This video, aptly named "Pure and Simple Faith" exemplifies the people we have met here--we highly recommend that you take a few minutes to view it.

Yes, we couldn't help but taking another close up of a worker/son on their carabao on the highway

Sunday, October 19, 2014

We had a visit in the mission office from four Elders that were in Bacolod for their preparation day from Colonia Divina (~3 hour trip by car or truck).  They planned to start the trip back later in the day and go as far as Sagay.  Since we were going to Sagay the following morning, they graciously accepted our invitation to ride along.  Our day started early and everybody was aboard by 6:00 am.  Our truck was pretty cozy with four Elders smashed together in the backseat of the truck.  They did say it was still more comfortable than riding in a crowed (non air-conditioned) public Ceres bus, and the price was right (free).

Two of these Elders will be returning home in a couple of weeks.  One of the office Elders’ told me that Elder Sablan was a “local” and needed to take the English Proficiency Test.  I told him, I was pretty sure he was from the U.S.  I asked Elder Sablan where he was from; his reply, “Washington State”.  I share this because often by the time the Elders and Sisters return home, they speak like a local.  Many missionaries called here already have beautiful brown skin and eyes (not Filipino features).  And the funny thing, the office Elder who told me he needed the test, is from Manila.

Scene in front of missionary house

Our first stop was in Manta-angan to make a delivery.  The time was 6:30 am: the time for missionaries to rise and shine.  We discussed whether to stop on our way back or do a wakeup call.  It was unanimous that we should stop and make a surprise visit.  The four Elders climbed out of the truck and started singing “As I have loved you”.  It’s not every day you get woken up by a serenade—especially in the jungle!  Soon, out came one Elder in shorts and tee-shirt, then two, three… and when we were ready to go, out came the final Elder with sleepy eyes.

We went to the Sisters apartment in Old Sagay.  It is in an area not accessible by truck.  So we loaded up the treasures from home and stuff to install a CO detector and saw that we would be walking in mud, deep mud.  And just as we were deciding how to best make our path, a weathered young man drove up in his sikad (bicycle with side seats) and offered his services.  He spoke no English, but was willing to take us through the mud for five pesos.  We climbed in; two big Americans with our boxes.  We fit very snugly sitting  on the worn plastic covered seat.  He took us through mud and puddles on a very uneven road.  When we finally arrived I gave him ten pesos for his hard work (about a quarter).  We later found it was well worth the cost—as we walked back through the mud puddles.  I’m afraid it would’ve been an ugly picture.

Elders wait for us outside their house

By the time we had finished most of our scheduled stops in Sagay, Old Sagay, Paraiso, Fabrica and Cadiz, it was early afternoon and we decided to visit Himoga-an.  We have attempted to visit this out of the way place before, but found out, we would have to go by boat.  We came a different way and although I am not sure the Elders were too excited to have us come, they kindly waited for us by the road.

Beach view of ocean setting

I am so thankful we came to this beautiful place.  Following a short path from the Elders apartment we came to a setting that was breathtaking to view.  We live on an island—less than a mile from the ocean and this is the first time we have been in an area that we could walk along the ocean since we have been here.  The sea was blue and inviting.  And unlike any beautiful beach we have been to before, we were the only ones walking in the dark sand.  There were many fishermen placing and gathering their long nets in the shallow warm water.  They smiled and waved as we took their pictures.  Near the ocean were many small bamboo squatter homes with million dollar views.

Fishermen walking along the beach

Workers setting their nets (the closest boat smiling and waving)

 

Workers laying nets the old fashioned way

Village along beach (beach front property!)

I must say, these trips to see the missionaries are many times the highlight of our week. After being ‘cooped up’ in the office all week, we’re happy to get out and be with the missionaries and the people.  Most people are friendly and helpful—even when George goes down a one-way street in the center of town—and then gets out to ask directions.  They politely give directions, and then have a good laugh as we drive off.

Busy street traffic along our route

Busy traffic by where we live

Street banner in preparation for MassKara festival

Karen poses next to a colorful MassKara mask

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

I always love seeing Carabao!

Sunday, October 05, 2014

Missionaries waiting for us outside their apartment

Friday we came home a little early after traveling to visit missionaries.  We are helping to install carbon monoxide alarms in apartments.  George decided to take a little rest, I say little because it was maybe less than five minutes long.  First his phone rang.  After hanging up, he closed his eyes once again and the bed started to shake.  I really think he thought I was trying to be annoying, and he asked, “What is going on?”  I said, “I think we are having an earthquake”.  The room shook for what seemed a long time.  Long enough for me to walk across the room to the window and look out as neighbors were also looking around.  It was an earthquake; the newspaper says 5.7, but the epicenter was approximately 60 miles away.  Where do you go in an earthquake here to be safe?  Our apartment is concrete.  No visible damage noted.  Sister Lopez, our mission president’s wife texted that their chandelier was swaying in the Mission Home.

Outside baptismal font at Bacolod 2nd Ward Meetinghouse

Today we attended church at the first Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints chapel built on the island of Negros.  The morning was sunny and warm and all the windows were open and fans quietly turned to keep the humid air moving in the big open room which serves as a chapel and recreation hall.  Church started just a few minutes late and there were about twenty people present.  We were surprised to open our eyes after the long and thoughtful prayer to find nearly every chair taken.  One of the Sister Missionaries came and translated the testimonies for us.  Many people were eager to share their testimonies and the meeting lasted one and a half hours.  One sister told of meeting the missionaries thirty years ago and the blessing of the gospel in her family's lives, a former pastor told of meeting the missionaries a year ago and gaining a testimony, and one young man told of being baptized only a short time ago and the blessing of following the word of wisdom in his life.

Colorful mask of Masskara dancer

We have noticed excitement in the air.  October 1 was the start of the annual two week long MassKara Festival, symbolized by smiling masks.  This festival began over thirty years ago because of tragedies that affected the people of Negros.   The purpose of this celebration is to show they can “keep on smiling” no matter what.  We have seen groups preparing for some of the upcoming festivities.  Big ornate headdresses and masks, dancers, marchers, and it would not be a celebration without drums!

Floodwater in the entrance of our housing area after a heavy rain

Heavily loaded sugar cane truck driving along a sugar cane field