New ERC in Dagupan

Dagupan,

Pangasinan,

Philippines

31 January 2010

We started the week at the mission home teaching the Career Workshop to the Angeles departing missionaries. We enjoy the opportunity to visit with them as they are leaving the mission and a chance to talk to them about continuing their education and entering the workforce again. We love their enthusiasm and their strong testimonies of the gospel.

On Wednesday we drove two hours north to Dagupan where the church is building a new ERC, (Employment Resource Center). We met with the new manager and assistant manager (our new bosses) and their staff of about 20 volunteers who are so excited to get the center up and running. We have been shifted from the Makati (Metro Manila) ERC because we live in the northern part of Luzon. An ERC plays a vital role in helping the members find employment. We appreciate our callings as Welfare Missionaries and enjoy working with these centers and the wonderful and dedicated members that volunteer their time to serve the Lord.

On Saturday morning early, Elder NB attended a Coordinating Council Meeting (CCM) at the Tarlac Stake Center. Elder Augustine, an Area Seventy, conducted the meeting for stake and district presidents from twelve units. He asked Elder NB to speak about the new ERC and the services provided for the members benefit and invited the presidents to use any or all of the services.

Later in the afternoon we attended the Saturday sessions of the Angeles Philippines Stake Conference. Angeles is an hour south of Tarlac. In the priesthood session, Elder NB was asked to talk about the new ERC office with its services. The group in attendance was the stake and ward leadership who can schedule the training for large or small groups in their units.

Sister MB was able to attend the Stake Relief Society training session. She loved it! The sisters were so friendly and they were enjoying each other so much. They were learning great leadership skills but they were having so much fun doing it. It was great to visit with them and just enjoy being Relief Society sisters together, no matter where you are in the world!

Elder NB & Sister MB

Costley Girls Visit

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

2010 - Its a New Year

Rosales, Pangansinan
Philippines

3 January 2010

Today, Jan.3, 2010 was a great Fast Sunday. After attending our “Paniqui” District meetings we came home for a quick dinner and then drove about 2 hours to the City of Rosales in Pangasinan to present our “Prosperity” Fireside (subject: temporally taking care of yourself by saving for the future). Rosales was one of the cities devastated in the last typhoon because a dike broke and most of the entire city was flooded. As we have stated previously, Filipinos are very resilient and nothing gets them down for very long.

After we presented our information, the Rosales Bishop got up to close the meeting and told of his boyhood, losing his father at the age of 6 and his self reliance. At this young age, before he became a member of the church, he knew he had to take care of himself because no one else was available to help him. He and his friends would have contests to see who could sell the most breakfast bakery goods each day. He would get up at 4:30 a.m. collect his baked items and sell them on the street until 7 a.m. then he would go to school for the day. By buying and selling he was able to put himself through elementary, high school and college. He is still in the buying and selling business with his wife and they are able to support their family and be self reliant. He was the Stake President and now the Bishop of his ward. He has not forgotten the Lord since his baptism at age eleven and not in all his success.

One of our beloved Tarlac Sister Missionaries had told us the story of her youth when her father left their family of 6 children. All of the children (and mother) had to find some form of employment to provide for their daily needs. She, being the only girl in the family, learned to make a fried banana kind of dessert to sell every morning before she went to school. Last New Year’s eve she taught Sister MB how to make the dessert and shared this story. The little youngest brother (about 6) tried to fish daily so the family would have something to eat. Not knowing how to fish or how to assemble the little bamboo fishing trap he needed, the Barangay men laughed and made fun of his humble trap. Because his trap would usually fall apart, he kept trying and trying and after awhile mastered a technique and proudly provided fish for their family. Eventually he got so good that he began to sell his traps! Sister Igcas didn’t go on her mission until she was 28 because she worked so she could support her brothers on their missions. Her story is typical of many Filipinos, don’t give up! Don’t stop trying! (In above photo Sis. Igcas is in orange on the far left).

There are two wards that meet in the Rosales Chapel every Sunday with a set of missionaries in each ward. As we arrived we visited with one set of young missionaries, a Filipino and Elder Hales from Utah, he has only been in the Philippines 20 days! After our meeting, we met another set of missionaries, a Filipino and Elder Hales from California! (they are not related). It was so cute because each Filipino Elder was about 4’9” and about 90 lbs. and each Elder Hale was at least 6’. Quite a contrast but great companions!

Elder NB & Sister MB

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Paniqui, Tarlac,

Phipppines

23 December 2009

Every Wednesday we have the opportunity to attend the missionary development meeting with the young Elders and Sisters and during the most recent meeting we were asked to help them with their Paniqui Zone Christmas presentation for the Mission Zone Conference to be held December 23rd in Tarlac. They had prepared a script and assigned parts to all eighteen missionaries in the zone then asked us to be the grandparents (type casting!) and narrators in the skit. The Grandfather told the story to his grandchildren that when he went on a mission as young man, they still had to work hard on Christmas day. The missionaries did a great job through songs (Called to Serve) and scenes that depicted working hard, even though being far from home and a little homesick on a special holiday but continued to work faithfully and finally found a golden family that made this their best Christmas day ever (Joy to the World!)

We had a great time practicing and singing with them and learned a lot from their example of diligence and obedience in following mission rules and being blessed for the commitment. At the end of the practice we gave them each (12 Elders, 6 Sisters) a little stocking filled with treats from Santa. As you can imagine, Wednesdays are one of our most favorite days of the week!

