The Teresa Branch

On our way to Teresa

Sunday we attended our new branch for the first time. It is located in the city of Teresa and is called the Teresa Branch. The building is a nice building with plenty of ceiling fans but no air conditioning (or as they say in the Philippines 'aircon'). We went first to the PAO where we met Elder and Sister Harris who we rode with to the  branch.

The drive was about an hour. Normally traffic is questionable but it was another holiday weekend in the Philippines so the traffic was light. One of the things we noted was that there were a number of people on bikes climbing the mountain as we made our way to Teresa. Apparently bike riding on Sundays is a universal thing as we frequently saw the same in Indiana.

Teresa Branch

We arrived a little before the start time of 9. The branch president is a young man who has been back from his mission for only two years. Now that is learning under fire. Not only is he a young branch president but he also has a young family with a baby of about one year.

Sacrament and most of the lessons taught were in Tagalog. There were a couple sets of young missionaries that had English speakers that translated for the Elder and Sister Harris. Marcia and I tried to understand using our limited Tagalog. There were occasions when the teachers would switch to English but for the most part it was in Tagalog.

Members of the Teresa Branch

 After church we stopped at a place on the mountain that is called Cloud 9. It is restaurant plus picnic area. With a lunch packed we stopped for a bite to eat and look over the view that was available. It was a fantastic view. One of the down sides was the pollution that hangs over the city. Other than that it was a great view.

Walkway at Cloud 9

This week will be exciting. We will have the opportunity to hear from Elder David Bednar of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles. He is in country at the present time visiting missions and members. He arrived here last week with Elder Cook, also of the Quorum of the 12, and a member of the Presiding Bishopric- whose name at the moment escapes me.

Marcia continues to be busy. Currently I am assisting her in some paperwork as well as assisting Elder and Sister Hadlock in some of their presentations. It is good to be busy...


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Metro Manila

Metro Manila