A Week of Miracles .. And a Bit of History (WWII)

  

Miracles do happen.  I thought for sure my bank card was a goner, but on Wednesday evening, I walked to the ATM that ate my bank card, and the guard on duty, told me that the card had been removed by the company that looks after the ATM.  The next day I called the bank and sure enough, they had it.  I was fortunate to get a ride to the bank and retrieve my card.  

Oh happy day!  Seriously, this was nothing short of a miracle that I got my bank card back. 




On Friday after my busy day, I decided to go for a Mani Pedi with another the Elder and Sister Browne.  They have a different set up for Mani Pedi's here, or at least here, in Eastwood but they really pamper you.  

When we entered, there was the cutest little girl getting her mani-pedi with her mother.  I think she is the youngest client I have ever seen in a spa.  So cute and very well behaved.

A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY - AND HUMBLING TO SAY THE LEAST.

This past Saturday, some some of the senior missionaries went on an excursion.  An excursion is planned once a month for the Seniors, that they may have an opportunity to see various areas of the Philippines and learn more about the culture and history of this country.  This last weekend, we went to Bataan (Capas National Shrine) and to San Guillermo Parish (also known as the Sunken Church).

Bataan was founded in 1754 by Governor General Pedro Manuel Arandia. ... On April 9, 1942, about 75,000 Filipino and American troops in Bataan were forced to make an arduous 65-mile march to prison camp in Tarlac, marking the infamous Bataan Death March.

Background --The day after Japan bombed the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor, on December 7, 1941, the Japanese invasion of the Philippines began. Within a month, the Japanese had captured Manila, the capital of the Philippines, and the American and Filipino defenders of Luzon (the island on which Manila is located) were forced to retreat to the Bataan Peninsula. For the next three months, the combined U.S.-Filipino army held out despite a lack of naval and air support. Finally, on April 9, with his forces crippled by starvation and disease, U.S. General Edward King Jr. (1884-1958), surrendered his approximately 75,000 troops at Bataan.

Bataan Death March: April 1942 -- The surrendered Filipinos and Americans soon were rounded up by the Japanese and forced to march some 65 miles from Mariveles, on the southern end of the Bataan Peninsula, to San Fernando. The men were divided into groups of approximately 100, and what became known as the Bataan Death March typically took each group around five days to complete. The exact figures are unknown, but it is believed that thousands of troops died because of the brutality of their captors, who starved and beat the marchers, and bayoneted those too weak to walk. Survivors were taken by rail from San Fernando to prisoner-of-war camps, where thousands more died from disease, mistreatment and starvation.

Aftermath -- America avenged it's defeat in the Philippines with the invasion of the island of Leyte in October 1944.  General Douglas MacArthur (1880-1964), who in 1942 had famously promised to return to the Philippines, made good on his word.  In February 1945, US-Filipino forces recaptured the Bataan Peninsula, and Manila was liberated in early March.

After the war, an American military tribunal tried Lieutenant General Homma Masaharu, commander of the Japanese invasion forces in the Philippines.  He was held responsible for the death march, a war crime, and was executed by firing squad on April 3, 1946.

This memorial is dedicated to the brave men and women who defied the might of the invaders at Bataan, Corregidor and other parts of the Philippines during World War II.  Thousands died in battle, during the Death March, while in captivity.  Thousands more endured inhuman conditions at the prison camp in Capas, Tarlac. They suffered in the night so that their countrymen would wake to the dawn of freedom.  (Estimated Death Marchers April 9 - 15, 1942 : 60,600 Filipinos and 9,900 Americans)

"These men were the flowers of our youth.  They typified the courage and loyalty of our race.  We can never forget them.  We will never forget them.  Their heroic sacrifice set a measure of fidelity to our flag and our institutions for this and future generations." President Manuel A. Roxas, November 30, 1946. (Estimated Defenders who reached Capas: 45,692 + Filipinos and 9,300 Americans).

Box car

San Guillermo Parish Church is named after San Guillermo, the patron saint of Bacolor, Pampanga, Philippines, where the church is erected. The church was originally constructed by the Augustinian Friars in 1576 – also the town's founding – with Fr. Diego De Ochoa, OSA, as the town's first parish priest. Having been installed as such two years after.  Bacolor is one of the oldest towns in the Philippines. The first church was built by the Augustinian friars in 1576 on the lot of Don Guillermo Manabat, a rich landlord believed to be the founder of Bacolor. 

