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