As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord: San Pablo visit

Marcia and I returned this afternoon from a visit to President and Sister Peterson of the San Pablo mission. This mission is located south and east of Manila. We left yesterday, Wednesday, morning with Elder and Sister Jackson and Boycee. Elder Jackson and Boycee were heading in that direction to drop off a contract to a local hospital that will serve the missionaries there. Marcia and I were heading their at the direction of the mission president and the Area Presidency.

Once we arrived at the mission office/mission home we were able to introduce ourselves to President and Sister Peterson. They are a fantastic couple who have been serving in San Pablo for one year. They come from Arizona where he farmed cotton. They were actively farming prior to their call and will return to do so once they have completed their mission.

Inside the ferry

After our quick introductions we scurried off to catch a ferry to one of the islands that are in his mission boundaries.We headed to the island of Mindoro. It is a unique island with regards to mission work as half of the island is in the San Pablo mission while the other half is located in the Quezon City Mission. The reason for this is access. There is a mountain range that splits the island in half. To get from one side to the other takes a long drive thus it is easier to fly to reach one of the sides. With that said we went to the city of Batangas to get on a ferry to take us their. I was a little concerned regarding the ferry ride as my stomach and the ocean can be fickle friends at times. I was especially concerned as the ocean was very choppy as another typhoon, while far away, was creating choppy sea conditions. The ride to Mindoro lasted about 80 minutes or so. Fortunately my stomach survived!

Diving for coins

As we walked off the ferry and on to the dock we were greeted by a young man- pictured on right- who was calling out for people to throw him coins to dive for. I didn't see it but one of the missionaries told us that the young man keeps the coins in his mouth once he dives down to collect them.

Once on the island we were met by a senior mission couple that are assigned to the island- the Campbells. Elder Campbell picked us up and drove us to the chapel where Marcia was to conduct a number of interviews. Once she was done we headed back and then spent the evening in the Mission home with President and Sister Peterson. After a very restful night sleep Marcia had a number of sessions this morning before we were picked up by Boycee and returned to metro Manila. It was a very good trip...