Great Sunday in Toledo

Planning Humanitarian Project with President Macahireg, his older counselor,
Elder Antonio as Translator, and me.


Sixteen people were in and on this trike when it arrived for Church

Sunday, December 18, 2005

Today we visited four branches on the other side of our island. We stopped by the missionary apartment in Toledo and dropped off mail for them - letters and packages that they were very glad to get. We kept the ones for Pinamungahan and Aloguinsan to deliver as we went those places.

We first went to Tutay- Pinamungahan – it turns out- news to us – that most of the members come from Tutay and prefer to call it the Tutay Branch, rather than Pinamungahan. We know President Barabat arrives early as do some of the members so we had time to talk to them before Church. I think we arrived there about 8:30 a.m. I gave Sister Dina Arante, the Primary President, copies of the photos I had taken two weeks ago. I also gave her some notebooks for the children, and some Christmas stickers I had brought from home. We took a couple of pictures, got directions of how to get to the Aloguinsan Branch and took off right away.

We found Aloguinsan and were, at five minutes to nine, almost the first ones there. Bob carried in the boxes we had for them and I took a few pictures of the neighborhood children, and then of a tricycle arriving with 16 – I counted them as they got off – branch members on one tricycle. I couldn’t believe so many of them fit somehow. A couple of the boys were hanging on the back! We had brought a box of used clothing that had been sent by a former missionary – actually more of a problem than a help –since used clothing is readily available here at very little cost, but since she sent it, we divided it up to give out. Sister Anderson started to help with the project, but she got called away, so I finished it up yesterday afternoon. Aloguinsan is one of the poorest areas in the Mission so I made a big box for them that the Branch President can distribute as needed. I also brought the Primary Christmas stickers and notebooks (the notebooks were from the same missionary as the clothes). Then I met with the Branch President and his first counselor to start work on a possible Humanitarian project of supplies for their local school. They were very helpful and excited about the idea so I will follow up and, hopefully, it will be approved. The branch as Sacrament meeting last – so we left after the first hour and drove back to Toledo and attended Sacrament meeting in Toledo 1 and then all of the meetings in Toldedo 2. In Toledo I, an older brother blessed the Sacrament for the first time. He has been a member of a couple of months, but was too afraid to bless the Sacrament, but the quorum has been encouraging him and working with him and he did a fine job and was obviously touched by the experience. After the meeting I met with the Primary President and gave her some notebooks and supplies for her Primary.

In Toledo 2, a twelve-year old boy - who was baptized, confirmed, and given the Aaronic Priesthood last week, passed the Sacrament for the first time. He was wearing a white shirt and a tie (getting those can be a challenge for some here and I think his were a gift from a missionary.) He was so nervous that he kept looking at the Branch President who would point where he was to go next. This boy's older brother joined the Church and the parents were pleased with the changes they saw in him so they let the little brother join also. We hope the parents are next!
The Branch President asked both Bob and me to speak in Sacrament meeting – 5 minutes each. I told a Christmas story and Bob talked about Jesus Christ.

I met with the Primary President, a local elementary school teacher, and worked with her on the planning of a humanitarian project at her school up in the mountains. She too is excited and eager to help.

I drove the last twenty minutes of the trip home – some mountain driving and then a few blocks in the city – so I can begin to get used to driving here and have a little more independence. Although, I have taken a taxi and few times and find that very convenient and not very expensive.

Bob the Entertainer

Who knew changing a tire was such good entertainment!

We arrived home from our tour of the city about 2 o’clock – a very fun and interesting day. Bob changed clothes and went out to change tires on the cars. The mission has an old car that is going back to Manila to be sold and the President wanted the two new tires on it removed and put on our car that needs two new tires. Bob seemed to enjoy the physical work and, amazing to me, he attracted a group of four boys who had been playing basketball. They sat and watched the whole process – jacking up both cars, taking the tires off, putting the tires back on, lowering the cars. They seemed fascinated and let me take a picture of them watching Bob work. All enjoyed the job.

We went to bed quite early as we wanted to get up before 5 to leave for the Toledo Zone to arrive before the first meetings started.

Poor Man's Tour of Cebu

Sister Anderson takes Photo of tour group




Colorful Jeepney - common mode of transportation

Gloria and Sister Lee at Flower Mart

Bob with foot on Cannon at Fort San Pedro

Huge sculpture of History of Cebu

Saturday, December 17, 2005

We had a wonderful day. Patriarch Benedicto and his daughter, Sister Lee, took us and President and Sister Anderson on a “Poor man’s tour of Cebu.” We rode a jeepney from the Mission Office to the older part of the city. Getting on the Jeepney was a challenge, especially for Bob. You step up a high step and then have to duck – Bob had to almost bend in half to get in without hitting his head. It was a bumpy, interesting and very cheap (about 9 pesos each = 18 cents). Downtown we went to the big outdoor market – Carbon market. Bob took pictures of the flower mart. I bought a heavy plastic shopping bag to carry my fruits and vegetables home from our local market. (My Robinson’s bag that I had brought with me broke this morning when I went for vegetables before our tour began.) We looked at very interesting rattan decorations, hats, etc. and then went to the pearl section. I will be going back there!

We then walked a few blocks to Fort San Pedro – built by the Spanish about 1565 – very thick old walls. It is well-taken care of and interesting to see. (And, for my sake, clean restrooms. That is one thing about the Philippines – every where we go, the restrooms are very, very clean.)

Then we rode a horse-drawn conveyance – again Bob had to watch his head or he would bump it on the wooden top – and we went to see Magellen’s cross. It is supposed to be on the site where Ferdinand Magellan planted the first cross in the Philippines. They have built a cupola over the site with interesting murals painted on the ceiling. The original cross has been encased in a larger wooden cross to protect it. We walked from there to the oldest Church in the Philippines – again well preserved. We saw their famous “Santa Nino” – a boy doll, brought by the Spanish in the early 1600’s and miraculously preserved when the Church caught fire and everything inside burned. It is taken out once a year – dressed in very elaborate clothing – and paraded through the streets in early January as part of a big Santa Nino celebration.

It was time for lunch and Patriarch Benedicto took us to a restaurant that didn’t look like much from the outside, but inside was fine and we had a good lunch of chicken nuggets – we would call them – and sweet and sour sauce and French fries.

After lunch we walked to see the stela marking the oldest street in the Philippines – Colon street – and then walked a few more blocks to see a large outdoor sculpture honoring the history of the Philippines. It was my favorite of the day. The artist used metal, stone, rock architecture, tile and plants to show Magellan and his boat, the local hero Lapu-Lapu and his men, the Spanish friars, etc. Bob took some good photos of it.

We then caught a Jeepney home. Bob was one of the last to climb aboard, and as he did, people on the benches on either side, put one hand up on the ceiling of the vehicle – so that if he bumped his head, he would hit their hand and not the hard wooden ceiling. Of course, he didn’t notice because he was bent over so far to try to fit it, but the rest of us did and were grateful for the kindness we find here.

