April Went by so Fast!

Easter Sunday

Easter Sunday was a beautiful and meaningful day as we reflected on the loving gift of our Savior—His atoning sacrifice and glorious Resurrection. We attended a wonderful Sacrament Meeting filled with talks and music centered on the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. One of the sweetest moments was hearing the Primary children sing “Gethsemane.” Their simple testimonies and beautiful voices touched our hearts.

I feel so grateful for the peace and hope that come from knowing that because my Savior lives, I too will live again after I die. And not only will I live again, but through the blessings of the gospel and the plan of salvation, I can be reunited with my family and those I love. What a comforting blessing it is to know that families can be together forever with our Heavenly Parents and our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Later that evening we headed over to the Mission Home where we enjoyed a lovely dinner with President and Sister Clarke and the other Senior Missionaries in the Cebu Philippines Mission. After the delicious meal we sang a couple hymns and had a testimony meeting.  How wonderful it was to spend the evening with such wonderful people and share the light of Christ with each other. We have really enjoyed getting to know these wonderful people.

Easter Sunday at President and Sister Clarke’s

Although the day was lovely and we had an enjoyable time, we were also quite distracted. After church, I called Bethany to see how she was doing and found out she had been in labor for quite some time and was preparing to head to the hospital. Thankfully, Heather was there and was able to stay with Ember and Vlady. That was such a relief for Bethany and Lorenzo.

Throughout dinner, all I could think about was Bethany and how her labor was progressing. I was grateful they kept texting updates on her progress. Not long after we arrived back at the apartment from dinner, we learned they were ready for delivery. Lorenzo’s cousin was there and kindly FaceTimed me so I could be part of this wonderful occasion.

At 6:30 a.m. on Easter Sunday, they welcomed Spencer Joseph Brewer into the world. He weighed 7 pounds, 11 ounces, and is perfect in every way. Not only was Spencer born on Easter, but he was also born on his cousin Joey’s birthday. What a blessing! Our 15th and final grandchild arrived healthy and strong!

We can’t wait to meet this sweet boy!

Cute Family of 5 Now!

Training, Training and More Training

We continue to be very busy with training. As of today I am still training three of the five days a week. As we train, we grow so close to our trainees and develop a special bond. Because of only training three days a week and the various schedules of those we train most of the time we share the training with another trainer. I just love watching our new sisters grow as they learn to officiate in the ordinances and understand the sacredness of being a temple worker. They love us and we love them! Here are some photos of a very few of the sisters we have trained.

These two are mother and daughter. What fun it is for them to be able to serve together. I enjoyed them as we trained.  Sister Tadlip (the mom) and Sister Lloren. It is just amazing how quickly the young return missionaries catch on. Sister Lloren was trained in about 2 1/2 days while her mom took about two weeks. 

Sister Stirland and I with Sisters Orongan, Flores and Arcayan

This picture includes three of the sweet sisters we trained. These sweet sisters live here at the patron house and are full-time workers. Sister Orongan and Sister Flores started working in the temple around the beginning of April. At first, they had difficulty reading the verbiage, and they struggled to see and hear clearly. It seemed possible that calling them as temple workers might have been a mistake, and we trainers even discussed whether they might need to serve only in non-ordinance areas. Some of the other temple workers questioned why their leaders had called them to work in the temple at all.

But we kept working with them. Once they brought their glasses, it made a huge difference. The three of us American sisters each worked with them on different days as they diligently studied the verbiage and tried their very best. Little by little, we began to see improvement and started to hope that maybe they really would succeed after all.

One day while I was helping Sister Orongan, she told me that she believes in miracles and that she had been praying so hard to be able to learn what she needed to learn. I am a witness to her miracle as I watch her progress and move forward. We are all so proud of them and of how hard they are trying.

Training Sister Flores and Sister Orongan has helped me further develop the attribute of patience. It takes a great deal of patience to cheerfully encourage them as they make the same mistakes over and over again. I feel like I have been blessed with an extra measure of patience as I train, especially with some of the older sisters who do not understand English very well.

