THE QUEZON QUIBBLER: He is actually 6'5", with the afro, 6'9"

Dear Family,

Stewart interviewed missionaries every day this week and finished the 87th interview on Saturday afternoon. He spent longer this time, and they each taught him a 5-minute missionary lesson (#1, 2, or 3) in English. With only one native English speaker in the mission, there was a lot of stress going on. One sister told me she'd been crying all week, and an elder told Stewart he hadn't slept at all the night before. But he said they all did very well, and some were remarkable teachers. Obviously, there was a lot of English study going on this week!

I texted with the missionaries about their language study and ventured out to visit some missionaries and take Companionship Language Study books to a couple of nearby apartments. I also went to the store a few times . . . there is no where else to go besides the grocery stores.

We're especially thankful for Dennis's help this week, He borrowed chemicals from our neighbor to use in our pool, then helped Michael with the yard work this week. Our pool is clear and beautiful and we both went swimming this weekend! He also found a private barber who came to the mission home and gave Stewart a long overdue haircut (and Dennis and Michael). We wish we could send him around to all the missionary apartments. When Stewart saw one of the elders on the screen for the video interview he asked a Filipino missionary, "What are you now, Elder . . . 6'3" with your hair grown out?" We really hope barber shops open after the May 15 quarantine ends.

We broke quarantine today and went to see if we could get into the Bocaue sisters' subdivision with Dennis's travel pass, and we made it! They were very happy, as it's been five weeks since they've been able to have the Sacrament. Stewart invited them to bear a short testimony and it was wonderful to hear one of the sisters, who asked a few weeks ago to return home since she didn't have a testimony, testify of the Savior and express her gratitude for the confinement and how much she's learned and how she realized (through President Hughes' podcasts) how to recognize the Spirit and that she's actually had it all along. The other two are already outstanding missionaries. The tiny one on the right is 26 and a CPA. Her mom died of cancer a couple of years ago and her RM brother was in an accident about six months ago and lost his foot. So many of these Filipino missionaries have difficult backgrounds. The good thing is her father is showing some interest in the Church now. We have another sister whose parents will be baptized when the quarantine is over.

Most of the missionaries continue to work hard from their phones. There are over 100 people awaiting baptism! They are finding new people to teach from the members' Messenger contacts, and teaching new lessons through video. They also make uplifting videos to share. (I'll include one below. Most are aimed at Filipinos, but this was made on English Day --Saturday-- so you can understand most of it.) I really questioned Stewart about calling one of these missionaries to be the district leader, but he has exceeded my expectations. Stewart sent the assistants with Dennis to the other side of the border to gather our 15 extra phones (we already sent 20 to the Area) and gave them to President Welch in Quezon City Mission where they have no phones so their mission can continue missionary work.

We know the Lord is blessing the missionaries here to be creative, increase their testimonies, hone their skills, get along with their companions and stay healthy. We are so very grateful for His kindness and grace. We are grateful for your combined faith, fasting and prayers for us, which we know are making a difference for us.

Love,

Mom