Counting Days......

One of our family traditions is to take the entire family every year or two, on a vacation. Last year, it was Cancun, Mexico. During that time, we planned our next vacation. We believe in always having something planned for the children and grandchildren to look forward to. So last year, we planned this year's trip---to Disneyworld! We did not realize then, when we selected the dates, that it we would receive this call and it would be so close to our departure time. We rented a large house 2 miles from Disney. It has its own swimming pool, and has plenty of room for everybody. We consider this as a tender mercy.

Also this week, I notified my employer of my plans for an early retirement. It is heartwarming to receive so many kind notes from friends and associates across the country. When we are done with our mission in 3 years, I may "un-retire" and go back to work. I still would be younger than normal retirement age then.

One final business matter to finalize: the sale of our home. Several people have expressed interest, but no one has been moved to action yet. We are hoping and praying that it will happen soon. Thanks to all who have been praying with us-- for the right buyers to find the home.

Earlier this week we sent letters to the parents of our North American elders, to give them some information about us, as well as a couple of avenues for communicating directly, should they feel a need to do so. We also received notification on our setting apart schedule, to be done in Salt Lake City before we report to the MTC, by Elder Dallin Oaks. Elder Oaks is the apostle who initially interview us and he has a fondness for the Philippines. We are looking forward to meeting with him.

Earlier this week the Church moving company came and packed up the household goods we are taking to the Philippines. We hope they beat us there!

When we return from Florida, we will only have a few days for final packing and then we move the rest of our stuff to a storage facility managed by our friends in Omaha.

Saying Goodbye to Omaha Friends

We've just returned from a very special weekend in Omaha. Most of you know that we spent six years in Omaha and were just transferred to Sioux Falls, last summer. Bishop Applegarth from our old ward in Omaha asked us to speak in sacrament meeting.

We were able to spend Friday night with a group of 17 dear friends in the Winter Quarters Temple and then we went out to dinner. As I looked around the Sealing Room, I felt so much love and respect for these great folks who have been such a great influence on our lives.

On Sunday we headed to Millard Ward and were so shocked to see friends from other wards sitting on the stand with the ward choir. Right before we spoke the ward choir, complete with our friends stood and sang an amazing song that was especially written for the occasion by our dear friend, Dennis Wright. Our son Clint, daughter-in-law Amie, and granddaughters Mayah (almost 9) and Ava (almost 3) stood with the choir and sang. You can just imagine how emtional it was to hear the choir and our family and friends lift up their voices. The hymn was titled, We Will Share Our Savior's Love. One verse says: WHile you are far away, We know that we will miss you. For your success we'll pray and ask Him to assist you. While you serve God, we'll know how you've sacrificed to be there. Tender mercies He'll bestow As you trust in HIs divine care. Our son and his family moved to the microphone and sang that verse. I could tell Clint and Amie were choked up but Mayah was the trooper and kept the melody going. I was a total basket case by the time it was my turn to speak. (I'm known as the crier in the family and I was trying so hard not to tear up, but that was impossible!)

After church Randy and Cheri Shaner opened up their home for an Open House. Tons of people helped with the food and we had the most delightful afternoon visiting with friends. We thank everyone who helped and came. It was truly a day that we will never forget. I am sure that those memories with stay with me and give me comfort when I'm missing home.

Sister Brenda Carlos

WHIRLWIND!!!

Well, the time for service is fast approaching. With travel plans completed, we soon will be in our field of labor.

