Picture A Day

Day 63 - Wednesday, August 31, 2016    Last week we lived out of suitcases for 4 days.  Sunday came along and we awoke very early to make our way over the mountain to Baler.  There are four small branches in Baler. We hit three of them that day.  This great group of saints is in San Luis.  They meet in a house that has been remodeled so they hold church here.  One room is the chapel, another is the primary.  There is an office for the Branch President in another room and a kitchen area for additional classes.  A necessity is the flushing CR.  It was fun to see the Young Women sitting on the patio learning about personal progress.  The Young Women shared the theme with me and I taught them some jingles about rain.  Not much English is spoken in Baler so people mostly stare at me and nod their heads.  If they don't understand, they hold their finger under their nose which means they're having a nose bleed.  I just remind everyone there are no nose bleeds around me and we wor

Day 62 - Tuesday, August 30, 2016   Today was a special day.  We called all of the mission leadership to a conference in Tarlac.  First up was the Mission Leadership Council for 1 1/2 hours.  Afterward, the District Leaders joined us for the rest of the day.  Our mission has been studying faith for the past 2 months.  President Clark has received additional revelation for us. We have a new initiative that will be focused on for the next 2 months.  It will be called, "October-blest."  During Zone Conference, we learned tools that would help us find and convert better.  We will put these to the test as we focus on 8/30 visits, Lesson Staffing, Follow up 200 and Baptize Weekly.   I decided it was the perfect time to open one of the letters given to me by my children.  "Open when you need courage" seemed to be the counsel I needed at this time.   It was just what I needed to hear.  

Day 61 - Monday, August 29, 2016 Little Miss Claire turned "2" on Sunday.  However, we didn't call her until our Monday morning. In these pictures Claire decided climbing on and jumping off piano benches was a great idea until she broke her arm.  A few words about Claire Bear right from her momma:   "She has been a light and joy to each one of us since the day she was born.  Though her words are few and far between, the laughter and sunshine this little lady exudes is bounteous and overwhelming."

Day 60 - Sunday, August 28, 2016 Today we went to the only branch in our mission that sings the hymns in Tagalog.  It's also our smallest branch in far off Baler.  The branch may be small but the sound was grand!  The photo below are Branch members from another area in Baler.  #Hisday  

Day 59 - Saturday, August 27, 2016 This grateful momma had a birthday today.  We are so glad Shelby is an official member of the Clark family.  We also love the early birthday addition that recently made it here safe and sound.

Day 58 - Friday, August 26, 2016 This is what 200+ used flu vaccines look like.  Our mission (including Sister Clark) is now inoculated so that the destroying angel of influenza will pass us by.  We had a few bad reactions to the flu vaccine, not unexpected.  We're looking forward to less sick texts!    

Day 57 - Thursday, August 25, 2016   We interrupt this mission blog to show some grandchild cuteness.  Kai is quite a photographer-in-training.  He is already shooting weddings with his dad.  We'll wait to see the proofs to find out if we've got the instincts and talents for the job.  He certainly has the footwork and the body language for the job.

Day 56 - Wednesday, August 24, 2016 Today concluded our second of four Zone Conferences.  Once a year, the Church asks us to administer flu shots to all willing missionaries.  At each conference we have found different volunteers to administer them.  Today there were three cute sisters from San Jose who graciously assisted us.  Forty-one missionaries later, they were still smiling.  They were our service angels for the day.  

Day 55 - Tuesday, August 23, 2016 I don't ever recall seeing a double rainbow before.  " A  double rainbow  is considered a symbol of transformation and is a sign of good fortune in eastern cultures. The first arc represents the material world, and the second arc signifies the spiritual realm." We had the first of four zone conferences today.  This must mean good luck from the spiritual realm will be assisting us during the week.  

Day 54 - Monday, August 22, 2016 These missionaries are greeting many members with a smile and a warm handshake for the Mabalacat Stake Conference yesterday.  It was a great meeting.  The choir was incredibly inspiring. Elder Vicencio taught us all about the law of the fast.  Although this is a new stake of just one year, they were very organized.  It was a great weekend.     Mabalacat Stake Presidency, Elder Vicencio, President and Sister Clark

Day 53 - Sunday, August 21, 2016 This morning I received a text that said, "Sister Clark, good morning we don't have water in our house since last night and also the zone leaders."  So what do I do with that?  Today is #Hisday and I can't have our Assistants, Office Elders and Zone Leaders not matching the message.  They all piled into the van and descended on the mission home.  I'm not sure they knew what to do about a warm shower instead of a cold bucket shower.  Nonetheless, they were clean, we gave them some pandesol and hot chocolate.  The Assistants waited their turns for the shower by gaining extra instruction from President Clark.  We bid them farewell so that we could get to Mabalacat's Stake Conference.  It was a great way to begin the Sabbath! #Hisday #weloveSunday

Day 52 - Saturday, August 20, 2016 This evening we enjoyed being with the members of the Mabalacat Stake.  The Mabalacat Stake was created after a split of the Angeles Stake one year ago.  The stake leaders refer to themselves as a "baby stake" but they act much more mature.  The stake is well organized and continues to grow.  President Dulay has a house full beautiful daughters.  Can you guess which one is his wife?  

