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!