End of Second Week

Well, we have survived our first two weeks here in Quezon City!  Some of my thoughts:
Things I don't think I will ever get used to:

• burning garbage at 3:00 a.m.
• low kitchen sink - I thought I was short, but oh my back.
• jets flying over at 12:30, 1:00 and 1:30 a.m.
• Philipinos who say I have magadang (beautiful) blue eyes.  I guess I am a novelty!  One brother even tells me I look like Jane Fonda-  haha.  I kid him and tell him he looks like Jack Palance!
• five armed security guards around the ATM & bank by our apartment.
• crazy drivers 
• not being able to "go around the block" if you are heading the wrong direction (you will end up in a completely different part of town.  You just signal and turn into on coming traffic then pull in front of the building you want!
• if you are waiting at a stoplight, a car will pull in behind you and honk.  Where do they think we can go?  Guess it makes them feel in control or something!
• having to wash all fruits and veggies in Clorox water before we eat them.
• the loud music and people in the malls on Saturday.
• twelve hours of dark and light.

Things I am loving:

• all the fresh fruit.  Everyone says to "wait until the pineapple comes on!"
• the people!  Even nonmembers when they see our name tags, will smile and say hello.
• how humble and grateful the people are.  Some have had to start over numerous times because of disasters but they still have strong testimonies and a desire to serve others and share what they have.  They are hard-working people with very little material things but they are happy.
• the breezes that blow each late afternoon/early evening.
• the beautiful flowers and amazing trees/shrubs
• teaching piano to those who want to be able to play in their wards so they will have music on the Sabbath.
• being a temple missionary!
• being on this adventure with Edward and not being alone!