December 7th 2025 - March 1st 2026

Picked up a few jerseys!

4 successful zone conferences in a row.

Sister Somebody & Sister Lisbos.  Sister Lisbos’ mother passed away just over a week ago.  This is the 7th missionary that has lost a parent while serving in our mission.  These are tender, trying times.  How grateful we are for the beautiful plan of happiness.

Merry Christmas from the Lucita Homeowner party

We said goodbye to Elder Dolim.  It’s always fun to introduce our missionaries to our family.

New Missionary Follow-up training today.  What an awesome group of new missionaries & trainers.  These are some of our most favorite meetings with missionaries

3rd Christmas in the Philippines, and the best one yet! It's been so fun having the Pugmires 

and Jacob here with us!

Maligayon Pasko! Merry Christmas in Talalog!  It's a beautiful Christmas moring in the Philippines!

Tarlac North Zone Christmas Pday activity!

23 years of happiness! Thanks to Jacob for sharing his birthday with us here!

What a group of golfers!

It is always a treat when we have missionaries return to our mission, especially when they bring their parents to show them this beautiful mission.  It was great to meet Bro & Sis Cox and spent time with them and their son Cael Cox.

Our departing group of missionaries was the smallest group we have ever said goodby to!  5 missionaries.  We had a wonderful session in the Urdaneta Temple.

Oh - and look who showed up at the temple - a former missionary - Ron Sindayen.

Our mission is going to really miss Sister Aranguren.  She is a wonderful missionary.

Sister Vasquez.  One of her greatest accomplishments here as a missionary was learning to ride a bike.  You know me - I love a good bike analogy - keep it in balance!

Sister Nuñala.  We will miss her!

Elder Tamula.  He made it!

Way to finish strong Elder Resuma.

Christmas at the Urdaneta Temple.

Lunch with our departing 5.  With a small group we are able to stop by a real restaurant instead of eating at the temple cafeteria.

It was so fun to meet the Aranguren family!  They came to pick up Sister Aranguren as she completed her mission.

Yay for new missionaries!  They arrived January 1, 2026 - what a great day to begin serving in our mission.

Welcome Elder Aquino.  He comes from an active family.  He has been living with his aunt and many of his cousins.  He comes from a big happy family.  He is the first missionary in his family.

Welcome Elder Domingo from Rizal Metro Manila.  He comes from an active family and will be a blessing to our mission.

Welcome Elder Hansen from Washington UT (near St. George).  He shared with us that the Savior is essential to everything.  His Role is our focus.

Welcome Elder Irving - from Panguitch UT.  He loved the MTC in Provo.

Welcome Elder Mangguera from Edmonton Alberta Canada, although he was born in Northern Philippines.

Welcome Sister Paginag from General Santos, Philippines.  She has a beautiful testimony of the Savior - He is the Light of the World.

Welcome Sister Pascua from the Butawan Area in the Philippines.  She is the first missionary in her family.  She loved the MTC - where she grew closer to Jesus Christ and learned so much about Him.  What a blessing.

Welcome Elder Tejano from Cagayan de Oro.  He is waiting for his visa to come so that he can go to his assigned mission - Lima Peru South.  Receiving his call to serve was an emotional experience for him. He was the first one to be baptized in his family, about 4 years.  He parents joined the church shortly after he did.  Now his father is the Elders Quorum President and his mother is the Relief Society President.  We are happy to serve with him until he can go to Peru.

Welcomed a fantastic new senior missionaries - the Heaths from Cedar City Utah.

Dinner with the senior missionaries - had a wonderful steak at Texas Roadhouse - yes we are still in our mission in the Philippines.

Another successful Pday hike to the top Mt. Arayat!  It really is an incredible jungle hike.

Awesome Zone Conference with the Angeles & San Fernando Zones.  Our theme was "On-dates to Actuals."  It was a good focus and reminder to help those who have a date to be baptized to actually get baptized.  This is a great work!

The buganvilla are in bloom all over our mission!  I love them so much.

We had a wonderful visit with our former missionary - Sofia Van Brocklin  - NOW Sofia Sobotka & her husband Andrew.  It was so much fun to reminisce about how the mission was 18 months ago.   We enjoyed hearing about what so many of our returned missionaries are doing now.  We are grateful that relationships can be eternal!

It's sugarcane harvest time in our mission.  It is amazing what these Filipino farmers do by hand - cutting down the sugarcane and stacking it by hand in these OLD trucks.  The other day we stopped by the sugar factory & I got a few pictures of these amazing trucks - many of them from 1940 - 1970.  The way they stack the sugarcane - it is like a work of art.  It was also fun to visit with the truck drivers.

Here is the security guard who drove us off the lot - told me I had to have a permit to take pictures.  It was a beautiful night - sunset.

Teaching in the "bukid" (country) with Sister Wheeler & Sister Legaspi.

