Email #15... Out of control buses..

[Introduction]

What a week! Hey everyone, hope everyone is doing well. This week has been an interesting week so here we go.

[Monday - January 20, 2020 - Day 97]

Went to the computer shop like normal but during the bus ride, I was standing up in the middle aisle and I got motion sick. I had to get off and puke off into the bushes, just one of those great moments. 

[Tuesday - January 21, 2020 - Day 98]

Had District Council today, and then to our lunch spot. Shared some true missionary ghost stories. I might share one one day. Not much happened for the rest of the day.

[Wednesday - January 22, 2020 - Day 99]

Today, we went to Montigaya for morning work. We visited these rice farmers and one of the farmers to come to a meeting tomorrow so we accepted. Went to Alion for afternoon work, pretty normal. Then for the trip down, me, Elder Bybee, and a filipino had to fit inside a trike. A 6ft 7in giant, a slightly smaller, 6ft 1in giant, and a 5ft filipino riding in this trike. Ate at this restaurant just before it closed so all they had left was adobo. Unfortunately It wasn't worth the 70 pesos I paid for it.  

[Thursday - January 23, 2020 - Day 100]

I have completed my first 100 days! Elder Bybee accidently left the phone in the other room so we kind of woke up a little late. Went to Montigaya this morning to go to this rice farm meeting. They also fed us some good food. The meeting did take longer than expected though. Went to this place called Hardened for the afternoon, unfortunately, we just walked around the place for a few hours cause our plans fell through and people didn't really want to talk to us. We did come across this lady though, she was interesting to talk too. She said something that was pretty funny, "If you can't speak Tagalog after two years, then you're bobo". She couldn't think of the word, stupid, so she said the Tagalog word instead. It was funny. Had some kids follow us.

[Friday - January 24, 2020 - Day 101]

I didn't feel that good this morning but I am doing fine now. Not much happened today, just taught some good people.

[Saturday - January 25, 2020 - Day 102]

Kind of a crazy day. This morning, went and did morning work in a place called Isla. Taught a lesson there and then crossed a bridge called Amo Bridge (Boss Bridge). Thought it was kind of funny. We got stuck in the rain heading home. So pretty much just did our normal afternoon work, we had a dinner appointment around 8:00 tonight in a place called Housing. 

Me and my companion went and waited across the street at a 7-11 to wait for our house mates so that we could follow us to the house. While me and my companion were talking, this Bataan Transport Bus comes speeding at around 100km per hour (or about 60 miles/hour). Blaring its horn. It swerves out of the way of a trike and smashes into a motorcyclist. The bus steers trying to over correct itself, almost hitting a sign, while the man and bike scrape across the asphalt. The man just lays on the road motionless. Me and Elder Bybee are just standing there as all this happens in front of us. The bus stops and then drives off, no one got of the bus or anything. The police came and we gave our witness statement, the motorcyclist happened to be okay, and we went on our way to dinner.

After our delicious dinner appointment, we walked back down to the same 7-11 to wait for a bus to pick us up. Looking at the tire marks on the road where the bus overcorrected. This drunk guy comes out of nowhere on his motorcycle and starts talking to us. Asking us if we need a ride, we told him that we are okay but he insisted that we needed a ride of some sort. So he proceeded to start calling the trike across the street to come get us. Yelling out "Hey!" and english profanity words at the guy. I finally called him over and he comes to pick us up. I told him that im sorry and that I think this guy is drunk in Tagalog. That is why you don't stay out past 9..

[Sunday - January 26, 2020 - Day 103]

Normal Sunday here in the Philippines.

[Closing]

So I would like to end with a scripture I found during my personal study. I would like to share Alma 26:12. "12 Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things; yea, behold, many mighty miracles we have wrought in this land, for which we will praise his name forever."

I know this to be true. Please all of you continue to be safe. Take care and I'll update you next week.

Love the kids in the Philippines.. They follow us everywhere.. Lol

Another crazy bridge we had to cross..

We found American sized Burgers!! And they tasted like an American burger.. Happy Day!

Soo Happy.......

Boss Bridge in English.

Thick loaf bread, not sliced. The far left is Caramel flavor.. Weird..

A little Roommate humor.. And why not, when you have every different size..

Email #14 - Never a dull moment...

[ Introduction ]

Hello again everyone, this week has been a great but long week. A lot has happened but am going to try and condense it.

