Monday, September 29, 2014

Lunes


Lunes ang 29 Septiembre

Off to Iloilo this morning after Facetiming with Michael and his fam. We had a fun time hearing what they are up to. 

We left a bit late, but had a pretty good drive. We stopped at the office to find out about getting some Gospel Principle Manuel's for Tibiao and Culasi. And some tithing receipts/envelopes.

We hit MacDonalds for lunch. It was okay lang. We zipped over to the driving range. It is in Mandurriao, pretty close to MacDonalds actually. I hit a box of balls and worked up a sweat. The guy picking up balls didn't have is garb on, so no photo, but I am not giving up. He is a sight when he is in full dress.
Even though it is pretty funky, and has native chickens darting around while one us hitting balls, it is still fun and good exercise. The lady running the joint set out the balls for me. Nobody else was around but she and me. It must be ther way. I tipped her and she seemed happy.

We went to SM and bought two wardrobes and 4 pillows. Our cashier was a member from Mandurriao and she knew a bunch of the missionaries. It was fun visiting with her. We looked at beds, but the one we found can be purchased in San Jose and we can save a thousand pesos. We will get one tomorrow.

Sister S is going to offer to go help the Elders in Bugasong set up their apartment. They are the ones for whom we are doing all this driving and buying. If they are smart they will take her up on her offer. Her blessing prior to leaving for the MTC said she would be a great benefit serving the young missionaries. Man, the Spirit hit it square. The missionaries refer to her as, "Momma Sweet." She washes their clothes, dries them, folds them; she mends and sews and even makes dresses. She feeds them, gives them cakes for their birthdays, and teaches them from the scriptures. They don't get that crap from me, I can tell you. I am mostly her chauffeur as she ". . . Goes about doing good." I do give a ride now and then. I can't even remember what was said at my blessing. Must have been pretty dull.
We stopped at 7-11 to get a coke before heading home. I spotted these trike rider/drivers across the street. I liked the pose. When they noticed me photographing, they got into a little pose. The first picture is actually the second one I shot.

Home now. Getting ready to read scriptures for a while prior to bed. Good day. District meeting in the morning. We look forward to lessons from our new leaders.


Sunday, September 28, 2014

Domingo


         
Domingo sa 28th

We got up early and went to Tibiao for Group Meeting. I think 12 beside missionaries attended. I gave the opening prayer, half in Kinaray-a and half English. Sister S was asked to speak. She gave a great talk and testimony. Sacrament was great. 

We met at the UA campus, in this room provided. It was fine and had a good CR. We drove to Culasi after and took them chairs and hymn books. They are growing so fast they already need a bigger facility in which to meet. 

We took cleaning supplies to Bugasong on the way back to San Jose. They may have begun to clean Bugasong. . . Not certain. The Culasi apt was a mess, but to me, it always has been a dump.

We were surprised and confused to find Elders in the uptown Culasi apartment and the Bugasong Elders in their apartments dressed down. We thought Sunday afternoon is supposed to be prime time. Getting worried about obedience . . . Sister Sessions left Elder Buligao a birthday cake. Home now after long drives, but good Sacrament Meeting. 





Friday, September 26, 2014

Sabado Morning

Septiembre sa 27

President Amar holds the funeral of his father today. We are at the church for our weekly retreat. Sister S is cleaning and I,went to buy another garbage can and a supply of liners. Nobody around but us Chickens (Reese).

I have been reading in Alma 17- about Ammon, the son of King Mosiah. It is always a favorite of guys. We want to know his moves to zip off the arms of attackers and we would certainly like to know how to use a sling .  .  .

It occurs to me this morning, the comparison between Ammon and Branch Presidents, Bishops, Presidents. . . Leaders in the church. Compare faithfulness, knowledge of The Lord and His commandments, water, flocks of sheep, king, enemies . . . etc. 

The servants of King Lamoni said about Ammon, " . . . but this much we do know, that he cannot be slain by the enemies of the king, neither can they scatter the king's flocks when he is with us, because of his expertness and great strength; therefore we know he is a friend to the king. . ." Alma 18:3

There are so many meanings and parallels in the scriptures. I just know that my favorite leaders are men, and women like Ammon. The enemy cannot scatter the flocks of these leaders. They wield a mighty sword. They protect their flocks and other servants. They are friends to The King. Wish I could be like Ammon, Period.

Baptism today, funeral, branch family gathering at Hamtic, gathering supplies for the Bugasong Elders, getting loaded to head to Tibiao in the morning. Sister S and I will have to split up to cover. Watching some Ryder Cup matches on TV tonight. Busy day. . . Just the way I like them.






Interview Day in San Jose

Biyernes sa 26

We waited most of the day for our appointment to interview with President Aquino. We had an appointment for 3:30. He gives them a good going over.

I have a good old upper respiratory problem/cold . . . my once per year bout with this thing. I am going to try to whip it as usual. I usually suffer for about 2 weeks, then go get a C-pack of steroids from the doctor. Hopefully I won't need steroids this time. Usually I get this in about Feb. or March. Perhaps it is different this time. Of course, I thought that about gluten too, and had the worst break-out ever.

