Epistle #10 of 20

Dear Friends and Family,

Our missionary routine here in the Philippines has become our life -- it feels as if we have always lived here and that experiences from home are but a wonderful dream.  We continue to travel many days of each week, navigating familiar roads and on occasion discovering a new path.  

On a recent evening, we stopped at one of a thousand roadside vendors to buy corn, freshly boiled in a large pot.  The fire on the ground is coconut husks, the corn is in-husk, the moist salt is in a piece of saran-wrap, gathered and twisted.   But no butter - drat!  Dairy products are uncommon, due to lack of refrigeration.  Each ear is 10 pesos, or about 24 cents.  Sweet and delicious!

A few minutes later we stopped at another vendor to select two watermelons.  Pulling off the road left us virtually inside their fruit stand, which doubled as the home of the little family entrepreneurs.  The mother and a toddler were sitting on a bed behind the melons, watching a small TV.  The purchase was made from our car window, negotiated with the young son who was "on-duty".   Each giant melon cost about $6, which we happily paid.  This may have been a "special price" for Americanos.

There was a light rain and it was dark (by 6:30pm, even in the summer).  The 1 hr 45 minute return trip home came after a 1 hour presentation in Siniloan, a fairly remote town.  We spoke on the value of education and the need for balance - secular and religious.  Carolyn is our expert with Power Point (Apple Keynote).  She models a presentation for any occasion from a long list of pre-selected slides - family pictures and prophetic quotes.  We then bounce back and forth with the microphone, teaching and testifying.  This group was about 150 youth and leaders from a stake and a district.  Most came rolling in to the district center in jeepney buses.  To "peak" their interest, we set up 11 tables and had the wards and branches "compete" in an effort to build the tallest tower from mini marshmallows and raw spaghetti.  

What a fun time, watching them devise structures that mostly tipped, swayed and collapsed.  But the winner topped out at 47 inches.  Then we reemphasized the value of balance in our lives and the only sure foundation, our Lord Jesus Christ.

Generoso is one of our PEF participants.  He had a new baby, which he thought would be a girl.  We asked if his wife had had an ultra-sound, but he said, "no, the Lord told me it would be a girl".  To his amazement, the baby arrived as a boy, and he laughed and said, "the Lord surprise me - my wished is wrong".  He invited us to come by and "shake his new baby's hand".  Ironically, we were passing through his town a few hours after the birth, coming home from an 8-hour trip to Naga.  Carolyn texts as we go, so we got the news on the road and stopped at the hospital.  Beds everywhere, in a single room (which doubled as the labor, delivery and recovery room). 

He and his sweet wife, Lea, were so honored for our "handshake".  Generoso has struggled for 8 years to repay a $120 educational loan, with very little progress.  This month, an anonymous donor paid his loan in full for him.  His gratitude was beyond words.  We were invited a month later to come to the blessing, which Lane performed.

Without power for our projector, we invited 14 kids to come forward at a youth conference to represent our own family, and then we spoke about each of our kids.  They laughed and laughed as we gave them new names, education and mission histories.

A mountain resort near Nagcarlan, where we spoke to a Stake Youth Group.

Many towns have "festivals", but this one in Lucban draws crowds from miles around.  Lane loves hats!  This one was the winner.  Functional, beautiful, and cheap!

More cheap hats 

Hard to choose...

I give up.

 Elder Lane and our host, President B.

 

Another day, another stake youth conference, another Sister Howell Keynote.  Elder Howell taught this group "The Wave".

 

Tropical plants come in all varieties, but this hanging blue-flowered plant was most unusual.

Fascinating.  Kids playing in the river, with umbrellas to keep them dry from the rain!!

A beautiful family, with the "family car", heading home from church.  The mother stayed for another meeting or she would be on the "bus".  

Not just any two sister missionaries in our mission, but Sister M from India and Sister F from Pakistan!!  We told them we thought people from their countries didn't get along.  They laughed.  These companions are best of friends.  The one from India already has a masters degree.

President B, introducing the Howells at yet another young adult activity.

