The Buzz in Baguio Philippines

A Moment in Church and Filipino History

2012-02-02T08:03:00.000+08:00

On August 21st, 1955 at Clark Airfield, President Joseph Fielding Smith dedicated this land for the preaching of the gospel. However, it wasn't until 1961 that work was actually established. The following is the journal entry of then General Authority Gordon B. Hinckley for the commencement of organized missionary efforts in the Philippines.

Commencement of Missionary Work in the Philippines
Journal entry by Gordon B. Hinckley
April 28, 1961

"Arose at 4:30 a.m. to go out to the American War Memorial Cemetery on the outskirts of Manila. Here are buried 17,168 war dead and on the walls are inscribed the names of an additional 36,230 who are missing. At this hour of the morning, with sun rising over the mountains, and the sea to the east, with golden clouds in the sky, it was a marvelous setting. Here we met to invoke the blessing of the Lord upon the missionary work in the Philippines. Surrounded by the reminders of war, we met in the name of the Prince of Peace.

I was the final speaker at the early morning meeting; to those present said:

This is an occasion you will never forget. What we begin here will affect the lives of thousands and thousands of people in this island republic and its effects will go from generation to generation for great and everlasting good...

As we gather in this beautiful and peaceful place this morning, there crossed my mind the thought that there are three debts that none of us will ever repay in full.

The first, of course, is to the Savior, the Redeemer of mankind, the Son of God, who gave His life that we might live. Nothing that we shall ever do shall in full measure repay the debt which we owe for that.

Another is to those who are remembered here in this cemetery, the thousands upon thousands who gave their lives that we might have freedom to assemble this morning, and freedom to worship God according to the dictates of our conscience.

Yet another debt which we owe to those missionaries, who in days and years passed, came at great sacrifice to us or to our forebears to bring the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.

It is fitting that we meet in this place, which has become sacred and hallowed by the sacrifices of many, to invoke the blessings of heaven upon the work which shall now be commenced here. The legal requirements have been met. The Church has been offically registered under the laws of the Philippines. The missionaries will likely be here soon...

To the American members here, I would like to say that your hands are now free to teach the gospel to the people of the Philippines with whom you come in contact, to teach both by example and by precept, and to assist the missionaries in every way in the work which lies ahead of them. It will not be easy. It never has been easy. But, it has always been satisfying and fruitful."

I then invited all present to bow their heads and join in a prayer which I should like to quote briefly:

Our Father and our God, with bowed heads and contrite hearts, we approach thee at this time in this sacred place, hallowed by the sacrifices of those who gave their lives for the cherished freedoms of mankind...

We invoke thy blessings upon the people of this land that they shall be friendly and hospitable and kind and gracious to those who shall come here. And that may, yea, Lord, we pray that there shall be many thousands who shall receive this message and be blessed thereby. Wilt thou bless them with receptive minds and understanding hearts, and with faith to receive, and with courage to live the principles of the gospel, and with a desire to share with others the blessing which they shall receive. We pray that there shall be many men, faithful, good, virtuous, true men, who shall join the Church and who shall receive the blessings of the priesthood and who shall accept and grow in leadership, that thy work where shall be handled by local brethren, under the direction of those who hold the keys in this day and time, according to the law and order of thy Church...

We invoke they staying hand upon those who may be prone to scoff and sneer, that they shall be thwarted and stopped in their evil ways, that they shall not have power to destroy, nor harm, nor injure, nor deter the work of thy servants.

We pray, Father, for thy people here who shall live together in the bonds of thy fellowship and love and peace in one great brotherhood, the brotherhood which comes with the knowledge and assurance that they are sons and daughters of thine, and that Jesus Christ is our Elder Brother."

January 13, 2012 Batch In and Out - 421 Missionaries and Counting

2012-01-13T21:03:00.002+08:00

Our Departing Batch this month

L2R: Elders' Analao; Delos Reyes; Frost; Katigbak; Carron; De Guzman; Bingham; Domdom; Pulgado; Costales; Smith; Bentley. Sisters' Bienvinuto and Cruz. Sister and Elder Perkins.

Incoming Batch
back L2R: Elders' Frischknecht; Shaw; Spiers; Olson. Sisters Carr and Dacuno.
front L2R: Elders' Mirasol; Saquital; Nacionales; Armamento; Castillo; Cabrera; Dela Cruz.

Three Generations
Sister Bristain trained Sister Baraquiel - Sister Baraquiel is now training Sister Dacuno.

Our new Sister Carr and her trainer Sister Anderson

Elder Dela Cruz and his trainer Elder Hyatt

Elder Halvorsen is now training Elder Frischknecht

Elder Mirasol

Elders' Barredo and Saquital. Elders' Spires (from the UK) and Elder Dela Cruz 1. Elder Abarte and his new companion Elder Olson.

Elder Salisbury is now training Elder Armamento.

Elders' Esling and Nacionales. Elders Cabrera and Tapusoa. Elders Palu and Castillo. Elders Shaw and Fraser.

Me with Sister Bhatti (from India) Sister Batingal and Ledesma both Filipina.

Elders use umbrellas in the sun.
Its not about the suntan - it's all about the "un-tan"!
Elders Campos, Puyong, Cacayan, Esling, Nacionales Solesbee.

Vegetable Shopping in the Philippines

2012-01-04T00:01:00.006+08:00

Baguio being up in the mountains is well known for high quality vegetables. Whenever we are up in Baguio (about two hours from the mission home) we stock up on as much fresh produce as possible. All the vegetables we get down here in the lowlands are from the Baguio area anyway. We always go to the same row of vendors to shop. Our strategy is to park the car and before we buy anything - we walk up and down the whole row of vendors to see who has the freshest looking produce. Dad's got a good eye for the carrots. They all do a very fine job of presentation and they treat us well because they know we always come back and treat them well. Most all the vegetables cost about 50pesos per kilo (or about 50 cents US per pound). (You can click on the pictures to make them bigger).

When we first arrived to the mission we were buying our veggies at the large supermarket. We quickly discovered that the street vendor's veggies were SO much better quality and less expensive. Selection was always superior with these vendors. Reason being is that they want to cater to the tourist that travel back to Manila. Everyone stops on their way out of town to load up. Thus the freshness and the quality are always high. Once we figured that out we never bought anywhere else.

The broccoli is interesting in that they cut the plant low on the stock and wrap as many leaves of the plant around the stock and head and then bind it together with rubber bands. You can see them stacked here and all so fresh. Garlic, tomatoes and onions hanging above. Just about anything you would want.

That is me in the distance.

This is Ube (pronounced "ubay"). It is obvious a root and it produces a VERY purple-colored dish. Ube is used here in ice cream and jam spread. Taste is 'so-so'... Very so-so...

Potatoes shown in the center come in four sizes - jumbo, large, medium and miniature. Run about 40-50 pesos per kilo. If we could introduce the Idaho Russet here they would make a fortune... There is only one kind of potato up here and it appears to be what we would call the Yukon Gold variety. In the right front of the picture is a very green bag of something called "sayote". It is very hard and firm and a member of the gourd family. Somewhat of a bland taste. Used in stir fry, sautéed with other veggies, or used in stew. Down front below the bag of green lettuce tops are "sayote tops" which is simply the top of the plant and also sautéed or boiled like greens. Taro root to the left of the sayote tops in the blue bin.
If you look carefully there are three jars of purple Ube spread right behind the strawberries to the left. That's how purple ube is.

"Baguio Brooms" are very well known and produced locally. They are the broom "standard" of all brooms. Everyone uses a 'Baguio Broom'. There are fancy handles and not so fancy ones but all are locally made. As we drive through the mountains we see villages drying out the grasses along the road that are used to make them. We see them weaving and producing the final products. I think they run about 120 pesos each.

Dad is here posing next to the local strawberries. This is the only place in all the Philippines that produces strawberries. In peak season about February they cost 100 pesos per kilo ($1US per pound). Although they don't sell pectin here, I had some shipped over and last year made a great batch of freezer jam that we still are using. "Tender Mercies" are so appreciated! :)

This is one of our favorite pineapple stands. These were grown locally and are not always available but when they are, we feel like its mana from heaven. We like the small pineapples because they are sweeter and much more tasty than the larger ones. Again notice the Baguio Brooms. They are everywhere.

I thought I would insert this snap of a local harvest of cabbage. This shot was actually taken up on Santo Tomas, and they were packing it - oh SO carefully!! The road down the mountain was rough and rocky and difficult. I hope they made it in good order... ??

Christmas Eve on Mt. Santo Tomas in Baguio

2011-12-25T22:57:00.003+08:00

One of our most favorite places to go in Baguio is up on top of Mount Santo Tomas. It is the highest place in Baguio at about 7200' elevation. Baguio itself is about 5100' elevation. We took the Lindsay's up there on Saturday. The weather was just great and we could see forever. Here are some snaps...

Panoramic of Baguio

Dad's camera has a panoramic feature on it which took several snaps from left to right and then pieced them together into one picture.
If you click on the picture it will enlarge.

We got up on top about 8am and had clear views in all directions. Then the clouds started to creep in slowly from all directions. Within a couple hours we were fully engulfed.

There is a small group of people living up on top that farm all year long. Root crops only.

Rows of highland carrots overlook Baguio in the distance.

No rice terraces up here. Everything is vegetable terraces.

Two little locals got a real charge seeing four "white" grown-ups in the car. We stopped and gave them some packaged crackers.

Locals call these Baguio Sunflowers. At home we would probably call them large daisy's. They grow wild everywhere up here in the mountains and right now are in full bloom.

Elder and Sister Lindsay were with us. It was their first time to visit the top. There was a wonderful cool breeze that was blowing. The sun was out. It was one of those perfect moments. Dad even got a little burn on 'Mt. Baldy'.

Our Christmas 2011 photo

I mentioned on picture 2 above that the clouds started to move in slowly. Dad took this little video of how the clouds just started to creep in working their way up and up and up until they fully engulfed the area.

Philippines Baguio Mission posts "My Three Words" on YouTube

2011-12-16T18:40:00.007+08:00

We just posted our Baguio Mission's "MY THREE WORDS" on YouTube for Christmas. Just double click on the link below.
The assignment went out for each missionary to submit a picture of themselves and only three words they wanted to say to the world. Some gathered on their preparation day during zone activities. Some at other times. But the end result was great. FEEL FREE TO POST YOUR THREE WORDS!
Merry Christmas from the Philippines Baguio Mission.
To those of you that have gone home - we miss you so much. PJSJ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nt3t--CtSWw&feature=youtu.be

November 30, 2011 Batch In and Out - 408 Missionaries and Counting

2011-12-02T10:19:00.001+08:00

Farewell to our departing line up for this past transfer.

L2R: Elder Jacobson and Peterson. Sisters' Caras, Almaquer and Eldredge. Elder Garcia and Taylor.

We will miss Elder Peterson in his proselyting attire. haha

Incoming Batch

L2R Sisters: Allen, Montojo, Ragragio, Maiava.

L2R Elders: Ereno, Davis, Merrill, Tauiliili, Elix, Kemmey, Abril and Harrison.

The first day in the Mission Home after orientation all were having a moment of language study for the new foreigners. What the foreigners quickly figure out when they talk to the locals is that they need MORE language study! Two months in Provo is a nice start - but that's all it is - a start!

Sister Montojo

Sister Maiava on left is from Samoa with her trainer Sister Villavito.

Sister Allen and Fajardo. Sister Garnace and Ragragio

Elder Ereno

Elders' Merrill and Tolman; Harrison and Bolen; Catellier and Tauiliili

Elders' Kemmey and Apduhan; Davis and Moralla.

Elders' Abril and Mayes; Lauriaga and Elix.

Thanksgiving in the Philippines.

2011-11-29T23:27:00.001+08:00

We finally had our Thanksgiving meal yesterday. Too busy last week to have it. Eleven missionaries from the office and the closest areas to the mission home came over as well as our two senior couples, the Perkins and Lindsays. It was so great to be thankful for so much. We wish we could have invited more.
We also took occasion to put up our Christmas tree in the mission home. A quick snap of ma and pa and all the jolly activities. Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas - all in the same day. All is well...

