Teaching with the Sisters

The highlight of my week was to go out and teach two families with two of our greatest sister missionaries. On Thursday evening the sisters came and picked me up in a trycie (motorcycle with a sidecar). Two of us sqeezed into the sidecar and the other sister road behind the driver on the motorcycle. We drove across town, got off and walked down a tiny little dirt path, past numerous small homes to the door of the investigators.

The home was very humble, it was made of cinderblocks which stopped and there was open space between the walls and the tin roof. There were two openings off the side of the room with material hanging as a door. In the back of the room I could see a lean-to type of room which was their kitchen. The walls were very dark and yet they had made sure to hang a few lovely pictures and a mirror from the walls. They had four comfortable chairs along one wall (they were made out of bamboo) and two crude wooden benches along the other. On the wall near the opening to the "kitchen" there was a large hutch with tv, vcr and a collection of figurines, all wrapped in plastic. I met the sweetest mother, she had studied to become a Methodist minister, father, and four children. Also living with them are several nieces and nephews who attend school in Cauayan. In front of the front door was a hammock. There was a lot of love in their home, you could just feel it. The father has a twinkle in his eye and you could tell that he is fun loving. He works as a waiter for a catering company. The little five year old girl was really proud of her school "Barbie" backpack and brought out some homework to work on while the sisters taught the family. They speak Ilicano and Tagalog and some English. We had fun visiting about our family and theirs. I showed them pictures of our family and they thought our sons were very gaupo (handsome) and our daughters and grandchildren were beautiful. The sisters taught a wonderful lesson and got the family to read from the Book of Mormon. They asked me to share some thoughts with them and I talked about my life since I became a member and how I could trace all the best parts of my life back to my membership. Sister REsendes asked them if they would be baptized on Aug. 21 and they said "yes." The sisters had been teaching them periodically for a month or so and so they were very happy to hear that the family was wanting to be baptized. Now they have a lot of things to teach them before they will be ready.

Next we got on a tricycle and went further out on the edges of town. We walked through tall grasses to a little shack. The family was outside with the mother doing the wash by a pump and the father caring for their little baby. They invited us inside and this home was the size of the first families living room. It was divided into four tiny rooms with cardboard boxes, serving as walls. They had a tiny bench that they insisted we sit on, while they sat on the floor. (I found out later that they shared that home with two other families!) This was a young couple who wanted to get married but couldn't afford the price of the marriage certificate. They have a child together who is 11 months old and has cerebral palsy. They can't afford his medication and so he is unable to hold up his head. I felt bad because every time he looked at me, he started to cry. The father is an inactive member and the mother wants to join the church, however they don't have a way to come to church and also can't be baptized until they are married. It's so tempting to just give them the money to pay for the marriage license, but we have been asked not to do that. They could go through the fast offerings from the branch and the sisters are working with the branch president on that. The sisters are trying to work with the members to see if anyone has room in their cars or trycies to pick them up. It's a real challenge because most families cram onto a trycie, very few have cars. I met one family who come each week on a trycie (they have 6 children and two parents all on one trycie!) Still the sisters taught them a lesson and even though I couldn't understand it, I could feel the spirit. They asked me to share a few thoughts and I told the story of my mom having a stroke in her 40s and how prayer helped me through that rough time. I shared how I remember feeling like I was being cradled in loving arms when I was feeling so desparate. I know that was the Holy Ghost acting as a comforter when I needed it.

One day Rudy and I were at the gas station and a little boy came up to the window. His eyes were very clody with cataracts or something. He motioned to his mouth, held out his hand and said, "Hungry, mam'm." We've been told we can't offer handouts to beggars. They say missionaries would be hounded if word got out. Instead I could have given him some food, but didn't have any with me. I told him I was sorry and then we drove off. It was just so sad and I cried all the way to the store. I have thought of his longing eyes as I've drifted off to sleep since then and vowed that I will keep some food in the car in the future.
Sister Carlos

Only in the Philippines

There's a saying that I often hear, "Only in the Philippines." I thought I'd periodically add to my list of "Only in the Philippines."

