District Meeting Day

Martens ang 4th

Bad news this morning. I always begin my day, rolling out of bed to my knees to talk to Ama. Then I grab the I pad and head to the head. . . Brush teeth, shave, check e-mail, shower and find my pills for the day. E-mail from Amy held bad news. . . Kristy Cannon died. We have seen little of her over the years, but she was a favorite. Michael and Kristy's son, Jeff did some amazing crazy things, often involving climbing and balance. She moved back to Idaho not long ago and we looked forward to reuning with her and Matsuokas upon our return.

We did Home Evening last night. I must admit that our family has never been a real home evening family. Elder Ardern and his wife spoke Sunday night to the Phillipines members and mentioned how they did their home evenings. Sister Sessions and committed to a similar practice. We prayed and watched President Monson's welcome to Conference and President Packers talk, and we discussed what we felt. I appreciated Pres. packer's talk so much more last evening than when I first heard him. It appears that the lessons from the prophets are scripture when the Holy Ghost prevails upon them. Like the scriptures, each time we read/hear, we hear more, we see different things, the Lord's words and ways are revealed. We then had prayer again and told Heavenly Father we wanted to continue this practice. It is simple and we can do it with no fuss. I do recommend FHE to my family and friends. Just keep it simple.

We have district meeting this morning. Sister Sessions has cake for two missionary birthdays. After that. . . I hope The Lord will guide us into something we might do today. We will pray for Kristy's family.

Lunes

Monday ang 3 Nobyembre

It has been a fun day thus far. I walked this morning and ran (double timed) 6 straight-a-ways and did a bunch of push-ups. I felt pretty good, but tomorrow morning I will be in trouble, arthritically speaking. I bought a bunch of bananas that are excellent.

We talked to Ryan and Cami and the girls, but could not see them. We talked to Chance and his family and to Amy and the kids. Brian is in the east. We tried to get Michael and his fam., but no connection. Tommy is Elk hunting, so we will try for them again in a few days.

We had a Philippines-wide broadcast last evening from Manila. Elder Oaks was here and brought with him Elder Robbins and Elder Cousse', first counselor in the Presiding Bishopric. Elder Arden, the Seventy over the area, was also there. Sister Arden and Sister Oaks spoke and all the authorities. Elder Oaks was the Area Authority here some 10-12 years ago and he spoke fondly of the area and the people.

The talks were great and the instruction. Scripture study, changing the culture to an LDS culture, paying tithes and offerings, advancing in the Priesthood serving missions were all emphasized. I took a good many notes and Elder Oaks gave about 19-20 specific things that ought to be done to change the culture, and ought to have been done, but have not been accomplished thus far. He gave the same specific things when he left as area president. Still, he was loving and kind and encouraging.

Francis was supposed to come teach Tagalog this morning, but he had played basketball with the Elders for P-day and he was worn out, so we made a new appointment. Sister Sessions has a cold, so she is napping now. We lunched at Santiago's and the Sisters have been over doing laundry. Not much happening . . . the weeks looks bleak. There are transfers and some changes, but we are not affected. We have district meetings tomorrow, then we have got to come up with something, visiting, something to fill the week.

Saturday

Sabado ang pang-una

Tagalog . . . I am studying Tagalog with Francis. Sister Sessions has lost interest. We missed lessons for about three weeks, so I am going on and she is okay with that. I had a lesson yesterday and this morning at the church. We went to the Family History Center, but there were no visitors. We cleaned up after last night's Halloween Party/Branch Evening.

The missionaries had me work in the spook alley. We had cold spaghetti, cauliflower for brains, peeled grapes for eye balls, dried prunes for baby ears, and I did the old finger in the box trick for the finale. I told them, "Welcome to the meat shop. I have several fresh parts for your enjoyment . . . many of these items will go well with your pancit, or just as a snack." I did a quick paint-up with some acrylic paints I have here at the house. There is a spider on my forehead, not pictured.  And, I didn't get to close to the eyes. I have enough trouble.

Sister Sessions ran a fish pond for 9 year olds and under. I think it was a big hit. I built some bamboo fishing rods with string and clothes pins to hook in the candies. The kids Filipinos have never seen that old game. We went through a ton of candy.

We cleaned the chapel today and mopped the floors. Then we drove over to Sibalom to pick up some hymn books we had taken over for repair. There is a family there that does a super, inexpensive job of repair and rebinding. We did three books for Culasi as a test and they came out so well that we too 11 last Monday and picked them up today. We took in 12 more to exchange. It is amazing how they can refurbish the broken, torn books. 

