Dear Ones,

Sunday May 15th, another week gone and a new week begins.  We find our time is filled with new assignments that stretch us in new areas.  Do we say that  every time?

Last week we spent time in operational meetings.  We meet with the DTA weekly for the Welfare Staff meeting, which Elder Webb conducts; the department directors meetings of which we now represent welfare, and the temple affairs committee.  It's on the schedule but we don't know what our responsibilities are. Elder Webb is working a lot with legal writing up agreements and contracts for the MOA's (memorandum of agreement) which are part of our job.  He seems to be thriving in these added assignments and loves schmoozing with the Area Presidency. 

Sister Webb has been given the assignment to prepare a video to be show at an attorneys conference.  Once every three years the LDS legal department hosts all the attorneys with whom the church does business in the Philippines.  This is the year for the conference and Sister Webb's presentation will introduce LDS Charities' work over the past year.  It's a great way to organize photos and thoughts, but it take a lot of time.  She is working with the publication department.  

We still manage to get out to visit areas and groups which are in need of help; which is our normal job.  Last week we visited with two more needy hospitals.  One we love of course is Fabella, but they had a fire in the elevator shaft and the fire department condemned 80% of the building. So they are looking for a new place to move. That takes time and it has all been wrapped up in politics.  We just had an election on Tuesday and hopefully things will start to move again.  This is the last resort hospital we have shared photos of in the past.  They have more babies than any other hospital in this part of the country and they are closing their doors.   We do not know where the poor and needy women will go. 

Dr Tumale was over joyed with another delivery of  blankets for the new babies.  The fire in the elevator shaft left doctors, nurses and patients
down trodden after the building was condemned. 

We also visit Qurieno Hospital.  It was interesting to compare the two, which in reality one really can't do, they are just too different.  But, at Fabella everyone, doctors, nurses and patients work and stay in the same conditions.  There is a window air conditioner in the records room where we meet with Dr. Tumale and her staff, but that is the only convenience.  The sink in that room has ants marching across it's soap dish and down the wall to the small crack at the base of the floor.  The maternity ward is clean and light and everyone seems well supervised and coping. The nurses station is in the same room as the mothers and babies so they are in view all the time.  As you know there are many women sharing the beds but they put two beds together to make the space more accommodating.

Visiting with the doctors at Qurieno Hospital to talk about Neo-natal needs.

The children's ward.  Beds and cribs are shared.  The bed on the left behind the support beam had 3 children bedding in it. The families of the children stay.  In one case the father held the child while the mother slept on the 1/3 of the bed that was for her child.  This room was cheery with bright colors and light from the windows.  Most of the wards were with out windows.
The bed you see in the foreground left is the size two women would share in maternity. 

Qurieno has a different set up.  The office and administration are in a new beautiful space although the lights were all off when we visited as they tried to save electricity.  

Nurses station at Qurieno

The Wards were crowded and there were two women to a single bed which seemed smaller than the hospital beds at Fabella.  There were tiny windows if any in the rooms so they were dark and uninviting. I never saw a nurse in the rooms with the mothers, although family members were there making it extra crowded.  Apparently there are no restrictions on visiting hours so some families just camp out.   Needless to say, there is tremendous need everywhere we go.  

Screening for vision with Mabuhay Deseret.  I thought this doctor was just one of the teens walking through the space.

people waiting for screening.

Wednesday we headed off to a remote Barangay and help out in a medical screening for Mabuhay Deseret Foundation.   Friday we had a MOA signing with Gentle Hands Orphanage.  LDS Charities will be donating rice and medications to this orphanage which rescues abused and abandoned children.  I may have written about that.  Norriss conducted the meeting and Elder Ardern, the Area president presided.  His first councilor Elder Bowen and their wives attended.  It was a good time for us to introduce LDS Charities and what we do as well as learn more about the history of Gentle Hands.  We had such a great time talking that we spent all our time in the conference room and it was too late for our guest to take a tour of the campus. When guest come they are always impressed with the MTC, which is just across the driveway for our offices.
We also responded with emergency food packets to a Barangay which had 300 families displaced by a fire that rand through the little community of Taguig.

