Plant of the week: Zamioculcas Zamiifolia, aka ZZ plant.


Although this is definitely a landscape plant here in the tropics, it's a great, forgiving, tolerant houseplant. A potted version will be a miniature of this one; isn't it a beauty? And set off very well by the wall and gate.

It was quite a week in Lake Cebubegone, our temporary home town. The good news is we made it through with patience and humor, and now it's Sunday night, getting ready for another week.

It's a truth that when we're in the heat of the fire we usually don't stop to take pictures. Sorry about that--but just think on one of your very busy, challenging weeks and project it into the Philippines. You're probably close if not right on. I tried to put the events to words but it just came out sounding whiney, so here's a 30-second run-down and then we'll do some pictures of our morning walks.

--ZLC Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday
--Fingerprinting for many of the foreign missionaries on Wednesday--a nice opportunity to see some of the missionaries from off-island who don't come in the office very often.
--Behind, behind, behind due to the above two items--work like mad on Thursday and Friday to bring some semblance of order to my realm

Wow! That brief report is much easier to handle than spewing out every gritty little detail. Maybe I should quit looking so closely at the events of life that frustrate or worry me and give minute attention to all that's beautiful and pleasing and inspiring. Hmmm. I thought this was going to be a week-processing blog entry and instead it's a little personal revelation. Nice.

We've talked quite a bit about our morning walks. We have considerable concern about our lifestyle change, going from active, physical jobs to desk jobs and having our back sides spread to the width of the Mississippi River. Kevin and I need outdoor time. It's more apparent since we get less of it here; we didn't really think about it before because we had it every day.

All these shots were taken yesterday morning--Saturday--when we slept until we awoke instead of getting up to the alarm clock at our week-day time of 4:40 and heading out the door by 5:10. It's completely light and bright at 6:30, and of course, warm. I usually don't wear a hat but thought my brain would fry if not covered this late in the morning.


This is one of the side streets of Beverely Hills Subdivision that makes a horse shoe around a nature area and goes out to a point overlooking the city. This lush, green, shady stretch is very appreciated by sweaty walkers.


Walk on for a few minutes and look to your left. Your ears will tell you that you've come to the home of the Roosternacle Choir. Oh my! Such a cacauphony of cock-a-doodle-do's living in all those houses up on the hillside! In my book, no fine view would make up for their incessant ruckus!


The end of the horse-shoe road has a few houses, including this one. As you can see, you can't see. All houses have walls and gates; this one is particularly pleasing. As we walk if we aren't discussing the affairs of the mission or world we talk architecture. If only these folks knew that there were free consultations happening about their homes every morning!


Many of the walls are functional only; then there are walls like this one--a work of art. Of course I approve of the planting beds built into the wall, but recommend something with a shiny green leaf and perhaps a good bloom--more contrast either way. See? A free landscape consultation.


There are "unclaimed coral walls that are perfect hosts to all kinds of interesting plants. Some are just "green plant things", others are recognized friends, like about 5 varieties of ferns. I harvested a handful and will see if I can get them to grow in my office entrance plant collection.


This is almost the end of the nature road. As you can see, still green and lush, and almost no cars. Well, this is proof that somebody drives down this road!


At least a frog a day doesn't make it across one of the streets we walk up; this morning we also saw a tuko (feisty lizard that you hear more than see--what was this shy fella doing in the street?) and a rat (good riddance).


Back on Woolbright Ave., we head to the top. This isn't a bad incline--well, not bad now. It was pretty challenging for me in the beginning, but now it's just fine. I don't think we do anything (in these walks) that challenges Kevin, my beloved mountain goat!


At the top guard station we loop around and walk to the bottom, turning left on 2nd to go back up--the most challenging section of our route. Mt. Borah has nothing on 2nd Ave., except for loose shale. Some days I go pretty slow, but it's all easier than a couple of months ago. I figure by the time we return to Idaho we'll have climbed Borah at least once, if not twice in this steep part of our walk.


This residence was the mission home at one time. There is a basketball court to one side, and it's reported that all the missionaries on the island would congregate there every Monday to play basketball. That, of course, was when the mission was smaller and the areas were less spread out.


As we approach the taoist temple (red on the right) I have to move into mental mode--recite something memorized in my mind. "It's killing me!" "What are we doing this for?" Just keep the Proclamation on the Family going in your head, Ann. By the time you're finished you'll be back on Woolbright. Again.


Back on Woolbright, the end is in sight. We've done almost 5k of serious up and down hilling. All that's left is a martial arts moment with Kaikai. Did you miss him? He has a Saturday schedule with other friends at the IT Park. We're always glad for Monday and Kaikai. And his martial arts routine feels good after the taoist temple hill.

