Seeing the Philippines

The temple was closed for New Years so the senior missionaries took the opportunity to see what it is like outside of the city.  We spent two days at Danasan Eco Park, which is in the mountains and showed us some jungle area.  We participated in a zip line, horse back riding, ATV riding, hiking into three water falls and enjoying the beautiful scenery and cool mountain air.

For New Years eve we went onto the roof area of our apartment to watch the fire works.  We had heard that the Filipinos like to celebrate new years and they really do.  At midnight there were fireworks every direction that you looked.  Some personal fireworks but many commercial fireworks displays as well.  It was very loud and colorful and the air was filled with smoke.  On New Years day we went to a local beach and took a thirty minute boat ride to a fish sanctuary and did some snorkeling, a first for LuAnn and me.  As you can tell Senior Missionaries are able to participate in many more activities than the young missionaries and no we are not on an eighteen month vacation. 

Seeing new things was fun but we are glad to be back in the temple.  We hope all of you have a wonderful 2014.

The area for the zip line, eating and showers at Danasan Park.

Our cabin for the night.

Elder Henthorn reminded us that when you put even big boys and toys together things happen.

We needed to ride on this modified John Deere to get down to the falls.  We were definitely muddin on the ride.

We were definitely in the jungle.  Very beautiful though.

The missionaries on a bridge over the stream headed to the water falls.

Our guide helping Sister Sorensen over a slick spot.  There were areas he had to help all the missionaries to be safe.

The missionaries at the first of three falls.

There were people living in this area also.  Notice the three different styles of constructing a hut.

Sister and Elder Sorensen ready to try snorkeling.  The long shirts were to protect from Jellyfish.

Our transportation to the fish sanctuary.

One of the crew members by the spare boat.  Reminds me of a spare doughnut tire for a car.