and update with a serious prayer request as well.

I will start off light.

This past week I was able to travel to all four of the elementary schools that IDEA has Deaf programs in. Each of these schools have dormitories for the children to stay at the school since traveling everyday is not an option. It was great to see all the amazing progress these children have been making. It is also wonderful to hear stories of children being found at early ages and able to start schooling at the normal age instead of 25 years ago when IDEA started and they had Deaf at 18 and 21 starting school for the first time, learning a language for the first time!

We were able to eat lunch at one of the dormitories. It was amazing! When i first looked at the meal, i wasn't too sure. But that was the best i have eaten since i arrived.


I was able to walk around town and find an amazing coffee shop, as well as all the other white people on the island. But it was the best Mocha i have ever tasted. It may be the reason I came all the way over here. jk. one interesting thing, they charge you about a dollar extra if you want to use the electricity, like to plug your computer in.

The inevitable happened, I got a flat tire. It was really bad. I had a hand pump but it wouldn't hold ANY air. It was only about 1 KM away that i had to drive it though. The man was very nice who fixed it. Apprently the inner tube was ripped in several places but the tire was fine. he told me the tube was from China and it was only a matter of time that it gave out. :) My friend Croy would have said the same thing. This man also told me he believes all the young White people who come to Bohol for a significant amount of time are working with the American CIA and FBI... I just laughed and assured him i was not smart enough to be an agent.



Next week the 5 teachers from the new Deaf school will be arriving,weather permitting, and I will be teaching them, along with Lee, all about Deaf education. As well as giving them an intense lesson on sign language. I am nervous about teaching them, but I know that it will be great. This is one of the reasons I have arrived here.

Today I was able to go into the Government Provincial office with three Deaf students, IDEA's social worker, and Lee. We had the three Deaf students interview, while Lee and I (mostly Lee) interpreted for them. They have never hired a Deaf worker in the Government offices in Bohol. After interviewing they agreed to allow the three Deaf students start next week for a six month internship/training period. The students will be allowed to work 16 hours a week. They will not be paid, but this is huge! They are going to be able to prove themselves in a government office. This is setting the pace for many Deaf in the future.

ok... I know you have all heard about the weather. It is very bad. Many people have died and even more people have had their homes and everything they own destroyed. If you have time you can look at more pictures. I am including one here. There is another Terrible Typhoon on its way for either tomorrow or sunday. All fisherman have been advised to stay out of the waters and to try and move their boats to a safe place if possible. Bohol will probably only be hit with Gale winds and a lot of rain, but it looks as though Manila will be hit again. This is where the terrible flooding is. I just praise God that I arrived when I did. Originally I wanted to come a week later than i had, I would have been right in the storm...

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This is a screen shot of the Typhoon headed this way. I pointed to the island i am on and circled manila, where the terrible Deaths and floodings are now. they say this is the worst in 30 years here. Also, i know that you heard of the Tsunami in Samoa, and there has also been a terrible Typhoon and earthquake in Indonesia, just south of the Philippines. A lot of storms.



I guess just pray for safety and that this does not hinder the plans that God has arranged for these new teachers.

Thanks so much. love you all and miss you a lot.