June 13, 2007
Bob and I delivered donated science equipment to the Buanoy National High School in Balamban. Our friend, President Cajocson of the Toledo District, is a science teacher there. He was quite excited about our coming and met with Elders Santos and Orpia (had them over for dinner) on Tuesday night to make sure the arrangements were clear. The Elders were to meet us in front of the entrance to a big shipyard - a place we all knew. They were waiting for us when we drove up and we drove right to the high school - no problem finding it. (Because the Sunday before, Bob and I had found it and visited the site ahead of time!)
The guard at the gate was expecting us and welcomed us. Children were everywhere! High School here is for students ages 12 - 16 or 17. They go to high school directly from elementary school. The school has 1800 students. 600 are first year and about 250 are 4th year. Less than 1/2 of those who graduate from elementary school complete high school, and only about 15% of those go on to college....
We met President Cajocson (pronounced coke sone) and he took us to the library to meet the principle, Mr. Misael G. Borgonia. We delivered the supplies - microscope, test tubes, bunsen burners, stethoscopes and blood pressure cuffs etc. After photos and shaking hands all around and then with many students - especially by the missionaries who saw five members of Balamban 1 Branch and several of their friends who come to Church with the members, we left for a lovely drive home.
We were delighted to be able to participate in this project and thankful for the opportunity.
