This past Thanksgiving weekend, the 'teenagers' and I spent some time in Cebu, Philippines on a youth temple trip. Cebu is one of the closest temples to us - although not our official temple district (we're in Hong Kong Temple district). However, due to proximity as well as it being quite less expensive to get to and stay, this is where our ward has chosen to do the yearly youth temple trip.
Last year Craig and Ashlyn went so this year it was my turn to take the kids. Dallin missed being able to go by just a few days last year so this was his first temple trip experience (although, not his first temple experience as he was able to do baptisms in a few different temples over the summer). A few friends also took their teenagers so it turned into a bit of a 'girls weekend' as well. 
This part of the Philippines is probably has the most widespread poverty that I have seen in Asia thus far. In many countries I see pockets of poverty but here it was everywhere. Unfortunately, the Philippines government is quite corrupt so where other Asia countries are improving as foreign companies come, the Philippines still struggles. It seemed more like South America than Asia. Also, it was different to be in a Christian country in Asia as it has a huge Catholic influence since it was once a Spanish colony. The temple is an amazing light in this city.
There were quite a few teenagers that went - needless to say, the kids sure had fun with their friends. They were able to participate in 3 sessions of baptisms over the two days we spent at the temple. 
Philippines is not the safest place. I've never had to go thru so much security to get to my hotel. We stayed at a Marriott not far from the temple - always nice to have something familiar to go to. Our taxi was always stopped going in and checked - including a sniff dog. 
Then coming into the hotel we had to go thru security. Quite an experience. We always just made sure we went places in groups.
Friday night we moved to a resort out on the beach. The kids had so much fun hanging with friends at the beach and pool all day Saturday - we headed back Saturday night. They spent hours pushing eachother off this platform out in the water.
We also rotated on some rented jet ski's - the kids really enjoyed that.
It was such a wonderful trip - getting to spend so much time in the temple and then ending with a fun, relaxing day at the beach. Ashlyn, Dallin and I enjoyed the time together as well as with friends. I'm so grateful my kids have such a great group of youth to spend these years with and make some lasting memories.