What's on the docket this week? A newsletter tomorrow, as well as sending out a bunch of correspondence. Kevin has bills to pay which means at least one trip to the mall. We've just about got our Christmas goodies ready to send home to the grandkids, and we're making plans for Christmas on Bohol with two other senior couples.

Life is good in the mission field, and I know we would say that no matter where we had the opportunity to serve. The gospel is true. We know that in the depth of our beings, and that is what has us out here doing what we're doing. Love you all--pray for you--thank you for your love and prayers. Don't hesitate to drop a line. It's a great comfort to us.

Kevin and Ann in Cebu

PS--Still not short.

The Legend of the Lion

Plant of the week: Yes, it's a repeat--the traveler palm, aka Raveala madagascarensis. We like them very much even though there aren't many that reside in full glory like this one. I wonder if one of my horticulture associates would be so good as to send a plant list from Floriculture? It would give me great pleasure to know (remember) the names of everything I look at every day.


Jeepney of the week:


As you can see, it's not a jeepney at all, but a multi-cab. This is also a popular vehicle on Cebu, and this spunky little pink bomb grabbed our attention!

Now for a story...

In a far away land, in another time, a husband and wife were blessed with their first child. A boy--an answer to prayer--perfect in his mother's eyes, as he ate and slept and rarely fussed. As he grew the mother delighted in his toddler antics; he was a happy child, and tidy too!

One evening as bedtime approached, when day was not yet finished, but happy playtime had passed, mother and child longed for a car ride to help the boychild prepare for sleep. Wise father knew just the place: the Utah Stake Capitol to see the giant cement lions, and maybe a song or two on the way.

Such delight for a little boy! Daddy's singing and those giant lions. Again, Daddy? Maybe tomorrow.

The tomorrows came and came, and for many months this was the going-to-sleep ritual--drive up to the capitol to see the lions; sing 76 Trombones from "The Music Man".

The years passed. The little boy grew into a fine man who married and had sons of his own. He never lost his love of cement lions and has his own gracing his castle stoop today. He watches for them as he travels the world over and stops to acquainted. Sitting on a lion for a picture brings out a boyish remembrance of his toddler days.

Every boy should have a lion to call his friend.


Lions that live in hot, humid cllimates have their own beauty challenges.


We learned about a place of historical significance on our last trip to Museo Sugbo with Kevin's English Class. It is Argao (pronounced ar-gow, like ar-cow) about 2 hours south of Cebu City. It's the only town with a Spanish layout that survived WWII, and that because the railroad didn't go there, which meant it wasn't distroyed by bombing.

Planning an outing is about half the fun. (Parents: are you chuckling at this, knowing that my planning pleasure began when I was 5?) We started talking about driving down to Argao at our Friday night dinner with Elder and Sister Watkins a couple of week ago. At the last minute we decided to include a stop at Carbon Market, and found a willing and able market ambassador in Evelyn, one of Kevin's English students. She is a lovely woman, a fine student, and of course, a speaker of Cebuano, which meant shopping success for us in that mystical retail setting. (See a previous posting for more Carbon details.) We didn't want to monopolize her entire day, but she was delighted with the idea of a field trip to a part of her island she had never seen before.

We headed out at about 8:00; 2 fellas in the front seat, three gals in back. It only took a few minutes to get to Carbon on Saturday morning (remember--it's close to the post office which has been inspiration for more than one mournful blog entry), and Evelyn knew exactly where to park (right here is fine for a few minutes) and which "store" had our desired items. What a different shopping experience with a Filipina guide! We had a great time, mostly because of Evelyn. She put the merchants at ease for us foreigners; they were friendly and chatty--as chatty as one can be when there's a language barrier.

It sprinkled on us, which wouldn't have been bad, except that the road grime turned to road slurry, a mysterious layer of black slime on the bottoms of our shoes. Just let your imagination go wild about the slurry ingredients and you will probably be correct.

Drizzle or no drizzle, it was a lot of fun, and we will return! Carbon market carries most things if you know where to look. Thanks, Evelyn.

Sorry, no picts of Carbon this time. I feel sensitively about this kind of place being people's LIVES, not a Disneyland experience. If you've been to a developing country, you can imagine it. If not, still imagine it. Sort of Indiana Jones-ish.


Kevin's getting pretty good at holding the camera out and getting a good shot! That's Elder and Sister Watkins in the back and Evelyn next to me, then our photographer.

On to Argao. Our drive was very much like going to Bogo, with beautiful vistas once we got out of the city traffic. No sugar cane fields going south though, just jungle forest, mountains, and of course, the ocean. It was a beautiful day with an ever-changing ceiling of interesting cloud formations, which kept us from overheating. For being a sunshine person, I've grown to appreciate cloudy days; straight sun with high humidity is almost suffocating.

