Saturday, November 14-Friday, November 20, 2015

Saturday, Last night when I got up to use the "cr", there was a 2-3" cockroach in the bathroom so I kept the flashlight on it and followed it into the kitchen.  I tried to step on it with my Hawaii slippers and "slipped".--fell pretty hard on my face, tripped and knocked the chair over, the water jug, the mop and hit my head hard and got a goose egg.  I didn't think to ake a picture but when I managed to get untangled and up off the floor, I put "Pan Away", an essential oil and it took the swelling down and stopped the bruising where I put it.  I didn't put it on the eyelid, too sensitive of skin there.  I still felt a little "dingy" this morning.  But it is amazing how well I did in that bad fall.  Today we are in the mission home just hanging out with Strengs.  President and Sister Aquino are in Manilla for a conference with Elder Anderson and Elder Renlund.  Elder Streng went to Kalibo to pack up their tuff, give stuff away, pay ills and finish everything up there.  So we are keeping Sister Streng (Ruby) company.  5:00 we left for the Esplanade and took a walk, I don't think any scenery anywhere is so beautiful and heavenly--a breeze blowing as we walk, beautiful trees and bushes, lovely flowers, and the waters the side.  At 7:00 we almost forgot but as I looked at the planner, it reminded me that we were to attend a baptism.  We made it, first ones there.  Brother Noel was baptized; I led the music.  8:20 we gave the sisters a ride home.
Sunday left at 7:30 to pick up Darlene and Alex to attend a North Stake branch, Caligno.  I'm still breaking out with shingles, weird-annoying, hip and neck--but carry on, this too shall pass away.  I'm a little achy from my fall --shoulders, hip, neck.  We arrived in Caligno late--first time to be late for us.  Filipinos say there are three times:  Russian time 3 hours early, American time 30 minutes early, Filipino time 30-90 minutes late😃. We were happy to discover Priesthood and Relief Society were first.  The discussion in Relief Society was on self reliance--gardening, sewing, etc. and was very Iively.  Even though I could not understand, I felt he testimonies of truth.  Then Sunday School lesson was on "Pure Religion"--also did not understand but I could follow along in my iPad.  It was also a good discussion.  There were over 100 in sacrament meeting, out into the overflow and hallway and they are just a branch but I think soon, they will be a Ward--wonderful, loving people.  They took us in.  Everyone wanted to shake our hands.  We spoke in Sacrament meeting.  This branch is an hour plus 15 minutes out of the outskirts of Iloilo.  After the meeting, they fed us and nearly all stayed for the hour meeting after all the block meetings.  I spoke briefly about getting the fruit from the top of the tree with a ladder requires more effort than just getting what is low and easily available but it has a reward.  Ray showed a video and Darlene had a demonstration and presentation which we did not understand but it was good.
One brother said he did not finish "My Path" because he does not read English or understand it.  The specialist will now work with him one on one.  It was a break through to discover the hang up.  The further you get from the city, the less English the people know.  It would be good for these people to be taught English.  It would enlarge their abilities tons.  Missionaries, couples, would be so helpful if they had a plan for teaching English.  We gave two people a ride back to the city along with Darlene and Alex and then returned to our apartment at 4:30.  Ray took a short rest while I made popcorn and packed up pie and whip cream to take to share with Elder and Sister Streng at the mission home.  We stayed until 9:00 listening to how they met and their courtships tries and enjoyed receiving with them 8 friends from Kalibo who came to say "good by" and Bishop Salazar and his wife came because they were from Kalibo and wanted to see their friends.  It was fun.
Monday--routine.  Ray really appreciated the nights sleep.  He was really tired from the long Sunday driving.  It is very stressful to drive here because the people don't follow traffic rules...they turn left or right from all lanes and crossover all traffic because they want to be at the front of whatever row of traffic is the shortest.  They run red lights.  They make two-way streets into one way so they can be at the front.  They don't have or don't use lights at night.  People walk all over the street through all the cars weaving in and out.  Crazy!  We went to Jalandoni.  Now we will substitute 3 classes this week--Old Testament and also teach our class, "The Gospel and the Productive Life".  We received an email from President Sedano.  He, alone, was worth our sacrifice!  1:00 we left the center, went shopping and stopped at McDonalds to pick up food, ate 2:00 at the apartment, read and rested.  4:00 we went to the mission home to be with Strengs.  We visited, ate apple pies and ice cream, had a fhe lesson about Job, then watched the "Cokeville Miracle" with them on his computer.  8:30 home, took a picture of the "Cheshire cat" moon, to bed.
Tuesday left at 5:45 am for the Institute class--10 students.  I loved it.  District meeting was at 8:05 around tables.  It was an interesting change and approach.  Elder Gomez is going to be a good leader.  After meeting, I cooked for two hours--making potato salad, vermicelli with vegetables and chicken, squash soup, fajitas--preparation for the next few days.  We purchased water on our way to the mission home to visit Strengs.  Back to Jalandoni 4:00 to teach Old Testament, Job and Kings.  How important it is to serve God and be grateful, always looking to Jesus Christ.  Having family unity. I must watch my thoughts, my words, and my deeds, Mosiah 4:30. Love my brothers and sisters and serve them.  Took Roland and a friend to Mandurriao after class.  7:00 returned to the apartment.  Then prepared brownies to take for lunch with the Strengs.  It looks like they will not fly out until Monday.
WednesdayD&C 66:3"...you are clean, but not all; repent of those things which are not pleasing...the Lord will show them unto you.  President Hinckley:  "Happy is the man (woman) who can brush aside the offending remarks (actions) of another and go on his (her) way.  We went to Jalandoni, was able to talk with Angela.  11:00 went to Mang Inasal to get 4-2pm chickens, then gathered up the potato salad, the mango and papaya chunks, the brownies and off to share a picnic with Strengs in their room at the mission home.  2:00 left to teach our Institute class about the Holy Ghost--4 showed up.  We had an hour break and then taught Job and Kings in the next class:  1-knowing God exists. 2-trusting His character and attributes.  3-knowing that the path we are pursuing is pleasing to Him.  Then we can go to Heavenly Father in faith with any challenge and feel confident that all experiences will be for our ultimate good.  7:30 we gave three girls a ride on our way and came home.
Thursday 1 Nephi 3:6. Therefore go, my son, and thou shalt be favored of the Lord, because thou hast not murmured (complained).  19, 20. It is good to preserve our language; and also the words of the prophets.  President Hinckley "We cannot exercise control, or dominion, or compulsion upon our wives...if we do, the powers of heaven are withdrawn."  We went to F&E to get our leaking tires fixed--200P about $5.00 for two tires with screws in them.  10:41 on our way to Jalandoni.  Ray read next weeks lesson, back to apartment, had lunch, took a rest.  2:00 purchased water on our way to the mission home to visit Strengs.  5:00 went home to change for the Institute dinner/dance at Diversion 21.  Best lasagna I ever had, plus fish, vegetable beef, fruit cup and soup with shrimp which I did not taste.  Had a great time.  11:00 home.😌
Friday routine, scrubbed sediment off water pitcher; Ray ironed, time to type journal letter.  Love to all, Sister Robinson III, Mom, Grandma