[ Monday - January 13, 2020 - Day 90 ]

Kind of an interesting day, got onto a bus to get down to Mariveles for the computer shop. Probably one of the longest bus rides ever. The bus had just dropped a bunch of people off at FAB (This factory / facility, not really sure what it is, just know that a lot of people work there) and we were exiting the facility when this Trike comes out of nowhere and tries to pass the bus. Instead of the Trike passing us, it ran into the side of this parked van and the bus finished the job. Don't worry, everyone was fine. We had to evacuate the bus, so we took another Trike down to this Laundromat because Elder Bybee wanted to get his clothes clean since he might get transferred on Wednesday for transfer day. The employee told us that he didn't have enough clothes, we needed three kilos worth to do the job, so we left them there, telling her that we would be back. We ran to the Mariveles Elder's house and called them up asking them if we could take a bunch of their dirty clothes. They told us sure and so we took as many we could find. We made it back to the employee and she accepted our clothes.

Finally got to the computer shop, did the norm. Afterwards, our district went to this restaurant called Blue Plate, craving burgers. Of course they were out of stock so I tried their chicken alfredo, french fries, and blue lemonade. It was actually really good. After lunch, we headed over to the Mariveles house and Elder Mcnamee let me look through his MP3 player. I found the Skyrim soundtrack, absolutely legendary. I was honestly surprised to see that on there. Me and Elder Bybee weekly planned and then went and picked up his and everyone's clothes.

Turns out, the laundromat didn't use any soap to clean the clothes. The clothes were washed but were not clean, his white shirts came out a faint yellow. Not only did he soil his own clothes, he brought everyone's clothes from the Mariveles house with it. We then went to our dinner appointment. Took a Jeepney home, sitting in the front seat, my right leg dangling out cause I couldn't fit. 

[ Tuesday - January 14, 2020 - Day 91 ]

Before we went to District Council, me and Elder Bybee went to go check on these Basketball Jerseys Elder Bybee bought about a week ago. The guy actually hadn't started on them so Elder Bybee was kind of upset about that. Got a free ride from the Senior Missionaries. After District Council, we took the Senior Missionaries to one of our favorite restaurants, Billy's Grill. Afterwards, we said our goodbyes just in case we get transferred tomorrow. 

I needed some maps of the Barangays (neighborhoods) so we strolled over to the Barangay Hall. Asked the lady at the front desk of where we can find such maps which just happened to start our tour of the building. She pointed to a room upstairs on the second floor, found the room and they didn't have any maps but they pointed us somewhere else, they actually had someone guide us. We ended up on the roof of this building, cause I guess there are offices up there. Talked with them and they told us the same thing, "Sorry, we don't have any maps.". Me and Elder Bybee were starting to get a little confused, but then, they decide to point us to one more destination. This record room that is back down on the first floor. We get down there and the ladies were confused on why we wanted a map. We told them our reason and after discussing my height and age, this one lady pulled out a picture of her 19 year old daughter and told me if I was looking for a girlfriend. I thanked her but kind of laughed it off like it was a joke. I think they were serious. I grabbed our map and got out of there. Walked to the bus station and got home and planned.

We decided to recheck the jersey place for an update. We got our transfer list and me and Elder Bybee are staying in Cabcaben. Elder Rienhardt, Elder Mcnamee, and Elder Renderkinect are getting transferred. Went to Storage for the rest of the day. Got to our Dinner Appointment then went home. Elder Bybee started chasing Elder Elison around. Elder Elison runs out the front door, I go looking for him. On the side of the house, he was hiding behind this barrel and all of a sudden, he jumps scares me. He runs back into the house and Elder Bybee is hiding behind his door and Elder Elison grabs a kitchen table chair to defend himself. Elder Bybee lunges around the corner and it scares Elder Elison and he starts running back toward the door when he slips on Elder RenderKinect's belt. (Cause he was packing up his stuff). It was honestly really funny. 

[ Wednesday - January 15, 2020 - Day 92 ]

I got this whack fan. Elder Elison works his Filipino engineering skills and fixed it with tape. Said a final goodbye to Elder RenderKinect. Went to this place called Isla (or Island in English) for morning work. Talked to this group of people for like an hour, they fed us crab. Not  a lot happened.

