We had a great week and nothing but steam and a little lava and a road fissures from the volcano. Thanks to Derrick and Dan we now have a large supply of masks that filter volcanic ash for the missionaries in case it blows, which we sincerely hope we never use.
Dad interviewed missionaries this week, and Tuesday night after the Novaliches zone, he was so impressed with their hard work, diligence and obedience that he wished every day could be like that! When I talked to the zone leaders about the language training in their zone, they said the emphasis on the Book of Mormon has really elevated it, especially for the "foreigners" learning Tagalog. Since the Book of Mormon is written in formal, "deep" Tagalog, even the native speakers do not understand the words that are used. So it takes a lot of good vocabulary and grammar in Tagalog to explain simply what is meant by the deep words.
On Wednesday we saw another great zone, this one with six trainees. One of them, a 19-year-old young woman, has been a member for just three years. She and her twin sister and two younger siblings are the only members in the family, and she said her mom "persecutes" the missionaries. She and her twin both wanted to serve missions, but they were afraid their parents would say, "NO!" (It took a lot of fasting and prayer for their father to agree for them to be baptized--their mom opposed it.) So she is serving now while her sister works to help support the family, then when she returns, she will work so her sister can serve. Even though she's only been here for five weeks, Stewart said she can teach well and she is very focused on her purpose.
Thursday another great new missionary, also a sister and a convert, taught Stewart from the Book of Mormon as well as an experienced missionary! At age 22 she's been a member almost five years and said working on the service crew at McDonalds (actually a good job here in the Philippines) taught her humility and patience and helped prepare her for the people she meets every day. Her father joined the church at age 18, then became less active, but later the missionaries found them and taught and baptized the entire family, although this sister was the last to join. She wanted to stay Catholic, but when she finally came to sacrament meeting, she said she felt such peace and calm she knew this must be the true church.
And Saturday we went to combined baptism of four wards where 15 people were baptized. Ten were taught by Sister Sampson and her trainee-companion. Sister Samson came to the mission less than one year ago, and has worked ceaselessly to bring people to baptism. Also a convert, she joined the church with her mom and siblings when she was 18. Her father had deserted the family, and lived in another province and was recently in jail. But she felt prompted last August to call him, and he was receptive to her message about what she was teaching as a missionary. She said he miraculously got out of jail, took the missionary lessons, and was baptized last month. So now she is working even harder, and it was fun to witness the fruits of her labors, including three families.
Stewart is on his way to the hospital tonight to take a missionary for a hernia operation. We have another missionary with a case of dengue whose companion texted Stewart at midnight to tell him, "The nurse said to text you if my companion gets worse but I think he is going to be fine." WHAT WAS HE THINKING?? That the mission president doesn't need any sleep?
Our nurse leaves in 100 days and we have no replacement coming yet. If anyone knows someone who would love a fun adventure in a tropical climate with the nicest people in the world, please recruit them. In the meantime we are so thankful for your prayers in our behalf.
Much love,
Mom
Sat night baptism at Tunko Mangga Chapel. It was Chinese New Year and traffic was bad, but we made good time and even counter-flowed up the hill to the church, cutting off 20 min, and were just in time for the traditional photo.
There’s a basketball court at every chapel and it’s the national sport, so it’s a good thing hardly anyone owns cars to park, or it would really mess up the games.
Friday night dinner with seniors to celebrate 72nd birthday of our new financial secretary. We are so thankful for him!
These donkey carts were on the road going to the office one morning. Someday I’m going to buy a broom from them.
A Member in Nova ward sewed these ties for the missionaries. The elder next to the mission nurse has worn the same tie almost every day of his mission so far—18+ months—so I always take a photo is he wears another tie, to reinforce his good behavior. That old tie is getting very worn!
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