School is out for "summer" in April and May in the Philippines. The Church plans youth conferences throughout the country so the young people (12-16) can have some summer activities. This year there were nearly 100 different conferences. Usually three days and two sleeps.
The Area Presidency assigns speakers for each of these conferences. This year we were assigned to four conferences -- two in April and two in May.
The first conference was in Bacolod (ba-KO-lode), a place called Kalibo (kah-LEE-bo). This was right on the ocean beach. We stayed at a "family park," hence all the fancy toys....
Then the next week it was off to Dumaguete (doo-MAH-get-tay). Sister Roundy did not go here because travel at Church expense had been curtailed. Elder Roundy went alone.
Dumaguete is right on the ocean, too. Elder Roundy and the District President had lunch across the street from the beach.
The third assignment was in May in Davao (da-VOW) -- and Elder Roundy went alone. This conference was held at a mountain resort.
There were a lot of nice young Mormon youth there. Here are some Filipino Aaronic Priesthood boys....
Elder Roundy even got to ride on a ferry boat from one island to another. Although the Philippines is made up of over 7,000 islands, this was the first time he took a ferry (other than the water bus to Corrigedor). The ferry pulled up to the beach. The driver drove the van onto the ferry (along with a dozen or so other vehicles); closed up the gate and sailed away. It took about a half hour to go over and another half hour to come back.
...
The last conference was at a place east of Manila called Sierra Madre (another mountain resort). We both rode out there about an hour and a half up into the high hills. This was a lovely place to hold a conference.
There were groups like this one at all of the conferences. The young people really seemed to enjoy being at the conferences.
We enjoyed the conference assignments. But now "the party's over; it's time to call it a day . . ." We'll be leavin the Philippines and our assignment in a couple of weeks, the first week of June. It has been a great ride.
The last conference was at a place east of Manila called Sierra Madre (another mountain resort). We both rode out there about an hour and a half up into the high hills. This was a lovely place to hold a conference.
There were groups like this one at all of the conferences. The young people really seemed to enjoy being at the conferences.We were always treated as "royalty." Everyone wanted to have their picture taken with us. And whenever we took pictures, they would hurry over to be included.
We enjoyed the conference assignments. But now "the party's over; it's time to call it a day . . ." We'll be leavin the Philippines and our assignment in a couple of weeks, the first week of June. It has been a great ride.
4 comments:
We are counting the days! These pictures are great...already the ward is talking about firesides, etc. We promise to treat you like royalty, too. You are, right??
Love, Linda
And as the former missionary that went through the MTC with you, I am excited to see you both, especially at the Temple! You will be welcomed home with "open arms!" Love you both...
Well, we will miss your exotic tales, travels and photos. But I think we can keep your lives full of adventure back home, too. Can't wait to see you both soon!
The pictures are always so great! I really love the sunset. Appropriate. Maybe if you feel like it, you could bring home pictures of your office, where Mom works... what that looks like. And your shopping trip on Saturdays... if you are going to do any more of those. Can't wait can't wait can't wait. You better get your rest now, cuz there ain't gonna be any at home!
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