Coconuts, Chickens, and Snowman song in the tropics of San Fabian Philippines

Dear Family and Friends

We are moving on in our new area, San Fabian 2nd Branch.  There is some fun successes, some with patience, knowing that the Lord knows the future.

 We ventured out ourselves.  We visited with the Relief Society Pres. Susie Pavia.  She runs a private school. 
 Her sister died of cancer, weeks ago, and she is the caregiver of the young girls, as well as her own family.
  She said she would work with us.

We visited another family that was in the area we had visited before.    Sister Nardo was washing her clothes.

We talked with the family and showed our home pictures.  Their copy of the Book of Mormon had been destroyed in a storm.  We gave them one in Tagalog language, and read with them.  
  
They asked if we would like some coconut, we said ok.  She asked her 14 yr old son  climb  the tree!
 

They told Elder Roberts to move his car, parked under the tree.  Then the boy wiggled right up the tree, like a monkey...

   He threw down a few coconuts.

      Sister Parayno cut off the top and gave us the coconut milk.  It was good.  But the coconut was too green.  They said come back in 2 weeks, and they will give us fresh coconut.

   Joy, a Returned Missionary took us next time.  (She's on the right).

 

As went to another member's home,  we  passed a man's family making baskets.

 

The young woman would measure the reed just with her eyes, and cut it at the corner.


 Then she bent it to create another corner.  



 Then the young woman would nail down the reed to the top edge. 
Look at the finished work how straight and flat it is !

 We visited a sweet 90 yr old woman who was the "Pioneer" of the area.  Her mother told her when she was young that she would be a Catholic Nun, but the woman said, No, I want to be a Mormon.  
   This faithful Sister led her sister's family to be baptized, even though she was never married or had children.  

The family's home was where Church services were held a long time before the San Fabian Chapel was built.

 Another family we visited had -no fear- chickens that ran past Elder Roberts feet as we talked.

 We didn't mind the chickens, as we spoke about the Book of Mormon and invited this nice woman to Church.  She was kind to offer us food too.

 We found and talked with another woman and her family at her roadside food and bbq.  She has a daughter who lives in St. George, Utah. 

   People here sell food next to their homes, of chicken feet and heads, innards on a stick, red hot dogs and sausage, and fruit.


 Again, children started following us like the Pied Piper.  Sister Roberts said, would you like to hear a song about Snow?  Opo (Yes) they said !
       (The children imitate....)
Once there was a Snowman tall tall tall

 In the sun he melted small small small

  Remember, we just met these children 5 minutes before the song..
   Then we sang, Book of Mormon Stories,  and I am a Child of God.


Then we passed out Article of Faith cards to the parents and older siblings.  None of the families were members.

Then we posed for a picture of our new found friends.


We visited a family with the baby who had been blessed on Sunday.

We are reminded of another song..

1. 1. Have I done any good in the world today?
   Have I helped anyone in need?
   Have I cheered up the sad and made someone feel glad?
   If not, I have failed indeed.
   Has anyone's burden been lighter today
   Because I was willing to share?
   Have the sick and the weary been helped on their way?
   When they needed my help was I there?
2. (Chorus)
   Then wake up and do something more
   Than dream of your mansion above.
   Doing good is a pleasure, a joy beyond measure,
   A blessing of duty and love.
3. 2. There are chances for work all around just now,
   Opportunities right in our way.
   Do not let them pass by, saying, "Sometime I'll try,"
   But go and do something today.
   'Tis noble of man to work and to give;
   Love's labor has merit alone.
   Only he who does something helps others to live.
   To God each good work will be known.
4. Text and music: Will L. Thompson, 1847-1909, alt.
   
      We hope we have done a bit of this today, and encourage you to also find something worthwhile to help our Heavenly Father in loving our young and old Brothers and Sisters in your life, and in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
    

    We saw "Angels" on the way home. We gave a cookie and a handshake for their continued service to the Lord.

Love, Elder and Sister Roberts