Day 1! Enjoying the culture!!

We have arrived !! Flights and connections were on time; the flight on the Dreamliner, Denver to Tokyo, was wonderful!A special thank you to the crew who knew of our travel and mission plans for some extra TLC (thank you Barbara, Don ...and Sam!) Since arriving Saturday morning (yesterday already for us!) in Dipolog City, we were treated to lunch with our Rotarian sponsors and friends... thank you Joshua, Stephen, Lindon and Zach! The local college had a "Lambagit Festival" in honor of the college's namesake and patron saint St.Vincent Ferrer! It was a parade of dancing, elaborate costume in the theme of Mardi Gras, as we'll as representing the regional festivals of the Philippines! We watch the sunset over the Sulu Sea, had Filipino BBQ, and watched the festival continue at the College itself in the evening! We slept well... And thanks to our on time flights have an extra day to prepare for start of mission tomorrow... As well as spend a few hours at a beach resort! Tomorrow starts the mission!!! We can't wait-enough play! Now we'll play (and of course do speech therapy) with 16 children from Ozamis(about 8 of who we saw last year);about 10 children from island of Negros (about 5 from last year and "Tata" who will be joining us for a 5th year!!) Dr Williams did 11 palate surgery repairs on local children from Dipolog last year and we're hoping most of them will be joining us too!! So, off to sort toys, books, cars, art supplies for or busy 2 weeks! We are so blessed to be given this opportunity to share our gifts of time treasure and talent with the children! Keep as always in your prayers!! Love, Theresa