Family on Overdrive

Maayong Gabii!

Well another fast week in Paradise. I am going to start my post off on Saturday that had a whole weeks worth of adventure packed into one day.

We returned back from Isla HayaHay (that Sister Bell will tell about) picked up the Multi Cab from our self reliance group that were attending a ACE Training meeting to give them further training to help them start a business.

So at 11:00 we were off to a baptism of the remaining members of the Tampon Family and Cleir Lamberang. These baptisms are always special as we see new member enter our branch with new talents that enrich all of our lives.

Perpetou & Deniel Tampon with Elder Salazar & Elder Crowley

Cleir Lamberang with Sister Nacalaban & Sister Anderson

This rounds out the entire Tampon Family and adds another member of the Lamberang Family.

Then it was off to the races to start seminary. Sister Bell will tell you all about seminary so I will not even attempt.

After that we were off to Tubigon for the youth activity night. On the way to Tubigon our trip was temporarily delayed. About a mile out of Sagbayan we happened across a accident that literally happened seconds before we arrived. There was three injured people in a motorcycle accident and two of them were very critical. So we unloaded all the youth on the side of the road and made our Multi Cab into the first response vehicle. After loading the three in we rushed with some of their family members to the Clarin Hospital. We knew it could well be a hour or more before any first response teams would show up.  After helping to unload the patients at the hospital we were off to pick up the youth.  We learned today that the nanay did not make it.  It is sad to see what happens when young people put too much speed behind a motorcycle and go out of control and hit someone.

Then we continued the youth activity in Tubigon. This is just a few great shots of all the fun.

Sister Bell ripping it up on the basketball court.

The Volley Ball Game

Who says you can't have your cake and eat it too?

I will close with a picture of the youth of Sagabyan shouting Hoorah for Israel!

Kitakits unya (see you later)

Elder Bell (Tatay, LoLo & Amigo) 

Ayo Family and Friends!

I love weeks when we are so busy that we do not even know where to start telling you about it.  This has definitely been one of those weeks.  We have enjoyed every minute of time we have been able to spend with Aaron, Stacy, Rowdy and Colt.  They have just been more than willing to be part of every event and activity we had planned this week.  We fit in some sight-seeing and some snorkeling, swimming and other stuff.  There is plenty of fun to be had in the Peens.  

 The Ellsworth's on top of the famous 'Holy Spirit' statue!

I have loved having these two boys here this week.  Can't get enough 'gramma' time with them.

Aaron is really enjoying the Philippines….his favorite part is the driving that requires no adherence to rules of the road or regulation of any kind!

It was surprising how well the little guys did with snorkeling.  Rowdy, who is 9 years old, especially took to it quite naturally. Colt can do it but I would not say that it is his favorite thing…..he does not like all the strange things in the ocean as they scare him.  But he was a champ in the pool!

One of our favorite stops on the 'Island Hopping Tour', was a little fishing village.  We walked through the village and ended at the school.  All of the children saw us 'white folks' and came running out of their classrooms.  They did not dare get too near us but we finally convinced a few of them to stay close enough for a photo with us.  No matter where we go, the people especially like Colt's blond hair!  People in the markets just stop, point and stare.  Luckily Colt is oblivious to the attention he garners wherever he goes…..he is a rockstar and doesn't even know it!

Rowdy and I with our new friends!

We finished up our last Seminary class yesterday.  The book of Revelations talks all about the second coming and warns of the last days.  So we had talked about the statement from Jeffrey R. Holland when he says that the out come of the game has already been decided and we just need to pick which teams jersey we are going to wear.  So as a finally activity, we all got white shirts to signify to which team we belong and then we all signed each others shirt.  This way we can remember our team-mates!

The kids really loved this activity and took great pride in wearing the shirts after we had completed them.

Choose whose jersey you will wear!

Even Rowdy and Colt signed and got their own T-shirts.  They have made a whole bunch of new friends and have had so much fun the first week of their trip.  We are lucky enough to get the Ellsworth's for a whole week more and will keep you posted on the weeks adventures next blog session.  

I am sad to end seminary.  This has been one of the most rewarding things I have ever done.  It is so amazing to be with 30 (yes we are up to 30 now) teenagers who love to learn about the gospel.  We have so much fun with them and it has definitely been a high-light of my mission being able to teach them the gospel from the Old and New Testaments.  I would not say I am a great teacher but we have had some great lessons and I have seen them learn and grow in so many ways.  My life will be forever changed by these wonderful young people.  The future of the church in the Philippines, especially Sagbayan Branch, is in good hands.  They will be incredible leaders one day in the not so distant future.

Well, I will close for now!  I sure love and appreciate all of you so much.  You have no idea how much we think of you, pray for you and remember the support and love we feel from so many over these many miles!

Love you forever,

Sister Bell (Mamala to all)