Anaks, Nanays and Tatays

In our mission, new missionaries are called "anak" (meaning child) and their trainers are known as either "Nanay" (mother) or "Tatay" (father).  We have whole family trees of parent, child, grandparent, cousins, great-grandchildren. . .but that's another post.  Today's is about our latest group of missionaries, now three weeks in the field, and their great trainers.

We gathered on March 19th for some review, some additional training, some food, and especially, some reunion time!  It's great to talk with those you were in the MTC with, and to compare notes and experiences and to feel that strength of friendship and being fellow servants.  We had a really wonderful day together.

This is one fine group of missionaries--Anaks, Nanays and Tatays

Celebrating their first three weeks

Sister Seumanu and Trainer Sister Razonable

Sister Muagutu and Trainer Sister Gardoce

Sister Jones and Trainer Sister Lasay

Trainer Sister Dotillos and Sister Hunsaker

Trainer Sister Brown and Sister De Veyra

Trainer Sister Howlett and Sister Jamisola

Sister Morente and Trainer Sister Warr

Trainer Elder Tadeo and Elder Brandon

Trainer Elder Evitt and Elder Gumayao

Elder Baquiran and Trainer Elder Almaras

Trainer Elder Stephenson and Elder Madeiros

Love being among these Sisters!

We couldn't get along without Sister Campbell filling orders in the Commissary

And getting packages from home is a great way to close out the day

"And I give unto you a commandment that you shall 

teach one another the doctrine of the kingdom.

That ye may be prepared in all things when I shall send you 

again to magnify the calling whereunto I have called you, 

and the mission with which I have commissioned you."

                                                                                       D&C 88:77,80

Instruments in the hands of God

Farewell to Elder and Sister Mills

Elder and Sister Mills were scheduled to complete their mission and depart on March 19th.  We were able to hold a Senior's Training the week before they left and gratefully drink in of their experiences and teachings.  They have truly exemplified missionaries that were instruments in the hands of God.  We are deeply grateful for their faithful, dedicated service.  They left deep footprints for us, not to fill, but to follow, for they followed those of our Savior.  Thank you Elder and Sister Mills--for all you've done for the Philippines Cauayan Mission!


We held our Senior's Training in Banaue and had a chance to explore this part of our mission along with the formal training session.

From the back:  Elder and Sister Mills, Elder and Sister Honeycutt,
Elder and Sister Shorter, Elder and Sister Campbell

We included a hike to Batad and on to the waterfall for some of us.  We found many, many
gospel analogies while we trekked up and down some challenging terrain.

Elder Mills was our captain and guide across the rice terraces and to the waterfall.

A "highlight" video caps our training session as Elder and Sister Mills re-live
some of their mission memories.

One last photo with the Ifugao.
From left:  Elder and Sister Mills, President and Sister Rahlf, Elder and Sister Shorter
Elder and Sister Honeycutt, and Elder and Sister Campbell

Departure Day:  March 19, 2014
The luggage is weighed and loaded, and we are trying to delay the inevitable.  But we kept 
thinking of all their family waiting on the other side of the plane ride home, so that made it
easier to say "see you later." (the word good-bye was forbidden!)

Once again in front of the mission office.  How many times did they go in and out of that door?

Well done, thou good and faithful servants. . .
Philippines Cauayan Mission 2012-2014

Ye Elders of Israel
Memories of serving together are eternal

Good journey and a laugh to send them on their way

I can't say enough how much our Senior Couples bless the mission and the missionaries and the members.  

They are an absolute treasure and we are deeply grateful for their time, their devotion and their love.  We

invite you to consider serving--you are so welcome and needed all throughout the missions of the world.

"And this is the blessing which hath been bestowed upon us, 

that we have been made instruments in the hands of God 

to bring about this great work."

                                                                                                                                                                                 Alma 26:3

O Ye That Embark in the Service of God

President Rahlf and I have our camera with us at all times and we love to try and capture our missionaries while they are working. Sometimes we really do get a picture that they aren't aware we are taking…and sometimes we miss the shot and have to have them pose for it.  Either way, these are pictures from the field as our missionaries embark in the service of God.

Elders in Mabini

Sisters at the van stop

Working together in Almaguer

The hills near San Mariano

A path in Aritao

Baking pies for a baptism celebration

Adding the final touch

On a road near Alicia

Teaching in Zone Meeting

Appointments in Barangay Alicaocao

Teaching in Cauayan

The fields in Caliguin

Teaching about the Book of Mormon in Alicia

Outside Cauayan

Rain doesn't stop our Sisters!  (or crutches either)

Teaching in District Meeting

Serving in Ilagan

"Therefore, O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart might, mind and strength…For behold the field is white already to harvest…"

                                                                                                                                            Doctrine and Covenants 4: 2, 4

Some information on sending packages. . .

