Goodbyes--April 4, 2016

 

Thursdays with Joy--April 4, 2016

 I won't bore you with all the details but we had another meeting with Joy. She had fallen earlier in the week and we had been texting back and forth all week. She sent me one that said "you were God sent to me". That was pretty cool. If I only helped one person in my time here, I am happy we could help her! Our meeting we talked a lot about the same stuff. Figuring out how to separate her business and personal expenses and keep records. Things still aren't quite matching up when she as we call it "steals from her business". But she is getting better and is on the right track! She got us cute little mugs as a going away souvenir. It was sweet of her! They might be shot glasses. We aren't sure. She thought they were great because she said they would fit in our suitcase! What a sweet heart! She also whipped out the selfie stick at the end of the meeting. Also awesome. 

Openhouse Time!--April 4, 2016

 Monday and Tuesday afternoons we went over to the La Torres to prepare for the Open House Wednesday! This is something the previous interns and us at our first meeting had suggested. A few months ago we talked with Che about raising her tuition, for they were not making much at the moment. Because she raised tuition she wanted to have a new and improved DILC. The open house was intended to be especially for the introduction of grades 1-3. Unfortunately we are still waiting the final approval from the dep Ed for that. We have everything ready to go but the permit might not be ready to go until next school year. Anyway, Wednesday was the open house and it went well! Two baranguy officials came (like the district or city or neighborhood) which was cool! The elders came too because they needed to talk to one of them. It was fun to meet more missionaries! It is always fun to spend time with the La Torres. We have helped and served them a lot and they have welcomed us too! I am sad we will only get to see them a time or two more! One more thing. I taught her how to boost a post on Facebook and want is a good post and what pictures to use! It only cost a couple hundred pesos and it was successful! Kind of fun to give some advice on social media! While the La Torres definitely aren't poor it has been cool to help a family that has the potential to do great things! Like send their kids to college, and hopefully bring them to Utah to see general conference one day! The bigger their business gets the more teachers they can hire and kids they can teach. Look for them in the September Liahona! 

Farewell Sunday--April 3, 2016

 Sunday was a great day. First I watched conference before church (shhhh don't tell they won't be happy about me streaming so much internet) and then headed to church where they asked all of us to bear our testimonies. Since I spoke last week I kept mine short and sweet. I love being there with everyone. It will be a change to go to church where I can understand more. That part will be nice but I will definitely miss everyone in Pasig 1st! They are the sweetest and most amazing people. That night we had a farewell party/FHE with the YSAs. I don't know quite how to explain them. Loud. That is a good one. You just love them for it! I felt bad we couldn't bring anything. Everyone was so kind to try and make it work. Saying goodbye took about an hour. Lots of hugs. I learned so much from them and I am especially grateful for their friendship and love in a time that I needed it most! And just ignore my shiny face. It happens here. Especially playing the games they like to play for FHE. 

31/2 hour Preschool Graduation--April 1, 2016

 Yes, you read that subject line right. Che is awesome though and it was really good. I think that is how most graduations are here in the Philippines! I was just not used to it or expecting it. Anyway, Friday was "moving up" day for the Discovery Island Preschool. We went over the the La Torres early and they even had a lady in the ward their doing the girls make up and hair. We helped get everything ready to go and headed over the the place where it was being held. We were considered guests of honor and I helped pass out the medals and diplomas. Brad printed pictures behind the stage haha It was fun though. We rushed off from their and had to miss lunch after words with Che, Charles, and the girls (because it went an hour over schedule!!!) because we were supposed to go with Russell, the new guy over the Clark center, and teach a center meeting. We made it on time and taught the six P's of business. Carlos also gave us something called Pandecoco which is like a sweet bread with this yummy coconut mixture inside. I hadn't seen it anywhere else. Which is probably a good thing I didn't discover it six months ago. This week I am having all sorts of treats and food. But it is my last week I suppose! Today (Monday) I had a milky white leche flan halo-halo which was super yummy. My favorite is still just mango and mango shakes but they actually don't have mango shakes in Pasig. It must be a province (and toursity) thing. I will just finish with a funny Friday night story. Brad and Wendy went to megamall to see Batman vs. Superman which I had no desire to see but I really wanted the $3 granola that I can only find at the grocery store there so I went along and then walked every inch of the megamall for three hours. It actually was kind of fun and relaxing. Definitely hit my goal for steps that day.