Seeing and Feeling Water Fall

Philippines Waterfalls

Hello family & friends,

You are part of this mission.  We carry you in our hearts, our prayers and our memories.  

Typhoon season is upon us.  An average of 26 major storms wreak havoc each year.  People in the Philippines are quick to rebuild, befriend and be optimistic.  With this in mind God blesses this land with bounteous harvests of fruits, lavish floral blooms and lush tropical scenery.  

Some may muse that we look like we are simply on a long vacation.  Can we help it if our mission has pockets of paradise, no snow and countless waterfalls?  Here are the 4 falls that we discovered during this year.

March 12, 2012

Taytay Falls

Majayjay, LAGUNA

After this photo, we circled around behind the falls and jumped in. 

First inviting, then cold. We surely felt this water falling. 

April 24, 2012

Itbog Falls 

Twin Falls of Lake Buie, BICOL

An enjoyable hike thanks to a family of expert guides. 

We regretted slipping off our sandals as we attempted 

the Filipino way, barefoot. Still, stunning and adventurous 

for a couple of senior missionaries. Feeling this water fall 

was refreshing on a hot, humid day.

August 21, 2012

Bantakay Falls

Atimonan, QUEZON

My gwapo companion! A strenuous climb eventually 

paid off with this view, a swim and duly feeling this 

water fall as we climbed through the curtain and sat 

on the rocks with new friends.

Friends picnicking at Bantakay Falls

October 24, 2012  

Pagsanjan Falls

LAGUNA

After properly shooting the rapids in dugout canoes 

we don our helmets and pick up a waiting raft. 

Next, a raft ride through the powerful cascading 

water and into the Devil's cave. 

Hard. To. Breath. 

I have never felt wetter, harder water fall.

16th Anniversary at Pagsanjan Falls. 

Carolyn loves her hero, Lane!

As always, we love and miss you!

Momma and Dad

Sister Carolyn and Elder Lane

Epistle #11 of 20

Hello dear friends and family,

Meet Elder and Sister P, young service missionaries.  In May we called them to see how they were doing.  They replied, "not too good, Elder P's thumb is missing.  But it's okay, he'll get it back, in the resurrection."  His older brother had attacked him with a bolo knife and sliced it off.  When the brother learned that charges might be forthcoming he responded with "what!  Is he not my brother?"  

Elder P is 27, repairs computers for a living and was right handed.  His beautiful wife tells us "I will be his right hand."  We love them! 

We mocked up an Independence Day Celebration in July.  Our flags had either 7 or 27 stripes.  But the company was perfect and the food was tremendous, including apple pie and homemade ice cream (the mission president brought his own ice cream maker).

Our director has gained some notoriety for innovative and successful programs in the Philippines.  So, last week we were invited to Manila to assist in presenting at a video conference to various offices around the world.  We began at 8am with Asia and the Pacific Islands.  Later in the day came Europe and Africa, then at 10pm it was Brazil, and then midnight to 2am we visited with Mexico and Central America.  What a day!

There were 3 programs of note for Filipinos to share:

1.  Calling and training local Service Missionaries.  This program was implemented by a senior couple in 2 southern missions (Bacolod and Iloilo).  We followed in San Pablo.  

2.  Use FB to locate and communicate with young people.  The FB Group has over 1,000 members.  Since kids in the Philippines change their Sim Cards as often as they change their flip flops, their phone numbers are hard to keep track of.  And there are virtually no addresses in the Philippines, just Baranguays (neighborhoods).  BUT, FB accounts are always constant, and most kids have one.  So, part of our mission is to go on Facebook nearly every day to chat and send messages to our friends.  Can you believe that? -- A Facebook Mission!!  In this, Carolyn is the wizard and Lane is the observer and commentator.  

3.  An Electronic Newsletter.  The Salt Lake office had received copies of all of Carolyn's newsletter artwork, articles, games, birthday pages and important notices.  To say they gushed over the quality and professionalism and effectiveness of each newsletter would be putting it mildly.  And then to hear it over and over as we connected throughout the day to various offices worldwide was a real head-splitter.  

