October 22nd-October 31st

 

Tarlac Stake Missionary Coordination Meeting. Nice job Elder Gonzales, Elder Degamon, Sister Camiring, Sister Tolido & President Donato.

Church today in Lapaz. Elder Cortan, Elder Golightly, Elder Zarchin, Elder Marcelino

Baptism yesterday. Sister Chua & Sister VanBrocklin. Happy day for this couple.

This poor boy. He had a motorcycle crash. I felt so bad for him. He is from such humble circumstances. We went to the closest town for antibacterial cream for his face & Tylenol for the 9 month old baby.

Hello cow

Good morning Carabao

One more of these guys on the streets

The clouds here are spectacular. Whenever I see the clouds in the sky - I know Heavenly Father loves me.

Getting ready for our service trip and activity with the school in Nambulon. Thanks to Steve & Sarah Cook and their 2 children - Sayor & Cora for coming all the way to the Angeles Mission to visit grandma and grandpa Hilton (A senior missionary couple Elder & Sister Hilton that serve so diligently!)

We played games with classrooms full of beautiful children - almost 400 of them attend this school. There are Kindergarten to grade 11. The Cook family brought fun games, treats, books and school supplies for the school. Cora took instant photos of children and teachers. Everyone LOVED it! 4 of the Elders that serve in Mayantoc joined us! Elder Cox, Elder Gepolani, Elder Apayart and Elder Mitchell.

Cora took pictures of each of the teachers because the children were really pretty overwhelming to her.

Look at these great Elders!

Laundry day!

Our mission is covered in rice fields.

A short walk to the river from the school

Picnic by the river.

The mother of the boys who was in the bike accident. She has 7 children. They own the hut we rented for the picnic by the river.

One more picture of the picnic area. When you come we will take you!

As I reflect on this past week of mission tour with Elder Choi, our visit to the school, and our many visits with missionaries, my heart if full and I am so grateful for this sacred opportunity to be here. It is true that as we humble ourselves and draw near to the Savior we are changed. Sometimes it is the challenges that bring us to Him. Elder Choi gave some beautiful blessings in a prayer for our family. I trust in the Lord that those blessings will happen. That brings me great peace and assurance. A formula Elder Choi shared was: fun + the spirit of the Lord = JOY. He also shared - Today I obey and tomorrow I understand (that is what faith looks like). We love being with the people here in the Philippines. We love being in this beautiful country. BUT we especially love being with our missionaries

First rainbow. I have seen here in the Philippines. But I have heard that song a lot – I like to look for rainbows whenever there is rain and ponder on the beauty of an earth made clean again.- I especially like it, accompanied by a ukulele.

Wonderful way to spend a Wednesday evening. Baptism of Cristopher. He is deaf. The sign language was beautiful Sister Nautu Sister Valenzuela Elder Orogo & Elder Acdal.

Here is the banana harvest for today. They just need to get a little more yellow.

My morning bike ride with Elder Bagalanon. I know I am not wearing a helmet, but I just didn't want to put on a helmet that an Elder was just wearing... I have not seen Elder Bagalanon ever use his chin strap of his helmet. But just look at Elder B's smile! He is a wonderful Elder. He was raised by his Grandparents. You should hear him play the guitar.

This was such a wonderful baptism that we attended today. A 68 year old - Nanay - Evelyn Macoy and and 9 year old girl (oh no - what was her name???). There were brand new missionaries, (welcome Sister Jones) involved as well as seasoned missionaries, like a missionary going home next Wednesday. (Elder Fuentes). When one person baptizes in this mission we all baptize. The emotions of the sister missionaries and the sister Evelyn was powerful! What an example of a missionary loving who she is teaching! I hope to always remember Sister Salvan and Sister Evelyn and their embrace.

This was such a sweet baptism we attended today. The Elders are on either ends (Elder Tabalba in white and Elder Abuton) of the 4 in the middle who were baptized. The two smallest boys were actually ward baptisms as they had their families there and are 8 years old. This picture just makes me smile looking at Elder Tabalba - I never realized how small he looks until I saw this picture.

This boy was one of the ward baptisms. For some reason, his mother and his grandma took LOTS of pictures of the 4 of us! It's so funny how many pictures are taken around here! Beautiful family.

Last 2 baptisms of the day! Elder Kaufusi baptized an older lady - Sister Bautista and Elder Gamba baptized an amazing young man - Domingo. Domingo shared such a good testimony. I love to see the youth of the church. It's a powerful generation.

Departing missionaries. Sister Valenzuela, Sister Hava’a, Elder Briones, Elder Sumiran, Elder Fuentes, Elder Rosaroso, Elder Palado, & Elder Ramizares

On our departing missionaries, senior missionaries & Mission Counselor & wife. We love this group of people!