AND THE DAYS GO BY!

Beautiful morning sky at Marcos Stadium

I have been asked what our days look like--what do we do? As I have mentioned before--we are not required to keep a set schedule and we like to remain open and flexible to the varying opportunities that arise. We have gotten into a bit of a routine but our days seem to vary quite a bit. We are both usually up by 6:00AM, give or take 30 minutes. Neither of us sets an alarm. Sunrise is around 5:30AM. For the past couple of weeks, I have been going for an early walk (before it gets too hot and before the streets are too congested). Sis. Robinson would like to join me but she has had a hip replacement and is probably due for another one when we get back. Even though she never complains, I know it is quite bothersome to her so I usually slip out by myself. I feel very safe when I go and like being out as the city comes to life. I really enjoy walking the neighborhoods as I see things in much more detail than when we are driving. People are out walking their dogs, sweeping the streets in front of their places, opening up the small stores that are attached to many of the homes, and watering the many potted plants that adorn their houses. There is a stadium nearby (Marcos Stadium) and I usually end up walking the track there.

Typical early morning basketball game
at Marcos Stadium

 I often run into the elders at the Stadium as they get in some running time or a pick up basketball game. Since I started writing this, Sister Robinson ventured out with me one morning last week! We didn’t walk too far but it was very nice to have company! We shall see what the future holds!  As light skinned Americans, we are really in the minority here. Fortunately, Filipinos, for the most part, like and respect Americans and missionaries so we are usually held in high regard. Children are especially interested and just stare and stare at us. It is very different to be sure, but a smile and nod or “good morning” are great equalizers and are almost always enthusiastically returned.

After that--it’s get dressed and ready for the day! We are ever so grateful for the small and simple things like hot water in the bathroom and kitchen and adequate water pressure to actually take a shower instead of pouring a bucket of water over us!  Not many have those luxuries here. 

Our landlord's grandson getting a bath in the courtyard!

We thankfully did our research before we came and made sure we had hair dryers and curling irons that run on the different voltage here. It has been pretty smooth sailing as far as that goes. Phones and the internet are a whole different story! A LOT of time has been spent trying to get our phones set up and then trying to understand the local phone service and the “plan” we are on. The Kartchners and our neighbor, Junell Hernando, have been great help on those fronts!

We have been trying to have companion study time each day and have been loving going through the Come Follow Me manual and reading the scriptures together. We have some very inspirational conversations and thoroughly enjoy learning together!  

Some days we go in to the mission office to help with different tasks that are being done. Most of these tasks are connected to Zone Conferences or transfers or Leadership Training. We love being there to interact with the missionaries and office sisters--Sister Cox and Sister Snyder--who are both delightful. Sister Peterson has also asked us to help out with an English program that is offered for the Filipino missionaries. We have spent quite a bit of time setting that up and figuring out how to best track the progress of each missionary. We still don’t have all the information we need but are slowly getting it figured out.

We go to the market or different stores two or three times a week. We usually drive our car but once in a while we take a tricee as the parking everywhere is very limited. Shopping here is always an adventure as you never know if you will find what you need. And if you do find what you’re looking for, it may or may not taste like you think it will. We have four or five places that we frequent the most. One of them is Robinsons Supermarket located in the Robinsons Mall.  As if being American missionaries isn't enough, walking in with someone who has “Robinson” on their name tag is like instant celebrity. Darlene just smiles and says she wishes she could offer everyone a discount--ha ha! It’s great!

Open Market in downtown Laoag.  This is the
3rd floor where meats and vegetables are sold.
We don't go there much as the smell is -well-pungent!
The second floor is clothing and goods.
We usually just buy fruit there which is on street level.

We make a pretty good team when it comes to mealtime. I love to bake and try new things and Darlene is an excellent cook. We have a nice big place with a table that accommodates 8-10 people and we have enjoyed fixing dinner for the elders and the other senior missionaries and friends. We try to space our dinner's out a bit as we have a tiny oven, limited cooking utensils, and are always having to improvise with the food we have available--plus we're trying to stick to a budget!! But it’s been fun and I think we’ve turned out some decent meals for ourselves and others! We also love to deliver baked goods to the elders and sisters and they very much appreciate it!!! We have so enjoyed our interactions with our neighbor elders!

