On The Road
We have spent a lot of this week in the car.
Travelling in the Philippines is so different than North America. So many motorcycles and tricycles (motorbike with a side-car). Tricycles are sometimes just used by families for their day to day travel, but most often they are also used as mini taxis.
Then there are vans and jeepneys and busses and bicycles.
Farmers riding caribaos, and a few tractors.
And people everywhere beside the street! Even little children!
There are also getting to be a lot of cars. One thing different than when we were here 14 years ago, is that there are so many new cars. We drive a van, but with the narrow roads, I think I would rather have an extra large tricycle. We have had to do many 16 point turns to get turned around on a side street!
I have only seen 1 stop sign, and 2 intersections with lights. The traffic, however, moves along fairly well. The speeds are much slower than Alberta, and all of the drivers look out for one another. Drivers pass each other on the left and the right, with a friendly tap on the horn to let you know they are there. Passing is an adventure. If you were to wait for a gap in traffic, you would wait all day, so people move over to let you pass or the oncoming traffic moves over as a passing car approaches. The busy intersections are crazy. You wait, and then grab your courage and start pulling out. Soon, the others let you in and away you go. There are very few accidents. I think that is because everyone is watching out for the other drivers. It often makes me think that that is a good way to live your life, looking out for the people around you, and caring for their welfare.
We got our Filipino drivers licenses this week. We haven't got the actual license yet, because the printer is broken (it has been broken for a few weeks), but hopefully it will be up and running soon.
We drove 2 1/2 hours north to Tuguegarao for interviews on Thursday and Friday. The hottest city in the Philippines. We were able to go out with the missionaries on Thursday after interviews and "teach" a couple of lessons. We only understood a handful of what was being taught, but it was good all the same.
These little girls are sisters, and their dad is learning about the church. The older one is nearly as old as Elizabeth, and the younger one is the same age as Mindy.
We attended a baptism here in Cauayan on Saturday afternoon.
On Sunday we spent the day in Roxas and San Mateo. There were many people waiting for temple recommends and a few young people needing interviews for their mission applications. Since they are in Districts, the Mission President or one of his counselors do those interviews. I attended Sacrament meeting in both of the branches, so that I could sit in the air-conditioned chapel. The only other room with an air conditioner was the Branch President's office and Clerk's office. So at least President Craig was cool!
Tomorrow is our first round of Zone Conferences. Wish us luck!
Travelling in the Philippines is so different than North America. So many motorcycles and tricycles (motorbike with a side-car). Tricycles are sometimes just used by families for their day to day travel, but most often they are also used as mini taxis.
Then there are vans and jeepneys and busses and bicycles.
Farmers riding caribaos, and a few tractors.
And people everywhere beside the street! Even little children!
There are also getting to be a lot of cars. One thing different than when we were here 14 years ago, is that there are so many new cars. We drive a van, but with the narrow roads, I think I would rather have an extra large tricycle. We have had to do many 16 point turns to get turned around on a side street!
I have only seen 1 stop sign, and 2 intersections with lights. The traffic, however, moves along fairly well. The speeds are much slower than Alberta, and all of the drivers look out for one another. Drivers pass each other on the left and the right, with a friendly tap on the horn to let you know they are there. Passing is an adventure. If you were to wait for a gap in traffic, you would wait all day, so people move over to let you pass or the oncoming traffic moves over as a passing car approaches. The busy intersections are crazy. You wait, and then grab your courage and start pulling out. Soon, the others let you in and away you go. There are very few accidents. I think that is because everyone is watching out for the other drivers. It often makes me think that that is a good way to live your life, looking out for the people around you, and caring for their welfare.
We got our Filipino drivers licenses this week. We haven't got the actual license yet, because the printer is broken (it has been broken for a few weeks), but hopefully it will be up and running soon.
We drove 2 1/2 hours north to Tuguegarao for interviews on Thursday and Friday. The hottest city in the Philippines. We were able to go out with the missionaries on Thursday after interviews and "teach" a couple of lessons. We only understood a handful of what was being taught, but it was good all the same.
These little girls are sisters, and their dad is learning about the church. The older one is nearly as old as Elizabeth, and the younger one is the same age as Mindy.
We attended a baptism here in Cauayan on Saturday afternoon.
On Sunday we spent the day in Roxas and San Mateo. There were many people waiting for temple recommends and a few young people needing interviews for their mission applications. Since they are in Districts, the Mission President or one of his counselors do those interviews. I attended Sacrament meeting in both of the branches, so that I could sit in the air-conditioned chapel. The only other room with an air conditioner was the Branch President's office and Clerk's office. So at least President Craig was cool!
Tomorrow is our first round of Zone Conferences. Wish us luck!
I love all the colours of the cars and the buildings! And the pictures of the people! Stay cool! ☃️☃️❄️🌨
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