December 16 - December

Dear Family and Friends,

Hello!

The past couple of months have been very busy. We have had big batches of missionaries arrive at the MTC which means we have been doing a lot of dental work. Even though I don't actually work on teeth, the front desk and scheduling keep me very busy. It's my job to keep the 3 dentist here scheduled with patients, keep records, order supplies, and other various duties. while I have been busy keeping up with the demands of the dental clinic, Elder Tucker has been busy with the technology assistants. More assistants have been called and there is paperwork and training to do with them. He creates power points to help them understand what they need to do and he keeps them up on the latest developments and changes. We keep in touch with them with a monthly newsletter too.

We had another miracle in the dental clinic a couple of weeks ago. A sweet sister missionary from Tonga arrived and had the usual dental screening. When the doctors looked at her x-ray, they saw a wisdom tooth in one of her sinuses. When they examined the area, they realized there was a hole in her sinus and she was having a lot of drainage out of that area. They suspected she had an infection. They took her to a doctor associated with the best hospital in the city and the missionary got a CT scan. The doctors found a tumor (not cancer as it turned out) that filled her sinus cavity on that side of her face. They operated and treated and the sister is fine now. She used to have really bad headaches and didn't know why. They are gone now as is the constant drainage from the hole that was in her sinuses. We were blessed to be a part of her healing. She is quick to tell anyone who asks about it that the Lord provided the way. Many Tongans have been called and have been awaiting their visas. She was the first sister in several months to get a visa and come to the Philippines as scheduled - she came ahead of many others who were waiting. We know she came in time to receive treatment and depart for her mission as scheduled - no delay. No question that this was a sweet and tender mercy for our loving Heavenly Father.

The Philippines have been blessed to have one of the church's giving machines. We love that all donations go to local needs. What a great gift that the church gives in covering all the administrative costs. It is fun to use the machine and choose our gifts - it's like a kid in a candy shop but feels so much better because others receive what we buy. I'm including a picture - if you zoom in, you can see some of the choices. It's amazing how much can be bought with so little money. The least expensive is 30 pesos (60 cents) for a notebook and pencil. Everything in the machine is much needed and greatly appreciated.

The second picture is one we snapped while driving in Manila. These painters are painting in their bare feet and are able to use their scaffolding like real acrobats. We are always amazed by the resourcefulness of these great people and they do it all with a smile.

We love the Book of Mormon! Scattered throughout its pages are so many teachings and truths about our Savior. Not all tidings of great joy are found in accounts of His birth. In Alma 39:15 it says "An now my son, I would say somewhat unto you concerning the coming of Christ. Behold, I say unto you, that it is he that surely shall come to take away the sins of the world; yea, he cometh to declare glad tidings of salvation unto his people." We have so many sweet reminders of our Savior's love and life on the earth. His life was all about doing His Father's will. How grateful we are that He was born and fulfilled His mission here. This is a great time of year to reflect on how we can become more like Him.

We just saw this video last night. Check out this great way to Light the World.

Love,
The Tuckers

November 19 - Butuan

Dear Family and Friends,
Happy Thanksgiving!

We look at the calendar and see it is November. We remember the crisp fall air, the beautiful fall leaves, and the smells of the holidays. Here the weather is pretty much the same all year - beautiful green and hot. We are grateful for the decorations that remind us what time of year it is.

This past week-end we were able to go do some stake training in Butuan. It has been several weeks since we have been able to help with a group training and I didn't realize how much I missed that part of our assignment. Even though it was the first time we had been there, it felt like coming home to be teaching and bearing testimony again. Because of the airline canceled our original flight back to Manila, we weren't able to stay there for church on Sunday. It is always a delight to meet with the Filipino saints and feel of their love.

While we were in Butuan, we had a few hours to see some of the city. Our AATS, Elder Davis, and a friend took us to two museums. Outside both museums were children and watching them was our favorite part. Here, like other places we've been, the youth often gather in the parks and learn dances.  Where they perform or do these dances, we have no clue but we have seen it often enough to know they love it. Another group of children were out in the street playing a game with a can and one flip flop. It is called Tumbamg Preso (the direct translation, Fall Prisoner, doesn't really describe it) It involves an empty can in the middle of the street and the children playing each throw one of their flip flops at the can and try to knock it over. We watched them run to a line and back but couldn't quite figure out the game. What we were impressed with was that children figure out games with very little and they were having lots of fun together. Money and things aren't required to have a happy childhood.

Nephi tells us," Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ having a perfect brightness of hop, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life." (2 Nephi 31:20) Our Savior made the fulfillment of this scripture possible. The turmoil in the world does not need to spread to our homes and hearts. We are the keepers of both and we can press forward with faith.

We love you all. Thank you for your prayers. They strengthen and sustain us.

Love,
The Tuckers

This is a picture of the young people learning a dance. I love their school uniforms! . When they saw me taking their picture, several turned and smiled - they love having their pictures taken.