DInner and sharing the Gospel

December 14, 2005

In the evening we went to dinner with President and Sister Anderson and the Area Medical Adviser and his wife, Dr. and Sister Fuller, who are new to the Philippines and are visiting Cebu to see what the medical environment is like so they can better advise Sister Anderson. We went to the buffet at the Marriott and had a delicious dinner and good conversation. Afterwards, a member of the Church who works as a waiter came up an introduced himself. After a few minutes of talking to everyone, I talked to him privately and asked him to look up AlJun, the young man I met in the lobby at Thanksgiving while I was waiting for the Pollocks to pack. He said he knew him and would talk to him about the Church. I was happy to have that follow-up, since Al Jun seemed very interested when I talked to him, but didn’t want missionaries to come to his home. “His mother wouldn’t like it.”

Then, as we were heading toward then door, a young woman introduced herself, saying she was an inactive member of Cebu Ward 1. She teaches ballroom dancing and works very late on Saturday nights/Sunday mornings so stopped coming to Church. We visited with her for a few minutes and encouraged her to come Sunday afternoon to the later ward. She said she would try, or may just come and visit us in the office. We hope she will.

Sunday in Tagbilaran

December 11, 2005

We woke up early to get ready to go to Bohol. We took two large suitcases full of packages for the missionaries there. I didn’t feel too well and was moving slower than usual, but we really wanted to go, so off we went. It rained almost all the way on the ferry, so we stayed inside most of the time. I really enjoyed those few minutes of fresh air on the water. The Bohol Zone Leaders met us at the ferry, loaded the suitcases while Bob got our return home tickets, and then off we went to the Church. Tagbilaran 1 branch was just starting Sacrament meeting and we were glad to join them. After that Bob taught the Sunday School class while I went to help in Primary. We both had a good time, and many people seemed to greatly appreciate Bob’s information and handouts. We visited and had a little snack and then it was time for Tagbilaran 2 Sacrament meeting. Bob especially enjoyed the talk of Brother Cacho, counselor in the Branch Presidency who spoke in very clear English. Bob then taught a combined Sunday School class of Tagbilaran 2 and Dauis Branches.(Dauis meets after Tagbilaran 2, but the people came an hour early to hear what Bob had to say. Entire families came, so the children joined the Tagbilaran 2 Primary for the first hour – then went to their Sacrament meeting. It took a bit of time to get the Sunday School organized, but it went very well. Many people stayed after to talk to Bob and to me (when I finished Primary) and said how much they liked it and how helpful it was to know more about the Book of Mormon.

The Zone Leaders took us back to the ferry – had left our suitcases at their apartment, so dashed back to get them and brought them to us at the dock. The ride back was rainy so again we were inside. The ferry has been very full lately as they are having a ‘free’ return ride – actually they first raised the rates on the ticket, but still you save about 100 pesos – $2.00. President and Sister Anderson were on the same boat – returning from three days in Dumaguete. The Assistants picked us up and brought us home. I was quite tired and was glad I had made a big pot of soup and a big bowl of cole slaw on Saturday – along with oatmeal cookies, so dinner was easy. It has been a good day. We both felt we had been useful.

The Bohol District had performed a big service project the day before and many people talked about it. In July there had big a huge land slide on the east coast of the island in a very poor area. Over 80 homes had been destroyed. The District went as a group – estimates ranged from 126 -300 people plus all our missionaries – to help clean up, fix up, etc. The Primary was assigned to teach the children about hygiene and safety which they said went very well. All the others did a lot of manual labor and some were very tired on Sunday. They were glad to be of help, and also very appreciative of their blessings.

As Sisters.....

Sister Jumo-as opens her Christmas box

Sisters' Conference

December 6, 2005

This morning when Elder Lowry and Elder Dela Paz returned from the Post Office it was quite an event. They were loaded with boxes and packages and the office was crowded with sisters gathering for a sisters’ conference. Some of the boxes were the ones from Del Mar Ward and went to sisters in the room. They couldn’t believe they were for them and kept trying to guess who would send them something. Then, of course, they began to open then. What a scene – showing the candy and stickers, and carefully putting things wrapped in Christmas paper back in to save to open on Christmas. I got a picture or two and was glad to be able to share in the excitement.

Today was the first day of a two-day sisters’ conference held at the President’s condo. The focus was on improving our missionary efforts and was very well run and taught. But, the thing I enjoyed the most was getting to know the sister missionaries better. I spent a few minutes visiting with Sister Saniel. She came on November 17 and about a week later had her purse stolen and lost her ATM card along with her wallet and many other things. I was telling her that I had my purse stolen in Paris and was so glad that my temple recommend wasn’t in it. She started to cry. “Mine was in my purse,” she said. She told me she wanted another one and had talked to her Zone Leader three times and he said it wasn’t important since there is not temple here. But, I could see it was important to her. I suggested she talk to the mission president right now. She said, “I am shy.” I stood up, took her by the hand and walked her over to the president and held her hand while she asked him. Of course, he was delighted to give her an interview and scheduled it for tomorrow morning. Walking back to the couch, she was softly crying and thanking me for helping her. I then asked her how she joined the Church. This is what she told me:

“Two missionaries were teaching my neighbors. I was a Methodist, President of the Methodist Youth Group. I was curious about what they were doing and teaching, so I went over and asked them what they taught. They invited me to stay and so I did and they kept coming back and teaching more and more. I took my cousins and my uncle with me. I wanted to be baptized and so did my two cousins and my uncle. All four of us joined the Church. My mother didn’t like me getting baptized, but she didn’t say much since we live with my father’s family, and my uncle and his two daughters were baptized too. After I had been a member six months, I told my mother I wanted to go on a mission. She laughed and said, “Sure, sure.” So just before the one-year mark, I got my papers ready and turned them in when it was time. My mother didn’t say anything until I began packing. Then she cried and cried and asked why I didn’t love her. I am the only child and she didn’t want me to go, but I had to do it.”

At dinner, Sister Ledesma told me that she worked for the Police Department before her mission, but she couldn’t go back to that job because there was too much that was against the teachings of the Church. Sister Legson told me she had been a high school teacher before she came. What capable and wonderful young women these missionary sisters are. It was such a privilege to be with them.

