July 18, 2012

We are beat!!! Our weekends are non-stop.  Here is last week's rough schedule

Monday: Preparation day but we were traveling back from ILoilo (last two weekends) So we get back to the offfice and try to call the Apple Facetime family, (only reached Caleb and Jackie) went grocery shopping, did laundry, washed the car, cleaned, changed the sheets, cleaned the bathrooms, etc. Luckily we got to meet Jing's (the yard and house caretaker's) wife and 6 mo. old daughter today also.  Will post their pictures.

Tuesday: Teach or help teach "Planning for Success" in Bacolod in the morning.  Work on contacting participants and leaders before language tutoring in the afternoon.  Departure meeting  from 5:00p.m until about 8:00 pm with Mission President and departing elders and sisters who are returning home from their missions.

Wednesday: May become our Preparation day as it is the only day we have not had some big meeting or responsibility, other than our regular PEF daily responsibilities. Unfortunately, we were both exhausted today and suffered with stomach issues!

Thursday: Work in the morning but then drive the two hours to San Carlos to teach "Planning for Success" there at 2:00 p.m. Then try to get back over the mountain before dark.  It is a taxing drive due to the winding roads full of animals, people, vehicles (jeepneys, tricycles, cars and busses; most without lights on).

Friday: Always a slow start after Thusday and after work we have language training and try to meet with our service missionaries.

Saturday: Drive an hour plus to La Carlota to teach "Planning for Success" at 9:00 am. Then drive back to the house to pack for the ferry ride to Iloilo.  The ferry takes an hour.  Taxi to hotel. Walk down the street to Jolibee's for dinner (chicken and rice). Then to bed

Sunday: Picked up at hotel for smaller ferry to Guimaras Island for a branch conference in a rented home with no air-conditioning and then a one hour evaluation and training session. We did not think to bring any water so besides being hot and sweaty we were also very thirsty.  Then were driven to a actual small meeting house in Jordan (pronounced Hore-dan) and spoke in a meeting there.  Still not water.  Got back to the ferry to return to Iloilo at about 5:00p.m. Rehydrated before walking to dinner and then to sleep.

I am tired just writing it up.  We still need to meet the Priesthood leaders in Binalbagen, Sigay and Sipalay, if and when we ever reach them by telephone to arrange a time.  Otherwise we will have to try and go to visit them on free Sundays.  This Sunday we will drive to Cadiz to meet their leaders.  It is about three hours north on the worst road ever!  I will try not to complain about Tucson roads when I get home because they are wonderful.  Our poor little car will be destroyed after only three missionary couples due to the roads!

So, that was this week.  No matter how tired we feel we are still thrilled to be here.  I do miss talking and texting with our family though!!!! Love each of you so much!!!