Trip Review

Note: This entry is primarily for journal keeping so some parts may feel a little tedious to read. Keep in mind this post was not compiled for the reader's entertainment!

We left for the PI's on our fourth anniversary! It was a wonderful way to celebrate and to take a much needed break from a busy winter season at the hospital for me, and from the endless tax reports for Brian. We started our morning early and flew to LA, where we had a not so lovely 7 hour lay over. We finally boarded our flight that afternoon and for the next 13 hours, stayed in that same spot. Luckily we shared three seats between the two of us, and so we were able to spread out and get some rest. We landed in Korea barely in time to make our connecting flight to Manila. We were pretty nervous that we wouldn't make it in time. Thankfully, the Korean airport has been voted "Best International Airport" in 2005, 2006, and 2007--and rightly so, because it was pretty easy to make it to our next flight just in the nick of time. Another four hours, and we arrived in Manila--followed by another hour in the customs line and then we finally found mom and dad! It was about midnight in Manila, and we were exhausted from the trip.

We spent the next two days in Manila. We had no idea that the PI's played such a big role in WWII. There are several monuments and sights to see that commemorate its participation in many great WWII battles. We visited the island of Corregidor and learned how the Japenese had captured the island from the Americans. The Americans re-captured Corregidor a few years later under the direction of General McArthur. The Filipinos love general McArthur--he is a hero in their eyes. While in Manila, we also visited the old Spanish city of Intramuros, which was basically a city inside huge walls. It was neat to walk through the city and the cathedral that had been there since the early 1600's. We also visited the Manila hotel and the WWII Memorial Cemetery. Brian was treated to a 300 peso hair cut (about $14) which included an upper body massage, including scalp. He felt pretty pampered and they did a really good job. We also had him fitted for a suit and some pants while there. The tailor did a great job and he is one good looking guy in his new get-up!

On Sunday we were off to Palawan. Palawan is the oasis of the Manila mission. It is an island about 300 miles long and 35 miles wide. About 1 million people live on the island. It is revered by tourists and natives a like because it is still pretty remote and untouched. There are several rice farms, banana, pineapple, mango, coconut, and cashew farms. The people are poor, but they aren't hungry. They are so humble and kind--so willing to lend a hand, very patient and most importantly happy! They've never known comfort and they don't complain. The weather is something to be reckoned with. The temps hover around 90 while the humidity stays between 70-90%. Not so fun! But the Filipinos don't know any different and A/C is unheard of for most. While on Palawan, we visited the saints in Roxas. We headed up further north to the town of El Nido and did some island hopping. The water and the white sanded beaches were amazing. We enjoyed a day of snorkeling and escaped with minor sun burns. The scenery was beautiful. We returned to Puerto Princessa (where mom and dad's humble, 300 sq foot, apartment is) and enjoyed the games of the Palarong Pambansa. Basically, this is the equivalent of state championships for elementary and high school students, only it is on a national level. Children come from all over the PI's to compete and this year the games were in Puerto. We enjoyed watching some tennis matches of local ward members. They play a lot of the same games we do here in the states, but the game we found most amazing was Sepak Tekraw. It is a combination of soccer and volleyball. It is played on a badminton net and the players can only use their heads and feet. It is amazing to watch them "spike" the ball by doing a full back flip and kicking it straight down. We got some video and will have to attach it later. For now, I'm sure you can find some clips on you tube. It will be well worth your time...it is amazing!

Probably the highlight of our trip was interacting with the missionaries during a zone conference. Uncle Dave is an amazing mission president and the Elders absolutely love him. Another highlight was the district conference (Stake Conference) for the north district. Elder Costales (a Filipino area authority) came to preside and it was an amazing conference. Elder Costales, Uncle Dave and Aunt Nancy gave some great lessons. The members also gave great talks and I came home a little better ( I hope). Elder Costales asked us to bear our testimonies to the members. It was a sweet experience. The members embraced us and made us feel very welcome. Some of the people we will not forget are Pet Pet (mom and dad's tennis coach and adopted son), Janeth (Jenny Lyn's cousin--Jenny Lyn is a Filipina that mom and dad helped get on a mission and is serving at temple square. We brought a package home for her from her family.), Elder Wong (his smile is amazing--it lights up a room), Sister Cujiland (her smile is even sweeter---it's big and bright and with so much confidence--what a sweet transformation for her), Redecio (a new member that mom and dad helped get his cleft lip and palate repaired--I'll attach photos later) and of course Elder Costales. It was fun to see mom, dad, Uncle Dave, and Aunt Nancy in action. They are amazing and are doing so much good over there. We truly are proud of them.

We had so much fun seeing the beautiful sights and memorials, but we've decided the best attraction of the PI's are the people. We've learned so much from their examples and hope to be a little more like them. They truly are the pioneers of the gospel over there. They inspire us with their patience and kindness. They don't poke fun at anyone, and for this reason, we believe they are willing to jump in and try anything. They are modest, humble and hard working. They love to laugh and most of all, they are HAPPY!! They don't have much, but they have what matters.

P.S. How could I forget?!?! The PI's have the most amazing pineapple and mangos! We enjoyed a fruit shake with just about every meal. We also decided we like rice quite a bit and will probably be eating a lot more of it in the future. Of course, the sea food was fresh and tasty as well!