Philippines Day 2

Monday was probably my favorite day. We woke up early, went for a walk on the beach, and had breakfast. At 8 am we met up with our driver and headed to Calape to try and find some of the people that Nels baptized. It was about an hour drive from our hotel and I really enjoyed seeing the countryside on the way there. Lots of rice fields and little huts scattered all over. There was still garbage, but not nearly as much as Cebu. We stopped in the town of Calape and walked around. It was so humbling to see how these people live and survive. My bedroom is bigger than most of there houses.

Sunrise Monday Morning

We found lots of shells for the kids on the beach. There was a little crab living in this one.

We found Nels' old apartment where he lived for 7 months. While we where taking pictures outside The people who lived there came out and invited us in for snacks (we had no idea who they were). I was a little nervous to go in, these were my exact thoughts, "oh crap, it's only our 2nd day and I'm going to get sick." We didn't want to be rude so we went in and luckily they fed us little muffins that they must of made for breakfast, watermelon, and coke. I was very relieved! It was fun to see where Nels lived and cool that he got to eat in his old apartment.

Nels outside his apt. 13 years ago.

Nels outside his old apt. 13 days ago. As you can see, they have done a lot of work to it. This was actually one of the nicer houses in town.

They took tons of pictures while we were there, they said we looked like movie stars (I liked that, LOL!)

We walked through the streets and through the market. The market was very unique. I almost threw up when we walked in, things got better when I started breathing through my mouth. Nels tells me that this market was pretty tame compared to others. I was grateful we went to one of the cleaner ones!

The little filipino kids are soo cute!

After the market we met up with our first python that swallowed a chicken in a lady's yard (notice the lump in its belly). The police where carrying it out as we walked by. It was like something you would see on animal planet. It was pretty crazy!We were too scared to ride in one of these. We figured since we had 4 kids back home we better stay alive!

I experienced my first BBQ banana, Nels really likes them, but they weren't my favorite.

This is how they move cows in the Philippines!

This is the church in Calape, the churches were really nice. It has doubled in size since Nels has been there.

This was a picnic area at high tide. Obviously it is the hot swimming spot also.

Nels playing ball with the filipino kids.

Nels and Ben with Bo Parker. Nels baptized him 13 years ago, he has served in the Branch Presidency for 11 years. He still has our wedding announcement from 10 years ago!

Nels in front of Lourdes Buzon's house. She was the one that we really wanted to see, but she had left to go visit her kids in another town before we got there. We were disappointed, but notice the picture of Christ above her door. She is still active and going to church. She has also moved into a lot nicer house.

Eating lunch at Joe's Chicken Inato. This was Nels' favorite while on the mission. It was REALLY good. The dip for the chicken was Awesome!

This is how they fix it it in the Philippines. This guy is in the middle of one of the busiest streets in Tagbilaran! His ladder is propped right up against the wires, but the little orange safety triangle should keep him safe!

Monday was an exhausting day. We got back to the hotel about 4:30, laid down for a sec, and totally fell asleep till the next morning!