So, Only in the PHilippines...
1. Can 2 cars, five tricycles (motorcycles with side cars) and 3 pedestrians fit into one tiny lane of traffic.
2. Can up to 7 adults and three kids squeeze into a trycycle that was made for 3 people...on a regular basis.. You see many with as much as 12 adults..Some on top of the tricycle.
3. Do you have brownouts (blackouts) on an almost daily basis. (Often only lasting a few minutes--thank goodness!)
4. Do you see children at every school (even public) wear darling uniforms specific to that school.
5. Do you see everyone carrying a sweat rag with them.
6. Do you get points at most grocery stores to redeem rice cookers and electric fans.
7. Do the employees of a large grocery store stop everything at 9 am, noon, 3 pm and 6 pm and put on a dance routine for the customers at the front of the store!
8. Do you have to wait forever for the clerk to run off with your credit card to some office in order to process your card.
9. Do you see everyone, including the poorest of people with their cell phones texting as they walk, drive, eat, etc. Everyone TEXTs here!
10. Do they serve pancit (noodles) at EVERY ward/branch activity!
11. Do you see people who know the Mormon missionaries and yell, "Hello, Sister or Elder" wherever you go.
12. Do you find the humblest, most happy people on earth!

I will add more of these in the future!

The Highs and Lows of Missionary Service

This week we experienced both joy and sadness. On Monday, I spent the day baking cinnamon rolls, brownies and cookies that we would need during our week's activities. The two sisters assigned near the mission home gave up part of their P-day to help me bake. We had a lot of fun together! On Tuesday we visited several district meetings. It was fun to see missionaries that we had met earlier and start building on our developing relationships.

Wednesday we said goodbye to 6 wonderful young missionaries (Elders Trinidad, Umpat, Ople, Bereau and Lalangan and Sister Betts) two senior couples whose time had come to return home. The young elders were from various parts of the Philippines and Sister Betts was from California. The Pratts head home next Wednesday and our office couple, The Starley's leave in a couple of weeks. The day began with the missionaries coming into our mission headquarters for an all-day career fair, which was overseen by Elder and Sister Pratt and taught by a local businessman, Brother Ed. I was able to sit in on various segments of the day and was so impressed with the program. Brother Ed is a wonderful young man who served a mission nine years ago and now is a local business owner. He closed his business for the day in order to teach this course. He is a dynamic speaker and such a fantastic teacher. The Pratts graciously treated these missionaries to a lunch at a local restaurant. Late that afternoon they gathered at the Mission Home for President Carlos' homemade lemon chicken alfredo, salad, brownies, cookies and ice cream. We enjoyed visiting during dinner. Then we had a testimony meeting and each of us shared the thoughts of our hearts. I felt like I had been in the presence of some of our Heavenly Father's choicest missionaries! They were so humble, yet powerful. At 8:00 pm we drove them to the bus station. We cried, hugged and said goodbye. I just can't imagine how I will feel when I've worked with the departing missionaries for several years. I still feel a pit in my stomach as I think about this very sad time.

The next morning we were at the bus stop at 5:30 am waiting for our new missionaries to come in. Elder Brown from American Samaoa, we had met at the Provo, Utah MTC. Elder Biating and Sister Baladjay and Sister Languitan were from other parts of the PHilippines. (We see such potential with these four new missionaries!) The bus was delayed and they finally arrived around 7:30 am. We feed them a big breakfast with President's famous breakfast rice and my homemade cinnamon rolls. Our Assistants conducted an orientation and then we met in the Chapel next door for a transfer meeting. Over 80 missionaries were affected by the transfers. The meeting started with us singing our Cauayan Mission Song, President Carlos spoke about the inspiration he received as he prayed and contemplated needed transfers. Then Sister Banks played a piano solo of the most gorgeous rendition of Praise to the Man. The spirit was so strong and I saw many of our missionaries moved to tears. Next the Assistants read the transfers, I spoke about Change and how it's hard but also good. Then President wrapped it up. Next came Zone Unification meeting where the zone leaders were able to visit with those from their zones and each group caught the bus to their various assigned areas. We got two office elders, Elder Goobe and Elder Mulliner who will be trained on the duties of the President's Secretary and the Misson Financial Clerk. They will then train the Breese's when they arrive in mid-August.

