Baler, Aurora,Philippines
30 March 2009
Our assignment this week was to travel to Baler, a small community on the eastern coast of the Philippines. Baler is the furthest missionary outpost in the Angeles Mission and has four small branches in the area that report directly to the mission president. Four teams of missionaries and a missionary couple are assigned to the area and because of the beauty (the ocean) of the area , all missionaries want to be assigned there.
We had to exchange our car for a high clearance pick-up because we had to cross a mountain range on a gravel road that was steep, very rough and rocky. Our travel time from Tarlac to Baler was five hours of which three hours were in the mountains. Needless to say MB was bounced out of her seat a few times. As we entered the beautiful valley it was full of coconut groves and rice fields and everything was tropical green. They said it is the coconut capital of the Philippines.
We taught two Self Employment Workshops Thursday and Friday to the two out-laying branches and they generated some very good ideas for businesses. They need to now spend time doing the research and developing business plans so they can capitalize their businesses and get started. On Saturday we gave a Career Workshop in the Baler Branch and had a great time preparing them to job search and face to face interviewing. There were a lot of young people there and they are the ones who really need this workshop. The branch president who is working in a local government office said this was his first ever interview. We do all our teaching in English which is sometime a challenge for them to verbalize their thoughts which makes it fun for the whole class.
Sunday evening we presented a fireside on Prosperity which is directed at encouraging the members to save some of their income for their retirement. Filipinos are a very generous people and will give anything to their family to make them happy even at their own expense. It is their culture to celebrate even if they have to borrow money to celebrate – saving is not (part of their culture). As a result most do not have anything to live on when they retire and have to depend on their children.
We had no internet access while we were gone, so no communication for a week. Returned safely on Monday and enjoyed being in our little home after a week away.
Elder NB & Sister MB
3 comments:
What an exciting adventure and isn't it neat all you are learning and teaching. I'm so excited for both of you and the great experience and memories you are building for years to come. Love the pictures. You two look so professional and happy.
Looks beautiful and sounds like you enjoyed the visit. I can't wait to talk to you about your trip. Thank goodness for concrete and asphalt! Love ya, Melissa
hey mom and dad!
thanks for the pics from baler...it looks like a beautiful place.
i'm so glad that we're able to contact you and keep updated in so many ways.
i'm grateful that i get to see your bright shiny faces and talk to you too!
love you and miss you.
Hal
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