August 31 - Another Trip

Dear Family and Friends,

Hello! We hope you are all having a happy day.

This past week we visited our assistant in Lingayen and the Facilities Manager in Dagupan (both on the west coast of this island of Luzon). It was a nice drive. There is an expressway most of the way there that even has rest stops with a gas station and restaurants. There are no jeepneys or tricycles on the expressway so driving is more 'normal' for us. Driving through the towns is like having bees swarm around you with all the tricycles and motorcycles. Most people in the provinces can't afford cars so they use the small vehicles. I realized I write about the traffic a lot but that's because it's so much 'fun'! Kent is becoming a pro at navigating in the traffic here.

We arrived for our meeting early so we were able to do a little sightseeing. Lingayen is the place where the U.S. launched its assault against the Japanese to retake the Philippines in 1945. There is a beautiful little park there to commemorate the action with an old tank, an old airplane, other memorabilia, pictures and history. The capital building is across the street and there are beautiful parks around the whole complex. Our photos this week are from this area except for one.

When we arrived, we were told that the Christmas begins in September here in the Philippines. During the 'ber' months (September, October, etc), Christmas decorations come out and Christmas songs are played on the radio and in the stores. I'm sending a photo of the beginning of the Christmas season that I took a week ago - Merry Christmas! :)

Kent and I have been reading the Pearl of Great Price. I have not read that book of scripture very often and have felt the Spirit testify of the truth of that book and especially certain verses we have read. Today I want to share a scripture about Christ that felt so good and true to me as we read. I hope it will do the same for you.

"...I am Messiah, the King of Zion, the Rock of Heaven, which is broad as eternity; whoso cometh in at the gate and climbeth up by me shall never fall; wherefore, blessed are they of whom I have spoken, for they shall come forth with songs of everlasting joy." Moses 7:53

I am so grateful for our Savior who is steady and strong when I am not. In my mind I picture Christ offering His hand to help us climb up where he is and holding us so we do not slip or fall. I am grateful for a perfect older brother who, through the atonement, provided us with a way home. I hope we can each find the way to climb up by our Savior.

Love,
The Tuckers