The children who were playing the Tumbamg Preso game. The index finger and thumb in a L shape means handsome.:)

November 12 - The Ber Months

Dear Family and Friends,

We hope it's ok with you that we share some of the culture of the Philippines in our letters. Our work isn't always news worthy but we are having a wonderful experience and want to share some interesting things with you.

The 'ber' months started in September but this year the Christmas decorations didn't really get going until after Halloween. We didn't see many decorations for Halloween last year but this year there were a lot more. There were still some buildings that had their Christmas trees up in September though. I was expecting them to put up the same decorations each year but they didn't, they are totally different. I thought you'd enjoy seeing some of this year's decorations.

Elder Tucker and I were able to witness a miracle this week. A brother had been asked to be an Assistant Area Technology specialist. He contacted us and said he couldn't do it. He had worked with ICS in the Area Office several years ago and had some bitter feelings about the circumstances that led to his departure from that job. Kent wanted to reply but felt he should wait. The next day, the brother sent another email and said he would pray about it. The following day he wrote and said he and his wife had prayed about it and decided they would accept the call. We met with the couple yesterday to train them and before we left, he shared with us that he had been carrying that resentment for years and didn't realize it. Through their prayers, he had finally been able to let go and be free of the hard feelings. He seemed free and excited to serve. This change he has chosen has bless him and his wife. It was sweet to talk to them and see the gift of release and forgiving accepting this calling brought.

Last week in Sacrament meeting, a sweet sister shared her testimony of the temple and her temple recommend. She said she had kept her temple recommend with her all the time from the time she got it signed. It was the day before she went to the temple for the first time. She said she usually left her computer and wallet in the living room but because she waned to keep her temple recommend close to her, she put it and her computer by her bed that night. During the night someone broke into her apartment and took some things. When she got up in the morning and opened the bedroom door, there was a knife on the floor outside her door. She saw she had been robbed but she had not been disturbed in the night. She knew she was protected because she kept her temple recommend by her side. She still never goes anywhere without it. I had never thought about our temple recommends bringing us protection but when she bore witness of it, I felt her faith and testimony. The temple means so much to her, it is something she treasures. I have taken the nearness of temples for granted until I came here and heard the stories of sacrifice from families who saved and worked to get to the temple one time. There are missionaries who go to the temple for the first time after they come to the MTC and their companions are their escorts. I think of the times I have been blessed to be an escort for someone going to the temple for the first time, what an honor it is to be with them. These missionaries parents never get that . I honor them for their faith and willingness to send their children on missions completely giving them to the Lord and not being with them during this important part of their lives. Would I be able to do that? I hope so.

We close with Alma 38:9;"And now, my son, I have told you this that ye may learn wisdom, that ye may learn of me that there is no other way or means whereby man can be saved, only in and through Christ. Behold, he is the life and the light of the world. Behold, he is the word of truth and righteousness.' I love that Alma wants his son to learn about Christ from him, his father. It seems this is what we are encouraged to do in our homes - teaching of Christ and bearing testimony in our homes. How grateful we are for parents who had testimonies and did their best to teach us. We love to speak of Christ and are grateful for Him - that he is our light and our Savior.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Love,
The Tuckers.


Halloween decor in the lobby of our apartment building

This year's tree and peacock- they have lots of lighted birds and animals.

I loved this little guy having his picture taken with the giant squirrel

They do a lot of painting by hand - no stencil, no sprayers.

October 18 - October

Dear Family and Friends,

Wasn't General Conference great? This was my favorite conference ever - but I think it is true every conference. The talks were all just what I needed to hear - we hope you fell the same. Now to go to work and make what we heard a part of our lives.

We had a wonderful group of new missionaries come to the MTC last Friday. 5 Sisters and 1 Elder from Thailand; 3 Sisters and 1 Elder from Mongolia; and 2 Sisters and 1 Elder from Mainland China who will all be learning English and will be going to different missions in Australia. It is such a delight to see the glow on the missionaries faces on the day they arrive. I am sending a picture of the 2 sisters from China (the 2 on the right) with one sister from the Philippines - aren't they beautiful?! When the missionaries come to get work done, the dentists (senior missionaries) often ask them to tell about their background in the church. Some are so proud to say that they were born in the covenant. Others will tell stories of being kicked out of their homes because they joined the church and when they wanted to serve a mission. For some, when they serve a mission, it is the first time they have had 3 meals every day. Every once in a while, the sister missionary companionships like to dress alike. I'm including a picture of a threesome that came into the clinic today. They are so cute. A couple of times a sister (usually from an island) will come and bring matching skirts for her companions - so sweet!

On Saturday a couple of weeks ago, a few senior missionary couples got together and went on a hike through Masungi Georeserve - a conservation area about an hour away from us in the rain forests of Rizal. It was an amazing experience to hike through this area. We hiked on stone lined paths through the forest, up rock outcroppings, through a cave, to high peaks, over a hanging bridge and there was even a ropes course. We've never seen anything like it and it was a fantastic experience.