At a Stake YSA Dance, they have to "check their cell phones at the door".

 

The Taal volcano, rising up from a lake, in the mouth of another, much bigger, volcanic cone.  Fish farms dot the lake.

Carolyn couldn't resist taking the photo, but not the strawberries.  For sale in Manila, imported, for only 929.95 pesos, or about $22.00 -- YES, $22.00 for 18 strawberries (only one row deep).

Lunch at The Outback with Elder Howell -- after our 1st trip to the temple, marking our halfway point.

What a great experience we are having.  The culture is unique.  The Filipino people are warm and kind.  The Church is having an impact.  One day, these people will help carry the Gospel into all of Asia.  

We are delighted to hear from you whenever you have a minute to write.  We recently enjoyed photos from the Creek family reunion, K's blessing day, I's blessing day and welcoming baby C.  Blogs and FB posts are an added perk for seniors missionaries.  In fact, if any of you are wondering why we are on FB every single day…we are encouraged to contact students monthly.  Half of them are on FaceBook.   One young man had been lost for 4 years.  After searching for 5 months we found him, on FB!  

We are his first 2 FB friends!  Last week we had lunch with him and introduced him to his bishop.  So, we continue to seek them out every day.  Along the way we also find many of you looking back at us.  

We love you.  We miss you.  Thanks for sharing time with us.  Your support helps us very much.   

Elder and Sister Mom and Dad

(Carolyn and Lane)

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

Epistle #9 of 20

Hello Friends and Family,

After our last epistle, which was a long narrative, we thought it would be a good idea to give you a pictorial essay of the culture here in the Philippines.  Each picture is real, not staged. 

There are two Filipino phrases in common circulation:

"It's more fun in the Philippines" (the Philippines Travel Council's new promotional slogan), and "Only in the Philippines" (used with a smile and a sheepish shoulder shrug).

Small houses are built along the road-side and then transported with a "Moving Company"

Rice fields are often mud-bogs, and the cows love it.

A low-budget "Wedding Breakfast"

Yes, if you look closely, you will see bottled "Sweat".  Can it be real?

Only in the Philippines

Our sweet neighbors harvest "Jack Fruit" to be sold on the streets.  Don't let one drop on you!

On a hot day, we stopped to get a bottle of soda pop.  Before we knew it, the vendor had saved the bottle for recycling by transferring the soda into a plastic bag with a straw.  Try putting these in a car cupholder.

Auditioning for Ariel.  First, you have to get a stylish sea-suit...

Only in the Philippines...an umbrella parking lot at church.

Look closely.  That is Sister Howell's foot, with bread stuffed between her toes, feeding tropical fish!

Environmentalists!!

In Legazpi, near the base of the Mayon Volcano, mashed potatoes are a rare treat.  And presentation is everything...a volcanic imitation, with green fire erupting.

At the local hotel, the Beltrano Family gathers for a reunion....what do you sing?

Rice packets made from palm leaves.  All you have to do is drop the packet in the water for 10 minutes.  It will come out bursting with cooked rice.

If you are going to sell watermelon by the roadside, advertising is essential...

Only in the Philippines!

Our fragile and feathery flower favorite.  Note the raspberry-looking bud that appears one day before the blossom.

We have no idea how basketball became the primary national sport for people with an average height of 5 feet.  But it is played everywhere.  And they never let a typhoon stand in their way!  

Only in the Philippines!

Rice terraces.  Everywhere.  Beautiful.

Note:  Normally there are 5 to 15 riders on top.  Under the windshield, a good motto.  Especially for those riding on top.

Education is important.  Very important.  Get to school WHATEVER it takes!  This bridge is crossed TWICE each day.

An exotic garden palm.  We bought a smaller variation for our home garden.

"Not for use by children under the age of 20"

Exotic blooms everywhere.

Let's see...was this YOUR power bill or MINE?

Only in the Philippines!

Rice candy on Carolyn's lap.  Wrapped in palm leaves on the right and ready-to-eat on the left.  Gummy and somewhat sweet.  I'll pass on this one.

