Cebu

This picture was taken about 500 yds from the Cebu Temple. This is a fairly typical Filipino neighborhood (burangay). Though it will seem crowded and impoverished to you it isn't as bad as it looks once you are inside meeting people. Up the hill from where the picture was taken is a Thai Temple that is interesting, and a zoo. They have a 14'-0 long python there you have your picture taken with it around your neck. Cebu is much different than the area we were in previously (Laguna). There is more money here, and some really nice homes - not far from where this picture was taken. About a half a mile from where this picture was taken there was a nice home (even by our standards) with a Porche and Mercedes parked near the home. Down town is quite modern with most shopping in several malls throughout the city. However, there is more crime here than in our last area. Much of the economy seems to be based on call centers though there is a large port facility on the other side of the city from where we are. Transportation is fairly easy for us - we use a taxi to go to most places, and there is a 10 passenger van available for the Temple Missionaries. We team up and go as a group for the most part when we use the van. We haven't had time to explore the island of Cebu yet, but hope to be able to see more of it in February. We really enjoy our work in the Temple and are grateful for the opertunity to serve. We hope all is well with you and your family.