Our scriptural thought this week is this: “…How long halt ye between two opinions? If the Lord be God, follow him…” 1 Kings 18:21. Elder Maxwell quoting Brigham Young said this about that particular verse: “Trials, why bless your hearts, the man or woman who enjoys the spirit of our religion has no trials; but the man or woman who tries to live according to the Gospel of the Son of God, and at the same time clings to the spirit of the world, has trials and sorrows acute and keen.” Elder Maxwell then concluded “WE MUST CHOOSE AND NOT TO CHOOSE IS A DECISION!”

We witness this is the gospel of the Jesus Christ and our testimonies have been strengthened by our commitment to serve. We have faith the same is true for all our friends and family.

Love you all,
Elder and Sister Tucker

October 8 - Mindoro

Dear Family and Friends,
Hello!

This past weekend we traveled to San Jose Mindoro to do some training. The man who has been called to be the technology specialist hasn't had very much experience with computers. Our training was more about teaching him about the computer than the usual teaching about the calling. When we finished our session on Saturday, he told us that he felt because he had been called, the Lord would help him learn what he has to do. This brother is about 70 years old and we were touched by his great faith. Fortunately he has 2 out of his 12 children still at home so they will be able to help him.

While we were in San Jose, we were able to watch a group of people do their morning fishing. It was so interesting to watch. There was a long line of people bringing a big long net. A man was in a boat neatly but quickly stacking the net. After the net was on the boat, the boat went down the shore a ways. The people all walked along the beach to a certain spot. There they lined up and held one side of the net. The net had been unrolled and the other side was with the boat. Unfortunately it started to rain very hard and we couldn't watch them bring in net. It was amazing to watch them all work together as one. Everyone knew their job and did it. I imagined they all worked together for the success of the catch and shared it when they brought it in. They all needed each other.

The pictures are of the fishing party. The back boat is being towed to the fishing spot. The net is the white pile on the back of the boat being towed to the fishing spot.

Last Sunday in Sacrament meeting, the speaker was talking about communicating with others. He said something that I've been thinking about all week. He said that usually when people need to talk, they want empathy. I think what he said makes a lot of sense. Often the world tells us to just listen but I think if we just listen, it doesn't demonstrate caring but if we listen and express empathy, we have really made a connection. Most people will come up with their own answers, unless they specifically ask, empathy is what they need most. It's just something to think about....

We haven't been able to hear all of conference yet but family and friends have shared highlights with us. General Conference happens in the night here so they schedule the week after conference to broadcast it in the chapels. we are excited about the challenges issued and the changes made. The scripture that comes to mind is in D&C 1:38,"What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, ...whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same". We are grateful for prophets on the earth today. Pres. Nelson has taught us how to get our own revelation so we can get confirmation that what transpired this past conference is His will. It seems the bar has been raised for parents but with that also comes many promised blessings.

Much Love,
The Tuckers

September 24 - Miracles

Dear Family and Friends,

Hope you are having a fabulous Fall. It's so fun to see the Fall colors, feel the crispness of the air, and enjoy the smells of Fall.

We had a miracle in the Dental Clinic last week that reminds us all of who is in charge and who we serve. We had a large batch of new missionaries come into the MTC last Friday. As we were getting them each through a quick exam and a panoramic x-ray, we started to smell something burning. I thought maybe one of the dentists was doing something with one of his tools but didn't check on it because I was busy with the new missionaries in the front of the clinic. One of the dentist's wives (they are called as their husband's assistants) noticed that the smell was getting stronger so she decided to investigate. She checked all the dentists rooms and didn't find anything so she decided to go to the mechanical room and check. There she found the compressor smoking. She went to get her husband and before he got there to unplug the compressor, a fire had started. They were able to get one of our fire extinguishers and put the fire out quickly. It has to be a miracle that the fire was discovered and put out before it caused any damage to the building. Everything came together so perfectly that we know we and the MTC were being watched over and protected. The fire could have started when no one was around or could have been discovered after much damage. There are so many "what if" questions that could be asked but the miracle was that nothing worse happened. The Dental Clinic is located on the basement floor of the MTC and we can only imagine what might have happened if a fire had caught onto the structure.

