OK, it finally happened

Why did he feel he had the right of way when I was further out than he?

All of those near misses and then I pull out of a gas station and for some reason the man coming up on my right felt he had the right of way as I was pulling onto the street. Luckily we were both going about 1 mile and hour so both cars only got scratched. Still.

25 Acts of Service

I am looking forward to the "Light the World" campaign this year!  Last year we had a multitude of field missionaries who would come in with their companion and sit for an hour waiting while the dentists worked on their companions. We had so much fun asking them to do lots of different things for other missionaries, their families and generally sharing their testimonies. We had each of them sign an ornament that we put on a paper tree. It was a lot of fun.

This year the policies have changed and not as many field missionaries are going to come through our doors, so this year the "Light the World" service will be on me as an individual.
I have to admit I've gotten started early!!  25 acts of service needs a little prep time and thought time - and just like Christmas presents I want to open immediately I already started doing my projects!!
Fun, fun, fun! I have to admit some of the projects are much easier than others. But then if Laura Nausin or Norma Nausin in California and the Chan's and Albos families in the Philippines decided to serve up 25 meals no one would think that was any problem at all.

My stockpile that I've been adding to each week for Christmas projects

I've been sewing up skirts, pillow cases and Christmas Stockings more than anything else. It is the "I was in prison and ye visited me" that I've been pondering on. I can remember when Catherine Danko sent Andrew a card of a man escaping a prison thanking Andrew for his missionary service and said how she felt that she and her ancestors were now "free".  I'm wondering if I could "free" or enable someone to be able to do something better if that would count in the 'visiting prison' service.

I am so grateful for a loving husband who doesn't quibble when I spend money on other people and actually helps me do my projects. Most of all I'm grateful to my Savior and Heavenly Father for allowing me to feel the enabling aspects of the Savior's atonement so readily as a missionary.  I have been able to do many things that are not really in my capability.  Ideas I come up with multiply by others efforts into something I couldn't have done and then I get thanked for service I never rendered. It is amazing how the Lord works his miracles. It's not really me at all.

Making Stockings for Christmas next year

I'm putting up this tutorial so that if I make Christmas Stockings next year, I won't have to re-learn  the details over again.

1 Pattern

1, Get a pattern from a loving sister who carries a Christmas Stocking in her suitcase hundreds of miles for you. Make a pattern from it.

2. Cut out doubles

2. Cut out 2 pieces per stocking - for as many stockings as you want to make or have fabric for.
Not pictured is fluffy fabric for Stocking top - I use minky as it is super soft and feels so soft.
I cut a double piece extra long of minky to fold over instead of using a front piece with a lining like my "pattern" stocking had. (Cut up rectangles to fold in half lengthwise.

3. Right sides together sew middle seam half way down

3. Sew down the middle of stocking but only part way so material can lay flat

Sewn half way down

4. Lay right side to right side of Stocking top (white minky and plaid stocking)

Right sides together

4-a Roll down stocking to almost the edge

Roll down stocking fabric

4 -B Fold down right side of minky top to create a 'burrito' with two sides of the minky sandwiches top edge of stocking material with the rest of the plaid rolled up inside.

Minky sandwiches top of stocking with the rest of the stocking rolled up to almost the edge inside the burrito

 5 Sew seam and invert so raw edges are inside

After sewing seam invert (perfectionist would probably iron seam)

6. Flatten out seam and smooth fabric even

Note extra long minky fabric (I found it much easier to sew when not too narrow in the seam)

Minky is a slippery, difficult fabric to work with - hence the extra fabric. Tuck in ends till almost even with stocking

TAKE NOTE LA - THIS IS THE TRICK TO NICE EDGES WHEN DONE

7 Fold raw edges inside to sew up just the minky top of stocking (4 layers of minky in one seam)

Right side out

7 A Only sew minky fabric together (Use pins!)

Sew through all four layers of Minky

8. Hand sew top of stocking at the bottom of the minky seam, inverting plaid seam as the machine cannot sew close to bulk of minky top.

