Dear Lovlies,

The past two weeks have been filled with conferences and meetings.  The planning and coordination for the Welfare Department training session was given to me.  You have to understand that we really do not have a budget for such things.  It has been the desire of our chief, Benson, to have a conference and gather all the service missionaries together in some lovely location for instruction and for a show of appreciation for their service.  He has wanted to do this for years.  The service missionaries are a group of wonderful Filipino Saints who serve a couple of days a week at their own expense, just like we do. Most of them have not retired yet and are juggling their every day jobs as well.  Just the time on the road is a sacrifice because it takes for ever to get anywhere; the financial sacrifice is on top of that.  So Elder Misalucha went to the powers that be and plead his case.

Planning committee MaeAnne and Sister Webb  (MaeAnne is the secretary: "do everything" person in our office)

We did get special permission and of course our budget was very conservative.  I spent some time finding a location.  Most of the places were beyond our budget.  Then we came upon Ating Tahanan National Program and Training Center in Baguio.  The Girls Scouts of the Philippines run the place and it IS used for them, but they rent it out as well.  So, we reserved a spot for ourselves for 2 and 1/2 days.  I originally thought it was going to be an easy relaxing time, but Benson filled every minute with training.  We started with breakfast at 6:30 am and then classes running constant except for meals and breaks.  We had 12 private rooms, a dorm for our sister missionaries and a room with 4 beds for one family who came with a special needs daughter.  There were 38 of in all.  It was a wonderful experience for everyone.  The Girl South facility catered the event for us.  Benson wanted them to do snacks as well.  Can I just say their idea of snack is pretty hearty, we had lasagna for one morning snack and all the others were as filling.  They served a snack in the morning and then again in the afternoon.  We had to stay on schedule or our snack would get in the way of our meals.  It was crazy, but no one missed a meal or snack as far as I know.

The Welfare missionaries from the Philippines Area 

Evenings were free.  The Filipino sisters love shopping so that is what they did.  I was told there is a place that is open 9.00 pm until 1 am.  You go to some location and they have boxes there with items for sale.  Sister Gorriceta came back with a Gucci bag she picked up at a very good price.  Apparently it had the letter of authenticity with it.  It was lovely.  There is a funny story about this place that I will share when I get home....if I remember.

taking a break

Special recognition for service: each couple received a plaque thanking them for their hard work in LDS Charities  This one is presented to Elder and Sister Soleta by Benson Misalucha (L) and Kenneth Gomez Lee (R)

                       

tired after a full day

Elder Webb discussing what we learned from Typhoon Lando

view from the conference room

Benson giving instruction

 

Baguio was a breath of fresh air, literally (well at least the conference grounds were).  It lifted our spirits and felt like the Pacific Northwest; cool evenings and mornings with Evergreen trees and lovely Hydrangeas some of the things we love and miss.  Downtown Baguio is like any big city here, lots of people, traffic, beggars, noise and smells.  We loved the fruit and veggie markets downtown and were able to load up on Sagada Oranges and fresh greens before we headed home. The broccoli was 1/4 the price of Manila stores: so sweet.

We couldn't  help but think the Girl Scout Camp would be the perfect place for a family reunion; if one lived here that is.  The rooms were big and good rustic with private baths and beautiful views. You can google the place using the name listed above if you are curious. The private rooms run about $40 a night.

I'll tell you about our partners evening in another post.

We are doing well.   Keeping our ears to the ground weather wise.  It is still Typhoon season.  There is a low front headed for Mindanao as I write this.  I hope it does not pick up steam.

Love and miss you all,

Elder and Sister Webb
Mom and Dad Gma and Gpa

Meals were served buffet style with several meat selections, rice, veggies and salad at every meal.  Everyone was pleased with the selection and variety.  There was more than enough to keep this team going.

                                                    Baguio's farmers market at night

Fruit stand in Baguio farmers market