We got a call from Elder Ortiz that the Bugasong Elders needed a ride to their apartment and of course they didn't know where to find it when they would arrive. I compromised an earlier time for the interview for a ride up to Bugasong.

We met with President and had a nice visit and prayers. We wanted to say "hi" to Sister Aquino, but she was interviewing Sisters regarding health and we wanted to get on the road. We will see her again soon.

We drove the missionaries to Bugasong and showed them their apartment. I was beside myself with embarrassment. Elders Miguel and Phelps left the apartment is an absolute filthy mess, with garbage all over the place, unwashed pans, full garbage cans, dirty clothes, just plain crap all over. Elder Phelps went home and Elder Miguel was transferred. I am disappointed in them, to say the least; angered is more descriptive. We will get some cleaning supplies for the Elders and get them two beds and some wardrobes up there Sunday morning on our way to Tibiao for church.

We got their gear unloaded and took them to the Island Cafe for some food. I texted President Tandoy and had hm come meet the new Elders. We all had a nice supper and took some pictures. I think these new guys will be great for Bugasong. Looking forward to seeing the area prosper.
Back to front:  Elder Panganiban, Elder Sumiran, Elder Oivar, President Tandoy, and Elder Maneja, the District leader. Good guys all.
Whacky . . .
Elder Panganiban asked me, "How old are you?"
"67 big ones", I replied.
"Wow!"
I started laughing  . . . He said, realizing that his response was kind of crass. . . "You look 66." We all cracked up. Good group of guys and Bugasong really needs them to get up and going again. Blessings to them all.

Thursday, September 25, 2014

Transfer Day

Thursday sa 25 Septiembre

We left early this morning for Iloilo. We ran into two parades (walking people with different color T-shirts walking down a road with the blessing of the barangay fathers and holding up all traffic, for no apparent reason). We planned to be a little ahead of time. Instead, we were a few minutes after 9. Of course, nothing had started yet, but I hate being late.

It turns out that 25 new Elders arrived and 4 new Sisters. That was a large batch and they are certainly needed and welcomed. We met Elder Rasmussen. He is alive and well and doing a hundred. We met others too, but Rasmussen is a name I remember . . . unfortunately, no relation. He is fine Sister Rasmussen . . .

Elder and Sister Robinson, senior missionaries from Preston, Idaho, were the missionaries we were actually there to welcome. They are new PEB/Self Reliance missionaries. They are also welcome and we pray for their success in helping the Filapino people find success and happiness drawing closer to the Lord, who is mighty to save . . . The mighty to save statement regarding the Savior is a basic premise for the Self Reliance program. It is in their book . . .

We drove Robinsons around and helped them get their phone going and took them to give them a little more familiarity with Iloilo. Our own is not great, but we could show them the main arteries and some good places to get American groceries, and a little about horning in to traffic when it looks impossible. Sister Sessions found about 6 cans of tomato soup at the Atrium, so it was a successful trip all around.

We saw some of the missionaries to wrhom we have grown close, Elder Mondragon, Elder Latchumanan, Elder Shaffer and Sister Villiami. Sister Villiami is now companions with Sister Dotillios and they ought to be a powerhouse companionship.

Been hot and humid. It rains about every other day right now. Gets wet, then the sun cooks the water back into the atmosphere. Not as bad as March and April, but I do miss fall in Idaho.

Tomorrow we have interviews with President here in San Jose. We look forward to that.

Heading to Iloilo at 6:15 this morning. It was a pretty sky and a busy street. Getting tired of trikes . . .

Mission home beginning decorating . . . jussst a bit early for me.

Monday, September 22, 2014

Monday

Lunes sa 22 Septiembre

Boring P-day today. For some reason it is hot; hot in the house, hot outside. Our little air con is doing very little. I keep looking to see if it is alright. Haven't had this for a few months.

I painted a little this morning after fixing sausage and eggs and a mango for breakfast. I did my exercises and read the scriptures. I took the truck to get it washed and read more while I waited. We went to lunch and came home to study a bit more.

I am supposed to, maybe, teach in our district meeting in the morning, but many of the Elders have gone to Iloilo to get ready to go home and for transfers. They may combine us, or??? If I an going to teach, I have prepared to teach the first vision.

When we were in Alabama, but first vision was stressed and each missionary was to know it, and be able to describe it, perfectly. Elder Mortensen (maybe on) was masterful at teaching the first vision. He slowed down, annunciated his words, and gave the investigator time to imagine the scene from his words. When we heard the first vision taught a few weeks ago, it was so disjointed and so poorly told that the investigator didn't get much from the experience. The missionaries count of the video. I think it is a mistake.

Anyway, that is where I will go and we can role play and practice.

Nothing going on tonight. We received an e-mail from President Aquino that we are to be at the mission home in Iloilo on Thursday at 9:00 am to welcome then new senior missionaries (Robinsons). They will be working with the PEF program on the Island, helping people use their skills and creativity to start businesses. It is a pretty neat program.