You can't believe it until you see it. It replaces the family van.  This is a published picture.  So far we have only found instances of 5 on one motorcycle.  How could you qualify for the HOV lanes with only 5?

We love it here.  The people, places, and experiences will always be cherished.

Love,

Dad and Mom

Lane and Carolyn

Elder and Sister Howell

Epistle #8 of 20

Hi dear family & friends,

It will soon be 4 months since we began monthly trips into the Naga area.  These visits keep us busy as we move from motel to motel and stake to district, as the case may be.  

Several key events have occurred that we decided to highlight in this letter home.  

We planned a day in Ligao to seek out a few young people who were experiencing challenges with education and employment.  It is always wise to invite a few locals who can guide us and make introductions.  So, on a pleasant Thursday morning we drove the country roads to the small city of Ligao.  Carolyn was navigator while also attempting to phone or text our contacts who might be available to help us in our search.  Nobody answered.  Strike one.  Nobody texted back.  Strike two.  Lane maneuvered the narrow streets and swerved clear of every bus, dog, motorcycle, rooster, tricycle, pedestrian, and caribou that played chicken with him. 

We arrived to Ligao, checked into our motel and glanced again and again at our phone for messages.  Blank.  We sat still and waited, wondering if we were about to strike out for the day.  Then, a text, "Gud pm po P Datoon po 2 pwde po bukas nalang kasi subrang busy ako ngayon salamat.."  We might not understand tagalog but we could read President. Datoon. busy.  Strike three.

Then a godsend.  A miracle.  Pres Datoon's sister, Dolor, spotted our call for help and gave her brother the tiniest kick in the rear and said to him, "these are missionaries and we are going to help them."  Within a few minutes Daniel and Dolor were at our motel.  Turns out that their sister, Digna, is married to the other branch president we needed.  Also, Dolor's husband is a counselor in the district presidency.  We had a very successful day.  Two branch presidents, one district counselor and three young people counseled and encouraged.  Do not be amazed yet...

Now, the really amazing part!  Our gratitude prompted us to invite the three Datoon siblings to dinner with their spouses (pictured below).  

We invited them to talk about their church involvement in Ligao.  It all began 32 years ago when the Datoon family of 11 were taught and baptized.  Although patriarch Datoon passed away, the other 10 all remain as active christians.  They are forever grateful to their missionary, Elder Rick L H.  Now THAT is amazing!

Carolyn excitedly explained that her sister had married that return missionary of theirs!  

How cool it was to open our laptop to share photos of the H family now and to place a skpye call, right from the restaurant table.  Nevermind, it was 5 a.m. in Indiana.  We had never even bothered to ask where in the Philippines Rick had served.  There were only a few missions in 1978-1980.  Now there are 17!

Notes from one of our Ligao PEF visits:  The barangay (neighborhood) paths were too narrow for our car so we arrived on Pres Datoon's tricycle.  Lea, age 27, was young and beautiful.  She is married with 3 children (ages 5, 3 and 6 months).  Her husband was out looking for food.  They live in poverty with Lea's sweet mother.  They were worried that we had come to collect money for Lea's loan, which hadn't been touched in years.  We quickly assured them that our concern was first for their welfare...getting food, getting back to church and finding work.  We tried to provide hope and encouragement.  (Dolor provided more than that, she quietly provided a handful of pesos.)  Upon our departure the g'mother began to sing softly, "God be with you til we meet again".  Sister Howell threw her arms around her and joined in..."til we meet at Jesus' feet".  Both of us were in tears.  Lea stood, hugging her 3 year old son.  She too was wiping back tears.  We promised her that life would not always be this hard, that God was mindful of her.  We invited her to come to church.  Then we took a few photos and left, hands waving back at us.

While we had ducked inside her home, seated on the one small bench, laundry dripping on our heads, we thought of our family.  We thought of how blessed we are to know that our children and grandchildren have enough food.  They have clothes, diapers, soft beds, pillows, toys, disney videos, dress ups, bikes.  How can parents be happy if their children are hungry?  Hard to imagine.  Still, we are asked to be grateful in all things.

