Day 124 - Monday, October 31, 2016 

There are many cemeteries in the Philippines.  They are a busy place on the days leading up to the holiday, All Saints Day (All Hallows Day) on November 1st.  Filipinos observe this day by visiting the family members who have died to clean and repair their tombs.  Offerings of prayers, flowers, candles and even food are made.  Many also spend the day and night holding reunions at the graves, playing games and music, singing karaoke and feasting.    The family members pretty much camp out at the graveyard on October 31st until midnight.  The candles are lit and they say the smoke from the candles rise to heaven to let those who are gone know they loved then the skies will form clouds and rain.

We don't allow our missionaries to be out after 6 p.m. on November 1st.

Lots of booths with food begin to appear.  It is said that President Duterte is banning alcohol at the site of cemeteries this year.  This is a picture I took off the internet showing the lighting of candles by the graves of loved ones.