A GOOD WEEK

Elder Bell caught me doing morning laundry.  We usually have to
give our dirty clothes to the Innsbruck Laundry lady named
Edith ... but we will be on the road too much this week .  So I
am catching up the old fashion way - hand washing. :)

Sad story ... We purchased this little
unit that acts as a diffuser.  I poured some
of the boiling water into the bottom chamber
(that used to be the same size as the top
1/2 globe) and melted it. :(    but we
melted it again and shaped it the best that
we could.    still works .... but
definately not nearly as effective.

A common site along the highway .   A little family traveling on the motorcycle.
the littlest one is in mom's arms or sandwiched in-between.  

A rice field in the process of being planted.  Amazing to watch the
process.   The bunches in the front part of the screen will be divided and singly
planted along the rows.    You can see the families out in their fields planting the rice plants.

We stopped into the Cagauyan Valley Hospital in Tuguegarou.  (This is a hospital that we will be beginning a new Wheel Chair Project.   The assessors training will be in mid-June.   I am in charge  ...... arrrggghhhhh.  Not my confort zone by any means!)      We delivered 50 receiving blankets to the mothers with newborns.   This new mother had to have a bed out in the hallway because the units were too full.

A new baby boy .... and a happy
new mom.

Meeting with 2 opthamalic Doctors, chairman of the Persons
with Disabilities Organization of Quezon, Cagauyan, the
Mayor, and Jimwel of Mabuhay Deseret.   They conducted
vision screenings, measured for Prothesis, and assessed for
surgery on cleft palate.  Elder Bell and I registered the people
and took photos of those needing cataract surgery and the cleft
 palate surgery.   5 hours in a hot, muggy bowry -
 but we loved the work.

A vision assessment in the little cafe we ate lunch in.
Today's menu : Pancit   (reminded me of Mongolian stir fry
on the hot wok..)......LOL(,not stir fry for the eye assessment - but for the lunch
we ate.  .)

This older gentleman had a severe growth over
his right eye.   Doctor was able to drain the
growth nodule, and performed an assessment on
the actual eye.

This is the poster we had hung up for the people to know where
to come.    We had over 250 people waiting when we showed
 up to the Senior Center bowry.     One of the Opthamologists
had also brought 300 pairs of reading glasses of varying
magnification.    209 went back with her.    They were also
traveling to another community out in the back areas of
 the province the next two days.

This mom brought her 11 month
old daughter to be assessed and
be put on the list for the free
cleft palate surgery.  Mabuhay
Deseret does phenomenal work. A
very good charitable organization.

We finally got a bit of a smile from her.  Cute little
girl.   We hope that her name comes up quickly on the list
for the surgeries.   11 months is the ideal time to begin the
surgery process.  At this age there is no need for Speech
Therapy.   We were so glad that her mother brought her
in to have her assessed.

This is Bishop Viernes from Pozorrubio.   He is working with 2 wards with a Member Welfare Project which is assisting the recipients in the two wards to work and be a part of a Pig raising farm project in which those needing assistance can work on the farm with the vegetable garden, and assist with the schedule of raising the pigs.   This will put meat on their tables and the pigs they take to market will generate funds that Rice and other Food Staples will be purchased and distributed.   It is a way to teach the members involved how to raise pigs and groom them for market.     It is to teach them ways to become self reliant.          The gentleman in Blue is Bishop Ty Johnson from Salt Lake.   He is a Church Employee and is the Director over Member Welfare Projects for the world.  He is here in the Philippines conducting a training in the Asian/Pacific Area with 4 Areas.       He spent two days with us out on our projects, asking many questions, and evaluating the MTC experience for Senior Missionaries and the Humanitarian training.     A great 2 days.   He is an amazing man who you can tell loves people and wants to truly serve in the way that the Lord would want him to.   

 

We are here in Tarlac, Luzon.   Another
Member Welfare Project.  Sister Nacpil
is explaining to Bishop Johnson the
deep rooted problem that these
Member Welfare Projects is helping
to solve.     

This is a field that we passed along our ride out from
Tarlac.   Very typical Philippines.  You can see the different
stages of the rice crops in the sectioned areas.  Some are freshly
planted, others are filling in and have a few weeks growth on
them. 

