A Savior is Born
Tuesday, December 8, 2015
A Savior is Born
As everyone who knows me is aware I love this time of year. In the Philippines they start putting out Christmas decorations and playing Christmas music in September. Bart and I have decided we enjoy it. We even had the Christmas tree in the Mission Home put up on October 30. I know, it's unbelievable isn't it? But when you really think about why we celebrate Christmas it feels okay to celebrate for a long time. We love our Savior and we are so thankful for His sweet birth, His life and example of charity and obedience, and of course, His atoning sacrifice. We don't understand how the Atonement works but we have felt the redeeming and enabling powers of this great gift from our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. I hope you are enjoying this special time of year. We love you!
Another adorable grandson!
On December 2 Collin and Cecily had a baby boy! His name is Colby and he was 8 lbs 4 ozs. and 20" long. He is beautiful and we are very thankful for his safe arrival. Both baby and mommy are doing well. His sister adores him along with dad and mom. Once again we are so very thankful for modern technology that allows us to see the baby and the family together. We only wish we could hold him!
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| Beautiful Baby and Family |
Monday, December 7, 2015
The Cycle Continues--Another Group Leaves and Another Group Arrives
November 30 and December 1 we spent time with a very fun and faithful group of missionaries before they got in the Jeepneys and headed to Manila. We really enjoyed the fun as well as the tender and heartfelt testimonies they shared.
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| Our great departing missionaries included three from the first group that arrived 2 1/2 weeks after we arrived --during the typhoon. It's hard to believe they have already completed their service. We will miss them all! |
December 2 and 3--A large group of 18 missionaries arrived. We had orientation, interviews, visits, and they went to a lake in San Pablo to proselyte. They are a friendly group with great testimonies and are ready to serve.
Thanksgiving Day 2015
November 27, 2015--We had a wonderful Thanksgiving this year. We were able to
have all of our senior couples, including one who arrived the day before, join
us for dinner, visiting, sharing, and fun. All of the women helped to make the
meal so we had a delicious, traditional Thanksgiving meal including turkey and
all the trimmings, homemade rolls, and pumpkin pie. We loved being in the kitchen and cooking together. We are so thankful for
these wonderful friends who are such a blessing to our missionaries, members,
and the mission—not to mention the two of us.
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| Delicious food, great visiting, and of course some Thanksgiving games. |
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| I didn't do very well on our selfie. |
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| We welcomed a fun new couple. This is their second mission and they have so much to offer. We're thankful to have them join us. We were sad to say good-bye to this wonderful couple who arrived just a couple of weeks after we did.It was their second mission and we are so grateful for all they taught us. They are amazing people and so much fun; we will miss them! |
Mission Presidents Seminar
November 17-19, 2015--We had the wonderful opportunity to attend another Philippines Mission Presidents (and Wives) Seminar. We love spending time with the other mission presidents and wives who have become dear friends. We always love being taught by the Area Presidency, Elder Ardern, Elder Bowen, and Elder Haynie. This time we had the amazing experience of also being taught by Elder Neil L. Andersen and Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles! They are wonderful teachers as well as very personable. I wish I knew how to express the feelings I experienced being taught by two apostles. It felt surreal. The Spirit was so strong during the meetings. Now we are trying to decide what of all the things we were taught we need to apply at this time for ourselves and the mission. We had the opportunity to sit at the table with Elder and Sister Andersen at lunch on the last day of the seminar. I still can't believe that I am having these experiences. (I so wish I could talk with my parents about the "learning experiences" Bart and I are having as we serve in the Philippines, San Pablo Mission.) I am incredibly humbled by the many blessings I have been given.
