last war, which would be okay if there was a Davis organ book in the stack. I thought of bringing it--it's down in the storage room ready to come, but the weight! How about a few pages to start with. Mom? David Young? Other organists following the blog? I need you to help me! Thanks in advance. OR you could scan some stuff and send it as an attachment by email.

Some interesting Philippine snippets:

Flip flops are called slippers.

You will have either geckos or ants in your kitchen. Geckos are preferrable. Most of the ones around our apartment (we usually see them outside around the light fixtures in the stairwell, but they come in under our door) are well-mannered, smallish and shy. They prefer no human encounters, so they just going about their lizard business and leave us alone. It's not at all like living with Komodo Dragons.

Cocroaches and rats are seen on occasion but are not part of our daily round. Rat and mouse feces could be a grave concern when there's flooding because it carries bacteria, if introduced to the body through a cut could spell a quick death. Don't worry! We stay in if there's running water on the streets! And we wear closed shoes to protect our feet. Moms--that means you don't worry.

A practice run at setting Moroni--


We happened to be waiting in our car right across from the temple this week. Kevin noticed a man sitting on the sidewalk staring intently at the temple. No wonder! The crane was very carefully placing this replica of Moroni on top, then they took it down. When the granite is installed on the steeple we'll see the gold leafed version installed.


Last Saturday was a particularly satisfying day filled with spiritual direction. We had planned on leaving for Bogo by noon, but just couldn't get moving to get all our pre-leaving chores finsihed. When we were still grocery shopping at 2:00 Kevin suggested that we just drive up first thing in the morning. I agreed, relieved.

Then the sweetness started. A highly unlikely encounter in the mall parking lot with a fellow we met in our first couple of weeks here. Very friendly--a jewelry manufacturer--a husband and Dad. He renewed the invitation to come see his operation and visit some more. We will!

We attended a convert baptism that gave Kevin an opportunity to chat with one of his English students about the gospel. Couldn't have happened if we'd chased off to Bogo!

As we were leaving the baptism one of the ward members asked us if we'd like to attend the surprise birthday party for his wife. YES! A party isn't a party without people to celebrate with you. It turned out that it was for his wife and another gal in the ward--lovely women with birthdays the same week. To top it off, it was a catered sit-down dinner done by a fellow in the ward who is a wunnnnnderful chef--all kinds of culinary schooling--imagination--love of good food. I don't have to be asked twice to eat Rene's cooking!


A pretty table for us to enjoy.


The celebrants--Sister (R.S. President) and Brother Pua and Brother and Sister Lee(Primary President.

The most interesting details of our trip to Bogo were on our way home:


Pigs in trickle cabs


Scenic vistas including woven huts with thatched roofs


I2L's--Invitations to learn. This is a fellow we met at a restaurant in Bogo. He is a vegetable farmer who sells his produce at the Bogo Market. We saw him out planting in his field and stopped to say hello.


As we crept through the Lilo-an traffic we pulled up beside a trike, and there were two of our missionaries! Nice surprise. We captured the moment as the light turned green.

I am proving no good at frequent, short entries. Just save part of these looooong entries and call it chapter 2. We continue our labors, gratefully accepting the whisperings of heaven in what to do (not to do) in the many interesting situations that arise each day. The gospel is true! We're grateful to know that and help move the work forward here in Cebu. We treasure your friendship and support, and pray that your labors will also be sweet and spirit-filled each day.

Elder & Sister Reed
Kevin & Ann

Down the Road a Ways

Take me home, country roads
To the place I belong


I know, I know. It's been more than three weeks since we posted. Dash those thoughts of us going AWOL and lounging around on a remote tropical beach! We've had missionaries leaving and missionaries coming (1st week), Zone Leader Council (2nd week), and Zone Conference (this week). It's not like we're in charge of these three big events, just involved, and that coupled with our regular duties of bill paying, apartment contract writing, supply ordering, trips to the post office, piano lessons, English classes--there's no time to tell you about it. I've got to start making a list of the life snippets that are interesting so they will resurface in my memory when the world finally simmers down and I can think of blogging.

What we do is so ordinary most days, but it's never dull. If we ever experience a hint of boredom we can always venture out into the city to liven things up. (Surely thoughts from a twisted mind.) It happened today though; we'd worked all morning--watched a shower-is-on rain storm, visited with a few people who stopped in, went upstairs for lunch. We needed to get out for a bit, so why not make our post office run today instead of tomorrow?