With Easter coming up, I just wanted to remind you again of the best (and worst) ways to send packages to your missionary.  We have learned a few things since we've been here.

For the majority of us, the best method is to use USPS Priority packages. They come in several sizes.  You will pay a fee on your end.  But we also have to pay a surcharge to pick up the packages, and these cost only 50 pesos each. 
DO NOT send packages using USPS Global Priority.  It sounds like it would be the right way, but Global Priority actually ships using FedEx and the charge to pick it up on this end is outrageous.  So not only do you end up paying a lot to ship it in the first place,  your missionary pays a lot to receive it here.  The mission cannot cover these costs, so it comes out of the missionary's support. We will work with them to take out a little at a time, but it still must be paid by them.  

Another method is LBC Express, although the locations are quite limited and are mostly in the west or on the west coast.  They deliver right to the mission office and there is not a surcharge on this end.  You can go to their website, or call 
1-800-338-5424 to find if one is located near you.

For those that live near Ogden, there is a company called Z World Express that ships to the Philippines. It is located at 1153 N Main St in Sunset, UT;  phone (801) 774-974.  It may take up to two months for the package to arrive, but you pay a flat fee for a box 18x20x22 and you can fill the box with as much as you like, regardless of weight.  We paid $100.00/box when we used this company last June.  I don't know if the prices are the same.  It would be a good idea to call first and get your questions answered before you go.  

DO NOT send packages through UPS or FedEX.  These charge on both ends, and the charge to pick it up here is very, very expensive.  For example, we received a box that was approximately 8x5x3 and weighed maybe 12-14 oz.  The contents were worth probably $25.00 and it cost 5600 pesos or over $100.00 to pick it up.  

I hope that helps.  We would always encourage you to include something for your missionary's companion in any care packages you send.  They really appreciate being remembered, and for many, it's the only time they receive anything.

Thanks for all you do to love and support these amazing missionaries!   I welcome any comments or helpful hints about sending packages.

On our way to the Post Office to get the mail. . .

Hurrah for Israel! Arriving Missionaries, February 26, 2014

Wednesday February 26, 2014--9:52 AM
We watch the plane touch down and then wait for what seems hours for the first glimpse of our newest missionaries.  It's not hard to spot them--they are the ones with the brightest countenances and energy (even the ones from the Provo MTC, who have been awake for about 40 hours now).  Airport regulations prevent us from meeting them inside the building, so we have to stand across the street until they come out.  It is so good to see them!

The first sighting!
Elder Medeiros, Sister Jones, Sister Hunsaker and Elder Brandon

Sister Jones and Sister Hunsaker

Followed closely by
Sister Muagutu, Sister Morente, Sister Jamisola and Sister DeVeyra

Sister Muagutu and Sister Seumanu
Sister Morente, Sister De Veyra
Elder Baquiran and Elder Gumayao

Joyous Sisters!

Elder Mills welcoming Elder Gumayao

A very happy Elder Medeiros

 After arriving back at the Mission Home, we take pictures, have lunch and then begin orientation with the assistants, Sister Rahlf and the senior couples that work in the mission office.  Each missionary also has an individual interview and welcome with President Rahlf.

The best newest missionaries anywhere!
Back row:  Elder Brandon, Elder Medeiros, Sister Hunsaker, Sister Seumanu, Elder Gumayao, President & Sister Rahlf
Front row:  Sister Jones, Sister De Veyra, Sister Morente, Sister Morente, Sister Muagutu, Elder Baquiran

Hurrah for Israel!

After interviews and orientation, we have a special meeting to meet their new companions/trainers.   And then it's time to gather luggage and pillows and travel to their first area.  It's a full and memorable day!  

Sister Jones and Sister Jamisola trying to find their new pillows while Sister Howlett looks on.

New companions Elder Almaras and Elder Baquiran

Elder Evitt and Elder Gumayao heading out to find a trycee.

Ready for the field!
Sister Brown and Sister De Veyra
Sister Dotillos and Sister Hunsaker

 Elder Ardon alongside the new companionship of Elder Talines and Elder Brandon

Sister Morente and Sister Warr off to meet the world!  Or at least Alinguigan...

Heaven smiles on the Philippines Cauayan Mission at the close of a truly wonderful day

Chosen by God to serve Him below,

To ev'ry land and people we'll go,

Standing for truth with fervent accord,

Teaching His holy word.

                                          Hark All Ye Nations, Hymn 264