ENJOYING THE JOURNEY!

I don’t know why it is so very hard for me to write down my mission experiences and I apologize to those who have waited patiently for some word for me.  I’m trying—really I am!

I wasn’t quite sure what serving a mission as a senior sister would look like and, I have to say, I’ve been pleasantly surprised.  It is very different from the experience of the junior missionaries but the same in purpose.  We are not asked to adhere to the same rules and schedule as the juniors but are here as more of a support system and resource to the members and missionaries.  There is something wonderful about being valued for the life experiences and knowledge you have accumulated over the years even if it’s just as simple as giving love and encouragement.  But it is those same life experiences that bring complexity to trying to put your life on hold so you can be about your Father’s business.  You still have commitments and obligations back home that must be attended to and, of course, having a family that continues to grow and flourish adds a whole new element to being half way around the world.

I am so very grateful for the love and support I have received from those at home and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.  It has been so wonderful to be able to set aside (for the most part) concerns about finances, home upkeep, and such.  What a blessing that has been!  Family matters are a little more difficult.  Missing out on the one time celebrations and happenings are the hardest-- like the birth and blessing of my 12^th grand baby and my sister’s 80^th birthday celebration.  Sister Robinson has missed the marriage of her grandson-Peyton Jeppson.  We are both grateful for modern technology that allows us to at least see and be a small part of those momentous occasions.

Serving a mission does not entirely keep family trials and challenges at bay but as a missionary-I feel especially in tune with the spirit and am so grateful for that extra measure of guidance and protection from above that is so readily available to those who serve on the Lord’s great team of missionaries—“The greatest team ever assembled” –as my late husband used to say.  I truly feel so honored to be a part of it! 

Holy Cow!!!

I truly thought this was
a picture of some of the local
foliage-but-NO-it's MY
silouette!!!

Adapting to such a different climate and culture has been interesting to say the least.  When we first arrived, my feet swelled up like balloons, my hair went into bush mode, I couldn't make heads or tells out of what people were saying--even when they were speaking English-- and I had no sense of direction. Fortunately, most things were remedied by time and drinking more water --except the sense of direction—still struggle with that!!  Getting used to driving here has been a whole different story and one I will save for a later post—I promise!!

1976

I don’t know if any of you remember, but there used to be a big billboard on the way into Boise that said “Welcome to Boise!  Set your clock back 17 years!!”  That’s pretty much how it feels here but I think it would probably be more like “Set your clock back 30 years!”  When I was 25 or so, I worked for Global Travel and had the opportunity to take a tour to—the Philippines! Here are some pictures from that trip in 1976 and, other than the very much younger version of me, they could have easily been taken today.

1976-Me doing traditional Philippine dance "Tinikling"

1976

1976-Jeepney--still very much in use!

1976-Carabao or Water Buffalo--the National
Animal of the Philippines 

I have to admit-- I have quite enjoyed the simplicity and slow pace of life here, but in spite of that slow pace—time is actually slipping by very fast. We have already passed the half way mark of our mission—Holy smokes!!  I have considered extending but can’t imagine serving here with anyone other than sweet Sister Robinson and she isn’t feeling the same inclination to extend. 

I continue to feel the Lord’s hand in my life and marvel every day at the tender mercies that are showered so abundantly on us.  I have prayed to see these Philippine people through more Christ-like eyes and my prayers have been answered.  The gospel provides a bridge that closes the gaps in communication and cultural differences in a very short amount of time. I feel such love for these people and their plight. This is a poverty stricken place but there is such hope and faith and determination.  They make the most of what they have and are very quick to acknowledge God’s grace and goodness in their lives. 

                                        


                         I am absolutely loving every part of this amazing experience!

Thanks again for all the prayers, love and support you send my way--it makes a difference! 
I will try to be better about posting on my blog….
Hugs & Love to all,  

Sister Drzayich or “Sister D” as they call me here!

COOKIES!!!