We, along with most of the Senior missionary couples, attend the only English speaking ward in the Philippines on Sundays. The ward is comprised of American families who are there for the Dad's work, some Filipino families, a few famous people in the Philippines who can't go to the regular wards because they have too many fans (as Senior missionaries we have no idea who is famous here), and those of a few other nationalities who know English better than Tagalog. Today in Sacrament meeting, a sister from Cambodia spoke. She said as she prayed about what to say, she felt impressed to share her father's conversion story. We want to share it with you. Her father was part of a family with 12 children. The family was happy and doing well until the day in 1975 when Civil War broke out. The Communist party of Kampuchea fought to take over Cambodia. Her father's family was taken captive and sent to different camps. He was 9 at the time and didn't know what happened to his family. For 2 years he and the other children in the camp had to work from 4 am until noon when they were given some rice with a few vegetables in it then they were sent back to work from 1 pm until 6 pm. When he was 11, he heard that his parents were in a nearby camp. Somehow he got out of the camp he was in and walked alone through the deep jungle to the camp where his parents were. He was able to find his parents and was so happy to see them. A crowd had gathered and then they heard that the soldiers were coming so her father hid. From his hiding place he watched the soldiers question his parents and then shoot them. He was devastated to know he had caused their death. He continued walking through the jungle not knowing what to do. He feel to his knees and asked whatever Deity there might be to help him. He kept going and came to an old man who took him in, cared for him and sent him to school when the war was over. He married and moved to the city. There were many Christian churches who wanted them to join their churches but he would join none of them because he knew they were not right. When he met the missionaries and they taught her parents, her father knew that this was the right church and their family joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It wasn't until after he found the truth that the pain and anguish he felt about his parents' deaths began to heal and he began to feel at peace.

I don't have any pictures to go with my letter today so I'll just add some from our travels of the past. The first is a picture of 2 girls walking home from school and a tricycle. I love that they wear uniforms here. The second picture is a view of the sea. The third picture is of banca boats. They are the boats on the right, a Filipino outrigger boat (not the little boat on the left).

Our scriptural thought for you to consider is this: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27. There is peace that can only be found by conforming to and keeping the commandments of God. The Savior is the Prince of Peace and we hope that all our loved ones, family and friends, are living the peaceable life available by loving God and keeping His commandments.

Thank you for your love, your support, your prayers. They all sustain us and we thank you for them.

Elder and Sister Tucker

September 15 - Ta'al and Margkhut

Dear Friends and Family,

Hello!

We have been spending most of our time working in the office the past couple of weeks so there really aren't any adventures to share with our service. There are always tender mercies that let us know who is in charge of all the work that we do. Pathway Connect starts next week and we are looking forward to watching the students learn and grow and become friends.

Two Saturdays ago we went with the Senior missionaries on an outing to Ta'al. Ta'all is a volcano. There is a lake inside one volcano and another volcano inside the lake. The inside volcano also is filled with water so there is another lake. The water in the smaller volcano is too hot to swim in so there must be some kind of activity below the surface. The lake in the big volcano is 2000 feet deep at its deepest point. There is an amazing view from the top! (Pictures)

Typhoon Margkhut come through the Philippines in the early morning hours on Saturday. The worst of the storm was predicted to go through the center of Luzon but veered north so just caught the northern end of the island. Manila was on the outer edge of the storm. Even though we weren't in the center, the rain poured and the wind blew so hard that it woke us up. I am glad we live in a big apartment building. I couldn't help thinking about and praying for the people who live in makeshift homes - the rain and the wind had to wreck havoc with them.

A few days before the storm was supposed to hit, the big signs on the billboards were rolled up and secured in the middle of the billboard structures. It seemed a little eerie to see none of the usual huge signs along the roads and so few cars. (pictures)

Elder Tucker and I were supposed to fly to Butuan, a city on the island of Mindinao, to do some training on Friday. Because of the storm warning, our department manager advised us not to go so we postponed the training and will go in November instead. We are grateful that our manager,Venna, watches out for us. We are so unfamiliar with the weather here and how it affects the country. The storm wasn't going to effect Butuan but flying in and out of Manila was going to be a problem. Flying in a storm is not on any of my lists of things I want to do.

We have loved reading and listening to the "Saints The Standard of Truth" book that the church has given to all of us. Having it on the Gospel Library App has allowed all of us to read it as soon as it was released. From Salt Lake City to Manila and beyond we all have access to this new treasure. Writing and research in this book is excellent. The church truly has provided us all with a book as described in D&C 88:118;"And as all have not faith, seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek leaning even by study and also by faith."

Enjoy the lovely fall weather!

Love,
The Tuckers

August 28 - Tuguegrao and Pathway

Dear Friends and Family,

This past week we were in Tuguegarao to do some training. We stayed for church on Sunday and attended a ward that met in a rented house. It was a wonderful experience. So exciting that the Spirit attends every meeting no matter where the meeting is held. In wards we attend other than our own, the people sing the hymns, read the scriptures and say the Sacrament prayers in English. Other than those things, most speak in their local language or dialect. We can usually follow along with the main ideas of the talks or lessons but not the details. One brother who spoke in Sacrament meeting read something in Illicano or Tagalog but then when he started to speak, it almost sounded like he was singing or chanting a beautiful song. Afterward, the friend we attended with said he spoke a dialect that they nicknamed the "language of the birds". It was delightful to hear him speak and feel the Spirit even though we didn't understand a word. In Relief Society, the teacher asked me a question. I was able to answer the question before anyone else so it wasn't too intimidating. We usually don't make comments in classes because we don't know what has been said and don't know if what we say will go along with what they are talking about or not.