In 1880, the church was destroyed by an earthquake only to be rebuilt by Fr. Eugenio Alvarez in 1886. On September 3, 1995, lahar flow from the slopes of Mount Pinatubo which erupted into the world's notice on June 15, 1991, buried the church at half its 12-m height prompting its more than 50,000 town residents to evacuate to safer grounds in resettlement areas. Near the facade of the parish church is a museum which contains the history of the church. 

Altar

Our Excursion Group

I have to say to say this excursion has given me more appreciation for these islands and the Filipinos.  On our way to Capas National Shrine, we travelled over a bridge that crossed rice fields and found there were many people living under the bridges. Wherever there was a place to make a home, they will find it and make it a home. Their roofs are made of corrugated tin/metal and the only thing that holds them down are old tires.  Most roofs are rusted because of the rain. There is very little protection from the elements. Last week, the area in Bataan was severely flooded, and many of the homes we saw, under the bridges had water up to their doors and some had water right in their homes.   I even saw some chickens in a 'yard' of sorts, making their way around.

I have been here just over 5 weeks and if anything, I have learned that whatever discomforts we feel we may have back in Canada, is nothing, compared to the conditions the Filipinos live.  Yet, they are happy, hardworking and persevere some of the worst living conditions.  

44 Days in... without Purse nor Script.. (Okay I have the Script(ures))

P Day today and I have been in the Philippines 44 days.   This past month, we had a change in the Area Presidency.  I didn't realize that two of these men were in my ward.  I have only been here 4 Sundays.  I had only met Elder Bowen twice in Church then he was gone.  I am not sure where he was reassigned to, but Elder Haynie and his wife, Deb were assigned to serve in North New York Mission and he will be overseeing the Halifax Mission where President Richard Low and his wife Gayle are currently serving.

After three weeks here, I finally got the Orientation Class...4 hours of instruction of the do's and don'ts in this mission as well as meeting several of the department heads.  The last presentation was by Elder Haynie, who has such a great love for the Philippines.  He studied everything there was to know about this country and gave us the history of the Church in the Philippines.  You could tell of his love for these people.  There was only one other couple with me. 

Elder Hainey, myself, Sister and Elder Connell and Dina Alves

They have Steveston Pizza here!! Steveston is a village outside of Vancouver where they had filmed Once Upon A Time televison series.  I was unaware they had a 'famous pizza' which made it's way all the way here in Quezon City.  A week or so ago, a few of the senior missionaries decided to head there for supper.  I have to say it was one of the best pizzas I have ever tasted. 

I may have mentioned in an earlier entry, that many of the Filipino people walk in between the vehicles, usually at very busy intersections, selling their wares.  We were on our way back from Church and there were some street (literally) vendors walking in between the vehicles.  Sometimes you see one or two blind people, being guided with their hands out, begging for money.  We have been instructed never to give money, but if possible, carry a nutrition bar or something like that to give them.   

 The Friday before Elder Haynie and his wife left, they came around each office with home made cookies and to say good bye to all of the staff.  I believe there were many pictures of them that day.

Driving back from shopping one day, we saw this tow truck with a make shift hammock in the back with a guy sleeping in it.   You would think the noise of the traffic and honking horns, (which is very frequent on these roads) would wake him up, but he was right out of it.

There are also quite a few homeless people living under the freeways wherever there is shelter.  Some live in broken down cars with make shift tarps or plastic to keep the rain off them.   The cars may have a windshield but a couple I have seen, had no doors.    They may not have a house to live in, per se' but they are the ones who are mostly selling their wares on the streets.

We had quite a bit of rain this past week and I couldn't help but notice the river rising.  For about three days, the rain was quite intense from the monsoon caused from the last typhoon that hit Japan.  

The water is always that color and normally doesn't have a current.  But when it rains, all of a sudden there is a current and you can see quite a bit of debris floating in it.  I took this picture yesterday and you can certainly see the rising water, that has taken a home or two and I am sure they don't have home insurance.  

The good news is today, the water has receded and you can see what is left of the riverbank.  That little hill in the foreground is in the cement factory.  In front of that are people's homes.  

