We just finished another great week in the Philippines...having been very, very busy again in that we just completed our personal (Haidi's Team – our Public Affairs Director – with the six of us – three senior couples) involvement in the Manila Area celebrations of National Family Week. This is a very big deal here with nearly every Stake (or Multi-Stake of the Church) doing something to support their local government in making "families" an important part of their locale. Here in the capital (Manila) this week we had the Opening Tree Planting/Walk/Exercise/Speakers & more (as I think I stated last week) on last Saturday (morning/early afternoon). Then we had an Interfaith Service at one of our building on Sunday afternoon/evening, on Wednesday (all day) we had a Family Conference on the challenges and ways to keep our families strong, and lastly on Friday afternoon we had the Closing Ceremonies in Taguig (one of the waterfront communities) where the Mayor awarded the National Family of the Year. The three finalists (families) were in attendance with a nice dinner, awards, more speakers and wonderful music from the local high schools of the area.
One thing I have really noticed that when it rains in the Philippines is really, really rains. There is nearly always flooding in the streets, which adds to the challenge of driving for everyone and really slows things down nearly to a "parking lot." It took us one hour and a half to get to these ceremonies and two and a half hours to return only about 75% back to our offices (to our apartments - instead) that day. One of the vehicles you never want to challenge in your driving our the busses, they own the roads and go wherever and whenever they want. Stay our of their way (if they are coming) they truly will run you over. While going to Church today (this morning) one of the busses nearly took off the rear of our car, but swerved just at the last minute and missed us. I was driving and it scared me to near death. It would NOT have been a very good way to start the day, on the way to Church, to have been hit by a BIG bus. There almost appears to be angels looking over us to protect us from harm and get us from one place to another, those nice "tender mercies of the Lord" - if you are trying to do the right things and be the best you can.
Lastly, we attended an eighteen year old -birthday party for one of the daughters of a man we work with as a volunteer - on Saturday evening. Apparently, your eighteen year old birthday is a BID DEAL here, especially for young women. It was held at a local country club (party house) with music, a very nice dinner, entertainment, supportive friends/family remarks, dancing, and love all around. This man had just served for the past ten years as the Stake President, now he's our volunteer Public Affairs, Multi-Stake Director. His extended family are a third generation members of our Church and nearly all of the family were there - in supporting and sharing love with one another. It was very, very nice - one of the highlights of our time here.
We are beginning to settle into a routine of life and feeling more and more - at home - every day. I have now, rather then just being driven everywhere, began to drive myself. I'm getting better, but I have much to learn and understand about this experience.
Finally, we met with the Area President on Thursday, he's really our ultimate boss, while we serve here, in the Area Offices...it was very nice getting to know him, he comes from Salt Lake (of course) but practiced law in Idaho as his career before being called to serve (at his own expense) as a Mission President and then Area/Seventy. He's been here in the Philippines for about 28 months and freely admits he is just beginning to understand the people, the culture, and the world of the Philippines. He gave us a good book on the people, called "culture stock - the Philippines" which has been very interesting to read and to absorb.
Well that's about all for now, we love you all, appreciate your support and may the Lord continue to bless, protect, and support each of you in all your righteous endeavors. Mike
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