Like the big tree of Canlaon which is near Mount Canlaon a volcanic mountain. We also got to see some waterfalls, San Salvador is very impressive. The only problem is when you go with these young missionaries they are not happy to stand back and view the waterfall they like to get up close and find the source. This usually means trekking through the jungle. Well to make a long story short after almost losing herself over one of the falls and her suffering cuts and bruises we have decided when they want to visit a waterfall again they can do it without us.
THE BIG TREE OF CANLAON
We were busy finding children for cleft lip/palate surgery and travelled the countryside promoting this free service and recently heard that there were 57 life changing surgeries performed and that they will be back again in November to do more. Currently the government school immunisation programme is running and the Church has donated 40,000 framed promotional/informational posters and using the churches helping hands programme they will be erected in schools across the Philippines.This is a five year programme and the posters are specifically built to last for the duration of the programme. I have been told that the Church is also providing the vaccines. We have no direct involvement with this programme but its nice to know what else the church is doing here in the Philippines. Another programme which is excellent is Self-Reliance and the PEF(perpetual education fund) Self-Reliance Services. There are senior missionary specialist that work with local leaders and members to promote such programmes as My Path to Self- Reliance.
We have also been busy making sure the young missionaries apartments are in good order. That they are keeping them clean and tidy and that they have all that they need. Bug spray, fans that work, cookers, rice cookers. Bedding has been a problem so we have been making sure that this was taking care of moving beds to apartments that required them. Sometimes we are like a moving company shifting furniture and missionaries around.
Did I mention rat traps, yes we provide them also and we did move some missionaries that had this problem.
Fortunately we were able find another apartment in the area.
When we inspect the apartments if they are not clean they don't get cookies from sister Dunne. But she is so soft if they promise to clean up she gives them to them anyway.
Some bugs are just too small for me to photo but here are shots I got of some that are here.
Unfortunately had not got my camera with me when we saw a snake, it was just a little brown one about two foot long (61cm).
We have had some wonderful experience meeting with people in their homes where you are always felt welcome.
They are so respectful if when we call a male has no t-shirt on he will put on one, the women will put on modest clothing.
We called to a home to someone that knew nothing about the church and the elders said before we teach you about our church would you mind putting on a top. I thought they were a bit bold but no it was no problem and he promptly put on a t-shirt and turned off the TV.
It is truly wonderful to see how the gospel can bless peoples lives and improve their circumstances.
Strange thing when we have these great spiritual experiences we usually have something knock the wind out of our sails. For instance we spend the day out in the country meeting lovely people and share a gospel message with them and have them share their feelings with us and leave feeling really good then we arrive back to our apartment to find we have no electricity and we die in the heat. We get the electricity back and then we have no water. This on a day that you have been soaked through and would like nothing better than a shower. Then you think of what a great day out you had and you are ready for another good day. Difficult as it is without the language somehow sister Dunne can get through to the women, they will open up and tell her their problems and cry in her arms as she comforts them.
Below is a photo of one of the things she does best, 'teaching children' this is in Cabagtasan one of our remote units. The other photo is in an area where we had to drive through sugar cane fields to get to. We had great fun working with these two sisters Toga a Polynesian and Dollete a Philippina
Family and friends we love you and miss you. Elder & Sister Dunne, Amping