We had rice left over from an emergency response mission.  There were 16 bags which we donated to the Gentle Hands Orphanage.  Charity said it was the first time every she did not have to worry about where the money was coming for the rice.  She said it wonderful to be able to tell the children, yes you can have more rice if you are still hungry.

This darling is one of three children in a family that is waiting for adoption.  They had been placed the day before we came.  The wait is just beginning.

more rice

 We got to know Charity Graff, president of Gentle Hands Foundation and some of her staff.  Her story is dramatic and a very real part of the life of some children here in this 3rd world country where lack of education and sometime drugs contribute to the abuse of the smallest and the poorest of god's children. She is passionate about saving as many little one as is possible.  They have 110 children as of Friday. Children are rescued, and the ones that respond to treatment and therapy are deemed adoptable.

glasses being prepared for distribution by our vision partners  

Charity and her group have had a great deal of success getting these children adopted abroad even in the little family groups that come in 3's 4's and 5's.  There are some for whom Gentle Hands Orphanage will be home till they leave for College.  Yes, Charity and her staff see that their children are educated.  They are beautiful.

Did I mention Sister Webb drove to Gentle Hands?  Well, it's true and we arrived in one piece and on time.  Elder Webb took on the roll of navigator because the exact location of Gentle Hands seemed to be a bit of a mystery.  You know, drive till the road ends then turn left go to the third building past the bridge after the yellow truck?  It was one of those.

We also moved to a new flat.  The owners of our former home are returning from he states and will need the space for themselves.  We are pleased with the new place but moving is a real hassle no matter where, when, or how big or little ones place is.  We are almost organized again.

Next week will be equally as busy and we head across Luzon to visit with partners and explore new ways of helping the poor of the Philippines become self sustaining.  The Lord loves his children, every one.  How blessed we feel that he has allowed us to learn about so many new and interesting people and places.

We have had some wonderful news over the last little while.  Our granddaughter, Camille Hanosek got her mission call to Chile and will be leaving in August.  And, we were blessed with another beautiful granddaughter. Anna Elizabeth Dahlin.  She was born April 19th.  Sister Webb was able to attend the birth and help out on the home front.  Kathryn, Anna's mother turned 40 yesterday.  Happy Days to all.  We also hear that Elizabeth has gone to help Kathryn, and Felicia has gone to help Rebecca.  What a joy it is to know our family rally rounds one another in love to support in times of need.  Victoria has been the one to go in the past.  Thank you all.

We love you and miss you, but are so thankful to know the Lord is watching over you and caring for you.  The Church is doing some wonderful things in spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the Philippines.  LDS Charities is just one way the Gospel of love is reaching the poor and needy of the earth.

Eight months left, but who has time for counting.

Elder and Sister Webb

Dear Ones,

While you were sleeping we became the interim Country Directors of the Philippines.  Our boss, Benson Misalucha, has taken another position in Seminaries and Institutes and is moving to Baguio for health purposes.  He will be greatly missed.  In the meantime, Elder Webb and I (mostly Elder Webb) have been asked to fill in until the new Country Director can move into the position. That is scheduled to be August depending on a number of things. We heard he may have another 2 months of training in SLC after that. We feel we are doing double time as we try to schedule our work as well as attend all the meetings of the Country Director plus about approving projects submitted by other missionaries.  Again we know that the Lord will make a way for us to get the things done he needs to have done.  It will make the time go very fast.  Elder Webb is doing a great job.  To him it feels like he is back in the saddle.