Unexpected trip to Pinimungahan

Primary children open boxes of suppies




Primary children use their new pencils and paper




Primary children in Aloguinsan with Elders Antonio and Solomon

Sunday, December 04, 2005

We had the most amazing experience today...Sunday. We had planned to take the ferry to Bohol where Bob was teaching a Sunday School Class in three branches on Bible references to the Book of Mormon. The Assistants to the President got up at 5 to drive us to the pier. They dropped us off and we went in to the terminal - to find out that the 6:30 ferry was not running - engine problems. We went to a place apart and talked, had a prayer and decided we should turn our tickets in for tickets next week, go back home to get the car and go up over the mountains to Toledo, which we did. On the way we tried to decide which branches to visit. We were thinking of Balamban, but somehow at the last minute changed our minds and went south down the west coast to Pinamungahan. We had a nice visit there. A sister missionary who had returned home and her ward sent to the mission office a box of pencils, pens, pencil sharpeners and erasers. I sorted them all out, added a dozen copies of old Ensigns and 100 pieces of paper and packed 12 boxes for twelve primaries. Pinamngahan received their box this morning and the children and the leader were so excited. Near the end of Primary, the President had the children use the new pencils or pens and paper to write their testimonies. You never saw children take a project so seriously and work so hard. Each put their name on their paper and then gave them to me. I took a few pictures of them opening the box and then writing and will send the photos and the testimonies to the sister missionary. It was a delightful morning.
We enjoyed testimony meeting, all the while I was wondering why were were in Pinamungahan and not on Bohol. During the closing song, one of the elders came and got Bob and they went out to the parking lot. A minute later Bob came and got me and took me to a classroom. One of the elders in Aloguinsan - up the hill from Pinamungahan - was very sick. He looked like he had a stroke - face contorted, breathing very shallow, hands rigid and twisted; his legs were still and uncontrolled. I had them put him on the floor - his companion and another missionary were trying to hold him in a chair. Bob and the branch president and the other elders gave him a blessing and we carried him to the car. He had started with this 'episode' at Church in Aloguinsan and members of the branch had helped him get Elder Antonio into a tricycle and bring him down the hill to a doctor. They saw our car in the Church parking lot so came in for help. What a great blessing we were there and not over on Bohol. We called the President's wife who handles all the medical stuff and she told us to use our own judgment. We were planning on taking him to a hospital in Toledo - about 30 minutes away, but as we got close to Toledo, Elder Antonio seemed to feel better so we kept right on going and headed to a good Chinese hospital in Cebu - 2 hours drive away. Elder Antonio drank a little water. Thinking maybe it was hypoglycemia, I gave him a piece of candy that a primary child had given to me. As time went on, he perked up, sat up and talked to us a little. We still went straight to the hospital since he told us he had had a similar episode two days before and had been hospitalized over night, but seemed okay in the morning so he went home. We were in the emergency room for several hours. They decided they better admit him and run more tests and watch him - well, they have his companion watch him - since they couldn't be sure what was going on. He still felt weak and a little dizzy, but much better than before. Elder Solomon said he didn't know what he would have done if he hadn't seen our car. And, we felt very blessed to be where we were needed. What a great work this is.

A Most Unusual Thanksgiving

Now who is going to believe me when I say we worked hard on our mission!



Bonnie and Gloria head out for fun




Clear water, great fish, great fun!


Is my life jacket big enough?

November 23, 2005

We received an email from the Johansens this morning telling us that the Aaron Imoh family from Port Harcourt were sealed in the temple yesterday. What joy!

The Pollocks called last night. They are in Cebu and we will have breakfast together this morning and plan some time for fun.

What fun we did have – amazing. We had a delicious breakfast at the Marriott in Cebu and then sat and planned the next day. Bob and Jim went to the concierge to see what reservations for hotels they could find in Cebu. Because of the South East Asia Games – Olympic Preparation – every hotel that was at all acceptable was full. Bob suggested that I go with them (he felt he needed to stay here and work to get the support in the bank for the missionaries) and that we go over to Bohol. The only good hotel we knew on Bohol was also full, so they ask about others and were referred to the Bohol Beach Club. It looked fine in the book; they had rooms; so they took it, all the while wondering what it would really be like.

While they were negotiating, Bonnie packed and I sat in the foyer and visited with a young man – Marriott busboy – and invited him to come to Church and to read the Book of Mormon. He liked the idea of a living prophet and said he had a cousin who was a member and that he had played basketball at the Church near him. He said he would ask his cousin if he could go to Church with him. I hope he does!
We headed over on the 1:30 Ferry and enjoyed the wonderful ferry ride. We were met at the pier by a van and driver and with one other guest were driven through Tagbilaran, over the bridge to Pangloa Island and around the east side of the island to the most beautiful, perfect tropical beach resort. After checking in, we immediately put on bathing suits (the President said Senior Couples can swim), and went in the ocean. The water was warm – no waves, little swells, and a coral reef in quite close. It felt so refreshing. We were the only ones in the water; one lady was sitting on a deck chair under an umbrella and a couple of people were picking up shells way down the beach. Bonny and I walked north along the beach quite a ways picking up shells and coral and then discarding them in favor of better pieces. We then rinsed off and went in the pool – shaped like two circles joined on one edge with an arching bridge over the joined part. We swam during a brief rain shower then had dinner at a poolside table eating food that we had brought with us. We didn’t see any mosquitoes at all; the resort staff was instantly available, but not hovering. It was perfect. I had my own room – a little creepy to sleep alone in a strange place, but it was a fine room; I was right next door to the Pollocks; and I could get up early and read without disturbing anyone. We went to bed early, full of plans for the next day, beginning with a sunrise walk on the beach.

We headed out about 5:15 A.M. just as it was beginning to get light and had a lovely walk south along the white sandy beach until the beach ended and lava cliffs began. We turned back and went up to a delicious buffet breakfast. Bonnie and I rented a kayak and paddled north just outside a buoy line marking a marine preserve, then turned around and drifted back along the coral reef. It was great – good exercise and beautiful environment. First we had thoroughly slathered ourselves with sunscreen! Jim went to the business center to work for an hour via email. Then we all took the glass bottom boat tour of the reef. After seeing what amazing fish were right there off shore from the resort, Bonnie and I decided we wanted to snorkel. We went in to the water sports office to make the arrangements and got set up with equipment, boat, and driver, but when the woman in charge walked out to see that we got on the boat – it wasn’t there. Apparently a scuba class had taken it and the driver when their boat’s motor wouldn’t start. We sat and asked her questions about the reef and other things to do and then decided to go swimming and have lunch and come back at 1. She said the reef where we would snorkel was a No 2 spot, but that 45 minutes away to the southwest was a small island that was No. 5 for snorkeling and for scuba diving. But, that was a four hour round trip activity – and I had to leave at 4 for the ferry going home, so…We swam, had a Thanksgiving lunch of stuffed squid – the stuffing was especially tasty, seafood gumbo soup – very good, citron chicken, delicious, rice and pineapple, mango and watermelon for dessert. Not your traditional Thanksgiving dinner, but at least I was at the beach!

