Picture A Day

Day 216 - Tuesday, January 31, 2017 Today another great Missionary Leadership Counsel took place.  Our focus was the World Wide Broadcast we received January 25th.  Our leaders are now ready to sprint back to their zones and begin teaching what they learned.  Our hearts melt when our missionaries grace us with their presence in the mission home.  While this isn't a complete group, I caught a few of our leaders right before leaving in jeepneys and cars to go home.   

Day 215 - Monday, January 30, 2017 A missionary schedule is a BIG deal!  The missionary schedule has just gone through a pretty amazing shift.  It is no longer a "one size schedule fits all."  The schedule has main components but now the missionary companionship gets to make decisions on when the components will take place in a day.  It is quite exciting....and scary at the same time.  The General Missionary Committee saw this change as a great way to do a few things:  1.  "It gives the missionaries and MP the latitude to make the necessary decisions and adjustments in the daily work of the missionary."  Elder Oaks  2.  It allows the missionaries to exercise their agency to determine how to best use their time.  It shows that the Lord trusts missionaries to use their time wisely.  3.  It promotes healthier lifestyle choices for sleep and diet.  4.  It provides for more flexibility and additional time on Preparation Day for laundry, shopping, emailing, exercisin

Day 214 - Sunday, January 29, 2017 Today was the Sunday session of Bongabon District Conference.  Some of the members travel for many miles to attend the meetings.  Because of that, the members take advantage and have Presidency meetings and District Auxiliary meetings after the meetings.  Many also bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the company of fellow saints.  Physical nourishment after spiritual.  They were a wonderful group to be associated with today.

Day 213 - Saturday, January 28, 2017 I sat in the hall with this cute sister in Bongabon.  We were waiting for the adult session to begin for the  District Conference.  It was fascinating to speak with her.  She has been working abroad for many, many years.  Her husband and two children remained in the Phililppines.  She is grateful to now live full-time in the Philippines again.

Day 212 - Friday, January 27, 2017 This picture was taken a week ago when Sister Oscarson and her husband visited.  Our assistants and office elders were ever present during their visit, meeting every need and request of our visitors.  Their reward was a photo with a Church dignitary.  They were thrilled.    The Ocscarson's and Bingham's were so gracious and attentive to the young missionaries - it was beautiful to watch.  The elders were delighted to serve every way they could.  

Day 211 - Thursday, January 26, 2017              Thi s set up was done by one Zone Leader.  Note the flowers! Last month we received direction from the Missionary Department that we will now conduct both Zone Conferences and Missionary Interviews every transfer (every 6 weeks).  This used to be the 'norm' before the "wave" of 18-year-old missionaries drove missionary numbers in some missions beyond the 250 mark (including ours).  When we first arrived, we had Zone Conference once per quarter (3 months) and missionary interviews each quarter. Now that our numbers are down to 200 or so, we have gone back to Zone Conference and missionary interviews each transfer. I wondered how we could do it all and would the missionaries get tired of seeing us so often.  It has actually become a real blessing.  We are able to follow-up face to face on things that we discussed the interview before.  While it's a quickened pace and our travel times have increased, we love th

Day 210 - Wednesday, January 25, 2017 It's that time....time to plan for a great reunion with our returned missionaries.  It's rare that we can invite all of our Filipino RM's back to Tarlac.  We've planned a special event including social, spiritual and service elements.  Once an Angeles Missionary always an Angeles Missionary.  We hope many will be able to join us for our reunion.  

Day 209 - Tuesday, January 24, 2017 It's always great when we are able to see Elder and Sister Haynie.  They traveled with our visitors this past weekend.  We value so many friendships that have been made as we serve in the Philippines.   

Day 208 - Monday, January 23, 2017 This is one of those pictures that you just have to take.  It makes me smile.  

Day 207 - Sunday, January 22, 2017   Sunday was certainly a highlight for the Clark's.  We met the Bingham's at the hotel and rode to one of the ward in the Mabalacat Stake. There was quite a greeting committee as we arrived at Pandan Ward.  The building sparkled and so did the members.  The children peered around corners to get a glimpse of the visitors.  We shared a lovely sacrament meeting where all three speakers spoke in mostly English so the visitors could understand.  This was a real treat for us as well.  The Bingham's taught a wonderful lesson on prophets for Sunday School.  Together with Sister Bingham I then had a great treat....Primary!  The children were so reverent as they went through their sharing time.  They read scriptures, had a lesson and sang the songs with heart and might.  Sister Bingham then did a little activity in sign language that helps us remember we want to live with our Father above.   It was a day to remember!

