Just Another Week in the Philippines

Native Chicken Anyone?

A while back, I headed down the hall to do a load of laundry, expecting nothing more than the usual routine. But as I got closer to the laundry room, I stopped in my tracks.

Right outside our neighbor’s door was a dead chicken. Beside it, a few green coconuts and a bag of groceries…just there in the hall.

It was quite a shock! I sent a text to the other two sister missionaries so they could take a look - something you kind of had to see to believe. I told them I wanted to take a picture but was afraid my neighbor might open the door and catch me. One of the other sisters who lives right across from them hurried and took the picture you see above and shared it with us.  But then the other sister replied:

“My husband said he just rode up the elevator with one of our neighbors and the sister who lives in that apartment and he was holding a live chicken.” Apparently, I missed the live version of the chicken just moments before. I can only imagine the elevator ride. Life in this building is never boring—even laundry day turns into a cultural experience.

I’ve learned to expect the unexpected around here… and maybe to glance down before walking too quickly through the hallway.

One of the other sisters asked the owner of the chicken about it and she told her she was going to make “Native Chicken”. Apparently that’s what it’s called you start with a live chicken and do the killing and plucking yourself.  I’m not really sure on that. When we went to the farm not too long ago, they served us what they called “Native chicken”. Little did we know what we were eating.  It turns out it was one of the few Filipino dishes I have enjoyed.

Church Can Be an Adventure

Every Sunday we sit behind a lovely family. Quite a large family that consists of the Mom, Dad, 7 children, one of them married with twin daughters and two young girl cousins that they have unofficially adopted - 14 people all together and they live in one house. 

The mom and dad are both temple workers and  the mom is the Ward Relief Society President. Not all of the kids attend our ward but several of them do. One of the daughters comes early with the twins and the cousins and the mom and dad of the twins follow a little later. They are so cute and quite entertaining at times. The twins are Fe and Rei, Fe is outgoing and will come sit on everyone’s lap but Rei is more reserved and will only occasionally interact with someone other than family. Rei can give a look that could stop traffic.  

With Sister Merelos. She is one awesome lady, she knows everyone and can 

speak several of the dialects here. She is a hard worker and seems to have unending energy..

Sister Harding and I were taking a picture with Fe 

and Sister Morelos couldn’t help but jump in. 

Fe comes and sits on Dad’s lap each week and 

of course he always gives her a little candy. 

Here is Rei with her traffic stopping look. 

She is also very sweet and loves to snuggle with all the members of her family.

This is Cassie, she was showing me the picture she drew of me.  So Cute. 

We sure love this family and enjoy visiting with them each Sunday.

Should I Serve a Mission

Recently, as I was serving in the celestial room, I noticed a young girl praying and pondering all by herself. She was the last one to leave after the session. I was sitting by the door, and as she was exiting, she stopped and asked, “Sister, should I serve a mission?”

I don’t know what I was thinking, but I said, “Yes, I think you should serve a mission. Serving a mission is almost always the right answer.” I was surprised that I gave that advice so quickly—especially since I didn’t even know this young sister. But it felt right. I told her that if she was feeling prompted to serve, she should do it, and that a mission would be a blessing both to those she teaches and to her for the rest of her life. I then suggested she talk to her parents and her bishop for help in making the final decision.

It’s funny, but I really think I was prompted to tell this sweet girl to serve. I have seen how much serving a mission blesses the young people here in the Philippines. They return with greater confidence and stronger faith, which helps them in so many different ways. Many of them have English-speaking companions, which helps their English skills improve. Those who can speak English are often the ones getting better jobs, which allows them to support their families and enjoy a better quality of life.

Serving a mission is not easy for our young brothers and sisters—wherever they may be—but I have seen the positive results as they learn to overcome trials, interact with people, and grow in their faith and testimony of the gospel.

Fun Going Away Party

It’s crazy to think all these people will be transferring to the Davao Temple soon. They will be very missed since many of them are the stalwart workers. A few even work both shifts at the temple several days. I’ve said it before but I was reminded again that the Filipino people love to have a party with lots of food, dancing, Karaoke and laughter. 

So, the third floor sisters did our dance!!!! It turned out pretty good and we had a lot of fun doing it. 

Here is our little dancing group, they called us the Dancing Ladies

Here we are with Sister Cabrera, the newly called Matron of the Davao Temple

For some reason, one of the workers dressed up as a dinosaur, 

I’m really not sure what that was all about

It really was a fun party, I was thinking when I get home it would be interesting to have the Relief Society Sisters doing a dance number, maybe the Elder’s Quorum could do some karaoke. Then we could all dance and eat!

I would show you our dance but I haven’t figured out how to get a video to work on the blog.

Well, that’s all for now.  The temple is getting ready to shut down for 4 weeks and we have some fun trips planned. We will be visiting a few of the other islands and my sister Jill is here which is always fun. I’m looking forward to seeing the sights and relaxing. 

We miss you all and would love to hear from you.  Thank you to those who have sent emails, I love and appreciate hearing from home.

Sending love,

Sister Mom/Beth

Six Months - Or 1/3 of the Mission is Complete

 A Small World and a Special Painting

This week brought us one of those unexpected little experiences that remind you how small and connected the world can feel—especially here in the Philippines.

Earlier in the week, Dad needed to visit the mission office to pick up a letter required for his Philippines driver’s license. While he was there, the mission secretary showed him some beautiful paintings. They had been created by a man visiting from another island with a group. He was selling his artwork to help cover the cost of their trip and to buy food while they were here.

