Change of Plans

- August 09, 2020

As August began, we thought we would be busy this past week doing a transfer and preparing for 4 more missionaries to leave. It is particularly tricky with no public transportation, so I was working on the logistics of making it all work. I couldn't quite get it figured out, and it was only a few missionaries this time. Then it was announced that Manila was going back on a Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine, so the flights were cancelled, and the shuttle driver would not be able to get here, so the transfer is on hold. We had to phone the 4 departing missionaries to tell them the plans had been changed. The reaction was muted with some, but a couple of the Sisters were overjoyed that they would be able to extend. One thing we are learning through this quarantine time is that things can change quickly, and we need to "go with the flow" and be flexible. They also know that we have no control over this, so they keep smiling and keep going. I have told many of the missionaries not to plan for a particular departure date any more, because they will most likely just end up being disappointed. They are a great example to me, and keep me smiling.

This new quarantine level also meant that Sister Camral's flight was cancelled for the 4th time. She will be a month at the hotel in Manila on the 16th. I joked with her this week that we should have packed her in the suitcase she shipped home. Her mother picked it up early last week. Happily, there are 8 of them there, so they have each other. She tells me she is now serving in the Manila Microtel Hotel Mission. Another great example of finding humor in a difficult situation.

For good news, Elder Dela Cruz finished his 14 day quarantine and is now home. It took a month, but he is there. 28 month mission.

The members in her area say that Sister Teweia is no longer "Walking Dead". They say she is now "Resurrected". 22 months and counting! She and her companion had a baptism yesterday to celebrate the occasion.

We had a mission devotional on Wednesday, and I gave a talk on Enduring to the End. I have been a little distraught this week, because the birds I was so excitingly watch out my window abandoned their nest. The little egg is just sitting there, and they have been gone for over a week. We had a lot of rain for a few days, and I don't know if that is why they gave up, but it has been so very sad to think about what might have been. If they had only held on a little longer. I remembered a talk by Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin a number of years ago, when he reminded us that on the dark Fridays of our lives, we must always remember that "Sunday Will Come". The Savior was crucified on a dark and sad Friday, but eventually Sunday came and he was resurrected and brought to all of us new life.

Yesterday was a busy day, attending two baptisms in two different towns and being the "Mission Jeepney" to get the involved missionaries to the churches on time. It was good to be busy. It was good to see that the work continues to move forward. Both of the sisters that were baptized have been waiting for months for this day. Pandemics, quarantines and fear cannot stop the work of the Lord.

As is normal for celebrations in the Philippines, we were treated to a "merienda" at each baptism. We had Filipino-style Spaghetti (served cold and the sauce is quite sweet in comparison to the way we eat it at home) after the first baptism. At the other, we were treated to a variety of desserts that I had never eaten before, (I particularly liked the coconut cakes that had a peanut coating, called "palitao") and also donuts that were "mas masarap". It was fun to try these new things.