Picture A Day

Day 338 - Wednesday, May 31, 2017   Today we took a couple of preparation hours to explore Mother Falls in Baler.  It is one of nature's beautiful spots on earth.  Two of our Elders escorted us.  There were few pictures but it was enough to remember this great activity.   Today we took a couple of preparation hours to explore Mother Falls in Baler.  It is one of nature's beautiful spots on earth.  Two of our Elders escorted us.  There were few pictures but it was enough to remember this great activity.

Day 337 - Tuesday, May 30, 2017 Although not our regular schedule, it was great to visit our Baler Elders today.  After our interviews we told the Elders we'd take them to eat.  They were thrilled because it is the end of the month and funds are light.  We thought they'd opt for rice but they decided on the over sized pieces of pizza.  I don't know why we've never known about Chloe's Pizza before.  It was fun to be with these great Baler Elders.

Day 336 - Monday, May 29, 2017 When I look at this picture, the words that come to mind are "Consecrated Servants."  Each couple has a place in our hearts.  These leaders range from Area Presidency and wives to Area Medical Professionals to Mission Presidents and their companions.  We gather two times a year under the direction of the Area Presidency.  These seasoned servants come from all over the world...Philippines, Netherlands, Europe and America.  All come with singular purpose but bring a multiplicity of talents.  A quote by Joseph F. Smith nicely sums up our feelings about these splendid saints, "Gratitude is said to be the memory of the heart."  We will never forget them and how they served us.   

Day 335 - Sunday, May 28, 2017 This weekend was President Clark's final District Conference in which he presides.  It was also Camiling District's first Conference after the combination.  It was a delight to be with the saints of Camiling.  They came in great numbers.  They sang praises with vigor.  They inspire us!  President Clark gave some excellent training both on Saturday evening and Sunday morning at the perspective Elders meeting.  There were many great talks given by members in the District.  It was a weekend to remember how grateful we are to be part of this marvelous work.  (Below is President Clark at the Saturday evening meeting.  He spoke about forgiveness thus, "Let it Go!")  One thing I love about the members is they always have paper and pen with them.  They take notes about truths that inspire them or ways they want to do better or be better!    The perspective Elders meeting was attended much...

Day 334 - Saturday, May 27, 2017 In one day, this beloved couple will be married 65 years.  They have been examples of true devotion and love.  They taught me the importance of family.  They have been side by side through thick and thin.  Oh how I love them.  It won't be the anniversary they hoped for as dad is in the hospital after a fall.  The brief separation due to dad's health problems will assuredly end with a tender reunion in a few days.  Separation makes the heart grow fonder...even after 65 years!   Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!

Day 333 - Friday, May 26, 2017 This picture speaks volumes.

Day 332 - Thursday, May 25, 2017   We welcomed eleven new missionaries to the Philippines Angeles Mission.  They are a happy bunch.  They seem very ready to serve faithfully.  We had a great matching meeting as they met their trainers.  Welcome Elders and Sisters!  Get ready for a wonderful journey!

Day 331 - Wednesday, May 24, 2017 Mission presidents and their wives from all over the Philippines hold up their completed copies of the  "My Family: Stories That Bring Us Together" booklet during our recent seminar. It's a great way to build family unity across the generation.  I feel a family home evening with the "little grands" coming on!  Have you completed your own booklet yet?

Day 330 - Tuesday, May 23, 2017    Rainy season is here!  The tears were not only falling from our eyes but from the heavens.  I don't recall another departure where we received so much rain.

Day 329 - Monday, May 22, 2017 Our 25th Batch of Departing missionaries gathered today.  They are such a fun group.  They have grown by leaps and bounds since their first day in the mission.  We will enjoy teaching them tomorrow.  Until then.... 

Day 328 - Sunday, May 21, 2017 This is the place that we have called home for nearly three years.  It is our sanctuary from the storm.  It is the place we go to find peace.  We share it whenever we can with leaders, members, investigators and missionaries.  We love so many things about this beautiful edifice.  For over a week now this beautiful home has been in the process of a makeover.  It is being prepared for another couple to love it as much as we do.   The Sabbath day reminds us that there is no place like home!  

Day 327 - Saturday, May 20, 2017 A great evening at the San Jose Stake Conference.  We were able to have dinner with President and Sister Cruz and Elder & Sister Richard Baquiran and sons afterward.  A lovely evening was enjoyed!   

