Tarlac, Tarlac, Philippines31 December 2008
We had a great New Years Eve day with the missionaries in our District meeting in Paniqui. We hear about their investigators and challenges they face, what the missionaries are doing to encourage members to help them find people – that is the hardest part of missionary work – finding people to teach. We were with one of the districts that has six sisters and they are the most optimistic missionaries. They are developing a plan for a “Member Missionary” fireside that will be given the last of January to the three branches of Paniqui and we will play a role in the presentation.
After the meeting most of the Zone went for lunch at a McDonald knock off called Jollibees – they both serve spaghetti, fried chicken and rice besides fries and burgers.
On New Year’s Eve all missionaries have to be off the streets by 5 p.m. so they are safe and out of harm’s way – fireworks is the reason. We were able to pick up the four Tarlac Sister Missionaries so they could spend the evening with us watching Disney movies(they were allowed) and eating pizza. One of the sisters made a traditional Filipino Fried Banana dessert that was wonderful.
Fireworks are traditional here and such a big deal that people save all year so they can buy and set off fireworks on New Year’s Eve. It is supposed to ward off evil spirits and give them protection – the Chinese helped with that. These are not all small things some of the rockets are as big as our cities in the US set off on the 4th of July. The fire crackers range from small to twice as big as M-80s. When they are set off it sounds like dynamite. We were happy when New Year’s Eve was over!
May you have a great and wonderful New Year and be blessed with your desires,
Elder NB & Sister MB
5 comments:
Sorry, ^ that was me. =( I had a typo and couldn't stand it!
Anyways- you guys look so cute in your horn hats.
I like that everyone is still wearing their missionary tags on a 'night off'. You guys are always setting such a good example. Thanks for all you do!!
Happy New Year!
HKC
It just makes me smile when I find an update blog of what you are doing. How fun to spend time with the sister missionaries. I learn something new everything I read your blog. So proud of you and so pleased you are so positive and learning every day. Happy New Year. Love, Kay
I'm sure appreciating the interesting tour of your mission! It's fun for you, and us, to learn so much about the different culture, especially at the holiday time.
We've had a great couple of weeks with family all here. joyful and rare.
We know you'll have a FANTASTIC NEW YEAR!
Hi you two! Happy New Year, and I hope that the year goes very productively, safely, and happily for you both.
We love to hear what is going on there, so keep letting us peak into your new world.
Lori
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