Farewell to this mission - Sad and mixed emotions.

AREA OFFICE KIDS DAY

Each year, the area office has Kid's Day which is celebrated in lieu of Halloween.  This year's theme was the Book of Mormon.  Each department was given an assignment from Tree of Life, Strippling Warriors, Christ in America, Nephi building a ship,  and the First Vision.  As per normal, these departments do a fantastic job.  Their children were to come in costume as Nephites.  It was amazing. I got to play a strippling warriorette.  Super fierce.

Lehi and I   

The First Vision

Elder Amistad portraying Samuel the
Lamanite.  What a character he is.  Bless. 

This was a special day for me because 17 months into my mission, I finally give a Book of Mormon to a gentleman who was waiting for his son in the Family History Center.  He was asking Sister Stone and I about our missions.  I felt impressed to ask him if he had read the Book of Mormon.  He said he hadn't, so I gave him a copy I had on my desk.  Later on, Sister Stone nudged me and told me to look at him, and there he was sitting, flipping through the pages with tears streaming down his face.  It was  remarkable moment and it truly was a celebration day of the Book of Mormon.

I gave my Book of Mormon to the gentleman
to my left.  What a wonderful opportunity.

PAGSANJAN FALLS

The last senior excursion I was able to go on prior to completing my mission was as Pagsanjan Falls.  It is also known as Cavinti Falls and is one of the most famous waterfalls in the Philippines.  We were told we could bring swimsuits, and had I been thinking, I would have brought a change of clothes.  When we got there we were given hard (plastic) hats and of course, life vests for protection.  Not flattering attire at all, but oh well!!

 We were partnered so there were two to a dug out canoe, and two paddlers, one in the front and one in the back.  For the first little bit, we were towed upstream.  There were enough missionaries to fill 9 canoes.

When we got to a certain point, our two paddlers started to paddle.  At various points, they would jump out and pull the canoe, with us in it, up over rocks and such.  These guys worked so hard.  It was amazing.                                                           

Sister Roberts and I were partnered together.  We were in a canyon of rocks and greenery.  It was so peaceful and relaxing.

Boarding the canoes.  (Unflattering picture of my body. I
apologize).

Off we go.  I swear the camera puts on
at least 50 pounds.

These guys worked very hard to pull us upstream.  They
were so agile, hopping in and out of the canoe.

Sights along the river. 

Once we got to the falls, we disembarked from the canoe and had to climb over some large rocks.  On the other side of the rocks, there were large bamboo rafts waiting for us to get on.  Well, this is when I realized a change of clothes would be good.  There were about 14 missionaries on our raft, plus the two drivers (guys who pull the rafts under the falls).  When I went to get on the raft, it was already six inches under water.  By the time I got on the raft and sat down, the water was up to my neck.  I perceived it wasn't wise for me to wear fleece sweat pants because, not only looking heavy, I felt quite heavy.

We were towed by rope, under the falls.  It was quite the adventure.. and of course, we were all soaking wet.  It was a super shower of cold water.  Not exactly exhilarating, but it was fun, none the less. 

Being pulled back from the falls.

Safe arrival!! Soaking wet but safe.

BEEHIVE PATHWAY STUDENTS!!!

I had the honor and privilege to be a Pathway Missionary for the students at the Beehive Factory.  I learned so much from them and their enthusiasm for learning was mind blowing.  Their gatherings took place each Thursday at 2:45pm at their work. Each has their own special uniqueness and I love them all and will miss them so much.  On my last day, they did a little video presentation for me which moves me to tears each time I watch it. 

Beehive Pathway Students. (Sister Luker was my
replacement.   She is an amazing lady and I will miss her as well.)

MY LAST WEEK - SUPER ADVENTURE!!

My last week of my mission was approaching too fast.  My daughter Tami and her fiance, Tom, arrived in the Philippines the week before my mission was completed.  They spent time with friends in Siquijor for a week, then met me in Manila to fly to Coron for a few days.  I requested and was granted permission from the Area Presidency to go with them.   We were to fly on on the Friday, November 29th, 2019 and return on December 3rd.  That would give me a few days to take them to a few of the places in Manila that I really wanted them to see.  

Tami, Tom and I at the Manila Airport waiting for our
flight to Coron. 

Tami had planned this trip for several months.  We stayed at the Two Seasons Resort on one of the tiny islands.  The weather was perfect and the time there was very relaxing.  We went island hopping the first day and snorkelled at the all of the lagoons.  There was one place we had to climb something like a 1,000 steps to get to the one lagoon.  The steps were different sizes and was difficult but so worth the hike. 

Floating in the warm lagoon was just a little
bit like Heaven.  I didn't even care that I got
a bit of a sunburn.

Peaceful waters.

I managed to stand for about 1 second .. I decided to
kneel and paddle.  That said, this picture looks impressive.

Beautiful Sunset  -- absolutely stunning!

