Recent Fun Times

We have the best office elders. Elder Goobie (From Canada) and Elder Mulliner (From Utah), not only do they run our office, they also pitch in often with the dishes after we've served a big meal. (Elder Mulliner likes the BYU apron. I think Elder Goobie really prefers one of my pretty flowered aprons but for this picture he selected a basic navy.) Once the Breeze's arrive (a senior couple who will serve 2 years in the office), the Elders will train them before going back to the field.





We have a number of helpers that make our mission home and office run smoothly. Imelda is our housekeeper. She is a grandmother of one small grandson. She is a true delight and keeps our home spotless. Ronnie is the groundkeeper. We feel like we are living in a fancy resort because our grounds are totally immaculate. We also have the able assistance of Donnie, who works for the church's facility management group. Anytime I need a picture hung, an appliance fixed or a light bulb changed, Donnie comes running. Our household goods finally arrived after being stuck in Manila in customs for a month. We had over 70 boxes and these three quickly became entrepreneurs. They asked if they could have the boxes and then tied them to Donnie's tryce and sold them. They took them over a few days. Here you will see Ronnie in the green, Imelda is in the sidecar and Donnie in the white shirt. (They just crack us up!)


This past Saturday we had the privilege of going to Aurora to witness the baptisms of two wonderful young teens. Elder Farley (From California) and Elder Mabanta were able to teach these two young men. We are so proud of the work they have been doing.




This has been a sad week as we have sent the Starley's home. They have served for two years here in the mission office. They have also worked with many of the local branches. They truly have loved those they've come to know and the past week our mission office has been packed with people, crying as they bid their dear friends a fond goodbye. Sister Starley has heard the hymn "Til We Meet Again" over and over as they have visited branches during the past month. This past weekend we went with the Starley's to Angadanan (which the Starley's say is like a little Utopia!) Branch. We thought it was just a ward family home evening activity. Instead, it was a surprise party for the Starleys. The missionaires Elder Mataipule (From American Samoa) and Elder Lien (From Boise, Idaho) helped with the prepartion. Many of the members shared some words of how the Starley's had touched their lives and then we played a fun game: Hymnbook Chase. Sister Starley played a few notes of the hymn and we had to find that hymn in the hymnbook. They also decorated a room with love notes to the Starleys, flowers and they served delicious food. It was truly a night to remember!