That's it.
Lunch, about 2:00 pm. We went to a resto not too far from the church. They have good soup. It is a chicken corn soup and has a good taste. I ordered sizzling fish, and Sister S had fries and a chocolate shake. The shake was good and the soup. This is the only place I have ever been where the fresh ocean fish has little to no taste; just a disappointing blandness. It looked good, but blahhhh. The Pepsi Max was okay, and soup was real good.
Tomorrow ought to be okay in the morning. I hope it is cooler. The weather has been really weird in southeast Asia, along with other parts of the world. Makes one wonder it the Lord is hoping for our attenion.
Just had a brown-out. Hope it doesn't last long. Power just restarted. Thank You Lord.

Sunday, September 21, 2014

Domingo sa 21

Long Sabbath Day in the truck. I picked up Brother Tagala at 6:45 and Pres Villavert and Pres. Villoso met us at the church at 7:00. Pres. Villoso is 1st Councelor in the Mission Presidency. He was assigned to come to Antique and interview and visit. Plans are in the works I suppose.

We drove to Bugasong and Pres. Interviewed the Elders and Pres. Tandoy, the Bugasond Branch President. We stayed and attended Priesthood. Good lesson being in, and not of the world. We took off for Hamtic about 10:15.

I packed some pogy bait for the drive. About half way to Hamtic I stopped the truck and got pineapple juice and trail mix out. Pres. Villoso left Iloilo on a Ceres bus at4:30. I figured he would need a little fuel. We had a nice snack as we drove. 

Turned out we could attend Priesthood at Hamtic. They were planning and had dates and names recorded on the board. Hamtic is advancing 8 men to the Melchizedek Priesthood in December. I was impressed. The brethren there are getting used to me, so they kidded me unmercifully about my attempts to speak Kinaray-a. Good guys.

Pres. Did a couple of interviews there and we headed to San Jose. I dropped of Alan and Pres. Villavert and took Pres. Villoso home for a bite. Sister S. Fixed us a baked potato with cheese and chili. Then, because we couldn't stand to think of Pres. Riding a bus another three hours, we loaded the pogy bag and drove him back to Iloilo. We had fun talking about the district and members. Sister and I dropped him off and headed home. Traffic both ways was fairly light. We were back at the house by about 5:30.
Stopped for a break on the way home from Iloilo. I snapped a few pictures of the stream and the river before we went over the pass for San Jose.







Friday, September 19, 2014

Biyernes sa 19th

We had a good trip to Iloilo yesterday. We bought supplies and had a meeting with the Mission Presidency. I am the secretary, so I took notes and enjoyed the Spirit of the Presidency. We sang Hymn 6, "Redeemer of Israel", then had prayer. President Aquino shared a scripture to further invite the Spirit, but I think he was teaching me . . . Doctrine & Covenants 12:8 . . .   

"And no one can assist in this work except he shall be humble and full of love, having faith, hope, and charity, being temperate in all things, whatsoever shall be entrusted to his care."

I gets. . . I will memorize this scripture and try to do better.

This morning I got up, typed up the notes from the meeting and sent them out. Then Sister S and I went around and tried to accomplish the assignments President Aquino gave us in the meeting. Some will take place over the next several weeks. Hopefully, some will take soon. I have had a tough time contacting several men via text. Sometimes they don't have load, or they are ignoring me.

We went with Djulito to Gaisano after he cleaned around the place. We met Brother Tagala, who was waiting for word if he and his rescue team would be flown to Manila to help in the floods. There is not a Typhoon yet, but the rain has been heavy, and the wind. We have had a lot of rain lately, but I don't think it is unusual. It is so much cooler that March and April, that I can't help being thankful for the weather. It is tough on the Filapinos though. In the rainy season, there is so much less work that the entire economy is affected adversely.

I have been a little off the last few days. A little dizzy and just off. I don't think we are getting enough exercise. We walked this afternoon and I worked out with the ball and did push-ups. I still hate push-ups. Thank you USAF.

Tonight we went to Leo's ice cream shop for a treat. Shouldn't have, but there is a man there, Domingo Labios Jr. He was a sailor for about 20-some years and he treats Sister Sessions and me like we are royalty. We asked him to join the church. He grinned and told us he had been a sailor for so long that he couldn't qualify. We told him how much the Lord loves him and asked if he would accept a Book of Mormon. He said he would, reluctantly. I wrote a note in one and we took it to him this evening, but he was not there. We went ahead and had ice cream . . . why not?

We will go see him tomorrow after our three house of reading in the chapel waiting for family history library visitors that won't be coming.  Hopefully he will be there. We plan to walk tomorrow afternoon and get ready for Domingo. We are taking President Villoso to Bugasong and to Hamtic to visit and interview Branch Presidents and clerks.





Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Miyercoles sa 17

We had a good day today accompanying Brother Alan Tagala up to Pandan and Libertad. We visited the Mayors and emergency preparedness departments in those barangays. Sister Sessions was pretty bold in inviting the Mayor of Libertad to join the church. He got this strange look on his face and said, "By uncle is a priest." I think he was thinking Sister S. was talking about doing it right then.

It was pretty fun. We gave out one BoM and met several wonderfully friendly people. We went to some of the resorts and Alan explained the new law about having at least one trained life guard on duty for pool, or ocean swimming.

Alan photographed medical facilities and places where people /could find emergency shelter; schools, churches, municipal halls.

