Philippines!

Well, the big anticipated trip to the Philippines has come and went. I will say, I was nervous to go, sad to leave my kids for 10 days, and the worry of what if something happens to us while we are 7,700 miles away from home in a 3rd world country entered my mind several times. Well, maybe I just worry too much because I had the trip of a lifetime! With experiences and memories that I will cherish forever. It was the best experience I have ever had. Before we went, we prayed and fasted that we would have a good time, be kept safe, and that things would turn out how we wanted and hoped that we would have a great experience. Our prayers were answered!

We left Friday May 14th at 6 am and flew into Seattle and met up with Ben and Becky Skinner. Ben served with Nels in Cebu and so we where excited to be able to get to go back over with them. We hung out at the Seattle airport for 6 hours and then flew out on our 11 and a half hour flight into South Korea. It was nice because we all got out own TV screen to watch movies or play games. Plus the food wasn't too bad either. (Different story on the way home). After landing in Korea we had another 5 hour flight into Cebu. We got into Cebu at 11 pm on Saturday night and stayed at a hotel close to the airport. It was nice getting in at night so we could get some rest and try to sleep off the jet lag.

Sunday morning we got up and went to the Cebu 5th ward where Nels served for about 4 months. I will say, on the way there it was a whole new world. The poverty, the garbage, the smells, and the absolute CRAZY driving was a shocker. The only rule on the road in the Philippines is if something bigger is coming, you better get out of the way. We put a lot of trust in our drivers!

Church was wonderful! I love how when you are half way around the world, you always feel at home when you step into the chapel. I also felt this way going to the Temple while we where there. What a comforting feeling! Many people recognized and remembered Nels and I was quite impressed with his Visayan speaking skills! The people are so warm and receptive. I think every one of them came up and shook my hand to welcome me. (So different from America!) It was nice too that most of them knew some English. I finally got to meet Rita Cuevas, Nels found her on Facebook, her family was one that Nels loved. One member in particular, Brother Gaso, took us under his wing and offered to take us to lunch and drive us to the pier so we could catch our boat over to Bohol. This was super nice considering that very few of them even have a car.

The boat ride to Bohol was about 2 hours. My tail bone was sure getting sore from all of the sitting we were doing from traveling!

Waiting for the boat, I think we look a little tired in this one.

It was so nice to be in Bohol. It was much cleaner and less populated than Cebu. It was also beautiful. We stayed at the Bohol Beach Club which was absolutely beautiful! We got there at low tide so we where able to walk out and find all kinds of cool things like star fish and sea urchins. I remember as a little kid, whenever my family took a trip to the beach, I would always want to find a star fish, but never did. Well, my wish finally came true, cause we found TONS of them! It reminded me of the starfish poem as the old man was walking down the beach throwing the starfish back into the water and someone asked him why are you throwing them back? There is too many to even make a difference. The man's reply, as he threw another one back was, "It made a difference to that one!" So I threw them back into the ocean. (haha :))

He looks right at home doesn't he?

First dinner in at the beach club with Ben and Becky. The restaurant was outdoors under a hut, off of the beach.

This was the best dinner I had. Pancit with chicken and shrimp.

Ending the day with an evening under the stars on the ocean. Perfect!

That sums up day one in the Philippines. Stay tuned for lots more to come!