[ Thursday - January 16, 2020 - Day 93 ]

Went to this place called Montigaya for work. Walked across this field to get to this house in the jungle. We talked to this guy and his friends. This white tree jumping spider fell from the tree above us and onto me. I got it off me but then another fell onto my chest and since of course, they were jumping spiders. It decided to jump onto my face. I stood up and got it off of me and tried to take a video of it. This man then gets up and says, in Tagalog "If you think that is cool, look at this.". He whips out this bag and out comes a dead Iguana. Totally random. Took some pictures of it. He invited us back for lunch so we decided to go find someone to go teach for a little bit. On our way of doing that, we found someone who has a monkey as a pet. It was chained to a tree. We then went back for lunch and they fed us some good ulam. The same guy that showed us the Iguana then came out with it again but this time. It was skinned and he decided to cut it up in front of us. Kind of neat. We asked him what he was doing with that, he simply responded. "We are going to eat it for dinner tonight as we get drunk.". Me and Elder Bybee looked at each other like alright.

We went to lunch and did our studies. Got out to the bus stop to go to Batangas II and this bus comes and the conductor comes out and starts trying to get everyone on the bus as fast as possible. Elder Bybee manages to get on the bus then the conductor cuts me off and the bus drove us with my companion on the bus. So I quickly crossed the street and got onto a trike. Told him to take me to Batangas II. It was kind of a funny day.

[ Friday - January 17, 2020 - Day 94 ]

Went out to get some Pandesal and there weren't any jeepney's to take any one so the street is super crowded. Went to this place called Sawmill for morning work, hit my head on a roof panel. Taught this family and the mother offered me free lessons on Tagalog. Later, took a bus to Housing. Taught an American, then went over to a members house to pick up a gift they had for us. I wish I took a picture of it, I'm not sure how to describe it. It is like a stuffed animal thing, but it has a small body, a squirrel like tail and a small white face with a bow tie. It's kind of cute. While riding the bus home, I hit my head again, this time, the top of the bus entranceway got me. Not a lot really happened today.

[ Saturday - January 18, 2020 - Day 95 ]

Got seriously punted today, no one wanted to talk to us. 

[ Sunday - January 19, 2020 - Day 96 ]

A pretty standard Sunday, nothing happened today. Besides this one thing, so we were teaching this one family and me and the mother were having a great conversation, since she went to school for Computer Science and got a degree in Web Development. Then all of a sudden, her five year old son comes up to us, phone in hand, and plays this video of animated transformers doing Gangnam Style. It was really funny.

[ Closing ]

Sorry, I tried to condense it. Thank you for reading and can't wait to update you again next week! Please take care, love you all.

** Just a reminder: You can tap or click on the picture to make it bigger. **

Patrick, his companion and others with their Senior Missionaries at District Counsel...

His RC Cola he is still enjoying..

They passed a cashew tree one day. They grow at the bottom of the fruit that hangs from the tree. The fruit he said tastes like an apple. They are not allowed to take and eat things straight off of the street, so he didn't get to try it..

When they went to do a visit one day, the guy said hey, do you want to see the dead Iguana I have... Sure they say... And then Patrick has to hold it and take a few pictures.. Him and his animals.. Something new every week.. :)

Patrick's companion getting an avocado pit stuck in his teeth.. I love how well these two get along..

Dinner with a great family that feeds us every Sunday..

Email #13

[Introduction]

Hey everyone! Magandang Umaga, Hapon, o Gabi! Not a lot happened this week, well actually kind of a lot but it has been fun. 

[Monday - January 6, 2020 - Day 83]

Just a typical P-Day. After completing everything I wanted to do at the computer shop, we went out to lunch at this place called, 28th Street Cafe. It was actually really good but really expensive for what you pay for. I got this bacon pasta and toast and french fries. I know, kind of an interesting combination. Hung out for a bit and headed home to try and get some work done. Got received another free melon. I think I have said this before but the fruit here is legendary.

[Tuesday - January 7, 2020 - Day 84] 

Today was a rough day but it got better. Went to Montigaya for morning work and no one wanted to talk to us. We decided to head up to a place called Alion and met this guy that I guess Elder Bybee and his old companion used to teach. I connected with him almost instantly because of his love for computers and games. I asked him about his computer setup and what he had and what games he played. It was funny because Elder Bybee just was sitting there listening to us, trying to understand what I'm talking about. We soon taught him and he gave us a free trike ride back down to the highway.