We had the best lesson with Brother Allan.  His son is a member & he has so many great questions about the gospel.  He was so appreciative of missionaries that are willing to come to the Philippines, to sacrifice and to serve.  I left him with a pair of my reading glasses.  I told him I would leave them with him, if he would use them!  Then - he came to church the next day.  Seek & expect miracles.  Faith, prayer, combined with the spirit works miracles.

Here is Brother Allan with a couple of ward members and the excited missionaries!  He just looks like a member.

Michael is going to have a jersey made from some camo fabric we bought on Tañedo street.  It was quite the adventure going through the market with so many old sewing machines and Filipinos sewing.

You can transport almost anything with a tricycle and some rope

We never get tired of these big guys - Michael is really good at communicating with them!

Don't worry about us - we eat just fine here in the Filippines.  For those of you who have been here - we are drinking my VERY FAVORITE Green Mango Milkshakes!

Finished up Zone Conferences this week with 3 in a row!  Camiling & Santa Ignacia Zones.

Tarlac South Zone, Paniqui Zone, and our service missionary.

Tarlac North Zone & Mabalacat Zone.  Great missionaries!

We loved visiting with former Elder Johnson - now brother Camden.  It is always fun to see former missionaries and their parents.  We love sharing this beautiful place with others.  It is fun to reminisce about former missionaries, areas, and experiences.  Guess we will do that a lot with former missionaries once we get home.  We have so many sweet memories - thankful we get to take these with us.

how many pictures of bougainvillea do I need???

Another carabao and another bougainvillea  to enjoy - are you tired of them yet?  Apparently I am not as I keep taking pictures of them.

Sometimes these old dump trucks have great messages - just what I need to be reminded of - To God be the Glory!  What a privilege for us to be part of His great work.

Another AWESOME Senior Missionary couple - the Bergesons from St. George UT.  They are going to be such a blessing to the Porac Branch and to Angeles 3rd Ward.  We have enjoyed getting to know them and are looking forward to working with them in this great work.

One of our highlights this past week was attending Santa Ignacia Stake Conference on Sunday.  Santa Ignacia is in a beautiful part of our mission!  It's so green, with rolling hills and lots of trees.  They now have 9 units - all wards!  Sunday, 8 soon to be missionaries, all shared their testimonies.  They are preparing to leave to their assigned missions in the next few weeks.  4 of them will serve in the Philippines.  1 in Las Vegas, 1 in Madagascar, 1 in SLC temple square mission, and 1 in Peru.  The rising generation in the Philippines is blessing the world.  That bring the total of missionaries serving from Santa Ignacia to a total of 50 missionaries.  Wow what a blessing to this world these young missionaries will be.  What a blessing these young people will be to the Philippines when they return home with honor.  What we get to witness is amazing.  The Lord is indeed hastening His work - especially in the Philippines.

We had a wonderful dinner with the Camiling Stake Presidency & their wives.  The Bejarins, the Dolofinos, the Ramos’ & Pres & Sister Mabalot.  Everyone one of them has an incredible story of faith & sacrifice.  They are an inspiration to us.  We love them.

Super rural OR super clinic?

My hiking shoes the other day.  I remembered my shorts & hat but forgot my tennis shoes.  Thanks to M who let me use his socks

Covering each growing mango with recycled paper sacks. Amazing - & a bit scary as well!

Just another work day for these guys and their farmer friends. 

What fine missionaries we get to serve with. 

Pday activity with the senior missionaries.

We thought we should share on eo four recent returned missionaries welcome home candy lei. 

Pure Tongan style. 

Happy Valentines day with my FAVORITE Valentine!  Michael is the BEST!  He has made this mission wonderful for me.  How I love him.  These past 2 years our hearts have come so close!  We are blessed to have each other!

Our fabulous group of departing missionaries at the Urdaneta Temple!

Elder Boc.  What a great missionary.    Despite losing both of his front teeth in a bike accident early on - he has served faithfully in many assignments.   He is so smart as well - memorizing PMG as a young missionary.  His family has an incredible conversion story.  His father served as a Methodist Minister - but when they heard the truth of the Gospel they all joined.  He and his 2 sisters have all served missions.  We expect great things from him in the future.

Elder Ellam.  What an adventure this mission has been for this fine Elder.   He actually started his mission the week before we did.  He had to return home for a bit and returned to our mission 6 months ago to finish what he started.  What a great example of finishing the job started.  We are grateful for his example.

Elder Paalisbo!  He & his priest quorum made promises to ALL serve missions after attending FSY!  The entire group has served.

Here is the before picture.  He has promised to send us the picture when they ALL return from serving missions. 

They all made sure that every member of their quorum came to church each week.  When one of them didn't show up, they would rent a bike and make sure and get them all there.  What a tender story of faithful youth in the Philippines.

Elder Paalisbo is the 2nd for the right.  He is also such a gifted pianist.  We are really going to miss having him play at zone conference.

Sister Santiago.

Here is Elder Pangunsan.

Sister Sabisol.

Sister Tupou from Tonga

Ok - you get the idea!  Sister Tupou took a photo of us every zone conference

Sister Huelar

Sister Lumasag

We said goodby to 9 missionaries!  Then the next day said hello to 13 more!