We also had two precious elders sent to the Missionary Recovery Center (MRC) in Manila. One was for a knee injury and the other for tests from rapidly losing weight. It's very tricky to get them on the bus and make sure that there's someone there to receive them at the other end.

On Saturday night we experienced a little miracle. All afternoon and evening we had no Internet connection or phone service. Our Assistants had driven an elder to Nueva Viscaya (our farthest southern point) to catch the bus to Manila to the MRC. We needed to let our contact in Manila know when to expect him. But without any means of communication we couldn't do that. We also needed to check on the Assistants to make sure they were okay as it was getting late and they hadn't returned home. Our new office elders were also worried and they suggested we say a prayer. We prayed that the phones and Internet would work again so that we could make sure that all was well. Within a minute or two the Internet started up, and the phones. We were able to connect with the Assistants, and contact Manila. I truly believe it was divine intervention as shortly afterwards we lost the Internet and our phone stopped working again.

Today we attended two branches. I loved how the one branch asked the newly assigned missionary to their branch to stand and introduce himself. I could tell that branch had the missionary spirit.

We now look forward to another wonderful week in the Philippines.
Sister Carlos

A Great Week

The time seems to fly by. We were able to meet the rest of our missionaries. We saw two zones on Tuesday (interviewing nearly 50 missionaries that day). On Wednesday we had our first Zone Leader's Council. All zone leaders came to the mission home. Each reported on their zone's monthly activities. WHen we saw those young leaders our hearts really swelled. What struck me most was the fact that they were so happy for the success of the missionaries in their zones. They were like proud parents reporting on all their missionaries good works. Elder Starley (one of our senior missionaries) made his famous Spaghetti Sauce and we served spaghetti, green salad and garlic bread. (I thought I was buying French bread but when I cut into it there were raisins. We decided to serve it anyway and every piece was consumed, so I guess it was okay. For dessert I made chocolate chip cookies and we served ice cream. Several elders told me they hadn't had any salad since they left home. I've never seen so many young men excited about salads!
On THursday we drove to our final zone in Tuguegarao, the largest city in our mission. I have never seen so many tricycles fitting into a small area.
Saturday was a very busy day. I attended a District Primary Anniversary Celebration. The children from each branch performed a folk dance. The children were in costume and ranged from age 2 to 12. It was absolutely precious. The children were very excited and it was a little loud. The Primary President said, "Attention Children of God, you must behave!" They asked me to share a few words with the children.
At noon we served lunch to the Stake Presidents and their wives. President made his famous saucy pork chops. Everyone loved them. I found a very quaint European Bakery a few blocks away and ordered cream puffs for dessert.
Saturday evening we attended a branch family home evening where they had a nice lesson and then they invited me to come up and share a game with everyone. (There were approx. 60 people there.) I quickly thought of Fruit Basket Upset and it was fun to watch people of all ages run across the floor to steal someone else's seat. There was lots of laughter and I think everyone had fun. Then they served refreshments which were a little box for everyone full of pancit (noodles) and a hot drink, which tasted like thick chicken and rice soup. Actually it was very tasty.
Today we visted 2 branches and spoke at both of them. Afterwards we went to see one of our missionaries who dislocated his knee playing basketball. He is in great pain. I brought him chocolates and we were able to call our physician from Manila to offer some advice for him.
Sister Carlos