Sew a little way down by hand as machine will leave a gap due to bulk of fabric

9. Invert again to sew up the stocking - use straight seam and re-enforce with zigzag unless you are lucky enough to have a serger. This needs to hold all kinds of goodies!

Invert and sew up the rest of the stocking

10 Invert again to finished stocking - pull out all the edges of the stocking

Invert to right side

11 Fold down minky stocking top with clean seam on the side

Fold down stocking top

Enjoy filling the Stockings!!!

Have fun making stocking for all the grandchildren and others you want to surprise!

Birthday

Happy Birthday Sister Stinchfield!!

We met to celebrate Barbara Stinchfield's Birthday. Sister Whitehead had the idea to make Banana Cake for Sister Stinchfield and I ended up making it because I had everything at our apartment.

I love Sister Whitehead's hair, she had it done today. Maryanne is always a sweetheart.

  Maybe a sign......she DOESN'T want her picture taken........maybe....probably........oh well.

What is the first clue that I may have taken a few too many shots of Sister Stewart..........

Jeffrey walked from work and stopped before he got home to join us. It is so nice when he can make it all work.

What?!

I completely missed the whole joke, but it looked like it was really good.

What is with me and a little recipe?  Why this hidden urge to make it bigger?

Why do I do this? I start out making something and then just have to double the recipe or tweek some more - and end up with too much in this case  with tons of frosting and too much cake....why?......first of twelve, mother of boys, genetics, anxiety........what!!

It was nice being in the middle to hear different conversations from both sides of the table

A a nice day for everyone!  Happy Birthday. ......Your 35th.....? Though your son is turning.. 45 soon......Have a really great year!

A feast

On Saturday the Senior Missionaries had a Thanksgiving dinner with everyone bringing something to the table. It was a fantastic feast. We were able to listen and watch some young men and women from the Purple Centers (special schools that have been organized for disadvantaged children) sing to us in Tagolog and English. One group wore their native dress.  I believe they came in thanks for the church's assistance in sending food to their schools.
I broke down and forgot for a minute the difference between pity and compassion when we were shown the videos that will play during December in the "Light the World" campaign or between conference sessions. It was much too close to home and instead of "them" I kept picturing my ward members. There are so Many needs of basic life sustaining and surviving in my everyday life.  I have to beat it into my head that compassion is working with talented, striving people for their benefit and not cry at the thousands who don't have what I consider a good life - or life.  It was a little hard to pick up a plate and fill it to the brim while images of struggle and want danced in my head.
Elder Bowen (the Area president) gave us a short talk and one of the things he talked about was our married relationships. I can testify that going on a mission is like an extended honeymoon with a really good friend. I have gotten to know, appreciate, respect and love Jeffrey in much more depth because of the experiences we are having.
So I came home and began campaigning what I'm going to be doing for Christmas giving this year.....

Lisa

The smell of baking bread is wafting through the apartment as I sit down to check my email. My mind is filled with the images of Lisa Lambert and all that she means to me. The last time I saw her she was bringing freshly baked cinnamon bread to my door. I didn't expect to see her at all that trip as we were only in town for one day and I knew she was off to Oakland, San Francisco (or something like that) so it was a happy surprise to see her at the door. EVERYONE likes to be greeted with a loaf of homemade bread. Night had already fallen, it was August so it must have been late.

I remember Lisa as young mother of three when she had a class Christmas party at her home. She asked each of us to be in charge of one room where we did activities or told the children stories or history. Lisa had done a LOT of prep work with little details (like individual bags of goodies) that made the day spectacular.
Lisa is a very hard worker with goals in mind and one of the most evident is her love of the Savior and a desire to do good.
I have a smile when I remember Kylie as a baby being warmed up in the Lambert's van at night while camping. Lisa's patience and love is an example to all mothers.
Lisa was highly effective in the Dare Program and at assemblies at the school, especially during Red Ribbon week. As a secretary children knew they could be doctored and taken care of when she was there.