Ok-It seems that every Senior Sister that comes to the Philippines ends up, at some point, being the cookie fairy.  Filipinos  LOVE cookies--especially up here in Laoag where they are not readily available.  The majority of homes here do not have an oven so that makes baking a little difficult.  They do a lot of cooking on stove tops and over wood or charcoal and they love to eat and share what they make.  Most gatherings, baptisms, activities, whatever include some kind of "merienda."  "Merienda is any sort of dish or snack in a portion smaller than the traditional "full meal" which usually includes rice. Common fare may be sweet or savoury, ranging from breads and pastries (notably pandesal), desserts and sweets, street food, to noodle dishes." (Wikipedia)  But, when available, cookies seem to be a real crowd pleaser for young and old alike!  Because both Sister Robinson and I like to bake--we jumped right on the cookie band wagon!  We've taken cookies to baptisms, to our neighbors, to ward members and most recently to all the missionaries we visit as we do our cleaning checks throughout the mission.  Sister Robinson calculated that we have made over 1300 cookies thus far and that is probably on the low side. Wow!  That'll make you tired.  But it is so much fun to see how excited they get when they see cookies on the merienda table. 

This past Saturday, we held a Cookie Baking Activity for our Ward Relief Society at our place.  We had about 11 of all ages in attendance, including our Landlady's two grand daughters.  We were really pleased with the turnout and had a lot of fun doing it.  We demonstrated four different kinds of cookies with some hands on participation which  they really enjoyed. We gave each one a booklet of recipes and sent everyone home with a plate of cookies. We took the remaining cookies to a baptism that was being held later that day.  I have this wonderful vision in my head (from a previous baptism) of our cute little Relief Society President (who is a grandma) holding up a cookie in each hand and doing a happy dance. I was able to recreate that at the activity and hope to be able to download it here!

Couldn't get the video to work so this cute picture will have to do!  Sister Calautit-Laoag Ward 2, Relief Society President!

One of our mission assignments (more on this later) is to travel throughout the mission doing cleaning checks on the missionary apartments/houses.  At first we were going to those apartments that are closest to Laoag but then Pres. and Sis. Peterson asked us to include the Northern side of the mission which would involve some overnight stays.  While we enjoy sharing our thoughts and expertise on keeping a house of cleanliness and order, being the grandmas (in my case-Baba) that we are we wanted to also take them a little grandmotherly love and what better way to do that than with COOKIES!!! Because we had to make the cookies in advance, this weekend has been a cookie making marathon!  From Friday to Monday we made over 30 dozen cookies!  No small feat given the tiny oven that we have to bake in.  I think I have eaten enough cookie dough and cookies since I have been here to last me a lifetime--Ha Ha!

Loading up the cookies in our hotel room!

This just warmed the cockles of our hearts!  Elders each with a cookie in hand giving us the thumbs up!









The tune Tidings of Comfort and Joy just popped into my head with these words and it just seemed appropriate--Ha Ha Ha!!
Cookies of blessings and joy, blessings and joy!  Oohhh cooookies of blessings and joy!

YOU SPEAK HOW MANY LANGUAGES????

The culture here in the Philippines has been greatly influenced by those who have invaded/conquered/collaborated with the country.  The Spanish and US influence have left lasting marks on the traditions, architecture and language.

You can really see the Spanish influence in the historic cobblestone streets
and much of the local architecture in Vigan (southernmost part of our mission)

There is great discussion on what the official language of the Philippines is.  For a time, while under Spanish rule, it was Spanish.  You still hear a lot Spanish influence in the language which is great for me because I understand quite a bit of Spanish.  But there are over 100 (some sources say up to 200) languages still being spoken across the country. Here in Laoag they speak Ilicano. It is not uncommon for Filipinos to speak 3-5 languages. After doing some research, I am still quite confused, but it appears that Filipino (or nationalized Tagolog) is the first language and English is the second.  Almost all understand and speak Tagolog, in addition to their local language, A lot of people understand English but are hesitant to speak it.  As for the missionaries--junior missionaries learn Tagolog in the MTC while senior missionaries are not required to learn Tagolog and are encouraged to help the locals with their English.  All in all--there are many opportunities for miscommunication --you're never quite sure if mutual understanding has been reached but then I guess that is a universal problem--even when you are speaking the exact same language!  It reminds me of the oft misquoted quote--

“I know you think you understand what you thought I said but I'm not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant”  Ha Ha! 

I do love listening to them speak--it is beautiful and lyrical--especially when they speak English.   

One of our latest misunderstandings was pretty funny.... We were asking a friend where would be a good place to eat and his reply (we thought) was "Have you ever been to the Heathen Gardens?"  Oh dear-- that doesn't sound like someplace missionaries should be frequenting.  After several repeats, we finally understood that he was saying "Hidden Gardens"  Ha Ha Ha--we got a good laugh out of that one!! Not only did we have a good laugh but we had a wonderful lunch at the beautiful Hidden Garden Restaurant.

It's always an adventure here in the Philippines!  I love it!!!