We were asked to take this assignment by the Director of Temporal Affairs (DTA), the head of the temporal side of the office here in the  Area Office, Daniel de Almeida.  He is an extraordinary man; a Brazilian from Uruguay.  His assignment seems to be one of cleaning up different Area's; literally.  I was looking for furniture for one of our Partners. There are several large storage areas packed to the gills.  One we happened to look in had furniture.  We saw several office chairs on top of other things.  We inquired about the furniture and made a request before I left for SLC for the birth of Kathryn’s baby.  While I was gone the DTA had the contents of that storage room auctioned off.  We got our chairs for MDH and it did not take the months that are often a part of business here in the Philippines.

Elder Benson Misalucha second from left, front row.  

Speaking of SLC, as I mentioned, I was so fortunate to be given permission to return for the birth of Kathryn's baby.   I was a little nervous because I was granted permission to attend the wonderful wedding of Elizabeth in February so I was holding my breath.  Never fear, I was given permission along with a blessing for Kathryn from the Area Presidency and the Missionary Committee in SLC.  It's nice not to feel guilty for doing what you want.

Dear Ones,

We reported on the great time we had with Vic and Len, but there were other adventures we had during the month that we’d like to share.

We’ve had some interesting contacts.  We went to some screenings at Mabuhay Deseret House, owned by one of our partners, Mabuhay Deseret Foundation.  It was the first time the “House” was opened up to the neighborhood and people were invited to come right on in.  We met some delightful people who greet life with a smile even though their bodies are causing them difficulties.  Vision and eye care doctors removed cataracts, uncrossed eyes, and discovered cancers and referred patients for treatment that was life saving. 

Helping Hands are used to keep order during the screening.  This screening is actually in San Mateo.  Members are a wonderful help during these times.

One darling 5 year old named Jona Mae came to Mabuhay House from the far away island of Palawan.  During screening the doctors were concerned and sent her for a scan.  They discovered there was an aggressive cancer behind the troubled eye.  They said it is extremely fast growing and could move to the other eye and then the brain in a matter of days. The surgery needed to be done immediately.  So, surgery was performed that afternoon on Jona Mae.  She is a remarkable person with a charming personality.  She will recover at Mabuhay House.

The ladies from the Area Office go weekly to share crafts and a gospel message of love.  This week the lesson was on the Resurrection of Christ.  We handed out the little flyer that has a picture of Christ surrounded by children.  Jon Mae took the picture and exclaimed “is this for me”?  Then with squeals of delight she kissed the picture of Christ.  She talked about how much she loves him and then with the love of a child said, I AM A CHILD OF GOD!  She is precious.  I felt as if she truly remembered him and knew him personally.  Christ said we must be as a little child.  I saw and heard what he meant.

The darling on the right is Jona Mae, the darling on the left is Sofia.  Jona Mae no longer has the sight in her left eye
(your right)but she is alive and well and precious as can be.  The doctors are watching the healing process and will have more information about possibilities in the near future.  Sofia is waiting for surgery to continue the process of repairing the harelip.

Mabuhay has done other screenings and  LDS Charities plays a part.  We have some pretty amazing pictures that can help one see just exactly what kinds of birth defects they find here.  What a privilege it is to work with an organization that is helping to provide relief.

This is my friend Mirathan.  I took a picture of her before.  She is the 2 year old who was not able too use her limbs.  This corrective surgery will allow her to walk. This process will take 3 month.

This mother supervises Mirathan all day long

Your eyes are not deceiving you, his feet are on backwards.  Actually his feet are club.  This condition is more common than one might think.  We have seen 3 children this last year.  He was accepted to the Mabuhay Deseret Foundation program.  The process will take months to correct things but when it is done he will be able to walk and play like other children.

Screening in San Mateo.  This is the eye examination station.

screening at Mabuhay House

We love our association with Mabuhay Deseret Foundation. Their good work never stops.

