8 August 2000

Well, it was a transfer day full of disappointment.  We got to the mission office Sunday afternoon and found Elders Clark and Holmes there.  We talked to them for a bit, and then Elder Holmes said, "What's this about you being transferred to Maasin, and then not going there now?"  I had no clue what he was talking about, so I went to speak with Elder Austin.  He informed me that I'm going to Carigara.  I was very pissed off, but I've accepted it now, and I've stopped complaining.  I wish I could speak Cebuano, but I guess the Lord needs me here.  My companion is Elder Harline.  He's been in the field since March 20, 2000.  his first area is UEP, Northern Samar, so his language is all messed up.  He's district leader.  It's his first time for that.  He's been in Carigara just as long as I have.  We're replacing four sisters.  This area has been worked by Filipina sisters for two or three years now, so it'll be interesting to see how everyone reacts to having two white guys taking over.

My release date has been moved from the 11th of October to the 9th.  President Dela Vega won't be available on the 11th because his nephew (the former Elder Clarito) will be getting married.  So we'll leave Tacloban on October 9, but we won't leave Manila until October 12.  I'm not going to tell anyone here how long I have left.

LATER

My first day of proselyting in Carigara is now over.  It's looking good so far.  The BML (a 20-year-old named Sonny who's leaving on a mission next month) took us around visiting members.  Around 7:30, we dropped by the meeting house (attached to our house) just as seminary was ending.  We met the branch president, President Calo, and he took us to his house and we visited with him and his wife, and some other members.  They're very nice people.  They have referrals waiting for us, and they say a lot of other members do, too.  I think I'm going to like this area.

There are six missionaries in our district.  Four of them are sisters.  They're really cool, but one of them (Sister Olivare) is transferred on Thursday.  She goes home at the same time I do.

I've heard "kaon ka tai" (eat shit) once since leaving Calbayog, and that was in Tacloban where it's quite common.  Not as common as in Calbayog, though.

Whenever people ask how long I've been in the field, I say "about one year."  Yeah, it's a lie, but it'll keep me from getting too trunky.  I don't need members reminding me that I'm going home in two months.  It's bad enough when other missionaries do it.

Elder Harline at the Carigara Bay