MassKara Dancers at Bacolod Airport -- dancing towards arriving passengers

Sunday, October 12, 2014

Heavy rain as we drive by the ocean

Typhoon Ompong exited the Philippines area early this morning.  Actually this storm was hundreds of miles north of the Philippines, but for four days we had dark cloudy skies and rain; torrents of rain.  The rain came in waves and the water would pour out of the sky and the saturated ground would slowly lap it up.  One Sister missionary said as they listened to conference the rain was so intense, they couldn’t hear the speakers.  Most roofs here are tin—so that really magnifies the sound. Yes, it was general conference weekend in the Philippines; albeit one week delayed, we loved hearing the inspired words and music.  Today we still have grey skies, but the sun has attempted to peak through the lingering clouds.

Dr. Deyro & President Deyro at Liahona Hunger Banquet in Utah

Rob, Susan (George's brother & Sister) and Rob's cute daughter Margaret at Hunger Banquet

Thursday we picked up the Deyros and a returning missionary from the airport.  The Deyros returned from US after speaking at various functions to raise awareness of the Liahona Children’s Foundation to help with nourishing the many young children that are so plentiful here and in need of nutritious food.  Dr. Deyro told me she stayed in homes like she had only seen in picture books and they were able to attend all sessions of conference.  I think they really loved this opportunity to visit the U.S.  The missionary that we picked up served in the same mission that the Deyro’s daughter, Ina did.  We took her to the mission president’s home where she was released.  It must be really hard to remove the nametag we wear indicating our work, she was crying and kept feeling over her heart where she would normally find the badge.  We then drove her to the bus terminal; she had a long day ahead of her traveling to return to her family. 

Sugar cane truck on National Highway sharing the road with a trike with an improvised cover

Girls carrying water along National Highway

Road construction along National Highway

Friday we traveled north on the National Highway delivering a few supplies, mail, treats, to missionaries as George continues to help install carbon monoxide monitors in apartments.   We traveled to Victorias, Manapla and finally up to Cadiz; it was a day trip with the weather.   Friday morning missionaries are doing their planning so it is a time to find them available.  The missionaries welcomed us into their homes and share happenings in their areas.  It is great; we love to hear about missionaries, investigators and the work.   The missionaries labor so diligently in serving our Heavenly Father.  Several of the missionaries we visited have only been in the field a few weeks; big changes in their lives.     

Missionaries waiting to meet us at their apartment

Steep stairs in missionary apartment

And even though it rained, life goes on in the Philippines.  Many people were working in the sugar cane fields and the carabao (my favorite animal here), were lined up to carry out the machete cut cane from the muddy fields.  People were carrying water to their homes in buckets, and people continue to sell their wares along the side of the road.

It is my speculation that building codes are not really used here and if they are, not enforced (at least in the few homes we have been in).  We were in another missionary apartment recently and the steps were very steep and narrow, the steps all being different heights and widths.   When we first moved to our apartment the steps seemed a little higher than what I was used to.  I measured the fourteen steps and they measure in height anywhere from 7 ½ inches to 9 ¼ inches; it is pretty good exercise.  On our steps my size 9 foot fits; their steps not so much, being narrower than I’m used to.

A nice worker let us take a picture of him and his carabao

We enjoyed attending Missionary Leadership Council this last week and hearing our master teacher and Mission President share his insights on Christ rising from the tomb.  He reminded the missionaries that although most Filipinos believe in Christ—they do not know who He is.  As I taught a short segment, I asked a question and I think every hand raised (I bring tootsie rolls); I am going to have to come up with more difficult questions!

Drummers for the MassKara celebration at a local mall let us take their picture