Sunday, December 29, 2013

We had the most amazing experience today as we attended church with the Baao Group.  So far, there are not enough members in Baao to warrant having a Branch, but it is growing rapidly, and before too long, they will be a Branch.  The members who attend there are so friendly and welcomed us there with great handshakes, smiles and just plain love.

The "meeting house" is an open structure which has been built onto the side of the home one of the members.  It is a very humble "chapel", but it has everything that is needed, including a sacrament table, podium, clock.  The Gospel Doctrine class is held in the chapel, so there's also a chalk board.

As we sat listening to the talks (given in Tagalog), we had a dog walk down the isle, a chicken with 2 little chicks following "mom", and a crowing rooster that sang out as we were singing the closing hymn. 

We were surrounded by coconut trees, banana trees,  many different flowers, and everything so beautiful and fresh looking.

Two Elders assigned to the Baao Area, Elder Watson and Elder Stowe -  arriving at the Baao group meeting house

 

Elder Watson, Elder Stowe, Sister Padong, Sister Andres, Carol & Jerry, Sister and Elder Gardner.  The two Sisters are also assigned to the Baao Area.

 



Baao Group "Meeting House".  Notice the thatched roof.  All other "lumber" is made from bamboo.

 

Outside area of the "Meeting House".  Sitting on the table is the "drinking fountain" - a 5 gallon water jug.

 

Members arriving for Sacrament Meeting

 

Group Presiding Elder walking down the aisle.  Note the roof rafters of the meeting house are made of bamboo.

 

Primary children carrying a table to the Primary "classroom"

 

"Classroom" for the Primary children.  If it rains, they bring out their umbrellas and continue as though nothing unusual is happening.

 

Video of the Primary children's "Classroom" area

 

We hope you enjoyed the pictures and the video.  It was an awesome experience to be able to attend Sacrament Meeting in an area that makes us feel like we're in a camping area.  It is simply beautiful. Although this is a very humble meeting house, the Spirit is very strong.

 

Wishing you all a very Happy New Year.

 

Elder and Sister Campbell

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

15 December, 2013

Getting close to Christmas and still NO SNOW!!!!!   One of the trees in our compound developed some blooms that look like ornaments on a Christmas tree. 

 

 

Such a pretty red among all of that green.  We'll take what we can get to get us in the holiday mood.

This is a coconut grove that was part of a plantation.  It is much smaller now as the adjacent land is being used for different purposes. We took a video of this area and have attached it below but we are still unsure about how our video efforts get processed.   At the end of the scene there is some highway noise but it gives a better view of the coconut grove.

 

 

At this time of year, our thoughts go to the birth of Jesus Christ and how the restoration of the Gospel affects each of us. 

 

We hope you are all well and happy and that you will take time to give thanks for all that you have.  

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of you!!

 

Elder and Sister Campbell