 There is a typhoon off to the east. I understand Panay will receive rain, but the major portion of the storm is slated to pass north again. I snapped this pic out the window on the way to Sibalom. The mist at the base of the mountains was pretty, so I just grabbed a quick shot.

We have nothing going on today. Sister Sessions is washing clothes for Elder Lungren and Sister Winward. They go to Iloilo to the mission home to end their missions on Monday. They are gearing up. Should be about 25 new missionaries arriving Tuesday or Wednesday.

Friday

Biyernes ang 31
Hallo-stinkin-ween

We went to Iloilo yesterday and bought groceries and took hard copies of Sister Mila's mission papers to President Aquino. We picked up some cargo and went to the Atrium (grocery store in Day's Inn). We met Elder and Sister Robinson there and visited and shopped, then we met the Robinsons at Uncle Tom's Resto out near SM.

Sister Robinson told us about this place. It is an actual steak house, with Australian and local beef. We all  had a porterhouse from Australia, potato salad and a soft drink. It was very good and we loved it. I used A-1 sauce on the steak and it was great. I never put sauce on a steak, but it looked so like home.

We went over to see Robinson's apartment. I liked it. It is smaller than we have, but it is not in a compound and we just close off two bedrooms anyway. Robinsons are here on a mission for PEF/Self Reliance. They will teach members how to start a business and grow it and be successful with their skills, professions, hobbies. It is a great program and they are excited to help the Filipinos get it going. It will be a great blessing to them.

They are from Idaho, Utah, and Washington. He was in the grocery business and they have traveled widely. Nice people and they are well and doing a hundred.

 We got home a little late, but it was an enjoyable day and we had little to do in the way of missionary work, so it was a good prep. day.

Miyercoles

Ang 29th

We attended district meetings yesterday. Monday evening, the district leader texted us and told us we were to teach Preach My Gospel page159 on finding. They seem to have a difficult time finding people to teach. If they were a bit more obedient, they would be busier than they could ever imagine. Sister Sessions taught first and used the scriptures in the section and told of a few stories she had saved of missionaries finding, or not finding because the did not talk TO EVERY SINGLE PERSON THEY MEET.

We put on the board when we arrived, for a meeting theme: "SELECTION IS DONE BY THE HEART OF THE HEARER, NOT THE MIND OF THE SHARER." Don't know where this was said, or by whom. I read it someplace . . .

I used 2 Corinthians 9:6-7. Paul, being a super missionary, gave the key here. I added a few ideas about having fun "talking to everyone you see, looking at being punted as an opportunity to go talk to more people, the 90% principal (work 90% of your time, and don't sit at your apartment, or worry about social functions or planning same, or writing talks, or whatever else can occupy time that can be rationalized as important). I talked about talking to 100 people every day, without fail. If they do that, they will have meaningful OYM's and find those that are prepared . . . The wicked will be offended by your approach . . . The worldly will not care . . . The celestial candidates will welcome you and be thankful you found them. Mathematics: 100 each day, 700 a week, in a 30 day month . . . 2100 people you have invited to come unto Christ. Out of 2100, companionships are bound to find the elect. Think of this as minimum, not maximum.

I talked and demonstrated the BoM loan plan: Introduce yourself to people, ask them if they believe in Jesus Christ. Ask if they know much about him. Ask if they would like to know a great deal about Him. When you find one that is interested, tell them that you have a book . . . show them the Book of Mormon. Treat it with respect and handle it as a sacred text ought to be handled. Tell the person that they can borrow the book if they will read in it. If they are willing to read, get their name and address and check the book out to them, telling them you will check back with them to see how they are doing. FOLLOW UP ON THEM. If they are not reading, take the book back and check it out to someone else. If they are reading and are faithful to find out what's in the book, then give them the book as a gift. (I believe this process was suggested by President Ezra Taft Benson)

We talked about singing to people. Filipinos love music and song and they will listen to you and it is a fun opening to conversation.

We talked about the Elders tucking in their ties and playing basketball with the youth (they play everywhere here). They are to have fun with them, but never win. Always lose by at least 1 basket. Then tell the youth you will be back to try them tomorrow . . . Tell them who you are and what you are doing and ask if you can come back and play and teach them the next day... Be Creative. As Paul stated in 2Cor9:7, be a cheerful giver . . . smile and have fun sharing the Gospel with others. Be genuine, but have a good time. We offer the best message anyone could ever receive. Be happy.