We ate at one of the resorts between Pandan and Libertad. It is owned by a German man and his wife. They have a wonderful resto there and we had American/European food. It was delicious. I had two bowls of sweet/sour soup (very tomatoey and really hot. And I ordered what I thought was a steak, but it came out thinly sliced rare beef with a vinegarette, olive oil, green olive and pepper marinate. It was very tasty) Sister S. ordered and a tossed salad. I shared the salad with her and it was excellent. Alan had Chicken Adobo, rice, and a double burger. It was a fine meal, the best since we came.

We stopped and photographed places, talked to Alan's relatives, and stopped and talked to some less active members that Alan knew were members. We stopped in Bugasong and talked to Brother Sonnier and his wife. They fed us some home made sausage, which seems to be a passion for Brother Sonnier. I bought a few lbs of sausage from him. It is dang good.

It was a long day. We left at 7:00 am and got home at about 8:00 pm. 

Lunch, plus a mango shake and a Coke Zero

Ferry boat waiting to haul people to Caluya, a small island off the coast of Northern Panay about 3 hours by boat.

Libertad Coast Guard station. Good guys. Alan and Sister talked to them while I went down to see a fisherman and check his catch. He couldn't understand me, because I was speaking giberish I think.                         

Hurom Hurom cold springs. Pretty place in the mountains above Libertad and the water is cold. I want to go back and swim there one day. Very beautiful and that is the natural color of the water.

Stopped at a little basket weaver business on the way to Huram Huram and bought a few items. Alan displaying my new pencil cup. Sister S. is tired of my tin can.  


Sunday, September 14, 2014

Domingo sa 14th

Got up this morning and began preparing for the day. We planned to go to Sibalom, but while in the shower, I got the impression that we ought to run up to Culasi. I don't know why. I knelt and asked to be sure, and got the same good feeling about Culasi. We hurried and I maniaced it all the way so we were right on time for meetings.

We met some good folks and had a good meeting with the Culasi Group. They did Sacrament and Testimony Meeting. I have been repenting, so it was good to take the Sacrament after two weeks.  Sister Sessions got called upon by Elder Boggs to lead the music. She did great . . . who knew? I prayed for her, but she didn't need any help. Pretty cool.

I am not sure why we were sent to Culasi. I asked Elder Boggs. He wondered as well. We shall see.

It rained like a cow peeing on a flat rock all the way. Some of the fields and roads were flooded. The rivers were raging along spewing muddy water into the sea. We had a safe trip though and I didn't splash anyone along the way.



Just studied a little early this morning before showering and ran across this. I was adding to my study of less active rescue and thinking about the phrase, "Never give up." I found this and like it so much I want to record it here:

Orson F. Whitney said, "You parents of the willful and the wayward! Don't give them up. Don't cast them off. They are not utterly lost. The Shepherd will find his sheep. They were His before they were yours--long before He entrusted them to your care; and you cannot begin to love them as He loves them. (I added the bold) They have but strayed in ignorance from the Path of Right, but God is merciful to ignorance. Our Heavenly Father is far more merciful, infinitely more charitable, than the best of His servants, and the Everlasting Gospel is mightier in power to save than our narrow finite minds can comprehend." (In Conference Report, April 1929, p. 110)

Hear this mom and dad and Sis, Grandpas and Grandmas? I count on His mercy, and, I am no longer wayward. I wander a bit, and I am still ignorant, but I try not to get out of sight of the path.

Halong Kamo

Saturday, September 13, 2014

Sabado sa 13th

Long Brown-out today and a ton of rain. I am thankful for the rain because it kept things a little cooler and there was a little wind that helped. We are experiencing the outer edges of Luis, a tropical storm that may become a typhoon. Probably is one up north.

I asked one of the Sisters at the church today, "So, do they ever name these Typhoons after men?" She said, "Yes. Luis is a man's name." (Pronounce L-long u- long e-s) I hoped more for Lewis, or Bob, or Jake.
Anyway, it was one rainy day.

The AP's were over early to get some laundry done and to get Sister S to make them some breakfast. I left and went to the church because it was Saturday morning and I agreed to open the Family History Lib. on Saturday mornings. Of course, there was nobody who visited, but they had a District Primary Party. Greg, the caretaker, started the generator so they had power and we had lights, but no computer. I had a nice visit with President Vidal from Dao and Brother Tagala, a new high counselor.

I went on home about 11:30. We went to Gaisano and got some groceries and a small frying pan. We attended a good baptism this afternoon. It was on time, which I loved.

We hung out until the power came back on at 5:00 on the dot.We were told that the power company announced on the radio that there would be a brown-out from 6:00 am til 5:00 pm. The power popped on right at 5. We were thankful. It was dark in the house all day. I sat out on the porch this morning and read scriptures so I could see the pages.
Interesting effects of the flash reflecting off drops in the air . . . total luck, or bad luck, depending on what you like. Water poured off the roof and down the drain pipes.

Driveway flooded.
 


Fast Sunday tomorrow. We are going to Sibalom. We may meet a man that Brother Tagala introducted us to at Gaisano's a few days ago. Brother Torres. We want to talk to Pres. Villalobos about mapping his branch and we look forward to seeing everyone, but Dulito may not be able to make it after all the rain and it keeps on hitting. The river may be way high.