As I have reflected on this experience, I realized that Heavenly Father must also have tremendous patience as He teaches me while I continue to make the same mistakes again and again. Just as I know these sweet sisters will eventually understand with a little more practice, He probably feels the same about me: “I know she can do it—she just needs a little more practice.”

I continually have to remind myself, this is the Lord’s work, and He is in the details. I now have no doubt that they are here for a reason and because He wants them here.

Here we are with Sister Aruta - She is awesome and such a cute sweet girl

We have enjoyed working with Sister Gesta and just love her

We Finally Made it to Kawason Falls

In February 2025, we went canyoneering. The goal was to make our way down the river through waterfalls, jumps, and fast-moving water. At the end of the course, we would arrive at Kawasan Falls, where participants could jump from a 50-foot waterfall. At the time, we didn’t realize this activity is not recommended for people over 60. It was definitely challenging, but we thought we would do just fine.

About three hours into the adventure, when we were only halfway through, my foot became wedged between two rocks and was injured quite badly. I tried to keep going, but eventually the pain became too much and I had to stop. The rest of the group decided to exit with us as well. We were all disappointed that we never made it to the falls.

In the Philippines, members gather at the stake centers the week after General Conference to watch a rebroadcast, rather than getting up in the middle of the night to watch it live. Since the temple was closed and we had already watched conference in our apartment during the week, we decided it was the perfect opportunity to finally visit Kawasan Falls.

Although it was a three-hour drive, we thoroughly enjoyed the journey and the opportunity to see more of the beautiful Philippine countryside. After arriving, we took a 30-minute hike to the falls, and they were absolutely breathtaking. We loved the walk, being outdoors, and simply enjoying the beauty of nature.

Beautiful Kawason Falls, 

Sister Stirland dipped our feet in the refreshing cool water

On our way back to Cebu we stopped in the town of Carcar for some Lechon. Carcar is supposed to have the best Lechon on the island of Cebu. It was pretty good. We also enjoyed some sweet and sour pork, fried rice and veggies.

Singing in the Choir for Stake Conference

We were able to sing in the stake choir one last time during stake conference. We have truly enjoyed being part of the choir. I almost decided not to participate because Sundays are already such busy days. Between attending church, preparing food for our cottage meeting, teaching piano lessons that often conflicted with choir practice, and then attending the cottage meeting—which usually lasted until about 8:00 p.m.—it made for a very long and tiring day.

Even so, the days were filled with wonderful things. The choir director and several of the choir members encouraged us to join, and I’m so glad we did. It was well worth the extra effort.

After each performance the adult and children choirs 

always take a picture in front of the temple

Bacolod Temple Open House

After seeing the outside of the Bacolod Philippines Temple last September, we decided we wanted to attend the open house in April. Several of our friends we had served with in Cebu were now serving as tour guides, and one of our close friends and her husband were the committee chairpersons for the event. They encouraged us to attend the open house, and we looked forward to seeing them again and, of course, finally seeing the inside of the temple. Sunday evening after stake conference, we flew to the island of Negros so we could take the tour the next morning.

When we arrived, we were greeted by our sweet sisters, and we were all so happy to see each other and spend some time together. They took us on a special VIP tour where we were able to see things that were not included on the regular public tour—details the general public would probably not have been interested in, but that we loved seeing. They were so excited to show us their beautiful temple, and it truly was beautiful, as all temples are.

One thing that especially stood out to me was the use of bright colors. The Cebu City Philippines Temple is also beautiful, but its colors are softer and more muted. I really loved the vibrant colors used throughout the Bacolod Temple. So much thought was put into the decor, with many details reflecting the native culture and landscape of the area. Much of the woodwork and crown molding included carvings inspired by the Barong Tagalog—traditional men’s shirts with embroidered designs on each side. There were also gorgeous stained-glass windows featuring native flowers and symbols representing the sugar cane that grows abundantly in the area.

We thoroughly enjoyed our VIP tour, and afterward they invited us to go through the public tour as well, which we also enjoyed very much. Of course, after the tours they fed us lunch, which we truly appreciated.

All too soon it was time to say goodbye. We knew this would likely be the last time we would see most of these sweet ladies, and it was difficult to think of this as our final farewell. They have touched my life in so many ways through their kindness, friendship, and acceptance of us. We served side by side for many months, and we will miss them dearly.