We've Arrived

We spent the most glorious 4.5 days at the MTC. We were able to rub shoulders with 11members of the Quorom of the 12 Apostles as they dined with us and taught us. On Sunday the first Presidency came for Sacrament mtg. and 10 members of the 12. By the end our heads were spinning and our bodies tired. Having so many spiritual experiences in such a short time was very tiring.
We flew from Salt Lake to LA and then flew to Tapei (a 14.5 hour flight) Then we boarded another plane and flew to Manila. We were able to fly with 4 other couples who will be serving in parts of the Philippines and the Grobergs who were headed to Indonesia. We now consider these folks and so many other new Mission Presidents friends for life! There in the airport was the Area Presidency. (Elder Edwards, Elder Teh, and Elder Ko and their wives. It touched my heart to see them in their white shirts waving to us from across the airport.) The Area Presidency escorted us to a 5-Star Hotel the Shangri La. It was truly one of the most elegants hotels I have ever seen. The service was absolutely amazing. At every turn there was someone there to pamper you. We showered and rested, ran to the fabulous mall next door and then dined with all other new Mission Presidents in Philippines and the Area Presidency. It was a lovely dinner in one of the small ballrooms in the hotel. They had the tables in a square in the hole in the middle was a landscape with all kinds of beautiful, exotic plants and flowers. We started nodding off by 7:30 and they made their meeting quick. We slept as best as we could despite the jet lag and then flew to Cauayan City the next morning.
At the Cauayan airport (very humble) we could see some missionaries, the Starleys (the office couple) and President Villanueva, who Rudy was replacing. They had to stay outside the chain link fence but were wildly waving when we left the plane.
That day we spent with the Villanuevas and they left the next morning.
The next three days we spent touring half the mission. Our hearts were bursting with pride as we got to see and interview the missionaries. Rudy asked that as he was interviewing the missionaries I interview the companion and then we switched. I asked questions about their families, talents and health. Immediately, I realized that there are a lot of little health problems that needed addrsesed. Mostly skin rashes, or sinusits. We have one missionary hospitalized with a bad asthma attack and so we stopped and Rudy gave him a blessing. All in all, our missionaries are hard at work, totally engaged with the people and happy. I asked about their apartments and if they felt safe. Every one told me they felt safe. I gained a strong testimony that the Lord calls very special North Americans to serve here. They are amazing young men and women who can put aside the heat and the poverty and love these people and serve them with all their hearts. The filipino elders and sisters are just amazing young people. So happy and humble and eager to follow the rules and serve their fellow men. Yesterday there were at least 12 baptisms that we know about. Last night we went to a baptism of four converts. At the end of the services each one shared their testimonies. Even though they were in Tagalog, I could feel their spirits and was touched. We were so impressed that in the hall there was a poster titled, "Our Future Missionaries" and it showed 17 young adults from that branch that are preparing for missions. As these young people serve missions, they gain the leadership skills to really help the church blossom in this part of the world.
Today we went to a branch in the Southern region of our mission. There we saw four new members confirmed. This was a huge branch, there was several hundred people in attendance. They started on time and I can honestly say I have never seen such a reverent bunch of people. There were tons of children but they were quiet. When it was time for the sacrament the brother conducting said, "Now dear brothers and sisters we have come to the most sacred part of our meeting. The time we can remember the Savior as we partake of the holy sacrament." There was such a hush at that time. Rudy and I both commented that so many of the wards in North America could learn a thing or two from this precious branch. Also every single boy or man there was wearing a white shirt and tie. The branch president asked that Rudy and I bear our testimonies-it was all a very sweet experience.
Brother and Sister Starley have worked with this branch (and several others) and the people adore them. Sister Starley shared her testimony in Relief Society about what she had learned while serving here in the Philippines. It was so powerful and I could feel that she and her husband have been fabulous missionaries. They have about a month left, and it will be a very sad day to say goodbye to them. Those members were already crying about their upcoming departure. Their mark will be felt for a very long time!
We visit the rest of our missionaries this week and have a half day training for all zone leaders. This work is very busy and rewarding!
Sister Carlos