We found a member who makes the most awesome miniature Nipa huts to go on the Christmas tree. Very Penoy! They have natural thatch roofs and are made of bamboo. Very cool.

This was a snap of the kitchen with the turkey and gravy and mashed potatoes and all the fixings all spread out before it all got demolished buffet style.

One of the secrets to a good moist turkey is to let it "rest" for awhile all wrapped up in the roasting pan before cutting. When we removed the foil, it just all fell apart and was so perfect. We found a store up in Baguio that sells turkey and felt so blessed to have two of them for the crowd. Turkey is such a luxury over here. All but one of our Filipino missionaries had never had turkey before. Nor had they ever tried pumpkin pie. Some liked it, some did not.

This is a great snap of Elder and Sister Lindsay. They are living in Manaoag and working in the Mapandan District and doing a WHOLE lot of great things over there. They are working closely with members and leaders. The Perkins are working in the mission office.

Classic Elder Holland :)

2011-11-06T22:50:00.001+08:00

October 20th, 2011 Batch In and Out - 396 Missionaries and Counting

2011-10-23T21:52:00.002+08:00

15 homeward bound - Gone but not forgotten

Front: Elders' Ball, Baker, Vicariato, Laodeno

Back: Elders' Morrell, Hales, Clyde, Sisters' Valera, Cabugnason, Ramos, Elders' Literatus, Notado, Gillies, Lungtad, Hagood.

Our new incoming batch

L2R: Elder's Tapusoa and Dalton. Sisters' Baraquiel and Cabrera. Elders' Victorio and Machen.

Sister Cabrera

Sister Baraquiel from Cavite

Elder Machen from Idaho

Elder Dalton from Arizona

Elder Tapusoa from New Zealand

Elder Victorio from Davao

Elder Pernecita and Elder Heninger, two of our Zone Leaders.

Elder Holland and Elder Callister and Elder Teh's Visit to our Philippines Baguio Mission

2011-10-15T21:16:00.000+08:00

Today was very special for sure. Call it another "tender mercy" indeed.

We held a special missionary meeting for ALL Baguio missionaries and were visited by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, Elder and Sister Tad R. Callister, and our very well loved Area President, Elder Teh. Normally we no longer have all-mission meetings like this because they are discouraged due to distance problems, cost and time constraints. But due to the shorter distances in our mission to travel, we were able to get approval. It was just great.

We started by taking this great photo of all 179 missionaries which are comprised of 39 Sisters and 140 Elders. We have 121 from the Philippines (locals) and 58 Foreigners. Also in attendance was our two senior couples and two senior sisters.

Elder Holland was his normal powerful self. Elder Callister too. It was really a very remarkable experience that the missionaries will never forget.

At the missionary meeting we listened to a wonderful double quartet sing, "Brightly Beams our Father's Mercy". The last verse was sung acapella. It was very tender. This is a picture below of the choir.

Elder Bednar's quote

2011-10-14T23:18:00.004+08:00

"As we serve, we do not represent our families, our friends, our branches, our wards, our communities, or nations. Rather, we represent Him [Jesus Christ]. His purposes should be our purposes. . . . His will should become our will.”
David A. Bednar
Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
New Mission President Training Seminar
Provo Utah. June 2011

My thoughts?
I think that is a GREAT Christian quote.
He was obviously talking to Mission Presidents and wives about leaving homes and loved ones and answering the call to serve. But I think his thought has much further meaning.
I think sometimes it is possible to loose sight of some of our personal purpose - including those 'weightier' matters - and focus a little too much on our own selves and wants. I think that as we worry less about ourselves and focus on the needs of others, not only do the "others" become better off, but we become the greatest benefactor by serving. I see that happen every day in the lives of these missionaries.
One great example of this is our senior missionaries. They give their time, their talents and all that the Lord has given them to go out and simply "do" what the Lord wants done. I think of the Andersens, the Thomsens and the Allreds that have served so faithfully in our mission and now gone home. And now with the Perkins, the Lindsay's and our two senior Sisters' Cooper and Walker. They help a whole lot of people, even in small ways. But in the end, they become the greatest benefactor in the process.
I have learned that most personal concerns of these missionaries can be quickly overcome by us not worrying about ourselves, but trying hard to center our attention on the Savior and the needs of others. When we replace our own wants, with His will - we become a more effective conduit of His Divine help. Not only for those we serve, but for ourselves as well. This I have learned.
I guess the big question to be asked is -
Who's will do we choose to serve?
PJ

September 29th, 2011 Batch In and Out - 390 Missionaries and Counting

2011-10-03T16:18:00.016+08:00

We had a unique transfer day last week. It was very small and we only had incoming missionaries. Because of the opening of the new Manila MTC, we received a batch of 7 new Filipino missionaries early, and only three weeks after our last transfer. Normally transfers are every 6 weeks. So we were very happy to not have any missionaries go home. I am also keeping track of how many missionaries we have had in the mission since we arrived. Thus the notation above of 378.

Our incoming Batch -

Elders' Majaba, Cajumban, Discaya; Sisters' Domingo and Olila; Elders' Julao and Mallevo.

Everyone getting their luggage into vehicles and heading out. Areas here we come!

Sister Olila and trainer Sister Bienvinuto.

They are going to do great!

Elder Millevo and first time trainer Elder Crane.

Elder Baker, new Elder Discaya and Elder Jabillo.

I have a feeling his English is going to improve FAST!

Sister Domingo with her trainer Sister Regodos.
They are both from Bacalod and without even knowing it dad put them together. They have been friends since their primary years. Two happy Sisters!

Elder Majaba and hard working Elder Bernal.

Elder Plania with new Elder Julao and Elder Ball.

Elder Maglupy 1, Elder Cajumban and Elder Valdez.

The Perkins and our new sisters getting ready for our testimony meeting. That is one thing we do a lot in the mission is share sweet, powerful testimonies that Jesus is the Christ.

Elder Julao is from the Island of Marinduque. He told me it is the jewel of the Philippines and it is near the middle. Elder Julao is 'special'- he is our only missionary serving from the jewel.

Baguio's five new Elders...you can tell from the smiles they are very happy to finally be on their mission.

Let the teaching begin!

For just a few weeks we will have three Assistants to the President. (L) Elder Gillies will be going home soon. He has been very helpful and dad has really appreciated him. Next to him is happy Elder De Guzman and our new Assistant Elder Frost.

This is the Urdaneta stake center parking lot. It was Friday afternoon after transfers. I felt so proud of the church members working together to make our church look nice again. We had another typhoon blow in the very next day! So sorry!

I think President Monson would be thrilled to see our young ones helping so well. Little hands hard at work!

Typhoon Survival !!

2011-10-01T19:42:00.002+08:00

We have survived our second super-typhoon this week.

Typhoon "Nalgae" is now passing and everyone is doing fine - just WET!. As always these storms dump a whole LOT of rain and we had some very heavy wind but all is well. This little video is of our sweet neighbor during the storm today. Wonderful people... They have no electricity and several families share a pump-well. Children are always playing and happy. Even today with water up to their knees, the wind was blowing and the rain was coming down in buckets and we heard laughter as they were playing and having fun. As I watched this I thought that life is all a matter of perspective. Be thankful for even the smallest of things in life. Be thankful for everything. Never complain about anything...

Typhoon Nalgae passing through

2011-10-01T07:43:00.000+08:00

We expect a Class 2-3 typhoon to pass over today and tomorrow. It is just now starting... We prepare for these storms as they are expected in our storm season which will last through to about early November. All missionaries have cell phones and instruction to 'batten down the hatches'. All know they are to stay inside and be safe. All zone leaders keep in communication. Not to worry. We are "Baguio"! :)

Missionary Mom Q&A for our foreign missionaries...

2011-09-24T10:49:00.003+08:00

Realizing that many foreign missionaries and parents have questions about coming to the Philippines, we wish to put minds at ease with the following Q&A... These and other questions have previously been asked more than once...
1. Can I buy toilet paper in the mission?   A: What kind of question is this? ...Yes. It is everywhere. All paper products are available. The reason I posted this question is there seems to be a 'rumor' in the MTC wherein someone spreads the idea that TP is not available. ?? However public restrooms are scarce and missionaries learn quickly to carry their own paper with them.
2. Can I buy what I need?   A: That depends on your need!  No - you won't find a Wendy's burger or a Taco Bell anywhere... But we do have some large shopping malls in our mission that do a pretty good job. The challenge for missionaries is that they cannot be running all over the mission for their purchases. All basics ARE available in local shops but it just may not be the brand you like. In some cases, and with permission, they are allowed to leave their area and go to the closest location that can fill a special need. That is why it is important to come prepared with the clothes that the Missionary Call packet suggests. Also PLEASE BRING YOUR BED SHEETS. All too often we hear that a missionary has left your sheets at the Provo MTC because your suitcase is over-weight. Well guess what? You need bed sheets to sleep on the same mattress that other missionaries have slept on before you and sheets cost money to buy here. Do you want sheets your first night in your apartment? You won't have time to go shopping until your next Preparation Day...  So please bring them. It is one of the required items in your missionary call packet. You will receive a new pillow when you arrive that you will keep.
As for food, we promise that you will not go hungry or be deprived of nutrition. There is ample high quality food everywhere. The problem is getting missionaries to buy it and cook it. And PS - Please teach your missionary how to cook before they come. That will help make life a bit more enjoyable!
3. Should I wear contacts or glasses?   A: If you have a choice, wear glasses. Due to the heavy particulate and agricultural pollen in the air, contacts may be a burden. Also because sanitation is a challenge, keeping hands clean is a real problem (unless you are in your apartment).
4. Can I find my shoe size in the mission?   A: Depends on your shoes size? However larger mens sizes, usually size 11 and above is a challenge to find. LARGER mens sizes (12 and up) are non existent and will have to be sent from home. The typical Filipino foot is not very large and thus when inventory is already challenged, finding something larger is impossible. Regarding women's sizes here, size 8 starts getting difficult. Size 9 is near impossible. To keep your travel weight down, and because shoes wear out, one idea would be to pick out an extra pair of shoes and leave them at home and have your family send them too you at your one year mark. Wow - now doesn't that sound like being prepared! Also if you have LARGE feet, try to buy online a good pair of rubber shoes that you can wear when walking in water up to you knee's on a daily basis. For the Sisters - "Crocs" brand make a very nice conservative looking closed-toe rubber shoe that almost looks like leather - except it is rubber. They hold up well. A bit pricey but excellent choice in brown or black.  Men's rubber shoes are cheap and plentiful here but the LARGER sizes (12 and up) are very hard to find.
5. Should I bring a personal debit card?   A: It is always very smart to have an emergency cash reserve and using a personal debit card is really the only way of dealing with this issue. There are times you may have to purchase a personal item that does not come from your missionary support money. For example dental and clothing purchases are paid for from personal money, not mission support. I would recommend that a $100USD reserve be kept on the card.
6. Will my personal debit card work in the Philippines?   A: Yes at most ATM's, but only if you have your bank pre-authorize it's use for international use in the Philippines. You need to call them and make that arrangement BEFORE you enter the MTC.  For security reasons, banks by default limit debit cards so they do not work internationally. So get that changed before you leave. It is also very smart to put mom or dad's name on the missionary bank account (as a co-signer) so if the card gets lost, mom or dad can deal with the bank directly and get it replaced. If mom and dad's name is not on the account - the bank will not speak with them and we have a problem. ATM's here work the very same way they do in the US.
7. Pharmacies - Can I purchase medication that I need? A: Pharmacies abound on every street corner. Some better than others obviously. I have found that just about anything of need is available in one form or another. Many of the USA brands are not found here but are replaced by a generic or substitute. For example, the US brand Advil is not found here. But I have found something that works just as good if not better. If you are particular to certain brands - bring it with you or send it to your missionary.  I would also note that many of the items that we normally need a prescription for in the US, are generously sold over the counter (like antibiotics). And please bring a thermometer for fevers. That is part of your firstaid kit.
8. What happens when a missionary gets sick? A: We all know that everyone gets sick. We ask all missionaries to manage their own health and do their best to keep themselves well. As mentioned there is a plethora of medications available to help with all the typical illnesses. When a missionary is not sure what to do - that is where I (Sister Jensen ) come in. All missionaries have cell phones and so do I. I find myself often helping missionaries manage themselves. It has worked well for two years and we have not lost any missionaries yet - at least we don't think so! ?? I better talk to President about that and make sure - ha ha...
PLEASE do your best to understand the basics of taking care of yourself. Before you go on your mission, understand what to do for a fever? A cold or the flu? What do I do for a rash that I see starting to develop? What do I do for an ingrown toenail? What do I do when I get diarrhea? And a big one - what are the symptoms of dehydration? These are the most common ailments we have.
A note to mothers: For serious issues we have excellent medical help in Manila and even have our own Missionary Recovery Center "MRC" in Manila that is set up especially just for special needs. When we have something happen that we cannot take care of ourselves here in the Mission, off to the MRC they go for excellent care and recovery. The MRC is located next to a world class A+ hospital called "St. Lukes".   We also have a full time senior missionary doctor (and his wife) in Manila who serves the missions full time. He is called our Area Medical Advisor. They are a wonderful help to us when we are not sure what to do.
9. Water - What are the rules about drinking the water? A: We do not drink tap water here or unfiltered water. We only drink filtered water. Period. All missionaries in the MTC are given a Seyshell bottle which is a plastic 1 liter drinking bottle with a built in filter.  All missionary apartments have installed an excellent water filter which is attached to the incoming water supply that provides clean filtered water. Filters sent to apartments on a managed schedule and missionaries are expected to change their filters. Fresh water sold in the typical plastic water bottles are available everywhere. Clean filtered water is available and plentiful. Any problems that we have had in the past is because a missionary has not been proactive in managing themselves in this area.
10. Water - Is dehydration a problem? A: Yes. It is a big problem here and we do much to educate the missionaries. Because of the heat and high humidity, drinking plenty of filtered water is critical. We lecture the missionaries often, and to the point of sounding like a broken record about this issue. Our mission rule is to drink no less than 3 liters of water per day. Depending on the body size that is a general statement. Most foreigners are not accustomed to drinking that much water a day but it is required here.   The hard part is getting them to do it. So for those of you that are preparing to come - I want you to study up on the signs of dehydration and know what to recognize when it happens? - and what to do for it? Being properly hydrated is our #1 health challenge. This is very important and can be easily self-managed.
11. Exchanging money when you arrive. A: Don't carry a large sum of cash with you when you travel. Carry enough for your basic needs. You won't need much. It is recommended that you carry $100USD. A bit more is fine too. You can exchange it at the airport or in the mission when you arrive. BUT - you will need some pesos on your journey to the Mission for snacks along the way. Again, the airport in Manila has plenty of opportunity for you to exchange. When you arrive here you will most likely buy a few things that you will want to help settle in. It would be smart to have some extra cash for that also.
12. How do I get my monthly living support? A: When you arrive you will receive a typical ATM debit card that you will use at local banks to withdraw your funds on the 1st and 16th of every month. The Church fund your card. Your family cannot put money on this ATM card, so if you need extra funds, you will have to use your personal debit card mentioned earlier.
13. Vitamins? A: The Mission provides Centrum brand vitamins to all missionaries. We also provide a calcium supplement for the sisters. You can certainly purchase and use your own vitamins if you want. And despite what people think, vitamins will not make you fat or cause you to feel sleepy. They have zero calories.
14. Mail and Packages? A: It all works just fine. Please read my other blog posting on mail and packages. All mail and packages are to be sent to the Mission. From there it is all delivered to the missionaries. So far we have an excellent history of getting packages and mail just fine through the normal postal system. Letters take about two weeks to get. Packages maybe that or a bit slower. Don't put something in a package that you are not willing to loose.
Normally standard US Priority Mail for packages works just fine. Make sure you mark "Gift" on the customs declaration form or you may be charged a heavy customs fee. FedEx and DHL are very challenged for charging big customs fees on this end.
15: Email? A: When you get to the Provo MTC you will no longer use your Babylonian email address. You will be given a new "@myldsmail.net"email address which you will use for the remainer of your mission. Personal blogs are not allowed at this time in our own mission unless someone at home maintains it. Other missions may be different but here that is our mission policy.
In the mission you will have one hour to email every Monday. You may email your "family" only. Any communication to friends or others can easily be done through snail-mail. I promise that there is life without FaceBook or tweets. :)

