Mount Pinatubo,
Zambales Mountains,
Luzon
19 January 2010
We had three of our four children (Camille, Melissa and Holly) visit us here in the Philippines for ten days and it was a very special time. We were able to introduce them to two branches of the church and some of the very unique sights of nature in Luzon. They also saw the very busy city of Manila (we attended the Manila Temple) and saw much of the country provinces of the north.
Our ecclesiastical assignment is in the Paniqui District so during the two Sundays of their visit we went to the largest branch in Gerona and the smallest in Cuyapo. Both turned out to be very uplifting for our girls and they were very impressed by the love offered them by everyone in attendance. The Gerona choir sang two musical numbers during the sacrament program that touched the hearts of us all. The teaching of the basic gospel and the personal testimonies during the block by the members in Cuyapo was very uplifting. The girls were asked to bear their testimonies both Sundays. Holly also taught a “Sharing Time” in the Gerona Primary, the children loved it and Holly was amazed at their great “English” skills.
During the week we took a trip into the mountains of Ifugao to Banaue to see the 4,000 year old rice terraces – one of the wonders of the world. We traveled in a Jeepney riding along a one lane rough mountain road so we could see a spectacular view of the rice terraces and visit the small native community of Bangaan. We walked down many steps to the village to see the native culture and how they prepare and plant the rice.
Another day we took an open jeep ride into the Zambales Mountains to the now quiet volcano of Mount Pinatubo. The jeep ride was over an hour long as we crossed the river many times before climbing into the mountain and parking the jeeps so we could begin our hike to that beautiful crystal clear lake in the crater at the top. We had lunch and spent time by the lake and visited with our local guide (a member of the church) to hear stories of what it was like to live near the mountain when the volcano erupted in 1991.
We had a great visit and enjoyed introducing our children to the Filipino culture and the loving people of this humble country. It was short but helped us renew our commitment to the work we have been called to do here in Northern Luzon.
Elder NB & Sister MB
6 comments:
I am so glad your cute girls got to visit.
What a great opportunity!!
Can I come and teach sharing time??
Love those costley girls!!!! :)
What fun to have visitors on your mission! I really enjoyed reading your blog over the last three days. I hope it's okay if I continue. :)
Wendi is Cherie Garr's oldest daughter..she watches over her Mother's blog. She loves things like this as I do. I'm pleased to hear of the visit. I'm sure words are difficult to describe your inner joy. Wonderful. Kay
That was such a fun day and hike. I will never forget how Dad made "handles" for our waters. What a "handy" guy!! Thanks for the great memories in such a beautiful place! Love you much!!
Thrilling to have your daughters visit and see where you're serving but more importantly meeting and interacting the people you love there on your mission. Love,
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