We talked about using the day properly. In Antique, the place shuts down at dark. People don't want unsolicited visitors. So, plan your day to start early and do studies at night. Use P-day as a finding day. In your exercise activities.Include onlookers in your games and have fun with them and get to know them. You will make friends, and friends are great to teach and ask for referrals. President is okay with this, leaders just need to let him know what they are doing, then carry out their plan.

There were other ideas too, but it all boiled down to talk to everyone you see . . . I hope it was information that they will use. I hope it was valuable.

I told them the fun story of the Elders in Alabama practicing dropping the BoM into the hand of the companion Elder from a second story apartment walk. One would knock on the door, "Hello, I am Elder  . . .  from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and I have a special message from Heavenly Father, just for you." The Elder raises his hand and the Elder above drops the book into his had from above. It took practice, but the people in the apartment were surprised, then delighted, and the Elders had the fun of talking and often, teaching the people. Creativity is essential to having fun while remaining genuine. There are a zillion ways to meet and OYM people.

After meeting, we gathered the broken books in the building after meetings and took them to Sibalom to a book binder guy who does a super job, cheap. We had him do a couple of books from Culasi a few weeks ago and the guy made them look brand new for 140 pesos. We took about a dozen in yesterday and he will have them ready Friday. We will then replace and bring the others.

Last evening, I had the fun of helping President Gindap learn how to enter youth names into the computer to begin mission papers. He is a good man. There are now 6 entered into begin their paper prep.

This morning, Sister Sessions and I walked at the track. We were a little late and the sun was well up on the track. It dang near killed me. I took a cool down lap after my two laps of controlled staggering and began to  roast. I am still sitting in front of the fan trying to get cooled enough to shower. Today I meet with the District Presidency at 2:00. That, unfortunately, is the entire plan for the day.

When I read over this, it seems like we are busy. We are not. I suppose we need to be more creative ourselves.
Few pics from Cebu trip:

Squatter's huts under the bridge.

Cocaliong boats that run between islands. We traveled on one of these, or one just like them.

Magellan's cross, encapsulated in modern wood. I took the picture to show the art on the ceiling of the stone building that housed the cross.

My noon meal at the Patron House at the temple. It was pretty good actually . . . needed salt terribly. Sister Sessions ate a slice of watermelon.

Print of Minerva Teichert's painting in the Patron House. I like her work. There are several in the temple and a really cool painting in the Matron's office of children and their grandmother in a flower bed. Matrons seem to have the coolest paintings of children, The Savior, or He and children together in their offices. Of course, one cannot photograph them.

More Patron House art.

Cebu

Domingo ang 26

Just got home about an hour ago from our youth temple trip to Cebu Temple for baptisms for the dead. Sister Sessions has done these before, but I have never had the experience. I loved it and I felt the Spirit pretty dang quick.

Our leaders baptized with authority and the youth were extremely reverent in the Lord's House. I was so impressed with them and the baptisms. We did 2 hour shifts five times and Sister Sessions and I took in two endowment sessions in between. It was say sweet. Cebu Temple is like an oasis in the middle of a mass of people, buildings, garbage, cars, jeepnies, motorcycles and bicycles. The moment one pulls into the grounds, life changes. Our cab drivers were totally amazed when we had them pull in and take us to the front of the temple.

We stayed at a little hotel a few kilometers away. Our room was okay, but the beds were terrible and I didn't get much sleep until last night on the boat coming back. The boat going was another story, so I was pleased with last evening.

We started Wednesday evening, arriving at the wharf in Iloilo at 4:00 pm as directed. We had the normal Pinoy experience of being herded into a building with no air con, checked in, then we sat for 3 hours waiting for a bus to take us to the boat, about 150 meters away. We loaded and finally got away.

One of the bays on deck two where people slept in bunks. The sides of were open to the air thank goodness. There was no food or drink. You had to plan ahead for the 12 hour cruise. It is crowded . . . Americans say, "They are crammed in like sardines." Filipinos say, "There is always room for one more." 

Sister Sessions and I had a suite. It was about 10 X 10, but had a CR and a good air con. The bed was weird. I got the covers back, and there was no sheet. Only a narrow light blanked that covered either your waste down, or your waste up. They you use the dirty bed spread to cover the rest of you. I just could not do it and had a pretty sleepless night.

We cruised all night with no problems and got to Cebu area about 6:30 . . . it takes a long time to get up the channel and to dock, so we got to the docking area about 8:00 and we were at the temple by 9:00.

Cebu is a prosperous city, with large buildings, bridges, poor people and rich.

