Christmas Decorations

Hello my friends and family!

Hope you're enjoying the snow! Because it's really warm here. It's nice, though. It's still pretty weird. People here look forward to going to the beach on Christmas. haha. That's a little different from Utah! But it's pretty sweet. It's been fun as well, because part of my assignment in the office is to go pick up all the letters and packages for all the missionaries, and we have received so so many packages for Christmas. haha. And we have them in here in the office with our tree and everything. It's pretty fun when they all come in on their p-day. :) 

Also, it's getting pretty crazy, because we have a lot of responsibilities for the Christmas Conference that we are going to have with the whole mission on the 22nd of December. So if you think about me on the 22nd, just know that I'll probably be moving around a lot of tables, or picking up the food, or setting up chairs, or trying to help the missionaries get into the sacrament meeting for the spiritual meaningful part. :) haha. But I love it. It's so fun to get to know the missionaries and boss them around. I mean... serve them. haha. It is fun though.

This week we did the Christlike attributes activity with a family in our ward. Haha. It was a failure. The dad put 5's on most of them. And on the section of "Humility" they were all 5's. hahaha. It was so funny. I just happened to be sitting next to him and I thought, I'm not sure if that's the most effective way to do it. So I interrupted them to read the scripture about how the Lord gives unto men weakness that we may be humble, etc... He changed a couple of answers, as did everyone. But apparently after we left his son, who is a recent convert, saw his dad's paper and got mad at him for being prideful and stuff. Maybe next time. :) haha. But they're all better now. 

I've been focusing a lot on the attributes of Christ, trying to read more about His life and teachings, and paying attention to the way that He did things. It has been truly enlightening. In our district we all made personal goals to work on an attribute that is hard for us and how we could work on it. The conclusion: it's really difficult. It is not an easy thing to do at all. But we know that we can if we really dedicate time and effort into further developing them. And He commands us to become like Him. And He knows exactly how capable we are of achieving it, and He is helping us.

I love you all and hope you have a fantastic week! Pray for Mikaela and Francisco, they are 2 investigators that we have invited to go to church on Sunday. But they need some help. 

Love,

Elder Robinson

P.S. Our office decorations! The ornaments are pictures of all the missionaries in the mission!