Received an e-mail when the power resumed from President Aquino. We have mission presidency meeting on Thursday. I am to get an agenda ready. Looking forward to that.





Thursday, September 11, 2014

Friday Morning the 12

Remembering 9/11 this morning. That was some morning and the beginning of some very dreary years in the U.S. We still suffer and fight as a result. There is much good that came, some temporary. I remember the upsurge in church attendance and Christian well doing. 

Not the busiest of weeks here in Antique. We attended the funeral of Axl Lozano yesterday. It was nice. I felt so for his parents. But, I am more than comforted knowing that Axl has Exhaltation and Eternal Life guaranteed through the Atonement and love of the Savior. Axl will never be sick again, never bleed or hurt. He is, I am certain, with his Heavenly Father and Mother in Heaven. What could be better for him? Then, if his earthly parents desire, they can raise him after the resurrection. These blessings have been sealed upon the Lozas in the temple through the Priesthood. While they will miss Axl, is it not cause for celebration. Perhaps after the hurt subsides a bit. . . 

I painted a little. We studied the scriptures. . . Bala-an nga kasulatan (holy writings). We did our language study with Francis, but it accelerated into scripture discussion about half way through. We will try again today with language study. I have been practicing praying in kinaray-a. Sometimes I wonder if what I said was what I wanted to say.

We had a long brown-out yesterday, from about 4 am til about 2 pm. It was very warm after walking and lifting weights. I found Sister S sitting in the Ranger AC trying to cool down. Going to be a slow and hot day today. No brown-out though so we will stay cool.





Saturday, September 6, 2014

Sabado ang 6 Septiembre

Long day. I got to the church at 7:30 because I thought (was told) the presidents would do interviews with prospective elders and temple recommends starting at 8:00. I was there alone until about 8:30 and Deuliot showed up for an interview. We waited until about 9:10 and President Vilosso showed up. To make a long story short, everything was very late, but Jerry and Deulito got their interviews and will advance in the Priesthood.

It was a pretty good leadership meeting (We thought it was supposed to be a priesthood meeting, so Sister S stayed home), except very few, very few, showed up; only two branch presidents. President Aquinto gave some pretty pointed directions in leadership meeting and in the adult session this afternoon. Now we will see if his direction will be followed.

President mentioned that in the Tacloban rebuilding efforts, it was written in the Tacloban newspaper that only three organizations responded consistently to the needs of the people; the Mormons, The LDS Church, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Funny . .  .

He also told a story of an orator who spoke in Carnegie Hall. The audience loved his eloquent deliveries and at the end of his performance, an audience member asked him to read the 23rd Psalm. He had done this at other performances. The actor consented and read the psalm to tremendous roaring shouts and applause . . . He then called an old man up from the audience; and old, old man. He asked the old man to read the psalm.

The old man did so. His voice was a bit raspy and he read with deep feeling and trembling. At the end of his reading, the audience sat in silence, tears running, sniffling was heard . . . the orator said, "When I read the psalm you were overjoyed, but when you heard him, you were moved to tears. Ladies and Gentlemen, the reason you feel so moved is, (pointing to the old man) he knows the Shepherd."

I do so want to know the Shepherd. I do love being on a mission with all the opportunities to see the Shepherd's work, to participate, now and then, in His ministry. I love the study and the insights I receive in the scriptures from God the Holy Ghost.I do believe we are getting to know the Shepherd a little.

Dear to the heart of the Shepherd,
Dear are the sheep of His fold;
Dear is the love that he gives them, (us)
Dearer than silver or gold.
Dear to the heart of the Shepherd,
Dear are His "other" lost sheep,
Over the mountains He follows,
Over the waters so deep. . . .

You get the idea.

I am blessed to be a product of the "rescue,"  a lost sheep, the lost silver coin, a prodigal son . . . that it pleases me greatly to focus on inviting back the less actives. I love it when they accept the invitation and we are so pleased to see our brothers and sisters return to the church and sit with us and enjoy being back. They are my focus. They are precious to the Lord. They are our brothers and sisters.

With searching out the less actives, and the other things we try to do, I believe we will be busy for the next months.

Thursday, September 4, 2014

Biyernes ang 5 Sept.



Biyernes ang 5 Sept.

Here is Sister Sessions' talk from the Sister Missionary Conference. She didn't title it, but I am going to title it, "Ripples of Joy". The Sister missionaries were particularly taken by the "ripple" references. That is what they talked about in their testimonies yesterday afternoon. 

Ripples of Joy
Sister Sandra C. Sessions
Philippines Iloilo Mission
September, 2014

Emma Smith, the 1st General President of the Relief Society, said; “We are going to do something extraordinary.  We expect extraordinary occasions.  I know you are going to do something extraordinary because you are extraordinary!”

     WHAT MAKES YOU EXTRAORDINARY?

You are a child of God.  He is the father of your spirit.  Spiritually you are of noble birth, the offspring of the King of Heaven.  How can you not be extraordinary!
     We are daughters of our Heavenly Father, who loves us, and we love him.  We will stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places.
     As daughters of our Heavenly Father he placed deep in our hearts the desire to nurture others for Him.  That is part of out divine heritage from Him.
     You were tutored by Him before you came into this life.  He helped you understand and accept that you would have trials, tests, and opportunities perfectly chosen just for you.  You learned that our Heavenly Father had a plan of happiness to get you safely through those trails and you would bring others safely through theirs.