TZU CHI FOUNDTATION

Our visit with Tzu Chi Foundation began with a greeting from Michael.
Left to right: Elder Webb, Sister Webb, Benson and Michael

This woman was the Guide for Sister Webb's group.  She was very gracious.  She was trained as an attorney but had a meeting with Master Cheng Len and was told that she would have to represent and defend people that would go contrary to the nature and morals of Tzu Chi.  The master told her she should be a teacher.  So, she quit her job and is now teaching.
Sister Webb enjoyed her time learning about this faithful follower of Dharma Cheng Len.

We also met a new group called Tzu Chi Foundation.  We were introduced to them by Kenneth Lee one of our project managers in Davao.  Tzu Chi Foundation was one of the first responders during typhoon Yolanda and has made quite a name for their organization.  We met with some of the leading local officials here in Manila and the more I hear and see what this organization is doing the more I realize they are doing a great work.  They are a Buddhist organization, but they say the motivation for their work is to fill the earth with love.  They are very well organized and receive their direction from a Buddhist Dharma named Master Cheng Len, a 78 year old monk whose teachings and direction are revered by its members.  She does seem inspired in some of the programs she espouses.  No work no food is her first directive. 

We were divided into groups during the conference.  Elder Webb sat on the front row  Sister Webb was escorted to a section in the back of the large conference room.  This is her group.  The first response team for a fire department shared the same station.

This is a boat made out of recycled pop bottles.  It does float.

They work in first response, eye care and vision health, medical relief, housing for the poor, recycling and a healthy vegetarian life style;  many of the same areas in which we work.  It’s members are people dedicated to the message of love as directed by Master Cheng Len.  Members donate a lot of their income to the organization.  One does not need to be Buddhist to be a member of Tzu Chi Foundation, but they do preach a Buddhist message.  They were gracious and kind to us.  We were told that Master Cheng Len has told her people she wishes they would be more like the Mormon Missionaries in their dedication.  I have to admit, I heard many of the same slogans and verbiage we hear in Church culture.  It seemed to me she is promoting many of Brigham Young’s ideas. 

Master Cheng Len’s ideas on paying people to clean up their own cities after a disaster have caused many in the first response community to rethink their working prototype.   Their success was revolutionary.  It’s been very interesting to spend time with the leaders and hear them share their visions for the future.  There is a lot to learn from them.

Elder Webb is shown the emergency housing.  It had 3 bedrooms, a sitting area, a toilet, and an outdoor kitchen porch.  All windows are screened and there is a vent in the ceiling.  

 

This is a picture of the emergency housing Tzu Chi puts up.  It is pre fabricated and takes a day to put up.  That is very fast in this business.  Tzu Chi is located in Taiwan and is able to ship relief supplies in a few days.

This is the main room where we were served herbal tea and biscuits. This is the picture of Spiritual Enlightenment, and a place people come to chant and pay homage to Buddha. 

It was all very interesting.  I couldn't help but think they were sharing the message of Christ,

with out Christ.  

I really enjoyed hearing about what they are doing and while some of the things they did, the rituals, were strange to me I couldn't help but think that all good things come from the Father, and these people are doing many good things.

Dear Ones,

It’s been a while since we last reported.  We are very busy, which is great.  The Country Director of LDS Charities has taken a job in Seminaries and Institute and will be moving to Baguio.  The change is for health purposes and we are happy for him.  He has been preparing for this move for some time.  It is interesting to see the life come back into this great man who has been beaten down by health and the stress of the welfare assignment.  He is so happy.  No more Typhoon seasons for him!  We do not know who will take his place at this point and he will be mostly gone starting April 6.  He begins his new job on May 1, but has said he will need the time to move.  You know our feelings about Baguio.  It’s glorious.

He has also been giving us more and more of the work he was doing.  Lots of work makes the time go faster.  We are nearing the half way point.  I remember vividly that when we first got here we thought 18 months was forever.  Now we wonder what we were worried about.

We were blessed with a visit from our dear children Victoria and Len Rutherford.  They came for a short week and experienced many of the things that one cannot express or describe adequately in words.  We are so humbled to know they wanted to be with us enough to make that very long trip.  It was hard to let them go when the week was up. 