The boat and driver were ready when we walked back down to get our masks and fins for snorkeling and off we went. The driver didn’t look too happy – especially when we had trouble climbing around the motor to get in the boat, but off we went. It was about a five minute ride to the sea side of the reef where he tied the boat up to a buoy. Then we popped on our gear and looked over the side. The water was so clear that it was hard to believe his instructions to jump over – the reef looked inches beneath the surface so we eased ourselves over the side of the boat and lowered down into the water – and try as we might, we could not reach down with our fins and touch the reef. Then off we went wearing life jackets so we floated along the top of the water, looking down. And what amazing fish we saw. I think I saw every species I have seen (of the small colorful tropical fish) in the Scripps Aquarium. We were the only ones out there snorkeling – except that after the boat driver saw we were fine, he popped on a mask and fins and began working on the bottom of his boat! We saw angel fish, tiger fish, zebra fish, black spotted sea stars, bright blue sea stars and bright orange ones. We saw those tiny little bright blue fish that dart in and out of the coral, small eels, black fish, bright yellow ones with the big black eye spot on their back fin, shiny, almost transparent ones, orange, black and white vertical striped ones, yellow and black horizontal striped ones and many, many more. Bonnie had been snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef and said this was ever so much better. We could hardly imagine what it would be like at the No. 5 spot since this was so perfect. We stayed in the water for an hour – and then it was time to head back. What a wonderful, beautiful, exciting, relaxing activity. We loved it. It is hard to describe how wonderful it was. The only sound you heard was your own breathing; the water was warm; there were many varieties of coral and small sea plants of all colors; and there was the huge variety of fish some in schools, others by themselves seemingly oblivious to us. What an amazing experience.

We walked along the beach a bit, then went swimming, had a pina colada (with no alcohol of course) by the pool and then I had to shower and dress and catch the ferry home….very grateful for good friends and good fun. I wished Bob had come to enjoy it too.

It was dark for the ferry ride home and then I took a taxi back to the apartment and it was back to work – laundry and preparing visual aids for the training in Bohol (yes I go back on the ferry again on Saturday morning – blessed me!) Bob had accomplished a lot, after great computer problems and was glad he had stayed home. He had a traditional, and delicious, Thanksgiving dinner with the President and Sister Anderson and the Zone Leaders – turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, pumpkin pie, the whole works!

Another trip to Bogo

Elders and Sisters in Cebu City Zone -before Transfers scatter them all over the islands


Bob and Gloria with Lenie and her 15 year old son



Fishing at sunrise off the coast at Bogo


Sunday, November 20, 2005

What a lovely two days. On Saturday morning we met Patriarch Benedicto at the mission office and loaded the car to go to the Bogo District Conference.

It was a pleasant drive to Bogo and we enjoyed getting acquainted with the Patriarch. He lives in the same compound with five of his children and their families. One more child lives in the U.S. and the seventh has died. He has not been out to the Districts for three years and is very happy the mission president is arranging for him to go so that the members can receive their Patriarchal blessings.

We arrived at Bogo before noon and ate a snack in the car of cheese and apples before going in to the training meetings. Bob spoke in the Priesthood session about Priesthood power and I taught in the Relief Society session on Visiting Teaching (I shared the picture of Grandma Stokes visiting teaching with her baby on her lap as she rode in a horse-drawn buggy). I also covered the portion of the training on Charity Never Faileth. It was very well attended; the District Relief Society President is young but very capable and did an excellent job.

In the Saturday session for all adults – held from 4 – 6 p.m. – Bob and I both spoke on the joys of missionary service. I told the stories of Brother and Sister Okiyi and Aaron Ogbonda and then of Abinadi’s joy when he realized that his preaching to King Noah and his priests hadn’t been totally in vain – one had been converted – Alma.

After visiting with members, we followed Brother Hansen to our ‘beach resort’ where we would spend the night. President Suan and Patriarch Benidicto and the Andersons and us were in a three-car caravan trying to keep up with Brother Hansen who wound his way through a maze of streets amid numerous tricycles and people on the roads and, of course, it was dark just to make it even more of an adventure. We ended up at an interesting place right on the east coast with rooms that were okay – ours had a working air-conditioner. We left our luggage in the rooms and then drove back down one road a short distance to another ‘beach resort’ where we ate an okay dinner and enjoyed the company. Unfortunately, I left my purse there and so Bob and I had to go back and pick it up, but thankfully, it was sitting there on the office desk of the resort and they were hoping I would come back they said.

It was a lovely night with a full moon and we had a little deck overlooking the water so we took a picture before going to bed. I woke up early and slipped in to some clothes and went out walking around and took some pictures of the sunrise over the water. I went in to shower and dress and then came back out and took a few more pictures before Brother Hansen came back to get us and lead us back to his house for a delicious breakfast of French toast, bacon and orange juice. We all enjoyed that and then headed over to the chapel for an early morning youth meeting before the main conference session.

It was fun to visit with people as they arrived as we are getting to know a few of them. Leni, one of the Carabio sisters, told me a little about herself. She is a widow; her husband died of pneumonia several years ago. The doctor had given him medicine, but he didn’t like to take it…. She has two boys 15 and 8. Her husband’s parents have taken the younger boy to raise, but they are letting him come to visit for Christmas.

There was some confusion and last minute scurrying as the city of Bogo had all power off for 12 hours. A stand-by generator could run the microphone and a few lights fortunately. President Anderson combined the two Bogo Branches into one, releasing one Branch President who had commuted from Cebu every Sunday for nearly 5 years. The other Branch President was called to be the President of the new combined branch. Brother Hansen was called to be a counselor in the District Presidency and will be a big help to them in organizing things. I was very impressed with the District President who said, “Before we selected new leaders we prayed in the office and we all felt the spirit very strong so we know these leaders are called of God.” He talked about trials – his wife has pneumonia and his two children are just recovering from it. It has been a difficult time for him.

Bob and I both shared our testimonies, the choir sounded wonderful and the spirit in the meeting was strong. The chapel was full, so that is a good start. Afterwards we visited for awhile and then went over to Hansens’ for lunch, then back to the chapel to pick up the Patriarch (with sandwiches for him and a piece of cake). He had given 15 Patriarchal Blessings – two on Saturday and 13 on Sunday!

More Bogo Open House

A Dinner to Remember


Elder Callahan the chef


Nephites vs. the Lamanite

At the Open House, the Relief Society not only had a good display, but also had prepared lunch for visitors and dignitaries. They considered us in the latter category and has made corsages for us as well as the Andersons and the community leaders….we had really just gone to help! We ate some of several of the dishes prepared for lunch such as a type of chop suey, two kinds of rice, and sweet and sour fish. Some things tasted better to us than others and Bob later went out to the car and had a breakfast bar and an apple! After visiting a bit more, we, along with the Andersons, drove to the Pension House where we were to spend the night. We took a much-appreciated nap before going to the Elders’ apartment where they were preparing dinner for President and Sister Anderson, us, and Brother Fleming.