Her whole bout with devastating cancer, prognosis and her stoicism is a huge testimony to me of her willingness to follow the Savior's example and to always look for His miracles and blessings. Her cheerful outlook (even if it was only skin deep at times) and the ability to find the nuggets of grace from God is a characteristic I am still trying to implement in my life.

Her sheer ability to run along and live life to the fullest without self-pity or restraint is amazing and wonderful. She continues to put on musical programs, teach classes, feed her family and friends, enable many people to live life more fully, and is thoughtful and caring to all in her orbit.

A few times when I've been stymied by some rocks in my road, I think about Lisa Lambert and follow her example. One image that popped into my mind when my arm refused to work, was Lisa typing away with her left hand - a letter to her missionary son. I used that and soon came to realize how many clicks to open, choose, and select can all be done with the left hand. I save the right for typing words and names.

One of Lisa's most prominent characteristics is her ability to look, expect and find miracles. Being on this mission has showed me the enabling power of the Savior and I think Lisa walks hand in hand with her friend Jesus Christ who showers her with blessings as He lifts her along her stony path. I'm working to be like her and have a friendship with the Redeemer as she does.



As a postscript: I have many friends. Maost I take note of and follow their example. My journal would not be complete without my witnesses of their wonderful lives.

A little touch from heaven once in awhile

I have a picture on my preview page that I pull up several times a week. I think about what a fantastic daughter I have and the time and effort she is taking with her children. I want to meet this little one and I love the fact his mother reads her text book to Oliver.

Oliver and his mom (Debbie Adams)

Then I usually head on over to Kelsi's Facebook page and see how the other boys are doing.
This week they went to "The Jungle" with a friend and before that they were camping!

Caleb following Jayson and his friend

I think I recognize that hat!  Look at those golden hills!!!  There are only green hills, flowers and of course heat where we are and the thought of wearing so many layers right now breaks me out in a sweat - or more of a sweat.

Corina is going to have a birthday in a few days and I'm hoping she will have a picture of her birthday posted. I'll keep you posted if I get one!

Scary Situation

One of the Elders had a pre-existing condition when he came to the Dental Clinic. His jaw would lock when he opened it for a dentist to work on. This Elder only had two fillings and he couldn't shut his jaws, in fact he could not swallow.
The dentist tried everything that had worked before - such as a warm cloth, a sedative......there were a couple of other things but I've forgotten......oh massage, something else. Anyway the Elder could not get his jaw to unlock and so he was taken to the hospital. Three female attendants were there to watch and look out for him and suddenly he could talk - all within two minutes.
The theory going around is that when he stopped thinking about his problem and thought about something else his problem went away.  It is was an interesting solution.

Tininkling Practice

Jonah went all out in getting a dance instructor to teach the Activity Day children the traditional Tininkling Dance of the Philippines. Sister Sharon Perez is obviously talented in many forms of dance and looks and acts like a ballerina. The Primary children are very lucky to have her as their teacher.
I've been so excited to have this happen and have been looking forward to this day for many weeks. I was very pleasantly surprised when I met Sister Sharon for the first time as she showed the children form and why they need to act in a certain way during the dance.
Actually she danced the children till they were exhausted. She just kept on showing them steps as they slowly sank to the floor. She has a lot of discipline, grace, and endurance. What a pleasure it was to watch her!

Sister Sharon Perez describing what is needed in dance

Sister Sharon showed the children each little step starting with balance and the hand motions

The awkwardness in the beginning melted away to a semblance of grace

Sister Sharon went before each group showing them each step

The bamboo poles were never used because the basics are simple in theory but difficult to execute

Sister Sharon left with some practice steps to do every day so the children can build the muscles to endure the lively dance in a performance.