Last week, I took a break to see what the weather was doing outside and there were four missionaries sitting outside the Family History Center.   These elders had just completed their two years of service and were heading home.  Of course, you have the 'Where are you from' questions and when they heard I was from Lethbridge, they told me one of their elders was also from Lethbridge.  Just as I we leaving to head back into the Family History Center, Elder Atwood was coming out of the Distribution Centre.  I knew right away it was President Atwood's son.  President Atwood is my Stake President.   What a small world.  

Filipino people are NOT a lazy people from my observation.  I start my work between 7:30-8:00 a.m. Tuesday to Saturday, and even if I am there at 7:00a.m. in the morning, there are ALWAYS people in either the Distribution Centre or the Family History Center.  Some of these people travel for hours to get there when the building opens, so they can get names to take to the Temple.  Most of our volunteer staff take 2 hours to get to work each day.  Their mode of travel is usually the Jeepney.  So they are up really early in the morning and sometimes they don't get home until really late at night, depending on traffic.  Last week, we were sent home early because of inclement weather.  I thought, really.... it's just rain.  But they send the regular staff home so the care-taking staff can get the buildings cleaned before they go home.  Most of the areas surrounding Quezon flood very fast and this past week, it got pretty bad in some areas.  Even driving back to Eastwood, water was quite high on some of the roads, half way up the tires in some areas. 

Typical morning at the Family History Centre about 7:30a.m.

Last week we had a group of 40+ members from Vietnam here to do their temple work for their ancestors.  On Tuesday, when I got to the office, I was approached by a sister missionary who had travelled with these members from Vietnam, to give me some information of another sister's husband who had passed away.  Lately I have been working on the 110 year cases and researching their lines to give them clearance to have that work done.  Tuesday, I wasn't given the correct information.  Same thing happened when they brought more information for me on Wednesday.  It was frustrating for as they were only going to be heading back to Vietnam on Friday.  Thursday,  I was given exactly what I needed to research that man's name and get clearance.  As I was clearing the name for approval, I got emotional.  Not sure why.. maybe it was the thought that this woman was finally going to be able to have her husband's work done and be sealed to him.  

The next day, one of the other senior missionaries shared what happened at the temple the day before.  Apparently, the brother who was proxy for this man, could feel that brother's  presence and especially at the alter, when he was proxy to be sealed to his wife.  I guess it was quite a spiritual experience for all who were in that sealing room.  Then I understood why I got so emotional the day before.  He had been waiting to have his work done and was ready.  

Also, another thing I noticed here... all of the boys and young men and priesthood, wear white shirts and I mean white white. Although many of the church members just barely get by financially, these boys have white shirts.  

I have had a habit of losing things around here.  Several weeks ago, I  lost my blue sweater.  Next day I thought I should go back to the restaurant to see if it was there, and sure enough, it fell out of my purse when I was taking my umbrella out.    Then several says later, on a Saturday, I took a taxi to the Family History Center, and sure enough, I left it in the taxi.  I was so upset .. I am very limited on clothes here and sweaters are good to have in an air conditioned room because, believe it or not, it does get cold.  

Well today, topped it off.  I went to go the ATM to take out some money for the week, and usually the ATM next to our building, works great.  Today it didn't let me do the transaction.  So, when I was toodling around running a couple of errands, I noticed that there was the same bank ATM next to the grocery store.  Unfortunately, it was not working so I went to use the one next to it.  BIG MISTAKE.  I slipped the card in and the screen kept saying...'reading card'.. for about 3 minutes.  I tried to cancel the transaction but it just kept saying it was reading the card.  The guard came over to see if there was a problem.  Of course there was a problem.  The ATM ate my card.  So, I called the number on the ATM and talked with a lady who put me on hold for several minutes.  When she came back, she said they were going to do what they could and it would take 20 - 25 minutes.  Then the screen went black, and from somewhere in cyberspace, the ATM was getting rebooted.  After a few minutes it said the ATM was temporarily out of order.  I waited about 40 minutes and decided to call again. I got a different operator and had to explain everything again.  She put me on hold.. came back and said they were rebooting the machine.  I told her they had already done that, and in that second, the normal screen came back on ... BUT..... you have it: NO CARD.  I was still on the phone with the lady and she said it should be working.  I said, it looks like it would be, but my card was still in there.  She advised they would have to have their service people retrieve it, which may take a few days.   When they retrieve the card, they will send it to the main branch of the bank, and I would have to pick it up there.   I gave her my phone number and email and then I told her, that as long as my card was in that ATM, they would be losing money.  She didn't understand.  I said, "with my card in there, nobody will be able to use their card because mine would be blocking it."  Sure's shootin, right after I hung up, a lady came to use the ATM.  