   Sister Nacpil was explaining to Bishop Johnson the problem of children not going to the schools because their parents must send them out in the rice fields, or out into the area to gather wood to sell, or to burn the thinner pieces of wood and make charcoal out of them so that they can be sold.   The children can be rented out to neighboring individuals to help in their gardens or in the rice field.    The families are just so poor, that the cannot afford food.   So they feel that the food is more important than the children learning to read, etc.    Most of these parents also cannot read.     Sister Nacpil is a 5th grade teacher.   Many of her students enter the 5th grade and can not read because of these problems.  There are a few that can not identify all of the alphabet.   This is a very common problem throughout all of the areas of the Philippines. It has existed for generations, and continues until the cycle can be broken.    The cycle cannot be broken until they are assisted and trained so that they can pull themselves out of the grips of poverty .... which takes resources.     I was so glad that Bishop Johnson was here to witness first hand and to listen and understand the depth and scope of the problems that these saints are struggling with here in the Philippines.  It will give us, as Humanitarian Missionaries,  more ability to submit projects that will allow us to assist those who are in these needy situations.

This is our Pozorrubio Saturday group.  20 families are involved
with this Member Welfare Project.  It was their turn to take care of the pigs, and to begin preparations for the rainy season by lining the walkway with collected rocks and begin the construction of another building to allow the pig pens to be added to.   Very sweet people.   Even the children will help carry the rocks and keep track of the chickens while the chicken coop is being constructed out of bamboo.    Elder Bell is in his element here, he is advising them with hints on increasing their egg
production from the little banty hens.   He has alot of good ideas that could be a great benefit to them.     They are praying that the rains will begin (off and on) soon.   It has been an unusually dry year this spring and summer, here on Luzon.

  

We love you all.    It always brings a smile to us as we read your comments and discuss matters going on at home.    
This is a wonderful work.    We continuously see tiny miracles and 'tender mercies' from the heavens.
Be strong and of good cheer.    What a blessed people we are .... to be living at this time, and for all of us living in America.   We are so RICH!

Holy Week for Filipinos

    Because of the deep Catholic & Christian roots that the Philippine Islands have due to their Spanish influence and rule during the 1500's, the week of Easter is a very special week.  It begins with Palm Sunday and the entire week is reserved for paying homage to Jesus Christ and His life.    Then on the Thursday and Friday it is National Holiday time.  On Good Friday, many who are devout Christians  will be engaged in the re-enactment of the trial and crucifixion of the Savior.   There are a few of the Filipinos who will actually go through a 'crucifixion' where they are flogged, drag a wooden cross across the rocks, have a  crown of thorns placed on their heads, and 'nailed' (the nail pierces the skin; one or two may have the 4 inch nails actually nailed through the hand ... but the individuals are actually held onto the cross by ropes and straps) to the cross and then raised up to suffer.        
    Not a great deal is centered upon the Resurrection, mostly the crucifixion;  but it is noted and celebrated.        Oh, How deeply grateful I am for His Resurrection and the knowledge of the grand plan of Salvation and Exaltation.    The Resurrection brings joy and rejoicing for ALL.

         So, with that being our beginning topic,  we thought that we might share a few Church house pictures.       These are photos of a few of the Church houses of the Iglesia Ni Cristo Church.   It is a well established Christian Church, with groups of its' membership in almost every city within the Philippines.  We have not investigated much about it .... other than hearing this story during one of our training meetings in the Area Offices. (We do not have the documentation on this, but apparently it is a well known story among the Filipino Saints.)

    Apparently, in the late 1970's or early 1980's the leader of the Iglesia Ni Cristo Church decided to do some research on the fast growing LDS Church, and studied the Book of Mormon and attended a few of the meetings.    The Spirit witnessed to him that this was the Truth, and he wanted to be baptized.    He sent a letter into the First Presidency indicating this request.  In his letter, he explained that he had hundreds of congregations and church buildings that he would gladly be bringing into the LDS Church with him.   And his only request, other than being baptized and receiving the Priesthood, would be that he would also serve as a Member of the Quorum of the Twelve.          Needless to say, he was contacted and given  a kindly reply that the men who presided over the Church were those whom God called, not man.     So he turned his back and continued to teach and strengthen his own congregations.           Sad story ..... he recognized the truth, witness was born, but he was unwilling to give up so much power and prestige to serve 'in the lord's way'.               Interesting .... good lesson learned here.

This is our favorite of the INC Church houses ..... I LOVE THE BLUE COLOR.  These buildings are always well kept and always catch my eye when we pass them. 

White colored Church house along side of roadway.
It is very eye appealing and makes me think of a
very small temple.

A creme colored Church house ...
still very well kept and a beautiful
structure.  I would like to find out if
the color or shape of the building
represents something within the organization
of the religion.