We had 4 April birthdays so we made a cake,
fixed chicken divan, twice baked potatoes,
and honey lime fruit salad--YUM!!!!

Our birthday dinner guests--Sis. Cox, Sis Snyder,
Elder Kartchner, Sis. Kartchner,  Norma

Our friend Steve Maximo and his son Jaestee (forefront) made dinner for us!
Richard & Kathy Kartchner and Norma (Tagalog  teacher) joined us.

We had the Elders and two ward members for chicken fajitas one night.
Elder Clark, Elder Durbin, GG, Elder Levine, Sis. D., Humphrey, Elder Lorange

We often attend weekly District Meetings with the Kartchners and really enjoy meeting with the young missionaries in their districts and hearing of their progress and challenges. We continue to be so impressed with all of them! Every time we return from one of those meetings we give thanks for these enthusiastic young Elders & Sisters and we also give thanks that we do not have to be out in the heat for 8-9 hours a day walking dusty streets and returning home to a hot apartment! If we spend an hour outside it almost always results in an early bedtime--the heat is just draining-- especially for us old folks. Awwww youth!!! Anyway we are ever so grateful for an air conditioned car AND apartment! Wow!!!

District Meeting in Paoay

When we find ourselves with free time on our hands, we like to jump in the car and explore the surrounding area.  I'll have to include more on that in a future post.  We also watch a movie on Netflix every now and then--like I said, serving a mission as a senior is very different!!  We are always mindful and prayerful that we will be guided and directed in doing the Lord's work in whatever way we can! So far, the missionary lifestyle suits us just fine!

HABITS & COMPANIONS

We were riding in a tricee here and giggling
over the fact that it was one of the smaller ones
(Filipinos are small) and we were pretty packed
in.  Always an adventure!

So I’m still having a hard time getting into the habit/routine of writing in my journal and my blog. I had a crazy notion that when I became a missionary, I would automatically start doing those things--wrong!! As senior missionaries, we are not given guidelines and schedules like the younger missionaries. We are free to set our own schedule and determine how we should best spend our time. I’m grateful for that freedom but also very aware that my natural tendency to be easily distracted and veer off course are as much an issue for me here as back home. Even though I am not encumbered by all the worldly cares of home, I am still bound by previous tendencies and habits.…..sigh! I am desirous to acquire some new study, reading and writing habits but it is a slow process. Meanwhile, I am so grateful to have a companion and doubly grateful that my companion is Darlene Robinson. We have so much in common and have very similar personalities. We are both quite assertive, which may have been an issue when we were younger, but getting older has a wonderful way of tempering things! We are finding that we work well together, we enjoy each other’s company and conversation, we get things done, we have fun, and we really help each other stay on course! That being said, it is also nice that we do not have to be in eye and ear shot of each other 24/7, like the younger missionaries. We each have our own room so we can have moments of privacy and reflection. We are also free to go places and do things individually. Even though it is very nice to have that option, we find that we would much prefer to do things together for the most part. As a little side note...the two office sisters here are actual biological sisters but we often have people comment that we look more like sisters than they do! I take that as a big compliment because I think Sister Robinson is beautiful--inside and out!!

JUMPING RIGHT IN!

Wow--never imagined it would be so difficult to get my blog up and running on a regular basis!   This post is actually a modified report for Pres. Peterson.  Don't give up on me.  I'll get the hang of this yet!

Much of our week was spent trying to get the lay of the land, finding groceries and misc. Items, (still praying for the delivery of our balikbayan box), and working out technological kinks with our computers and phones. Sis. Robinson has been plagued with issues. Unsure weather it is her Android or the Android user :o)--probably a combo of both. My iphone seems to do much better. Ever so grateful to the Kartchners and all they have done and continue to do to help us get acclimated. Also grateful that we came onto the scene a little later so we didn’t have to deal with the same huge learning curve as everybody else. So nice to have people watching out for us and showing us the ropes. Tender mercies for sure!