Strange, I am not quite as upset about this card as I am about my sweater.   That said, I messaged Jaime at the bank to let her know, and I will wait to hear back from her what we can do.  In the mean time, I am apprehensive using these ATM's over here.  

Today's Quote:  "The arrival of a Typhoon is no time to dust off the Gift of the Holy Ghost and figure out how to use it." Elder Larry Y. Wilson.

I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen it. UNBELIEVABLE!

Today I went on a field trip of sorts.  When I got to the Family History Center, Larry, my manager,  told us that he needed a couple of us to go to the Manila North Cemetery to catalogue and take pictures of headstones of some of the some of those who served in the Philippine Armed Forces.  Felvir Ordinario, the Area Manager, has been working with the Armed Forces to keep proper records of those who served. We had a list of some of the soldiers, but we needed to take pictures of the headstones and obtain the dates, if possible.

Of course, the drive there left something to be desired .. Friday traffic was insane.  It took us about an hour to get there.  Entering the cemetery, almost seemed like we were entering a little village of sorts.  Maybe a better description might be like a park. There were quite a few little shanty's and make shift tents, little store fronts, with people selling candles, flowers, pop and other confections.  I asked if we were in the cemetery, and Felvir confirmed that we were.  There were hundreds of mausoleums, different styles, shapes, sizes, some looking like from a wealthy family, and others that were run down.   Some of the rundown ones were occupied.... along with the deceased, the living as well.   There were dogs that were tied up to some of the gravestones, that are unleashed at night to keep perpetrators from attempting to steal from the wealthy mausoleums.  Felvir said that people try to steal whatever brass or metal they can.

There were children playing on the road path, or wherever there was a space.  I couldn't believe that people lived there.  Felvir said living there was more safe for them than living in the poorer places in Manila.  My heart just hurt for these people and especially these children.  I asked about education.  I was told every child can attend school, no charge, but they had to pay for their school books and supplies.  I asked about personal hygiene and he said there were a couple of public washrooms in the cemetery, (I only saw one) and that was where they went to wash up and stuff.

So, we made way through the tiny military section of about 250-300 graves.  Larry and I took one section and Felvir and Sister Ibinez took the other section.  We were comparing the dates on the sheets we had, took pictures, cleaned off the headstones that we could, to attempt to obtain the proper rank, dates and names.

Some of the headstones had been worn down from the elements.  Rain definitely took it's tole on some of the grave markers.  And many were engraved, white on white, which really made it difficult to read.  I had some baby wipes and we did what we could to clean some of them off.  On some of the graves, someone took a felt pen to try and write the names.  Most were pretty good but there were some that were not correct.  We had umbrellas to keep the sun off of us, but they came in handy when taking pictures, because the pictures turned out better when shaded.

I was certainly not dressed for the trip and the humidity was intense, and beads of sweat was running into my eyes and they felt like they were burning.  I was thankful for the umbrella to protect us from the sun.

After we finished, we paid the caretaker of the cemetery.  He was so grateful for the money.  There were a couple of little girls by the car and we were instructed not to give them any money.  My heart again, hurt.

Driving out of the cemetery, there was a large building of sorts.  It looked like a condominium but it was on a much smaller scale which was being built to house more graves/coffins.

Needless to say, the experience today has certainly been an eye opener.  I was told that during my mission, we will be attending other cemeteries, including the US Military one here.  Felvir said he was going to get permission to go back to the North Cemetery and work on the sections for the Policeman and Fireman. I also have a deeper appreciation for those who go around the world, taking pictures for Billiongraves.com and FindaGrave.com. 

We have our stresses back home, but I can't imagine the stress and worry mothers and fathers must have in this country to work and provide for their children and to see they have an education.  They are the hardest working people and the don't take anything for granted, especially to live in a cemetery.

One month in....

