#LightTheWorld

This has been quite an amazing few weeks.  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has a LIGHT THE WORLD campaign to do daily good deeds by giving service and give like the Savior gave to bring light into people's lives.  This blog will contain a lot of pictures to show what some of the Church members have been doing to in this wonderful venture.

MAKATI 4TH WARD YOUTH 
The Young Men and Young Women of our ward had a service project at the beginning of the month.  Their leaders made arrangements with a gentleman to pickup  children from the street and bring them to the Church building in a Jeepney.  Here, the youth, their leaders and several volunteers, washed their hair with tea tree oil shampoo (to remove the head lice), bath their feet and wounds on their legs and arms then apply antiseptic cream and bandages.  They were also provided with a meal, and clothing as well as footwear.  After they played games in the parking lot.  The young girls were so excited and elated to have their hair washed and braided. 

Feet were washed and antiseptic cream and bandages
were applied.  Each child was given a pair of new
flip flops for their feet and new clothes. 

Food was provided for each child.

 

 The children left with full tummies, washed hair (and feet) and a new outfit that they changed into.  They looked so clean, fresh and happy!  So grateful to know we are ALL children of God,

 MEET MABUHAY'S ARTIST EXTRAORDINAIRE  - RIZAL GUTIERREZ

RIZAL GUTIERREZ paints, draws portraits, and plays the guitar with partially developed fingers and only one fully functioning eye. Rizal was also born with a facial cleft that was operated on when he was 10 years old.  He plans to continue with corrective surgery and speech therapy to make it easier for him to speak clearly and eat.  By purchasing this Christmas Card, (artwork done by Rizal), we help him and many others like him, who need medical treatment.  Rizal presented David Archuleta with an amazing sketch of David that he did for him.   This young man is amazing and he has a wonderful spirit about him. 

GIVING LIGHT TO THOSE WHO HAVEN'T HAD LIGHT 

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints also has a project where they have taken solar lamps to some of the most remote areas in the Philippines.  Elder and Sister Gunnell, who currently work in the Welfare Department of the Church,  provided me with pictures of their day where they travelled by car, then army jeep to a remote area in one of the north provinces.  Elder Gunnell is a phenomenal photographer and I hope you can experience what they captured in pictures.  

Humble home of the people who live in this village.
There is no running water or electricity. The solar
lanterns provided will give them light in their homes.

This elderly gentleman receiving his solar lamp for his home.

NURSERY PACKETS FOR THE NEWBORN BABIES

Sister Christine Browne who currently works in the ARP/Welfare Department in the Area Office ordered supplies for newborns for the various hospitals in Manila and area.  Last week, they put together about 300 packages for these babies.  Each package contained a blanket, 3 diapers, onesie, baby cap and pack of baby wipes.  Sisters Browne, Skinner and Gunnell did most of the work.  Sister Stone and I got there at the end of the day to help.

 

Sisters Browne, Gunnell and Owen distributed the boxes of packets to the hospitals.  Sister Owen said it was quite a site to see 3 or 4 mothers sitting on each bed with their babies behind them. They didn't even have their own room, ward or bed to themselves or bassinets for their babies.  But Sister Owen said these mothers were beaming and so happy for their little ones and very grateful for the gift packets.

As I work in Family History, I missed out on that opportunity, but I was told they will be doing another project like this in the next few months, and I will ask permission from my supervisor for the opportunity to participate in this activity.  I can't wait.

We take so much for granted back home.  Living here has been quite the eye opener and this campaign to 'Light The World' is inspired because we all benefit from it.


AREA OFFICE CHRISTMAS DEVOTIONAL
Every Tuesday we have an Area Office Devotional, but at Christmas they have a special devotional which includes a small Christmas Cantata with readings from the Area Presidency and of course, food.  I have had the opportunity to sing in the Area Office Choir and tradition, especially at Christmas time, is the women wear kimonos.  I thought Japanese, but no, more Supremes.. ...just kidding.  Sequins are not my style but we made the exception for this occasion.  The true Spirit of Christmas was felt by all those who attended.

Looking Good!

 

LIGHTING THE WORLD -- CHRISTMAS PHILIPPINE STYLE
There are Christmas lights and then there are Christmas lights done Filipino style.  Filipinos have been decorating for Christmas since the first of September.  If you don't believe me, here are a few pictures of just a few of them.

There are Nativities everywhere.  This is in front
of our condo building.  I love that this country is Christian.

Traditional Christmas in the day time.  I wished we could see it at night when it was all lit up.  There are quite a few of these traditional figures. 

Eastwood City Walkway

Daytime 

Nightime

AND NOW  --------- BRIANNE'S MOST DESIRED CHRISTMAS LAWN ORNAMENT!!!!

In VIOLET

in BLUE

 AND FINALLY..... OUR GIVING MACHINES.....

Sister Stone and I had the blessed opportunity to fill the GIVING MACHINES with funds she received from her friends to use on her mission.  We purchased at least one of everything totalling just over P15,000 .. ($300US).  These items will give so much to the charities in the Philippines.  To date we have collected just over P550,000... it may not sound like much back home, but it is huge over here.  #LightTheWorld

 MALIGAYANG PASKO!!!