We also got to participate in a skit that just the “Senior” couples presented so it was a really fun Zone Conference. President and Sister Puzey helped us all to focus on the birth and especially on the life of the Savior. He is the Light of the world and through his teachings and example has brought the only true light to all mankind. His Light will give us understanding and lead us to follow the Savior’s example to help us endure to the end.

We want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday Season.

Elder NB & Sister MB

What are "Ber" Months?

Tarlac City, Tarlac,

Philippines

6 December 2009

We were having a discussion with a member back in September when she mentioned the “Ber” months were here. Not knowing what she was talking about we asked what were the “Ber” months? She looked at us as if we where little children and said “You know September, October, November and December”. These are the months the Philippines celebrate the Christmas holidays. Yes, they start as early as September singing Christmas carols. While attending a missionary district meeting in September we sang a carol as one of our songs. To us it was a bit early.

As we paid more attention we noticed businesses started putting up Christmas decorations and trees as part of their way of doing business. Even the local municipalities have their displays out and lit in October. Other cities have waited until December to open their displays of Christmas. Many houses are also putting up lights for the season.

The Philippines is a Christian country so Christ’s birth is the theme of almost all their community displays. As we drive for our assignments we can see a whole spectrum of displays from the most humble – a little manger with small figures set alongside the country road, to big elaborate sets that are hugh and well lighted. No matter how it is presented it shows the enthusiasm each community has for this time of year.

The weather does not let us relate to the Christmas season that we remember from back home because it is so warm. We have no snow, no ice on the roads, do not have to wear coats or gloves or hats to keep our ears warm – we only wear short sleeved shirts, sun glasses and keep the A/C turned on in the car and house.

In our house here in Tarlac we will put up a little table top Christmas tree (we inherited from the previous missionaries) for our personal celebration and enjoy our Christmas time together here in this beautiful country.

Elder NB & Sister MB

Thanksgiving

Tarlac City, Tarlac

Philippines

22 November 2009

It is the end of November and we want to wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving! We miss the major holidays because it is not a holiday here in the Philippines so it is a regular work day.

We are grateful to be part of the missionary work here. This past Thursday at our missionary Zone Conference, our mission president, President Puzey talked about the importance of missionary work and that something very important is happening right here in Asia. There are about 6 billion people in the world, three billion live in Asia. Right in the center of Asia is this Christian country called the Philippines! It will have a major impact on the non-Christian countries in the entire region.

In 1961, Elder Gordon B. Hinckley rededicated (to missionary work) the Philippines. The first stake was organized in 1973 and since then the Philippines has progressed rapidly. Currently there are 600,000 members, 79 Stakes and 86 districts.

We have paused this week to think about all of the many things we are thankful for. We are so very thankful for friends and family and the gospel. We have been so blessed in our lives. Living in this very poor and humble country right now has taught us so much about all of the blessings that we have and take for granted every day at home! We especially have learned to love and appreciate these humble, sweet people and their positive attitude. We love them dearly, we try to help them in any small way that we can.

Last year at Thanksgiving we were just in the Philippines two weeks and we were training and traveling so we had Thanksgiving dinner at McDonalds. This year however, we are going to Cabanatuan, about 2 hrs. away, to have Thanksgiving with two other “Senior” missionary couples. We don’t have an oven in our house but the Davis’ (from Tooele) do and she has ordered a turkey from a local farmer. He asked her if she wanted to kill the turkey herself – she said “No thanks!” We so appreciate the other Senior missionary couples, we appreciate the work they do for the districts and branches plus when we get together we all understand English and we can talk about our grandchildren!

Happy Thanksgiving to you!

Elder NB & Sister MB

Libunao's Baptism

Paniqui, Tarlac

Philippines

27 October 2009

Saturday, 23 October was to be a busy day with meetings in Tarlac and Baguio but because of the potential of a “new” typhoon both meetings were cancelled. We did not despair because we had been notified by the Zone Leaders that a baptism was scheduled for Saturday morning.

Some history - last December, a month after our arrival in the Philippines, we were invited to assist the missionaries assigned to the most isolated little branch in the Paniqui District, to visit a family. They asked us to go with them and help in teaching a couple who were progressing in their gospel study. Their son had just started his missionary service. Yes, their son had become a member because of his friends and was on his mission in southern Philippines.

Brother and Sister Libunao were very interested in the gospel but he had a word of wisdom problem that required some time to correct. Their church attendance was off and on but every time we visited the branch and they were attending we tried to encourage them. Sister Libunao had always been closer to being baptized than brother but she waited for him to get all his questions answered and gain the commitment to become a member of the church. Several sets of missionaries were assigned to the Cuyapo Branch during that time with each trying their best to help them.

On Saturday the 23rd we were at the Paniqui District Center at 9 a.m. for the baptism but the Cuyapo members were delayed because of the distance and the motorcycle/ tricycles they were traveling in. As they arrived, we could see the light in the faces of the Libunaos as we greeted them. What a special feeling! We were happy that so many of their branch members came to show their support. (See photo above).

The baptismal service started at 10 with a new elder (green – his first week in the mission field) speaking on faith then NB spoke on baptism and its importance – even the Savior was baptized to fulfill all righteousness. At the conclusion of the service Brother and Sister Libunao were asked to bear their testimony and they bore wonderful and sweet testimonies. The Lord has blessed the missionary son by helping his parents find the church.

The following day, Sunday, we drove to Cuyapo to be present at their confirmation. They are special people.

Elder NB & Sister MB