Tarlac, Tarlac
Philippines

8 August 2010

We have about six weeks left in Tarlac, Tarlac Philippines. We are trying to finish up all of our projects. This week we will have the last computer classes (and graduation, certificate ceremony) for Gerona Branch and Victoria Ward. They have worked so hard and have mastered some basic computer skills to help them in this computer age and their job search. The last two classes we conducted were in an internet shop so they could learn how to use the internet, search and get an e-mail address. This week we will have them sign up on ldsjobs.org.

Another on-going project has been trying to help members set up a small business on their own. Our son (who recently set up a bakery business) suggested an excellent internet source called SCORE.org. Retired executives have set up this website to help anyone in planning how to set up a business. It is very detailed and an excellent source of information. This has been very helpful to the members here.

We had an assignment to distribute the annual Welfare Employment Assessment form to nine of the twelve Stakes and Districts across our mission. It had to be completed in one day so we were able to use the other “Senior” missionary couples (pictures above from the top - Prisbrey, Crosgrove and Chase) to accomplish this assignment. We love and appreciate them so much. They turned a large task into a small and happy task. They are the greatest!

Recently our ERS boss Gerry stopped by our home in Tarlac to introduce us to two “brand new” Senior Sister Missionaries. They were Sister Cooper from Bournemouth, England and Sister Rawson from Salt Lake City. They are enthusiastic sisters who will be working at the office in Dagupan organizing, training, and answering questions from members and non-members. They will be a welcome addition to the office staff there. As yet, we haven’t heard of a couple coming to replace us here in Tarlac. Hope someone comes!

Next Saturday is the ground breaking ceremony for a new chapel in the Anao Branch, Paniqui District. They have been meeting in a small rented house, many times spilling out into the courtyard. What a wonderful blessing it will be for them to have their own building where there will be room for them to expand and grow into a ward. We are so happy for them! This is the first building that has been started in our mission since we arrived.

It has been such a rich blessing to see the young elders and sisters spreading forth the Gospel in the Philippines. Almost every day as we travel, our hearts are touched as we see a set of two missionaries out working to preach and teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Elder NB & Sister MB