Still, we will carry with us their examples of dedication, faith, devotion, and service. We are thankful for social media, which will help keep us connected until we meet again someday.

In front of the temple 

With many of the sisters we served with in Cebu 

that will now be assigned in Bacolod

Finally a Chance to Play Golf

After almost a year of thinking he wouldn’t be able to play golf here in Cebu because all the courses were private, Dad found out from one of the other senior missionaries that they do accept guests.  He was pretty excited to be able to play. He actually played two Mondays in a row on two different golf courses. He said he really enjoyed playing but was pretty rusty. I’m sure once we get home he will get back into the “swing” of things quickly.

At the first golf course which was a little rustic with

Elders Stirland and Holt 

I guess he didn’t get the memo regarding the pink shirts

At the second course which is much nicer and much more green

April went by so quickly, and I have no doubt May will fly by as well. The Stirlands go home on June 1st, and we will miss them so much. Thankfully, we will only be here without them for four weeks. They have been wonderful friends, and we have gotten along so well. What a blessing it has been to share this journey with them.

The Lord truly is in the details of our lives and is so willing to bless us in countless ways.

Take Care,

Love,

Mom and Dad

Joe and Beth

Elder and Sister Andreasen

February/March 2026

 Temple Shutdown - Time to Explore

Here it is the first week in May and I still haven’t made a blog post for February or March, so I’ll just have to combine February and March to catch up. We had a busy month in February that included two weeks of the temple being shutdown for maintenance and then right back to work. 

During the temple shutdown, we went to Manila for six days and enjoyed revisiting some of the places we had seen a year ago, while also adding a few new adventures. We were especially happy that Elder and Sister Harding were able to join us for two days.

Here we are at the Manila American Cemetery. We visited the cemetery last year but didn’t make it all the way through. Last year was much hotter and I wasn’t feeling well but his year we were able to make it through all the displays and memorials. 

It’s heartbreaking to see so many graves, many of them are belonging to soldiers who have still not been identified. Some of the previously unidentified soldiers have since been identified which must be such a relief for their families.  It quite a touching and humbling place. 

Later that evening, we went to the Manila temple with the Hardings. I realized as we got to the temple that I left my temple recommend in my temple bag in Cebu. No problem though, they were able to look up my status and we enjoyed a session in the temple. 

The Stirlands weren’t able to attend with us - they were meeting up for dinner with a family Elder Stirland had taught when he was here as a young missionary in the 70’s. 

It turned out to be such a joyful reunion. This faithful brother now has nine children, all still active in the Church. Among them are stake presidents, bishops, temple workers, and more. What a beautiful blessing to witness the fruits of missionary service so many years later. We never truly know the blessings that may come when we open our mouths and share the gospel with others.

A Vist to San Pablo Mission

Another new adventure and a treat for Joe and me was to visit the Mission Home where Bethany served her mission. It was fun to be there and see in person a place I recognized from her pictures.

Philippines San Pablo Mission Home 

At the back of the Stake Center where Bethany attended Church 

Left with lake in the background - Right under the huge Mango tree

Upper right of picture - Bethany’s apartment across from the Stake Center

Alabong Temple

On the way back to Manila from San Pablo we stopped in Alabong to attend an Endowment session at the newly dedicated Alabong Temple. It was dedicated in January by Elder David A Bednar. 

Such a beautiful temple, the inside is decorated with 

pinkish corals, soft greens and cream and has a tropical feel

Tagaytay

We visited a town called Tagaytay last year, and while we were there we noticed a lake with a Volcano in the middle of it. We found out that there are actually several volcanos there and the most rescent eruption was in 2020. We also found out that we could take a boat ride around the lake. It sounded so fun, I pictured a nice calm ride. Well, I was so wrong. Once we got on the lake the water was so rough. It took almost two hours to make it completely around the lake and by the time we were done, we both had bruises on our back from the wooden bench. 

Looks can certainly be deceiving…

It took almost two hours to get completely around the volcano island.  

We noticed so many fish farms as we traveled around the lake

Two of the Volcanos, the one on the right erupted in 2020

Even crazier, people actually live on the island with the volcanos!

