Back in the U.S.A

We have officially been in the United States for 48 hours and have loved every minute of it.  Some of the little things that we have enjoyed so far:

Public drinking fountains

 

Toilet seat covers, toilet paper provided and even the fact that there is a toilet seat



Being able to drink water from the tap without the worry of getting sick (and in Oregon it tastes great)

Good food that we have missed.  So far we have had Papa John's pizza, Red Robin and Taco Bell and we have a whole list of places we will be visiting.

Dogs as pets.  Some people in Cebu do have dogs, but it is more common to see sad, injured, sick strays.  I love seeing people love their dogs.




Wide open roads with no traffic....and driving above 30mph.

 


Although I have sworn off aspertame for the past 3 months...while on vacation I have to take advantage of my favorite drink ever!  Do the DEW!



 We have also loved spending time with family, but I can't find my chord to download pictures so I will post about that later.  We are so grateful for the opportunity to live in the Philippines, but being home is fun and we are going to take advantage of every second.

Kawasan Falls

A few weekends ago I was lucky enough to take some people from work to a place called Kawasan Falls. The drive was 3.5 hours and we were staying less than 24 hours. I wasn't sure it was going to be worth it.  Boy was I wrong. The house we stayed in was gorgeous, with a huge pool and it's own beachfront. Then, we went to the falls and all I could think the entire time was "I am so lucky! How do I get so lucky to see and experience places like this?"


My team enjoying the water and the view.





The Philippines is very Catholic and their religion is very important to them.  I thought this little alter was gorgeous and in such a beautiful setting.  There is nothing like the seeing amazing natural beauty that reminds me more of my Heavenly Father.  While walking next to the river on the way down from the falls the words to "How Great Thou Art" kept running through my mind. 



PM4 enjoying the "massage" of the 3rd level of falls.  This is a GREAT group.  We all have a blast together.  It was a nice change to be in cold, refreshing water too.

Ben (our team mascot) got to come on the excursion as well.  We are so lucky to be sharing these experiences.

The huge, gorgeous house that we stayed in (right on the beach too)

For more pictures go here