Call to Chris - April 11, 2009

Mom and Dad called my family this morning to give us an update to pass on to the family. Dad said that they are starting to get used to the heat. They went to the farmers market again and dad was brave enough to go and check out the meat section of the market. He said that there were whole skinned goats hanging from stalls and one stall that sold just whole goat heads. They have been told that it may not be safe to eat the meat so they did not buy any. Mom did not even go over to the stalls because it stank so badly. They are able to get meat from a big Costco type store safely so they are still able to get what they need.

Dad explained how driving works over there. In order for mom and dad to drive they would have to get a Philippine drivers license. They are hesitant to do this however because the drivers there are crazy and dad is not comfortable driving the big mission van they would have to drive. First off the do not stick to the lanes. If there is a 3 lane each way road, there may be 5 lanes of traffic going each way. They also will drive on the wrong side of the road if it is not being used legally. They have had to put up concrete barriers in high accident area to cut down on this dangerous practice. Also big vehicles have the right of way. If a bus or Dump truck is coming you have to move or they will run you over going full speed.

Mom and Dad are enjoying the work and come home from the temple each day tired. As far as learning the language, they have not made much progress beyond learning the vowels so that they can say the native names. Dad has been having trouble understanding some of the people because they speak really softly and with a thick accent. He has to turn up his hearing aide as far as it goes and still has to ask people to repeat themselves often. He has discussed this with other missionaries and has found that even the couples with good hearing have trouble hearing everything.

They have not been able to get their internet set up. The contract that dad was going to have transferred to their name has not yet worked out. The companies over there are not consistent in the information they need each time they are able to go into the office. Dad thinks that they will have to set up a new account as the transfer is not working out as they have planned. The reliability and speed of the connection they will get from what they have been told will be poor. They are hoping that it will be good enough to keep us updated once they get it set up.

Dad says that they send their love to the family and love and miss each of you. It was 10:00 pm Saturday night their time when he called. I was going to ask them about Easter traditions and more about the culture but their calling card ran out before I could.

Thanks

Chris