Second trip in autumn

We are traveling back to the Philippines on October 3rd. Unfortunately, we have had to part ways with our social worker Cherry Mae in the meantime: working at Batulong was too much of a challenge for her and we believe that a position where she has to work less independently would suit her better. Many interested people responded to our job advertisement and Keno has already carried out the first preliminary interviews: he is growing really well into the role of boss and we are very happy with him. We will then conduct the final interviews in mid-October; that is definitely the plan.

Unfortunately, it's not that easy with applicants: they often seem enthusiastic and write that they're looking forward to the interview, only to ultimately simply not show up. In one day, Keno had scheduled 4 interviews, but only one applicant came! It's typically Filipino, but that doesn't make it any less laborious.

A kind of flu has broken out in Cagayan de Oro and our friend Maiko in Camiguin has also been lying low for weeks with a cough, sore throat and severe fatigue. Some schools have already gone back to online teaching and the name “Nipah virus” came up, although there is no known case of this virus yet (and it is not airborne). Masks are required again everywhere in schools and so Keno has once again arranged for masks to be worn in our center. It will obviously be an adjustment for us, but on the other hand we don't want the flu with a cough when we're diving and working...

But first we'll go on a week's diving holiday on Camiguin so that we can have conversations fresh and without jet lag.