It has been a while since we updated our activities. There are several reasons, but for the most part much of what we have been doing cannot be discussed on an open forum like this. We have a new District Presidency in place on Marinduque and though we still have some wrinkles left to iron out things are progressing well. I suspect even a change of this magnitude at home would leave some ruffled feathers and wrinkles to work out. We are really excited about the change we made in the Branch in Torrijos Marinduque! The new Branch President is a man I met on the boat while traveling to Marinduque a few months ago. He asked if he could speak to me because he couldn't get a calling in his branch. Now he is the Branch President and doing a marvelous job. We know he is working hard with the missionaries there and they tell us he fasts and prays before he makes a call to any position. The attendance at Sacrament Meeting in his branch is increasing each week.
Several years ago the Church started a program in the Philippines called "the family week". They bring all the resources of the local governments together in each city to help families build stronger relationships and help them work through problems. We heard about the meeting here in Lucena from the Stake Pres. (Pres. Bangal) and asked him if we could attend. Not only did we get invited we found our way on the broad of directors. As the first meeting progressed I got the impression this wasn't much more than patting themselves on the back for a job well done in the past, and they would continue the same programs without much change. Near the end of the meeting they asked us both speak. Please understand we only heard about this program a few days previous to this meeting. I challenged them to set goals and to be specific enough that they could mark progress. It was dead silence in the room. It was like you expect us to perform too? Yep, I do. Diane outlined the love we feel for the Filipinos and how our family functions at home - obviously this had a very sobering impact on them. Later, a sociologist that heads up the social service programs for the city asked to have us teach her the gospel – not just give her more information, but teach her.
In addition to this we have been very busy visiting the various District Conferences in the Mission. For the most part this is where being a member of the mission presidency comes into play. This is much like your Stake Conference with the Stake Presidency presiding only here there is District Presidency we presiding. In real terms this means unless something really serious is happening we just get to speak at these conferences and provide some training.
As you know I have really enjoyed taking pictures of the sunsets. Normally, the only time I have to do this is while we are on the boat to or from Marinduque. But, another passion has to do with kids. I love little kids and have lot of pictures I have taken. Normally I haven't been able to be candid about it, but still I like them. Attached are a few I have taken.
Please know we love you all - igibin tayo
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