So I have been in the mission field exactly one month and tomorrow, it will be two weeks since I arrived in Quezon City.  It appears that the time has gone by quickly, but there have been a couple of days, where time dragged by.  I moved into my apartment a week ago and and being here without internet made the evenings drag by.   By Friday, I had arranged for internet and of course, I had to take the whole day to stay home because the window they gave me was 9:00a.m. to 6:00p.m. Of course I was up, showered and ready by 7:30 and then I waited .. and waited and waited.  By 1:00 they called and said they would be 5 minutes.  They arrived just after 2:00.  After getting internet, we found the television doesn't work.  I don't know why. but it doesn't. Supposedly it is brand new.

Last Thursday, I went with two other couples to the Beehive Centre.  They work in the Pathway Program and there were going to oversee the class there.  Little did I know, but the Beehive House is where actually where they make the Temple Garments.   There are only 5 factories in the world that make the garments, and this one produces more than any of them.  They have the highest production and they get paid so much for each piece they sew.  It is quite the remarkable system they have.  Unbelievable.  After watching them sew the garments, I have a great appreciation for them.   These workers are also in the Pathway program, learning English and writing.  I was allowed to take pictures but I will only post a couple.

Cutting Room .. Literally hundreds of layers of fabric and each
one is cut perfectly.

 
I am finally becoming more familiar with Eastwood. I can actually get around and not have to ask anyone for directions.  Again, this is one of the most secure places I have ever been to.  There are security guards everywhere. The other day I was toodling around and there were some Transformers, Ironman and Spiderman there.  I couldn't help but take a selfie of me and Ironman. It must have been unbearable for these guys to stay in costume in this humidity and heat.  But it is the way they make a living .. for each picture you throw in a couple of pesos.


Where Eastwood is the more secure area, just around the corner, behind a wall, is the elite of the poor area.  I say elite, because at least their building seem a little more stable than some of the shanty's I have seen on the river.  It is unbelievable where these people live, but they are always smiling and happy.  Our youth don't know how good they have it and I am sure it is quite the eye opener for some young missionaries over here.  They don't have the same luxury the senior missionaries have.  That said, I found a baby gecko in my apartment the other morning.  Unfortunately, he died.  I sprayed insect repellent under the door and around the windows and I think the little dude caught a whiff and died.  That said there was another one, I call Glen, who ran safely underneath the couch.  Now, not that I am afraid of the little guy, but last night I sat with my feet off the floor.  

I noticed one huge dead cockroach the other morning, that disappeared as I flushed him down the toilet.  I realized there are tiny cracks and openings around the air conditioner in here.. Nothing that duct tape doesn't fix.  

I discovered Mango milk shakes. Enough said.  New diet.  I am eating better than I did the first week here.  I have discovered a little bakery down the street that has delicious carbs.  Not quite Cobs Bread, but decent.  

About driving.. I am more convinced I am not going to drive here.  Yesterday, a senior couple were turning into the church parking and a motorcycle came up the right side of the vehicle, took out the bumper of the van and then the guy took off.  Even when you signal, they don't pay attention around here.  I was thinking is would be cheaper for me to take a taxi when I need a way to the Family History Center each day.

Today was my PDay (Preparation Day) and I have decided I need to be creative on those days. My PDays happen on a Monday, as if Monday's weren't bad enough.  I finally dragged my self out of my apartment and went across the street and had a facial.  Oh my... just a little bit of heaven.  Face and head massage before they begin.  It was a pretty good investment. 

I finally got the courage to use the ATM today.  There are only certain ATM's that will let me use my card.  I tried one.. FAIL.  Then the other. FAIL.. finally success with the third one.  I can only take 10,000 pesos at a time, which is only about $265.00 Cdn plus the $5.00 service charge. It is what it is.. and I must be frugal while living here. 

I came to the realization this morning, that before my mission I was so busy all the time with work, and my other work, church, subbing seminary and such, that out here in the mission field, I need to find more to do.  Hopefully I will be busy in the Family History Center this week.  I have been learning lots and helping a few people.  I will probably feel more comfortable in the next few weeks.  

Thought for the day:  "God is eagerly waiting for the chance to answer your prayers and fulfill your dreams, just as he always has.  But he can't if you don't pray, and he can't if you don't dream.  In short, he can't if you don't believe."  Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

Shanty-ville the elite of the poor.
But seriously a very happy people.

Selfie with Iron man

Iron Man

Spidey and Bumble Bee

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints - Metro Manila (Makati 4th Ward)

Glen .. house pet.