September 9th, 2011 Batch In and Out - 383 Missionaries and Counting

2011-09-18T07:58:00.132+08:00

Our dearly departed...

L2R - Elders' Rivera, Goodson, Fullmer, Limyoco, Acol, Sipe, Adriano and Austin.

Incoming Batch for September 9th, 2011
Elders Tan, Matthews, Sister Herbolario, Elders Dela Cruz, Dickey, Mansfield and Arguelles.

New Elder Matthews and Elder Esling, Elder Tan and trainer Elder White.

Elder Dela Cruz 2 with Elder Tolman, Elder Shill and Elder Mansfield. Elder Dickey with Trainer Elder Villacer.

Sister Herbolario with trainer Sister Cabuquing. Our new sister was raised in Malaysia so as a Filipino is learning to speak Tagalog on her mission. Missions bring many blessings!

Elder Dahlberg with new missionary Elder Arguelles.

Sister Bristain and Sister Garnace. We love these great sisters. We cannot say enough about the many story's of valiant missionaries who put the Lord and His work first in their lives. We love you and are grateful for your service and example. The Lord blesses His missionaries we know He does!

Sister Jensen and President Jensen...or otherwise know as Mom and Dad!

Oh I think Sister Lindsay is one happy woman. You can see it by the smile on her pretty face!

Every time we get together is mail time!

We think they look great. Just the way the Lord's missionaries should look! Clean shirts, dark pants and ties. The best part to us are the bright smiles of happy Elders!

August Zone Conference

2011-09-13T19:02:00.009+08:00

Dad at the new transfer board. Sister Perkins has worked so hard to make it just right.
We think all 177 missionaries look so wonderful.

Lingayan zone.

Mangaldan Zone.

These cupcakes are called "Topps" and the were!

Maligayang Bati...Yes that's Happy Birthday!

Everybody helps in the Baguio mission!

This was Sister Carols first tri-zone meal. She did great!

All were well feed and left with a smile and a full belly.

Salamat Po Sister Carol!

Happy sisters!

Elder Hansen filling up his tank!

Our beloved Sister Walker and Sister Cooper. They work so hard at the Employment Resource Center

in Dagupan. They are doing a great work. We are always happy when we get to spend time with them.

These four missionaries all are in the same zone. They also come from the same stake in Isabela to the north of our mission. It is not too far but just far enough...

Yes Elders that is hot water in the new mission home CR. In our mission we don't have hot running water. Cold showers are a normal way to wake up to the new day!

We love getting packages! Sister Anderson 1 and 2 with Sister Lazaro. Happy to receive.

Happy Birthday Elders!!!

Elder Gamil is a kind, hard working Elder. Good choice...tooth brush and colored pencils to mark your scriptures.

Bayambang zone.

Rosales zone.

After our zone conference lunch each day we played a scripture game. This day it was a scripture chase.

Elder Costales and Elder Clyde were the score keepers and gave the clues.

These missionaries are very fast and I am so pleased to say they really know the scriptures.

We did have spotters to make sure the whole zone had contact. That's what we say here in the Philippines when you find the scripture contact. Adults even say that in Sunday school. I think it must be from their seminary days. Contact with the scriptures I like that. More contact with the Holy Ghost because you are reading the scriptures. Contact with the Savior. Yes, I like that a lot.

We had all nine zones come on a tour of the new mission home. After all it is their mission home too!

Our new Elders got to take their type-o's home...they say sisters.

In the right of the picture is the Urdaneta stake center. We love being their neighbor. We have many of our missionary meetings at the church. What a blessing to us.

Elder Taylor 1 and 2. They are first cousins and companions.

We had a visitor the end of August. Her name was typhoon Mina. She brought a lot of rain to our mission. We all got very wet but we are all safe and happy. That is the Filipino way!

Raising Of Our New "Monument"

2011-09-03T09:21:00.001+08:00

With our recent move to our new mission office and city, the workmen came and installed our new Philippines Baguio Mission sign. We all stood outside and saluted as the sign went up! haha History in the making... Even though we are now located in Urdaneta we shall not have a name change at this time. But that is quite alright with us because we love "Being Baguio!"

Elder Peterson, Elder Faber and Elder Perkins all serve in the mission office.

Lowland Adventures

2011-08-29T19:46:00.008+08:00

Ye old oak canned ham. I liked it. Dad...not so much. He called it "fake ham" but he did love the muffins A LOT! Dad said the ham was like eating jello and spam mixed together. ??

As we wait for the oven in the mission home to work we do our best. That's what Baguio missionaries do! So a small oven outside works fine for now...

These are sisters from the Urdaneta first ward. On Saturday August 20th they were having a Relief Society meeting and wanted to invite their new neighbor...ME. One of these kind sisters knocked on our door to invite me to a cooking class. Oh my favorite kind of class! I brought a friend-sister Perkins. We had such a grand time. We love Relief Society meetings. The teacher is standing with the pan in her hand and the R.S. president is sitting next to her. Other sisters were there but went off to choir practice. Busy sisters this day!

We learned how to make Siopao. I have eaten them before. To tell the truth they were NEVER this good! The teacher is hoping some sisters might be able to sell some to provide an income for her family. I know a tall hungry missionary who loves Siopao!

Siopao is a soft chewy homemade dough with any meat filling. You steam them in a steamer over gas heat like this for about 30 minutes. Many Filipino's do not have ovens so steaming is a great option. The ones we made had a ground pork with camote (sweet potato) filling. They are served with a sweet and vinegary sauce.

Oh the joy of Siopao! I will be making these for sure! Salamat po for thinking of inviting us to Relief Society. I think you can tell by our chubby cheeks we are loving every bite. I think Sister Beck would be very happy with our meeting! Teaching the sisters self-reliance by learning new skills.

Another new addition to our intersection...the really big screen above my beautiful carabau!

Wife check, son check, driver check, daughter check, plant to block my vision check!

This was quite a balancing act. Three men on one seat and all their things to sell.

On our way to the Malisiqui branch it was such a peaceful, beautiful drive.

Rice fields as far as the eye can see.

This is the beautiful Malisiqui chapel. The members here are so kind and faithful.

This good sister is going to have a baby boy in February. She has had many trials but her faith is strong. I look forward to seeing her becoming a mother. That will be a great blessing for her and her husband.

Yes, I did do my hair before church. This is what sitting under the sealing fan does to my curly hair.

Dad just released Sister Directo (she is wearing the gray skirt in the front). She served her mission in Utah at the Temple Square mission. Four of her eighteen months she served in the Tacoma Mission in our Washington State. We loved talking to her about our state. She even ate fresh salmon. Sister Directo loved the RAIN! We knew she was special. She told us the Washington saints took great care of the missionaries and they had great success while she served there. She saw snow for the first time and many other things. She loved seeing the Salt Lake Temple every day. She went to conference and saw the Prophet and our other church leaders.

Sister Directo left a wonderful quiet girl who lived on a farm.

She came home a strong women who will be a great leader here in the Philippines.

These are some of her friends from the Mangataram branch. They all came in one van together!

Everyone looked thirsty and hungry.
So we had a marienda (snack) together.

Next time we eat too much lunch...
I know just the tryke to take us home!

Great Members At District Conferecne

2011-08-16T15:00:00.002+08:00

Enjoying the members at the Agoo District conference. Agoo is right down the mountain from Baguio.

This soon to be elder with Sister Perkins is going to Hawaii on his mission. A rare and wonderful opportunity to serve outside his country. He said he still can't believe it! Yes brother they do eat rice in Hawaii...he was very relieved!

This beautiful sister is going to Oakland California. Another unexpected blessing in Agoo. We told her there was a Temple in her mission. It was a happy surprise.

A lola (grandmother) and granddaughter. I think the world can tell...both are so beautiful.

The Calasiao chapel.

These lovely young women are some of the members of the Malasiqui branch 1 and 2 youth choir. We know music has a wonderful way of inviting the spirit. We were thankful for their hard work.

