Yeah--another carabao!  This is the front half

Here's the proud owner/handler--they were too close to capture in one shot

Today we attended a small ward in Calumagan, an area south of Bacolod.  When we pulled up, the lone vehicle in the parking lot, young men and women came out to welcome us and they thanked us for coming to visit them.  As the members and investigators trickled in, several women hugged me and I leaned down and was kissed on the cheek.

Calaumuangan parking lot

While attending Sunday School, the Primary children were next door and sang in loud clear voices, “I am Trying to Be Like Jesus” and “We are as the army of Helaman”.  There is no piano or music, so the tune and rhythm vary. . but I love their energy and singing in English.    

Motorycyle with a relaxed passenger and cargo stashed below

Yesterday driving, we noticed most of the traffic lights out, today that continued with a full blown brown out.  The electricity stopped abruptly around 7:30 am and returned after 5:00 pm.  Even in Calumagan, an area outside of Bacolod. . Brown out!  It was a nice overcast, drizzly day, so the heat wasn’t too bad.

This week has been a wakeup call in humility.  Being humble is not my strong point; I like to see the ending before it happens.  (Yes I always read the conclusion of a book first).  The Lord has blessed the Philippines Bacolod Mission greatly.  It has been a busy week; there is a lot going on in the mission.  We feel the Lord’s hand and care!  We are so honored and blessed to associate with the fine missionaries serving here and their continued desire to press forward and serve their Heavenly Father.  We were able to attend some trainings by the Assistants to the Presidents and Zone Leaders. . “Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ”.  It was wonderful!  We love the scripture from  Proverbs 3:5-6:  “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

Murcia Baptism with Elders Barangay and Lowe

Yesterday we were able to be with Elder Barangay and Elder Lowe.  This is Elder Barangay’s last week in the mission field.  We love Elder Barangay, his spirit is strong and he has a testimony that has grown.  His family has been blessed as he has served.   We attended their baptism.  A husband and wife, two children of member mother, a grown daughter of member mother and a young man with member friends.

We are grateful for the opportunity to serve as the Lord has blessed us far more than the little we have given.

Jackfruit is the largest tree-born fruit in the world. It can reach 36 inches long and 20 inches wide! it's growing near our apartment--some have a protective covering neighbors have placed on it.