The very first painting on top of the pile immediately caught Dad’s eye—it featured two sister missionaries walking together. Right away, it reminded him of Bethany and some of the photos she had sent home from her mission. Of course, he couldn’t resist buying it for her. In person, it’s even more beautiful than the photo shows. When we shared it with Bethany, she smiled and said the trees reminded her of her last area, Barra.

Later that same day, we had the opportunity to serve in the baptistry. While there, I struck up a conversation with a lovely sister leader. We quickly connected and had a wonderful visit. She shared a bit about her family’s inspiring history in the Church. They were among the very first members in their area—true pioneers of faith. Her parents and all twelve of her siblings were baptized together in 1979, and they’ve remained strong and active ever since. Remarkably, eight of the children served full-time missions! Her husband has served faithfully as a bishop and as a stake president for over ten years, and he now serves in the mission presidency. She herself has also held many leadership positions. It was clear to me that they are a beloved and respected example of faith and devotion in their community.

She also introduced me to her daughter, who serves in the stake Young Women organization. Naturally, we had a wonderful conversation about their upcoming girls’ camp. She shared how they plan to teach the young women practical survival skills—including how to cook an egg on a banana leaf!

As we were chatting, Dad came over and asked her if, by chance, she knew the artist behind those beautiful paintings. To our surprise, she said it was her husband! She introduced us to him. We arranged to meet them later at the patron house to take a picture together and possibly purchase another painting, as I had decided I would really love one for myself.

Unfortunately, Dad wasn’t feeling well when the time came, so I’m the only one in the picture with them. Still, it felt like such a small, sweet miracle to connect with these wonderful people through art, service, and shared faith.

The paintings I had admired were already sold, but this kind sister told me she would have her husband create a special painting just for me and bring it with them when they return in September. I’m already looking forward to seeing her again and can’t wait to see what he paints. Moments like this remind me how blessed we are to be here in Cebu, meeting so many inspiring and faithful people whose kindness and goodness leave a lasting impression on our hearts.

The Conversation Cone

One of the blessings we’ve experienced during our mission has been spending time with the other temple missionary couples. Over the weeks, we’ve enjoyed getting to know each other better, especially during our regular Friday night dinners. Most weeks, we go to the mall and find a familiar spot like Texas Roadhouse or Chili’s. It’s a nice way to relax, enjoy a meal, and visit with one another outside of our temple service.

One Friday evening, after finishing dinner, we were walking back to the van. We sisters were deep in conversation and must have stopped without realizing it. What we didn’t notice at the time was that we had paused right in front of a maintenance cone. We didn’t mean to stop there, but we were just caught up in talking.

When we finally noticed where we were standing, we had a good laugh. It was such a small thing, but it turned into a funny little memory.

These simple moments have added so much to our mission experience. Along with the spiritual blessings of temple service, we’re also grateful for the friendships and lighthearted moments we share with the other couples  

Our husbands thought it was the funniest thing and still tease us about it. Then dad thought he would be really funny so he bought key chains with a maintenance cone. Now we all have one attached to our purse so we can stop anytime and have a good conversation. It’s a great memory which includes Sister Memmott who along with her husband had to return home early. Brother Memmott was having some medical issues and preferred to have them addressed by his physician at home. We were so sad to see them go but glad he will get the treatment he needs and happy we could make some fun memories together.

Stepping out of my Comfort Zone

I know a mission is supposed to stretch us but I have been asked to do a few things that are way out of my comfort zone…

Teaching Piano Lessons

First, I am now teaching piano lessons to two cute girls. The mission secretary was teaching but she completed her mission and is now home so one of the other sisters took over her students. She already had students of her own so she asked me if I could help out. Honestly, I have no idea what I’m doing but I felt bad that she had so many students so I said yes. They are the sweetest girls and they are lots of fun. I’ll do what I can to help them and pray they learn in spite of my lack of teaching knowledge. 

Dance Performance

As we approach the temple shut down in August, we are sad to say we will saying goodbye to many of the temple workers we have grown to love and enjoy working with. The Davao temple on another island is nearing it’s completion and all the the temple workers from that area will be transferred to serve there.The temple presidency second counselor and his wife have been called to be the temple president and matron and two couples we work with are their counselors. There will be a total of 45 brothers and sisters leaving us to serve in the new temple. So as always there will be a huge party for them on August 11th and all the sisters on the third floor have been asked to do a dance performance.  I am so uncomfortable with this - I don’t think I’m much of a dancer but there is no way to get out of it.  The dance is called the chili cha-cha!!! I’m sure it will be recorded by many people and I’m not too excited about that either. But since there is nothing I can do about it, I’m trying to be positive and supportive. We’ll see how it goes!!!

Singing in the Stake Choir

Dad sang in the stake choir at our last stake conference here and he really enjoyed. The choir was amazing and they did such a good job.  The choir has been asked to sing at our next stake conference in October and they are already practicing since they will be singing nine different numbers. The choir director asked  dad if he could recruit the other temple missionaries because they would like all of us to join them. So, I will be singing in the stake choir. Hopefully I’ll be able to contribute and not distract!!!

Miss you all 

We miss all of you and hope you are doing well. We would love to hear from you and hear about everything you are doing. We continue to enjoy serving in the temple - it is never dull and there is always something new and rewarding. Although, we are looking forward to the closure since we have a few trips planned where we will be visiting three other islands and doing all the fun tourist activities we can. 

We love you and miss you…

Love,

Sister Mom/Beth