Saturday, December 5-Friday, December 12. Happy Birthday Talmage

Saturday we enjoyed an Institute Seminary leaders meeting with people all over the island and Guimaras, the whole mission area.  One message:  Be careful/instead of casual in our study of the gospel.  Each stake group of teachers sang songs except Iloilo stake who didn't seem to know we were going to do talents.  In Ilongo they began conversing and the group volunteered "Elder and Sister Robinson".  Ray thought they were kidding but no, go up front.  I told the story of the Christmas Orange and Ray played his one inch harmonica, "We thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet".  It brought a nice spirit to the festivities.  There was a gift exchange and Butch made sure I got his.  He had picked the bag and pearls out for me.  He spent more than the allotment of 200P.  It was so sweet.  Cozzens invited us to go to a movie.  We had a couple of hours free, so we picked them up.  The first place we went to see the movie, they had changed the schedule and it was not showing until 6pm--too late for us, so they wanted to go to Robinson Mall.  The show they wanted to see was also there.  So we drove there and they had also changed their time from their posting and had moved it up one half hour so we were too late and they don't let you in after the movie has started.  So we ate there at the Robinson's.  I was relieved as I wasn't sure it was the right kind of movie for us to see even though it was rated PG, so I felt the Lord's protection.  After we ate and visited quite a while, we took them back to the SM Mall to see the 6 pm show and we went on to the Mandurriao Ward missionary meeting and activity.  Cheska and her husband came.  She is from Mandurriao Ward and her family is broken.  Her husband was a missionary here but is Australian.  They went to Cebu and were married in the temple yesterday--just the two of them.  Home at 8:30.  It was a full day.
Sunday we attended Mandurriao Ward sacrament meeting and Sunday School.  A sister from North Stake sat by me in sacrament meeting and asked if she could ask me for help but then she didn't speak much English so I guided her to the Relief Society president and then the president interpreted for me.  Her husband was in the free hospital by our church.  He has liver cancer.  Her bishop had given her 5000P but it was gone because he had been in for several weeks and she needed food.  Ray and I went home and made a big fruit salad with bananas, mango, pineapple, papaya, and apples and cream and green jello bits and a Gouda cheese sandwich.  It will take care of her for two days and then the Relief Society president can get more food for her on Monday.  I'm thankful for the lessons I've learned:  Keep some food storage and be ready at every moment to serve.  DO IT NOW.  Also among the learnings is a change of heart, not being distracted by less urgent or less important, or less needful things when there's a call for HELP.  No matter how small the call for help.  Fast Sunday and we also went to San Miguel for meetings which we always enjoy.  We gave some returned missionaries a ride back to Mandurriao.  Quennie didn't come to church and she texted for help with paying her rent; her parents will not help her anymore.  She will come over tomorrow to talk about it.  So sad we can't help monetarily but we can counsel😓.  Then the zone leaders who live above us ran out of drinking water.  This was a good day to have a supply of food and water.  I feel a little overwhelmed with all the needs.  Ray has been making posters for our zone skit for Christmas conference.  I'll cast my burdens on the Lord.
Monday we took sister missionaries with us for another zone practice for Christmas conference.  We had to leave the practice after one run through because we needed to do English tests.  At 9:30 we took two sisters from Arevalo area with us to the mission office where one of them, Sister Casil, took the English test.  She finished at 11:17 and we waited until 12:15 for Sister Robertson to come in to take her English test.  I visit with their companions while they take the test.  It takes about an hour and 20 minutes to do the practice and then the test.  At 2:15 we stopped at McDonald's to eat before going to the apartment.  We expected a worker to be there to replace our sink faucet and fixed the leak in the c.r.(comfort room). Or our bathroom.  A man was there to fix the sink.  Yeah!  Then we met with Quennie.  She needed a loan to pay her rent for maybe six months.  We spent a few hours with her trying to lead her to the bishop.  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is so different from other churches.  It is not a man's church;  it is the Lord's.  It runs differently.  Anyway, we fed her a Gouda cheese sandwich and a bottle of juice.  She left around 5:00. Boiser texted for a meeting around 5:00 tomorrow--so we texted the group to come but we will be substitute teaching at 5:20-7:10.  We feel badly but it was too late for us to change.  One crazy day!
Tuesday 7:30 off with all our district in tow:  4 sisters, 4 elders to zone meeting.  The APs, Dorman and Craythorn visited our meeting.  Sister Casil in her training told about King Richard III losing his throne for the lack of a nail in his horses shoe.  What lack I yet?  After zone meeting, we went to our office area and Ray downloaded the First Presidency Christmas Devotional.  After we returned to the apartment for lunch, we listened.  We stopped to withdraw pesos at the BDO on our return to Jalandoni.  There we prepared more for the Book of Mormon class at 5:30 (13 students).  Ray discussed the cycle of pride and prosperity and wickedness.  He talked about "pondering" and how Nephi would only ask to do what the Lord would want done.  He told a story from the manual about Marion G Romney and his wife, Ida, who had had a stroke and the doctors did not recommend life support because of brain damage.  After several months, he pleaded to know the Lords will. At 2:00 am in the morning, he was pondering and reading the scriptures so he could communicate more fully with the Lord to know the Lord's will concerning Ida.  He was reading Helaman 10:4-5 when Marion heard as it were the Lord's voice saying it is not against my will that Ida should be healed.  He quickly put on his coat and tie and went to the hospital and laid his hands on her head to give her a blessing. As he sat down in the chair next to her bed, Ida opened her eyes and asked, " What are you doing here, Marion?"  And in his typical sense of humor, he asked how she was feeling?  She lived to see her husband called to the First Presidency.  I talked about knowing the Lords will and following the Prophet.  There is confusion in the world and we and our peers all have veils or blind folds on us but the Prophet is directed by the Lord who sees all things past, present and future.  The Lord will never let His prophet lead us astray.  We can follow him and be safe.  I hurried to the self reliance meeting down the hallway already in progress but it started an hour or so late.  A young man asked Ray after class to give him a blessing.  He has a mission call to Queson City, Philippines but he is very anxious about going there.  Ray gave him a blessing and then joined us in the meeting.  Home.  Sang 191 "Behold, the Great Redeemer Die", and did our scripture candle.  Christ was submissive to His Father's will--Father, from me, remove this cup.  Yet if Thou wilt, I'll drink it up.  I've done the work Thou gavest me."  Ponder and learn the Lord's will and do it.
This song spoke to me.  Because of this song one sacrament meeting, my life changed.
Wednesday routine, Ray ironed shirts; I washed eggs, 9:30 we went to the Atrium to purchase bread and other food items, then to Jalandoni.  12:30 home for lunch and put food away. 2:00 back to Jalandoni to study lesson:  Faith in Jesus Christ gives us power to provide for ourselves and others.  We had five students.  It's a good sign--it's not decreasing.☺️. We love these people!
Thursday we went to the mission office;  apparently our rent check is lost.  If the missionaries don't find it by tonight, another one will be issued.  Then we went to and shopped at Robinson's Mall while the truck was being washed and vacuumed.  Back to apartment for lunch.  The sisters called and we will "missionary sit" so Sister Miggin can take a Ward sister with her to do their appointments.  Sister Averion has scoliosis and is in too much pain to work.  She will start therapy tomorrow.  Also, the elders found our missing check.  Elder Robertson just stuck it in his bag and didn't notice what it was.  We went over to pay it at Sorilla's office right away and called the office to let them know it was found.  It's not even my money and I'm a wreck about it😝.  Sister Averion stayed in our apartment and when Sister Miggin came back, she stayed and visited until 7:00.  We had a snack and did scripture candle.  Received a letter from President Arrington today that Elder A.J. Robinson will be a district leader now.  We are so happy for all his opportunities.
Friday routine.  Made banana, carrot, pecan (only pecans we have ever found here so it all went into this one recipe), pineapple bars since that is the only one I have is a bars pan.  President Omar texted us for money to help a lady in his branch who has a tumor and needs an operation.  We have been counseled not to give money--that is not our purpose here and it makes other missionaries coming here "unsafe" .  There is no end to the needs here.  I'm giving my clothes away before I go home.  The struggles break our hearts.  10:00 purchased water, went to Jalandoni.  Ha long, Sister Robinson, Mom, Grandma

