We Survived!

Well we managed to survive the biggest and worst typhoon ever recorded! We were fortunate here on Palawan as the eye of the storm passed to the north of us so although we got a lot of rain we didn't get much wind and so were spared the devastation that happened in other parts of the country. We only experienced some localized flooding but nothing serious at all. Our hearts go out to all those who lost loved ones, homes and livelihoods and pray for their recovery. As we watch the recordings on the internet we are reminded again of how helpless we humans are against the power of nature and of how much we rely on the power of  God. We are continuing with our work of doing what we can to help the people in this area come unto  Christ. We have had some wonderful experiences in sharing the Gospel lately and hope they will bear fruit. Yesterday we went to Aborlan branch and spoke in their sacrament meeting. It was good to meet all of them. Aborlan is one of the strongest branches in the district and as we met with them we could feel of their strength and goodness. When we got home last we got word that a young man we had given a ride to the hospital in Puerto Princessa last Wednesday had passed away. We had expected that might happen because we were sure he had cancer but had not been diagnosed yet. They found that he had Stage 4 cancer and passed away Sunday afternoon. He was only 21. Pretty sad. We are getting to know a lot of people here in Narra and we love them so when something like this happens it's like it happens to our family.

Here's some more pictures:

This is Bernard Bungot who is a member of the Narra Branch. He likes to play Badminton and so we went and watched him play in a tournament. He's pretty good!

This is Brother and Sister Palawag. They were baptized recently and it was a really spiritual experience. They both bore really strong testimonies. Seems like we get in on lots of wheelchair baptisms. Brother Pamulog had a stroke so is somewhat paralyzed.

Modern transportation!

Move over Honda this is what a real 3 wheeler looks like! There are a lot of these that they make here on Palawan.They use them for hauling everything from rice to people.

A tractor used for tilling rice fields. There are a few of these around but still most of the farming is done with carabaos

A herd of ducks. It's amazing how the guy behind them just waves his shirt to the right or the left to guide them along.

Gotta have ducks if you want balot!

Trip to Manila

Boy have we been busy and it seems the days just fly by. We were able to go to Manila on the 21st to the 25th. with the Burt's and we had a good time. We did some shopping for needed supplies and other necessary business at the office. We were able to spend some time with the Stuckis which is always a treat and of course enjoyed the great food that Sister Stucki and Angel always have for us. We sure love them. we were able to join the Stuckis for FHE on Monday night and Monday afternoon we were able to tour a jeepney factory and also visit the famous Bamboo organ in Las Pinas. One of the high lights of the trip was we got to go visit the Leveriza family in Mandaluyong. I was  able to share the gospel with them on my first mission and had got to see Joy soon after coming here this time but was now also able to meet Jean and Jay. They were both really young when we taught their family; Jean was only 4 but they still remembered me and were had a wonderful time reminscing. I love that family! They also told me a lot about Auntie Alice. It sounds like she was a wonderful faithful lady and was constantly serving others her whole life. One thing they told me that I had forgotten or didn't realize was that the day we knocked on their  door she couldn't refuse us again. Earlier that day we had knocked on her door at her office which was a house and she had sent us away. So anyway it was neat to learn that the Lord truly had guided us to them. To think we had knocked on two doors both hers 2 kms apart in one day! So we had a great visit. They have had some difficult things happen in their lives but things are getting better and we know that the Lord will continue to bless them. Another highlight was being able to go to the temple. It's been awhile since we've been able to go and was great to go again.

Here is a brand new jeepney at the factory.

As you can see it is not quite as up to date as Detroit. All the fabrication and assembly is done by hand.

This is one of the original jeeps that was left over from World War 2. That is where the idea for the modern jeepney came from.

A reconditioned Willy's Jeep

In progress...

This is where the fabrication begins.

Almost Finished.

They also build buggies.

This is a picture of an all boys school that provides the boys' choir that performs with the Bamboo Organ

And here is the old church where the organ is housed

Some facts about the Bamboo organ. It is the only one of its kind in the world.

The original bellows. It took 2 or 3 people to operate it.

 The original Keyboard.

This is the inside of the church.

And here is the Organ.

A picture of the rest of the organ and the organist playing it for us.

Anniversary couple at the Temple

Elder and Sister Burt.

Here we are at the Leveriza home with Jean. She was only 4 when her family was baptized.

This is Jay. We haven't met his wife or children yet. Maybe next time.

This is Joy and her 2 boys and Jean's son standing next to John.

And here is the whole family. At least all that were there. It was sooooo good to see them!