The First Week

The first week was busy as we unpacked, had our first meeting with the office staff, got our Philippines driver's licenses, tried to adjust to having house help, began answering medical concerns of the missionaries, and tried not to have an anxiety attack as we drove in the crazy Philippines traffic! Actually it's only me that has anxiety; Bart finds it great fun to weave in and out of traffic and have few to no driving rules. Thank goodness for the wonderful office couple, Assistants to the President, and office Elders who drove us or or at least drove with us and answered every question that we had.

The last time we Skyped with the Petersons, they mentioned that a missionary couple would be leaving just as we arrived and that this couple thought they knew us. It turned out to be a couple that had lived in our neighborhood 30+ years ago. She was my visiting teacher and one of the greatest influences on me as a young mother. They were able to stay at the mission home with us for two nights before they left. It was fun to visit with them and catch up. They served here in the San Pablo mission for 2 years.

It was great reconnecting with Elder and Sister Douglas.

Our first week we introduced ourselves to all of our missionaries and met many of them individually. There were three "Meet the President" zone meetings. We were overwhelmed by the love we felt from the missionaries as we walked into each of the chapels. We had been praying that the missionaries would not only feel our love but our Heavenly Father's love through us. I was not prepared for the love I felt from them as well as the love I felt from our Heavenly Father for me through them. It was a very tender experience. I was so blessed to not feel nervous, anxious, or even insecure. I know that it was my own little miracle. We introduced ourselves and our family; Bart/President Mangum taught some principles about obedience and the Culture of Righteousness; I shared a thought and my testimony; and then Bart finished with some thoughts and his testimony. We then ate a nice catered meal and visited. It was great and we really enjoyed each day. President Mangum (I'm trying to get used to calling him this when we're in public) also had some baptismal interviews and gave a couple of blessings.

 Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Lopez Zone

Lucena Zone

Marinduque Zone

Thursday, July 3, 2014

Batangas Zone

Lipa Zone

Mindoro Zone

Friday, July 4, 2014

Cabuyao Zone

San Pablo Zone

Santa Cruz Zone 

Siniloan Zone

Our first Saturday we were invited to attend a baptism. It was a sweet couple whose son had been baptized just a couple of weeks earlier. It was a very special experience to be there. There was so much support from the Bishopric and ward and it was nice to support our missionaries.