Here we are right before the Sunday meeting. Often we are given beautiful flowers to wear.

The members are very kind and thoughtful.

After the meeting is over we look for sweet little girls who we know would love our flowers.

These sisters sure did! Their family is being taught by the elders.

Elder and Sister Lindsay came to the Calasiao conference too. We are grateful for all they do to serve the Lord here in the wonderful Philippines. Senior couples bless missions!

This is my dear friend Rachelle from Malasiqui 2 branch. We have been friends for two years now. I love to see her when we travel around. A faithful young women.

These fine young men are from the Santa Barbara branch. Missionaries of the future!

Snapshots

2011-08-11T18:35:00.007+08:00

Pangasinan ("Pang-a-seen-an") Province. There are many provinces in the Philippines. When we lived in Baguio we lived in Benguet ("Ben-get") Province. Now we live in Pangasinan Province. There always is an archway when the road enters and leaves. Here in Pangasinan there is a separate dialect called Panganese or simply Pangasinan. Tagalog is the main national language and we also have in our mission Ilocano.

They just finished this mighty Carabao at the main intersection in Urdaneta. I like to think they did it for me...but who am I kidding! I love it.

This Baguio sign is about a block away from the new mission home in Urdaneta. At first we thought they were advertising a foreign skiing trip? We laughed and laughed when we saw it was Baguio. We think cold to a Filipino is anything under 80 degrees!

With the last transfer Elder DeGuzman became a new assistant (right). He is a great teacher and never stops smiling! Elder Gillies is on his left. They both work hard and continue to be a great example to others.

These are the lovely sisters serving over in Lingayen. Purple was the color of the day...I did not get that text!

The rains have come. They are prepared.

Some of the Elders serving in Lingayen. They wanted to get back to do missionary work while Dad finishes up with interviews in the rest of their zone. Good job elders!

Baguio zone...This is what is happening on the other side of those nice pictures!

Nice shot! Only two sisters are serving up in Baguio right now. Treat them special elders because they are!

The Baguio driveway is a great picture spot. Me with Elder Compose (L) and Elder Mayes (R). I am wearing a native hand woven skirt. I think every missionary gave me a compliment. Salamat Po!

Wacky and wonderful!

Bayambang the all elder zone!

Five of the mighty and great ones! Elder Haberle is home now ( he is giving us the thumbs up sign). He was a great teacher, happy no matter what and served others as a zone leader.

We have come to know that missions build men. We have seen that over and over again. The young elders that come in are changed the Lords way. This is the type of education you don't get in a collage. Hard work, sacrifice and helping others can do that to a young person. We would invite all young men and sisters who desire to come serve the Lord.

The Urdaneta stake choir with four guests. President and Sister Teh, Dad and I. We were not disappointed when they started to sing. A good choir takes time and practice. When Dad and I would drive by the stake center we would see them practicing diligently. Well done!

Some of the great musical talent!

July 29th, 2011 Batch In and Out - 376 missionaries and counting...

2011-07-30T23:15:00.002+08:00

Our Dearly Departed

13 went home this week sad to say. This was the second batch that we received after we first arrive to the Philippines. It does not seem possible that we seeing ones we received now go home.

Elder's Coleman, Francisco, Polidario, Sisters' Ruyeras, Atanante, Elder Coronel, Sisters' Lao, Valencia, Elders' Gilliland, Omadto, Ross, Gumupad and Haberle

I'm glad we have Forever... and Facebook.

Our departing "taco-fest"

One of Elder Coleman's finer moments :) Sorry about that Elder Coleman. Some had not had taco's for two years - some had never tasted a taco at all. All were well pleased.

Our new incoming batch of July 29th, 2011

Elders' Lobitano, Alojado, Jacinto, Lauriaga, Villanueva, Slaughter, Nieman, Hyatt, Villamin.

Sisters' Panganiban, Ejara, Rojas, Praqueles.

Our Filipina sisters pointing to their homes from all over the Philippines.

Elder Lucillo and Lauriaga in Dagupan 3.

Elder Gulla and Hyatt Malasiqui 1

Elder Lee and Elder Nieman in San Carlos 2

Elder Pulgado and Elder Slaughter in Bautista

Sister Valera and Sister Rojas in Caba

Sister Reformo and Sister Praqueles in Sevilla

Sister Ejara and Sister Caras in Sto. Tomas

Elder Bentley and his new trainee Elder Alojado in Bugallon

Elder Lungtad (right) was just released as dad's Assistant and made a District Leader and Trainer to Elder Villamin in Rosario. Dad will miss Elder Lungtad as his Assistant.

Sister Panganiban and Sister Cabugnason in Dagupan 4

Elder Willie and Elder Jacinto in La Trinidad

Elder Lobitano and Elder Heninger in Burnham 1

Elder Villanueva and Elder Danao in Agoo 1

Elder Faber and Elder Peterson are our two office elders and today are helping carry new pillows to the 13 new missionaries. We give a new pillow to every new missionary. Each pillow has their name on it and are all rolled up ready to explode open when the plastic is removed.

What can I say?
Pinch me please...

A blessing occurred at our transfers.

While inside the chapel and all during our transfer meeting it rained SO SO SO hard. The rain was so heavy that the gutters could not hold the water and it was like waterfalls coming off the roof. During dad's talk we all just kept praying that the rain in just our parking lot would stop so everyone could load their luggage and make it all happen without getting soaked. Guess what? Tender Mercies... The timing was perfect.

Dad with Elder Willie on the left and Elder Heninger on the right.

They are both Trainers and District Leaders serving up in Baguio.

This is the original brass Philippines Baguio Mission sign from the Baguio mission home just before dad removed from the wall last week. It has been posted there since the beginning of time. Dad said it was rather a "sacred" moment taking it down from the wall by the front gate. Thinking about the last 28 years in that mission home and all that happened over that time. And the treasure that was found behind the sign was really something...
The "Stone" continues to roll down the mountain and surely will not be stopped. This chapter has not closed quit yet as our "Baguio Mission" will stay "Baguio" until we are told by the Missionary Department to change our name.
That makes us all very happy.

We Moved !!

2011-07-21T00:54:00.001+08:00

We moved and are now two days here in Urdaneta. And we are still called the Baguio Mission. No name change at this time. Urdaneta City is just under 2 hours from Baguio by car and is no longer in the mountains. We are now in the "lowlands" at sea level. The boxes are unloaded and the movers are gone. We had to do all the packing of the misison home ourselves and we made six trips between Baguio and Urdaneta, but it is finally done. Holy smokes we have work to do! Does anyone want to come over here and help us unpack? Anyway... everything is just great. The new "Baguio Mission Home" and office is bright and cheerful and we are so happy this chapter has begun. Compliments to the Church as they did a marvelous job on the home and office. We could not be more pleased.

Mission home on right - Office on left

An automatic gate for us to enter our carport. We have an open patio behind the car and a storage room and generator behind that.

Front room. Even with a new piano

The oven is still on the floor waiting to be installed. Everything has a story...and I prefer not to tell this one :). But I am so happy to have a full size oven.

Yes, even a dishwasher which is quite a luxury

Family Room just off the kitchen with sliding glass door to the right

Looking out the glass door across the patio to the office

Master bath

Missionary bathroom down the hall

Typical outdoor units for the "aircon"

In back looking toward the office. The hose hanging out of the wall is for the LP gas tank which will fuel the oven and gas cook top. The tank will just sit outside. Works just fine.

We say farewell to Tatay Bert

2011-07-05T20:25:00.000+08:00

Brother Bert, or as all the missionaries call him, "Tatay Bert" (Father Bert) left our employ today. A sad day in our mission history. With our move to Urdaneta Brother Bert will not be coming with us. For the past eight mission presidents (23 years) he has taken care of the mission home and all of us here in Baguio. Even before that, since his early 20's he was a houseboy for the full time elders in Manila. Now at 66 he retires.

Sister Carol (left) will take over for Bert at our new Urdaneta mission home. She has been Bert's helper for some time and she and her family will relocate to Urdaneta. In this picture Carol is making Bert's famous cinnamon rolls for our missionary lunch (new missionary training today). Sister Eden, pictured in red is Bert's niece. She just was baptized two weeks ago. She had a marvelous conversion and read the Book of Mormon front to back in only nine days. And she read the tagalog version which is 777 pages. The english version is 531 pages. And she has started reading it again. She told me, "President, I just can't put it down."

As I lay in bed this morning...

2011-07-02T14:39:00.011+08:00

I woke up early this morning as I sometimes do and just laid in bed thinking. It seems like my body says, “stay here a little longer please”. But my mind says “go-go-go”. Somewhere in between the tired and the go-go, I was thinking about how the Book of Mormon has “changed my life”. For me some of my best time to ‘ponder’ on life is in that moment of quiet peace in between the covers. Usually it does not last long enough… I thought this morning about my appreciation for the Book of Mormon. Maybe the word ‘change’ is an elusive word. Maybe a better word would be ‘improved’ my life - or ‘affected’ my life. I thought to myself how I love all the scriptures, but how much I really love the Book of Mormon. As I laid in bed thinking, my mind was turned to the people who try to attack its truthfulness. I thought - why do people attack other people’s religion and beliefs, and our Book of Mormon? Such a Constitutional right and God-given freedom – to believe in whatever we want to believe in… I know there are enemies of the Church – but - really? Truly our Mormon pioneer history has been one of scourge and persecution. So sad but in part that is what has made us who we are. Yet many people try to prove the Book of Mormon false or try to persuade others that the book is rubbish – all for what? 181 years they have been trying and have gained nothing but a religion that is the fastest growing in America, and from what I can see - in the Philippines too. And there is a reason for that growth...it IS true… I thought about that in bed this morning.

I thought about the conflicts that have been fought in the name of religious indifference. Perhaps in some very rare cases, and in part our own - that is how our nation was born. Under law, a nation must put down religious intolerance and guard individual belief as a most precious constitutional freedom for every color and creed.
I thought of Nephi in the Book of Mormon who said, “And if ye shall believe in Christ ye will believe in these words, for they are the words of Christ, and he hath given them unto me; and they teach all men that they should do good.” Again I thought about Nephi’s words when he said, “And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins”. I thought - what have people got to argue against that way of thinking? That’s about as “Christian” as it gets… Do we not want our children to grow up in Christ? And do we not want to be “good”? Who cares if the gold plates were buried and delivered by an angel of God to Joseph Smith - or delivered by Federal Express from an unknown sender? That does not affect how my life has been ‘improved’ and positively 'affected' by this book, and how I have grown closer to my Savior because of it. I ask - is that such a bad thing to have happen from a book? And for my children too? I think not. And the reality is I am a much happier person because of the teachings in this book for which I feel grateful.

I thought about our missionary work and what our missionaries are doing every day? Being a mission president for the Church, IF there is anyone that clearly understands what we are trying to do as missionaries – it is me. I am the one giving the directions around here... We do not try to force or “prove” anything to anyone. In our missionary manual called Preach My Gospel, it clearly tells every missionary that their prime directive – their prime objective – is to “INVITE” all to come unto Christ. I think that is such a great word – “invite”. It’s the perfect word. I think that is what the Savior exactly did in his ministry, especially when he said, “COME follow me”. That is exactly what we teach the missionaries to do – invite all. I marvel that our great message to everyone is to “Come and find out for yourself if it is true? Study it, read it, ponder it, try it, and then PRAY to God and ask him if it is true!” Find out for yourself. Our proselyting style is not a style of force or coercion. It really is a process of “invitation” and we certainly don’t twist anyone’s arm or apply the choke-hold of faith and repentance and baptism. God will force no man through those Pearly Gates. But He does invite us.

All the scriptures and especially the Book of Mormon have influence my life and family’s life for so much good. The Book of Mormon is not only God's true words of scripture, but it will change a person's life for the better. I know - I see it happen every day in countless lives around here. Alma said, “For I say unto you that whatsoever is good cometh from God”. Life is good and I am happy. So what is wrong with that? And whoever you are reading this - I invite you to also pick up a copy of the Book of Mormon and spend some "quality" time with it. I can safely make a promise that it will put a softer, kinder and happier smile on your face - if that is important to you?
That is what I thought about this morning as I laid in bed.
President Jensen

We turned two today

2011-07-01T17:07:00.005+08:00

We turned two today. How time flies. Not that we are keeping track but it is hard to not forget your birthday. We arrived two years ago today and so much has happened since that day. In some ways it seems forever ago and in some ways only yesterday.

