Tarlac City, Tarlac
Philippines
16 August 2009
This past week we have had the fun assignment to be the “trainers” for a new senior missionary couple who just arrived in the Philippines. They are the Cooleys from the Sacramento area. They spent their first week at the Employment Resource Center in Makati, Metro Manila becoming familiar with the operation of the office and the services provided there. They will be managing a similar Volunteer Center in Legaspi City (Southern Luzon).
We picked them up on Friday in Manila and made one stop on our way out of town to join a meeting with two young men who are managing an entrepreneurial training for Filipino Returned Missionaries called (ACE) Academy for Creating Enterprise. ACE offers the opportunity for RMs to spend two dedicated months immersed in how to start and run his/her own business. Our ERC boss wanted both missionary couples to hear and understand what the potential opportunities are for RMs here in the Philippines.
Next we had a 3 hr. drive back to Tarlac to unload baggage and load up our teaching supplies and drive another two hours to Dagupan, Pangasinan to stay the night.
Up early the next morning (Sat.) for an hour’s drive around the coast to the Alaminos Stake Center where we taught and certified 42 people in the Career Workshop. We had eight college students (non members) in the class and they were very lively which made it a fun day for all. Elder Cooley drove us home and only caused a few white knuckle minutes for us – his first experience driving in the Philippines. He wanted to learn the rules of driving in the Philippines – no wait – there are no rules of driving in the Philippines!
On Sunday we attended church in Gerona Branch (Paniqui) and the members were very gracious to the Cooleys to welcome them to the Philippines. After lunch and a short rest, we taught the Prosperity Fireside to Tarlac Wards 1 & 3, (72 attended). On Monday we taught the Self Employment Workshop (18 in attendance) for the Tarlac Stake Priesthood leaders. Tuesday was our R&R day. We made copies of all the workshops for them and answered any remaining questions they might have. They are really sharp and are raring to get started, we know that they will do an excellent job!
Tuesday afternoon we visited the Bataan Death March National Monument in Capas, Tarlac. The Capas area was the main concentration camp for the American and Filipino soldiers who survived the march but thousands more died here. There is still a very strong bond in the Philippines between Americans and Filipinos and many tender stories abound of the brave Filipino families who tried to help the American soldiers.
Returning to Manila on Wednesday, we concluded a very full week. It was very fulfilling both in training experiences and feeling the spirit. It was a blessing to meet with members who were hungry for information that will help as they apply the self reliance principles we shared with them to better their lives. We probably won’t see the Cooleys very often, they are a 10 hr. drive away from us but we wish them the very best in their new Philippine adventure.
Elder NB & Sister MB
2 comments:
So good to hear all the details of your traveling and work. Wow..you two do keep busy. I'm sure the Cooley's will do well with the training and friendship you offered them. What an experience you are having and all the wonderful things you are and have learned. I know the Lord is very pleased with your testimonies and willingness to serve.
The ACE training for RM's and starting their own businesses sounds exciting. We'd so enjoy hearing more. The Cooleys will forever be thankful to you for the training you gave them. We will always remember and appreciate our trainers. Love,
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