Then Mother Nature decided to change our plans.  We were supposed to leave on Tuesday, but this dang typhoon decided to turn and beelined west, straight through Manila.  The airport was shut down for 12 hours and our flight was cancelled.  We were hooped as there were no flights available.  Tom spent a lot of time on the phone with his travel agent who said we may not get back to Manila until Friday.  Our flights back to Canada were Friday.  Panic!!

The little blue dot is where we were in Coron. 

Dressed and ready for the trip back through
the choppy waters... very, very choppy
waters.  Like very, very, very choppy waters. 

Fortunately Tom got a flight for me to head back to Manila on Thursday morning.  They had booked a later flight that afternoon to Manila.  It just put a kink into my plans because I really wanted to show them where worked in the area office, the American Cemetery and most important, Mabuhay Deseret Foundation.  

We managed to get home in time for the Farewell Dinner that the Senior missionaries do when a missionary completes their mission. 

We dined at Italianni's Restaurant.  The staff do their little sing song.  I love those people.  After being there for 18 months, the staff of the respective restaurants get to know you and what you want.  You get spoiled when they ask you if you 'want your usual.'

The next morning Sister Stone offered her vehicle and we asked Jerry to take us to Mabuhay.  I had wanted Tami and Tom to see where some of us missionaries serve weekly.  The patients prepared a little song, "Because You Loved Me" for me.  They made thank you posters and signed the back of the posters with sweet messages.  I was moved to tears and so grateful for the opportunity I had to meet and be a small part of these children's and their parent's lives.  The staff at Mabuhay are the best and I now have eternal friends. 

They sang 'Because You Loved Me" to me.  I am so
blessed by these children. 

Mabuhay children, parents and staff on
December 8, 2020. 

Reading their little messages. 

Ezra Mercadera.  This is one amazing man.  Despite
his medical condition, he served a full time mission
for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
He is a Chartered Accountant and has been a great
example to some of the young men who are at
Mabuhay. After having his surgery, he started working for
Mabuhay Deseret Foundation.

Franco Cajumban and his wonderful staff, with Tami,
Tom, Jerry (our driver) and myself.

Just as we were leaving Mabuhay, we there was a gentleman outside selling helium balloons.  So we asked him to come into Mabuhay that we could give each of the children and a few parents a balloon.  There were Disney characters as well as Avengers.  The kids just loved them and it made my heart full to be able to give them a little something.

After we returned to the Family History Center, I was able to bid farewell to my friends.  I have had the best experience serving in this mission.  Absolutely life changing and I wouldn't change a second of it. 

I miss my farewell party because of
the Typhoon, but this was a on the
wall in the Family History when I
returned.  So very, very thoughtful.

Christine, Me, Sister Araza and Felvir. 

Anny, Sister Stone, Michael, Ysabelle and Inna

Distribution Staff and Me 

Rom and Jean and Me.

After we left the area office, it was time to go back to the apartment and collect our luggage and head to the airport.  

Last look around my apartment before we left.  

Elder Grimshaw called him 'Sarge'.  I continued
to do the same.  We saluted every time we saw
each other.  He is one of the staff of our building
and his presence made us feel safe. 

My companion, Sister Stone.

The last look at Manila as we were taxiing down the runway. 

As I have stated many times before, this mission was the best experience.  At times it was difficult, and there were nights I wept and wondered what I was doing in the Philippines.  It took me out of my comfort zone and stretches you and have a greater appreciation for life and what is important in my life. That said, there isn't one thing I would change about it.  I met and made many friends.  As most missionaries would say, "My mission was the Best Ever!!"

A CATCH UP OF THE PAST MONTH .. AND A BIT

Manila Temple - My Happy Place

BLOOD BANK 

Several weeks ago, we were in the Family History Center when we got word that a 14 year old girl in Sister Stone's ward needed blood donations.  In the Philippines, if you donate blood on behalf of the patient, it would go as a credit towards the surgical procedure on the patient and we were told she needed 16 pints of blood.  This little girl's name is Aljen Almonia.  She was orphaned when her parents died and now lives with her aunt and uncle.  A year ago she was diagnosed with cancer and underwent chemotherapy.   The Relief Society President of her ward, Esther De Guzman told us about the need for blood donations.

We had first heard about it in the morning and decided we would go after work to donate our blood.  Then we were told her white count was too high and her procedure would be postponed .. but by some miracle, within a few hours, she was back on for the surgery.   It was later in the afternoon when we found out and we only had a few hours to get to the blood bank, so Esther, Sister Stone and myself left immediately.

Now, things in the Philippines certainly are not like back home, especially when it comes to some of the medical facilities and blood bank.  Their procedures left something to be desired, but it was worth going to help this young lady.

Donating my 116th pint of blood.

Sister Stone, Esther De Guzman and me.