   Day 51 - Friday, August 19, 2016 Tonight we were asked to speak at a YSA Devotional.  The start time was 5 p.m. and no one was at the building until 4:55.  The burst of rain had left the roads congested and no one was able to make get through on the streets.  We were flexible and the meeting started at 5:30.  President Clark and I were asked to speak on Eternal Marriage and Missionary Work.  I had an interesting experience.  Last night I went to bed with the YSA's on my mind.  In the middle of the night, I awoke and thought of something very specific to speak on.  I figured that I should write it down just in case I forgot, which I did. In the morning I awoke and when I looked at the paper, I had no recollection of that question I thought I'd never forget.  So my talk was built upon this question, "When the question is asked, will you be ready?"  It was definitely a different approach but one that was specifically meant for this group.  

Day 50 - Thursday, August 18, 2016 Yep!  They're all ours!  Assistants and office elders come and go.  We love them all and miss them when they leave.  However, it gives us opportunity to get to know others elders on a more personal basis.  The new line up is:  Elders Naylor and Tuvera - Assistants.  Elders Lastierre and Smith - Office Elders.  We run them pretty hard but they still have plenty to smile about!

Day 49 - Wednesday, August 17, 2016 You might think that this is a strange picture to be picked for the day.  When I gave this to the missionaries, they thought I was going crazy.  After explaining to them that this map will assist them in informing me where they have pain or injury, they thought it a great idea.  It has been a very valuable tool for a Mission President's wife who isn't trained in medicine but has become pretty skilled in medical things.  Whenever a missionary has pain in a given area of the body, I can generally tell them what's wrong.  For example, whenever the missionary has pain in 5.2, hyperacidity is most likely the cause.  I know the exact medicine to prescribe.  When I first arrived in the Philippines, I could walk into most pharmacies and get whatever medicine I wanted.  Pharmacies are starting to require prescriptions more often which doesn't allow me to self diagnose as much.  Going to the doctor is another story that I will have to share

Day 48 - Tuesday, August 16, 2016 This is an establishment right outside the stake center compound where our mission office resides. I simply walk out the gate and around the corner a few yards to the store called "Crayola". This tiny store carries many of the office supplies we have come to know and appreciate.  While the paper supplies are not the same as the ones I'm used to in America, I have adapted and utilized this little store a lot.  Anything else we might need is located at the mall, "National Book Store".  I am grateful for these cute workers who attend to every need whenever any of us go in.  The cute short sister in the middle knows English pretty well so the others always seek for her whenever I enter.  I was asked since I've been in the Philippines 2 years, do I know more tagalog now.  My answer is the same as before, "konti lang."    They always giggle when these words are spoken.  There is a large metal garage type door that ra

Day 47 - Monday, August 15, 2016 We are 'singing and splashing in the rain' here in the Philippines!  The rainy season has been pretty dry until now.  In the past three days, some of the areas in our mission have received over 7.5 inches of rain!  Yes.  You heard me right!  It often feels like someone has a huge endless bucket of water and just poured it out and didn't stop for hours.  I have never seen or heard anything like it.  I love a good thunder storm but this is like you are in a full surround sound IMAX movie.  The picture above is an example of a light rain Filipino umbrella.  When we first arrived in the Philippines, I was told that you will literally get sick with cold or fever it your head gets wet from the rain.  Hence, an umbrella business during rainy season would be a wise business.  

Day 46 - Sunday, August 14, 2016 Today is the Sabbath.  Today is #Hisday.  Today was a full day of travel and enlightenment.  It was also a day of tender mercies.  The first picture is of Elder Villanueva.  He was the Area Seventy who presided over the Santa Ignacia Stake Conference.  I am always in awe over the scriptures of our visiting authorities.  They are loved treasures that are used and written in.   After Santa Ignacia we made a few more trips around the mission.  Camiling was next up.  President had some interviews and I was able to hug some sister missionaries.  Guimba was next.  A returned sister missionary from another mission needed to be released.  While we drove to Guimba, a warning light appeared on the dashboard.  This is never a good sign.  After reading about it, we knew a trip to the repair shop was in order on Monday.  But what about the fireside that we were speaking at in Cabanatuan?  After turning the engine on and off, the light didn't return.  We

Day 45 - Saturday, August 13, 2016 This is a before and after picture of the "Rice Cooker Malfunction".  If you didn't know this information already, it's important to learn it now.  Rice is an important part of "every" meal.  There are times when our missionaries have a psychological breakdown if they don't get rice each meal.  So today was CCM - Coordinating Council Meeting.  All of the Stake and District Presidents gather with President Clark and the member of the 70 who is over our mission, Elder Babbida.  The mission has provided the meal for nearly a year.  The meeting is only held quarterly.  Today the unthinkable happened.  We were preparing the plates of rice and ulam (whatever topping you put on rice is called ulam).  Things didn't look right so I took a little piece of rice and found they were not right!  5 minutes before serving time and we were riceless!  The assistants and office elders hopped right to it and ordered some rice from

