Seniors Serving in the Philippines Cauayan Mission: Super Bowl, Visitors & Family Night Fun

We have passed by this painted wall many times on the main highway thru Santiago. I love what it says about honesty and always think that I will stop and take a photo, but we are always in a hurry. This time we stopped. Walls like this are a common sight here.

I have been sick for a couple of weeks and have neglected to write in my blog. I finally went to the doctor and found out that I had a sinus infection and an ear infection. For less than 1500 pesos ($30.00 US), I was treated by a doctor (who also practiced in the United States) and given ear drops, an antibiotic and a medication to thin the drainage. I’m feeling much better now and hopefully will soon get back all my strength and energy.

Stephen and the other Senior Elders found a way to watch the Super Bowl. He took the TV from our apartment downstairs to the office so they could view it in their comfortable work chairs. One of the Elders had access to view it on his phone, which they hooked up to the TV. They got breakfast at the drive-thru McDonalds and were really enjoying themselves. When the young Assistants came in the office to work, President Craig had them move their Super Bowl Party back upstairs. He joined them for the last quarter of the game.

The previous Mission Secretary was a young elder who returned home last July. I loved telling people that he was my “trainer”. He came back to the Philippines this month with his parents for a visit. They toured many places and he enjoyed wearing shorts, snorkeling and especially seeing the people that he had taught.

We also received a visit from another returned missionary from Manila. Sister Alyssa Ela is the one who drew this sketch of me. She took the 2019 Mission History that I compiled and delivered it to the Area Office in Manila.

We held a Sisters Conference last week. It was a one-time special conference held on two different days to help the Sisters overcome their fears and be more effective missionaries. It ended each day with a Spirit-filled testimony meeting.

Last Sunday evening we enjoyed a family home evening in the home of a woman who was baptized a few months ago. Her two sons will be baptized this Saturday. When the meeting started, there were 24 people in attendance. They borrowed chairs from their neighbors and brought in benches from outside to accommodate everyone. The guest continued arriving and I quit counting at 30! The home was bursting at the seams and still, curious neighbors were peeking in the window and standing in the doorway. We had a song, prayer, lesson and two fun games that had us all laughing. We concluded the evening by eating pancit and pasta. I brought Rice Krispie Treats which were quickly devoured.