Day 206 - Saturday, January 21, 2017                                                                                                                                                  Photo Credit:  Sister Whiting There are many pictures that were taken today but this one neared the end. This was called the "hug and picture time."  Sister Bonnie Oscarson and Sister Jean Bingham shared some fabulous talks and testimonies with the sisters of many of our stakes and districts.  The morning began with focus groups (one for leaders and one for parents of Primary or Young Women).  Next was a general leadership training.  Finally there was a devotional for sisters age 8 to old.  Not only was the chapel and culture full to capacity but each of the large rooms had TV monitors for an over-flow.  Each room was filled to the brim.  The messages reminded us of our worth and identity.  They were inspiring and appreciated.  The memories will linger not just today but always.    

Day 205 - Friday, January 20, 2017 We were honored to serve lunch to Sister Bonnie Oscarson, Sister Debra Haynie and Sister Jean Bingham and their husbands.  Sister Oscarson and Sister Bingham are here to train and serve.  First stop... sister leaders in our mission area.  They stopped at the mission home for lunch on the way.  They will then do some home visits and teach a seminary class. Tomorrow will be focus groups, training and sisters devotional.  What a treat it is for all of us in the Philippines.  

Day 204 - Thursday, January 19, 2017 It's transfer day!  Our trainers match with their trainees.  They get to know each other through lunch then they are off.  Our trikes drivers love being able to assist them with all of their heavy bags.  Every trike driver in Tarlac knows the day of transfers.  Enjoy the journey dear trainees!  We are grateful you have joined us.  

Day 203 - Wednesday, January 18, 2017 Here are our newest missionaries!  Three sisters will have a short-term stay while they wait for visa's to south america.  The others come to us from all over the world.  We are grateful that they have landed in our mission!  

Day 202 - Tuesday, January 17, 2017 Our 22nd Batch of missionaries are on their way home.  Most of them will stay in Manila tonight and be on planes by morning.  God be with you dear missionaries until we meet again.

Day 201 - Monday, January 16, 2017   These beaming missionaries have just completed their final workshop by Elder and Sister Whiting.  It is a career workshop with a lot of great self-reliance information taught as well.  This is the final group that will have this training.  Next transfer (we think) we'll have a much different process for returning home.  The departing missionaries will extend their return dates by two days.  There will be "My Plan" training given.  The training will also include a session at the temple.  It is a new process that we still aren't familiar with but it will be very exciting.  Anything that will assist our missionaries to transition from mission back to real life makes us happy.  We can't wait to see how it all works out.  These missionaries will soon be returning home.   Last Saturday night I received this picture on Facebook messenger.  These cute RM's are all at BYU-I.  They all congregated to have a mini reunion.  Br

Day 200 - Sunday, January 15, 2017 Once an Angeles Missionary, always an Angeles Missionary! I love that day 200 is on a Sabbath.  Another beautiful Sabbath day.  This one was filled with missionary talks and a departing missionary's testimony.  It helps me understand that after one's mission you take all of the experiences and friendships in your heart.  Better than all of that are the powerful testimonies our missionaries take with them as they return home. Their personal relationship with the Savior will be paramount in their lives now and always!  #Hisday

Day 199 - Saturday, January 14, 2017 Today the sisters in Tarlac Ward 5 had a baptism.  The baptism is for one of the sons in the family.  They have been in our home a couple of times for Family Home Evenings.  Harold is 16 and has some special challenges.  He can not hear or talk.  His other family members who are eligible have been baptized.  The family would love to go to the temple in one year.  The baptism of Harold will assist this goal to come to pass.  There was a wonderful spirit at the baptism.  The sisters learned how to sing and sign, "As I Have Loved You."  Congratulations on your baptism, Harold!   

Day 198 - Friday, January 13, 2017 Philippines Area Mission Current President New President Philippines Angeles Scott B. Clark Robert C. Johnson Philippines Cebu Terry C. McCurdy Abenir V. Pajaro Philippines Davao Efren M. Lamoglia Pedro U. Adduru Philippines Manila Creg D. Ostler Michael J. Fermanis Philippines Olongapo Dennis V. Dahle Ruel E. Lacanienta Philippines Quezon City North Kim C. Bertin Stewart F. Hughes Philippines San Pablo Bart A. Mangum Douglas K. Davies Philippines Tacloban Wayne E. Maurer Eduardo M. Argana The Church has made it official today.  Our replacements have been named and will take over leadership of the Angeles Mission on July 1st.  We are now becoming acquainted with Bro. and Sis. Johnson and look forward to a great transition together.  We are certain they will be the ideal President and companion for Angeles missionaries in the years to come. We also know the new Presidents call

