I was waiting to blog until I had some exciting news, then realized everything I do here is exciting!
Scott and Taylor are coming to the Philippines the first week of April, I try not to think of it yet, because my heart gets to beating so fast. Having Scott come was so great, like a big hunk of carrot cake and with Taylor coming, I now have the cream frosting on the cake. Everyone I tell they care coming get excited, the filipino people love to have visitors, they are very proud of their country.
Okay, I am now a licensed driver in the Philippines. After, I got my license, my driver had me drive back to the office, when we arrived, he clapped for me and said I was a good driver. The next day, Sister Clark asked me to take her to the American Embassy so she could get some personal papers notorized. Of course, I was glad to help, after all I had a license and was told I was a good driver. We didn't know exactly how to get their but we have experience mapping the Philippines, finding the embassy would be no big deal. However, I did not know that that area of Metro Manila is one of the busiest traffic areas, no place for a novice Philippine driver. You guessed it, a van whipped in front of me and tore my bumper loose, Sister Clark and I were not hurt, I was barely going 5 miles an hour. I got out of the car, and the driver of the van immediately began saying it was my fault, I wan't taking the blame for his bad driving, a policeman happened to showed up, we decided to let the insurance companies handle it, no one got a ticket. All the information I got was the van driver's name, phone number and license plate number. When I brought the car to the fleet manager and told him my sad story, his face didn't even change expressions, he just took the key said to come back later in the afternoon and when I did, they had another car ready for me. I bought a steering wheel cover and some sunglasses, now I feel more prepared. The real test everyday is driving in and out of the parking garage. We park underground the 5th level (very bottom), with all the twist and turns, it takes at least 5 minutes to get in and out.
Sister Clark and I have been asked to speak at Sacrament meeting next Sunday in the branch we attend. I will be speaking on the atonement, prayers my way will help, fortunately keeping the information simply is the best way here, but how does one keep the topic of the atonement simple?
We flew to Cebu Mission the weekend of the 11th and 12th. All my mapping appointments were on Friday. Elder and Sister Aguilar are now at the mission home in Cebu, you may remember we were in the MTC together and they were here in the Quezon Mission for about 3 months filling in before going to Cebu. Elder Aquilar had meetings to attend on Saturday, so Sister Aguilar and I visited for awhile, went shopping, had lunch and a yummy treat, all in all we spent about 5 hours together, it was great, I just love being in the presence of the Aguilars.
Last Sunday I had a mapping appointment at a district about 2 hours away, Sister Clark made arrangements for Elder and Sister Sorensen, (he is the executive secretary to the area presidency and is over the mapping, they arrived here just before Christmas), to take us and so Elder Sorensen could observe my mapping, of course the appointment was made before I knew anything about it. When I first heard he was going to observe, I felt anxious, but I remembered I do this mapping all the time and with mighty prayer I could even do it better, Elder Sorensen learned how the mapping is done and was impressed. I don't know if he was impressed with how the mapping is done or with my abilities, both I hope.
Again, I am so grateful for my family and their support. I love them so much and have learned to more appreciated their love, kindness and sweetness to me, a mission is hard but made easier with the love and support of family and friends. Thank you all!
