Beware of the Coral...

Wow. So many days, so many things... so little time.

Our team went to Bohol as planned, and spent just a couple of incredible days relaxing, snorkeling, riding motorbikes, visiting the chocolate hils, (no... not really chocolate...) and viewing some more of the Philippines.

Once we returned we jumped right back into things, presenting at Los Banyos national highschool. Again, the schedule went a little ambiguous, and we actually presented five times instead of four... because we had enough LB peers to attempt our first ever split/simultaneous presentation. We split the entire team of foreigners and pinoys into two and presented for different classrooms... which allowed us to reach more classes than with a smaller team. Everything worked out just fabulously, and another awareness presentation finished with success and student interest.

Then the team did a quick pack up of a few days things and headed to Manila, where we are now. Manila is known as the modern, most "North American" city here, and we are working with and observing Kids in Ministries... which has set up an orphanage, school, and also works with other mission opportunities. We're here for a few days to help out and check out different ministries here in the philippines, and it's quite interesting to see all of them working together.

HOWEVER, I myself am presently on "bed rest", keeping my leg elevated at all times. All I can say is...

beware of the coral.

While snorkeling last Friday, I scraped my foot against coral twice. Other than a little blood and some stinging from the salt water, all was fine, and for a few days I went on as I always would back home after a little scrape.

Let me tell you, it is no longer a little scrape.

Don't worry, I took pictures.

During our LB presentations, we had to wear close toed shoes while in the school. But then it rained (again), and I was walking in wet shoes nearly all day, with the tongue of the shoe rubbing against my foot. When I took it off at the end of the day, it... er... swelled.

Apparently, while a little scrape back home may not do anything, my body is not used to possible infections that I can get here in the Philippines, and so my ankle disappeared under the swelling,and the scrape became a rather "holey" wound.

But once again, don't worry. Not only did I take pictures, but the doctor's not even concerned. I'm on antibiotics, soaking my foot in hot salt water, cleaning with hydrogen peroxide and iodine, keeping it covered from all flies and other curious creatures, and attempting to keep off of my foot. It's about day number four now, but it's definitely looking better, so please PLEASE do not worry... I'm in Good Hands :). Just feel free to pray for a speedy recovery so that I can do more than watch people working from the sidelines.

In only a couple of weeks I'll be back in North America for a whole other pace of life with schedules and everything... I'll keep in touch whenever I can!!

Peace and blessings