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| On Wednesday we had meetings during the morning and free time in the afternoon. We went with some of our friends to the American Cemetery Memorial. It is a beautiful and sacred place. It is overwhelming to think of the many soldiers that are buried there as well as many others who are honored but were MIA. We then had a wonderful dinner and visit with our friends hosted by the Manila Mission President and his wife at their Mission Home. It was so much fun. After we returned to the hotel we were surprised by a yummy dessert and a birthday song from a couple of the hotel workers. They were so cute and wanted a photo with us. |
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| We arrived in Manila on Monday afternoon and had dinner with almost all of "our batch" at PF Chang's. (We never feel like we're in the Philippines when we're in Manila; it's so different from our area. Even though we love the nice restaurants we love our mission more!) The beautiful hotel we stayed at had "snow" at different times during the day. We watched out the window and then went out to see it up close. The snow turned out to be soap bubbles but it looked great. The wives had the incredible opportunity to be taught briefly by Elder Andersen and Elder Renlund at a Women's Meeting. They then left to teach the Presidents and we were taught by their impressive wives. It was an inspiring meeting. We took pictures so we could believe it was real that we were with two of the Lord's apostles. The seminar was the same week as APEC was held in Manila. We talked about how everyone was watching the world leaders not realizing that two of the Savior's modern day Apostles were across town!  |
Sunday, November 8, 2015
When two worlds collide!
About 11:30 p.m. on August 30 our youngest son, his wife, and their adorable 2 year old daughter came to visit us! After a very long day of three flights they arrived. I have to be honest I wasn't sure what it would be like to have "our two worlds collide" but it was wonderful! Our sweet son said that he was exhausted but as soon as he saw us and hugged us the travel was worth it.
They were here for a week and it was so much fun to get to know Ari who was not even walking when we left and now runs and talks and is so full of energy and fun. It was great to be able to visit with Collin and Cecily and we had plenty of time to catch up since we were riding in the car around the mission a lot. We enjoyed giving them a glimpse of our life and the beauties of our mission. Of course, it was hard to say good-bye and we really missed Ari's cute sayings, especially :"you ok?" and "oh no". It's a good thing we had a busy week after they left.
This is a very small sample of the photos from the week they were here but it shows some of the things we did. We so appreciate their bravery in coming to see us and loved every minute--it just went too fast.
They were here for a week and it was so much fun to get to know Ari who was not even walking when we left and now runs and talks and is so full of energy and fun. It was great to be able to visit with Collin and Cecily and we had plenty of time to catch up since we were riding in the car around the mission a lot. We enjoyed giving them a glimpse of our life and the beauties of our mission. Of course, it was hard to say good-bye and we really missed Ari's cute sayings, especially :"you ok?" and "oh no". It's a good thing we had a busy week after they left.
This is a very small sample of the photos from the week they were here but it shows some of the things we did. We so appreciate their bravery in coming to see us and loved every minute--it just went too fast.
October Transfers
October 20, 2015
Saying good-bye is never easy but we have fun with the missionaries before they leave as well as enjoy sharing memorable experiences and tender, heartfelt testimonies. This transfer turned out to be extra interesting because we were on the island of Mindoro for our last Zone Interviews and District Conference. On Saturday we found out the ports were closed because of a typhoon. We were supposed to return to the mission home on Sunday evening but the ports were still closed. The island got some rain but nothing serious but the port city we were going to was having more effects from the typhoon. On Monday morning the ports were open but there were lines of large semi- trucks filled with produce as well as other trucks, buses, and cars lined up to get on a boat. Only a few boats were even running. When we finally got to the end of the line it was about 2 1/2 kilometers. After over 4 hours we had only moved about 500 meters. A man came by and tried to get us to follow him telling us he could get us to the port, but we weren't too sure if we could trust him so we didn't go. A while later he returned and the great elder that was with us talked to he and a woman that was with him and told them if we got out of line and lost our place he would know where to find them. Elder felt like it was worth following him so the man ran ahead of us and took us down a little "road" that cut through to the main road by the port. The man then jumped on a bike and told us to follow him. I was nervous but the police that were on the road kept waving us through and before you knew it we were at the port where you pay your fees! It was a tender mercy and we feel like it was divine intervention. We had already missed the day's activities with our departing missionaries but now we would be able to make it back that night. Our "angel" probably saved us waiting in line for at least another 7 hours. We made it to the mission home just as the departing missionaries were finishing their dinner but at least we made it. Thankfully we have two wonderful office couples who took care of everything (as well as our house help). As far as the typhoon our mission only got extra rain and wind but nothing serious but a couple of the northern missions got hit pretty hard. |
So many wonderful missionaries who have touched our lives and many lives as they served here in the Philippines, San Pablo Mission.We love you all! |
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| A few pictures of our adventure as well as pictures of two of our missionaries and their families. It's always fun to meet the families. We appreciate them sharing their sons with us. |
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| This fun elder left a couple of weeks early to get back into school. We'll miss his fun personality, great smile and laugh. |
The good news is every time we say good-bye to a great group of missionaries we get to welcome a great group as well. We're excited to work with this fine missionaries.