Two of the elders, Elder Callahan (the chef) and Elder Chang, were preparing dinner when we arrived at 6. The other four were at a baptism – which we would have gone to, if we had known it was happening! Elder Callahan was preparing home fried potatoes and had cleaned and sliced 3 kilos (7.5 pounds) of potatoes! He also prepared two rice cookers full of rice, and beef and pork shish kebabs and barbeque sauce (homemade with coca cola as the ‘secret’ ingredient.) It took them nearly two more hours to have it all ready, by then we were starving, but it was worth the wait. Everything was really good. They had built a little fire in the back yard and grilled the meat. It was amazing. The other five elders did what Elder Callahan told them to do – they had eaten his cooking before and knew he knew what he was doing. We had a fun time eating together and listening to their stories. They also showed us their Nephite/Lamanite battle that they had prepared for the Open House. It was great to see what good friends they all were and how they worked so well together, that is probably while their Zone is doing so well.

Bogo Open House

Bogo Primary Children waiting and waiting

Bogo Young Men getting their display ready

Saturday, November 12, 2005

We drove up to Bogo early in the morning to attend their Open House prior to the dedication of their new building tomorrow. Traffic was light and we made good time, arriving about 9:30 A.M. (it was scheduled to start at 10). We are starting to feel that we have friends there and were happy to see the elders, the Carabio sisters, Brother Hansen and others. The building looked very clean and lovely and each auxiliary and quorum had set up displays that were very well done. The Primary room looked great and they had a full program planned of singing, stories, lessons and activities. The Young Women had music – one girl playing the keyboard and others singing hymns; they had displays of the YW Values and Personal Progress, and they had an activity of making ‘friendship bracelets’ of knotted cords. The Missionaries had a big poster “Why are we called Mormons?” and had lots of interest and answered many questions. At least 30 investigators attended. The opening program started one hour late as they waited for community leaders to come. A retired judge and the vice-mayor of Bogo both came along with a couple of pastors from other churches. While waiting, the children were all in the Primary room and beginning to get restless, so I sang a bit with them – activity songs like “If You’re Happy and You Know it,” and “Five Little Ducks went out to Play” and “Do As I’m Doing.” Stephanie Carabio, the Primary President in Branch 1, came and found me later to come and sing the ‘duck song’ again saying, “The children really liked it.” It was fun. Bob visited with many of the non-members. During the Opening Program and before the tours of the displays, the Bogo District Choir sang. They sounded really good. We were impressed. Also, the retired judge, a woman, talked about marriage and used the analogy of the small boats that are so common along the shores of the Philippines. She said some times each partner is rowing toward a different island! Other times, one is boring a hole in the bottom of the boat, not realizing they will sink as well as their partner. It was very interesting.

I enjoyed the opportunity to get better acquainted with President Suan – a counselor in the Cebu City Stake Presidency – and Facilities Manager for the north half of the island of Cebu and part of Leyte Island. He grew up one of eight children in a very poor family. He had to work to earn money from the time he was quite young. He said his parents worked very hard and so did all the children. They all worked the whole time they went to college, and all graduated from college- a very unusual family here. He said some of the neighbors made fun of them for studying hard and working hard, but he said they don’t laugh at the family anymore.

Visit to Aloguinsan Branch

Elders Solomon and Antonio with Primary children in Aloguinsan

Sunday, November 06, 2005

We had another wonderful Sabbath. We got up just after 4:30 A.M. and left for Aloguinsan just before 6 A.M. We had a lovely, safe drive and met Elders Solomon and Antonio at the Pinamungahan Building as planned. We arrived there about 8 and were supposed to meet them at 8:30, but they arrived with Elders Harrison and Pascua soon after we did. We visited and helped set up the building for their classes and visited with the Branch President before leaving for Aloguinsan – a few kilometers down the road. Elders Solomon and Antonio were our guides.

The meeting house in Aloguinsan was the worst we have seen here. We took several telling photos to show the President. In spite of the atmosphere, we had a very good time. I helped in Primary with music and drawing activities. Bob gave his standard Sunday School lesson. 56 people attended Sacrament meeting – some were out on the porch looking in. The Branch was very friendly and the elders said they are helping the missionaries and are doing well. It was Fast and Testimony meeting and I was able to understand some of what was being said and shared my testimony in Visayan.
On the way home, the elders showed us a new building they would like to rent for the Church to use. It looks fine from the outside, but was locked so we couldn’t go in. We also stopped to take a picture of the local elementary school for a possible humanitarian project. We dropped the elders off in Pinamungahan near their apartment with a bag of oatmeal cookies I had made for them. Little things like that seem to mean so much to these missionaries.
We then went on to Toledo. We stopped in to visit Toledo 2 Ward and I attended the last hour of their Primary. I talked to the Primary president – Glenda Tijap – about a possible humanitarian project at the elementary school where she teaches – in the mountains out of Balamban. There is a lot of paper work involved in these projects. I hope I can herd it through the required channels in a timely fashion.
We arrived home, tired again, but very happy

Ward Youth Conference

One group of Young Women present their poster

Saturday, November 5, 2005

We had a great time today. Yesterday a local Bishop and his counselor came in to see the President, who wasn't in the office, to see if he could come to their ward youth conference in the nearby hills and give a talk 1 1/2 hour 'workshop' to their youth. The youth were already up there and he wanted the president to come the next day - today. The President and wife were leaving for Bohol early this morning so we got the assignment and it turned out well. The topic was "Encouraging youth to go on missions." We bought poster paper and smaller pieces of bright colored paper and took markers, crayons, scissors, tape, glue, pens, rulers, old copies of the New Era and Ensign from the office. We divided them -32- into groups of five or six and had each group make a poster that would encourage youth to go on a mission. They really liked the activity and made very amazing posters. Afterwards they showed their posters to each other and told about them - then we talked for about 15 minutes - Dad had talked 10 minutes at the beginning. The setting was fine - great view of the city, the youth very fun and cooperative and all of us had a good time. The Bishop plans to display the posters at the upcoming ward cultural activity and to give each group an award for their work. We pray that besides having fun, they also increased in their desire to serve a mission.

Young Single Adult Conference

Thursday, October 27, 2005

We had a great adventure today going to speak at a Regional Young Adult Conference - traveled for about an hour up and down and around on the tiniest dirt/rock mountain road you can imagine - after two hours of driving over the mountains and down the coast on paved roads)- but we got there. Coming home it was pouring rain - and someone was following us since we had a young adult guide with us.The Conference was held at a place called Hidden Valley Resort - in Lamak - which was a branch assigned to us, but we were told by a missionary that we would probably never go there since the roads were too bad! We had a wonderful time and saw many of the young adults whom we have met in the various branches. Over 300 YA's were at the conference which was for 2 Stakes and 3 Districts. Simultaneously on Negros Island, another YA Conference was being held for one Stake and four districts from parts of our mission and the adjacent mission. Our Mission President went to speak at that one. It is semester break for the schools here. We were assigned to talk for one hour on Mission Preparation to those who had not yet served missions - we had about 150 in our group. The previous speakers - Employment Resource Center - took half of our time, and we definitely wanted to finish on time to give ourselves time to get down off the mountain road before dark - so our talks were short and to the point and seemed greatly appreciated, which made the 3 hours driving each way all worth it.