Another great thing that happened this past week was Pathway graduation. It was the first graduating class from the Area Office site. We have come to love each of the students and will miss our weekly gathering with them. Because most of the students work at the Area Office, they have advanced education degrees but they took the class to learn and improve their English skills which in turn will improve their opportunities for promotions. We have been happy to see not only their English improve but also their confidence in speaking English and standing in front of a group. They gained so much more from the class than English. Two students cut up their credit cards during the first semester as they learned about life skills and personal finance. I didn't realize how much I had grown to love and would miss these students until they were lining up in the hallway getting ready to march into graduation. It was then that I realized that our gatherings really were done. Elder Tucker and I, another missionary couple, the the wonderful wife of the DTA (Director of Temporal Affairs in the Philippines), will be able to continue to facilitate the next group that starts in September. Last year we didn't have a clue about what we were doing or what to expect when we started with the first group. Now that we've done it for a year, we are excited to start again and look forward to the growth that we will see in the group as well as in ourselves . This has been an awesome experience!

While doing some reading in the June Ensign this week, I found a scripture that I hadn't really noticed before in an article by Elder Gary B. Sabin titled, "Place Your Trust in Him". This verse is in Nahum 1:7 " The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him". It is such a sweet reminder that the Lord knows us, is aware of us, and will help us - each and every one of us! I don't know how it is done but I do know that it is true. He knows each of us and our circumstances. He loves us and watches over us. We are never alone.

We love you all - 

Love,
The Tuckers

Picture 1 - Elder Tucker and our friend in front of their church after the meetings

Picture 2 - Our Pathway graduates lined up ready to go in

Picture 3 - The Pathway graduating class. Pres. Wakolo (2nd counselor in the Area Presidency) is in the center front with Bro. Almeida (the DTA), Elder Tucker and Elder Kaneen (the two on the front left)

Picture 4 - Just a snapshot of life -Mothers walking with their little ones to school.

August 13 - Rainy Season

Dear Family and Friends,

It seems like a bit of a cliche to start this week's letter with news about the weather. Last year when we arrived in the Philippines, we were told it was the rainy season. It rained some everyday but not a lot. We thought the rainy season was like living in Florida in the summer when the storms came in, it rained and then cleared up and was sunny again. We learned this year that last year was a very mild rainy season. This year is more normal. It has been cloudy and rainy for the past several weeks but the last five days have been crazy. We will have howling winds and a driving downpour for 30 to 60 minutes then it will be calm and the streets and sidewalks will begin to dry. Before we know it, the wind and rain begin again. There have been landslides and a lot of flooding. The first picture is of the only way out of the neighborhood where our department manager lives. Her home and family were fine but they were stuck at home for a while.

I learned a fun fact last week. I brought a "bucket"of crackers (see picture) and brought them to the office. When our co-worker saw them, he said that there are bigger containers of these crackers that people buy and bring to funerals here. We have funeral potatoes and they have funeral crackers. :) Actually they have a week long wake where people come to the home of the family who has had someone pass away. There they talk and eat. It is sometimes very expensive for the bereaved family. Often those who visit will bring food with them or donate money to the family that is used for all the food they serve.

My picture of the crackers also includes the most used hand sanitizer here - plain Isopropyl alcohol. They keep several bottles around the office.

Every Tuesday morning the Area Office has an employee devotional at 9 am. Today the subject was about Pathway Connect. The employees are encouraged to take this course to help them advance in their jobs. Kent gave a great talk encouraging the employees to enroll. I think most left the meeting ready to do it. I'll share more about Pathway Connect in my next letter.

Elder Stevenson and his wife were here this past week for the Face to Face that was broadcast from the MTC Activity Center. Following the broadcast, they both spoke to the missionaries who are currently at the MTC . We were blessed to be invited to that meeting (we were not invited to the Face to Face because that is an event just for the youth). Elder Stevenson is amazing! He knows the whole "Preach My Gospel" manual forwards and backwards! He taught so powerfully from that book. (3rd Picture)

We close with a scripture he shared and told the missionaries to remember by memorizing 2-2-2 -
2 Nephi 2:2 "Nevertheless, Jacob, my firstborn in the wilderness, thou knowest the greatness of God; and he shall consecrate thine afflictions for thy gain." The word consecrate adds so much power to this statement. Knowing that God will "make sacred" our afflictions and that they will make us more than we would have been without them brings us all hope that those afflictions are creating something beautiful and powerful within us, that no trial is wasted.