Saturday, November 7, 2015
September Transfers
September 8, 2015
In September we said goodbye to our smallest group ever. Two great missionaries who will bless their homelands as they return. We will miss them and their great attitudes and wonderful smiles.
September 9, 2015
We welcomed a group of 7 to our mission. They have great attitudes and we had a good time with this new group and look forward to getting to know them even better.
September 9 is always a tender day as it marks the day of Brittney's death. I made the mistake of looking at an email from Harmony on my iPad during a meeting with the new missionaries. It had sweet photos of her and Britt and the sweetest comments. This is one thing she wrote: "Sometimes I wonder how I made it these six years without her but then I realize that I didn't. I made it through these six years with her by my side!" What an amazing young woman she is. I'm so grateful that she still feels Brittney close by. These are three of the photos she sent me along with one I added. I love these pictures!
Saturday, October 31, 2015
July Transfer Week
In July we said good-bye to some wonderful missionaries, including a great former Assistant. We had a lot of fun with them as well as a sweet experience as we shared experiences and testimonies.
We said good-bye to 11 but got 14 new missionaries and they have strong testimonies, many talents, and great enthusiasm. They will be a great blessing to the mission.
Mission Tour July 7-9, 2015
This year we had Mission Tour with Elder and Sister Ardern. We had another wonderful experience. I have to admit I was nervous again about having a member of the Seventy stay with us, but they are warm, personable, and fun. We had a wonderful time visiting with them and learning from them just like we had last year with the Bowens. What a blessing to be taught by these consecrated disciples of Christ!
The Mission Leadership Council had the bonus of being taught by Elder and Sister Ardern. There were many wonderful things taught but this a very short summary of the main topic:
Prepare Spiritually + Develop Christlike Attributes + Develop Teaching Skills
= Master Gospel Teachers
A couple of other significant things they taught were that we cannot increase our faith without studying doctrine daily. Elder Ardern ended the meeting by saying the leaders needed to "awake and arise . . . and be the leader you are called to be."
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Our faithful couples had the great experience of sharing an evening of good food and fun with the Arderns on Wednesday evening. Elder Ardern let the couples ask questions and it was very insightful to learn about his calling and speaking in conference as well as other things. It was a wonderful evening. |
The Mission Leadership Council had the bonus of being taught by Elder and Sister Ardern. There were many wonderful things taught but this a very short summary of the main topic:
Prepare Spiritually + Develop Christlike Attributes + Develop Teaching Skills
= Master Gospel Teachers
A couple of other significant things they taught were that we cannot increase our faith without studying doctrine daily. Elder Ardern ended the meeting by saying the leaders needed to "awake and arise . . . and be the leader you are called to be."
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Mission Leadership Council on July 7, 2015 |
Mission Tour Meeting at Lipa Stake Center on Wednesday, July 8, 2015
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Mindoro Zone |
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Batangas Zone |
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Cabuyao Zone |
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Lipa Zone |
Mission Tour Meeting at San Pablo Stake Center on Thursday, July 9, 2015
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Lucena Zone |
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Marinduque Zone |
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Lopez Zone |
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Santa Cruz Zone |
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San Pablo Zone |
Elder and Sister Ardern are both incredible teachers and taught with power. Elder Ardern taught a few different things at each of the meetings. I'm grateful that I was able to hear both days.
