Watch Your Step

Dearest children,

…God is near you,

Watching o'er you day and night,

And delights to own and bless you,

If you strive to do what's right! 

Hi!   We received an email from Lane's brother, Rex.  He and Jean are serving as member/leader support missionaries in Ohio.  They are finding success but commented on how sad it is to observe the tragedy of lost opportunities and blessings when members stray from the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Many pay a high price before returning decades later.  They reminded us, "A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.  SO WATCH YOUR STEP."  The same applies to sons, daughters and grandchildren who face unusual challenges.  When I consider that EVERYONE is challenged then none of us are 'unusual'.   So, choose your steps wisely and stand tall and be counted!

Will you indulge us as we share one snippet of our service in the Philippines?  (Let me back up.  First, you have to learn to spell Philippines with one L and three P's.  We learned this when we met the Consul General to the Philippines in NYC in 2008, so we were one up…)  

Sunday we drove an hour for our first visit to the Majayjay Ward (pronounced mah-high-high).  I wrote this during sacrament meeting:

Today, if you could see what I see.  You would see palm trees out the 2nd floor chapel windows.  The bishop is the 'chorister' as he leans forward between songs to switch CD's and position the mic.  I can see only 6 empty chairs.  The rostrum is filled with ward priesthood leaders and stake visitors for ward conference, and the Howells.  The floral arrangement is held in place by a make-shift hefty bag strap around the podium.  12 fans whirl overhead, 16 windows are wide open for optimum air circulation.  During the sustaining portion Elder Howell's phone rings at full volume in his shirt pocket.  He muffles it with both hands to avoid embarrassment - too late.  It keeps ringing.  At each sustaining of general authorities or church officers he has to choose to cover the phone or release one hand.  He sustains. :o}  Sustaining ends, ringing stops and he hands me his phone for silencing.  He then stands to share a short testimony and sits.  We listen to our humble, valiant friend, Pres Garcia, speak in fluent Tagalog.  He might as well be speaking Chinese.   Pres. Garcia likes to keep his head tightly shaved and wears a ready smile.  He is the father of 4, a construction worker and the stake president.  In the congregation and on the stand with us we notice the smiles and waves of members we know.  Some were in our English class, a few are students we are working with, and others attended a single adult activity last Saturday when we talked about "the best is yet to come".  We also notice Carlo, a 7 year old who attends with his 21 year old sister.  When he smiles his cleft lip smile, even from the last row his eyes light up.  One day his less-active mother may have enough pesos to afford the trip to Manila for his free surgery.  

So, we are home now.  Lane cooked an amazing single batch of tapioca, we read Greg's latest letter, and our internet is working tonight.  Life is rich.  May I simply reaffirm to you, that the best is yet to come!  It's the gospel of Jesus Christ that provides such hope and promise.  As your lucky parents we are excited to see what lies in store for you.  We have a good idea what is coming.  But it is thrilling for us to observe and cheer you on from the stands.  You are on the right team and in the game.  You WILL win!   

We love this ~

"The future of this world has long been declared; the final outcome between good and evil is already known.  There is absolutely no question as to who wins because the victory has already been posted on the scoreboard. The only really strange thing in all of this is that we are still down here on the field trying to decide which team's jersey we want to wear!"   

   

Lessons learned:  Watch your step.  Turn off your cell phone when seated on the stand at ward conference.  Stay on the winning team.  Enjoy your scripture reading, again and again…it takes a lifetime.  We love you!

Scatter smiles & sunshine ;D

Momma and Dad

Sister Carolyn and Elder Lane