Here are some random pictures from our tour of Intramuros, Manila - The Walled City in the heart of Manila established in 1571 as the Spanish seat of power. We ate at a Barbara’s, good food and great entertainment.

At one of the many museums in Manila

We had a lovely lunch and show at this historic restaurant

Fort Santiago 

Before we headed back to Cebu, we went with Sister Stirland to attend the Manila Temple one more time. We won’t be back in Manila until we head home and it won’t be for sightseeing, just a layover at the airport. Elder Stirland wasn’t feeling well so he stayed back at the hotel to rest. It was a great way to end a wonderful vacation. 

Dad and I in front of the Manila Temple

The following week we returned to Bohol. We visited Bohol last September and had a great time but the Chocolate Hills were green instead of brown because it was the rainy season. We decided to return so we could see the hills in their brown color - thus the name Chocolate Hills - but unfortunately there was still a lot of rain and they were still green.  We had a great time anyway, here are a few pictures to highlight our trip.

Fun times in Bohol - Floating restaurant and river cruise, Blood Compact & Tarsiers

Chocolate Hills - ATV rides and viewing. Hinagdanan Cave and the Bee Farm

Getting Back to Work

As we returned to serve in the temple we noticed a significant change in the number of patrons attending the temple and also the number of workers on our shifts.With two temples being dedicated in May both workers and patrons from the other islands stayed home and prepared for the open houses and dedication of a temple closer to home. It is such a blessing for them to have a temple closer and not have to travel by boat and bus. It will also greatly reduce the financial burden of temple attendance.  I’m so happy for the people here who will have easier  access to the temple. 

Another temple is in the final stages of construction, one more is in the beginning stages of construction and the sight of one more temple was announced a week or so ago. At this point there are a total of 14 temples either operating, under construction, or announced here in the Philippines.

So with our faithful workers transferring to their own temples, the Temple Presidency in Cebu has been reaching out to stake and ward leaders with a call for more temple workers.  This means we are busier than ever and sometimes training 3 or more new workers at a time. This is great but challenging since usually they are all at a different level in their training. It can be a real balancing act to keep up with. 

The first two Mondays after we returned to the temple we had training, the first week for the coordinators and the second week for all the temple workers. It’s interesting, when I think of training, I think of procedures training, but here they seem to do training more on a spiritual focus. For instance they trained on ministering, spirituality, kindness and a couple other things. Sister Stirland and I were asked to train on good “customer service”. I guess a few patrons were not treated as kindly as they should have been when they came to the temple with expired recommends.  We talked about that for bit but also took the opportunity to help the coordinators understand how to schedule our new workers while they are still in training. I’m not sure they understood what we said because not much changed.

With a few of the coordinators

The following week was the training for all the temple workers and we divided up and each missionary couple had an area that we trained on similar to what we did last August. It went well but there is still room for improvement. We just keep working and moving forward, with hopes that we are making a difference in the proficiency of the workers. I’ve had to remind myself that this is not my work but the Lord’s and he is in charge, not me! I am learning to change the things I can change and let go of the things I can’t change. 

Following the training of course we had lunch. Our sweet Matron and a few other sisters prepared lunch for a huge crowd of hungry workers.

It is such a blessing to be within the sacred walls of the temple so often. The spirit is so strong here and we feel it on a daily basis. I am deeply touched by the dedication and faithfulness of the brothers and sisters who attend the temple. The majority of the ordinances are performed in English and I sometimes wonder how much they really understand. However, what they might lack in understanding they make up for in humility and faithfulness. So many times as I’m helping a sister who can hardly read the English words, I notice tears in their eyes and I know the spirit is speaking to her. These dear brothers and sisters have incredibly hard lives - I don’t think we can fully understand the trials they face and yet they are happy, loving and so full of faith. I am so inspired by their dedication and commitment to attend the temple. Perhaps the hope and peace found in the temple is what helps them manage the difficulties they face. I am thankful everyday for their example and hope I can be more like them.

We are thankful to those who reach out to us and miss everyone so much. 

Love,

Elder & Sister Andreasen

Mom & Dad