This color combination (light creme with darker creme) is probably the most common color schemes we
see as we travel through the communities.    I love how well they keep the grounds and maintain the outside of the building.   Because we do not travel much on Sundays, we really don't know what their membership numbers are like .   There must be many members and probably more of the affluent Filipinos in their membership.      These church houses always bring me a peace because of their well-kept look ... but also remind me of the lesson of  'doing things for the right reason and in the right way.'     We can have the praise of the world ... that will be our reward.    Or ..... we can do things in the Lord's appointed way and we may not ever be famous or have any political power or recognition, but we will gain exaltation and eternal life in the Kingdom of our Father.    

We have spent many hours in
meetings with those organizations
who partner with Latter Day Saints Charities
in assessing and distributing the
wheelchairs to the disabled and
elderly here on Luzon Island.

Another partner group that  we work with in providing 
wheel chairs.   I find it very interesting that almost all 
of the main people with whom we work are females ...
  very well educated, competent, and caring individuals.  
 They are very often the main staff serving in Social
 Work,  Medical Health positions,  or who have
 established tax-exempt  organizations to meet the 
humanitarian needs within their communities.    

Here Elder Bell and I are visiting MABUHAY DESERET  FOUNDATION .   This is a non-profit organization (set up by a former Mission President and his service oriented wife) that works with Physicians and Medical Companies from the States who donate used medical equipment that can be utilized here in the hospitals and clinics in the Philippines and in other poverty stricken areas of the world.    Here in the Philippines they have focused on specializing in working with Vision Care, repair of Cleft Palates, and Club Feet.         This young lady had her orthopedic surgery over 5 months ago and had another 7 months to go before she will be able to go without casts on her legs.  They actually live in the Mabuhay House for 1+ years while they are recovering to insure that they are taken care of and progressing.  One member of their family must always be here with them.    The family member helps with all of the duties and household chores, as well as assist the child.       

This is a 17 year old boy who also received club foot orthopedic surgery. He is a high-functioning Cerebral Palsy individual, and they are hoping that these surgeries will give him the abilities to take care of himself as he enters adulthood.   He has been at Mabuhay house for over 10 months now.  He is on the recovery side and will be very happy to be able to move about and have a 'normal' teenage life.

This is Teresay, a 3 year old girl who is in final recovery stages of cleft palate surgery.  This shows the excellent plastic surgical jobs that are completed here.   She is not talking much yet, but the inside of the roof of the mouth has healed fairly well.    She was a bit afraid of Elder Bell because he is a man in a white shirt ..... and she has grown very leery of Doctors.  

This is some of the Surgical instruments
that Mabuhay has available to send out
to needy hospitals.     They also do
many cataract surgeries .... it is an
amazing place and a 'god-send' to these
people who just can not afford to go
to the Doctor and have these surgeries
done.    There is no cost for the services
of Mabuhay Deseret. .

This was another snap-shot of our GPS Garmin... shows the twisting
and turning and double-back roads that we must take as we make
our daily journey down the mountain from BAGUIO to travel
anywhere else on the island.

This was our traffic situation last Thursday (April 13th) as we left Manila during Holy Week.   It was bumper-to-bumper inching along traffic for over 150 miles.    A 5 hour trip ending up taking 11 hours this day  (Thank goodness we brought things to make lunch, snacks, and bottled water .... and AIR CONDITIONING in A SEMI-COMFORTABLE TRUCK.)      Next time we will take the advise from the Filipinos in the office ... and leave at 3am rather than 5am.    Oh my Holy Hannah!!!!

It is an adventure here.     We are here to serve in what ever way the Priesthood leadership directs.   Once I get good at doing all of the work in the Wheel Chair program, I think it may be a bit tough to not having a finger in it.    We have learned that 2 couples have been called to come here in the Welfare work.     One will arrive at the end of July and the next at the end of August.     We will see if they keep us working on these projects ... in the Manila area ... or center back into the Northern area.           Our Area Presidency wants us to focus on larger Humanitarian projects, and so we are back at the drawing board, to figure out what is the greatest needs and how do we meet them.    One of the suggestions was to provide chairs for all of the schools.      But those of you who know me know that I can't always sit quietly when I don't agree.      I asked them how that solved the root problem of the children not being in school because they are sick due to mal-nourishment , or having to work out in the fields, or just so poor that their parents send them out to beg.      Nothing was finalized at the Welfare Meeting table ..... but I pray that it left 'seeds for thought' in minds that hold the ability to contribute to the solution.

We love you all and appreciate the support and any little comments you leave for us.   It helps us feel of your spirit and a bit of connection back with you.        The coming couple of weeks has us from Northern Luzon to Manila, back to Baguio for one day, and then back to Manila for more meetings.     A date in the Temple with a couple on their 14th wedding anniversary ... they have not been back for many years because of the cost and the travel distance.       

