February 24th - From Pio Duran

It's been a strangely rewarding in a "wow, those are terrible numbers, but I still feel good about the work we've done" kind of way. Definitely a week of testament to the fact that numbers don't matter if you lose sight of the people behind them.

Anyway, one thing worthy of note is that I learned a few things about leadership today from watching my companion. He's a District Leader, and I think there are definitely a few things that he's learned as well this week. I won't go into detail, but I will say this. We sometimes assume that an apology or a genuine acknowledgement of fault or weakness is itself a sign a weakness. It isn't. If you make other feel that you're perfect, and that you don't need their help or input, they will not follow you or back you up in your decisions. When others become angry and bitter and believe you're in incompetent leader, one of the best ways to soften their heart and regain their trust is to apologize, tell them that you aren't a perfect leader, you have specific weaknesses and faults, and that you can't lead without their support. If you tell someone that you need them and their input, and reflect that in the way you act, rarely will someone refuse to follow you. Humility is the sign of a strong leader, not a weak one.

Mount Mayon. This was taken while toploading out of Ligao, the closest major city to Pio Duran.

So, apparently after it rains you can find these tiny little frogs on the riverbanks. One of the members is really good at catching them. I think we counted a dozen, at least before we took the pictures. Though, as soon as he opened his hand for a picture, some of them started hopping out so they only show a portion of the bitty frogs he originally had

Not going to lie, it took some getting used to, eating small fish whole. Once you do though, they're pretty tasty. They're really salty and a bit crunchy, so I always eat them with a mouthful or two of rice, but still, really good.