Dedication of Chapel in Balamban

After Dedication the picture taking began - Bob in background


Bob and I with Sister Bastida in front of her wooden house

Sunday, July 9, 2006

Today we went over to the dedication of the renovated chapel in Balamban. Driving up over the mountains is one of the most beautiful and peaceful drives here – and thus, our favorite. The members of the Church there were so excited to have such a beautiful new building. They had been meeting in an old house – Primary was held in the carport! After the meeting and dedication, (and a picnic lunch in our car), we went home/visiting teaching with some of the members. Bob drove us and two other ladies and a 15 year old boy – our Priesthood representative from the Branch. He did a fine job of teaching at the house where it was his turn to present the lesson. Bob and I joined in the songs and shared our testimonies at the end of each lesson.
Going in the little, dark houses sure made me appreciate home and the tons of blessings that we have. Most people in the Philippines do not have running water or indoor bathrooms….like camping all the time. We see people of all ages carrying water when we drive outside the city…oh and they are all carrying firewood too. Many have electricity (and almost everyone has a TV) but very few have actual stoves. They cook outside over a fire, or have a single electric burner and an electric rice cooker. They eat rice with every meal. If no rice is served, it’s not a meal, it’s a snack!