Thought you might like a glimpse of our surroundings here in the Philippines, so we'll start with the rice fields, just a few kilometers out of Naga.

 Rice fields

 More rice fields - pretty, aren't they?

Mayan Volcano which is active & has steam coming out of the top 

 Closer view of the volcano - it was raining a little this day

 Trucks on the National Highway

 Our view as we rode in a Tricee to do some sopping for supplies.  Notice how narrow.

 Another view showing some of the road congestion.  VERY TYPICAL

 Carol getting out of a Pudjack close to the apartment front door.



Jerry and I both rode in this Pudjack, along with a dozen pillows (compressed), 4 skillets, pillow covers, pillow cases, can openers and towels.  We were really scrunched in there, but this little guy pedaled right a long and got us home without any bumps or bruises.  These Pudjacks and Tricees are everywhere, so if you want a ride to somewhere, all you have to do is stand on the curb and they will stop right away.  We rode a Tricee into "town" to do some other shopping for supplies yesterday.  This is all so much fun - I could get addicted to it. 

The supermarket isn't what we know as a supermarket in the U.S.  There are not as many brands, etc. to choose from, and they do have some American things (Jif p-nut butter, Weserrn Family Mayonnaise, Delmonte corn and a couple other veggies, but not a large variety, lots and lots of soda pop - Coke, Pepsi - and a few other things), they have fresh whole chickens sitting out in the center of the room, lying on ice, but no refrigeration on them, lots of eggs stacked from the floor to the ceiling, and there again, are not refrigerated, very large selection of fruits, but the veggies really leave something to be desired - UGH - the celery looks like it does when we would throw it away - wilty, etc.,  several kinds of rice and they will weigh as much as you want and put it in a plastic bag for you.  When you check out, they have two different kinds of isles - ones for small blue baskets and then the large grocery carts like at home.  They really get upset if you go to the checkout with something in hand and not in a basket.  I haven't done that, but have been told, so I am careful, if I even want one or two things, I am careful to get a small blue basket.

We attended our Branch for the first time today in Pamplona - about a 30 minute drive away.  It is kind of funny because we have a Church right in the same compound as our Church office building and apartment, but the Mission President thought the Branch needs more help from people who are mature in the Gospel - I guess we fit that description.  There was one Deacon and the Elders Quorum who passed the sacrament.  The two Elders assigned to the Branch blessed the Sacrament.  There was only one sister who showed up for Relief Society, so she went home instead of staying.  All of the lessons in Sunday School, Priesthood Meeting and Young Women were taught in Tagalog, so once in a while we'd recognize a word such as missionary or Jesus Christ, but for the most part, we were lost as to what was being taught.  Hopefully, we'll learn some of the language so that we can at least understand what's being said.  We do have 23 months to do it, so with the Lord's help and a lot of faith and prayer, I am sure we'll be able to understand some of what's being said.  Well, till next time, Salamat (thank you) for your wonderful words of encouragement and support.  We love you ALL.