Intrepid Susie

Susan Diane Lore Eames

There is something unique about my sister Susie. She has a zest and appeal for life and makes everyone around her feel loved and cared about. I've banked on that quality growing up with her.

Street food again

Jonah and Susie fit together like two peas in a pod. Jonah was willing to show her country to Susie who wanted to learn it all.

Of course Susie has to try everything

Jonah showed Susie all the sights, rides, and food they could cram into four days

Mild and scary places these two went.....

Jonah made sure Susie was safe but took her everywhere she wanted to go

Another tricycle ride - and jeepney, hikes, walks down allies, SUV. There wasn't enough time for the train and bus

A type of yogurt that has a syrup over it with little hard jello like balls added -a breakfast food

Susie filled her days with the sights, sounds, smells, and feel of the Philippines and also taught children, helped in the dental clinic, made ties with me, and charmed my ward members. She showed the Relief Society president a new way of quilting that has begun in Utah, talked with my friends while we were at the Primary Program practice and has everyone missing her this week.

Dental Debs

On our last Intake, all the ladies were gathered to help out in the dental clinic, and we decided to take a picture. Susie is behind the camera though she helped out that day asking each missionary questions that we needed for a report.

Sister Stinchfield, I, Sister Hoem, Sister Whitehead, Sister Whitehead, Sister Tucker, Sister Van Wermeskerken, Sister Stewart

The first five ladies work every day in the Clinic, Sister Tucker is from ICS (computers) and Sister Van Weremeskerken is a radiologist from the MRC and her husband is a doctor. And our wonderful leader Sister Stewart.
Although I'm not suppose to say that as all the Dentist's wives are the leaders. Sorry in my book Sister Stewart is the Alpha and I take my direction from her.
Sister Tucker is really a sweetheart and comes to give us a few hours of help almost every day. She inventories, puts consent forms together, scans in information needed on patient charts and other odd jobs that are needed to help us run according to regulations. Sister Van Wermeeskerken (I can only spell it - I call her Sister Van) comes on Intake days to take the x rays of the missionaries.

After our picture we had a hilarious 10 minutes of everyone sharing pictures or trying to share pictures on their devices. I think dropbox or Airdrop something like that won the day.  Since I only have a camera and can't share except by email or Facebook messenger, I just took more pictures while laughing.

Elder Stinchfield is the pro on Airdrop, so he jumped into the mix

Almost everyone now has the picture!

Which just goes to show you can be busy when there isn't anything important to do.

Collars

It's all about laundry again....
So when I first arrived and realized that there is no Whisk or it's equivalent here, I was very dismayed! When I asked the ladies at church how they washed shirt collars they indicated they scrubbed them between their hands. Jeffrey has seven sweaty shirts every week, that is a lot of collars. I hate washing collars. Since about the time of high school, that job has been taken off the table. Coming here and doing it all again is phun.
Last week, Susie told me what Jonah showed her about washing shirt collars and Susie brought one back with her to the States:

Shirt collar scrubber

It is made out of the same material (nylon or plastic?) that dish scrubbers are made of only smaller thread with a much denser weave. I think it is stuffed with the same stuff but I'm not curious enough to open one up. It is MUCH easier to use and saves the knuckles wear and tear.
I'd bring some back for my friends but luckily they and I won't need them.  If you are going to Africa or somewhere without Whisk or it's equivalent, drop me a line and I'll send one of these shirt scrubbers for you - you don't want to be without one!

Some Yes Some No

Jonah, Boycee, Susie and I at Jollibee's

On our travels through the countryside, we stopped at Jollibee's (the biggest fast food restaurant in the Philippines) and I ordered the spicy chicken and rice - it was delicious. They had a special on Strawberry shakes and fries. So of course in the guise of trying new things we order one small package of strawberry fries. I don't think it is going to take off. It is as yucky as it sounds. Jonah knocked off the strawberry powder and could finish the small envelope, but nobody like them.
I found the Filipino people are very inventive and creative in their culinary pursuits and unafraid to try new things.