March 5 - Family and Friends

Dear Friends and Family,

This has been a week filled with love for family and friends.

This past week we were blessed with a visit from my brother, his wife and their son, Bill, who had served his mission here in the Manila area. Kent was a hero as he drove to the provinces twice to take us to see some of the people in areas where Bill served. What a delight it was to see that the people were so loving and generous and remembered the light that Bill brought to their lives through the gospel after all these years. He has been home from his mission for about 20 years and yet the friendships are still strong. Some even welcomed us into their homes. They were thrilled to meet their missionary's parents too.

Two couples who were our good friends here went home this past week. One couple was a dentist in the clinic and his wife (his assistant), the other was serving as an Area Medical adviser and his wife. Now we're the ones who have been in the area the longest. It's so strange to think about how things were and who was here when we came and how much things have changed in a short time. We still have so much to do that it's hard to imagine going home just yet.

I cannot write this week without mentioning the passing of a dear friend of our family from Tallahassee. She went to work as usual but wasn't feeling well. An ambulance was called and took her to the hospital where she passed away from a pulmonary embolism. She was only 35. She was a good friend to our girls and lifted them when they struggled with our move to Tallahassee then stayed in touch all through the years. Her smile would bring light to the hearts of all around her. As we mourn her passing, we are reminded of the gift of the great plan of happiness that our Father in Heaven has given us. How grateful we are to know that this life is not the end of our existence, our lives, our families or our friendships. Praise be to God for his love and tender mercies. D&C 6: 36-37 "Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not. Behold the wounds which pierced my side and also the prints of the nails in my hands and feet; be faithful, keep my commandments, and ye shall inherit the kingdom of heaven." Our Savior gave his life that we might be together forever with our families. Believe.

We love you.

Thank you all for your prayers and love.
Love,
The Tuckers

Our pictures this week are of the beauty around us.