     Joseph Smith said;   “Happiness is the object and design of our existence.”

In 2 Nephi 5:27   Nephi said about his people   “And it came to pass that we lived after the manner of happiness.”

    WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY?

            The first thing I thought of was my family, and families are central to the plan of happiness.  The second thing which makes me happy is the gospel.  When I am living the gospel and doing what I am supposed to I am happy and it also gives me a sense of peace.
         Many of you may know Elder Christensen. He served in Hamtic for several months when we first got to Antique.  He was a district leader and we loved to hear him teach. He is a great missionary and has a strong testimony.  One of his favorite sayings is “Enjoy the joy”.  He would try to remember that when he was having a hard time.  We should all try to remember that.  “Enjoy the joy” of the gospel and “enjoy the joy” of being a missionary.


A few years ago Elder Sessions and I served a mission in Alabama, in America.  Our mission President would always ask us if we were happy.
That seemed strange to us for a long time.  We finally realized that he knew if we answered yes we were keeping the commandments.  When we are doing what is right we are happy.  That is part of Heavenly Fathers plan of happiness.
   
 Think about Eve, the mother of all mankind.  She and Adam lived in the Garden of Eden and kept the commandment not to partake of the fruit of the tree of good and evil.  They lived in innocence and didn’t know happiness because they didn’t know evil.  I believe Eve remembered that they were also commanded to multiple and replenish the earth, and knew that having a family was part of Heavenly Father’s plan of happiness.  Because of her courage and wisdom she, then Adam, partook of the fruit and made a covenant with God.  They would keep his commandments and be blessed with children.  I’m sure their life was not easy when they had to leave the Garden of Eden, but they were able to experience happiness and learn the way to return, with their family, to live with God by making and keeping covenants.
  
      Another part of the plan of happiness is making and keeping covenants.  Keeping covenants protects us, prepares us, and empowers us.
     We enter the gate, to the path of eternal life, with the ordinance and covenant of baptism and then we receive the Holy Ghost.

     Elder Robert D. Hales ask us,   “Do we understand and do those you are teaching the Gospel understand that when we are baptized we are changed forever?  He also explained that “when we understand our baptismal covenant and the gift of the Holy Ghost, it will change our lives and establish our total allegiance to the Kingdom of God.  When temptation comes our way, if we listen to the Holy Ghost, he will remind us that we have promised to remember our Savior and keep the commandments of God.  Each week when we partake of the sacrament we renew our baptismal
covenant.

     Elder Bednar said:  “As we stand in the water of baptism, we look to the temple.  As we partake of the sacrament we look to the temple.  We pledge to always remember the Savior and to keep his commandments as preparation for the sacred ordinances of the temple.  Temple ordinances lead to the greatest blessings available through the Atonement.  These ordinances and covenants are necessary for our exaltation in the celestial kingdom.

2 Nephi 31:19-20   Nephi asked;   “After ye have gotten into this strait and narrow path, I would ask if all is done?  Behold, I say unto you Nay. . .

D&C 25:10, 13  We are to lay aside the things of the world. . . cleave unto our covenants, and come unto Christ and follow Him.  That’s what disciples do.
     You have been sent to earth in this dispensation of time because of who you are and what you have been prepared to do.  You are here to declare in word and in deed,   “Behold, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ!”
BECOME A DISCIPLE OF JESUS CHRIST     BY KEEPING YOUR COVENANTS       AND YOU WILL BE HAPPY

     As our children were growing up we often went to lakes or rivers where they could go fishing.  While there, one of the things they liked to do was skip rocks.  If you have never skipped rocks, you find the flattest rocks that you can and throw them sideways across the water and see how many times you can get them to skip across the water before they sink.  As they skip they create ripples in the water that go on and on.  Just like the ripples going on and on outward, so are our righteous actions.
  
I’d like to tell you how a righteous woman started a ripple.

In 1841, Dan Jones was the captain of a very small boat , called the Ripple, which carried freight and people on the Mississippi River.  Among his passengers were members of a new, little known, church; The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 

During his journeys Dan Jones began hearing criticism of these Mormons.  Because he had ferried many of them, he had talked to them and observed their behavior.  He found them to be good people---kind, honest, and hardworking.  The negative comments didn’t match with what he had experienced in his dealings with them.  After studying the accusations he came to believe they were not true. They were either overstated or they contradicted themselves.

One event turned Dan from an observer to an investigator of the Church.  He said:  “Purely by accident, there fell into my hands, a letter which Emma Smith had written.  I shall never forget the feeling which that letter caused me to have.  I perceived clearly that not only did she believe the New Testament and rejoice in the midst of her tribulations at being worthy to suffer all for a testimony of Jesus and the Gospel—but it also contained better counsel, more wisdom, and showed a more godly spirit than anything I had ever read.”  Inspired by Emma’s words and example, Dan Jones sought to learn more about the church.