Life in high society

Party favor from the R.S. party

ALL the presents.

Well, I had a pretty good first week here in Folsom! This is the first time I've been over two wards, so that is an adjustment. It is so hard to keep track of who is in which ward and which ward we are in! The area is huge. We can't really bike hardly at all because it is huge and very hilly. That makes me super sad. Biking makes me feel so productive and awesome! Though when it is raining I am very grateful to have a car. I also haven't figured out anywhere to run yet. I can't run around where we live because it is too hilly. I'm so sad, I was finally getting in a good habit of running. :/ Anyway, we live with some members. Well actually we live on their property in a studio apartment above their garage. It's pretty nice aside from the fact we have to walk downstairs and to a different building to use the kitchen. I'm just sticking to cold food and we are very blessed to have dinners set up all the time so I still get nice dinners. I'm so spoiled. Anyway this area is VERY affluent. The people are awesome though. SO friendly and nice. My companion, Sister Erickson, is from Sandy, Utah. She is 29, has been out 8 months and is a convert. She is really nice, super goofy, and we are getting along great. She has a terrible memory though so I get to work on my memory skills haha.

We went to a Relief Society Christmas dinner this week. It was super fancy. I felt like I stepped into serious high society. They all have large enough homes they use their homes for these activities instead of the church. It looked like a wedding reception. I saw some little yellow Christmas trees on the table and wondered why they were yellow. Turned out they were butter. The house was 10,000 sq.
feet. It was super pretty. Also everyone here is gorgeous, skinny, and has perfect hair. I kind of felt like I was in a movie at first but I'm getting used to it.

We talked to a guy named Ed that was really cool. I guess he used to meet with the missionaries. I  noticed a cool painting hanging above his stairs and asked about it. It's a Christensen painting. I can't
remember the first name of the artist but he is LDS and I really like his style. It's...I would say  whimsical. Anyway the painting is of the woman with the issue of blood that was healed by touching Christ's robes. I guess that painting is the reason he decided to talk to the Elders in the first place, because the Elder recognized the painting and told him it was done by a Mormon. Interesting how things play out. He was really nice, not necessarily that interested but I think we'll go back and see more where his interest is.

