Flyin to Cauayan

Arrival at Cauayan

Getting from SLC to Manila was an adventure.  We thought we had plenty of time until I got an e-mail that our flight from SLC to LAX was going to be 2 hours delayed.  HOLLY COW!  Our layover at LAX was only 2.5 hours to start.  There was no way we would make the international flight to Manila.  We rushed to the airport and changed to another flight that would get us to LAX in time to catch the flight to Manila.  The flight to Manila was uneventful but long.  I was amazed that the young children on that flight never seemed to get cranky or out of control even after 15 hours on the plane.

Manila Temple

It is impossible for the tongue to describe, or for man to write a perfect description of the horrible scene of traffic and congestion which was among the people of Manila.  (Mormon 4:11)  Even our driver, who sees this all the time, was getting frustrated.  If anyone reading this should ever decide to travel to the Philippines, heed my warning that you must never attempt to drive yourself anywhere in that city.  YOU MAY NOT SURVIVE!

We went straight to the Manila Temple and did some work and I was delighted to discover that the patron men do not wear ties.
How cool is that!

We had to sleep fast so that we would arise at 3:00AM to catch our flight to Cauayan.  Light rain was falling when we landed in Cauayan and I felt like shouting hurray that our time of traveling, packing and unpacking was finally at an end.  The missionaries who would be training us in our office duties met us at the airport.  We spent the next couple of days getting trained and settling into our apartment, which is small, but reasonably comfortable.  The best thing is that it sits on top of the Mission Offices and is very close to a large shopping mall.

Walking in Cauayan

There are 3 branches that meet in the church next to the Mission Home.  We attended one of them this morning and loved the spirit we felt, even though we could'nt understand much of what was said.  Sometimes they speak in English and sometimes in Tagalog.  They sing Hymns in English which makes it possible for us to join them. The people are so friendly but the children keep looking at me like I am a monster from outer space. - Elder Roberts

Cauayan Branch