Joy in Missionary Work

Waiting for Zone Conference



Gloria at her desk


Bob in the Clerk's office

Friday, October 21, 2005

After the meeting and lunch, six Filipino elders came in the office and sat down to wait for their American companions, who having money from home had headed off to the mall to shop. The Zone Leader (from Sri Lanka) from the local Zone was just leaving with his American companion to go tracting in the area around the mission office. Seeing all those wonderful Elders just sitting there, he couldn't resist. He armed them each with a Book of Mormon and took them all out tracting with them. You should have seen the excitement when they returned. One pair had set up four appointments, another had set up one with a family of 9 people, a third pair had three appointments scheduled and the Zone leader and the Filipino elder who had gone with him had found and taught an investigator the first discussion and found 4 four that they made appointments with. The enthusiasm in the room was electric. What an inspired young man that Zone Leader is. It was such a joy to see. The American elders who were waiting in the mission office were sorry they didn't go too!

First Visit to Lutopan Part 2

Primary President Erlyn Batatay and Primary Secretary Cynthia Saldoa
Prepare for Primary


Elder Cocos and Ward Missionary Cyril Cuanso

Branch 1 began at 9:00 a.m. and Priesthood, Relief Society, and Primary began promptly. Only one sister, not including me, and the teacher were there when it was time to start, but the teacher started anyway and was doing a fine job when I left to go to Primary. I had seen the Primary President and Secretary earlier taping up the words to songs and preparing the room. They had an excellent Primary with lots of singing, sharing time, classes for both the older and younger children, and four Primary leaders who stayed in the room the entire time helping one another. It was a delight. About 12 children attended. They had the Primary songs on cassettes and had a nice recorder in the room and used that to help teach the songs. The children knew many songs and sang with great enthusiasm.

During Sunday school hour Bob taught the combined youth and adult classes on the Signs of the True Church and the Bible references to the Book of Mormon. People seemed very interested in what he had to say.

In Sacrament meeting, the Branch President asked me to be the concluding speaker – he asked Bob first, but Bob said he had already talked for a long time and that they could ask me. I told the story of Ammon and King Lamoni and talked about the power of love, and the importance of love and forgiveness in a small branch like theirs. Most of the people understand English, but I did introduce my talk and conclude with my testimony in Visayan.

We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Lutopan Branch One and they seemed very grateful to have us. They are out in the bundok (the origin of our word boondocks) and don’t get many visitors from the Mission leadership.

We were impressed again with the Toledo District leadership. President Cocjson had assigned his First Counselor, who lives in Lutopan, to meet us at the Branch, to welcome us and to see that all went well. We are grateful for his support. If only we had more senior couples in our mission so that a couple could be assigned to Toledo District and visit these Branches more often than we will be able to do.

Lutopan Branch II began at noon and again I visited Primary and Bob taught during the Sunday School hour. This Primary was a little bigger, not quite as well organized, but again had lots of singing and all the Primary leaders – 4 stayed with the children the entire time, very helpful. They asked me – on the spot – to teach the class lesson of which a posted outline was on the board from the first Branch. It was titled "The Saints Build Winter Quarters" and they weren't sure what "Quarters" meant. I had just heard the lesson the hour before, so was able to do it. I had brought crayons and paper with me and had the children draw a picture of how they could help someone. They very much liked that activity and the Primary leaders had their own crayons to use. The First Counselor wanted to tell the children exactly what to draw, and I asked her to let the children decide. She replied, “Oh, you want them to use their own coconut (pointing to her head. We all laughed. A little later as part of the lesson, I asked her a question and she looked a little puzzled. I said, “You use your own coconut.” She laughed and then came up with a very good answer. I helped them a little with the tunes of some of the songs – I’m not much help in the music department so we laughed and sang together. After the closing prayer, they had some time left, so I taught them “Do As I’m Doing” and teachers and children together had fun as we sang. There was a great feeling in the Primary and wonderful cooperation among the leaders. We still had time, so each person bore their testimony in Visayan – including me. The children, who can read and talk in both English and Visayan, were quite interested in my elementary Visayan and even helped me with a word or two. It was a great experience.

Again when he was asked, Bob volunteered me to speak in Sacrament meeting and I told the story of Ammon again and along with a little about “Taming the Wicked Witch of Barbara Avenue” and encouraged them to love and serve and forgive one another as we had heard that they were having some problems in that area. Prior to Sacrament meeting the Branch President arranged a fan to blow directly on me as I was seated on the stand, and even though it blew my hair all over the place, I was very grateful as the afternoon air was very still and hot. (There had been a lovely breeze in the morning meetings.)

We visited a bit after the meeting and I used my new Visayan phrase that Elder Lowry had taught me, “I am happy to be getting to know you.” Elder Hardman introduced me to a sister – actually the Primary first counselor who had teased about the ‘coconut’ and told me her 18 year old daughter has a heart defect and the doctors in Toledo say she much have heart surgery or she will die. The father died last year and six months later the mother had a series of strokes. She is recovering well, can walk (with a limp) and do some things, but she lost her job. I am interested in some of this humanitarian work and since there is no couple here with that assignment, I hope to do some of that. I checked with the President and he said, “Fine. That would be great.” I asked her to write down the problem and the situation (Elder Hardman will help her and then will bring it to me on Friday when he comes to Cebu for Zone Conference.) The daughter is the Branch organist and plays the simplified version of the hymns on the keyboard.

We decided to take a new way home. Cyril drew us a ‘sketch’ and then he and his brother and little sister rode part way with us to help us find the way. We had been warned that it was a bumpy road and it was. We had also been told to get behind a big bus and stay there and we did. The lovely Trans Central Highway is closed to big trucks and busses to preserve the beauty and serenity of the area so they all go on this “National Highway.’ It is under construction and was gravel and mud (it had rained during sacrament meeting) and potholes and bumps most of the way. We couldn’t enjoy the scenery much as we had to watch the road so carefully – a lot of traffic – many busses and big trucks. We came out on the east coast in the city of Naga right at a beautiful new LDS Chapel. We then drove along the coast north through Naga, Talisay and then south Cebu. This way had much more traffic and was not as pretty as our usual way, but we were glad we tried it out and became acquainted with a new area.

We arrived home just before dark – a little after 5:30- tired and happy.

First Visit to Lutopan

Bob at Lutopan Meeting House



Road to Lutopan Meeting House

Sunday, October 16, 2005

We were up early to get ready to leave. The sun rises about 5:30 a.m. here so we have good light for an early drive. We left home about 6 and enjoyed the trip up over the mountains again. There is very little traffic and the scenery is lovely along the “Trans Central Highway.” We arrived at the Toledo chapel about 7:45 a.m. and people were just starting to arrive for their 8:00 a.m. meetings. We saw Elders Tatua and Morales who were picking up ward missionaries to go on splits with them. Then Elder Cocos and Cyril (pronounced surreal) arrived to guide us to Lutopan. Then Elder Stoker – the Zone Leader and his companion came. We delivered the box of blenders we had brought to them. (The Area Medical Office wants every missionary apartment to have a good blender and we are to encourage them to make smoothies from the abundant local fruit in an effort to improve their health.)