We also had a lesson with a woman named Billur. It was a set appointment already when I got here. The sisters before I got here went to Thanksgiving at a non members house and Billur asked to learn
more about our church. Our appointment with her went SO well. She is amazing. It was the hugest miracle, I could've just cried and cried. She is from Turkey and was introduced to Christianity  because her father's work brought him to the United States and he became Christian. They studied the Bible and developed their faith in God at home but didn't participate in a religious group. She has been feeling she would like more structure in her religious observance and that is why she asked to meet with us. She ate up everything. She has a very strong faith in Christ and knows how to receive answers to prayers. She is so open and willing to learn. She is excited to read the Book of Mormon and wants to come to church. Honestly she is probably the most prepared person I have met on my mission. Unfortunately she is very very busy because she is a pediatrician and is picking up extra shifts since people want off for the holidays so we haven't heard much from her yet. Hopefully soon!

We have been sharing the initiative video with all our members. In one of the lessons the conversation that came up brought a scripture to mind. 2 Nephi 2:8, "Wherefore, how great the importance to make these things known unto the inhabitants of the earth, that they may know that there is no flesh that can dwell in the presence of God, save it be through the merits, and mercy, and grace of the Holy Messiah, who layeth down his life according to the flesh, and taketh it again by the power of the Spirit, that he may bring to pass the resurrection of the dead, being the first that should rise." How great the importance to make these things known!

We also did a lot of service this week. Maybe a little too much. All I want to do is talk to everyone! Ha, it's hard here to find people to talk to without biking. Not too many people out and about to  contact. It's really bumming me out because I have important things to share! Any suggestions to find people to talk to welcome. Just be aware that a lot of public places we aren't really allowed to proselyte. Anyway we did service raking leaves for an elderly couple. That was fun. We also  volunteered at a snack shack for a basketball tournament. Lots of people! That was a pretty cool  service opportunity.

We also attended a fancy Christmas dinner for one of the wards. They had fine china and 5 Christmas trees. We had a fun time getting to know the members we were sitting with. We had to leave before they did the program but we heard it was really spiritual and wonderful and some of the non members there started asking questions. How cool! Even though we weren't there, the members that brought them answered all their questions really well and testified of the Savior. Awesome. The people here are amazing.

On Sunday we go to both wards, so lots of church plus ward council. I was getting jittery by the end. Silva Valley ward council was amazing though. I think I found the promised land. The whole meeting was actually a council (everyone discussing together what can be done) and focused on helping those in the ward and increasing the spirit in our church meetings. Then we went in early for their Sacrament meeting and it was so reverent. The testimonies were so great and the youth are amazing. It's seriously such a great ward. I was also asked to bear my testimony in both wards. Each time called from the pulpit with no advance notice haha. It was good though.

We also got to watch the Christmas devotional which was great!

Today for p-day we went to Old Folsom which was really fun. Then the usual grocery shopping, zone sports etc. Sister Erickson's family sent her a giant box of presents, one for each day of December preceding Christmas. Many of them have two, one for me and one for her. It's been really fun. We have a little Christmas tree with some ornaments, stockings, red nail polish, some candy, and this morning we opened matching Santa hats. Every morning a party! Love you all!

Sister Robinson

Life in high society

Party favor from the R.S. party

ALL the presents.

Well, I had a pretty good first week here in Folsom! This is the first time I've been over two wards, so that is an adjustment. It is so hard to keep track of who is in which ward and which ward we are in! The area is huge. We can't really bike hardly at all because it is huge and very hilly. That makes me super sad. Biking makes me feel so productive and awesome! Though when it is raining I am very grateful to have a car. I also haven't figured out anywhere to run yet. I can't run around where we live because it is too hilly. I'm so sad, I was finally getting in a good habit of running. :/ Anyway, we live with some members. Well actually we live on their property in a studio apartment above their garage. It's pretty nice aside from the fact we have to walk downstairs and to a different building to use the kitchen. I'm just sticking to cold food and we are very blessed to have dinners set up all the time so I still get nice dinners. I'm so spoiled. Anyway this area is VERY affluent. The people are awesome though. SO friendly and nice. My companion, Sister Erickson, is from Sandy, Utah. She is 29, has been out 8 months and is a convert. She is really nice, super goofy, and we are getting along great. She has a terrible memory though so I get to work on my memory skills haha.