Victoria and Sister Webb preparing newborn kits

We took them with us as we visited our partners.  One of the trips was to Fabella Hospital where we had an appointment.  We were delivering some of the beautiful blankets and hats that were made by our dear friends from Willow Creek 7^th Ward.  Victoria and I put together newborn kits with the blankets, hats, diapers, wash, wipes and lotion which we loaded into an LDS Charities bags.  The contents have been donated by people we love and we took several bags with us.  When we presented them to Dr. Tumale and showed her what was in them she hugged the blankets and said, “Oh, this is what we need”.  She went on to say the babies lay on the same linens as the mothers and other babies that share the beds.  She said the blankets will give each baby a clean space of its own.  She was thrilled.  She asked if I wanted to give the gifts to the mothers.  Unfortunately, I did not have enough for every mother there so we thought it better if she quietly chose those who needed the blankets most.  Next trip I will take enough blankets to give one to each mother, thanks to the good work and kindness of R.S. sisters.

leaving the hospital for the neighborhood square

Organizers show people where to stand with hand made signs on a regular piece of paper

Vic and Len with the street children, their new following

Mother carrying newborn under her gown

Mothers carrying new babies during fire drill

Fans of Elder Webbs at town square during fire drill

It was a wonderful trip, complete with a fire drill that was schedule for the same time as our appointment.  We were not allowed to enter the building.  The fire alarm blared in our ears and the authorities from the fire department shuffled people off to a village square away from the hospital, including some of the mothers with newborn babies.  The four of us were slow in moving because we were told someone was coming for us.  We finally received a phone call from Iris, our partner, telling us they would not let her leave the hospital, so we followed the crowd and when we turned the corner and entered the square, all the people stopped what they were doing and just looked at us.  There were smiles and waving of hands but there was also a quiet reverence as we walked through the crowd.  Victoria said she was not comfortable with the rock star greeting.  The recess lasted about 10 min and we were finally allowed to go into the building.  It was interesting to see.

Wlder Webb, Victoria, Len and Iris, receiving instructions from Dr. Tumale

Maternity Ward

We went to the maternity ward and then we left Vic and Len with Dr. Tumale.  She gave them the tour of the hospital complete with entrance to the NICU and every nook and cranny.  Len was especially taken by the numbers of babies and the care given by the staff.

Presenting the newborn kits.  Dr Tumale left, Sister Webb holding blanket and cap, Elder Webb holding stuffed bear
Victoria and Lenoard Rutherford with Iris holding the bear on front row.

In the evening we headed to Chinatown.  Manila’s Chinatown is the oldest in the world (outside China). We enjoyed maneuvering the traffic of the very small streets and the challenge of find a parking spot. It’s kind of like a live video game.  We had to pay twice for parking as the attendants changed shifts while we were gone from the car.   It was fun to visit the gem shop and learn from a master how to clean gems and semi-precious stones using tonal sounds and vibrations.  Fresh fruits and veggies are found up and down the streets in open air carts.  We enjoyed an authentic Chinese meal in one of the many restaurants and as we were leaving the place was filling with locals for some kind of political rally.  The town is alive with color, texture, sounds and aromas.

On another day we drove to Cavite to visit with one of our partners, IIRR, then on to Lake Taal for a day of relaxation and visual splendor.  Sunday was spent at church and at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial looking at the evidence of many family sacrifices.  It was humbling and beautiful at the same time.

Victoria and Elder Webb at out door market Chinatown

Looking good in the Philippines

Visiting with Irish at IIRR headquarters

Dinner at Club 100 roof top restaurant looking out on Manial

Visiting Lake Taal with the Rutherfords

As we have watched Victoria and Len experience Manila for the first time it has been kind of fun and certainly empowering to think back just 8 months ago.  We were traumatized by the sheer number of people and cars. I still suffer from a feeling of claustrophobia at times, but at least I can breathe.   The sight of people living on the street and under bridges with small children playing in areas where the traffic moves in unpredictable and erratic fashion caused my heart to ache and I found myself judging the parents.  I have different eyes today.  The Lord has expanded our capacity to work in many different environments and to see what we can do to help the people of the Philippines help themselves.  They know the problems they face far better than we do, and they also know many of the solutions but do not have the resources.  LDS Charities can help bridge that gap.

