Old Catholic Church

The remains of an old Catholic church in San Pablo, Isabella.

Goat meat

This sign reminds us of Bishop Williams every time we pass by it.  Goat meat is the most expensive meat you can buy here.  As far as we know, we haven't eaten any.

The bridge to nowhere

 This is a bridge to nowhere found in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan.  It ends after the second green support--about halfway to where it should go.  This is what happens when the political leader changes and doesn't want to spend money on the past leader's project.  What a waste!

The end of the bridge!  This bridge is not over water, but over rice fields.

Ferris Wheel and more

 Wish we had ridden the Ferris wheel.

 Flooded rice fields in the lower right.  This is a LARGE living area by Philippine standards.  There are several dwellings in this cluster.

Despite what the people lack--many of them live at poverty level--they are a happy people.  They know all of their neighbors.  They are probably related to most of their neighbors.  Their children play in the roads--their chatter and laughter are wonderful sounds.  For the most part they are polite and friendly and eager to please the "Americano".  The women at church greet me with a hug and a kiss on the cheek.  The men are ready with a hearty handshake.  The children love the hugs too and like to pat my fat arms.  Oh, we have had challenges.  But I am sure there are many areas of the world that would be more challenging.  We are grateful for this time.

View from our one and only tricycle ride.  Not much to see from inside, straight on.  Elder Shorter rode behind the driver on the motorcycle.

Bambanti festival

At the Bambanti Festival in Ilagan.  Each city in Isabella had a group of young people dressed in costume, who performed a dance to be judged.  Some of the colorful costumes are seen in pictures that follow.

 This celebration takes place every year in February.  There were many  more.  These are among the best shots I got.  Unfortunately I didn't check my camera battery before we left and my picture taking was cut short.

Some random pictures

A tricycle that Elder Shorter just had to take a picture of.

A sunset picture taken from the Mall of Asia overlooking the Manila Bay.

 This is what rice looks like shortly before ready for harvest.

Christmas in the mission

Maligayang Pasko!

Just wanted you all to know that even though we missed family so much on this Christmas 2014, we were among great friends.  We did have presents under our tree!  We had a wonderful meal of ham and turkey with mashed potatoes, gravy, carrots, stuffing, homemade rolls and  deviled eggs.  We were stuffed!  Then later for dessert we had pumpkin pie (Sister Rahlf didn't know where that can of pumpkin came from--definitely not available here), strawberry cake, gingerbread and hot chocolate for dessert at this lovely table.  Pictured below are President and Sister Rahlf on the loveseat, Elder and Sister Morgan, and Elder and Sister Honeycutt.  I didn't realize that I cut off Elder Honeycutt.  I thought I got everyone.  As you see, we had casual clothes day!  We exchanged small gifts.  We watched a Christmas movie and then enjoyed the fireworks set off by the adjacent mall.
We are grateful for our experiences here.  We wouldn't trade them for anything.  We wish all of you a very wonderful day with friends and family.  We love you all.