Day 197 - Thursday, January 12, 2017 Trainer/Trainee Meeting - Cabanatuan Side Trainer/Trainee Meeting - Tarlac Side Just look at these wonderful missionaries!  It is no wonder we've had a superb day training.  It's hard to believe it has been 5 weeks since we said hello to our newest missionaries.  Next week we'll get a new batch.  This batch was well represented today.  They are a great batch who has had a really good beginning.  We pray for their continued success.    District Leader  Meeting - Cabanatuan Side     District Leader  Meeting - Tarlac Side Our District leaders came armed to learn how to become better missionaries as they assist other missionaries in their districts.  It is always pure joy to see them.  Just look at these smiles.  You can see why we love them so.    

Day 196 - Wednesday, January 11, 2017 The mission  home is getting a face lift.  We will be receiving some special guests from Salt Lake next week.  There is always an element of excitement when this happens.  Leaders from the Church women's auxiliary will be visiting us with their husbands.  Transfers and guests in one week.  It will be monumental.    (Yes...the wreath will be removed before their visit).   

Day 195 - Tuesday, January 10, 2017 I grew up in a home where the wishbone of a chicken or turkey was a sought after item.  T he  wishbone  is dried and then held between the little fingers of two opposing "wishers". Once the wishes have been made the bone is pulled by each person. The wisher who breaks off a larger section of bone is thought to have their wish granted.  We had some house guests who had never heard of this wishbone lucky charm before.  I dried the wishbone and in the morning they tried their luck at the wishbone.  They seemed to enjoy this good luck tradition.  

Day 194 - Monday, January 9, 2017 The "ber" months ended with a celebration of Christmas.  Now that summer is close it's time for "Fiesta or Festival."  It is always colorful, accompanied by happy music, fun-activities and sports, feasting and Roman Catholic ritual.  Each Province, city and barangay celebrate their own festival as part of remembering and honoring saints who lived long ago.  There are times when we drive through different barangay's and a rope blocks the way.  The citizens of that barangay petition you for money in order to allow you to drive by.  It helps them to pay for the celebration.  We travel a lot so it's not uncommon to stop 3 or 4 times along the way.   Party on in the Philippines!

Day 193 - Sunday, January 8, 2017 This was a nice Christmas gift from Elder and Sister Spung.  It is prominently displayed in the mission home.  This is a reminder what missions are meant to be.  Our senior couples make it much easier for us to find joy in the journey.  The added bonus is that our young Elders and Sisters love them as well.  

Day 192 - Saturday, January 7, 2017 Last November I took a picture of beginnings of the house across the street.  Below is what it looks like 2 months later.  They have very few power tools and no heavy equipment is used on site.  This labor intensive work in progress is slow but steady with about 10 men laboring each day.  We expect that the house will be completed in July or August.  

Day 191 - Friday, January 6, 2017 He did it!  For awhile we wondered if Elder Spung would be able to continue driving.  There were a few bumps along the way but in the end, he was able to obtain a student permit.  We decided to celebrate with dinner at a Chinese restaurant.  The good news....Sister Spung received her Philippines drivers license right away.  Now we need to convince her, the streets of Nueva Ecija are meant for her.  Elder Spung will continue to drive under his student permit so long as he is with Sister Spung.  It's a nice student-mentor relationship.    Patiently waiting.

Day 190 - Thursday, January 5, 2017 Our missionaries have embraced the study of the Savior through reading the Book of Mormon.  They are marking their books by identifying all references to Jesus Christ.  As I go around the mission to zone interviews, they share insights with me.  They continue to be my heroes.

Day 189 - Wednesday, January 4, 2017 Yesterday we had our month Mission Leadership Council.  It was glorious!  The Spirit was powerful and taught many things that weren't spoken.  President Clark talked about our theme for 2017, "The Consecrated Missionary!"  Our missionaries are excited to improve their commitment and dedication.

Day 188 - Tuesday, January 3, 2017 Above was Sadie and Alivia 5 years ago.  These two spunky granddaughters have a special bond.  You see, they are sisters sharing the same birthday four years apart.  I worried about how they might feel as they got older and had to share the spotlight.  So far, they are champs.  Sisters arm in arm!  They are strong, individual and talented girls.  When they walk into a room, they both command it in their own way. They don't always agree but still find it in their hearts to compromise and respect each other...eventually.   Happy, happy  9th and 5th birthday Sadie and Alivia!  We sure love you!