Day 326 - Friday, May 19, 2017   Today we celebrated President Clark!  Our missionaries have been sending email for the past couple of weeks.  We compiled them and the Elders set out to make sure it looked great.  With a huge grin, President Clark read each of the treasured messages from his missionaries.  We are used to the birthday celebrations that go beyond the actual day.  This was another one for the books.  The senior couples all gathered and we went to Fortune Restaurant.  Elder Pugh and President Clark were the birthday celebrities of the day.  

Day 325 - Thursday, May 18, 2017 Today is President Clark's birthday.  It is also the final day of the Mission President Seminar.  This is our final Mission President's Seminar.  It is a day for me to reflect on just how wonderful this man is.  He is my strength, my go-to adviser, my knight in shining armor.  Our adventure in the Philippines has deepened my desire to be with him through the eternities.   A witness and testimony! These are days never to be forgotten!

Day 324 - Wednesday, May 17, 2017 Our second day concluded with happy hearts and full stomachs. We enjoy the company of these wonderful friends.

Day 323 - Tuesday, May 16, 2017 We pause to celebrate our sweet Beckham's 2nd birthday celebration.  Beckham was just a baby when the family visited nearly 18 months ago.  He reminds me a lot of his dad at this age.  He loves to climb on everything, eats anything and loves playing outside.  He stomps around like a dinosaur and will roar at you so you will run from him.  It seems like yesterday when his daddy did the same thing.  We love you Beckham boy!       After a great day of training, Mission Presidents and wives were treated to a performance from the BYU Chamber Orchestra with guest star Tim Pavino.  It was a benefit show for Caritas (Catholic Charities) Manila.  We were able to catch up with President and Sister Hiatt who serves in a neighboring mission.  They are doing a fabulous job.

Day 322 - Monday, May 15, 2017   What do you do when you have 7 Mission President's wives in a vehicle in slow moving traffic?  You love every minute of it and wish the traffic would slow down.  How I love these wonderful wives who uniquely understand every part of my calling. (Sad to be missing Sister McCurdy). Here's our Mission President & Companion Batch!  We all started together in June 2014 - June 2017.  Salt of the earth and forever friends!

Day 321 - Sunday, May 14, 2017 Happy Mother's Day to all mothers who have mothered children in whatever form that takes.  Since becoming a missionary, my heart warms to know that our missionaries get to call and speak with their mothers.  This only happens two times a year.  I used to worry that they would get homesick because of the call, but now I delight in knowing missionary families get to enjoy a mini reunion (electronically) of sorts.  Mothers in particular hear their child's voice and know how great their missionary is doing.  We stress to the missionary to bring their family to where they are here in the mission field instead of going where their family is.  It is an interesting balance.  The missionaries often report to President Clark that they "won" the territorial battle and they were successful in helping their family feel the spirit of the mission.  Hope you all had a wonderful celebration of motherhood. This picture remi...

Day 320 - Saturday, May 13, 2017 Today was the CCM - Coordinating Council Meeting with all District and Stake Presidents plus our Area Seventy, Elder Babida.  We have very much enjoyed our association with Elder Babida.  He wants to help make life better for all he comes in contact with.  We will miss his charitable service.  Luckily he will continue to serve the Angeles Mission!

Day 319 - Friday, May 12, 2017 This picture brings us such joy!  Three of our children returned to the alma mater.  All three of them spent a significant part of their high school years in this very room.  Their beloved choir director was retiring.  They all traveled from different states to bid farewell and sing once again on the stage that they learned to love. How my soul would have loved hearing the music and hugging those cute kids! RM's are the best!  Another one graced us with her sweet presence.  The time went by so quickly.  Thanks for visiting Sis. Connell!  Tandaan mo mahal kita.  

Day 318 - Thursday, May 11, 2017   This morning President Clark and I left very early to arrive at a resort in Cabanatuan for San Jose's Youth Conference.  This time our charge was a 2 hour presentation.  It was the third day of the Conference and the youth were champs. These are the future leaders of the Philippines.  We were grateful to be in their midst.   What I Know....What I Want to Know Stake Leaders and more pictures than one can think possible.  These are great leaders of the Young Women in San Jose Stake!

Day 317 - Wednesday, May 10, 2017   A President with a few of his loved Elders!  Yes....he absolutely loves them all. There seems to be a theme here.  The way to a missionary's heart is through his stomach.  Cabanatuan's Standard of Excellence!