Elder Ubatay.  He is 25 years old with a degree in criminology.  From Cagan de Oro. He has gone from periods of activity in the church to other times of being less-active.  He never felt like he knew enough about the gospel to serve, but then the Spirit whispered in his ear that he should serve a mission.  He loved the MTC and felt of the Savior's pure love.

Elder Cuevas from Cavite.  He was baptized when he was 17 years old - 2 years ago.  His grandmother/ his Lola took him to church when he was younger.  Then he had the chance to take care of her years later.  His lola introduced him to the missionaries.  He loves the Savior.  The Gospel is his greatest joy!  He is so grateful for extended family.  1st missionary in his family.

Sister Capili.  She speaks Waray-waray in her home.  She is 24 years old.  She graduated from institute in 2020 & got her college degree with a BS in Agri-business with the Benson Scholarship.  Her family has been sealed in the temple.  Which is a choice blessing because her father passed away in 2023.  Sounds like she is from an awesome family.  Her mother is currently serving as a RS President.

Elder Delaguit.  We have an Elder Langa serving currently in our mission.  Elder Langa referred 4 of his friends to be taught by the missionaries - & Elder Delaguit is one of those referrals.  All 4 of his referred friends are serving missions - what a story!  Elder Delaguit also had a teacher in his school that was a member of the church (a stake president) that was so kind to him.  The power of influence is real.

Sister Eeson from New Zealand.  She was raised by her grandparents.  She never thought she would serve a mission, but a former boyfriend was going on his mission and encouraged her to do the same.  So at 22 years old Sister Eason decided to serve.

Elder DeLeon.  He uncle is a former stake president in our mission. He was raised by his Lola as well. He is the first missionary in his family.

Sister Pedalino.  She has worked with missionaries in her home town for years and loves it so much.  She joined the church in 2016.  She is excited to serve - she said of the MTC - "It gave me highlights!"

Elder Gojo.  He is a runner and bike rider.  He shared a special miracle with us of how he didn't have work for a week - it just so happened that week there was a free dental/medical clinic and he was able to have his exams.  It provided a way for him to finish his mission application.  He loved the great plan of our Heavenly Father.  When thinking about serving he said, "I am so much excited!"

Sister Santos.  Her family joined the church when she was a young child.  Her family was sealed in the temple (this is rare for our missionaries from the Philippines - so we always love to hear of family sealings) Her family is now serving as the bishop. She is the first missionary in her family.  She felt the Savior taking care of her in the MTC

Sister Villancio.  Loved bonding with other missionaries in the MTC.  Her father works in Saudi Arabia.  She sees him every couple of years. In 2023 when her father came home her family was sealed in the Cebu temple.  Her mother said to her father "if you love me you will take me to the temple!" She loves wearing her missionary name tag - it is dear and near to her heart.  It makes her feel the Savior's love.

Elder Tukuafu from Aukland New Zealand.  He was raised by his adopted parents.  He is the first missionary in his family.  He received his mission call the day he received his temple endowment and the day his family was sealed in the temple.

Elder Cornelio.  1st missionary in his family.  He loved being in the MTC.  He shared such a beautiful testimony of the Savior, extending His Arms of mercy to each of us.  He touched our heart with his tenderness.

Sister Arce.  (Our second Sister Arce in the mission).  She was baptized at age 12, but then her family went less active.  A couple of years ago, 2023, missionaries visited her home and she learned how wonderful the gospel really is.  She is so excited to serve and share her love.

Camiling Stake Missionary Coordination meeting.  We love this stake presidency - oh and the missionaries as well.

Another wonderful gathering with Presiden & Sister Marbella (Mission Councilor - on our left) and the members of Mabalacat Stake Presidency & Angeles Stake Presidency and their wives.  Oh we LOVE these faithful members.  They are near and dear to our hearts as we have served and labored with them these past 2 1/2 years.  President & Sister Dulay.  Pres & Sis Rosales.  Sister & Pres. Merdegia.  Pres & Sis Escoto.

We finally got to meet the Grandadozin's new baby boy!  Oh my heart.  It really is the first baby that I have wanted to hold & snuggle.  He is so sweet - as new babies are.  I know that Heavenly Father is sending many special spirits to the Philippines - we witness it every day.  This rising generation is doing amazing things.

We attended the baptism of the Aguirre Family.  The mom, a 15 year old daughter, and a 10 year old son were baptized.  The husband & other 2 children were at the baptism as well.  The missionaries live near the Aguirre family - one day they just decided to invite them to church.  They came!  Miracles happen every day.  

The baptism started 30 minutes late, the talks were WAY too long, we sang all verses of the hymns, and so the baptism lasted 2 hours!   YET - as we sang I'll go Where you Want me to Go Dear Lord and listened to the testimonies of Sister Aguirre & her daughter my heart was so touched and I was so grateful to be there.  This is a beautiful work.

What could be in that?

The Tshirt Sister Marbella gave me.

Just on our way to the mission office