Paniqui, Tarlac
Philippines
4 April 2010
What a special week this has been. We were invited to two 6th grade graduation ceremonies – one in Gerona for Kimberly and in one in Cuyapo for Angelique. There is no “middle school” in the Philippines so after the 6th grade they go directly to High School graduating from there at age 16. Then, if they are lucky and have the funds, they can go to college. Education is very important to Filipinos. Both girls were graduating with “high” honors.
The graduation in Cuyapo was the most interesting – besides 6th graders they included the kindergarten classes so in total they graduated about 100 students. They gave diplomas, speeches, awards, more speeches and recognition for almost everything you can think of. The hot afternoon sun caused the audience to seek shad wherever they could as the sun moved across the sky. We arrived as it was ready to start and had to leave two hours later for another appointment and they were still giving out awards.
Friday night was a special occasion for us, we were invited to witness the “setting apart” of 5 wonderful young missionaries from the Paniqui District. We spend our Sundays in the branches of these young men and love their dedication and spirit. The next day they entered the Manila MTC for a few weeks of training before going to their missions – two to Manila and three to Naga, Philippines. What great young men they are with strong testimonies of the gospel and a desire to humbly serve the Lord.
On Saturday we were invited to our first “Filipino” wedding. The ceremony itself only lasted about three minutes but the rest of the program lasted two hours. Plus the wedding was an hour late getting started. This is considered normal for most Filipino activities. We love the young couple getting married, Christian and Jennalyn, and wish them every happiness in their new life together.
We were invited as honored guests to attend the wedding reception at the home of the bride. The bride and groom rode with us to her home in our car – the only car in the procession of tricycles and jeepneys. When we arrived they had a crowd of maybe 150 people all seated under canopy tents in their garden area. We were seated at the head table and treated very special – Jennalyn has been a special friend of MBs since we arrived here in the Philippines and it was demonstrated at the reception. The young couple are so in love and we are happy for them.
Elder NB & Sister MB
2 comments:
It's amazing how much younger the missionaries look, the older I get! :) It's just another testimony to me that the Lord can use anyone as an instrument when they are willing and worthy.
Sounds like a great week! Happy Easter!! :)
Look at the constant impact you two are having during this time. What a blessing to the Philipino people to have missionaries who know the gospel and who are willing to service. Something you will remember the remainer of your lives. What a darling couple.
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