Email continued...May 3, 2010

The email continues.... We really felt the Spirit at the meetings in the Dao branch. This branch meets in a house that has 3 levels with a spiral staircase. The main floor is an L shape so they put the pulpit in the middle corner of the room so both sides can see. Something kind of funny told to me about the top floor: the YW meet in that room, it has a large glass window so a person can see out over the countryside, one Sunday the teacher was teaching about being virtures and keeping the law of chastity, one of the girls looked out the window as two cows were mating, told the teacher and girls, they all giggled and went on with the lesson. The branch president asked Elder Adams to speak at the end of the meeting, then turned back and asked if Sister Adams could also. I was a little bit surprised usually they just have Elder Adams speak. I had the impression to bring my Ilonggo notebook with me and I was glad I listened! The members really like it when we try to speak the language. They speak a different language than Cebuano or Ilonggo but can understand both. This group of members travel long distances to come to church so they all bring some food with them to share after church potluck style. It was really fun to see the variety and amounts they brought. Elder Haviland made a huge pan of spaghetti and all of it was gone. We meet the first member of the church in the Panay Island. I forgot to write down his name. I’m not sure when he joined but I do know the church has been in the Philippines for 49 years. He is such a thoughtful man. He has a small truck with benches in the back bed. He has his son goes around the different areas in the mountains and pick up people for church, when it is over he takes them home. Transportation in this area is very limited. We really loved the spirit of the saints here and glad Pres Tobias assigned us to attend church here! We were also able to attend the Belison group. They were so excited we would come visit their small group. Groups have Sunday school and Sacrament meeting only. This group holds Sunday school first. We meet the group leader after Sunday school. He was wearing a t-shirt which we thought was interesting but realize they wear the best they have. Sacrament meeting starts and he is in a white shirt and tie. When the meeting ends he changes back into his t-shirt and hangs his white shirt and tie in the closet so they stay clean! We both spoke after the main speaker. They meet in the front room of the missionaries’ house. It was in the afternoon and very hot. The missionaries had their fan running and a member brings a fan with her to use and it was still hot! That meeting was the most members they have had at a meeting. I think it was 20people: minus 6 missionaries and 3 stake leaders equals 11 group leaders! We are not sure if the new mission president will keep this group. It is really having a hard time getting priesthood holders to come to perform their duties. We got up early the next day and the Havilands drove us back to Iloilo about a 2 hour trip over the mountains. We meet up with the Tobias Family at the boat docks to catch the ferry back to Bacolod. It was a wonderful experience to meet member from this beautiful island! I told Elder Adams it will feel good to go back home (you know how you feel after a trip?), but we still have 5 months left before it will be home home! We love all of you and miss the friendships! Hope this hasn’t been real boring. I’ve had a hard time getting emails written lately! Love Elder and Sister Adams