Hello! We hope you are all doing well. We have heard about fires and storms and earthquakes in our country and hope you are safe.
We have had a busy week. We are in charge of an area wide conference for the Assistant Area Technology Specialists in the Philippines. That sounds really big but there are only about 14 attending so it won't be a huge gathering but big or small, there are a lot of details to be taken care of. Besides figuring out the hotel, conference room, travel and meals, there are also the workshops and speakers to arrange and prepare for. The past few weeks we have been working on our proposal but things got put on hold for a couple of weeks while Elder Anderson was here. Most of the management of the area office were involved in meeting with him. So we finally got our approval and we can move forward. Besides the obvious things, there are cultural things to remember. For instance, I was trying to figure out meals with a nearby caterer and had a Filipino employee who had a lot of experience with that caterer helping me choose the menu. After I sent the list to the caterers, I realized that I had forgotten to list rice on one of the lunches. I got teased by the Filipinos in our office about that because no matter what you have for a meal here, if it doesn't include rice, it's just a snack. Fortunately I haven't sent in the final request so I can still fix my error.
We have been meeting with some area seventies to help encourage them to encourage the stake presidents in their area to call technology assistants. We met with one on Thursday afternoon and he invited us to his council meeting in Legazpi (in southern Luzon) on Saturday morning. We were able to make arrangements and left on Friday. Kent did a great job presenting our purposes and how we can help. It really helps to meet face to face with the leaders to enlist their assistance and help them understand that what we are asking really will benefit their stakes and be a big help to them. One of Legazpi's "claims to fame" is the Myon Volcano, a huge volcano that just rises up out of the ground - no other mountains around it. It is famous because it is a perfect cone - symmetrical from every angle. I'm including a picture we took from the airport as we were waiting for our flight back to Manila. There seemed to be a little smoke coming out of the top but nothing to be worried about.:) The other picture is of the city of Legazpi. Isn't this a beautiful city?
Lately I've been thinking about how important hope is in our lives. It brings us joy, sheds light on dark days, and leads us to rejoice in the goodness of a loving Heavenly Father who has blessed us with the Plan of Happiness that anchors us to Him and His Son. Ether 12:4:"Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being let to glorify God." How very important it is to have this anchor to our souls! When our personal ships are tossed that anchor will hold us steady and keep us spiritually safe. I am so grateful for a loving God who watches over us, provides learning opportunities for us, helps us,cares for us, and blesses us.
Have a great week!
Love,
The Tuckers
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