The Ruterfords and the Philippines Temple

It is Holy Week here.  We are reminded of how much these people love the Lord as we listen to the music of Mass as its melodies ascend nine stories to the windows of our apartment.  We watch as the people cross themselves when they pass the Cathedral morning and night.  We are grateful to know Christ lives and that he is leading His church for the good of all mankind.

We feel the Lord’s blessings daily.  We are trying to do what he asks of us and when we feel overwhelmed we just look back at all the things we have done that we never thought we could do and realize the Lord has helped us every step of the way.  He always does.  I think we need to make a list for posterity.  Thank you for your love and support.  We love and miss you, and trust the Lord is caring for you as he cares for us while we serve Him here. 

HAPPY EASTER! 

Love, 

Hello again,

Tuesday I slipped out of the office and went to Mabuhay Deseret House in Quezon City.  Some of the sisters from the Area Office spend time there doing crafts, teaching songs, or playing finger games with the children who are either awaiting or recovering from surgery. When the pressure of the job gets to be too much or one is spending too much time thinking of ones self it is a great place to go to serve, refocus on the positive and be thankful.  The positive effect of the Savior's admonition to lose oneself in the service of others is dramatically emphasized at Mabuhay House.

This is what many of the screenings look like.  They are held in LDS Chapels and are assisted by member of the church under the Helping Hands directive.  Hundreds of people go through the screening process, usually held for two or three days

Mabuhay House is part of the Mabuhay Deseret Foundation, one of our partners.  It was started by President Jackson, a retired surgeon, who was a Mission President here several years ago.  One day he was working with some people and he saw a little girl with a double hair lip. He felt impressed with the thought; "I can fix that".  So he did.  He found a hospital that would let him operate, he paid for the expenses out of his own pocket and he changed that little girl's life forever.   He saw a need and stepped up to help.


When he returned to the States from his mission he and his wife started the Maybuhay Deseret Foundation with their own money as well as  the generous donations of friends and family.  MDF provides vision care and surgery for patients of all ages as well as reconstructive surgery for younger patients with handicapped or disfigured bodies: club feet, cleft palates, hair lips, and prosthesis for missing limbs.  I have been there a couple of times and I always leave loving another brave child whose life is being changed forever.  Thousands of surgeries have been performed for birth defects and thousand more for eyes.

This little girl has problems with her eyes.  She was screened and accepted as a patient.  She was scheduled for surgery the following day.  She will no longer hide her face or have trouble looking others in the eye.

This is a poster that hangs in the neighborhoods where screenings are to take place.  There are many birth defects that can be addressed at these screenings.  If these doctors do not have the answers they will refer patients to the doctor who can help.

This is the front door for Audrey's House (Mabuhay Deseret House)
 Behind the door is a new world for people who have the courage to walk in and ask questions.  This is the first time MDH has done a screening in their own neighborhood.  Most people have no idea what goes on behind these doors.

Screening line in the court yard of Audrey's House named after the wife of President Jackson who has since passed away.

This is a view of the courtyard from the new second story men's quarters.  

Sister Webb at her first attempt at a selfie with Sister Davenport center and Sister Kasteler right.  Her arm was not long enough to capture all three images.  These sisters traveled to Mabuhay house togther.  Sister Webb works in welfare, Sister Davenport in Public Affairs and Sister Kasteler at the MRC.  ( Missionary Recovery Center.)  She and her husband are both nurses there.

