My Marilyn Monroe Moment

This week while attending Zone Conference in Ilagan, we took a break and walked to a nearby 7-Eleven to get a soda and chocolate.  As we entered the store, a young woman said, “Hello President Roberts”.  After purchasing our snacks we exited the store and found the same young women standing there.  President Roberts asked her if she was a member of the church and she replied, “Actually I’m a returned missionary.  I served in Arizona.”  I asked her what part of Arizona and was amazed when she said, “Mesa”.  Imagine that!  Here we were halfway around the world, at a convenience store located 1 hour away from our apartment and we meet a returned Filipino missionary who served in our home town!  Although she had not served in our area, she had served in the home stake of one of our young missionaries from Mesa whose father is the Stake President.  She had enjoyed yummy pancakes and homemade syrup in his home on more that one occasion.  It is a Small, Small World!

President Roberts photo-bombing a group of Sisters

During each Zone Conference, I was asked to introduce this year's Christmas initiative, "Light the World One by One".  The missionaries were able to view a special 'sneak preview' on the beautiful new 18-minute film, "The Christ Child".  This film will be available on November 24th.  It is meant to be shared with the world. We are all encouraged to invite friends and family into our homes to watch it and to involve them in service activities.  On November 14th, LightTheWorld.org will be available. Spread the light and share your experiences on social media using #LightTheWorld.

We made another trip to the breathtaking rice terraces of Banaue.  While the departing missionaries hiked the 1780 steps of terraces, we took the Senior Couples on a short drive to see the Hapao Terraces.  Even though this was my fourth visit to these ancient terraces, I am still in awe of their magnificent beauty and the fact that they may have existed during the Savior’s earthly ministry.  

Cable car used to transport supplies to the homes on the hillsides that have no road access

Today we visited the Catabban Branch. 

I wish a photo could capture the beauty of this lovely little chapel located on a small hill overlooking the green rice fields.  

Shortly after beginning my talk in Sacrament Meeting, President Roberts stepped up and whispered into my ear, “You need to hold down your skirt because the fans are blowing it up.”  I felt like Marilyn Monroe.

Faithful Relief Society Sisters in the Catabban Branch.

Working the rice fields in Catabban

Other Photos from the last 2 weeks:


Teaching a missionary how to read his electricity meter.


Teaching with the Sisters


Teaching with the Elders.  I wish that I could hold and hug this cute little boy!
Another 'Break the Fast" in Nagulian.