San Pablo Philippines Davies Mission

Catching up on the most amazing week ever.  There were many teachings, nothing new, just amazing reminders as to what the gospel contains and how important they are.  There were some things that surprised me (Barb), however. I wasn't prepared for the fact that the 12 apostles and Presidency would come and stay  all day with us, eating, visiting, sharing their love for us and the work we are about to engage in.  Elder Hales and President Monson did not attend because of age, but all others were there.  There were 127 new president and their wives.  Also, many of the seventy with their wives.  We were taught and given apostlic blessings that will forever be in our hearts.  I sat in the meetings, wishing all of you could have sat next to me.  They talk on a different level when their audience are people who are about to join them in consecrating their lives to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ and leave all else behind. Sometimes we would be ...

I have had the funniest thought that explains how we feel as the days near for us to start. Several years ago we went on a Caribbean cruise and went zip lining.  I am afraid of heights but was determined to do this and not hold Doug back from this experience.  We hiked and then climbed until we were on the first of 7 or 8 VERY tall trees in a rainforest and then we were outfitted with extremely safe harnesses that forced us to sit up, connected at both the waist and the shoulders.  The problem with the very safe harnesses is that as we got ready to zip to the next tree,  I was sitting up, looking down.  The man helping us asked if I was ready and I would say yes, but then couldn't push myself off.  He asked a couple of times, my answer was the same, but I couldn't do it on my own.  Finally, I would tell him he would have to push me off this one.   Immediately, it was the most terrifying (as evident my my screams) and exhilarating experience. ...

What an amazing day.  We met with Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve and Elder Lynn G, Robbins of the Seventy.  We talked about the people of the Philippines, and it was evident that they love the people very much.  Elder Andersen set Doug apart and bestowed the keys (of the gathering of Israel), then Elder Robbins set Barbara apart.  The blessings given were comforting and complete.  Our loved ones will be watched over as well as us and we will have the Lord to help us.

Doug and I have always wanted to go know on a mission when we retired.  I guess the Lord was listening to our hearts and made it so.  After a surprise call from Elder Holland, we visited with him on Novemver 4th about the possibility of serving.  Then another call and an interview with President Eyring on the call to be was issued by President Eyring on December 6th.  We were very humbled that the Lord entrusted us to be Mission President and Wife.  We received a letter telling us the place we were to serve on December 20th....San Pablo, Philippines! The church photographer made us look the part! We report to the NEW MTC on June 24th for 4 days, then off to the Philippines for 3 Years! We have so much to learn and prepare the time will go quickly.  The support from our daughters and son-in-laws has been phenomenal.  I never imagined the roles reversed and them being the ones supporting us (emotionally) on a mission.  We have a great tutor ...