Information from Pastor Brian Ellis

Sightseeing. Usually folk get a round and with a group like you would be we can usually arrange something and put a vehicle and driver at your disposal. Often someone takes folk to Tagaytay to see the volcano in the lake. About 2 hours or so away. Beautiful views and get to see some countryside. Sometimes folks get to go to Baguio but depends upon how long you are here. Let me assure you Filipino hospitality is proverbial and you will all be well looked after.

Costs.
For those of you staying more than 19 days I think it is, you will have to renew your visa which will cost about £.25.00 (I do not have a pound sign as using US computer) You get a free visa at the airport when you come in for those first couple of weeks and after that have to renew here. Very simple to renew through our travel agency.

Food costs about £.30 for the month I suppose plus other pocket money. If you bring about £.100 that should be fine and see you through. It depends if you go places etc and buy things. If you eat out it obviously will cost more but you can get a very good meal here for £.5.00 which would cost say £.15-20 in the UK. Usually can eat out for under £.2.00 and even for under £.1.00

Can use a credit card to get money.Do not purchase any pesos in the UK. Very poor rate.

Any money you bring should be in US Dollars - ie travellers' checks or cash. Much harder to change sterling. This is a US orientated country. Our literature work likes to purchase dollars.

Not sure of the church background of each one of you but we are a Baptist Church which practices restricted communion. i.e. Only those baptized by immersion as believers and in membership of a good church are invited to the Lord's Supper. Think it only fair to tell you this
so no one is left in the dark. We have had a couple of visitors recently to which this has applied.

On shots.
I would recommend Hepa B - in fact we have several girls in our homes who have Hepa B. You should have no contact with Malaria and I have not taken prophelactics for 38 years. I took them the first 2 years I was here. You should not be going anywhere where there is Malaria. It is only
found in very remote areas.Yellow Fever I thought was just an African disease and have never
heard of that in the Philippines so would not do that.

For screening - could you contact David Higham at Grace Baptist Mission. They have a form which the person is asked to fill up. Includes a short testimony. It helps for us to know something about the folk who are coming. Should be fairly straight forward.

What would there be to do?.

1. Take devotionals with the children in the Children's Homes.
2. Correct reports in office
3. Help at Drop in Centre with street people - feeding etc
4. Visit in the squatter areas
5. Take part in the various meetings of the church.
6. Men could sit in on Theological classes
7. Friday night evening class
8. Other things as well such as practical help -

Any one who comes is kept very busy usually.

We have accommodation for at least 5 ladies very easily and can take a number of men as well. We have a small flat which we make available to the men. Any way in the Philippines one can always find a bed and we have church members always ready to take people.

I or someone else would give you arrival directions, suggested clothing etc nearer the time when you have a booking.

The British Summer is our monsoon season so it would be a timewhen there could be a lot of rain. However we keep folk occupied usually even then

Things to do!

Now that this blog is established, here is a list of what people need to do before going:

- Make sure your passport is up to date
- Get travel insurance for the period you are away (or for a year if you think it's worth it)
- Vaccinations - the following are recommended on the websites i've seen
Hepatitus A/Tyhoid - one vaccination that i believe is free on the NHS
Be up to date with all your routine vaccinations such as polio, tentanus etc
Pastor Ellis also recommended that you get Hepatitus B, which is a series of 3 injections over a long time span and each one costs around £30. Malaria tablets are not required as we are not going anywhere that has malaria. So the best thing is to make an appointment with your local nurse and set things in motion now.
- Fill in a Grace Baptist Mission reference form to then send to Pastor Ellis - I will send these out once I have them.
- Buy a travel book on the Philippines - Rough guide or Lonely Planet are the best

Other things we will do in the future:
- Books air tickets - once everyone is sure of exam dates
- Transfer money for lodging, accomodation etc

Any questions, please email me

Purpose of this blog

The purpose of this blog is to provide the people going to the Philippines this year with up to date information on what is going on in regards to the trip. It is also a way that people can ask questions, make comments and suggestions and discuss ideas about the visit. It's content has been reserved only for people who are going on the trip and also for our host, Pastor Brian Ellis. Once in the Philippines others such as parents may be able to view the site to see how we are getting on. I hope you all find this helpful.