Sometimes it's an easy trip.

I sat there enjoying Kevin's company (remember--we can see each other while we work in the office if we crane our necks, and the easiest way to get his attention is to pick up the phone and dial 15) for the first 15 minutes. Then it was big traffic and car-to-car salesmen at the stop lights. Our easy chat was over and we were both on high alert for weaving motorcycles and darting pedestrians. At the post office we found no line for the metered mail and a looong line for the packages. We go to three different windows to take care of our postal needs. I only had to get firm with one fellow who stood and watched me take postage money out of the little bag, then approached me in case I wanted to share what was left with him. DILI! And an firm look.

Kevin on the other hand was cooling his heals in the package line with six package cards. If only they were interested in his innovative ideas for increased efficiency! Really, his brain never quits, and most of the time his ideas are very good. Anyway, I took half the cards and went to the sub-line for small packages, a divide and conquer efficiency measure. He got his packages fast, and my part really needed his efficiency ideas.

The line compressed. I think the Filipinos were even uncomfortable at how close we were all standing, but nobody budged. It's an open air post office you know; no air conditioning to keep us all calm during our wait. Kevin took his packages to the car, then came back to wait for me. Our eyes met across the crowd. I have no doubt that mine rolled, (this is NOT a Filipino thing like raising your eyebrows is) and I mouthed, "I must be crazy", thinking that this little outing was my idea.

Back at the office we were greeted by the assistants and President and Sister Hansen who were finishing the last details to get out the door to Zone Conferences off island. Oh they are such fine folks! Those Assistants--Elder Curtis and Elder Deiparine are joys to work with. We couldn't ask for better neighbors, and they are kind, thoughtful and patient with us old folks in all our office details. President and Sister Hansen scurry around at such a rate that I don't even have a picture of them. Soon.


Elder Curtis and Elder Deiparine on the right, with Elder Nicoleta and Elder--oh dear--I can't think of his name. You know--the one with dark hair and eyes?

We spent last weekend in Bogo, but before we left town we hiked up to a new place. It's a left turn up the mountain a ways, then drive slowly, twisting and turning. Park, and you are ready for a magnificent walk. Our current hiking criteria is anything on a road, and please give us some elevation so we won't sauna to death. This one fit the bill to a tee. There was wind that almost made the air feel dry. What a sensory feast! Feel it on your skin, and hear it. Ahhh.


There are stands of giant bamboo that are nature's wind chimes. They creak and clack in a most musical way.


It was Kevin, Kaikai and me. Our walk took us up the mountain to a beautiful visita that we've promised to return to when we have time to sit and eat a little good food and not worry about what else has to be done that day.

On our way back down we met this goat named Fran. We've met plenty of goats since we got here, and I'm sorry to say that goats are the next feast or celebration. They are very easy to live with and care for since they will eat almost anything. Just tie them up where there are weeds or grass and they will be content until you return for them. Anyway, Fran. It was like she had a sense of us as human beings, and if she could talk she would have had something to say to us. Odd to have thoughts like this about a goat. Wouldn't you say she "wanted" her picture taken? There were two other goats who tried to join her, but she head butted them away and posed for me.



I swear she's smiling!


This is just a pier shot at 5:30 in the morning last weekend in Bogo. Looks like a lake, doesn't it? The water was so still it made us drool for thoughts of water skiing. None of that here though, just fishing.

Kevin and I have been mulling over the concept of balance lately. We keep seeking it--practicing it, having to practice it more. There is so much interesting stuff to do and experience here. Unfortunately our middle-aged bodies need enough rest. Gone are the days of burning the candle at both ends. I have balance thoughts about blogging too. I'd like to blog more often and shorter. I look at my entries and wonder if anyone reads something so long. Well, pick and choose and I'll see what I can do. No promises, but it might be like nibbling on the Philippines instead of huge meals.

Bye for now. We pray for you every day, and are grateful for your prayers in our behalf.

Mid-week

This is Humble Jeepney Week.


We dedicate this blog entry to every jeepney that's had its glory days--somewhere in the past.


That still rumble along in spite of being looked down upon by the new little sporty jeepneys, or the big "bells and whistles" jeepneys.



