Craigs in Cauayan

As I spend a lot of time at my desk in the mission home these days, I have found myself drawn to the palm tree growing outside the window.  I have watched it grow over the past year, seeing the slender upward spike grow taller and wider, until one day, the side splits open and a new frond bursts from the spine. As if this wasn't exciting enough, recently a pair of red-collared turtle doves have taken up residence.  First building a little nest, and now taking turns sitting on a treasured egg or eggs (haven't been able to get a close enough look!).  They are diligent and faithful, rarely leaving the nest.  I am drawn to them, watching their preparations for their little family, and how they are focussed on their purpose.  Right now their work is just a lot of sitting.  Sitting and preparing.  I am looking forward to the day when there will be babies in the nest to watch.  It is the miracle of life.  And I am drawn to it. Sitting. On the 14th a...

Gilda and family A few days ago I was in the City of Ilagan visiting missionaries there.  My phone rang.  At first I ignored it because I was interviewing a missionary.  After they called again a second time, I suspected that it was an important call, so I called back.  I heard a kindly female voice ask, “President this is Gilda, do you remember me?”  My mind raced to place her.  I asked, "Where are you from?"  She responded “Batac, Ilocos Norte”.  I did remember her!  Batac was the last city I served in as a young missionary.  Gilda was one of the last people I baptized, just before I finished my mission and returned home.  She may have even been the last person I taught and baptized, I cannot now remember.  She was a beautiful young teenager of 14 or 15 years old.  She had some friends and family in the little branch that was there that invited her to join them at church.  I left Batac in late February 1983 an...