Dear family and friends,
The Philippine people live lives which are rich in beauty, color and spirit…if not in worldly wealth. Our experience here has affected our lives and deepened our testimonies. We share a few photos depicting these beautiful people and their colorful surroundings.
Last Sunday we caught a glimpse of how Filipino members "share the ride" going home from church. These 18…and 4 more…climbed in, on and around one tricycle, operated by a generous member. Note the colorful clothing, the modesty and…daisy duck.
The pink tricycle is aptly named "Singing Zion". You see 13 Filipinos, including the driver. Believe me, there are 9 more, with 7 inside!
Colorful surroundings begin here...
The local mall. You can't miss it. Color, color, color. Buy some sunglasses!
If you have a river, you have a resort, with pink, green, yellow and deep blue houses. Some have thatched roofs, some are tin. But all reflect the vibrancy of life in the Philippines. (The river next runs under the highway, from which we took this picture). On the other side of the highway, many families are using the river for laundry day.
Why NOT a hot pink house?
But if one color is insufficient, feel free to use the whole palate.
Frequently, the church rents a former home to use it as a chapel. Here in Catanauan, even the church is more colorful. Would this work in Utah?
Beautiful architecture, along with color, showcase this home.
But some do not have enough pesos for paint, so their home is "au natural". But note the beauty of the natural landscape, with fruit (bananas) on the trees.
The REAL color here is in the lives of the beautiful people. Here is President S, a district president. He is a giant of a man, even though he had to pull out the step stool behind the podium when he spoke in District Conference. With the fresh flowers that decorated the podium for this special occasion, he then stood on his tiptoes to reach the microphone and see the congregation.
When we first arrived, Vic (seated) helped us bring our home up to workable order. He works for the Church. His wife works in Italy as a domestic worker and returns every 2 or 3 years to be with her family for a few weeks. Along with two Filipino Sister Missionaries, pictured are two sons, a brother and a friend. The home is as colorful inside as out.
For the second year, our great friend President B (left), invited us to Taytay Falls to celebrate our common March birthday week. He also invited a loan recipient (right), Pagotaisidro who we are assisting. We call him Brother P, for obvious reasons.
Riza, one of our Specialists, is rich in sons. The one (lower right) is hand-signaling "gwapo", or "handsome"…which he certainly is.
A specialist training in Olongapo.
Loan recipient, beautiful Celeste, with her two boys Ian Samuel and Daniel Omni. Her husband works abroad but they Skype everyday for family prayer and scripture reading. They have a goal to stay with this employment arrangement for 5 more years. Whew! Such a challenge.
In our most distant location of the Olongapo Mission, we found Sister G. She teaches kindergarten, earning the equivalent of about $75 per month, now and then. A month after this picture, she gave birth (cesarian) to a baby boy. Hospitals require a large payment prior to releasing any patient, so it was a challenge to pay in advance. She faithfully serves in the church and after several years has begun again to remember her promise. She remembers that President Hinckley gave this direction, that we believe is inspired:
If members "even living in poverty and misery…will accept the gospel and live it, pay their tithes and offerings, even though those may be meager…they will have rice in their bowls and clothing on their backs and shelter over their heads. I do not see any other solution." Pres Hinckley, Cebu Philippines 1996
As difficult as her personal circumstances are she greets us with a smile and thanks us for our encouragement.
A random gathering of boys from the street, as we arrived at the church. They held out their hands for money, but today they had to settle for small cookies. (Note how many are "gwapo".)
After several years, Brother C, was located in a far-away village. Sister C was with their young baby who had been hospitalized.
The Branch President helped us find our way. It was heartwarming to listen as this BP looked him in the eye and said simply, "we need you". In the coming days Bro C took turns at his baby's hospital bedside. He spent his time reading the Book of Mormon and sent us texts with news of his son's improvements, release and eventual baby blessing. A few weeks after this visit, the BP scheduled a first-time sacrament meeting in this village. With Brother C's help, over 30 attended. The next week over 45 attended. Frequently, members who cannot afford to come to church just need the church to come to them.
Elder and Sister D, called as local Church Service Missionaries, bring their daughter to our training as an interpreter, and computer advisor. 
After assisting in the 'rescue' of a YSA we stopped by an elementary school that is being helped by Elder and Sister W. In just seconds these kids gathered, in their crisp uniforms, eager for a picture. 
Specialist training with some favorite members.
The Manila staff came to visit us.
Sister O, a loan recipient from years ago, wishes to repay her loan. However, she stays at home with her cute children and need not enter the workforce anytime soon. Her husband is committed to repay the loan on her behalf but currently he is without work. We offered a payment reduction or deferral, and promised blessings when they are able to keep their commitment. 
Elder V, 22, could not serve a mission due to a heart condition. He got special permission to be called as a local Church Service Missionary, to assist us in his home stake. He also serves as the Stake Clerk, Seminary and Institute Supervisor, and Branch 2nd Counselor. He timidly asked us if he could please pursue eternal matters while serving as a missionary. Eternal Matters? (He wanted to date.) We said, absolutely! But just don't wear your missionary badge on dates.
Our Mission has a larger-than-normal Senior Missionary contingent, thanks to aggressive recruiting by President and Sister P (center-right). We are immediately in awe of any missionary coming to serve here. Our first hand knowledge reflects their sacrifice to be far from family, familiar foods and accustomed comforts. (It should be noted that this photo is taken at the magnificent mission home.) We love them all.
Our lives are richer, and much more colorful for having been here, and for having met wonderful, faithful members who find great joy and blessings in following Christ and his prophet. Filipinos travel long distances by tricycle, jeepney or bus to get to church meetings. They sing enthusiastically in a foreign tongue (hymnals are in English). They serve in multiple callings. And after only 50 years of church organization they are now being introduced to home and visiting teaching.
Do you know you were prayed for today? Sister C, a district specialist, gave thanks for the Howells and called down a blessing on our family. WE also give thanks for your support and remember you always in our prayers.
Much love,
Dad and Mom
G'pa and G'ma Howell
Elder Lane and Sister Carolyn
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