Three recovering patients.  The girl on the left is recovering from surgery for a club foot, the girl in the center from a hair lip (she has one more surgery to complete the process) and Te a complete reversal of his foot.  It had been facing backwards when he attended his first screening.  He had surgery in August and has been healing here at Audrey's House since then.  He will be fitted with orthopedic shoes next month.  He still has pins in all his toes to straighten them.  Te will be a couple inches taller because of the shoes which  will enable him to walk like other children when he leaves.  He is 14 years old.  He came to a screening with his friend who had the same condition.  When they were told what the surgery entailed his friend said " NO WAY, I'n not doing that."  and he left.  Te is a brave boy who is excited that his recovery is coming to an end.  You should know the Philippines do not give out pain killers.  Over the counter drugs like Tylonal are the only pain killers these kids or adults get.  And the surgery repair does hurt. Te is a member of the church, one of a few who come to Audrey's House.

We are trying to get computers for the Mabuhay House so these kids can keep up on the school work.  Parents try to tutor their children, but most of them do not have educations at the level of a 14 year old.  With computers the world of study opens up.  There are programs available in any subject.

I fell in love with this girl.  She is two years old has never been able to walk or use her arms.
I don't know what kind of birth defect she has but Mabuhay will be working on her hips.  Her arms are another story.  There appeared to be no muscle tone or shoulder joints.  To move her arms she would toss her trunk back and forth which would propel her arms out and she could hit people to get their attention.  She is spunky and very clever.  Her mother is an amazing person whose tireless love and devotion are evident in the confidence this little jewel exhibits.   This was one time I wished I had studied more Tagalog so  I could find out more about them.




Wednesday Elder Webb and  Sister Webb went to visit Chat Corpus at The Philippines Children's Medical Center; another one of our partners in Neo Natal Care.  Chat is a member of the Philippines Society of New Born Medicine and has been supportive of LDS Charities Neo Natal Specialist missionaries from SLC.  They train doctors, midwives and nurses in proper Neo Natal training.  Unfortunately that work is on hold at present as the political system here works out a few details to allow that work to move forward.

Meeting with Dr. Chat Corpus far left.  Elder Webb far right.  Dr. Joyce center.  We were served Fresh Mango, Pomelo from Davao  a fresh rice cake and Buka juice  (fresh young coconut water) as refreshment.  

 The staff is assisting a new born who was having breathing difficulty

This tiny preemie is 6 weeks old.  She is wearing one the the bonnets make by LDS Relief Society Sisters 

This little fellow is so tiny; look at those little hands. He is a fighter.  The nurses think he will survive.   The cap he wears is too big for his little head but it is used just the same.

Chat shows us though the children's Ward.  She told us that last month the Ward was filled with Dengue fever victims.  This Hospital is more modern than many we see here in the Philippines.  The Japanese built it and donated it 30 years ago. That is new in the public heath system.

This is our dear friend Dr. Chat Corpus.  She is is a lovely gracious woman, willing to do what she can to make life better for children that come through this hospital.We are so blessed to meet the most incredible people.  It is an honor and pleasure to work with doctors and nurses who have chosen to work in the medical profession here in the Philippines.  They are devoted to making the Philippines a better, safer place for the people who live here.  Many people who trained in medicine choose to live in the States where the wages are higher and the standard of living is much better.  Those who stay have a different ethic and different motivation, a different loyalty to their mother land.


We send our love to you and testify that Good Lord loves all his children. The scriptures teach that we will never be prompted by the Holy Ghost to do something we cannot do.  Elder Scott reminds us it may require extraordinary effort and much time, patience, prayer and obedience, but we will be able to do it.  We are finding that to be true with this assignment.  What seemed impossible 7 months ago is now just the normal for us.  Each new day can bring a new challenge which the Lord helps us overcome.  Our confidence has grown in our ability to ask and receive; God does hear and answer our prayers.  His vision of this work is so much more grand than we can even imagine.  He gives us a glimpse every now and again just to remind us nothing is impossible to HIM.  It is so good to know one has that kind of backing.