Philippines Cauayan Mission 2013-16: Christmas Devotional Zone Conferences

On December 17th and 19th, we held our Christmas Devotional Zone Conferences. We spent the morning together in the chapel, going into detail about the people of the Nativity story: Zacharias and Elisabeth, Mary and Joseph, the shepherds, the angel Gabriel, and the Wise Men. We sang the Christmas hymns and enjoyed special musical numbers. On the 17th we heard Silent Night sung by Elders Tuiloma, Kocherhans, Loto'aniu and Larson, accompanied by Elder Pacate; One Special Star sung by Sister Breinholt, accompanied by Sister Polson and How Great Thou Art/O Holy Night medley by Sister Hafen on the violin, accompanied by Elder Allred. The performances on the 19th included Silent Night by Elders Taumalolo, Latu, and Lavelua; O Holy Night duet by Elder Taumalolo and Elder Maagad; and It Came Upon and Midnight Clear sung by Sisters Carr and Razonable, accompanied by Sister Dasalla. We have some incredibly talented musicians in our mission!

We then had lunch, followed by presentations from each Zone which were quite creative and highly entertaining--portrayals of the Nativity, the conversion of Santa and his elves, twice! a never-to-be-forgotten rendition of Frosty, a choir composed of all soloists, and an exuberant, enthusiastic haka. After games, we met again in the chapel for testimonies and a musical video presentation of the Savior's life. They were two wonderful days spent together learning, visiting, laughing, listening and remembering the birth and life of our Savior, Jesus Christ. We are all away from home and family and friends--but we are together in this beautiful land, in the service of our Heavenly Father.
And Christmas will be very special this year.

I hope you enjoy the pictures. There are quite a few, so I will post them over several days. I want you to know how much President Rahlf and I love these Elders and Sisters. They are more dear to us than I can begin to express. Thank you for sharing them this Christmas Season. They are beloved by the Saints here. Maligayang Pasko!

Tuesday, December 17th
Solano, Santiago South, Alicia, Burgos, Roxas, and Tuguegarao North Zones

Looking forward to the day
Elders Merza, Loto'aniu, Salvador, R. DeGuzman, DeFacto,
Datario, J. DeGuzman, Almaras and Carascal

Elder Sefita and Elder Tuiloma

Merry Christmas Sisters Dotillios, Gardoce, Manguil and Bates

Showing off the birthday aprons!
Sister Kushi, Sister Paetau and Sister Grande

Joyful companions!
Sister Murdock and Sister Perlas

Alicia Elves
Elder Hawlader, Sister Pavino, Elder Ranada, Elder Costales
Sister Maddock and Sister Perkins

The Zone skits and performances

Alicia Zone

Tatay Datario and Nanay Daelo

Hastening missionaries (Elders Bangal and Young) never quit early--they try one more door. .

. . .because you never know who you might get to teach!

Mr. and Mrs. Santa and their crew enjoying a discussion

With background music provided by Sister Hafen

Solano Zone

I know. . .it looks like we're going to hear some lovely music--

when Sister Tolo bursts through to lead a lively version of the haka--

Solono Zone style!

Santiago South Zone

Elder Kocherhans introducing the tale of two missionaries going to the North Pole

and OYMing some elves,

when Santa himself shows up and has them in to teach!

Elder Larson and Elder Merza in Santa's home,

and they even have a member present!

Sadly, it was all just a dream that occurred when Elder Larson hit his head after an unfortunate fall from a carabao-- (that looks a lot like a chair)

Roxas Zone

Elder Marshall directing the renowned Cauayan Mission Choir of Roxas

I promise, you have never heard a choir like this one--
--composed entirely of soloists, each singing their own song.
At the same time. Very loudly.
And quite off key.

Tuguegarao North Zone