We've been back from lunch and errands for a couple of hours. The office is silent except for rode noise and the air con. That's what it's called here--air con.

When I'm sitting at my computer and I lean forward looking to the right, this is what I can see:


That bright white stripe is Elder Reed's back. He's sitting at his computer working on--finance stuff.

And now a close-up:


Definitely worth a full shot! Hmmm. That office resembles his office at home--teaming with activity. How do you keep a perfectly clean office and get stuff done?

This is my realm:


I make sure my desk is cleared off once a day. I'm so exposed up by the front door. It's probably a blessing or my desk would also look like my desk at home.


We must be getting better at what we do. It feels smoother--under control. Not that it's perfect, just that we don't feel like we're about to careen over the cliff.

This week is interview week. President and Sister Hansen were in most of the day yesterday, he interviewing (companionships this time) and she teaching the missionaries all kinds of interesting important things while they wait their turn.

Many of Sister Hansen's teachings are health-related. She is a very capable woman, having raised 5 children herself. But no mother, no matter how "Super Mom", who instantly becomes the "mother" of 130 knows what to do with all the health challenges that arise.


She has a well-stocked bag of mom-tricks, including capable doctors. One of her tricks is knowing when to send a missionary to see Dr. Tan and when to just put him/her on a round of antibiotics, which is entirely within her realm. Often this is successful--no perscription is needed, just go to the pharmacy and pick up your choice of bacteria-killer.

We don't wait around before going the antibiotics route here. Seemingly innocent hurts or sniffles or pains can turn nasty fast, including many skin-related issues. A rash could put you in the hospital if you don't tend it properly. A cut is nothing to scoff at! Scrub it! Disinfect it! Keep it covered.

We (at least the mission oldies) have heightened awareness of this from having watched President Hansen suffer miserably through a bad case of cellulitis, which stemmed from from a simple little cut when he was trimming his toenails. Needless to say, when I slipped on some wet coral when we were up hiking in our foothills a month ago and received a good scrape on my arm, I scrubbed and scrubbed. It healed well, by the way.

If Sister Hansen is Dr. Mom, then I am surely her first assistant. Reminding the missionaries of their responsibility to exercise good hygiene and encouraging steady, thoughtful self-care are definitely within my realm. The missionaries--I am the one out front who talks to them about all sorts of stuff when they come into the office. I love them dearly and am eager to encourage them in whatever area they are low in.

Recently we had the four missionaries from Camotes Island come in to pick up their support. It just so happened that they were all sick--poor fellas, having to travel when they should have been home in bed. Nevertheless, here they were in the office, so I quizzed them about their hygiene practices. Three of them as good as took notes and the fourth acted like, "oh yeah, yeah, whatever." This was my signal for a Scotch Blessing, which I think surprised him! I reminded him in no uncertain terms that it is our DUTY to tend our bodies mindfully. We didn't come across the world to get sick casually--easily, or to make others sick, but to share the gospel!

It's time to wrap things up for the day. I will teach my first piano lesson in a half hour to lovely Edren Sagayno--a young mom with 3 children. Her husband is in Cebu 1's bishopric and is building a catering business. His food is veeeery good. Edren is absolutely steady in her practicing habits, which means her progress is steady also. Very satisfying for both of us.


Look at that fine hand position! Can't beat that in a new student.


You are always close in our hearts! Want to make our day? Just drop a line. And I mean a line. An epistle is certainly appreciated, but don't wait till you've done something spectacular say hello. We're grateful for this very special opportunity of service. We know the gospel is true--know by the whisperings of the spirit that this is His work--His church. For all the challenges of life, we have great peace in our hearts. Life is good with Christ as our focus and role model.

Kevin and Ann
Elder and Sister Reed

Wowie! The Mandaue IS A LAKE

Showers going indoors
Showers going outdoors
It’s a duet of drops
We hope that it stops


One never knows.


The rain was pretty convincing,
which really had us wincing,
thinking about us blitzing
to the car without getting soaked.

Kevin was brave
did all he could to save
his princess from the wave.

I didn’t want us to fret
Travel when we’re wet?
Nay!
An umbrella for my fella?
We settled for a beach towel instead.

The roads were clear
which made us cheer
The traffic—you know how we feel
to have to deal
with so much congestion.
Ugh.

To our dismay
Many cars lay
Stopped—stranded
Dead in their tracks.