We took our favorite senior 'sissies' to a newly discovered restaurant.  The food was absolutely scrumptious, tho' the headroom was somewhat lacking.

This week we are working our way north of Manila into the Angeles and Olongapo areas.  We will still continue to serve in San Pablo and Naga.  But we are now invited to go on the road into an entirely new area -- historic Bataan, Clark-Subic-Tarlac military areas, wonderful highways, lush scenery, strange and wondrous "hotels", types of food (like Texas Joe's 'to-die-for' BBQ ribs), priesthood leaders, and more participants -- all new, to us!  

Last month, as a primer for these new mission contacts, we were invited to attend and present at a small conference in Dugupan, near the new temple site in Urdanetta.  With the expert help of these Institute Coordinators, we are now scheduling appointments with 20 new stake and district presidents.  

An entirely new adventure!  Sister Howell, get your power point (she says it's a 'Keynote') presentation ready and I'll get the projector warmed up!  

PERSPECTIVE:
A week ago, just as dawn was breaking and the roosters were crowing, I slowly awoke to the periodic sound of a small thud, repeated every 10 or 15 seconds.  The steady rains outside our treehouse bedroom were soothing.  And the thuds continued.  Finally I gained sufficient consciousness to explore the source.  It was an irritating leak from the ceiling, with drops landing on the corner of our mattress, just inches away from my pillow.  Perhaps a fourth cup of moisture had accumulated, judging from the dampness on the sheet and mattress.  How irritating!  I scrambled to position a container where it would catch the internal "storm".  And then I began to plan how to get the roof patched to prevent such future occurrences.

The same tropical storm was unleashing heavy rains on one of our mission's towns, Santa Cruz, just to the north of us, as well as on Manila, about 30 miles beyond that.   Until now, monsoon rains, damaging earthquakes, landslides, floods and other natural disasters have occurred at sufficient distance from us to be "out of sight, out of mind".  Santa Cruz is a river town where we frequently teach, attend church, and have a large number of "kids" that we work with.  One of these young students, TMD, is an absolutely delightful, smiling and continuously cheerful 19 year old who lives with her auntie.  They have no work and receive only a pittance from a relative for food, but somehow she stays in school, and struggles to pay her 100 peso per month ($2.45) payment.  Whenever we see her, her face lights up and she greets us as if we were her missing parents.  

During the same storm that dripped on our bed we read this text message and began an exchange:

August 7, 11:22AM:
TMD: "H! Goodm0rning elder and sister howell hope your in go0d now...the flood is near in our house so scared...keep safe"
Our reply:  "Are u in danger?  We are praying for u and ur family today.  We have lots of water coming from the sky but not flooding our house...yet."
TMD: "So faR were fine!thank you!good 2 hear that.just be alert time 2 time."
Our reply: "Thank you!"
TMD: ":)welcme.take care!!happy lunch for you"
August 7, 6:26PM:
Our text: "Please text and tell us if u are still dry and in a safe shelter!  Because we love you, E and S Howell"
TMD reply: "Our house is full of water so we decided to evacuate and we are here n0w in a dry en safe place.thank you."
Our reply:  "Oh!  We are so sorry.  Are u with friends?"
TMD reply: "Nope.only my famly en i here."
August 9, 9:59AM:
Our text: "How is ur family and ur house?"
TMD reply: H! How are you my beloved eldr and sis.howell.Our is house n0t ok coz untl now the water is still high is about neck of a human.my famly so far were gud but is it hard 2 buy fo0ds coz were 2 far 2 a mini-store we need 2 walk  bsyd the highway so its scared."

Through our service missionary couple (the P's) in Santa Cruz, we made sure the Bishop made contact with TMD and her family, providing food and support.   Over 1/2 million people in Manila were flooded out of their homes and over 60 drowned.  During the storm, we had a major laptop meltdown and tried driving into Manila for urgent repairs.  Big mistake.  Three trips later the laptop is cured!  

Oh, that pesky little leak in our house?  It somehow stopped.  We are now safe, and sufficiently humbled.

We love you,

Elder and Sister Vagabonds

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