It is an honor to be serving and having the learning opportunities we experience. The gospel of Jesus Christ heals the wounded heart, lifts up the down trodden, and blesses everyone in individual ways as needed. We witness the work of God moves forward and his kingdom is rolling forth to fill the earth. We love the work…

Love,
The Tuckers

August 2 - Train, Teach, Travel

Dear Family and Friends,

Greetings!

This month has been especially busy with training. Which means we've been away from Manila a lot. More AATS (Assistant Area Technology Specialists) are being called and we need to train them in their responsibilities. We were in Tacloban last weekend and were able to train 2 new AATS and had a group training with technology specialists serving on the islands of Samar and Leyte. The week before, we were in Cagayan De Oro training new AATS there. The AATS are key to technology success in every area of the Philippines. Two of the biggest differences between us teaching and the local AATS teaching is they know the language and circumstances of the people in each of the stakes and districts in their areas. Some of the areas speak more than one language. Most of the Filipinos we've met speak at least 3 languages or more. Our main goal is really to get the Filipinos self-reliant with their technology needs and this seems to be the best plan to address their needs. So we travel.

Most of the airports we visit are small. I thought in this email, I would share through pictures a little about the places we spend a lot of our time on weekends.You'll recognize the airport pictures for what they are. It's pretty easy to spot Elder Tucker at the baggage claim area. I had walked away and when I turned around and saw him, he seemed to glow - white shirt, grey hair, tall, good looking.

While we were waiting in Tacloban, Elder T picked up a newspaper to read. I peeked over his shoulder and happened to see this full page notice. I was impressed with the stand of the local churches. It has words like "mass" and "holy communion" in the text so we know it isn't a notice from our church - but if a few words were changed, it could be. Take a few minutes to read it, even if you have to enlarge it. It's worth the effort.

We are so grateful for all of our blessings. 2 Nephi 22 seems to put into words the feelings of our hearts.

"And in that day though shalt say: O Lord, I will praise thee; though thou wast angry with me thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedst me.
Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid, for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; he also has become my salvation.
Therefore, with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation
And in that day shall ye say: Praise the Lord, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted
Sing unto the Lord; for he hath done excellent things; this is known in all the earth
Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion; for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee."

Love,
The Tuckers

July 19 - July

Dear Friends and Family,

Greetings from the Philippines!

It seems like July just started and it's half over already!

We had a sweet miracle happen in the Dental Clinic last week. An elder came in who needed a root canal. As the dentist started the process, the elder became afraid and anxious. The first I heard about what was going on, his dentist was asking the lead dentist if there was any way for him to do general anesthesia. It was explained that we don't do that here, the elder would have to go to a hospital for that. The elder was shaking and crying - this was a traumatic experience for him. I heard later that he was afraid of needles and blood but there must have been something else going on for him to be that frightened. I was listening to what was going on, wondering what I could do to help, when things got quiet. Shortly afterward I heard the dentist working. The elder was calm and able relax and let the dentist do the work to save his tooth. Later, I asked what had happened. I found out that the dentist had given him a blessing and he was able to get his tooth repair completed. How grateful we are for the power of the Priesthood that can calm the troubled waters as well as a troubled soul.

Technology training took us to Cebu this past weekend. We love everyone we serve with and feel so blessed to be able to meet with them and those they serve in person and go to church with them. Even though we don't understand everything that is said, most people use enough English when they speak that we can catch the meaning of what they say. They sing all the hymns in English which is nice for us. This past Sunday we were invited to eat lunch with a group of friends who were gathering for a meal after church. Some of these good people are shy about speaking to us, others converse with us like we are their family. We love to hear their stories and feel their faith.

We’re getting used to the traffic situation here and what challenges there are to getting around. Our training took us from Cebu to Bogo, a four plus hour van ride on two lane roads to the north end of Cebu island. We drove for a time along the coast and enjoyed the beautiful views of the water. Another adventure in our travels around the country. We’re blessed to have the chance of meeting so many wonderful people.

We witness again and again how the Lord’s hand is upon this nation and how the Filipino saints will lead in taking the gospel to all of Asia. We’re happy to be doing our part to make the work of the Lord prosper and move forward. Our lives are full of miracles and tender mercies. We are humbled and grateful for the Holy Ghosts influence in our work.

"And Christ hath said,"If ye will have faith in me ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in me. " Moroni 7:33

Love,
The Tuckers

The first picture is one of a couple of men getting breakfast. This is a common sight outside of the cities. Some people cook and bring pots of whatever they made to their sari-sari store to sell.


The second picture is of a Cebu jeepney. Often the jeepneys have more people in them, this must have been a slow time of day.


The next picture was taken at a ukele/guitar factory. A lot of careful handwork goes in to their creation.


The last picture is of the factory area. If you look close, you can see the open buildings around the perimeter of the yard. That is where the workers do all their work.

July 5 - Traveling Again

Dear Family and Friends,

The weeks seem to fly by so fast! Kent and I have started to do more training and that means more travel. We love to get out of the city and into the provinces. I especially love seeing lots of green space. This country is so varied and beautiful.

