Hello cherished family and friends,
Today our mission was to locate and meet Ronnie Finkernagel (1/16th German). RM, married, father of 2. We had met his active momma at the branch and she gave us his current cell number, mentioning that he lived a long way away. "Was it Manila?" we asked. No, he actually lived within the branch boundaries, but in an outlying neighborhood. So we called Ronnie. He was welcoming and invited us to come meet him.
And so we began the harrowing 5 hour round trip up into a mountain village, on narrow dirt roads, passed washed out bridges, detoured or delayed by construction blockages and landslides. How exciting!
And so we began the harrowing 5 hour round trip up into a mountain village, on narrow dirt roads, passed washed out bridges, detoured or delayed by construction blockages and landslides. How exciting!
Entering Bongabon, home to the Bongabon Branch. Ronnie's home is 18k further.
Ronnie said "When you reach Bongabon turn right at Petron gas station, follow the road going to Baler, I'm living at the foot of the mountain i will see you here, my house is located at the road side with little store in front. Text me and i will wait you here."
Houston…we have a problem…
Are you sure this is the road?
Road? What road?
We were certain we had taken a wrong turn but Ronnie's ongoing texts confirmed that we were getting closer.
This is a major National Road leading to the coastal town of Baler.
Road block during a manmade landslide...
Waiting for clearance to proceed...
This bridge was washed out 3 years ago. No deaths resulted but supplies were cut off and created challenges.
Replacement bridge for compact cars, motorbikes and tricycles.
All other vehicles cross like this...
We have arrived at the Labi neighborhood of 700 souls.
Curious neighbor, I am four and I am not shy.
Great kids. I offered a Tagalog Article of Faith card but none of them can read because their parents cannot afford the p300 ($10) annually for public school.
Their parents cannot read either.
Hheerree's RONNIE! Member of the Bongabon Branch. The ride to church is 36 kilometers round trip. Often too costly to pay for transportation or gasoline. He's been off the radar for 8 years.
Once there, we sat and learned that this RM had converted his sweetheart, married her, and named their daughter Lady Mahana and son Lord Mahonri. You just gotta love a man like that! He worked away from his family as a security guard in Manila for years. He told us that he missed his kids learning to walk, talk, going to school. He decide not to miss them anymore. Two months ago he stopped his job in Manila and moved back to Bongabon.
He now buys charcoal from his neighbors, loads it into his tricycle, hauls it into town and sells it. He also makes and sells very tasty salted garlic peanuts. He says no one in his neighborhood has a better job than he does. He is happy. The baranguay actually numbers about 700 residents. We learned of his employment struggles and his desire to get to church and be able to baptize his daughter. We fanned his desire and encouraged him in his commitments. That is one day we will never forget.
We loved our mission today! 5 hours round trip. Finding the one! Such fun.
He now buys charcoal from his neighbors, loads it into his tricycle, hauls it into town and sells it. He also makes and sells very tasty salted garlic peanuts. He says no one in his neighborhood has a better job than he does. He is happy. The baranguay actually numbers about 700 residents. We learned of his employment struggles and his desire to get to church and be able to baptize his daughter. We fanned his desire and encouraged him in his commitments. That is one day we will never forget.
We loved our mission today! 5 hours round trip. Finding the one! Such fun.
We love you always!
Dad and Mom
G'pa & G'ma Howell
Elder Lane and Sister Carolyn
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