They began each day with Sister Ardern sharing about her family's conversion story and her memory of being sealed in the temple even though she was a very young girl. She taught the missionaries the importance of being diligent, obedient and told them to make sure they were "honorable missionaries"! Elder Ardern began by saying that "participation increases revelation". The most important thing is what the Spirit teaches. He then taught about his conversion and the importance of the follow up missionaries that he had. He said they taught by principle and example and he trusted them. He taught that we all leave a legacy--what kind of legacy will will leave? That was really a strong reminder to me. They taught how important it is for us to read the scriptures with the idea of not turning the page until we have learned something. "The Lord packs more on the pages then we unpack." Elder Ardern teaches the importance of writing in a journal and having it an example of an honorable mission. He used his as a storybook for his children to teach them the importance of missionary work.
Elder Ardern had missionaries come up and share a scripture and then he expanded on them. It was wonderful. I gave a talk about the importance of understanding that we are children of a loving Heavenly Father and what that should mean to us. President Mangum taught about that we're not here by chance and used the scripture from John 15:16. He taught about the importance of increasing our faith. He also taught about transfers, companionships, and agency.
Elder and Sister Ardern had a question and answer period that the missionaries really enjoyed and we all learned a lot from. Elder Ardern taught about his calling as a Seventy. Sister Ardern taught about the message of the restoration of the gospel by reading from Joseph Smith History and then had the missionaries share words that matched the message of the gospel. Afterwards she had them share words that described missionaries that match the "glorious message" of the restoration of the Gospel. Since the March zone conference we have focused a lot in our mission about being missionaries that match His message. She took it up to the next level from doing things that match the Savior's message to becoming missionaries that are like the Savior. It was wonderful.
Elder Ardern taught about finding and teaching the doctrines. He has a wonderful way of teaching involving the missionaries, demonstrating, using the scriptures, and most importantly teaching by the Spirit. He keeps the missionaries totally engaged and learning. I had one of the missionaries tell me "Elder Ardern uses every teaching method from Preach My Gospel." Another missionary commented, "I loved watching him respond to the Spirit and change direction at times." All in all it was an amazing teaching and learning experience. I feel so blessed to have been a participant in the learning process and being taught by the Spirit as well as by Elder and Sister Ardern and the missionaries.
They began each day with Sister Ardern sharing about her family's conversion story and her memory of being sealed in the temple even though she was a very young girl. She taught the missionaries the importance of being diligent, obedient and told them to make sure they were "honorable missionaries"! Elder Ardern began by saying that "participation increases revelation". The most important thing is what the Spirit teaches. He then taught about his conversion and the importance of the follow up missionaries that he had. He said they taught by principle and example and he trusted them. He taught that we all leave a legacy--what kind of legacy will will leave? That was really a strong reminder to me. They taught how important it is for us to read the scriptures with the idea of not turning the page until we have learned something. "The Lord packs more on the pages then we unpack." Elder Ardern teaches the importance of writing in a journal and having it an example of an honorable mission. He used his as a storybook for his children to teach them the importance of missionary work.
Elder Ardern had missionaries come up and share a scripture and then he expanded on them. It was wonderful. I gave a talk about the importance of understanding that we are children of a loving Heavenly Father and what that should mean to us. President Mangum taught about that we're not here by chance and used the scripture from John 15:16. He taught about the importance of increasing our faith. He also taught about transfers, companionships, and agency.
Elder and Sister Ardern had a question and answer period that the missionaries really enjoyed and we all learned a lot from. Elder Ardern taught about his calling as a Seventy. Sister Ardern taught about the message of the restoration of the gospel by reading from Joseph Smith History and then had the missionaries share words that matched the message of the gospel. Afterwards she had them share words that described missionaries that match the "glorious message" of the restoration of the Gospel. Since the March zone conference we have focused a lot in our mission about being missionaries that match His message. She took it up to the next level from doing things that match the Savior's message to becoming missionaries that are like the Savior. It was wonderful.
Elder Ardern taught about finding and teaching the doctrines. He has a wonderful way of teaching involving the missionaries, demonstrating, using the scriptures, and most importantly teaching by the Spirit. He keeps the missionaries totally engaged and learning. I had one of the missionaries tell me "Elder Ardern uses every teaching method from Preach My Gospel." Another missionary commented, "I loved watching him respond to the Spirit and change direction at times." All in all it was an amazing teaching and learning experience. I feel so blessed to have been a participant in the learning process and being taught by the Spirit as well as by Elder and Sister Ardern and the missionaries.