There was no turning back
To find a new track
For owners who were out wading
Their good humor fading


How did this happen?
I asked my wise prince
Too daring of speed
The thought made me wince.

Those engines were bathed
The water was deep
I sat oh so quietly
And didn’t utter a peep

Would our engine fail?
Would we become waders?
We took comfort in knowing
That Cebu has no gators.

It thundered, it lightening’d
Could this please be over?
Or else could we trade this Toyota
For a Range Rover?

Lake Mandaue went on
For more than a mile
Eventually though,
We left it with a smile

The shower had turned to a drizzle
It had surely decided to fizzle
The sun was trying to shine
And which meant we’d soon sizzle

On to Bogo we cruised
A good car, a blessing,
We mused

This light-hearted blog is done
We hope you’ve had fun
Please drop us a line
To help us not pine!

Time is like a dream and it is passing like a stream….


We are well here, and continue to learn in the responsibilities put before us. We aren't sure, but recognize hints that we may actually be acclimating to the temperature/humidity.

If you've read much of our blog, our morning begins with a great walk up through a subdivision called Beverly Hills. Many of the mornings of late seem cooler and there is often a breeze that reminds of the warm gusts at home that signal the shift from summer to fall.

We've had two typhoon warnings so far, with only one making it to Cebu. I say making it, but all we saw was steady rain for a day. Often a typhoon will be churning somewhere in the Pacific and the edges of the storm make themselves known here. Today is a little windier than normal; maybe it is connected to the typhoon that was announced and we've heard is hitting Luzon.

As I write this I see out the door of the office over on the other side of our stake center a large palm tree blowing in the wind. It is rather tall and singular in its place. The wind has wrapped all the frowns around to the downwind side. One branch has died and remains stiff and unmoving pointing directly into the wind. It reminds me of the Sesame Street character Big Bird, only green.



Watching our weather here, we're reminded of the summer hot days built by a high pressure ridge that can leave one wanting a little variety, like clouds or rain or something. Here there is plenty of variety with little chance of a ridge of high pressure. Often we are outside and if it is clear blue sky the sun can be hot and intense. But given time and not much, clouds will move across and often bring some rain.

Tropical rain is often very intense. I don’t think I will ever get used to the fact that when it rains the temperature doesn't drop, it will probably feel hotter since the humidity rises. Living our whole lives where rain, clouds, and darkness all equate to a significant lowering of the temperature, leaves us fooled again and again in those conditions. Either that, or hope springs eternal. We secretly hope for a really chilly morning. The locals think they happen, especially up on the mountain. If they only knew...

This morning we started on our usual walk with KaiKai and decided to walk over the back way to Guadalupe since it was Saturday and we weren't pressed for time. We didn't exactly know where to go, but KaiKai assured us that we could walk through the Boy Scout camp that is a stone's throw from Beverly Hills Subdivision. We had to see this one to believe it, since we've driven to Guadalupe and know that it takes 20-30 minutes in a car.

We walked on roads most of the time, including one that took us by the Provincial jail. There is some notoriety with this place, or rather the inmates. They have become famous for doing line dancing as a form of exercise. You can see them perform if you look on You Tube.

This area has a beautiful domed church with stained glass, all of which was built many years ago by the people of Guadalupe. The building doesn’t have the highly finished presence of some similar structures, instead it is at the end of the road through the village and the road completely rings the church property. And in that place appears to be the center of attention for the people of Guadalupe.



Our walk dropped us out on the back side of the street that circles the church and we ventured up on of the side roads to see where it went.



Since this is our preparation day and KaiKai doesn’t have kids to go to school, or his work, we had the time to explore. At first the road was busy and was not a relaxing stroll. But as we continued to climb in elevation there was less traffic and more opportunity to stop and look and talk with the people that live in that barangay.


This house intrigued us with it's purple roof and well maintained garden


We kept asking and were assured that indeed the road would loop back to where we began. At one point we sat and visited with a family that lived at the furthest point of our travel. They eek out a living harvesting Mangos and bamboo. They had cows ,chickens and perhaps other forms of sustenance, but it seemed pretty bleak.


You will see very steep hillsides where a plot has been cleared and a crop planted. When you are used to row crops that are planted on flat ground and seeded with a tractor, this site can really amaze you, no pun intended. What you see is the end of the season corn plants.