More yesterday than anything I think.

My mind turns to the all those new mission presidents that are arriving today to their new missions around the world. Roughly one third of the mission presidents are changed today. The new president walks in the door and within just a couple hours, the old president walks out. Cell phone and keys are handed over and a big hug. That's it... The revolving door. I remember the sense of excitement we both had. And also our sense of nervousness and anxiety to ask - are we really up to this task? Common men doing uncommon things. And even more of an uncommon task for my sweetheart. I am so proud of her as she has really accomplished a great work here.

One year ago on our first year mark I shared this experince. I think it richly applies again -
Years ago I sat in a restaurant waiting for my breakfast. I looked down at my menu and on the bottom of the menu was a little printed line that said, “Our company motto – Give the customer more than they expect.” My breakfast was served and indeed I was not disappointed. I have never forgotten that. And I don’t think the Good Lord has forgotten that either – because in our first year He has given us more than we ever expected.

I can honestly say the same has happened again. I think what is on our minds the most today is a deep sense of gratitude for this privilege to serve and work full time in His vineyard. There is a great feeling of fulfillment in this work. And I think our greatest work is being accomplished in the lives of these elders and sisters. For sure the best part of our mission are these missionaries - all 177 of them right now. We both feel full of energy and enthusiasm for this next year. It will be our best year ever.

The Rains Have Come

2011-06-27T08:22:00.004+08:00

Every year we anticipate the rainy season following our hot season, and will last into November. The rainy season is also our typhoon season and for the last two years our Octobers were our most challenging. Everyone is saying the rains have come early this year and for the last several days it has been REALLY coming down.
On our way back to Baguio yesterday after being in the lowlands for a District Conference, we noticed all the little "white streaks" in the mountains. Everywhere there seems to be a stream or waterfall or some kind of water gushing out of the mountains. We shot this video yesterday on our way up to Baguio. The mountains are so beautiful.

The river is angry. Full of silt coming down from the mountains.

A waterfall along Kennon Road. Kennon is one of the three roads connecting Baguio to the lowlands. Not very safe during the wet season due to slides.

Styling their fashions wearing boots! Yes boots. When you walk through rice fields and teach people in the "bukids", you are often up to your ankles in mud and water - especially now. Yes missionaries teach no matter the conditions and they are joyful in doing it.

And if they are not wearing their boots, they are definitely in their rubber shoes. All missionaries wear rubber shoes this time of year. They are cheap and plentiful here. A pair of rubber shoes will typically last an elder about 3-4 months as they are worn every day.

No explanation

Two elders modeled their new rubber shoes for me. They were most proud to find such a stylish pair, even with a good padding inside. These cost 350 pesos.

Dad at a roadside fruit and veggie stand. When we have zone interviews, we always try to stop and pick up some bananas for all the missionaries. We are always shocked when they tell us they haven't had bananas for so long. As plentiful as they are we are always preaching about eating more fruit and veggies. We have learned that every zone will polish off 4kg of bananas each time (8.8lbs). Cost is about 50 pesos per kg or $.50cents per pound US.

Sister Garcia and Sister Latu

Lovely is her name (left) and her little friend. Both are 4 1/2 years old and in pre-school. Lovely's big sister (not shown) is named Precious. They learn so early to be so photogenic - haha. I didn't ask them to pose like that.

The Garcia family. Wonderful members.

Three adult sisters. I enjoy so much after our Conferences to talk to the sisters and get to know them. They told me that they are hoping the rain would let up tonight because tomorrow they are going to the fields to plant rice - a very backbreaking job. I was so impressed with their faith and devotion to the church and their families. The oldest sister (now 50 years old) joined the Church in 1974. Seven children in their family, and parents and siblings all joined shortly after her. Within a year and half after joining the church, their father, mother and second oldest sister all died. They were all so young but remained faithful and strong and have the hope of an eternal family. Now all are raising a second generation in the church.

Zone Leader Council and our Travels

2011-06-21T14:41:00.007+08:00

There is a book you can buy at the SM Mall called the "Flowers of Baguio". I think we have enough beautiful pictures to make our own flower book. My mother and nana would go crazy here. It is like living in a flower green house and there is something always in bloom.

Basketball anyone? Here in the Philippines if we don't have it we make it! The hoop is made out of re-bar. We have come to love the creativity around here.

We brought some visitors up here for a drive. They had never seen broccoli terraces before. They have many rice terraces in their mission. We have vegetable terraces.

They call our Province the vegetable bowl of the Philippines. It is easy to see why.

These cabbage farmers are at the top of the mountains at about 7200' elevation. Baguio is off in the distance and this was such a beautiful day for our visit. People in the low-lands would love to see this view and feel the cool breeze.

Cabbage perfectly stacked... Many vegetables are grown up here in the cooler climates. We saw them stacking these cabbages and I thought - they better secure them down well as the road going down in many places was so rough and rocky. They eventually threw a tarp over the top and strapped it down.

This is the top of the mountain and those are potatoes! Mashed, baked, fried it really doesn't matter to us. We are grateful to just have potatoes. But nothing like an Idaho Russett.

What a view! That is Baguio down below.

On our way up to Santo Tomas we saw this nice little home. No electricity or water.

This is a simple hard working life. Maybe that is why so many are so happy and friendly... One of the blessings we feel we have gained from our mission experince here is a new perspective on having "stuff". It really doesn't matter and life it seems is better off without all the clutter. "Simplify" is a pleasant thought.

Seriously... I want out NOW!!!!

Wash day in La Trinidad or should we say...drying day!

Pizza Pizza... I have been making pizza from scratch. I found fresh basil at the market and it inspired me. This one is mixed mushroom with olives. Dad had shrimp with pineapple.

I must say the sauce was wonderful! The dough was good too.

We think it would be fun to have the missionaries make personal pizzas.

We love new fun pictures of all the things that trykes carry. Today it was bananas and a banana tree on top too!

This is Sister Eden, she was baptised last week. She loves the Book of Mormon. Before her baptism she wanted to read the whole Book of Mormon so she did it in eight days. The Tagalog version has 777 pages, unlike the English version with 531 pages. They say the Tagalog version is harder to read because of it's more 'formal' Tagalog.

Every time I saw her she was reading. She said, "I can't put it down".

I am so proud of her... Now she is reading it again!

Got rice? Now this is what I call a wok! We had this garlic rice stir fry for breakfast... so good!

This may look like a men's suite shop. But no this is the closet upstairs in the mission home. When the missionaries arrive they soon realise they won't need their suit jackets until their mission is over ( it's too hot). So we keep them hung up, tagged and ready to go!

Baguio Mission Zone Leaders

Agoo-Polidario and Literatus, Baguio-Omadto and Goodson

Bayambang-Natado and Rivera, Dagupan-Haygood and Coleman

Lingayen-Frost and Smith, Mangaldan-Haberle and De Guzman

Rosales-Costales and Clyde, San Fernado La Union-Gumapad and Vicariato, Urdaneta-Hales and Sanchez
Assistants- Lungtad and Gillies

We had a lot of changes this transfer. We love and are grateful for all the hard work it takes to be a leader in the mission. These patterns of leadership they will take into their future families, callings and jobs. Missions change lives by growing testimonies and understanding the power of keeping commitments. We are often amazed by these capable missionaries. Well done Elders!!!

Elder Hales, President Teh, Elder Lopez.

These two fine elders were our assistants and both just went home last week. Elder Teh is our new Area President in the Philippines. They did so much to help dad. I don't ask much but they were always there for me too. They help fellow missionaries, teach, go on exchanges, work their own area and they baptize much of time which is amazing considering how busy they are. I cannot say enough about the great examples they are to others. We will miss Elder Hales and Elder Lopez a great deal. We know this final transfer will bring them so much happiness and joy.

Salamat Po Elders!!

June 17th, 2011 Batch In and Out - 363 missionaries and counting

2011-06-20T22:35:00.001+08:00

This is a very special group of Elders. This is our first batch that we have had their full two years!

Elder Lucillo, Lopez, Hales, Domagsang, Duncan, Podzikowski and Almazar. They are proudly telling all they are number one!

We had a big Mexican Fiesta for our final meal!!! Elder Hales helped me plan the menu. We had tacos, chicken enchiladas, corn muffins, water melon, pineapple, rice, chips and salsa! Most of the locals had not tasted Mexican food before. No worries most of the food was gone! Oh brownies with cherries and

ice cream for dessert. I think it took me two days to cook all the food! I think cooking is an expression of love.

Our newest tradition...Philippines Baguio Mission Survivor!!!

The black team against the white team. Dad had to play because we needed to even up the sides. I tried to come up with missionary themed games. We all had a lot of fun. I wish I would have taken more pictures of the different events. I loved watching them compete.

This is Elder Alamazar and Elder Duncan competing in ' Missionary Now'. They all took off their ties and tags and I mixed them up in a pile. Their team is racing to be a missionary now!

Dad is very fast at putting on a tie...many years of practice!

We played six rounds of different games and this is round six...I was so busy keeping score I didn't take pictures. They are fierce competitors! This game is called 'Voice of the Shephard'. Just like in the scriptures His sheep will know His voice and follow Him. Elder Podzikowski is going through the obstacle course as he listens to directions from his coach.

Watch out Elder Duncan!

Almost there...

They were ALL yelling when dad was blind folded. Go left, go right but he just listened to the voice of

Elder Lucillio his coach of the day. He made it to the finish!

We have no losers in the Baguio Mission...these are the not winners!

Good try black team - we love you still..

These are the winners of the first official Philippines Baguio Mission Survivor!!

Well done white team.

Our newest batch of missionaries. Back row; Elder Onia, Mayes, Dela Cruz, Rubia, Jensen's

Front row; Del Rosario, Pedrola, Cacayan, Solayao, Maglupay2. Welcome all!

New companions and trainers.

Elder Austin, Cacayan, Pernecita, Solayao, Malundas and Elder Ruia.

Great picture...Great Elders Onia and Valdez.

Elders Quinte, Maglupay2, Fraser, Pedola, Mayes and Elder Campos.

Elder Fullmer with Elder Dela Cruz. Elder Del Rosario with Elder Lee.

Not too long ago Elder Lee was trained by Elder Fullmer. Is this the circle of life?

Two great missionaries trying to find a little shade...Elders Limyoco and kind Elder Gamil.

Two years or eighteen months in two suitcases and one small box...That's our mission limit!
Plus your pillow!

Brothers by birth now brothers in the same mission. Elders Magulpay2 and Elder Magulpay1.

This is our second set of brothers currently serving and we also have had several first cousins.

Pillow sale at SM mall...Not really we just like to give all the new missionaries pillows to start the mission right. Sleep well tonight and work well for the Lord tomorrow!

Always a smile for the camera! What is not to love...

You know it is hot when the sisters have their sun umbrellas and fans out!

Sisters Valera and Regodos both wonderful and diligent.

Elder Mitchell is kind and thoughtful. His mom recently sent him a care package and he gave dad a very special jar of raspberry jam made with a mothers love. His mothers love. Thanks Sister Mitchell. So yummy!

Sister Cruz is always the picture of perfection!

Sister Reformo either thinks I'm 8 foot tall or she wants to be Mary Poppins!

This is the Baguio Zone jeepney. Elder Mayes in the back left corner was so excited to take his first jeepny ride. All the foreigners are the same way. We love new things and jeepneys and trykes are new things!

After transfers we were behind this jeepney. School had just got out. There is always room for one more!

All I can say is hold on tight.

Happy Fathers Day

2011-06-18T11:17:00.000+08:00

Happy Fathers Day! This is my Wisconsin dad showing the Northwest how to really catch a good looking salmon! My big brother Gary on the left, Dad, me (I'm 10) and our neighbor Richard.

This is my father today! 83 and proud of it...He loves to hunt and fish. In this picture he is crabbing on the Columbia river near the coast with my brother Gary. Our Father is a great family man and we love him so much! Thanks dad you are the best!!!!