We were able to assist with training that was held in Cauayan last week. It is always such a blessing to meet with the saints and feel of their willingness to learn and to serve the best they can. We are grateful that so many of those we work with are willing to do whatever they are called to do and do their best. There have been some changes with technology recently and the Stake Technology Specialists can really be a help to the Stake Presidents in making sure things are as they should be. Technology here is so different from the US. We are back in time about 20 years with spotty coverage and unreliable connections but the internet companies here are working to improve so they are moving in the right direction.

In our travels this week we were able to see the Banaue Rice Terraces. I've included a couple of pictures of those. These rice terraces are over 2,000 years old. The first terraces were made out of wood and caribao bones. Later as they built farther up the mountain, they used rock and mortar. The mountains all around the terraces are very steep. We are so impressed that they have been able to maintain them for so long. The people there are all related. Most are born there, live their lives there and die there but now more of the children are moving out. I hope enough stay so the terraces will be maintained. They really are breathtaking to see.The area is pretty remote. We found this pay toilet - check out the sign by the door. For 5 pesos you could use the facilities but it cost 10 pesos if you want toilet tissue.:) We love the Philippines!

In 2 Nephi 4:16 it says,'Behold, my soul delighteth in the things of the Lord; and my heart pondereth continually upon the things which I have seen and heard." when reading this recently, it brought to mind Elder Bednar's talk about tender mercies and Elder Eyring's talk about seeing the Lord's hand in our lives and recording it every day. As we ponder our days and see God's blessings upon us, we will feel His love more strongly. Even on the difficult days, we will know that God is watching over us and encouraging us.

We love you all -
The Tuckers

June 18 - Intramuros

Dear Family and Friends,

Greetings! We hope you are enjoying summer. Last year when we arrived, we were told it was rainy season but it really didn't rain that often. It has rained everyday for the past 2 weeks and I don't mean once a day and the clouds go away. It is cloudy most days and rains on and off throughout the day.

We were blessed to have Elder Christofferson here and to be able to hear him speak at a devotional for the MTC and the Area Office. He spoke of Pres. Nelson's recent talk about personal revelation. I had the impression that this talk is very important because the message was being repeated. We should all read it again. Within his talk were several nuggets of insights and some of his own experiences that personalized the message of our need to learn how to receive personal revelation. This was a special talk for me because he answered two questions that I have pondered off and on for several years. When apostles come to the Philippines, they have a very busy schedule that tires much younger men. The people we work with in ICS (Information and Communication Services) were all out of the office for a few days and some all of the days Elder Christofferson was here supporting him with all his technology needs ( microphones, computers, etc). These good people work very hard behind the scenes to facilitate all the work that apostles do while they are here in the Philippines.

This month for our senior missionary outing on Saturday, we went to the oldest part of the city of Manila called Intramuros which means "within the walls". The walls were built around the city around 1600. Unfortunately, this is also where the Japanese made their last stand near the end of WWII so much of it was destroyed in the fight for control of the Philippines. To begin our tour, we met at a non-profit school where they help the children in the area who are struggling with regular school. On Saturdays, they have a music class. We were there when it was time for the class to start so the children played and sang 3 songs for us. Their instrument is called an Angklung and the children shake them to make the sounds. I've included a picture of the instrument. The Pasig river borders one side of the walls of Intramuros and there is a nice golf course out side of other sides of the wall. I have included 2 pictures from the walls. Our guide told us that this golf course area is the only open space in Manila. There are very few parks in all of metro Manila and those are mostly in gated residential neighborhoods.

Kent's turn to write...

Our work has its ebbs and flows. At times we are crazy busy and then other times we want for things to do. This coming week we have some exciting meetings scheduled. We are helping with a training for all the stake and district presidents and their stake technology specialist in one setting, together. We’ve not had that opportunity before and hope the meetings will have a positive impact on their technology use. That gathering will occur in Cauayan, about an ten hour drive from Manila… (we’re flying not driving).

We are pleased to be serving and trying to make a difference. President Monson shared this thought years ago, ‘The Redeemer chose imperfect men to teach the way to perfection. He did so then; He does so now.’ CR, Apr 2004. In our own imperfect ways we’re trying to serve well.

President Nelson’s emphasis on the Holy Ghost and his critical role in keeping us safe now and in the future is ringing true in our lives. We pray that all our loved ones will live worthy of having the needed companionship of the Holy Ghost daily. Elder Oaks taught this, “The idea that scripture reading can lead to inspiration and revelation opens the door to the truth that a scripture is not limited to what it meant when it was written but may also include what that scripture means to a reader today. Even more, scripture reading may also lead to current revelation on whatever else the Lord wishes to communicate to the reader at that time. We do not overstate the point when we say that the scriptures can be a Urim and Thummim to assist each of us to receive personal revelation.” Ensign, Jan 1995.

