Note: This is our final blog because our Mission will be completed Mar 3 and we'll head home. The cover photo is just one of many farewell photos with new friends and missionaries in the Philippines. This blog is short because we need to head to our last transfer assigned then back to power clean the apartment and return the phone/modem to PLDT this afternoon.
Sunsets in Neuva Eclija
The sunsets in our area are amazing. One evening the moon was rising as the sun set. This panorama doesn't really capture the essence, but we'll remember this and many beautiful skies.
Public Market
The public market is an amazing place. It's the original department store before Walmart and Target were invented. You can purchase all the basic items the population needs. In smaller cities, the public market is the only store. Cabanatuan Public Market is surrounded by several blocks of stores as well. The traffic is usually congested and we often take a trike to solve trying to find a parking place for the car 3 hot blocks away.
Click the button below for double speed walk from the car, to the big market and zig zag through the maze of shops.
Fun with Kalikid Branch
Saturday (Feb 18) was a fun day with the Kalikid Branch. It started with a Family History Party. 13 people attended to learn more about FamilySearch.org from Brother and Sister Mejia, specialists who live in Tarlac.
Then in the evening, we joined the branch Valentine party. Elder and sister Dansie had a small part on the program sharing ideas about working together as a family.. Then the fun began. The group dancing got pretty intense until food was served. The kids enjoyed movies in another room. Everyone tried the photobooth. Kalikid has great parties, great food and great people.
The following day was Sunday and we attend the Kalikid Branch meetings for the last time to say goodbye to new friends in the Gospel.
Family Search in Gabaldon
Saturday 9:00-12:00 we held another family search party in Gabaldon Branch. 15 people plus 5 young observers (playing games on the managers computer) packed the small 5 station internet cafe. We added 2 laptops on laps. The Mejia's are Family History missionaries and have helped us train at 3 locations. They live in Tarlac and for this event that meant a 2.5 hour drive and early start from them. It's amazing the dedication that the Church Members have for genealogy despite limited access to computers.
Going to Work
This photo demonstrates a group of hardworking people. 3 in the cab and 5 on top. I doubt that any were wearing seat belts :)
Laundry
We wondered how large facilities like a hospital did their laundry. We found out what we drove around back.
Customer Service
The Filipino people are very service oriented. We stopped at Jolibees for rocky road sundaes and the security guard opened the door with a smile and "hello po." "Po" is added for respect too someone older. Then every team member says hello po. When you are finished another team member clears your table and you get another dozen "Salamat" (thank you) as you head out the door opened of course by the smiling guard again. They really understand customer service in the Phillippines.
More Goodbye's
It's always tough to get a group of missionaries to smile for a goodbye picture when we attend the last District Leader Meeting in Bongabon on Wednesday. It's easier to get a goodbye picture with Sister Clark (President Clark's Wife) since she is always smiling. Sister Dansie shed a couple tears as she said goodbye to many Sister Missionaries. The group photo is all of the missionaries who are departing in this batch (except President and Sister Clark are staying of course.)
Time to Wrap Up and Pack
These shoes were purchased for Ben and Natalie's wedding almost 20 years ago. The Philippine rainy season finally did them in. Farewell shoes and farewell to all our new friends in the Philippines.
Elder Dansie tried to get his hair cut by his favorite barber but after 4 visits to find he wasn't there he allowed another non-english speaking hair stylist cut his hair. His request for "cut off a little" was interpretted as "leave a little." Oh well, it will grow back by the time we get home.