Water, water everywhere!

Good Morning to all!

Well it does not take long to have 3 week worth of adventure wrapped in 1 week after exile was ended.

We started off the week picking up my brother Tharon (Elder Bell) and his wife Holly (Sister Bell) from the Bagio Mission on the large Island of Lazon in the Philippines.  Their daughter Amy and grandson Carter were visiting their parents while on their mission and came to the Island of Bohol to see some of the great beauties of the Philippines.

We spent the first two days at our favorite place the Isla Hayahay and snorkeled. We found many sea shells while Island hoping and had a great Filipino adventure. The local people were fascinated to see a 6 foot tall 14 year old American.

Amy with her mother Sister Bell and Carter

Elder Bell on the left and Elder Bell on the right at Sagbayan Peak

During the stay we visited Danao Adventure Park so the visitors could ride the Zip Line and also take the Plunge.

Sister Holy Bell on the Zip Line

We also visited Hilltop 360

We went to visit the Viodor family and found Tatay Viodor holding the new Baby.  The fathers here really are good to their children and show them a lot of love.

Tatay Viodor with the new baby

The Viodor family also had a new litter of pigs this week.  Tatay Viodor has worked with animals his whole life and will offer much needed help and direction to the new member welfare project.

Tatay Viodor caring for the new piglets

The last story before I turn it over to Sister Bell…..one of the sister went in the hospital this week for 

an infection.  So today when we were going to visit the Relief  Society ask if they could come and also some of the youth in the Branch. These people truly help each other in so many ways.  If someone is in need regardless of what the need is many will offer to give a hand or offer comfort.  This is what a Christ-like people should be like.  We are so blessed to be among them.

Nanay Luisa's support group The Sagbayan Branch

We I will close and turn this over to my better half.  I can sum it up by saying 'My cup runneth over.'

Thanks to all

Elder Bell  (Tatay, LoLo & Amigo)

Ayo Family and Friends!

Elder Bell is right….we had a lot happening this week.  Some weeks we search for a few pictures to share and stories to tell but this week we are having to leave a few untold.  I do need to back up to the Monday birthday of Elder Bell….. We were so surprised when the staff of the Isla Hayahay brought out this beautiful birthday cake after our dinner…

Elder Bell got a birthday cake from Isla Hayahay

I didn't even remember telling them it was his birthday when I made the reservations but they not only remembered I had mentioned the birthday…they went out of their way to drive to Tubigon and order a cake for him!  No wonder I love the Isla Hayahay!  It really is the best kept secret of the Philippines!  We love their wonderful service and kindness!  I jokingly asked the manager if were were his most frequent guest.  He paused and then said, "Yes, only the staff come more often than you!"  We had just been there the week before while in exile and they had treated us so kindly that week and just topped it off this week!

We had a busy week with the Bells and were so happy to get to know Amy and Carter.  They are wonderful people and we are happy to have been able to share a few days with them.  We dropped them at the airport on Friday afternoon and raced back to Sagbayan for a youth Family Home Evening at the Racomas…

 It was Sister Liezel's birthday (17th) and we had a grand time with the youth and the missionaries.

Night falls outside of the Racomas house

 This was the view as the Viodors and I left the Racomas house.  I have told you about this beautiful farm before.  It really is a beautiful place where the Racomas have raised their 13 children and a large amount of rice!  We had to leave earlier than the rest of the group as the Viodors were expecting a call from Marjonilo (the annual Mothers Day call) and they were going to use our computer for the call.

Marjonilo gets to meet his new sister on Mothers Day call

If you look closely you can see Marjonilo on the computer screen talking to his mother and meeting his new baby sister!  (Remember she was born the day after he left on his mission in March.)  It is funny how much of the business of this branch happens in our bedroom because it is the only place wifi works in our apartment!  Oh well, we are all one big happy family!

Saturday we were up early for our mission prep class.  This week we studied a little while and then we worked on exercising!  The young women were all walking a little slow today with 'sakit' (sore) muscles. Saturday afternoon we attended a baptism in Tubigon.  And this is where the 'water, water. everywhere!' comes in to play.  We were just getting started in our meeting.  I was paying close attention to the first speaker who was talking about baptism by water, when I noticed a steady stream for water creeping in to the room.  I left the meeting to investigate and when I stepped in to the hallway it had water, water everywhere!  The baptismal font had overflowed and was slowly filling the hallway!  There were already a handful of people out there working on the mopping and scooping so I kick off my shoes and joined the mop-up crew!  We scooped and mopped through the entire meeting and sometime afterward!  I wish I had a picture to share but I was too busy mopping.  

Joel Mebato baptism

This baptism was for Joel Mebato, the young man in the center of the picture and Junry Ocabat, the little boy standing in front of me.  Joel is 19 years old and just a shy, quiet young man.  His brother Justin was baptized a short time ago and we are happy to have him join our branch.  Jonry is a special friend of mine and we are so excited that his father became worthy enough to be able to baptize his son.  It was a special experience.  

So, that was our busy week in a nutshell!  We got a lot accomplished and have a long list to get started on come Monday morning!  I just want to wish all of you wonderful women in my life a Happy Mothers Day!  You have all impacted my life in different ways and I appreciate you and the love and support we receive from you.  I hope your day is wonderful and filled with the love of dear ones near and far.  We are so thankful to be here in this place at this time.  We have been given the great opportunity to insert ourselves in the lives of some amazing people and have learned so much of love, patience and joy from this experience.

Have a wonderful week!  We love you and miss you.  We will try to stay focused as we come in to the last stretch here.  Thanks again for your love and support!

Love you forever,

Sister Bell (Mamala to all)