[Wednesday - January 8, 2020 - Day 85]

Got up and took a bus to Orion for Zone Conference. Got Jollibee for lunch, I guess they got Jollibee's in Las Vegas and Los Angeles. I had my first interview with the Mission President. Me and my companion took Elder Orr and Elder Rienhardt with us home so that we could do exchanges. Got paired up with Elder Orr and went out for the day. Bought dinner supplies at Pure Gold and brought them back home. Took him to Storage and taught two lessons. When we got back home for the night, we figured out that there are a ton of cockroaches chillin in the sink with the dishes. Honestly just why? Haha. Me and Elder Renderkinect cooked two pounds of Chicken Alfredo and it was so delicious. Later that night, Elder Bybee made us some fried Oreos. Honestly the most American thing I have eaten here.

[Thursday - January 9, 2020 - Day 86]

Got up to go play Basketball at the church but there wasn't a ball. Took Elder Orr around Townsite for morning work. Tried going to the Barangay Hall to pick up a map but they didn't have any maps but the Barangay Hall in Mariveles does. After morning work, we went back home to do evaluations and end the exchanges. Tried this really good ice cream called Pinipig, it's pretty much vanilla ice cream dipped in chocolate and it has peanuts but something they do to it makes it taste so much better than that. During our companion study, we were talking about new strategies of teaching and came up with "Turn Investigators into Investors". I honestly really like that. Me and Elder Bybee decided to go to these apartment buildings next to Empressa but unfortunately they wouldn't let us into the complex. Did have a good conversation with the security guards though. After doing that, we went to Capital for the rest of the day. 

[Friday - January 10, 2020 - Day 87]

Went to Sawmill today for morning work and met this hidden member. He is a member but inactive unfortunately. After lunch, we went to Housing and met this American from Ohio. I love that cause my dad is from Ohio, he even has family in the town my dad grew up in. He asked us to give his daughter a blessing because of her sickness. Not even ten minutes later, she was able to get up and walk around. I was absolutely amazed. Stopped by the ocean and walked across this concrete walkway, not sure what else to call it. Went to this pizza place called Da Dandas Pizza for dinner. The people there really like us, and they have combos! Like the snack! I'm not sure if everyone is going to know what combos are but they are really good. After dinner, me and Elder Bybee were walking and we both almost biff it over a speed bump. Decided to play Rock, Paper, Scissors (RPS), Slap with Elder Renderkinect. For those who don't know, the game is RPS but with a twist, if the opponent loses, the winner slaps their hand as hard as possible. You pretty much keep going until one or the other gives up. My hands were so red.

[Saturday - January 11, 2020 - Day 88]

Woke up at 5:15 AM to go to a beach front in Housing to watch the sunrise. It was so pretty, I got some video but it just doesn't do it. Once 6 rolled around, we decided to help with Coastal Cleanup. They gave us free Pandasal (morning bread) but also tried to give us Coffee and it was funny for them to try and understand why we couldn't take it. Went to my first baptism in the field and afterward went to Montigaya (which is a little village) for lunch, cause I guess there was this restaurant that Elder Bybee really liked but it closed down. Now it's back up and running. Went to Batangas II for the rest of the day. Visited two birthday parties, it's kind of funny here, when someone is having a birthday and see people walking around, they will just invite anyone they see and it's just really fun. My companion, Elder Bybee, might get transferred this coming Wednesday. So I might get a new trainer...

[Sunday - January 12, 2020 - Day 89]

Today was a pretty standard Sunday, after church, we went to Housing to meet up with one of the members of the bishopric. Found out that a volcano erupted about six hours away from us. We didn't feel anything but all we could see was a massive skyscraper of clouds in the distance. It was pretty ominous. Ate dinner with the Bishop and friends. It was getting dark and the clouds still could be seen out in the distance but now with lightning silently roaring around it. It was kind of crazy to look at. Took Bishop to this person we have been teaching and they got along really well. Cooked spaghetti for everyone at the house. Honestly it is as close to home spaghetti as i'm going to get.

[Closing]

Thank you for reading and please take care everyone. I love you all and I will update you next week!

PS. Sorry for not posting the pictures in the email, if you would like to view the photos and past posts. I have a blog that you can view here:

http://elderpdodd.blogspot.com/2020/01/  

Stopped out by the Ocean on our way to a visit..