We didn't know exactly where we were going once we got to Argao, but that's part of the fun of adventuring. We drove around for a bit and found a nature park that we wandered through. It was completely under a canopy of trees, so it was comfortable as long as we didn't move too fast.


There was also good sitting for two duffers whose first missions were to the England Birmingham Mission, only about 10 years apart. They break into Britishtalk on a regular basis!


Across the street from the nature park was this lush rice field. Rice is GREEN. It looks cool and inviting, and apparently the birds do all they can to help harvest the rice grains as they develop. Some rice farmers have huts out in the middle of their fields with a cord connected to all those strings that you see with little flags attached. When the birds are particularly bothersome they sleep in their hut and just yank the cord from time to time, which wiggles all the strings, which scares the birds away. Scarecrows take on new meaning in the rice field setting. I'll probably have to do a photo shoot on them in the future.


Grandpa and Grammi in the nature park by a ficus tree. You all know them as weeping figs. Note my flat hair, Mom. Does it look like a problem? You really can't decide on activity by its effect on your dead protein cells. Whatever! Sister Watkins, on the other hand, who has beautiful curly hair...the effect on her dead protein cells was quite the opposite. Do guys ever think twice about their hair? Twice is about all anyone should have to think about their hair.


Finally we found the town square. The rest of Argao had grown up out toward the main road, and the town square was down toward the ocean. We had a guided tour, which was most informative and enjoyed walking through the square--beautiful pastoral gardens--and through the church, which was built in the early 1800's.


The walls were easily two feet thick, which made it cool and refreshing inside. Birds darted and swooped through the open windows.


I get a sore neck just thinking about painting on a ceiling. The whole church took longer to build than the Salt Lake Temple.


A PIPE ORGAN SITING! Be still my heart! We learned that there are three pipe organs on Cebu. I wonder if the other two are playable. This little gem--heartbreaking to see it in complete disrepair. They use a little electronic console instrument for their services now. A wealthy benefactor?


The bell tower was magnificent--all 158 steps begged to be climbed, but unfortunately the person with the bell tower key was away for the day. We were informed that the bells ring to announce daily mass, plus funerals and marriages. Too bad--we had to be back in Cebu before we could hear the bells ring at 5:00. Church bells ringing is one of the items in my what-makes-me-happy book. We hear them often when we're walking early in the morning, but they are far away.


Evelyn and I enjoying our wait to see if we would be able to climb the bell tower.

Our outing took place the first Saturday of October while many of you were eagerly anticipating General Conference. When you're far from home you can actually adjust your inner General Conference clock by a week and feel just fine about it. Of course we could watch it over the internet, but the pleasure of listening to the words of the prophets with the other members of the Cebu Stake would have been missed.

And it was all pleasure yesterday and today. I know, I know, you've all already discussed their messages and resolved to live more Christ-like lives. Our resolve is only hours old instead of days old but much the same as yours.

I had dear, remeniscent thoughts about the Boise North Stake Choir as the Tabernacle Choir san "O Divine Redeemer" this afternoon. I all but sang with them--knew every word and where the altos come in--thanks to 30 years of really fine musical experiences with Dale Ball, Doug Lemman, Marion Reed, David Young--and these are just the directors and organists. I have learned from--with--so many of you and am rich because of it. Thanks.

I also thought back to the days of gathering as a stake to watch the live broadcasts before General Conference was on TV. I confess I like "lazy feasting" too, where you don't have to get up and hurry on those two Sundays a year. BUT--we sure miss out on the spirit of our stake by being separate in our own homes! Greeting our friends here, sitting with them to hear the words of the prophets, singing with them--it was was a joy! It filled my soul in a whole different way than general conference itself.

The hymns of General Conference were another testimony of the power of music in our lives. They invited the Spirit immediately--I mark my hymnal like I mark my scriptures when the Spirit testifies of eternal truths to me, and I have several new markings, including cross references to other hymns and scriptures.

Dear friends and family--we know the gospel is true. We know it is God's map for us, his children, that we may have a successful mortal experience and return to Him, having learned and grown, and prepared to live with him eternally. We think of you regularly--sometimes even dream about you! We pray for your health and happiness. If you have a worry that we know about, we are praying for that worry. If you have a joy we know about, we are giving thanks for it. It isn't chance that we share this mortal trek; if we didn't need to help each other along the way, we could have each received our own planet, or at the very least, our own continent. As it is, we are greatly blessed and enriched by you and hope we can add to your life in some small way also.

Bye for now,
Kevin and Ann

PS--No short blog entry yet.

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