After this event, our brother-in-law Rick began to relay more of his experiences from his mission.  In March, on the eve of our first visit to the Island of Catanduanes he shared this bit of history.  

In December 1979 two young missionary assistants to President Stephen I were dispatched from Manilla to fly to Virac, Catanduanes to survey the island for the preaching of the Gospel. The Elders stayed at what was then the only hotel on the island and spent 2 days walking the streets of Virac. They talked with several people telling them some day the church would place full time missionaries on the island. Just a month later in January 1980 two Elders, including one of those assistants, Elder Richard and a brand new missionary from the states, Elder Barton E, were assigned to Virac as the first full time missionaries ever assigned to preach the Gospel, on the island.   Then Elder H recounts.....   "With the assistance of a young man who had joined the church years earlier on the mainland we were able to find a home to rent on the main road that would be used for both our apartment and our church. We took a pamphlet with the churches logo on it to a local artist and had him paint a church sign to hang on the outside of the home."   Just days after arriving on a beautiful Sabbath morning in January 1980 the very first Sacrament meeting was held inside that house. There were just four people in attendance, the two Elders, the young man who was a member and a non member house boy. "I had never felt the spirit any stronger before or since recounts Elder H. We had tears in our eyes as we broke the bread for the sacrament and passed it on a small plate to each in attendance. I conducted that first meeting and my companion and I both spoke each stating the the church would prosper and grow on the remote island." Each of the next four Sundays saw sacrement meeting attendance grow to 30 plus with the majority attending being investigators. "It was amazing how the spirit led us to several people who had been active members at one time on other islands. When we told them a group/branch had been established in Virac their faces lit up. They led us to their friends to teach. Finally just three or four weeks after arriving in Virac we held our very first baptisms. It was a young sister and four of her children who ironically had been tracted by the assistants who visited the island just weeks earlier.  It was  a glorious day as the Gospel had been established on that small island in a remote part of the world."   Just hours after the baptism Elder H was called back to Legazpi by President I, where he was notified by phone that his father had been killed in an accident in Indiana. Elder H would never return to Virac but after his fathers funeral he reopened Naga and finished his mission there serving as branch president.   Carolyn, I was only there a month so I don't have a lot of history but this is what I can recall. It was both the best time and the worst time because of my dad but my life was changed forever while serving as group leader/branch president in Virac. I'm sure by this time no one will remember Elders H and E. I wish I could remember the name of the first person baptized. I have misplaced my missionary journal that had those names in it.  I would love to return there some day.  Maybe it will happen if it is to happen. ~ Rick H

(Rick & Cathy's family in 2009)

Wow!  The next day we were met at the pier by district president, Daniel M and informed that there are now 4 branches and just over 700 members.  The only word I can think of is A M A Z I N G ! ! 

We shared Rick's story with the branch and snapped the attached photo of those members attending the Virac Branch on April 1, 2012.  

Included among them we found Liliosa B, a pioneer, being the first convert and mother of 7.  She had been widowed just 6 months when Elder H contacted her, taught and baptized her (with her oldest 4 children) in a waterfall.  Still very faithful, Liliosa hugged us and told us she had been searching for 'her elder' on Facebook. 

Cool sideline:  Liliosa radiated the light of Christ.  One of her boarders, Lilibeth, asked to know more about the church, was baptized, served a mission.  Lilibeth introduced her younger sister, Liezl, who was converted, served a mission and began teaching institute.  One of Liezl's students was investigator Daniel, who joined the church, married Liezl and is the current district president.  We met all 4 of these faithful saints in the Virac branch that day.  Cool?!  Yes!

Thank you RICHard!  It is a rich experience for us to serve here in the Philippines but this mission has been made RICHer by knowing we were preceded by a faithful member of our own family over 3 decades earlier.  Elder H, you are indeed not forgotten.  

Much love,

Elder and Sister Howell

Dad and Mom

Lane and Carolyn