Service project: Picking up trash around the edge of the Ocean. They did it starting at Sunset. A beautiful way to start a Service project..

Look there are 7-Elevens in the Philippines..

You will never believe what this is... and he said it wasn't bad... It's a pig blood curd! Blah! Or also known as blood tofu or blood pudding.. I thought chocolate at first site, but nope!

The many wild dogs they encounter daily. Thank goodness they are all nice to them..

What a beautiful site.. but not really when you are getting notices and calls Sunday morning wondering if we have seen the News of the Volcano that erupted in the Philippines.. Wondering if Patrick was affected. As we looked for a message from his President, and he had sent one saying the Mission in Olongapo is too far to be affected, but Patrick found out he is only 45 miles across the Ocean from it and can actually see it! So, I would say he maybe affected by it eventually. Praying it won't be to bad and they will stay safe..

Email #12 - A New Year!

[Introduction]

OFFICIALLY HAPPY NEW YEARS!! I can't believe it is 2020. It honestly doesn't feel like a real year.

[Monday - December 30, 2019 - Day 76]

Today was long, got up and got packed to go to Marviveles for the day. We get out the door and onto a bus and of course I forget my nametag, sweat rag, and a blanket for the night. I must of been so tired. Sat in the most uncomfortable spot on the bus, the money collector on the bus was constantly climbing over me. It didn't help that me and my companion had to bring our kabahay's bags too. Went to the computer shop and did the usual. Afterwards, the district headed to this expensive filipino restaurant. I wanted to try their steak and potatoes. Was it good? Yeah. Would I get it again? No, I wouldn't. After lunch, we went and dropped our bags at the Mariveles house. Got dressed in hiking clothing and went out on our way to Five Fingers. Since I forgot my nametag, Elder Mcnamee gave me one of his tags. So I became Elder Mcnamee for a minute. Elder Orr gave me a magnetic tag so I decided to use that one instead. So now I am Elder San Diago. Five Fingers was absolutely beautiful. The pictures that I took don't do it justice. It started raining when we got back from the hike. 

[Tuesday - December 31, 2019 - Day 77]

Got up and looked for a game of Basketball. I can't believe it is New Years and that I ain't home for it. Went to District Council and headed back too Cabcaben. Not a lot happened but since we had a curfew, so we had to be inside our house by 6:00 PM. My companion, Elder Bybee, grilled up some burgers for dinner.

[Wednesday - January 1, 2020 - Day 78]

WOW! it is 2020. I can already tell it is going to be a crazy year. We had a curfew again, same time. Nothing really happened today, just ate a lot of food. 

[Thursday - January 2, 2020 - Day 79]

Today was a mess, none of our plans for the day went right. The people that we wanted to teach either weren't home or just didn't have time for us. I did see the largest Chuwawa though. We were talking to this person and she calls out his name and all of a sudden, this dog waddles out of a cardboard box. It was honestly way funny. Nothing else really happened.

[Friday - January 3, 2020 - Day 80]

Elder Renderkinect woke me up at 4:30 AM for exchanges. We had to get to this search and rescue station by 6:00 AM to get a ride through this stretch of road that is prohibited to walk on. This place called Ali Alison is in an unusual place, we taught there for a bit and had Elder Elison as my companion. Went back home and did our studies then swapped companions. Now I was companions with Elder Renderkinect and pretty much went finding for the rest of the day. It was a very productive day.

[Saturday - January 4, 2020 - Day 81]

Got up and got dressed to go play Basketball im Empressa. It is honestly the best basketball court in the area. We travelled a lot today, we first went to this place called Batangas II, then to Housing. After going there, we walked to this town called Hardened then to Capital to remind our investigators about church tomorrow. Our last destination was Townsite. I finished reading through first Nephi for the first time.

[Sunday - January 5, 2020 - Day 82]

Nothing really happened today. Watched a video about the upcoming changes coming to the church.

[Closing]

Thank you so much for reading, I am doing fantastic out here. I hope everyone is doing great and that the new year is a good start. Take care and I'll update you next week.

More pictures of the 5 fingers hike that Patrick took..

A beautiful field of grass. He couldn't believe how green it is..

Baby goats. He loves his animals..

This is a refinery that cleans garbage out of the Ocean. They were going to do a visit of some new investigators, and they were not allowed to walk over to the area you can only be driven across. As they came across this is what they saw.  

Patrick's new favorite Root Beer he found..