We went to a Relief Society Christmas dinner this week. It was super fancy. I felt like I stepped into serious high society. They all have large enough homes they use their homes for these activities instead of the church. It looked like a wedding reception. I saw some little yellow Christmas trees on the table and wondered why they were yellow. Turned out they were butter. The house was 10,000 sq.
feet. It was super pretty. Also everyone here is gorgeous, skinny, and has perfect hair. I kind of felt like I was in a movie at first but I'm getting used to it.

We talked to a guy named Ed that was really cool. I guess he used to meet with the missionaries. I  noticed a cool painting hanging above his stairs and asked about it. It's a Christensen painting. I can't
remember the first name of the artist but he is LDS and I really like his style. It's...I would say  whimsical. Anyway the painting is of the woman with the issue of blood that was healed by touching Christ's robes. I guess that painting is the reason he decided to talk to the Elders in the first place, because the Elder recognized the painting and told him it was done by a Mormon. Interesting how things play out. He was really nice, not necessarily that interested but I think we'll go back and see more where his interest is.

We also had a lesson with a woman named Billur. It was a set appointment already when I got here. The sisters before I got here went to Thanksgiving at a non members house and Billur asked to learn
more about our church. Our appointment with her went SO well. She is amazing. It was the hugest miracle, I could've just cried and cried. She is from Turkey and was introduced to Christianity  because her father's work brought him to the United States and he became Christian. They studied the Bible and developed their faith in God at home but didn't participate in a religious group. She has been feeling she would like more structure in her religious observance and that is why she asked to meet with us. She ate up everything. She has a very strong faith in Christ and knows how to receive answers to prayers. She is so open and willing to learn. She is excited to read the Book of Mormon and wants to come to church. Honestly she is probably the most prepared person I have met on my mission. Unfortunately she is very very busy because she is a pediatrician and is picking up extra shifts since people want off for the holidays so we haven't heard much from her yet. Hopefully soon!

We have been sharing the initiative video with all our members. In one of the lessons the conversation that came up brought a scripture to mind. 2 Nephi 2:8, "Wherefore, how great the importance to make these things known unto the inhabitants of the earth, that they may know that there is no flesh that can dwell in the presence of God, save it be through the merits, and mercy, and grace of the Holy Messiah, who layeth down his life according to the flesh, and taketh it again by the power of the Spirit, that he may bring to pass the resurrection of the dead, being the first that should rise." How great the importance to make these things known!

We also did a lot of service this week. Maybe a little too much. All I want to do is talk to everyone! Ha, it's hard here to find people to talk to without biking. Not too many people out and about to  contact. It's really bumming me out because I have important things to share! Any suggestions to find people to talk to welcome. Just be aware that a lot of public places we aren't really allowed to proselyte. Anyway we did service raking leaves for an elderly couple. That was fun. We also  volunteered at a snack shack for a basketball tournament. Lots of people! That was a pretty cool  service opportunity.

We also attended a fancy Christmas dinner for one of the wards. They had fine china and 5 Christmas trees. We had a fun time getting to know the members we were sitting with. We had to leave before they did the program but we heard it was really spiritual and wonderful and some of the non members there started asking questions. How cool! Even though we weren't there, the members that brought them answered all their questions really well and testified of the Savior. Awesome. The people here are amazing.

On Sunday we go to both wards, so lots of church plus ward council. I was getting jittery by the end. Silva Valley ward council was amazing though. I think I found the promised land. The whole meeting was actually a council (everyone discussing together what can be done) and focused on helping those in the ward and increasing the spirit in our church meetings. Then we went in early for their Sacrament meeting and it was so reverent. The testimonies were so great and the youth are amazing. It's seriously such a great ward. I was also asked to bear my testimony in both wards. Each time called from the pulpit with no advance notice haha. It was good though.