May the Lord's blessings be with each of you.

Elder Tharon Bell & Sister Holly H. Bell

Landscapes, breathtaking vista & Animals - What a ride!!

Surprising site along side of winding canyon road.

This is a pet pig just wandering
along the side of road as we enter
one of the mountain cities.

Beautiful vistas along the Cordilleras mountains.

A straight on side view of a terraced farm with the
home nestled on the terraces.

A small community area just along the roadside of the
curve along this steep mountain road.  A few more homes
just below these.   I am very impressed in the
areas where the electrical lines have been ran.
  Are not the
vistas of clouds and mountain tops breathtaking?

New piglets at the Tarlac
Farm site.   4 sows and 35 adorable
little black piggies.

A family raising Turkeys in their front yard.   Random Chickens
are a much more common site in any of the communities,
but the turkey is still holding a presence here.    Turkey meat
is a premium. though.

This is "Fun-Boy" (the Caribow) bringing his master in after
working in the rice and corn fields.

I made Tharon stop and take this
picture.  I knew that bags did not
grow on trees ... had to figure out what
was going on here.

The little bags are tied around the MANGO fruit so the birds
do not damage the crop.  These are the premium grade of Mango
that are exported to the States.  You can see the smaller fruit
between the two bags.      Can you imagine the effort the farmer
must take to tie these bags around each fruit?

Both Tharon and I are amazed at the cloud formations here in the Philippines.  We love the
'shapes' we find in them .... and marvel at the absolute 'billowyness' of them.

We have shared photos of many of the
shanty shack homes that many
Filipinos live in .... but wanted you
to see that there are nice houses also.

Actually, there are many nice houses
in more developed areas.  I will try to snap a
photo or two of some of the beautiful colors and
designs that we see on our journeys.

Grazing time after a hard worked day.
These amazingly strong, yet gentle, beasts
are used through-out the
Philippine Islands.  

A random family of goats that were intent on watching to see
what we were up to.    We are happy to see many of the farms that have
small herds of goats grazing on their land.  

A cute little house along the side of
the roadway.  Those that can afford
the paint will decorate up their homes
in beautiful colors and schemes.  Many of
the yards are filled with potted tropical
plants .... looks like a plant nursery.

Just wanted to share a beautiful flower with each of you.  The
flora is beautiful in this country.

Here is my little friend (I call him Ricky)
back at the Tarlac farm.   We go there to monitor
 the Member Welfare project, and this trip we
made the payment on the FeedMill that will
allow the members to produce the pig food for
their piggery.    This has also opened up a new
opportunity for the members and fellow citizens
in this area.   The Philippine Government has
approved a Grant to allow this Co-op to enter
into the business of 'feed lot' for beef cattle.  This
will now allow the employment of more of the
community and assist them in becoming more
self-sufficient.    Great Project!

Yup! Cows and dogs are forever found along the most
random places of the roadway.  This was an early morning
shot before the traffic was getting heavy on one of our
mountain journeys.

We love the palm/coconut trees that
are found randomly along our
journeys.    This photo also captures the clouds
as they float amidst the mountain tops.

This is along the same mountain range as the Famous Banaue Terraces
in central Luzon.  You cannot fathom the grades of the mountains that
many of these terraced farms are found.   They are a testament of
years of hard, loving work that allows these resilient people to be able to farm their land and produce for themselves as well as provide for
 their communities.  

As witnessed in this photo, it is not just rice crops on these terraces, but they have incorporated this method of
farming for vegetable and other grain crops.  The water is plentiful and the rain continuously blesses this land.

Here you see one of the small villages that dots these mountain ranges.
Chances are that only 2 or 3 of these households have much of an income, and yet they work
side-by-side to work their personal farms and to assist in the community strength.   They know each
other, they look out for each other .   They cry with each other, and laugh in celebration with each
other.  The Barangays (neighborhoods) are tight communities.

  This is a beautiful country, full of breathtaking vistas, rugged mountain ranges, sand filled beaches, terraced farms, miles and miles of rice farms.      The people here are kind, God-trusting, resilient souls who make the best of whatever their situation is.   We see the poverty and the needs and want .... but we also see the souls refined by the focus of 'what is truly important' and 'deep respect for others'.          The Church here continues to blossom  because these humble souls recognize the truth when they hear it.   They faithfully pay their 'widow's mite' and trust that the Lord will grant the blessings that He has promised.         We love being with the Saints.  It is an honor to serve among them and to be strengthened by their firm testimonies and convictions.