Can you tell these men are father and son's? Thanks Dad for being our dad! Men need good fathers to show them the way...I love you dad!

He is not my dad...he's my sweetie pie! Walking on the Washington coast...good times then good times now! I love you honey!

A great husband, father and mission president. I'm not just saying that he really is!!!

Happy Fathers Day to our sons too! We are so proud of the men you all are! We are thankful you are raising our grandchildren with the gospel in homes filled with love and laughter. We love you!

Mission Home Update - June 5th

2011-06-07T06:57:00.001+08:00

As the clock ticks down to our move into our new mission home and office, here are the latest pictures. Our move is still scheduled for the week of July 18th.

Standing in the entry to the right is the front room and dinning room

Looking out an upstairs bedroom window to the office next door

Our bedroom window upstairs

Guest bedroom restroom

Inside bars on all downstairs windows

Kitchen is coming along

Outside patio. They will plant small clumps of grass in all the little squares.

Mission Office

We are very pleased with this photo. This is a room that was created when they decided they didn't need the office carport and walled it all in - creating a wonderful storage room that we badly need. I'm standing in the doorway taking this photo.

I'm not sure what to say but... someone messed up and it will have to be replaced. Do you see the problem? A lovely granite sign on the front of the office but the name of the mission is not arranged correctly. Church policy has the name as being country and then city - not city and then country. :(

Zone Conference in Urdaneta

2011-06-03T16:59:00.003+08:00

Urdaneta, Rosales and Bayambang zones. If we can, we like to take the pictures outside. This day it was...hot hot hot! We are all still smiling that's what matters!

The Combes family is a missionary family. One way they show their love to us is by feeding us. Mom in the middle and twin daughters. We again are so grateful for these good sisters who feed us each time we come down to Urdaneta.

We had a fresh fruit, vegetables, fried chicken, beef ulam, lots of rice and they make the best fruit punch in the low lands! No one walked away hungry.

We all have been spiritually feed by how to use the Book of Mormon more effectively. That was the message of this training. We had great role playing, talks were given and Dad really helped us all have a clearer vision of how to share The Book of Mormon always.

Now it is time to feed the belly! We have good manners in the Baguio mission sisters always go first.

Happy Birthday...No cake or candles but lots of love and good wishes to all.

Elder Pernecita Happy Birthday to you too!

Elder Halvorsen wanted a Washington state picture (he is our only Washington missionary). But we wanted his trainer Elder Eligio too. Who is our only missionary from Palowan.

The united Urdaneta zone!

The righteous Rosales zone! (next to me Elder Palu...he is smiling on the inside) he he!

The brotherly Bayambang zone!

I'm afraid he is in the dead zone! I asked Dad to please take a picture of the baby lizard before he ran away. Seven hours later we looked again. The same baby lizard...he ran on wet paint and got stuck in place. Sorry little fella...you should have listened to your momma lizard!

Zone Conference in Dagupan

2011-06-03T15:10:00.001+08:00

Magnificent Mangaldan zone! (notice the two bright new faces) Elder and Sister Lindsay.

Lovely Lingayen zone!

Diligent Dagupan zone!

We are so thankful for the Cohen family who provide our hot, tasty, homemade meals each zone conference here in Dagupan. We love you and are so grateful you love us too!

We are never too young to help...so sweet handing out buko fruit salad to hungry sisters and elders. The best part was the BIG smile.

We wish you health and happiness this year! Happy Birthday...We are so glad to be sharing it with you!

Elder Frandsen missed the group shot! I loved what he chose out of the birthday box. I think he is trying his best to stay focused on the Savior. Well done elder!

Elder Domdom forgot he had a birthday in April? I think they just like having their pictures taken alone...hey it seems to be working! We love Elder Domdom's bright smile.

Elders with new study journals and other great finds! I think we enjoy them digging around in the birthday box as much as they do. Yesterday one elder picked two tooth brushes. Hand sanitizer is also a popular gift.

During our 2:00 meal it started to thunder and rain very hard outside. We were going to take our picture right in this spot. Oh well...now it is a pretty 5 inch deep wading pond. All that water poured down in about 30 minutes and then it was done. Pretty impressive these two Washington state people think!

(we know rain)

Happy mothers day and fathers day wishes from Sister Cruz and Sister Fajardo. How sweet was that baking carrot cookies in a toaster oven. That was a true act of love. They were so moist and good... all I need is the recipe from our two bakers! Sister Fajardo's father is the temple recorder at the new Cebu Temple here in the Philippines.

Sister Lazaro was a very happy sister when the mail arrived...Thanks mom for all the love and support!

Size...it is all just perspective. Life is a lot like that.

Sister Ruyeras, me and Elder Salisbury.

Zone Conference in Baguio

2011-06-03T13:27:00.004+08:00

The first of our three zone conferences starts up in beautiful Baguio. Our focus this time was the Book of Mormon and the importance it is in conversion. Also the need to really get it literally into the hands of the people. Three hard working zones! The only one missing is Dad he is taking the picture...

Brother Burt, Carol and all the others who help put on our yummy BIG meal!

This is Brother Burt he has helped missionaries with laundry, cleaning and cooking since he was 23 years old. He has also helped 8 mission presidents and their wife's. I think of all the food he has helped prepare and the missionaries he has seen come and go...Burt has been a blessing to us and many others. We are so grateful for his service. Burt is now 65 and will be spending more time with his family.

Salamat Po Burt!!!

Great meal, great company! We are so thankful for the knowledge and example The Lindsay's and the Perkin's bring to the mission. We need them and love them!

I have come to witness with my own eyes Elder Fullmer is the biggest eater in the mission!

That is fresh vegetable lumpia in the foil with a sweet sauce on top.

Happy Sisters...

Their smiles are big but their hearts are even BIGGER!

We love all our our birthday sisters and elders! I can't think of a better place to have

a birthday then the mission. Unselfish service to others that is a gift they keeps on giving long after the mission is over.

The amazing Agoo zone!

The beloved Baguio zone!

The super San Fernando La Union zone!

Wacky and wonderful!

50 Year Jubilee Celebration - 1961-2011 in the Philippines

2011-05-23T18:01:00.005+08:00

This month we celebrated the Church's 50th year in the Philippines. Each of the 164 Stakes and Districts in the PH celebrated. 19 stakes and a crowd of over 20,000 gathered in Manila and joined together in the large Araneta Stadium earlier this month which was broadcast over the Church's satellite network to every stake and district center in the PH. 4000 youth performed many cultural dances. Here are just two YouTube video links you can check out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hifukPQg0ps

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qop9tpYnPqo

This is not a little Church anymore! 640,000 members over here. The Philippines is #4 in the world for county membership, after the US, Mexico and Brazil. And when the Church does something, they do it right~!

The pictures that follow were the Jubilee Celebration from the Baguio Stake only. We had a delightful time in the Easter College Stadium her in Baguio. It was a grand evening.

One thing we love is the many colors of native weaving which signify which province you are from.

I'm not sure what to say except Elder Faber and Elder Apduhan, our two office elders were a bit carried away with the high energy celebration of the night. After the festivity was over everyone gathered on the dance floor socializing when this shot was taken. They were having fun.

The youth are the same the world over - they love to have their picture taken!

Sister Persons and her granddaughter. Delightful members.

This is Burt with Raferty his daughter on the right. Burt helps us here in the mission home and sang in the final celebration choir number.

This is Ruby and Allan. Ruby was one of our sister missionaries that after her release moved to Baguio to start University. Ruby and Allan found each other and... what can I say... followed her mission president's advice to get MARRIED! The wedding bells will be ringing on June 24th in the Manila Temple. She is a dear mission daughter of ours and we wish her the very best.

Mission Home Update - May 12th Photos

2011-05-23T16:06:00.000+08:00

No the fence is not going to be yellow. That is yellow primer.

Mission Office. We are happy they decided to enclose the carport into a storage area.

Parquet floor installed piece by piece

Upstairs bedroom

Family room with kitchen on the right. Laying pavers in the patio outside. Office next door.

Front room. Tile floors the whole downstairs

NEW Baguio Mission Office ADDRESS for packages and letters effective July 18th, 2011

2011-05-21T11:53:00.011+08:00

Sending letters and packages to your missionaries is important. Sending them to the right address is even more important to avoid delays. Starting July 18th, we will be relocating to the city of Urdaneta and have a NEW ADDRESS.

Please send all packages and letters to the following:
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
Philippines Baguio Mission
(Elder or Sister's Name)
PO Box 7
Brgy: San Vicente East
Urdaneta City, Pangasinan 2428
Philippines

2011-05-19T21:00:00.001+08:00

Dad and I happy as ever. Soon to be two years in the mission.

Elder Nelson serving in the Quezon City Mission office. He is from our home ward. Dad and I got permission from his President for a quick visit. Elder Nelson is representing our Harmony Ward well!

We are so pleased to Welcome Elder and Sister Lindsay to the Baguio Mission. They are wonderful people who want to serve the Lord. They are living in the town of Manaoag to help the saints and missionaries near them. We feel so blessed to have them. This picture was taken in Baguio, the city in the clouds.

Do you see what I see...COWS!!!! ( they are from New Zealand and Australia)

FRESH MILK...It's only been two years. We heard a rumor of a dairy farm but we thought, no way. We took a short-cut and then we saw the cows. Yahoo! Happy days are here again. Dad's real happy 4% milk only.

We had Zone Leader training yesterday. I thought I would make yummy homemade brownies to go with the fresh milk Dad treated them to. I was so pleased they turned out chewy and chocolaty.

Most Filipinos have never tasted fresh milk...they loved it!

Dad gave each Elder a bottle. They were laughing and so happy. It was the best snack break we have had in a long time. I'm not sure they will want to go back to eating healthy bananas?

May 3, 2011 Batch In and Out - 354 Missionaries and counting

2011-05-19T17:18:00.009+08:00

Our wonderful, faithful going home batch. Well done...We love and miss you!

Elder Agoncillo, Sister's Young, Boekweg, Cerillo, Broadhead and Elder Mora.

The bitter sweet Victory Liner...it takes them away...but brings new missionaries to our mission also!

Incoming batch
front: Elder Hawkins; Sisters' Lybbert, McKinley, Bhatti, Garnace. Elder Pestano

back: Elders' Flukiger, Velasco, Cabuatan, Abarte, Azores; Sister Mohinder; Elders' Marcelo, Iray.

Sister's Bhatti, Mohinder, Garnace, Jensen, Lybbert, McKinley and Perkins.

Elder Perkins...unloading the new missionary pillows. Salamat Po!

True Brothers...Elder Abarte 1 and new Elder Abarte 2 his trainer is Elder Almazar. These brothers were inseparable until they had to get on different jeepneys to different zones.

Sister Batingal training Sister Garnace. Happy Sister Palma training Sister McKinley from California.

Sister Bienvinuto is training Sister Mohinder who is from Pakistan (our first). Sister Bhatti from India

(our first) being trained by Sister Almaquer. Special sisters we feel so blessed to have in our mission.

Elder Ball training ElderVelasco. Elder Cabauatan trained by tall Elder Heninger.

Trainer Elder Gulla, Elder Marcelo, Trainer Elder Baker and Elder Fluckiger. All ready to go and serve!

From Utah Sister Lybbert and her great trainer Sister Ramos. We sure love that jeepney!

Elder Iray and Elder Ross his trainer serving up in the Baguio Zone.

Nice new pillow Elder Azores with trainer Elder Dimas. Sleep well tonight and work hard for the Lord tomorrow!

Elder Hawkins from Kansas and trainer Elder Teodoro. We see you Elder Omadto!

Trainer Elder Malaluan and kind Elder Pestano.

Snap Shots From April

2011-05-19T14:53:00.000+08:00

Sister picture in Dagupan...

I absolutely love this snap shot of the Dagupan Zone. I think they work in the hottest part of the mission. But just look at those smiles. Elder Mitchell and Elder Domagsang in the center just crack me up! Love them all!

You can tell from Sister Fajardo's bright smile...mail received with a thankful heart!

Thanks Mom...we all love getting a package from home. Most of our missionaries don't have ovens in their homes. So great idea 'No Bake' cheese cake. Elder Taylor yum yum!

