From November 12 - 17 we were in the city of Cebu for a Mission President's Seminar. Cebu is the second largest city in the Philippines and is on an island farther south. All 16 Mission Presidents, who are assigned to the Philippines, and their wives were together to receive training from our Area Presidency and 3 other church leaders who were visiting from Salt Lake City. It was an enjoyable week. On one of the days of the seminar we were able to have a tour of the temple that is under construction in Cebu. Just last week the dedication date announced as June 13th. Early in our mission we thought we might be here for the dedication but construction delays pushed the dedication date back further and further. We're sad to miss it but it will be a good experience for the couple who will be replacing us. As you can see in the picture above, I am trying to be serious and Patty, as usual, is acting up.
The Cebu Temple is larger than the Manila Temple and is a very different design from the Manila Temple. It was interesting to see the construction and detail inside and out. Like all temples it will be beautiful. Even though it is still a construction site, there is a special spirit on the grounds. Angel Moroni was installed about 1 week prior to this photo being taken.On the last night of the seminar the Mission Presidents and wives were treated to a dinner and a cultural show. Guest were invited to try a traditional dance. There is a person on each end of the bamboo poles and they lift them and tap them together and then tap them on the floor. The dancers try and step in rhythm and try not to get their ankles hit by the poles. Patty did very well....I lacked coordination.
On December 11, the staff at the Area Office held a Christmas party; it was a Hawaiian theme. Here is Patty and some of the other employees in their costumes from the Hawaiian islands (Patty is tallest one--second one in from the right side just in case you can't tell).
One of the nice things about working in the Area Office, and there are many nice things about working in the Area Office, is that you get to see and meet members of the church from all over the Philippines. Actually you see and meet them from all over Asia. These three little girls were visiting with their families. They were so cute I couldn't resist snapping a picture of them.
One of the disadvantages of living in Manila is the traffic. This photo is looking down EDSA Avenue (EDSA is an acronym for something). It is one of the major roadways in Manila and runs beside our apartment. Starting at about 7:00 AM until 10:00 PM it is slow moving. Traffic congestion and traffic noise are a few things we wont miss about Manila. Our apartment is just behind the tall towers on the right. Our complex consists of 3, 40 story buildings and we are on the 10th floor.
As I said earlier, we get to meet members from all over Asia while at the Area Office. Every 3rd Saturday, Patty helps out in the X-ray lab processing missionaries when they enter the MTC. She met these two missionaries from India. They were as sharp as could be. We were both very impressed with these two young men. They attended the MTC in Manila and then went back to serve their missions in India. It's an honor to be called as missionaries and to be considered one of them.
I don't recall the occasion but another dinner out. Sometimes it feels like we are on holidays, this is one of those times.
Of the 16 Mission Presidents in the Philippines almost half are Filipino. Foreign mission presidents (usually from North America) are usually a bit older and retired. The Filipino mission presidents are much younger, most have young families. Last year we saw the wives of the Filipino mission presidents together and said to each other they looked like the Laurel class. We have seen these men and women in action and they are all very qualified and very capable. Their missionaries love them and they are doing an excellent job.
This is the last night of the seminar at the cultural event. One of the hot items on the buffet table was Lechon, I think that means roast pig. It is a real treat for the locals....I'd just as soon have a roast from Larry's freezer.....now that would be a treat. How I long for some Alberta beef.
We are down to less than 2 months away from completing our mission. I'll try and get another post or two in before the big day. Hope you all had a Great Christmas and we wish you all the best in the New Year.
On December 11, the staff at the Area Office held a Christmas party; it was a Hawaiian theme. Here is Patty and some of the other employees in their costumes from the Hawaiian islands (Patty is tallest one--second one in from the right side just in case you can't tell).
One of the nice things about working in the Area Office, and there are many nice things about working in the Area Office, is that you get to see and meet members of the church from all over the Philippines. Actually you see and meet them from all over Asia. These three little girls were visiting with their families. They were so cute I couldn't resist snapping a picture of them.
One of the disadvantages of living in Manila is the traffic. This photo is looking down EDSA Avenue (EDSA is an acronym for something). It is one of the major roadways in Manila and runs beside our apartment. Starting at about 7:00 AM until 10:00 PM it is slow moving. Traffic congestion and traffic noise are a few things we wont miss about Manila. Our apartment is just behind the tall towers on the right. Our complex consists of 3, 40 story buildings and we are on the 10th floor.
As I said earlier, we get to meet members from all over Asia while at the Area Office. Every 3rd Saturday, Patty helps out in the X-ray lab processing missionaries when they enter the MTC. She met these two missionaries from India. They were as sharp as could be. We were both very impressed with these two young men. They attended the MTC in Manila and then went back to serve their missions in India. It's an honor to be called as missionaries and to be considered one of them.
I don't recall the occasion but another dinner out. Sometimes it feels like we are on holidays, this is one of those times.
Of the 16 Mission Presidents in the Philippines almost half are Filipino. Foreign mission presidents (usually from North America) are usually a bit older and retired. The Filipino mission presidents are much younger, most have young families. Last year we saw the wives of the Filipino mission presidents together and said to each other they looked like the Laurel class. We have seen these men and women in action and they are all very qualified and very capable. Their missionaries love them and they are doing an excellent job.
This is the last night of the seminar at the cultural event. One of the hot items on the buffet table was Lechon, I think that means roast pig. It is a real treat for the locals....I'd just as soon have a roast from Larry's freezer.....now that would be a treat. How I long for some Alberta beef. 
We are down to less than 2 months away from completing our mission. I'll try and get another post or two in before the big day. Hope you all had a Great Christmas and we wish you all the best in the New Year.
