I'm back!  I had to go to a special place for missionaries who have been very crook, where they feed you up and send you back to work.

Yes, I got sent to Manila and I'll share with you my journey. I had to catch the bus from Tacloban to Ormoc in the morning, then when I arrived I  caught a ferry to Cebu, where I had to catch a taxi to the airport (by the way I'm doing this on my own, no companion and it felt so weird), then I arrived in Manila and man isn't that place so crazy, its like Las Vegas, just a HUGE city with lights everywhere.  It is huge - especially compared to small Tacloban!! 

Then I arrived in the MRC where Sister and Elder K (the missionaries in charge of the medical recovery center) welcomed me and showed me around where I was staying. So just let me say - I thought I was in heaven for the 4 days I was up there!  I turned up for dinner and Sister K said that my pancakes appetisers are ready for me in the kitchen and I was blown out of my mind.  I ate the pancakes and everything that followed!  Then I had air con in my room, HOT showers, and a comfy bed where I laid down for 3 hours a day resting - and we have movie nights, had washing machines and study as usual!! 

The Manila temple was just across the road and we were allowed to go and do sessions and you bet I did! 14 months without the temple - wow I enjoyed this special, special, special opportunity.  I got to ponder and relax and it sure did help with my sickness.

Then I came out of the temple and went back to the MRC, and next minute I hear someone screaming, running towards me and I turn around and Elder Wynn McGregor, one of my all time best friends is full speed about to tackle me haha.  It was really random and didn't really hit me, but we hugged and talked and took pictures. Man he has grown up and is so mature!!  It was also good to hear the fresh NZ accent haha!

A beautiful experience!!   I also saw a Sister Vea who knew Dad and she ran up and said, your dad's president Anderson!!  So that was cool.  Overall, I had a blast - but I wanted to go back, staying there was just too luxurious and unrealistic and I just wanted to head back to my little Tacloban and work!! 

So, I was allowed to go.  I had my tickets all booked for me  and I flew to Cebu where I got to take pictures of the temple there and then I caught a ferry back and heading back to my own area that I love!! 

What a choice experience - right?? Now I'm perfectly fine and we are back into the work!! 

I love you family and loved ones and  thanks so much for your prayers as I have been ill. I have really been focusing on working on my Christlike attributes.  I am continually changing and I'm happy with  my progress. 

I think in some ways I have really changed from a boy into a man.  That is what I feel, but I guess you can judge for yourself when I see you again.   No one here believes I'm 19, they all guess 23 or above!!  Must be my double barrel shotgun arms.  

So that's interesting!! Love you again.

Elder Anderson