Day 44 - Friday, August 12, 2016 Today I ventured out with the Sister Training Leaders in Tarlac, Sister Tabay and Sister Borrowman.  Our task was to find a dress shop that could make pants for the sisters in our mission.  We were told the best way to do this was ask a school teacher where they have their pants made.  There are no patterns used but only measurements taken by Lanie or another dress maker around the area.  We showed her pictures of the style and off she goes.   The Missionary Department authorized our sisters to wear pants or long skirts to protect against mosquito borne diseases such as dengue fever.  While the sisters aren't excited about wearing pants, there are times when mosquitoes are plentiful and they want to be protected.  Our missionaries also spray their houses, clothes and bedding with permithrin every 6 weeks at transfer time.  The Church has gone to great lengths to protect our missionaries throughout the world.  It has taken a couple of months o

Day 43 - Thursday, August 11, 2016     First Family Photo   Meet Grace Eliza Clark.  She is our 9th grandchild.  Her parents are elated to have her join them.  Grace is our miracle.  She was overzealous to be with her parents so she thought it a good idea to start her delivery over 6 weeks ago.  Through fasting and prayers from many, plus skilled doctors, Grace waited until today to make her grand entrance (yesterday in the Philippines). She entered the world weighing 7 pounds 11 ounces (two ounces less than her dad at birth).  We love you, Baby Grace!                     ***Pictures just minutes after birth

Day 42 - Wednesday, August 10, 2016 Today was a S&R kind of day.   About once a month if there is a need to travel to Angeles, we make our way to our favorite warehouse.  It looks much like the Costco's in the United States.  Here we can find real milk, cereal and brownie mix!  These are huge luxuries in our part of the world.  Sister Lopez gives us a list and then we add several items on top of that. Today we needed two grocery carts to carry out our goods.  Zone Conference is coming so birthday bags need to be filled and special treats made.  That was okay because President Clark came along so we toted out his and her carts.  

Day 41 - Tuesday, August 9, 2016 What would you do if you found this group of incredible young missionaries on your front porch trying to stay out of the rain?  Take a picture of course!  Every month after we finish our missionary leadership council I tell myself, "That was the best MLC!"  This month was no different.  We had inspiring and memorable teaching and training going on in the mission home.  They will all take all this inspiration back to their zones tomorrow!  

Day 40 - Monday, August 8, 2016 This table is in our living room.  It is the first thing visitors see once they enter.  Our missionaries and guests sit down on the couches and immediately peruse the pages of these beloved picture books.  Inside is a photo of every missionary who has departed as well as every missionary who has entered the Philippines Angeles Mission since July 2014! Our hearts are knit together with these special servants of the Lord!

Day 39 - Sunday, August 7, 2016 Isaiah called the Sabbath a "delight!"  So do we.  Sometimes President and I have to split up because of meetings and responsibilities.  When we join back together, we want to make it a delight.  Tonight we went to visit our friends in the neighborhood.  We love them like they were family.  We had some great thought provoking discussions.  Time always flies when we're with the Lacinlale's!    #Hisday

Day 38 - Saturday, August 6, 2016 We had visitors tonight!  Mabalacat Stake Presidency and Bishoprics with their wives joined us for dinner.  It was our largest group yet.  We enjoyed a very nice dinner and thanked them afterward for supporting our missionaries.  Mabalacat is a new stake that has great potential to continue to grow.  We expect great things from them in the coming months.  

Day 37 - Friday, August 5, 2016 Can you spot the bathing baby?  This was a sidewalk scene on a busy street today in Cabanatuan.  The ingredients included a small bucket, a baby and plenty of water.  She was having a great time!  The day after transfers is generally a catch-up day.  Today a missionary returned home to one of our Districts.  When this happens President Clark generally travels to them because it is a long distance and great expense.  It was nice to travel together today and enjoy the scenery along the way.  We were even able to get some weekly planning in.   

Day 36 - Thursday, August 4, 2016 YES!  These missionaries are transferring today!  The jeepney behind them will be their mode of transportation to get there.  They will be close knit but excited to carry the work they were called to do, teaching and proclaiming the gospel!  The missionary on the curb behind the trike!  I can only imagine what he is thinking!

Day 35 - Wednesday, August 3, 2016 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.   Matthew 28:19 Our missionaries teach repentance, baptize converts and rescue members.  This is a lesson being taught to two young men who will be baptized this weekend.  It's about 90 degrees, high humidity yet they happily sit together and study the gospel!  

Day 34 - Tuesday, August 2, 2016 Here they are!  Our 18th Batch to depart since we have been in the Philippines.  We have definitely grown older since they entered 18 and 24 months ago.  They have grown testimonies and strength to go and do great things as Returned Missionaries.  It is our hope to get the before and after photos on the Home Tab tomorrow or the next day.  We will miss our missionaries who have imprinted themselves on our hearts.   

Day 33 - Monday, August 1, 2016 This is the beginning of Family Home Evening for these departing missionaries.  They will have one more day on the mission.  We try to help prepare for returning home.  It can be difficult for them to adjust to thoughts of post mission life.  We will miss them being with us on a day to day basis.  They will continue to linger in our hearts forever as loved Angeles Missionaries.