Aljen's surgery was successful.  They removed 3 of her ribs that were cancerous.  We later found out that even though they had met the quote of blood needed, they still required more.  The bishop of her ward provided sufficient funds for our supervisor, Larry Caduada to attend at another medical facility to purchaser more blood and take to where Aljen had been admitted.  Needless to say, they do things quite differently here in the Philippines. 

ELDER G. KENNETH LEE - NAGA MISSION PRESIDENT

In early September we heard the tragic news that President Kirk of the Naga Mission had suffered a stroke and sadly, passed away.  He and his wife had only begun serving their mission this past July.  On Wednesday, September 11th, an Area Seventy, Elder G. Kenneth Lee was called by President Henry B. Eyring to be the new Naga Mission President.   He and his wife, Angelina and their son Paul were to be in Naga on following Saturday.

Elder Lee was working in the area office, first in the Welfare Department, ensuring that people in the areas that were affected from natural disasters, etc. were taken care of.  Then earlier this year, he was transferred to the Education Department. He is one of the nicest, kindest and hard working person I have ever met.  We will miss him at the Area Office and I will miss seeing his wife, Angelina at the Temple.

President and Sister Lee
Philippines Naga Mission

AREA OFFICE DEVOTIONAL - NIK DAY

Every Tuesday we have an Area Office Devotional.  One week we were delighted to be invited to a special devotional featuring Nik Day, the composer who wrote Peace in Christ.  He and his wife, Darla were in the Philippines to record the new Youth Theme with some Filipino youth. 

Nik and Darla Day and Me

#BFF - BUILDING FAMILIES FOREVER - COLOR RUN 2019

Only in the Philippines would you get up at 2:30am to participate in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Building Families Forever Fun Color Run. 

There were at least 4,000 participants, young and old, who gathered together to participate in this event.

I have never seen anything like it.  Their energy was contagious.  I am grateful for this opportunity to be able to participate in this church event.

Yes, this is a happy face..just after we started the run at 5:00am

Larry, Regie, Felvir and Me

Felvir Ordinario and me

I did the circuit with Lovelyn and Kimber

Our Mabuhay Participants. Ezra, Rizal and Patrick

This was seriously one of the best Building Families Forever
events ever.   #BFF  #familiesareforever

PATHWAY CONNECT

Sister Stone and I were asked to be the Pathway Missionaries for the Pathway Program.  We have the opportunity to work with the students who work at the Beehive Factory.  As there was interest in a lot of the students to learn English, Sister Stone and Elder and Sister Gunnell are working with 30 students to do the English Connect. 

I have been blessed to be with these Pathway Students.  They travel 1-2 hours by bus, jeepney or motorcycle to get to their work.  Most come a few hours before their shift so they can access internet and work on their assignments.  Internet isn't as accessible in most places here in the Philippines and the cost is unaffordable.  Some homes barely have enough electricity for a lightbulb.  One of the students, in another Pathway Group doesn't even have a door in his home.  But, these students want to learn and they are willing to sacrifice whatever they have to gain a better education and learn. 

Beehive Pathway Connect - Students
I am so proud of them.

BER MONTHS -- CHRISTMAS BEGINS 

 

Only in the Philippines do people start decorating for Christmas the last part of August, preparing for the BER months.

THE PAW-SHIONABLE FUR BALL EVENT - PET GALA - EASTWOOD CITY

This past Sunday they had a Pet Gala.  I was walking through Eastwood and it was a sight to behold.  I will just post a few pictures and you can see for yourself.

Celebrating the love for pets at the most PAW-shionable Fur Ball Event in Eastwood.  The PET Gala theme's inspiration from the Matropolitan Museum of Art's iconic MET Gala in New York City. Known as 'Fashion's Biggest Night Out", the MET Gala attracts Hollywood A-listers for the most fashion-forward spectacle. This year, Eastwood adopted the grandiose theme for the 12th anniversary of its Pet Blessing.

 

 

 

 

Some of these costumes were so elegant.  I can't imagine what it cost to have matching costumes made to match your pet.

Only the elite participated in this event.  It is such a contrast from some of the dogs and cats we see on the streets in Manila or on the way to the Area Office. 












MABUHAY - HYGIENE KITS

I have talked about Mabuhay Deseret Foundation in previous blogs, Instagram and Facebook.  I go every Wednesday with a few other sister missionaries to do a little sharing time for the children there.  Sister McOmber knew it was important to be able to provide proper hygiene kits to the patients and their families there.  Over a period of time, we were collecting toothpaste, toothbrushes and toiletries and put them into a ziplock bag and took as many as we could to Mabuhay to help out.  Sister McOmber, who initiated this project was not able to see the outcome of her efforts as her mission completed in August.  Once the project  was written up and approved, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Charities was able to provide supplies and bags to make up hygiene kits for the moms, dads and children.  Two weeks ago we took some time to put these hygiene kits together. 

 

 "If God puts a Goliath in front of you, He must believe there's a David inside of you."