The Philippine people are quick to smile and engage in a conversation, (which would be simple and short if not for KaiKai), in all kinds of hard circumstances. We were informed that if we followed that road it would lead us to the area of the jail, where we wanted to go. We were told it would be approximately 30 minutes. Well, time can be relative!

Forty-five minutes later when asking other people walking the road we were informed it would be approximately 30 minutes, and so after another 45 minutes we arrived at the road by the jail. We saw some great scenery, and enjoyed seeing and hearing the large stands of bamboo. Some of the stalks were 6-9 inches in diameter and 35 feet tall. It is an amazing plant in it’s' design and usability. I mention hearing the bamboo, when the wind blows and pushes the stalks it is like the biggest wind chime you have ever heard. It is not loud but you hear all multiple tones produced by the various sizes of the stocks. We felt removed from the city bustle even though we were really pretty close.

We are well here and hope that you are also. Thanks for your interest in our adventure............. Elder and Sister Reed


PS. Here is the jeepney of the week.

As a side note this driver has painted on the inside for his riders to see, this statement.... Successful people do not have any special opportunity, they just work hard and succeed on principle!

All the best............A&K

On the Road to Bogo

Think back to "The 10 Commandments" with Charleton Heston. The Israelites have worked through bondage and plagues and they've finally been set free. They prepare to go, gather, and begin the departure. That departure—masses of people heading out is what getting out of Cebu feels like to us as we drive north to our Sunday assignment in Bogo.

There are lots of interesting people, vehicle-animals as well as animals driven for food or merchandising. It’s teaming movement, ruckus, a constant din, occasional accidents or near misses; dust and grime. (Actually, MGM makes it look pretty clean.) Some travelers are impatient and push their way through the throng. Some wait their turn—patiently or in quiet joy or resignation. Fast or slow, the movement continues on and on. Progress is made—hopefully. The promised land inches closer.

Whoa! Am I talking about the Israelites or Kevin & Ann on the Mandaue Road? Hmmm. There are striking similarities as we inch our way out of town. To a small-city dweller, the inner clock is set at 20 minutes; the time it takes to escape heavy traffic congestion. Our inner clocks will probably adjust in about 13 months when it’s time to come home…


We inch along a 4-lane almosthighway instead of out over the open plain. Of course it’s paved, and at the moment in quite good condition. The painted lines are new and easily seen if anyone is interested in observing the boundaries they are meant to create. It’s flexible here though; the two lanes going either way may become 3 or 4 lanes as the traffic ebbs and flows.

Flow is a good word for Philippine traffic. Think of fish in an aquarium. They just swim without running into each other. Ironically, the only time the traffic snarls is when there is a barangay (that’s like a big neighborhood—our address is technically Cebu City, but Lahug is more informative) traffic enforcer. They look very official in full uniform, and blow their whistle like a professional musicians, but—what happens to the swimming fish when there is someone standing in the middle of the street waving their arms? It's always a mess.

The din is deafening, but muffled by our Toyota’s quality insulation, a small blessing. To have a car at all here is a blessing.

Animals? A double decker truck load of pigs, street-smart dogs trotting along just outside the run over zone; purposefully. Where do dogs go that makes them trot along so importantly? Tethered goats that munch nonchalantly, oblivious to the swirl of humanity around them. Cats and cocks are present also, but either caged (cocks) or cagey (cats).

If modern vehicles represented biblical travel creatures, the buses would definitely be elephants. Now don’t get all technical on me! I KNOW that elephants resided in a different corner of the woods than the Holy Land, but they fit the bill for my mind’s visual exploration. They, like buses, are the largest beast on the road, lumbering along assertively. They’re bigger than anyone is willing to oppose or contend with, moving remarkably fast considering how full they are. They snort and roar, weaving and swaying in and out of traffic like a Porche. If you’re a passenger you’re required to leave all your confidence with the driver when you board, along with your pesos. If you’re a transplant to this life, you pull over, let them pass, and vow to NEVER ride one because you want to live to return to your family and loved ones.

Next in the travel hierarchy are the jeepneys. Sassy and temperamental like camels, they are the overwhelming utility travel for most folks, and own the road unless a bus happens to be in the vicinity. They seem safer unless they’re overloaded with supplies or produce, which is much of the time.