In 1843 Dan was baptized in the Mississippi River and became one of the most influential missionaries in the Church, bringing hundreds of people to the gospel in his native country of Wales.  Emma Smiths’ influence continues to “ripple” through generations.  Who knows how many hundreds or thousands of Dan Jones’ descendents are still in the church today. 

    Each one of us can be the beginning of a ripple that will go on and on.

D&C 64:33 “Be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work.  And out of small things proceedeth that which is great.”
    
    We’re led by a prophet of God and every announcement, letter, and every talk is inspired of God.  Many events in the world today indicate that the Lord is hastening his work, and you are a big part of that work. 

Don’t let anyone tell you, you are too young.  You may have heard, “Come back when you have a little more experience or knowledge, or wait to decide when you are a little older.”  Paul told his young friend Timothy, “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”1Timothy4:12
  
 The Lord loves and trusts the youth.  He gave Joseph Smith the responsibility to open this dispensation, to translate the Book of Mormon, and to establish His church again on the earth through the priesthood keys.
He was just fourteen. 

Although Mary and Joseph were young the Lord entrusted them to raise his Only Begotten Son.  The Lord entrusted Samuel with a kingdom because he looked at his heart and not his age. 

Over 2000 young men were given the responsibility to defend their parents’ covenants. 

The Lord put his trust in you when he lowered the age for full time missionaries. Think of the ripples each of those people created through history and you can do the same.

Everything that has happened in your life previously has prepared you for this time in your life.

     Pres. Ezra Taft Benson said; “Make no mistake about it, this is a marked generation.  There has never been more expected of the faithful in such a short time than there is of us.  Each day the forces of good and the forces of evil enlist new recruits.  Each day we personally make many decisions showing the cause we support.  The final outcome is certain----the force of righteousness will win.  But what remains to be seen is where each of us personally, now and in the future will stand in this battle, and how tall will we stand.  Will we be true to our last days?

      Some of you are finishing you missions soon and some of you are just starting but the time goes by so quickly that they will be over before you know it.  When you go home you will no longer have the mantle of full time missionary.  You will no longer wear the badge of a full time missionary.  What will your identity be?   Become a lifetime missionary.  Continue to study the scriptures daily, pray continually, look for ways to serve and open your mouth.

      Years ago Elder M Russell Ballard issued a clarion call to the sisters of the Church when he said:  “Between now and the day the Lord comes again, He needs women in every family, in every ward, in every community, in every nation who will step forward in righteousness and say by their words and their actions, HERE AM I, SEND ME. My question is, will you be one of those women?”

In the last few weeks some of our extended family have experienced some major medical challenges and a young man that was a student of our daughter is being held hostage in a foreign country.  Our daughter posted on her facebook a message which applies to each of us.
    

“God is working for you tonight.  Heaven is holding conversations about you.  Angels have been assigned to you.  Be at peace.  Maybe easier said than done, but the prayers of so many are with you.”

Sisters, I am pulling for you, and I am not the only one.  Parents and loved ones are pulling for you, your leaders at home and Pres. and Sister Aquino are pulling for you, and prophets are pulling for you.  And Jesus Christ is pulling with you.  With all this support how could you not be extraordinary. 

I hope you will continue to work hard, be the best missionary you can be, keep your covenants, enjoy the joy, make ripples and remember you are a daughter of God.
    
  

       
Huebes ang 4

Just got home from the Sister Missionary Conference. It was very good and was held at a nice place. The staff was excellent.

Sister and Elder Streng arrived yesterday just before we left for the conference. They are from Vancouver, WA and seem very well suited to live here. They are travelers and I think they will be fine. I hope so. Elder and Sister Taylor did a little meeting with them this morning and Sister S and I sat in. They talked about what they do in the mission and Sister S and I talked a bit about that as well. President Aquino told me to be sure to tell the Strengs that their assignment would differ from ours and Taylors though. They are going to a stake and Taylors and we work in districts and only have branches and groups, so we are a bit busier with leader support.

Sister Sessions' talk was really excellent. The Sisters learned a lot from her last evening. I know that, because they were taking notes and several, including Sister Aquino, talked about they things they heard last night in their testimonies at the closing devotional this afternoon.

I will post her whole talk tomorrow.

A few pics:
Arrival. The Sister Missionaries rode jeepnies to the place. It was a terrible ride and road, but they made it okay.
You note Sister Viliami next to Sister Sessions . . . SMILE

Sister Sessions Rockin-out. . . Poor picture. I tried to fix it, but was not very successful.



Bon Fire. A nice one. The Sisters did some skits and the office Elders did a fire dance. Sister Sessions and Sister Taylor made cookies for snacks. The cookies were a hit again



Tuesday, September 2, 2014

Miyercoles ang 3 Sept.

Talked to Amy a few minutes ago. We lost her connection because our internet is so slow. The internet loads up with people in this part of the world about this time each day, and it is dead slow here now. It will take a long time to load this entry.

Yesterday we attended district meetings and Elder Gan instructed on "teaching people, not lessons." It is one of a few subjects the missionaries keep going over . . . prayer . . . being devastated when investigators don't keep commitments . . . ect. It was a good lesson. He used several Old Testament references as the mission just finished the Old Test. a few months ago and the missionaries memorized several scriptures. Some of the scriptures Elder Gan related were a bit of a reach, but it was good.

