Training in Legazpi!!!

 Well, here we are on our first training - all by our lonesome!!! We were so excited 

to get to go to Lagazpi. Elder DuPaix walking off our plane with the 

Mayan Volcano in the background.

 We checked into the Oriental Hotel, a beautiful new hotel built high on the 

hill overlooking the city.

 We looked into a tour of the area but it was $75 - $100. Instead we got a taxi to 

take us around the area and show us the beautiful and historic sites for only $35!

 We first went to Cogsawa Ruins. This Church tower is the only thing left after the 

volcano erupted in 1814 and filled the church with lava. 1.200 people who had 

sought refuge there, lost their lives.

 The people built another church just like Cagsawa, but put it high on a hill!

Mayan Volcano from Cogsawa Ruins. We almost got a picture 

without the clouds! There have been 49 documented eruptions since 

1616 with the last on in 2001.

 Our next stop was Lignon Hill. It's a beautiful hill close to the volcano.

 We drove on a winding road to the top. Overlooking Lagazpi and the ocean.

When we got out of the taxi, these kids were all taking pictures so I offered to take

 one of them. I asked them if the picture was okay and they started laughing. I had cut 

all their heads off! Roger took a good picture and the kids left. After a while they 

came back and wanted to have a picture with us! They were so cute. Now we are

 facebook friends!

 Finally the taxi took us down to the shore line and then dropped us off at the mall

 for dinner and to buy the snacks for our training. He told us that life is sometimes hard. 

He said he use to have a driver, but now he drives taxi. He wasn't bitter about what 

had happened to him. Just grateful to have a job. Such good people!

Sat. morning we went to the Lagazpi Chapel which was located just below out hotel. 

Our buildings are so beautiful and most have basketball standards outside!

We spent the day training wonderful people from four Stakes - Lagazpi, Daet, 

Goa, and Naga.Beside their Public Affairs leaders, we had Stake presidents there. 

One group traveled four hours just to be with us! They are amazing, happy people 

who want to do the Lord's work!

Sun. morning we got to attend the Lagazpi Ward before flying back to Manila. 

Our hotel was at the top of this old staircase.

Roger walking up the hill to our hotel. Across the valley can be seen the 

Mayan Volcano with Lignon Hill just in front of it! Unforgettable people and trip!