We also got to watch the Christmas devotional which was great!

Today for p-day we went to Old Folsom which was really fun. Then the usual grocery shopping, zone sports etc. Sister Erickson's family sent her a giant box of presents, one for each day of December preceding Christmas. Many of them have two, one for me and one for her. It's been really fun. We have a little Christmas tree with some ornaments, stockings, red nail polish, some candy, and this morning we opened matching Santa hats. Every morning a party! Love you all!

Sister Robinson

A Savior is Born

Hi guys!

This week was wonderful! I'm always surprised that even when I think a week is going to be stressful, it always turns out to be nice and enjoyable. :) Even though there are stresses, it's still fun! The first week of transfers are always really, really busy for us in the office. So many missionaries calling for things, and going and getting the new missionaries, dropping off and saying goodbye to the old missionaries, getting everything ready so the new missionaries have a good welcome, and can get to their new companions and areas without too many problems, and so forth. And this time a lot of things went wrong with the flights, so I got to order and change a lot of flight plans. It was awesome. And besides the coolness that happened in our area.

A family invited us over to have these awesome mini fried pigs-in-a-blanket. Or something like that. It was ham and cheese wrapped in dough and fried. It was delicious, and they invited a friend over! We taught him, and he wants us to come visit him again this week! Hopefully that goes well! 

And we got to teach Gerardo, and he is honestly so awesome. He asked us, "So what else do I need to do to get baptized?" We were kind of just like... Ummmm.... we can help you with that. :) haha. So we explained to him about Christ and the atonement and the commandments. He is honestly too receptive to be true, but we feel very blessed to have found him, and we believe he has been really prepared by God to be part of His church. 

I hope you have all been able to watch the video that the church made about Christmas! You probably have. I thought it was really interesting. It was so different from last year's video. Some things that called my attention was that they were all children/youth, that they were bearing testimony, and it left us all with the invitation. To discover why. To understand more deeply, or maybe discover it or understand it for the first time. He was born so that I... may live again; can be clean, can be whole, can try again, and so many other reasons that we don't think about as much as we should. "And shall call his name, Immanuel... God with us."

I bear my testimony that I know that He was born to save us from our sins and sadness. He was born, a Savior, to satisfy the needs of justice and extend to us His hands of mercy. What did His hands do for you? What are they doing for you? 

I love you a lot. I hope you are all getting way excited for Christmas, and have plans to make it about the Savior, and discover why for yourself, with your children, with your family, with your friends. 

Love,

Elder Robinson

December 5

Hello family,
2 Ne. 2:27
Wherefore men are free according to the flesh and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life,through the great Mediator of all men or to choose captivity and death according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself.
 This scripture reminded me of a quote from Shakespeare that was given at an Associated Food Stores training several years ago. If I remember correctly Charity and Andrew were with us and the speaker had us memorize this and recite it together. It was a fun time and the speaker was Hyrum Smith.

   What win I if I gain the thing I seek?
A dream, a breath, a froth of fleeting joy.
Who buys a minutes mirth to wail a week?
Or sales eternity to get a toy?
For one sweet grape who would the vine destroy?
Or what fond beggar, but to touch the crown,
would with the scepter straight be stricken down?

"What would a man give in exchange for his soul?"
It is a great blessing to have the scriptures and the words of living prophets to help us remember and understand our purpose and blessings here in this mortal experience.
I love you all. Have a great week.
Dad

