Kaibigan for Primary friends

The Philippine equivalent to the Ensign magazine in the US is the Liahona. The monthly insert in the Liahona magazine is equivalent to the Friend magazine. It is called ‘Kaibigan’ which means ‘Friend’.

Aurora Primary children with their ‘Kaibigan’.

The front cover of the February issue is drawn by our son-in-law, Brandon. (Everyone who came in to the office learned what a talented artist he is!) I brought copies of the magazine for all the Primary kids in the two branches we attend. They were so happy to have their own copy.

Primary children in the Cauayan 3 Branch.

Career Workshop and Banaue

We have been assigned to teach the Career Workshop to the departing missionaries. It is a class to help them learn about their strengths and abilities, setting goals, and preparing them for further education or work prospects. Career Workshop is usually four or five weeks before they depart, but since Sis. Hiatt was in the hospital, it was postponed to a week before their departure.

After the class, the missionaries whose first language is not English take a test that gauges their knowledge of conversational English. They are asked questions about the weather, or are asked to describe a task, etc. They speak into headphones and use one of the office computers. Most of them are nervous but do just fine.

The next day, the departing missionaries meet at 5:45am to leave for Banaue, the famous rice terraces of the Philippines. Pres. And Sis. Hiatt have taken a group every six weeks for the last 27 months! All senior couples are invited, but not required, to join them. The other two couples declined, so Elder Koontz and I got to go. Besides, another vehicle was needed to transport the four elders, five sisters, and two of the Hiatts’ daughters. The last third of the three hour drive is on narrow, two-lane roads along the mountainside.

 The official marker.

 Panoramic View of Banaue in 2019

This view was taken when I was last here in 1980. I need to find this exact location next trip!

 Senior couple missionaries partying

 The sisters leaving to go home in a few days

 Another panoramic View of Banaue

 Best half of the Koontz senior couple at Banaue Rice Terraces.

Elder Koontz 40 years later and back again!

Paint fumes and a day at the Ilagan Sanctuary

Pres. Hiatt’s term as Mission President ends in July. The Facilities Management group has had workers here for the last two months getting the mission home and mission office ready for the new President. They have been painting the exterior of the buildings and the surrounding wall. The two senior couples’ apartments upstairs got a new coat of paint and some repairs. (We are the only couple that live outside the mission office.)

Last week they painted the mission office interiors. This was a good chance to move and organize things. Elder Koontz and I also lined all the shelves in the Supply Room with heavy plastic, so as not to damage the new paint with all the boxes that arrive for the missionaries.

Here are some pictures taken “during”the painting. When we put everything back, I’ll show some “after” photos.

We have tried to spend some time away from the office just to get some fresh air. On Saturday, March 2nd, we went with another senior couple to Ilagan Sanctuary. It had a lot to offer, though some areas were not open because of damage from the last typhoon. We took in the zoo, the caves, a hike to a waterfall, and a walk through the quiet forest connecting these sites. It was a fun day and a much needed break.

 So many things to see and ways to go.

  Mom can hold the whole mountain up with one little finger.

 The scary creature emerges from the depth of the earth.

 Trapped in a hole

 In the caves.

 The animals were hot and tired.

 The senior couple that we were with chose to play with the large snake. I just took pictures and mom, as you can see below, stayed a long ways away!

 Not getting any closer!

 The hike up to the falls was worth it. It was easy and beautiful.

 Mom took the oppurtinity to cool her heels.

 There was only enough room in and on the back of the trike for us 2 couples, so our guide rode on top.

 One last picture with our guide before we left.

There is always rice or corn being dried on the highway. You just use the other lane.

The real work animal of the Philippines.