Read, ponder and pray every day.

We love you all,

The Tuckers

June 11 - Letter

Dear Family and Friends,

Magandang gibi (Good evening)

Tuesday marks our completion of one year in the Philippines. We have learned so much in our first year here. We hope now that we are trained, we can serve even better than last year. Kent has refined our training plan and we have been blessed to have opportunities to teach in settings other than our Technology Area. I can't say we are technology experts but we sure know a lot more than we did when we arrived a year ago.

It's so interesting how things work out. Before we left, I went back to college to get my Associates degree. One of the required classes that had been added to the requirements since I left school almost 40 years earlier was a computer class. It was a fast paced class and I had to work hard to keep up with the teacher and the other students who grew up speaking "Computer". That class has turned out to be a great blessing to us in our work here. I learned some basics about power point presentations and excel. We are using both quite a bit in our work here. Power points (Kent actually makes most of those but I've made a couple too) for the training and teaching we do and excel in the dental clinic. At the time I was taking the class, I wondered if I would ever use that information again. It turns out that what I learned there has been more helpful than most of the other classes I took.

As things change in all of our lives, there are joyful times and difficult times.. The scripture that echos in our hearts at all of these times is Psalms 3:5-6:" Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direst thy paths." We know our Heavenly Father is aware of each one of us and He will help us through the smooth and the rough places in our paths of life. We can depend on Him. We can trust Him. He loves us and wants us to come home to Him. He will help us.

Warmly,

The Tuckers

I am sharing some more pictures of our good memories here.
The pictures are:
1- a 32nd floor view of metro Manila
2- You may have to enlarge this pic to read the sign next to the street. It says "Beware of Snatchers"
3- Two sweet little girls we met at church while on the island of Cataduanes.
4- Love all the wires!

June 3 - Looking Back

Dear Family and Friends,

Hello! We've been in the Philippines for almost a year so I thought it would be fun to share some pictures from the past year. Hopefully I won't repeat very many of the ones I've already sent. It has been a wonderful year.

We've met so many nice people. It has been hard to say good-bye to some missionary couples who became great friends but have completed their missions and have gone home. But then we get to meet the new couples and realize how blessed we are to become friends with them.

Progress is slow in our assignment. Like so many areas of our lives, there is an ebb and flow to our work. We are trying to get AATS called in each of 29 areas that the Area Presidency helped to align for our assignment. We'll get someone in one area then someone else will finish their mission in another area. Most of those we work with in the different areas are Church Service Missionaries, meaning they serve while living at home and doing all the regular things they do. Some of the missionaries will request an extension of their missions so they can continue working with technology in their areas. It is better that they train the local people because they can speak the right language and the people can understand them. There are more than a hundred and fifty languages spoken in the Philippines - 8 -13 major ones (depending on which Google site you read) but only Tagolog and English are taught. We often help with training meetings and feel like the people understand most of what we say but they are reluctant to ask or answer questions. Most Filipinos understand English pretty well but are reluctant to speak it because they aren't very sure of how well they speak and don't want to embarrass themselves. Having local people called to teach and train technology is the best way to help every stake and district become self-reliant in technology. Our job is to encourage callings to be made and to train those who do receive callings. In a couple of weeks we will be going to Cauayan to what we hope will be the ideal meeting - Stake Presidents, and Stake Technology Specialists. We feel we can reach them better with smaller group meetings - we'll let you know how that goes.

In Sacrament meeting today, a sister shared a scripture that helped her through a very difficult time when she was afraid she was going to fail the exam that would let her go to school to become a doctor. 2 Timothy 1:7 " For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power and of love and of a sound mind." Too often I don't recognize my anxieties and frustrations as fear but when I finally do, I know that fear does not come from God. He can and will help all or us conquer what we fear.

All our Love,
The Tuckers

Now for the pictures...
1-The first is of a Primary room in Olongapo. All the church buildings we have been to in the Philippines have white tile floors. The chapels have benches but almost all other chairs are brown plastic.
2- Early in our mission we traveled to Guimaras, an island known for it's delicious mangoes. We had a mango pizza. It is the best pizza I've ever eaten.
3- This man (I think he has feather dusters and some kind of microfiber cloths to sell) is one of many people who come out into traffic to sell their wares. They will stand at the side of the road until a light turns red or traffic is heavy and slows then they will come out to sell whatever they have. We have seen them sell nearly everything you can imagine - water, chips, rolls, bread sticks, single cigarettes, coke, balloons, flowers, dusters, peanuts, really just anything.
4- I love seeing signs like this in different towns.
5- Our mall recently added this special place for pets - a dog park and cafe
6- Lastly - this man carries his hammock with him whenever he is with his truck. I guess you never know when you might get a chance for a nap. To be fair these people work very hard - often 10 to 12 hour a day, 6 days a week.