When we got to the temple, it was pretty spectacular. We checked in at patron housing, but it was dormitory style, and Sister Sessions and I were packed together. We did not want to stay with others in separate rooms with bunk beds. They were accustomed to this response and quickly got us hooked-up with a local hotel. They allowed us to rest for a while in one of the empty dorm rooms and then we did our first session of baptisms in the temple at 10:00. I wasn't needed, so I went to an endowment session.

We did another session of baptisms at 2:00 and it was wonderful. We were able to check into our room at 4:00, but there was another session of baptisms, so we stayed caught a taxi at 6:00. We got to our room and put our things up then went up to MacDonalds for some supper. It was all we knew, but it was fun.

Friday we went to a baptism session, an endowment session and another baptism session. Sister S and I went to the big mall that was actually about 50 restaurants. We went to the Mooon Resto (spelled mooon) for Mexican food. It was close, but no cigar. We had a good meal and went on back to the temple and did one more baptism session. Saturday morning, we did one more session of baptisms then loaded a bus and went sight seeing for about 4 hours.

That turned out to be a bunch of bus riding and listening to really loud karioki (sp?) singing on the bus. It about killed me. We went to see where Lapulapu and his people repulsed the Spanish invaders led by Ferdinand Magellan. Magellan returned and made a deal with Lapulapu, but when the big L realized that Magellan and the Spanish were there to rob them, Lapulapu killed him and many others and sent them packing. The Spanish kept coming though. They knew when they found a good thing . . .

Before we visited Lapulapu's site, we went up to the Taoist Temple and looked around. There was not much of interest at the temple, but the view of Cebu was exceptional.

Yes, this is a typical Filapino sky and clouds.

We went into town to the Santo Nino (Spanish ninyo. . . don't know how to make that in blogger.) It was the first church in the Philippines and Magellan's Cross was housed outside in a little gazebo type place. It is not the actual cross. The actual cross is beneath a wooden covering, so it looks like a pretty new cross.

The most interesting thing there were people taking "selfies", some old women who we loved and took their pictues, and a guy oil painting behind one of the metal gates. I watched him for a while. He was so slow and meticulous and patient. I suspect he is a good artist.

The old ladies were selling candles to light for worship. They were really fun. Here is a face to be drawn . . .

To me this is weird, but some Filipino will see it, make selfie rods from bamboo, and make some pesos.

This guy was literally in a corner behind the door. I suppose he wanted to be seen, and not disturbed. I would have been cramped.

Beautiful flower outside the Santo Nino. couldn't resist and I am not a real flower fan . . . There are so many beautiful forms of plant life here.

It was a long ride home and we were pleased to get back into the air conditioned Ford and drive on home. Sister Sessions is napping and I am about to do the same. It was a good trip and so very nice to be in the Lord's House once again. We constantly pray that all our children, their spouses, and children will be temple worthy and go often. It is a place of revelation and the Lord's peace. We were really jealous of the senior missionaries who worked in the temple. What sweet duty.

Tuesday

Martes ang 21

We went to Iloilo yesterday to help with CLS testing for the going home missionaries. It was good to see several of them again and to help them toward a certificate for English speaking. Hopefully it will assist them in finding jobs. English speakers here have the better jobs, for certain.

We went to MacDonald's with the other senior missionaries and we went to the Atrium for a few groceries. We deposited Taylors near the wharf for their boatride home. I forget how many times they have ridden the boats over their time here. over a 140 times thus far, I believe.

When we got back to San Jose, there was a brown-out going on. We opened the windows and sat and read by flashlight. It was actually pretty fun. When the power came back on about 9:30, I just kept on going with my Sherlock Holmes. I sit on the bed, read and snack on some gummi bears. Pretty fun. It was nice to get the air con back though.

Iloilo pics:

Worker on his way home from work.

Worker still at it. Not sure why they cover their faces . . . it may be the Ninja look.

There is a Chinese influence in the architecture and much Chinese blood here. I believe they have been the most prosperous financially and it appears that people of Chines descent own the banks and businesses and much of the land. There are several old mansions that definitely have Chinese influence. This roof just caught my eye when we dropped the Taylors off.

I am always watching for people and things to photograph and landscapes. Often what I thought was something really cool turns out to be pretty mundane when I get it loaded on the computer. I want to paint much of what I see, so I hope to use it in the future when I get looking for subject matter. Many of the native artists have painted some really neat pictures of native women, nepa huts, carabao, workers . . .

I took these while driving along. The little camera takes pictures that the computer will not download to Facebook, so I am using the big camera. But I have taken some I wish I could share.

We are preparing to go to Cebu tomorrow to the temple with the youth. I hope to have lots of pictures of the travelers and boat travel that I plan to add to my journal Thursday.