We talked about finding. I believe service is the best finding activity. Elder Robbins taught that in Alabama when he visited. He told how right after Hurricane Katrina, proselyting went to zero in Louisiana, but baptisms shot up 600 per cent. All because people were so impressed that the church zoomed in there and helped them so much and the missionaries were smack in the middle of the service. 

We went to James' house with the Hamtic missionaries (Elders Gan and Swan) last evening ant taught him about the first vision. It went pretty well and he is making progress. I could see where knowing the first vision and relating the Phrophet's experience well to investigators brings the Spirit.

I worried about James prior to last evening, thinking perhaps he just enjoyed the company. He commits to read and he does so, sometimes two or three times. He believes in Jesus Christ and that, as Nephi testifies in the last of the 2 Nephi, helps him believe the words of Christ. We had a good lesson with him. I am hopeful that he will be baptized and start on his family.

Today we are getting ready to go to Iloilo for the Sister Missionary Conference. Sister S. made 12 dozen cookies for snacks after a bon-fire this evening. President Aquino asked her to do so. She made cookies for an RM missionary meeting a few weeks ago and they were a big hit. She is also going to speak at the conference this afternoon. She has been preparing hard, so it ought to be good. We leave in about half an hour and the Sister missionaries from here in San Jose are traveling with us.

I got my book back from Brother Kib and did some study in it last evening. The Infinite Atonement by Elder Tad R. Callister. What an amazing book. I do love it and it is so clear and so full of information regarding the atonement. I will reread this book as I do the scriptures, over and over and over again.

More tomorrow, after the conference.



Lunes, Sept. 1
Thank heaven.

Got up early this morning. Dogs barked most of the night, but they went nuts about 5:00 am. I would have given. Thousand dollars for an 870.

I took the truck to the vulcanizing shop over in Dilepe. I had to wait half hour for them to open.living in a construction zone sucks. This is the third nail and tire repair since we lived here. Dogs, nails . . Hmmmm?

I walked home to get a little exercise and made it back in plenty of time to get the computer set up and going for testing Elders. Elder Alforque was late and Elder Saul was early, so it worked out fine. They all brought companions and companions they live with so Sister S. fed them while the testing took place. I think they had a good time and it only cost us about 5000 pesos.

There was nothing left to eat here, so we went to Tai Ingo and I had tuna and salad and we ordered rice, which they serve gang style. They don't serve solo fried rice, only plain white. . . No Coke 0, so I had a MD and Sister had pineapple juice.

We came home and for some reason, we are worn out. Sister is napping and I am catching up on writing and texting around. We will try to walk some this evening.

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A group of dang good missionaries, Culasi and Sibalom Elders. Tested, fed, and read to rock . . .


Displaying image.jpg
Good fish and fileted as well. They call the little salad salsa, but it is carrots, tomatoes, and cucumbers in vinegar. It is dang food. They put little wieners in the rice, but they don't foul the taste. It was a good meal.


Miyercoles ang 3 Sept.

Talked to Amy a few minutes ago. We lost her connection because our internet is so slow. The internet loads up with people in this part of the world about this time each day, and it is dead slow here now. It will take a long time to load this entry.

Yesterday we attended district meetings and Elder Gan instructed on "teaching people, not lessons." It is one of a few subjects the missionaries keep going over . . . prayer . . . being devastated when investigators don't keep commitments . . . ect. It was a good lesson. He used several Old Testament references as the mission just finished the Old Test. a few months ago and the missionaries memorized several scriptures. Some of the scriptures Elder Gan related were a bit of a reach, but it was good.

We talked about finding. I believe service is the best finding activity. Elder Robbins taught that in Alabama when he visited. He told how right after Hurricane Katrina, proselyting went to zero in Louisiana, but baptisms shot up 600 per cent. All because people were so impressed that the church zoomed in there and helped them so much and the missionaries were smack in the middle of the service. 

We went to James' house with the Hamtic missionaries (Elders Gan and Swan) last evening ant taught him about the first vision. It went pretty well and he is making progress. I could see where knowing the first vision and relating the Phrophet's experience well to investigators brings the Spirit.

I worried about James prior to last evening, thinking perhaps he just enjoyed the company. He commits to read and he does so, sometimes two or three times. He believes in Jesus Christ and that, as Nephi testifies in the last of the 2 Nephi, helps him believe the words of Christ. We had a good lesson with him. I am hopeful that he will be baptized and start on his family.

Today we are getting ready to go to Iloilo for the Sister Missionary Conference. Sister S. made 12 dozen cookies for snacks after a bon-fire this evening. President Aquino asked her to do so. She made cookies for an RM missionary meeting a few weeks ago and they were a big hit. She is also going to speak at the conference this afternoon. She has been preparing hard, so it ought to be good. We leave in about half an hour and the Sister missionaries from here in San Jose are traveling with us.

I got my book back from Brother Kib and did some study in it last evening. The Infinite Atonement by Elder Tad R. Callister. What an amazing book. I do love it and it is so clear and so full of information regarding the atonement. I will reread this book as I do the scriptures, over and over and over again.

More tomorrow, after the conference.