Soon we were on our way up a new (to us) road into the mountains. We went a much shorter distance than we expected and after a quick turn down a tiny little lane (we wondered about taking the car down there) and pulling into a little driveway in front of the Church meeting house – we were there. Elder Cocos and Cyril took off and hired a motor bike to go and tell the Branch President we were there and he arrived shortly. The meeting house is a converted house with the most fascinating bamboo panels on all the inside walls – very appealing.

Preparation Day on Bohol Island

Gloria at 'Chocolate Hills'



Gloria and Makanoa's on boat


Tarsier

Monday, October 10, 2005

We were up at five, quickly dressed, ate a delicious breakfast Edita had prepared for us, and taking the lunch she had prepared also, we headed out. We first stopped by a large hotel to visit its store so Sister Makanoa could get film. While there I found two straw hats I liked, one cost 25 pesos – about 50 cents and the other cost 85 pesos – about $1.60. I was very glad to have them the rest of the day to keep off the sun. We then drove up to Luboc to see the Tarsiers – tiny monkey-like creatures indigenous to Bohol and very fragile. They are rarely, if ever found in zoos because they die if contained in cages. They are nocturnal and live on the hillsides around Luboc. A family has a business of raising them for showing to tourists. The Makanoas have made friends with this family so we were permitted to hold them and take many pictures. Usually tourists can just look at them in the plants and take pictures. They are not in any kind of cages – just live in the potted plants near the river. The family cover the entire area with netting at night to keep out cats – their major predator. They have very big eyes and on the ground hop like frogs. They can jump quite long distances and can also swing and climb in trees like monkeys do. They live to be 15 to 20 years old; have one baby a year; and eat all kinds of insects in the wild. The family feeds them crickets.

We then took a boat ride up the Luboc River to see the hills where they live in the wild. Of course we didn’t see any of the tarsiers in the wild, it was daytime so they should have been asleep, and they are so tiny that they are hard to see anyway. The river was quite muddy – looked like cocoa – and has a small waterfall and then rapids. The water was low or we could have gone a little further. Very interesting bamboo houses were along the bank and we saw an old man in his old canoe, but he did not want his picture taken. We also saw a pool of clear water off to the side where a spring fills a large cavity in the rock. People were bathing – in their swimming suits. I really enjoyed the boat ride. Bob took pictures and was intrigued by the use of Clorox bottles with small rubber tubes instead of a gas tank.

From there we headed up to the town of Carmen to see the “Chocolate Hills.” These are large mounds – quite symmetrical – hundreds of them that are brown in the dry season when all the vegetation on them dies. It is the rainy season now so they were very green, but still looked very unusual and interesting. The Makanoa’s took us to a resort where we could drive most of the way up one of them and then climb 214 stairs to the top (or take a winding path up and the stairs down – which we did.) Beautiful plants lined the path – most of them in bloom and the view from the top was lovely.

From there we drove (Elder Makanoa likes to drive fast, but is very used to the Philippine drivers and safely navigated his way around and past them) up to almost the center of Bohol Island to the little town of Pilar where we have a lovely little Church building and a small branch of members. We took a quick look at the building and at the missionary apartment, then went to visit the Branch President Orapba at his rice mill. He was quite busy as it is the harvest season and many people were waiting in line with their rice to be milled. We had seen people out harvesting the rice and then spreading it out to dry on the highway – often taking most or all of one lane of the two-lane road. Everywhere rice was drying – in towns and villages as well as on the open road. Unfortunately, our picture of an old grandma spreading the rice to dry did not turn out. Hopefully we will have other opportunities to try again.

Just out of Pilar we stopped just off the highway under a big tree and ate the wonderful lunch Edita had packed for us. She is the Makanoa’s “house help”, a member of the Church and a very great help to them as well as a friend. Seeing her in action, I wanted an “Edita.”

After lunch we drove over a lot of gravel highways back over to the west coast of Bohol and then up to the towns of Tubigon and Inabanga. In Tubigon we checked out the chapel and the elders’ apartment. We have been impressed with the nice houses and apartments provided for the missionaries. Parents would be relieved, I think, if they saw where their children live. In Inabanga – the furthest north branch on Bohol we again visited the meeting house – the worst one we’ve seen so far – a couple of large rooms at the back of a house. They were clean and had nice fans, but very dark….maybe it is cooler that way.

We then drove all along the west coast of Bohol – very pretty – back to Tagbilaran, where we had started. Along the way I saw many variety of orchids growing in people’s yards. Nearly every house, no matter how small, has flowers around it and many times, they are orchids.

We passed right by Makanoa’s little street and went back out on to Pangloa Island to see the elders’ apartment in Dauis, to visit the chapel again, and to visit the underground pool. We went to the pool first. A spring in an underground cavern has created an interesting and cool pool where children like to swim when they are not in school. The water was very clear – you could easily see the very rocky bottom – and cool, but not at all cold. It has two openings to the sky that let in a little light (and let the bats fly in and out.) There were stalactites as well. The whole island of Pangloa (as are most of the islands here) is volcanic and this was very clearly seen by looking at the rock in the cavern. They have made steps and a path to walk down inside and charge a very nominal fee – I think 20 pesos. ($.40) After the carvern, we drove by the elders’ apartment and the Dauis Branch chapel – one of the oldest in the area and scheduled to be demolished and completely rebuilt. Then it was back over the bridge and through very, very heavy tricycle traffic to the Makanoa’s house, where Edita had dinner ready. Afterwards we sat at the table and talked for a long time, then some of the Elders (who live next door) came over and visited and enjoyed candy and fresh fruit called lanzones.

Tuesday, October 11

We were up early again – five – breakfast at 6 and packed at visited and were at the ferry before 8 to head back to Cebu. The Assistants to the President called to confirm the time we expected to arrive in Cebu and said they would be at the dock to pick us up. They are great and work very hard to help everyone in the mission. The morning was lovely; the water was glassy; the ferry arrived from Dumaguete and then departed for Cebu on time. Again we spent the entire trip up on the observation deck thoroughly enjoying the views of the water and of Bohol and several other small islands. The sun was bright, but there was a haze to the west so we could barely see Cebu until we were very close. We couldn’t see Negros at all. We arrived back at Cebu feeling very rested, certainly well fed, and happy about the work we had been able to do for the mission – speaking and teaching, meeting the District leaders and then checking on all the apartments and church buildings.

