Philippines Drivers License; Naguilian Branch

Elder Roberts trying to squat low enough for a drivers license photo

This week we had an adventure going to get our Philippine Driver’s License with the two other Senior Couples.  First, we were required to get a physical and directed to a small simply furnished room with three old desks, stackable plastic chairs and an eye chart on the wall.  The room was staffed with a 78-year-old doctor and his two assistants, one who tested our vision and the other one tested for our blood type if necessary.  When examining one of the Elders (who shall remain unnamed) the doctor asked questions and gave advice to him about everything from his weight to his sexual activity.  I said, “Doctor, you are embarrassing me!”  I shouldn’t have said anything because then he carried on even more.    Everyone was snickering and trying hard not to laugh out loud.  There is no concern for privacy here!  When it was my turn, he told me I was underweight (that’s the first time I’ve ever been accused of being too thin).  He also said that I was beautiful and that I looked like the actress, Susan Hayward.  He was quite a character!  Three hours later we all proudly possessed new Filipino driver’s licenses.

On Sundays, we have been assigned to attend the Naguilian Branch.  It is a small congregation that meets in a tiny quaint white building that is cooled by opening the louvered windows and six oscillating fans, four on the ceiling and two on the wall. We love the warm, friendly people who attend church here.  They sing all the hymns in English and give their talks in Taglish, which is a combination of Tagalog and English.    Before the meeting started today, I was sitting next to a couple who spoke very little English and I speak even less Tagalog.  I was able to increase my communication with them by opening ‘Google Translate’ on my iPhone and letting them read the translation of what I typed in English. I now know how it feels to be a foreigner who can’t understand the language.

Thursday we attended a special fireside for couples.  We were taught many things about creating an eternal marriage.  The principle I learned that was most meaningful to me:  “I love you is not simply a romantic expression.  I love you is a promise of my behavior.” –Jeffrey R. Holland

Today is my birthday. I started celebrating it on Friday afternoon by going to the mall for a pedicure and manicure.  I sat in an overstuffed chair with my feet up and pillows placed in all the right places for comfort and relaxation while one woman worked on my hands and another on my feet.  I indulged with an extra 30-minute foot massage, all for the price of about 15 US dollars.  Saturday I had an hour massage for 6 US dollars.  Yep! – it was all about me.  

I share the same birthday with the Relief Society President

A beautiful plaque made from bamboo by a member of our branch.  Many of the full-time missionaries order his work to take home with them.  He calls himself, "The Bamboo Guy"- Sister Roberts