Elder Haberle, Elder Dahlberg and Elder Hansen. All serving in the lovely Lingayen Zone.

Baguio Zone getting a little creative!

One of my favorite places to take pictures...The drive way to the church at the Lagarda Chapel.

Two great Missionaries working hard for the Lord. Elder Bentley and Elder Bernal.

On the way to Church near Agoo we saw this little piggy going to market! It was really fun when they were crossing the road. That bamboo pole looked like it was going to snap.

You just have to love this Tryke. LDS RIDE is the only way to go! Dad and I were down in Malasiqui and saw this members tryke. We have also seen ones that say, Families are forever and CTR.

Man and beast working hard down in Bayambang.

Beautiful stairs here in Baguio.

Happy Mothers Day

2011-05-07T17:11:00.002+08:00

Happy Mother's Day! This bathing beauty is my lovely mother (1962). I am the curly top next to her. Wow! Good looking...another reason dad married you! She is not only pretty, but kind and very thoughtful. Mom is loved so much by all of us in our family. We honor her this day!

Mother the trend setter...down town Portland 1970, I was 10yrs old my baby brother Daniel was 2 months old. We went to look at the ships for the Rose parade. I'm not sure why we were all dressed up? Perhaps in the olden days you just looked nice when you went 'out'. I miss those days. I do recall because of baby Daniel we got a private tour of the ship.

This is her today! She just keeps getting prettier and prettier! Mom you are loved this day and always!

Master Wood Carver

2011-05-03T11:17:00.002+08:00

We know a good brother that lives not too far from us in the town of Pugo. His name is Brother Joel. He is a master wood carver. These are his tools...This is how he supports his wife and 5 children. In the hands of a master like him tools bring the wood to life. See the picture of this lion looking straight on, below the lion is looking to the side. Just how the carver sees him.

I think of the hours he spends bringing the wood to life with his tools. Well done Brother Joel...

Two eagles and three??? Having a little fun at one of the wood shops. Elders Shults, Apduhan and Dad.

While we walk and drive the streets of Baguio we see the most beautiful flowers. This Hibiscus was at the peek of perfection!

We Love Primary

2011-05-02T20:25:00.002+08:00

On April 23rd the Quezon Hill primary and leaders came over for a tour of our mission home and office.

We took lots of pictures. Sang missionary hymns and ate banana bread. Dad and I spoke to these wonderful children about how they can prepare for a mission now. They can read their scriptures, learn to work, go to church, love their parents, keep the commandment's, obey the Prophet and gain a testimony.

This was their favorite part of the 'tour' I think. This is upstairs where the Elders sleep. It was a very humbling moment for me. The first time I saw these beds I thought ...
'such small beds- they are so old'. This is what I heard from these great children. Wow! Look at these nice beds, I wish I was a missionary so I could sleep in a nice bed like this... They are nice beds! We are grateful for what we have here in the Baguio Mission.

Next part of the activity...down to the Mission office.

This is Stephen he just wanted to try out this pillow sooo bad. With a smile like that I just had to snap a picture.

This is Dad's office. The children and adults really liked looking at the transfer board. Their eyes light up when they saw a missionary that they knew.

You can't have a tour without 'real missionaries'. This is how Dad introduced our assistants Elder Lungtad and Elder Hales. It was so funny when Dad said that. Then all the children went yahoo! I agree, yahoo!

The grand event was an Easter egg hunt in our little front yard. I think we loved it as much as they did!

Each child got to find two eggs filled with candy. The bigger children helped the younger ones. Dad being one of the 'bigger children'.

All holding up their finds! Urim is holding his baby sisters eggs. My arm is around the wonderful Primary president. We all had a great afternoon. I saw some of these children yesterday at the Jubilee and was greeted with big hugs. We were so thankful to open up our home to these lovely children and their leaders.

New MTC Training and Curriculum

2011-04-29T07:58:00.000+08:00

Staring in just a few days in May, all MTC's around the world are changing their training curriculum for all new missionaries. In the past, new missionaries were learning the doctrines of PMG chapter 3, relating to the lesson content of their teaching. No longer will that happen. What this means is that new missionaries will arrive to the mission field not knowing the lessons from chapter 3 unless they studied them before their mission.
In a recent mission president's seminar we were instructed that starting August 1st, a new 12-week 'in-field' training effort would begin for new missionary arrivals. This 12-week infield study will help them learn chapter 3 lessons and qualify their doctrinal content for teaching. Personally I see this as a great step forward and improvement in missionary preparation. Both these changes in training will result in a more effective missionary teacher.

The reason I am taking the time to even mention this change, is that a mission president really appreciates good mission preparation before the mission begins. Good preparation helps the missionary feel much less stress when he arrives, especially when learning a language. Local leaders, parents and the missionary him/herself are wanting to know what can we do to better prepare for a mission? I have expressed my thoughts on this previously. But now I need to add another very important preparation that we have not emphasised so much before - learning the Chapter 3 lessons of PMG. Again, the MTC will no longer be teaching these. If an new missionary can study and learn some of chapter 3 lessons, I believe he will absolutely have an advantage in the MTC - and when he arrives to the field. The new MTC training is most excellent in every way. We know so because all missions have been training from this same new curriculum since last June (Fundamentals of PMG). But if a young man wants to really be more prepared when he arrives to the mission field, knowing the chapter 3 content is now more important than ever. To Priest Quorum's everywhere I say - start learning chapter 3 content before you depart. You will be so glad you did!
Just my thoughts...
President Jensen

A touching letter this week

2011-04-26T15:51:00.002+08:00

A great work -
"Last week, we went to the house of a family that we just recently PBTW (Preach By The Way). they are really a humble family. their house is in the middle of the "bukid"(very wide rice field). the family is really poor and they had experienced several challenges such as their old house was burned, their flocks (cows and some goats) were stolen, their source of water (jetMatic machine w/c helps them have water from the ground) was stolen also (just recently). now they have to walk to a distant place just to take a bath and etc.. i may not describe really well their condition but i can say that they are a good family. we offered a lesson to them and shared to them that we may not help them in their temporal needs but we can offer to them the restored gospel that will give them a place in our Heavenly Father's Kingdom where they can have rest, peace and joy. the spirit was so strong. and so we committed them to be baptized."

Mission Home Update April 24, 2011

2011-04-24T13:33:00.002+08:00

Here are some updated photos of the new Urdaneta Mission home and office. Construction is happening on schedule and it looks like we will move around the first week of July as planned. At that time the name of the mission will officially be the Philippines Urdaneta Mission. This past couple weeks the red roof was installed with a bit left to do on that. White color is the primer with a creme final color to follow.

Worker is laying tile in the mission home carport. Directly behind the carport in the open area will be a larger patio area with outside seating.

Carport to the right, patio to the left. Large open area in middle is our family room and kitchen that will have sliding glass door accessing the patio area.

I'm standing in the family room. Kitchen area with a breakfast bar in front. Won't have room for a dining table here so breakfast bar will work.

Front Entry and front door.

Standing in front room and dining room with front entry behind me. They are starting to lay the tile floor.

Going upstairs you arrive at the top of the stairwell and turn left to look down the hallway. Master bedroom plus three other bedrooms. Bathroom straight ahead at the end of the hall. The roof system above is constructed of metal beams welded together. They lay down a foil backed weatherproof barrier and then the roof tiles on top of that.

Leaning out over the front door. You can see a partial roof of the Office next door.

Dad having his electrical background just about had a heart attack when he spotted the "construction service" which supplies electricity to the construction site. This is it with its exposed electrical parts. I think his comment was, "at least they are using circuit breakers". Its all 240volts and ready to kill if wrongly touched. :)

Looking out a bedroom window upstairs, that is the outbuilding being constructed. The left side will house the generator and electrical service. The right side will be a nice storage room. Our guard will be located to left on the Office side of the fence. They are even constructing a little comfort room there for the guard which is very smart.

Mission Office

Office front entrance

This is the carport of the office. I just heard that it will be enclosed with walls and a garage door which we are very thankful for so we can use it for storage. There is so much parking out front that we really don't need a carport at the office.

This is our 35Kw generator for the mission home and office. A self contained power station for the many brown outs that happen. It will be moved into the generator room in the outbuilding.

Lastly a picture of the inside of the office. Floor tile is done. Little CR to the left and small kitchen to the right. Open office area straight ahead.

March 25, 2011 Batch In and Out - 340 Missionaries and Counting

2011-04-24T08:29:00.002+08:00

Departing Batch

Front: Sisters' Caspe, Lapana, Dolojan, Tobias and Zardoma

Back: Elder Samputon and Elder Jackson

Incoming Batch

Sisters' O'tuafi, Anderson, Lazaro, Origines, Ledesma and Regodos

Elders' Laulu, Wood, Palu, DeSosa, Salisbury and Bernal

Elder Wood and Elder Lopez will serve in Bautista. Elder Lopez was just released as dad's Assistant to train and open an area his last twelve weeks of his mission. We will miss him as our Assistant.

Sister Lazaro and her trainer Sister Ruyeras in Dagupan 4

Sister Cabugnason and Sister Origines in Caba

Sister Ledesma and her trainer Sister Boekweg in Binmaley

Sister Caras and Sister Regodos in Minat

Sister Valera and Sister Anderson in Urdaneta 1

Sister O'tuafi and her trainer Sister Cabuquing in Urdaneta 2

Elder Palu and his trainer Elder Ombega in Rosales

Elder DeGuzman and Elder Laulu in Urbiztondo

Elder Bentley and Elder Bernal in Carmen

Elder DeSosa and Elder Coronel in Malasiqui 1

The two GIANTS

While this picture does not do it justice, Elder Salisbury and his trainer Elder Clyde are VERY tall. They will be serving in San Fabian and turn many heads. Yes - Giants roam the land.

Our wonderful Assistants

Elder Hales and newly called Elder Lungtad

In our mission we have Pink Pony's

Leadership Training Meeting Just Held

2011-04-05T07:53:00.001+08:00

We brought all our 36 sisters up to Baguio for a Leadership Training Meeting (LTM) for the day. Fortunately our mission is of such size that we can do this. It worked out well. We all enjoyed a nice lunch that Brother Burt prepared. (you can click on the picture to make it bigger)

The following two days we held another Leadership Training Meeting down in Dagupan for all zone leaders and district leaders in the mission. Overnight accommodations were arranged in missionary apartments in the close proximity for all. Dad taught for two days and felt really good about the material covered. Everyone went away filled, feeling unified and moving ahead with a Preach My Gospel purpose.

Mango Season

2011-03-31T14:27:00.003+08:00

Mango season is here...It seems everywhere we go they are in the trees and for sale on the roadside stands. The price is very affordable. The missionaries eat them often and so do we. One of the blessing of serving in the Philippines...Fresh Mango's!

It is harvest time. Dad and I took a road we had never been down before after a district conference. It was lined with mango trees on both sides. Many men were working hard to bring in the harvest. They are picked green and will ripen later.

Dad buying fresh fruit down in Urdaneta. The green fruit are also mango's. Many Filipino's love the sour, tart, taste of the unripe ones. You can get green mango shakes, they are very popular at many restaurants.

It doesn't get any fresher than this! The bananas taste so fruity and the mango's look perfectly ripe.

One of our favorite ways to eat them... for breakfast!

Mango crepes...when the mango's are ripe and the price is low we eat them all we can.

Hills and Shakes

2011-03-31T13:07:00.001+08:00

Sister Palma and Sister Garcia. My companions for the afternoon in the Guisad area here in Baguio city. They are great missionaries who teach with the Spirit. One of my favorite things to do on our mission is go out with the sister missionaries and teach in the homes of the wonderful people.

One of the "fun" parts of serving in the Baguio zone are the HILLS. There are no flat parts only up or down. I wore my rubber shoes for good traction. On the same night Dad was out with the Elders. I jokingly said "give him a good work out" they did. When he came home he had 'fire in his eyes'. I don't think it was the fire of the Gospel. They walked up and down miles and miles...sorry honey I love you!

This is a Nepa hut. The sisters and I were taking a shortcut to our next appointment.

Dad's first buko shake. Buko is fresh baby coconut. This shake has no ice cream just ice, buko and coconut milk. Not too sweet, very delicious and refreshing after a good day of missionary work.