Trikes. Hmmm. Donkeys? There are LOTS of them, especially lining the sides of the road in the little towns we pass through. Were there donkeys for hire in Jesus’ time? Trikes are a remarkable little beast of burden. For being a small motorcycle or bike with a side car, there could be as many as six people riding them, plus the driver.

We left most of the plain motorcycles back in town. They are an economical travel choice, holding from one to five riders. Their drivers are expert at weaving in and out of traffic. Imagine stopping at a light, leaving a respectful amount of space between you and the next car, and having it filled in with motorcycles that ride slowly up on either side, never putting down a foot for balance, and never taking out a mirror (that we’ve seen). This is the nature of the road in the city.

Finally the caravan cacophony thins as travelers go their own way, and we move more easily. Kevin drives on patiently or in quiet resignation. Or maybe it’s exhaustion. I’m exhausted because I’ve watched it all. We nearly got crunched back a ways. Our prayers for safety are always heartfelt, even as we plead for the same watchful care each time we head out.

An hour later we are out of Lahug, through Mandaue, Consolacion, Lilo-an and Danao.

We’ve reached the point in our travel of jungle forest on the left and ocean on the right. There are resorts all along the way, but not what you’re thinking. There are no fancy hotels, just day-use beach properties. Ocean front property can be owned on Cebu, which makes long beach walks almost impossible. Who ever heard of a fence or wall into the ocean?

And now through a winding canyon that will break into rolling hills of sugar cane. We’ve driven blissfully for a couple of miles without anyone in front or behind us. It’s blissful but not restful because of the children playing along the edges of the road. We MUST not run over anyone while we’re here. Or their dog or goat.

It’s a great relief to leave the city behind. I don’t know if I stirred your mind enough in my description. Do you feel tired? Are you tense between the shoulder blades? Think of an hour of Fairview Avenue at its worst, then add trikes and motorcycles to the traffic mix, dogs along the edge, and pedestrians walking out among the cars. There. NOW do you feel tired?

The relaxed undertone out in the provinces is almost tangible. Dusk has settled over the world (it is 6:00ish) and we are happy to pull into Bogo where we have a room reservation at the Park View Lodge. This is a modern hotel with eight rooms. We are the only guests tonight. Although the mattress makes “firm” seem soft, we sleep deeply in the quiet. Next time we come we will bring garbage bags to tape over the windows for a little more darkness, and egg crate foam for a more padded sleep. Nevertheless, the quiet is like a mind and body feast. We arrived in sound condition, and our $18 room is a bargain. Count your blessings--name them one by one.

Musings

We've been in the mission field for four months now. In practical terms that equates to:
4 cardboard canisters of Quaker Oats
3 tubes of Crest
25 lbs. whole wheat flour
4 sets of earplugs each
3 transfers

I look at the newest missionaries, who on Friday won't be greenies any more because there will be fresh greenies, and marvel at how much they have acclimated in just six weeks. One new sister in particular has been serving in the City Zone where I've been able to watch the process on a weekly basis.

First week after arrival--very excited
Second week--tired, overwhelmed and tearful
Third week--hunkering down and getting through; still tired; no smiles
Fourth week--gloomy--depressed--my motherheart full of ache for her. All I could say was,"c'mon--you're doin it--you're learning it--you've got the best trainer in the mission--don't give up"
Fifth week--a new woman! Tears jumped to my throat when she walked through the door with a new countenance. Bright! Enthusiastic! Reaching out!

Thank you, Lord.


This surely must mean that Kevin and I feel completely at home after four months.

Here are some pluses:

We like being mission companions.
We've become teachers in new realms.
We're healthy and increasing in strength and stamina thanks to our daily hill walking.
We have a reasonable level of confidence in our office responsibilities.
We've become dear friends with the other missionaries.
We've made friends, even outside our missionary circle.
We feel trusted by our young missionary associates.
We know our way around our grocery store of choice.
We can estimate the time needed for most errands and come within an hour of accuracy.
We've climbed Mt. Manungal.

Here are some minuses:

A city of millions-plus population is still noisy and dirty.
Filipino mosquitos love my ankles.
Cebuano streets don't connect with each other.


Lopsided and badly out of balance. Did you notice that the pluses are deliciously personal while the minuses are shoulder-shruggingly impersonal?

There is happiness going on here, even as we wrestle with the challenges of our new realm. Hope you've got the same.

Love and blessings,
Kevin & Ann