Deb’s Mission Adventures: One month in....

So I have been in the mission field exactly one month and tomorrow, it will be two weeks since I arrived in Quezon City. It appears that the time has gone by quickly, but there have been a couple of days, where time dragged by. I moved into my apartment a week ago and and being here without internet made the evenings drag by. By Friday, I had arranged for internet and of course, I had to take the whole day to stay home because the window they gave me was 9:00a.m. to 6:00p.m. Of course I was up, showered and ready by 7:30 and then I waited .. and waited and waited. By 1:00 they called and said they would be 5 minutes. They arrived just after 2:00. After getting internet, we found the television doesn't work. I don't know why. but it doesn't. Supposedly it is brand new.

Last Thursday, I went with two other couples to the Beehive Centre. They work in the Pathway Program and there were going to oversee the class there. Little did I know, but the Beehive House is where actually where they make the Temple Garments. There are only 5 factories in the world that make the garments, and this one produces more than any of them. They have the highest production and they get paid so much for each piece they sew. It is quite the remarkable system they have. Unbelievable. After watching them sew the garments, I have a great appreciation for them. These workers are also in the Pathway program, learning English and writing. I was allowed to take pictures but I will only post a couple.

Cutting Room .. Literally hundreds of layers of fabric and each
one is cut perfectly.

I am finally becoming more familiar with Eastwood. I can actually get around and not have to ask anyone for directions. Again, this is one of the most secure places I have ever been to. There are security guards everywhere. The other day I was toodling around and there were some Transformers, Ironman and Spiderman there. I couldn't help but take a selfie of me and Ironman. It must have been unbearable for these guys to stay in costume in this humidity and heat. But it is the way they make a living .. for each picture you throw in a couple of pesos.

Where Eastwood is the more secure area, just around the corner, behind a wall, is the elite of the poor area. I say elite, because at least their building seem a little more stable than some of the shanty's I have seen on the river. It is unbelievable where these people live, but they are always smiling and happy. Our youth don't know how good they have it and I am sure it is quite the eye opener for some young missionaries over here. They don't have the same luxury the senior missionaries have. That said, I found a baby gecko in my apartment the other morning. Unfortunately, he died. I sprayed insect repellent under the door and around the windows and I think the little dude caught a whiff and died. That said there was another one, I call Glen, who ran safely underneath the couch. Now, not that I am afraid of the little guy, but last night I sat with my feet off the floor.

I noticed one huge dead cockroach the other morning, that disappeared as I flushed him down the toilet. I realized there are tiny cracks and openings around the air conditioner in here.. Nothing that duct tape doesn't fix.

I discovered Mango milk shakes. Enough said. New diet. I am eating better than I did the first week here. I have discovered a little bakery down the street that has delicious carbs. Not quite Cobs Bread, but decent.

About driving.. I am more convinced I am not going to drive here. Yesterday, a senior couple were turning into the church parking and a motorcycle came up the right side of the vehicle, took out the bumper of the van and then the guy took off. Even when you signal, they don't pay attention around here. I was thinking is would be cheaper for me to take a taxi when I need a way to the Family History Center each day.

Today was my PDay (Preparation Day) and I have decided I need to be creative on those days. My PDays happen on a Monday, as if Monday's weren't bad enough. I finally dragged my self out of my apartment and went across the street and had a facial. Oh my... just a little bit of heaven. Face and head massage before they begin. It was a pretty good investment.

I finally got the courage to use the ATM today. There are only certain ATM's that will let me use my card. I tried one.. FAIL. Then the other. FAIL.. finally success with the third one. I can only take 10,000 pesos at a time, which is only about $265.00 Cdn plus the $5.00 service charge. It is what it is.. and I must be frugal while living here.

I came to the realization this morning, that before my mission I was so busy all the time with work, and my other work, church, subbing seminary and such, that out here in the mission field, I need to find more to do. Hopefully I will be busy in the Family History Center this week. I have been learning lots and helping a few people. I will probably feel more comfortable in the next few weeks.

Thought for the day: "God is eagerly waiting for the chance to answer your prayers and fulfill your dreams, just as he always has. But he can't if you don't pray, and he can't if you don't dream. In short, he can't if you don't believe." Elder Jeffrey R. Holland