Friday, November 27-Friday, December 4, 2015

Friday night as we sat around the table at Annie's restaurant in Kalibo with now Brother Green, yes, there were five of us at the table visiting and something fell on my head just off my forehead.  I tipped my head so whatever it was would fall off, but I still felt the weight so while my head was tipped, I used my hand and fingers to flip whatever it was out. Scurry, scurry, that little lizard ran right in front of Ray across the table and gone.  😫. Why me?!  Brother Green provided the hotel for us which was so kind, we were not expecting it.  We were really happy to enjoy his company again as he and Wendy left in September and have been good friends to us.
Saturday President Aquino texted us while we were at the hotel and said they had a surprise for us.  Could we come to the mission home at 11:00?  Well it took four and a half hours to get there, very bad roads, and lots of repairs going on.  We ran into horrific traffic taking Brother Green to the wharf to get his boat back to Bacolod, but President said to come when we could so we went right to the mission home.  They had prepared their version of Thanksgiving dinner for us and 24 other missionaries but all had eaten and gone by the time we arrived (hastening the work) so it was just saved for us.  Of course, I was so appreciative of their thoughtfulness and hard work.  They are such good people.  Since this is my journal, I will tell the truth:  I had thought the surprise was a new missionary couple😓. But...well, I guess food is not my first priority.  I know President Aquino would really like a new couple.  We have lost two, early, and no replacements.  At 3:00 we had a meeting with Iloilo Stake Self Reliance committee in the Arevalo chapel.  Be self reliant.  "Mission Possible". "Mission Impossible" is only at the cinema.  At 6:15 we gave Butch and Michele a ride home and went straight to Mandurriao for Gerald and Marcel Salem's reception.  I was asked to be on the program to give advice.  Ray told me he had something to say.  He told the story of Sir Thomas Moore when his wife and love of his life got small pox and was scarred on her face and would not come out of her room but stayed locked in there in the dark.  He sang and slipped a note to her under the door:  "Believe me, if all those endearing young charms, Which I gaze on so fondly today, Were to change by tomorrow, and fleet in my arms, Like fairy gifts fading away, Thou wouldst still be adored, as this moment thou art, Let thy loveliness fade as it will, And around the dear ruin each wish of my heart Would entwine itself verdantly still." Ray recited this from memory.  It was so touching and others were crying.  Here is the second verse which he did not recite because he thought it too long, but he also has it memorized:  "It is not while beauty and youth are thine own, And thy cheeks unprofaned by a tear, That the fervor and faith of a soul can be known, To which time will but make thee more dear; No, the heart that has truly loved never forgets, But as truly loves on to the close, As the sunflower turns on her God, when he sets, The same look which she turned when he rose."  I loved standing beside him as he spoke with emotion.  Oh, how I love this man.  Then it was my turn and I told them to remember that inside her is a little girl and inside him is a little boy.  Be so kind and tender to those little hearts inside each other.  Before getting in and out of bed each morning and night, kneel together in prayer, holding hands.  If you are unhappy, do not look at each other.  Look at yourself and your relationship with Heavenly Father.  Is it slipping?  Are you reading the scriptures?  After giving Sister Cordero a ride home, we went home 9:30.  Ray put out the garbage and threw out my fermented fruit salad😫.
Sunday Sister Cagape, San Miguel elders...everyone here texting me wishing me a happy birthday.  We attended Mandurriao Ward in the morning.  President Insigne visited and announced from the pulpit that it was Sister Robinson's birthday.  I had more well wishes than I have ever had in my life.  One was particularly special, Brother Maximo, who speaks little English or at least converses little in English, wished me a happy birthday with a warm, sincere handshake and blessed me with power.  What a tender wish from the heart.  He and his wife have eight children, the oldest girl died in a motorcycle accident as a teenager before they knew the gospel.  The next daughter, Christine did the Job Search class with me.  Then there are six basketball hustling boys.  The meeting was the Primary program and every mother in the audience is worried about their child's behavior and sending hand motions to sit, to be quiet, to sing, to listen, to sit up😊. It was fun.  At 2:00 we attended San Miguel group sacrament meeting, 8 actual members attended.  It was more interesting than usual--a chicken was running around through the doorway; bread was lacking for the sacrament so they used Skyflakes crackers, broken...talks were given in Ilongo; well, we don't understand most of it until they read scriptures in English.  We left after the first meeting to pick up Mel and Erl Cozzens to go with us to Arquiolos-- their first grand child's first birthday and mine and Mel Cozzens.  It was a catered dinner for at least 70 plus people.  There was a lechon, salads, rice, noodles/vegetables, chocolate fountain with lots of stuff to dip along with cupcakes--some riding in a ferris wheel, decorations, Filipino style piñata--we took pictures.  Chairs and tables were decorated and set up outside with a nice breeze.  It was perfect.  We took Cozzens home after dark and they invited us in to use their Internet and WIFI.  My iPad is not picking up Elder Andrew's letters and pictures this week; lucky for me, Ray's did.  Came home at 8:00, ate popcorn, bed.
