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.
