Here I am in the Philippines, travel weary and in cultural shock but surviving. I arrived in Manila exactly 24 hours from the time I left Salt Lake airport. My legs and feet were very swollen and am having some trouble getting the swelling to stay down but each day is better. The apartment isn't all that great, but I fixed up my bathroom and bought a rug for in front of the awful couch and have hopes to do something with the dinky bedroom I'm in. I have didn't mix my nights and days up, so I have been resting good. No one will believe I am awake and up by 5:30 am. I can't figure it out either, except it is light and I do have a big window in my room.

I feel disoriented but the Lord told me to go to work and that will change, so will go the office on Monday and get started. Sister Clark took me to the office late yesterday afternoon and I met a few people. Will tell you more about the office after I have worked in it for a few days. We will be flying to Cebu on Friday and back on Saturday. Sister Clark says by the time I leave I will have traveled to all of the Philippines.

I have met several of the senior couple missionaries and the senior sister missionary couple. They all are very nice but all the couple missionaries will be leaving the first week of November, some will be replaced and some won't, just not enough to go around. We went to Taco Bell last night for dinner, not my favorite place but we went with 2 missionary couples and that was nice.

Every time I get in the van to ride somewhere I feel like I'm on one of those bumper car tracks, fortunately our car has never been bumped, but almost! I am amazed I haven't seen an accident or pedestrian hit. I sort of feel like I am in a cartoon and can't find the way out.

All said and done, I am doing fine!!