Saturday and Sunday on Bohol Island

Sister Makanoa and Gloria in front of the Cortes Meeting House

Saturday, October 8, 2005

You can’t depend on the roosters on Bohol to wake you up in the morning. They start crowing at 2 A.M. We could hear the Makanoa’s get up between 4 and 5 A.M. and we got up at 5, showered, dressed, and we all ate breakfast at 6. We left before seven to visit several Church meeting houses and some elders’ apartments before attending a rebroadcast of Conference at 11a.m. We had a good time visiting and laughing in the car as we located the buildings and apartments and surprised some sleepy elders. We went across the bridge in Tagbilaran to Pangloa Island and visited the chapel in Dauis. We knocked on the door of a member who lives across the street from the Church. Bob was looking for Brother Lungay who had baptized Brother Acosta and who Brother Acosta had asked him to meet and say hello. We had a good visit with Brother Lungay – he has 12 children – all active. He told us, “Every time I go to my little garden, I think, ‘The prophet is right. He knows the way.’ I have saved so much money to help my family when I feed them from my garden. We always have food to eat.”

We stopped by the Makanoa’s house for an early lunch before going over to the Church to hear conference.

Not many members attended the Saturday sessions of Conference, but some of those who did were the Tagbilaran District auxiliary leaders so I met the Primary, Relief Society and YW District Presidents. It was quite hot in the chapel, but fortunately the fans were all on full blast. I felt like the speakers were talking directly to me and took notes of things I needed to remember and change.

We went back to the Makanoa’s house about 4 and had a quick dinner and then the men went back to the chapel for Priesthood and Sister Makanoa and I sat and visited. When the men returned we ate again – every meal was a wonderful treat – with snacks always available. After dinner we talked awhile – then again went to bed early.

Sunday, October 9, 2005

We were up at dawn, breakfast at 6 and again left before 7 to get to the Calape Branch meeting, about an hour away, before 8. We were the first ones there, but soon, two missionaries arrived and then the Branch President, wife and toddler son arrived on their motorcycle. Soon a few members had gathered and we began Priesthood and Relief Society. Actually, the men began their meeting and the sisters just talked for 30 minutes waiting for someone in the Relief Society Presidency to arrive. When they hadn’t come by 8:30 I suggested to Sister Makanoa and the District Relief Society President that we go ahead and start. The District R.S. President conducted, I taught – went over Elder Henry B. Eyring’s conference talk (thank goodness for the notes I had taken the day before). We discussed some of the ideas and by 9:00 about 10 sisters were there. Bob then taught the adults and youth in a combined Sunday School class and I visited the Primary. They had no primary the first hour – only about 2 children were there. The second hour children came in throughout the hour until there were over twenty by the time Primary was over. The teacher was young, used the chalkboard and discussed and taught well. The children did get restless, however, and I encouraged her afterwards to use more music. She had an opening and closing song and that was it. I hope I didn’t offend her. One little girl especially caught my eye. She had big bandages on both feet and did not walk – her father carried her in. She had cut her feet on broken glass – ouch! Fortunately they do have fairly good medical care here and her feet looked professionally bandaged, so I assume and hope she had a tetanus shot and stitches.

The young Branch President asked Bob to be the concluding speaker and he punted over to me. Sister Makanoa had told me of the problems of the branch in not accepting callings and coming very late to meetings, so I told some stories, used some scriptures and talked about obedience and respect. Don’t know what the people thought but the Makanoas and the Branch President liked it.

After the meetings we visited for a few minutes and then drove down to Tagbilaran, eating lunch as we went. We arrived at the chapel in time to hear all of the Sunday afternoon session of conference and it was wonderful. I was especially inspired by Elder Utchdorf’s talk. We visited with the members for some time and then returned to the Makanoas for dinner. After dinner Sister Carol ___________ and her two children, a girl age 17 and a boy age 21, stopped by to visit and we talked for over an hour. All five children in the family and the mother are active in the Church. The father is not a member, but supports the others in their callings and attendance at meetings. Four of the children have graduated from the college where the mother is the dean of the mathematics department and the father is a dean and currently in charge of property acquisition. Two of the children teach at the college. The 21 year-old-boy, whom we met, has just graduated in accounting and has been studying for his licensing exam which he will soon take. Then he hopes to go on a mission. He is a bit apprehensive about talking to his father, but says he will do it. They were very interesting, fun, intelligent young people and it was a lovely evening.

Trip to Bohol Island

On the way to Bohol Island, looking back at Cebu

Friday, October 7, 2005,

I was not able to attend the Family History Conference today because of all the activity and work involved in receiving the new missionaries. I worked in the office until 1 and then Bob and I ate and packed and then headed off to the boat to Bohol with the new elders who were being assigned there and other elders being transferred. We visited with them while we waited in the terminal and were very impressed with their great spirits. They were so excited to be actually beginning their missions.

Before the boat left the dock, soft music came over the PA system and then a short, sweet prayer of gratitude and requests for safety in the journey. It was in English. What a wonderful way to start a trip. It was a magnificent boat ride. The weather was stormy with big swells and white caps. Bob and I rode the whole 1 and ½ hour trip on the observation deck on top and thoroughly enjoyed it. Bob took some pictures and I just looked and breathed in the sea air and loved it. We could see dark clouds and some rain over Cebu Island and patches of sun shining through the clouds on Bohol. We could see the shape and ends of both Cebu and Bohol. Many fishermen were out in their small, but mostly motorized, outrigger canoes fishing with nets.

Elder and Sister Makanoa met us at the pier. The weather had cleared and the sun was shining. They are serving their 9^th mission for the Church – all in the Philippines. They made us feel instantly at home as they loaded our luggage in their car and drove us the short distance to their apartment in Tagbilaran. They have a three bedroom, two bath large duplex – very comfortable. The elders live in the other half of the house. Their ‘house help’ Edita is an excellent cook and we enjoyed a delicious dinner and visited with the elders stopping in to chat too, and then went to bed very early - 8 p.m.

Family History Training - Exciting to Mom

View of Cebu Harbor from the ferry

Thursday, October 6, 2005

An international (Asia Pacific Area) family history training took place in the Stake Center. I met a few of the participants when they stopped in the mission office to saw hello. I asked if I might be able to attend and they said, “Of course!” I asked the President and he also said, “Of course.” So, after checking in the office for a few minutes in the morning, I went over. It was so interesting and exciting. About twenty people were there from Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Guam, Australia, and the Philippines. Family History employees, Church Service missionaries, and a senior couple serving in the Philippines taught about the new program the Church is implementing to put all family history on the internet with immediate access to updates and the ability to add your own data and modify it on line. I think I was the most excited person there. This is something I have been wanting and thinking about for several years. It will make it very easy to coordinate work with Lou and others working on our family lines. I attended nearly all day – running over to the mission office on breaks and doing the few things that really needed doing. What a great blessing to have it held here (it was scheduled for Manila, but moved because of civil unrest (they call it restlessness.)