Another great week has started again – nice in early and very busy, we had our normal Area Office Devotional at 7:30am (on Monday) followed by us attempting to determine the status of any of the many displaced families as a result of the extended weekend of heavy rains and isolated flooding. Much of the flooding was reserved for Luzon (the largest island – we live on). Most of the Church members, as of this morning have been able to return home, but some few are still displaced and living at our Chapels – because of flooding at their homes or around their neighborhood.. Since there are so many natural disasters here, throughout – in one way or in another part of the Philippines, I marvel that the church members and their leaders are NOT better prepared than in fact - they are? A 72 Hour Emergency Kits, would be a MUST if you think about it for a minute or two, in fact we have one in the trunk of our car, just in case. Every missionary and every church member (should know better) and needs one readily available, because its’ not a case of IF but rather WHEN! Every Month in one place or another - one way or another – disasters regularly occur - for the year plus of us being here – you could almost set your watch by their regularity. One need NOT fear, if one is PREPARED, but if one is NOT PREPARED, than fear will reign. 
A volcano in southern Luzon (our big island) is acting up again; reports are that we might see a major eruption within days or a month. Lava is slowly flowing down the side of the mountain, but it is only affecting the nearby farming in the area and not any major population area, yet. But everyone is carefully watching to warn others should it grow worse or endanger greater life. If it isn’t a flood, or an earthquake, than now it’s a volcano erupting -, regular natural disasters “are a way of life” among these people.
The National Mass Measles Immunization Campaign is progressing very well, our status so far is just short of a majority (at 48%) of the children (of the 13 million) targeted have been immunized in the first two weeks of September for both German Measles, Rubella, & Orally for Polio. Chances are the campaign will bleed over into October before coming to a conclusion or a real ending, but more importantly the target is being met. The highest risk area of Manila, is still the most challenging to cover the children – many of the children needing this shot live in the streets, under bridges, or out in the environment and are very challenging to reach. All in an attempt to look good to the National DOH & WHO people - No barangay (a neighborhood within the city) really want to take full responsibility in their counts for these children or will honestly attempt cover these migrant/street people (or their children.) After all, what we want and what is our real goal is to “Protect the children” from these unwanted and avoidable diseases. Join us and be prayerful that the 90% goal can be reached throughout all of the Philippines, including Greater Manila. 
On Thursday, for the third time - we were fingerprinted for our permanent visas, but this time it was at the National Immigration offices. Rather than with all of the former times - it having been done with ink & pads – this time it was electronically recorded. Hopefully for the last, and final time! We went with about thirty (30) other missionaries, mainly the youthful variety of elders and sisters. We left the Mission Offices are about 12:30 and return home about 5pm – although it is only about 25 kilometer each way, the heavy late morning rains flooding many of the city streets and normal crazy city traffic made the going and the coming more than an hour each way. Oh how we love going to Downtown (old) Manila, we have to go there almost weekly with on event or another and travel to and from is always such a joy.
Love you all, we appreciate your continued support, and may the Lord bless each of you.