Week 32--January 31-February 6, 2016 

 Each day we drive by this banana tree.

When Tom was an elementary school student he was taught that the fingers of the banana plant grow up. He thought,  that is absurd! The fingers of a plant grow down. Here is proof that the fingers do grow up.They defy gravity. That's what living in the tropics does for you. Let's you see bananas growing on the tree in February.




As each week begins, Garnalee wonders how she is  going to accomplish all that needs to be done. Magically a missionary is at the office that she has to provide with a small job. All that needs to be done is accomplished. However, she knows that it is not magic but the hand of the Lord providing help to accomplish His work.

Tom has spent a lot of time this week working on the mission history which due by February 10th. He is having to work on it in the evening, at home, after a full day at the office. It has been a big job but it is looking great.

President Bertin was crashed into by a jeepney with no brakes and bald tires on Thursday, February 4. In the Philippines, it seems there is no punishment for causing an accident as there was no ticket or fine for the jeepney driver. The President will not have the use of his car for at least two weeks.








We spent part of Thursday driving to Malolos to look at an apartment for the Zone Leaders. We thought it was perfect, so Tom filled out the lease and paid the landlord PHP6000. President thought it was too big so we are back to looking for something smaller. Tom needs to get the PHP6000 back from the landlord. Lesson learned--he won't commit to an apartment until the President has seen it and approves.

This Sister Cherry making cookies for the missionaries. She makes the best pancit that we have tasted in the Philippines. Tom told her that if she ever comes to the US and opens a restaurant he would be her best customer. He also tole her that she call her new restaurant "Holy Carabao!" (rather than Holy Cow).