Crispy shrimp...shells, heads, legs, tails and all...

Yes...they were very yummy! Sorry for the open mouth. Oops do I have an eye stuck in my teeth? When I was eating them I kept thinking of when my mother told me to "eat more ruffage". It just felt soo crunchy. Dad liked them also.

Mangaldan District Conference

2011-03-31T11:48:00.000+08:00

Orchids in bloom... right in the mission homes front yard.

A faithful young family their sons name is Mahonri Moriancumer. His dad played the piano for the conference.

Mangaldan district leadership training. I took this picture for Sister Allred. She may be back in the states now...but left a part of her heart with these beautiful sisters. Mahal namin kayo!

A new forever family. They went to the Manila Temple last week.

Wow what an inspiration! You don't see many women driving trykes. This is the first Lola (grandmother) I have seen driving one. I can just see her doing her visiting teaching...Go sister!

Sister Rosario is the mother of eight. Her oldest son is serving a mission. Her next son is getting ready to serve. Her family joined the church four years ago. She is a great example to many.

After the conference I found these lucky boys and their mother standing in the only shade.

February 2011 Happenings...

2011-02-23T00:08:00.001+08:00

A great photo of our beautiful Cordillera Mountains with the Lingayen Gulf off in the distance to the far right. We are coming down Marcus Highway from Baguio to the lowlands. You can see the road in the center.

I think you can double click on the photo to enlarge it.

Brother Burt is our wonderful house help and while he does not cook for dad or I, he cooks for our large batch dinners. Strawberries are in right now and are only grown in the greater Baguio/LaTrinidad area.

Speaking of strawberries, we made freezer jam this week. We have a few left from last year and I think this will carry us through until next. A bit of home away from home...

We see very large poinsettia's all over this time of year

Dad and Elder Perkins buying a couple melons right along the road.

We apologize to the PETA people for this shot. Dinner is on the way home.

ZLC this month. Zone Leader Council is always great.

Dad and I had stake conference up in San Fernando LaUnion. Afterwards we took this photo of the stake presidency. President Tadina the stake president is the second to the right. President Mabunga on the far right is the Manila Temple President.

The next few photos are at Transfers this month.

Dad with Elder Taylor and Elder Taylor - first cousins.

I am surrounded by the Urdaneta Stake Choir at stake conference

One of the great opportunities I have after every conference is to mingle and get to know the members. Here after the Urdaneta stake conference I had a wonderful time with so many.

I want to introduce you to brothers Francis Ray and Francis Roy, both 12 years old and anxious to be 19 to become a missionary.

How could I resist this photo! Princess is her name on the left

During our proselyting I snapped this photo of my companions this day, Sister Batingal and Sister Broadhead.

Sister Cabuquing and Sister Anderson show off their awesome apartment.

Another family photo after the Aguilar District Conference. Dad never gets to be in these photos as he is off doing interviews or training.

Some of the Aguilar District youth. All smiles.

At the end of the Aguilar District Conference, it was announced that we would be doing temple recommend interviews. The chapel is located upstairs on the second floor and when dad and I came down the stairs and turned the corner this is what we saw. I thought it was just great. They were so happy to see us. I pulled out my camera and asked if everyone would hold up their recommend. I think dad and President Perkins interviewed 26. Dad said he had to use a translator with some as they spoke no English. One brother only spoke Panganese, a local dialect in our Pangasinan area where Aguilar is located.

Dad just called President Pavia to be his counselor in the Mission Presidency

February 11, 2011 Batch In and Out - 328 Missionaries and Counting

2011-02-22T16:58:00.006+08:00

Departing February 2011 Batch

l to r: Elders' Magsayao; Baldoviso; Remoluna; Ah Mu; Towne; Wallentine; Woodson; Kurczodyna; Miller; Lefler; Frehner; Sisters' Dollente; Gungon.

on floor: Elders' Kinghorn and Timkang.

There are always many visible tears when a batch goes home. There is also a great deal of excitement and nervousness in each. You decide where we were at in this moment?

By the time we put them on the Victory Liner bus in Baguio headed for Manila, things have lighted up a bit and they are all running on adrenaline. As the bus pulls away, dad and I stand at the curb and wave goodbye. We know that for some we will never see them again. For others the reunion someday will be great. The feelings are so mixed but we know it is the Lord's plan for them to go.

Have you ever wondered what a missionary takes home?

Well I guess the great and grand secret is now out.

Elder Ah Mu headed home to Missouri with his "Seaweed" flavored Pringles.

Elder Perez finished strong a few days later and we saw him off on the bus by himself.

Incoming Batch for February 2011

f: Elders' Ruadil; Surbona; Hansen; Sister Martinez.

b: Elders' Bolen; Taylor; Halvorsen; Catellier.

Sister Latu is not shown here as she arrived 3 days later.

Sister Martinez and her trainer Sister Almaquer

l t r: Elders' Campos and Hansen. Elders' Catellier and Fraser.

l t r: Elders' Surbona and Smith. Elders' Taylor and Theodoro

l t r: Elders' Austin and Ruadil. Elders' Halvorsen and Elijio

Elder Bolen and his trainer Elder Malaluan ready to go in the jeepney

Sister Lao and new Sister Latu. Sister Latu comes to us from Tonga

Our "Year One" Book is now done...

2011-02-10T10:06:00.006+08:00

We just completed the first of three books about our mission. This one is called "Our Baguio Experience - Year One" with book two and three to follow at the end of each year. It is a pictorial and narrative journey of our first year experience. While it is only 230 pages long, it could easily have been 10,000 pages long. You should be able to click on the link below to check it out. Depending on your internet speed it may take a moment to load...

Our Baguio Experience - Year One... by Tom and Kathleen Jensen

Make Your Own Book

Mission Home Update February 6th

2011-02-07T08:32:00.001+08:00

Things are coming along great with the mission home and office construction. We are still on track to moving in July. Here are the most recent pictures this week.

Shot of the Kitchen

Front entry door to the left, stairs and small CR.

I'm standing in the front room with the front window at my back. This is the front room and dining room. The camera lens perspective makes it look very big but actually it is very very small. Both dining and living room combined are about 20feet long. We won't be able to have all our missionary dinners in the mission home anymore because it is just so small. Our last batch coming in was 18 and with the Assistants and ourselves, we had 22 for dinner. We have had as much as 28 sit for a meal which sadly won't happen in the mission home anymore. Our mission home is a new small design. We will adapt!!

Plumbing a sink area in an upstairs bathroom.

Just came up the stairwell and took this shot looking down the hall. Master bedroom to the right. Guest room to the left. End of hall has two more bedrooms with a common CR between them.

Laying underground pipe. Interesting the way they just piece it together.

Shot of the Office from an upstairs bedroom window

Inside the Office. Front door is farthest away

Sad day to see the Allred's leave for home

2011-02-02T01:11:00.005+08:00

The Allred's finished their 18 month mission today and left for home. It was really hard seeing them go as they have done so much good for our missionaries and member-districts. They came from Arizona and will move to a new home in Payson Utah.
A BIG Salamat!!

Temple Site Not Announced Yet

2011-02-02T01:11:00.004+08:00

Despite what many members are saying within our mission boundary, the Urdaneta Temple site and groundbreaking date has not been announced by the First Presidency yet. The process of formal announcement will always come from above, not from the sides or below. Lets all remember that. President

Mission Home Update January 15, 2011

2011-01-17T18:32:00.001+08:00

New mission home pictures show good progress is being made. Block walls are going up. The carport is off to the left.

Mission Office.

In between the house and the office they are building a double room side by side. The left side will accommodate a generator, electrical and water pump. The right side is a storage room.

This angle is standing behind the carport with the office behind me. This area outside behind the carport will be leveled for a lovely patio area. Kitchen on lower left with a family room to the lower right. Upstairs is all bedroom areas.

Standing on the future patio with the carport to my right looking into the house.

With the house at my back this shot is of the side and back of the office. Carport facing me. That window in the back facing me is dad's new little office. He is not sure if it will fit much more than a couple chairs and a desk. The good thing is it is close to home which will be great for him.

Inside the mission home and standing in the family room. Kitchen to my left. Across where the man is standing is a back door. He is standing in a small laundry room. The man is kneeling in the dining room with a small front room to this right. The house is about 2400 sq ft total. The floor level will be brought up about another 18" from what is shown in this picture.

Everything is concrete or block. Ceiling area of the mission home over the kitchen showing conduit stubs for pass through needs for plumbing and electrical.

Standing in the same spot but looking to the right. Front room in distant corner where the man is standing on the scaffold. Front door to the right of that with stairs leading up. Front door of the mission home. They are compacting the soil to raise the ground level up.

Oh Beautiful Baguio

2011-01-09T14:35:00.000+08:00

We took a little drive up Mt. Cabuyao which is next to Mt. Santo Tomas a couple weeks ago on a beautiful morning. We could see forever in these Cordillera's it seemed. This is a very nice shot of Baguio from an elevation of about 7200 feet. Baguio being about 5100 feet.
The locals call these "sunflowers". This time of year the Cordillera mountains are full of them growing wild everywhere. They look to me as a large daisy about the size of your open hand.
Another shot above of Baguio. You can see the Loakan Airport in the distance. The end of the runway is a drop off that you can only hope your airplane is going fast enough...
This shot above and below go together. If you can put them side by side you would have a wide angle view of Baguio. Notice the little crop of broccoli below the road. Veggies are grown everywhere here all year around. The Mountain Provinces are the veggie bowl of the Philippines.

This shot above and below also go together side by side. The nice thing about this shot above is that you can see the South China Sea in the distance and coast line of our mission. What is interesting also is that Baguio is often above the clouds. Look in the distance and you can see we are higher than the white puffy clouds.

This shot above is another angle of Baguio and the airport in the far distance to the left. Up to the right are the twin 120' abandoned "Tropospheric Scatter Communication" towers on Mt. Cabuyao that were built by the US Army and used for communications between here and Taiwan and from Taiwan to Okinawa Japan in the late 1970's (Taiwan is a 5 hour flight north of Manila).

One of these days I am going to write a book and call it "The Steps of Baguio". Baguio is full of so many unique and beautiful rock stairs. In Baguio you either go up or down. There is no flat space. The missionaries here all get legs of iron.

December 2010 Batch - 319 Missionaries and Counting

2011-01-02T11:51:00.002+08:00

Departing December 2010 Batch

L to R: Elders' Duncan; Oblimar; Burton; Mundo; Lato; Ramiro; Seva; Villar; Macrojan; Bacosa and Acabal.

Finished strong and with honor. I wish I could say that for the Christmas tree behind them. The lights have a problem...

Elder Hall also in our departing December batch.

"Got to get that last Lumpia in before I go!"
Sister Warnick and President and Sister Thomsen also went home in December. We are so sad to see them go as they served so well. Sister Warnick we shall dearly miss you. You were a shining star!
The Thomsen's were from Edmonton Alberta Canada. They arrived just shortly after we arrived and were such a great blessing to our mission in the office and in the field working with missionaries and members. President Thomsen also served as dad's mission presidency counselor which took the Thomsens in many directions to help the members in the Districts. We shall surely miss them.

Incoming Batch for December

f: Elder's Esling & Oculares; Sisters' Villavito; Bristain & Hall.

c: Elders' Solderquist; Su'a; Solesbee; Lucillo; Jolongabayan.

b: Elders' Tolman; Purcell; Evert; White; Williams; Llanera; Plania; Cesestia.

These 6 pictures are the Trainers & their new arrivals.

Sisters Valencia and Villavito off to San Juan

Sisters Bienvinuto and Hall off to Manaoag B

Sisters Bristain and Tobias off to Manaoag A

Elders Lucillo & Solderquist; Purcell & Carron; Lucillo & Fullmer
Elders' Ball & Williams; Oculares & Costales; Rivera and Esling
Elders' Sanchez & Solesbee; Taylor and Evert; White and Lefler
Elders Plania & Duncan; Jolongbayan and Limyoco; Cesista and Gilles
Elders Su'a & Morrell; Ombega & Llanera; Tolman and Hagood
Random pictures of our transfer as follows...