Here is our itinerary:

CHURCH TRAVEL CWT DATE 10MAY10
50 EAST NORTH TEMPLE ST AGENT AL/SL BOOKING REF 3MQVY9
SALT LAKE CITY UT 84150
TELEPHONE: 801 240-5111 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 801 240-5111 end_of_the_skype_highlighting CARLOS/RODOLFO ALAL 250271000-
FAX : 801-240-5115 CARLOS/BRENDA ROINE 250271001-

MISSIONARY TRAVEL
PHILIPPINES CAUAYAN MISSION
23 JUN

SERVICE DATE FROM TO DEPART ARRIVE
_____________________ _____ ______________ ______________ _______ ______
DELTA AIR LINES 19JUN OMAHA NE SALT LAKE C UT 125P 300P
DL 4845 SATURDAY EPPLEY AIRFIEL INTL
T ECONOMY TERMINAL 2
NON SMOKING NON STOP
RESERVATION CONFIRMED 2:35 DURATION
FLIGHT OPERATED BY SKYWEST DBA DELTA CONN
AIRCRAFT OWNER: OO SKYWEST AIRLINES
AIRCRAFT: CANADAIR REGIONAL JET 700
SEATS 09C/09D NO SMOKING CONFIRMED

DELTA AIR LINES 27JUN SALT LAKE C UT LOS ANGELES CA 752P 850P
DL 2641 SUNDAY INTL INTL
T ECONOMY TERMINAL 2 TERMINAL 5
NON SMOKING NON STOP
RESERVATION CONFIRMED 1:58 DURATION
AIRCRAFT: BOEING 757-200/300
SEATS 31D/31E NO SMOKING CONFIRMED

EVA AIR 28JUN LOS ANGELES CA TAIPEI 110A 600A
BR 1 MONDAY INTL TAIWAN TAOYUAN 29JUN
T ECONOMY TERMINAL B TERMINAL 2
NON SMOKING MEAL NON STOP
RESERVATION CONFIRMED 13:50 DURATION
AIRCRAFT: BOEING 777-300ER

EVA AIR 29JUN TAIPEI MANILA 930A 1140A
BR 271 TUESDAY TAIWAN TAOYUAN NINOY AQUINO I
T ECONOMY TERMINAL 2 TERMINAL I1
NON SMOKING MEAL NON STOP
RESERVATION CONFIRMED 2:10 DURATION
AIRCRAFT: BOEING 747-400 MIXED CONFIGURATION


This Sunday, May 16th, we will be attending church service at our old ward in Omaha. The Bishop has invited us to come, speak, and say goodbye to our dear friends there. Following the meeting, our good friends, Cheri and Randy Shaner, are hosting an Open House for us at their home. It is a very kind and generous gesture. It will be good to visit with friends for a little bit. While in Omaha, we will find time to socialize, laugh, play games with grandchildren and friends.

The following week, we are speaking at our ward in Sioux Falls.

Then the movers come to ship our goods to the Philippines. (May 24)
At the end of that week, we will meet our entire family in Orlando, Florida. We had scheduled that family trip a year ago, not knowing all the changes that will be in store for us since.

With the exception of a couple of minor items (selling our home), we are slowly getting to the "Ready" state.

Reunion/Farewell

Soon after I joined the Church in the Philippines, I left the country to go to school at then Church College of Hawaii (Now, BYU-H). There, I met a group of amazing friends. We went to school together, worked together, and in the summer, lived together. None of us had family in the U.S., so we had to depend on each other for support. For some reason, I ended up acting as the "head of the family", and everybody referred to me as "Dad" (nothing to do with age, I am sure--just wisdom, lol). From there, I went on to serve a full-time mission, then on to BYU in Provo.

Since Hawaii, we have all scattered all over the country--and into Canada, and some, back in the Philippines. Still, over the years, we have stayed close and continued to look after each other. We got together for reunions every 5-10 years. Truly, these are friends that will be around thru the eternities.

So when they head of our call to serve, it did not take much to convince the group that another reunion was appropriate, mixed with a farewell party for the old man. So we discussed various ideas, options, and venues. We all wanted a family oriented place where we can attend church and yes, even the temple. So we ended up in Las Vegas!

Victor Dees was the mastermind. He was ably assisted by Victor Esquivel, now a Las Vegas resident. We spent a weekend full of laughther, food, and fond reminiscings of the past 40 years.

To these beloved friends, my sincere appreciation for all the kind thoughts, sentiments, and for taking the time to spend the weekend with me.

President Rudy Carlos