September 28, 2011

Dear family,
All is good and well here in Cebu. We knew there was a storm because there has been a lot of rain and wind, but no problems at all other than wet shoes and muddy pants. To answer your questions again, my area is completely flat.  It is the flattest part of the entire island. No walking up and down big hills here, just through sugar cane fields and coconut trees. It really is a beautiful place. The beach isn't really that great in my area, but in the other areas it is like paradise. We just got back from our district activity in a tiny village called Anapog. The branch president there watches a huge nice house on the beach for a rich French man who vacations there for 15 days every January. It has a beautiful beach and a gorgeous house made of bamboo and a grass roof. It is all built out of natural materials, but inside is so nice. We cooked up a super delicious meal of fish, rotisserie chicken, and fresh boko juice (coconut milk with the meat grated and sugar and sweet and condensed milk, the most delicious drink ever!). I am getting better at chopping open the coconuts and getting out the milk. Its harder than it looks, and everyone looks at the big tough Americans funny when we struggle to get one open when the old nanays make it look easy. One of the coolest things about the Philippines is that you could go into the jungle with a machete and live. Everything you need is there, bananas, coconut, mangos, tons of kinds of fruit, and everything you need to make a house, bamboo for the walls and floor, and coconut leaves for the roof. It really is a fascinating place to be. The people here use everything. You can cook a meal without firewood. All you need is coconut shells and dried corn cobs. It is great!
I use the boot/ shoes that I bought almost all of the time here. The sole on my other pair of echos got destroyed in my last area so I dont use them anymore. I trade off the boots and my keens every other day, but the soles are wearing out on the keens too. I'm almost out of rubber. We do a lot of walking here. I only use my shiny rockports for sundays and meetings so that they don't die. My boots aren't going to die anytime soon though. They will last until the end of time.
Our apartment is a two story 2 bedroom 2 bathroom with showers and a nice big downstairs. There is a great wind that whips through the upstairs when you open the windows. That is my favorite part! It really is a nice place.
I haven't gotten your letters yet, but am excited for when they do come! I bought some cds last week and want to mail some pictures home. I just need to find an internet shop that has a cd burner. I don't want to send home the sd card because I have heard of too many that have gotten stolen somewhere between the Philippines and America. I'll see what I can do.
We got the transfer call today. I am not transferring, and neither is my companion, but I have been called as district leader here. I am excited for the opportunity to serve. Things are going well in my area. I anticipate a lot of success in the coming months.
Here is a list of our investigators that need prayers.

Merly Andetligando
Cheryl Daitol - pray that their husbands will let them be baptized.
Verga Daitol

Kathren - pray that her parents will let her be baptized.

Liza
McLyn - pray for them to have a desire to become active members.
McHard
Ward

Thank you so much for all of your prayers and thoughts in my behalf.
Love,
Elder Schenk