Malipayon nga Paskwa!

December 21, 2013

Malipayon nga Paskwa! Merry Christmas!

The last couple of weeks, I have had the ultimate highs and lows.  Let's begin with the low and build up, shall we.  I was so depressed thinking about how little we have to do and what little we have to offer now so I needed to get a boost!! Of course I am sure those who know me well can just see me deciding in my "over the top" manner deciding the best way to get out of a funk is through service.  Yes I know, "just say NO!" especially to myself! Well, I decided to make a pillow case for each of our 260 young missionaries.  We went to the textile store and bought fabric and so began the marathon cutting and sewing event. Needless to say, my funk left as I buried myself in the mounds and mounds of Christmas fabric.  What fun I had doing that! One of the missionary mom's wrote a cute little poem to go with the pillow cases:

            The Elders and Sisters were nestled all snug in their beds While visions of baptisms           danced in their heads. With a new pillowcase that was made out of love-- The dreams        that they dreamt were straight from above.

            Sister Sinema spoke not a word, but worked with her might-- Pillowcases for all, to share in His light. She was heard to exclaim as she finished them right— Merriest Christmas to    all and to all… “Now, Sleep tight”.

            Andersons, Chins, Neffs, and Rasmussens flew, throughout Negros Island in earnest        pursuit, of delivery just like all good angels do, bringing joy of the season to all through           and through!

What a fun time I had with that and thankfully they have all been delivered and I can now make it through!!!

In our travels we have learned many new and exciting PEF changes that will make our last 100 days as exciting as our beginning days.  We once again can offer four year degrees, incentives for repayment through good grades, on time payments, having a mentor, and getting employment!!! The incentives can repay up to 40% of the participant's loan! What a blessing!!

Also, during the meetings one of the priesthood leaders told how the Philippine people  have very powerful hands.  Here is the example of that: as you walk in front of a car  to cross the street to stop the car all you have to do is wiggle your fingers and the car's will stop!! It really does work!

Another of the great power here is found in the police department! Pay attention Paul! During the holidays and especially at New Years the police do not want their fire arms to discharge in celebration so they seal the barrels of their weapons.  Paying attention yet? Well, here is how it is done! The police all line up in their squads and wrap their gun barrel with masking tape and the squad leader signs his name over the tape.  The tape, apparently  is so strong that is stops guns of discharging into the air during the celebrations!!! Now TPD this is a new strategy you can use.  Oh maybe it is just the masking tape here is stronger than in the US.  Doubt that though!!

In Quizon City the government has made a new law to protect children.  Wait for it, wait for it. Children are prohibited from sitting in the front seat of the motor scooters and must be wearing a seat belt.  (no they do not have to wear a helmet) the seat belt will protect them! Now the scooters actually do not have a back seat, nor do they have seatbelts, so......

Finally, Thursday we traveled across the island to San Carlos and then by pump boat to the little island of Sipaway to be guests of honor at the elementary school's Christmas program.  One of our PEF specialists is the head teacher and teaches fourth grade, at the Kinder through Sixth grade school.  We had also made a small donation to buy the poor children slippers for the program.  We arrived and saw all the smaller grades, lined up in orderly lines in costume with makeup.  They stoop there orderly for about 45 minutes until the program started.  No one moved at all.  They just patiently waited. Each grade level performed a dance and they were so cute!! After the performance the students were given gifts before returning to their classrooms for lunch and small gift exchange.  We really enjoyed the day even though we were so hot being in the outdoors all day!! I will post photos! What well behaved children! Later, Zinnie (the teacher) told us that she had told the children that Santa Clause was coming to the good boys and girls, and you guessed it,  they thought Santa had shaved and Dan was Santa!!!

The next day we actually got to be Santa and deliver the young missionaries mail with the Neff couple.  They do not drive and normally haul everything with them on the jeepney, so we offered to help as we have car and can carry as many packages as possible. We will deliver with the Neffs on Monday or Tuesday also to get all the Christmas mail delivered before Christmas. 

The time is fast approaching for our return to America and I am so excited!! I must say this has been the hardest, yet one of the most rewarding things I have done in my life.  Missionary life is very difficult ( mostly being away from our family) but we have served and loved many wonderful people here and will remember this time fondly. Not fondly enough to do it again though!!!! We love you all and wish you a Malipayon nga Paskwa!

Joan