Monday left at 7:00 am for a buffet breakfast at the Promenade to celebrate my birthday with Elder and Sister Cushing, who are missionaries on Guimaras.  Then we went shopping for missionary gifts 200P and went to the new section of SM Mall.  It's beautiful--lots of food places coming in.  Ray and I had gelato, he had dark chocolate/mascarpone(soft cheese, like eating soft butter) and I had mascarpone/mojito(lime).  We let Cushings off to go to the boat and we shopped some more.  At 4:30 we went to Jalandoni, 6:30 we headed home.
Tuesday was district meeting.  Ray captured a mouse, a lizard, and a worm in our apartment today--all are disposed of and he is mopping the floor😊.  7:50 we went to the meeting with the sisters in the truck.  9:45 the meeting was over and we headed to Arevalo to hand in the vehicle report and other things for our district leader.  Returned to the apartment for lunch, rested 1:40 purchased water.  I have five new shingles.  Are they ever going away?  Then to Jalandoni to prepare the Institute lesson, 6:15 home, snack, wrapped Christmas presents for missionary Christmas conference, went over and did the scripture candle tradition with Kyle Sorilla.  We sang Precious Savior, Dear Redeemer, and read the scripture for December 1:  Luke 8:41-56.  Back to the apartment for bed.
Wednesday, 12/2 started the wash, no water.  Ray climbed up the stairs to the second level, over the rod iron rail, around the corner to a short rod iron ladder attached to the side wall and onto the roof to fix the floater that gets stuck rather regularly.  9:30 went to the center, worked on the Institute lesson, worked on our own budget together for returning home to the states, did some gift shopping again, shared a buko juice, home to eat and rest.  We received a great email from Charity today.  Now we are returning to Jalandoni to teach "Managing Financial Resources Wisely".  We had four present.  One girl told about how she was saving her money because she needs to pay for her school uniform but she didn't have enough.  It was Sunday so she paid her tithing at church.  Her aunt came to visit that day and gave her some money...enough to pay for her uniform and some extra.  She knows that was her blessing from paying her tithing.  5:00 we walked the Esplanade.  Home.  Snack.  Scripture candle.  9:00 pm bed.
Thursday 9:30 am we went to the mission office for Elder BJ Villavert to be set apart for his mission in Naga.  11:00 we headed to the airport with Grace and President Villavert and Elder Villavert.  The mother did not come.  She is in the hospital since yesterday.  We had lunch with them at the airport and at 2:00 he was off.  They were so worried about him being alone and just 18 and having never been away from home.  But the Lord knows our concerns and it is amazing how He sends tender mercies.  We happened onto another father sending his son also to Manila for ten days before he goes to Australia for his mission.  He is 25 and from Estancia, North Stake; his daughter is in San Diego for the winter but she has been serving in the Salt Lake Temple Square Mission.  She will come home and marry Arquiola  son, where we had dinner for my birthday.  Anyway, it gave Villaverts comfort knowing this 25 year old missionary would be on the plane with their missionary son and would be making the same connections in Manila for the same hotel and going to the MTC together.  BJ was happy to have a companion, as well, I'm sure when he found the other elder on the plane.  We left the Villaverts at the Molo van/bus terminal to go home to Antique, we were blessed to FaceTime with Amy for ten minutes.  At 4:30 we went to the Esplanade for our mile and a half walk and while there some college girls asked if they could take a pictures with us.  Of course.  They said we were their "dream couple".  One girl said, "You are so cute."  It is the closest I will get to a Princess Diana experience.  All the people love to say hello to us.  At 5:30 we came home, ate a cracker with tuna, did our scripture candle and to bed.
Friday we washed, waited for someone to come check out the leak in the c.r. ceiling.  Then we went shopping, ate, rested and 1:30 went to Jalandoni.  Went to the Esplanade for our walk at 5:00.  It's been another good week.  I love being with Ray all the time😊.  Love Mom, Grandma, Sister Robinson