L-R  Jamison, Adelyn, Kamaile, Landon and Julie
Hernando

We have spent some time getting to know the Hernandos (neighbors) and the landlord (Mila). Such nice people! We are planning a trip with Julie Hernando to see her facility for endangered/rescued children and perhaps offer a little grandmotherly love to those unfortunate little ones.

The sisters piled into our air conditioned car while we were
waiting for the building to be opened.

We attended two district meetings with the Kartchners--one in Poway, which was supposed to be held in Batac, and one at our house with Elders Clark and Durbin, which was supposed to be held at the church--finally gave up on waiting for someone with a key to let us in. Really learning to roll with the punches. We have thoroughly enjoyed attending these district meetings--getting to know the missionaries and hearing how their work is progressing. We pray that we will be able to make some helpful contributions. We continue to be impressed with these young missionaries and their dedication to the work. We also see the results of the love, concern and teaching the new mission president has given them! We are planning to attend a different district
meeting every week with the Kartchners.

Plan B--Hold the District meeting at our apartment when you
can't get into the building!

We wanted to drop into the Institute and introduce ourselves so we ventured out to locate it. No luck!!! Ventured out a second time and thankfully came across a couple of Elders (Levine & Lerange) who jumped in and took us right there. We drove up into the parking lot and that’s when things went south. As I was backing down that steep incline, the cement bump that holds the gate became intimately acquainted with the exhaust pipe that runs down the center of the car and stopped us dead in our tracks. We pulled forward and were able to skirt around it but felt like something was amiss. Brother Thomas to the rescue!! He came right away, took the car to look at it, and found that a joint in the pipe had been dislodged. He fixed it or had someone fix it!  Unfortunately, that is not the only time I have connected with a concrete block or pipe sticking up.  I am getting the hang of driving on these narrow crowded roads but it has come at some cost to the exterior of the car.  Yikes!

Sis. Robinson has been doing some preparation for the dental hygiene presentation at zone conf. We (the Kartchners, office sisters and us), are planning to travel together to zone conference and do a little sightseeing along the way. We have also been involved in helping the Kartchners plan out activities and family home evenings for our Senior District. We are scheduled to hold the first FHE at our place-we are having spaghetti.

On Saturday--Elder Kartchner had another obligation so we helped Sis. Kartchner with her piano lessons at the church. So glad we were there as she had a full house--most with keyboards in tow. Many challenges with getting students to be prepared and show up on time. We were all glad when Elder Kartchner showed up to lend a hand.

Finally-on Sunday we returned to Sinait. Made the trip for two reasons--one-to help out with the choir that will be singing at their branch conference and two- to attend RS and follow up with the RS presidency. We thoroughly enjoyed our time there. In spite of not understanding a lot, we were so impressed with the RS teacher and lesson given. Fortunately, everything she put on the board was in English! She was well prepared and followed the pattern of asking questions and engaging the sisters. It was a pretty lively discussion on sharing your testimony as part of ministering. Once again, we were so impressed with the presidency and how things are being run and felt so strongly of the sweet spirit that was present in the Relief Society. We had hoped to return to hear the choir sing at their branch conference, but the Elders have arranged a meeting for us with the RS President of 2nd Ward so we will be attending there next Sunday.

Sinait RS

On our way home from Sinait, we did a little exploring along the coastal road and actually found a couple of spots by the ocean where we could get out, take in the ocean air and revel in the beautiful vistas! Exhilarating! All in all, we felt we had a very productive and enjoyable week!

REFLECTIONS ON APRIL 11TH

 I was preparing for bed on this, the 11th of April, and reflecting on the day--it dawned on me that this is the anniversary of my sweet Prince’s passing. So hard to believe it has been eleven years! I like the word “passed” as opposed to “died” as I know my big guy has passed on to a heavenly realm. A place that is not restricted by time or space or human frailty. A place where love resides and truth is unfettered. I know he is encircled by love and joy that emanates from our Heavenly Father and our Savior, Jesus Christ. I know that, just as he was my safe harbor here on earth--he is now my guardian angel on the other side who hovers near me and all those he loved and cared about--which is many. I know his influence was great while he was here on the earth but is even greater and more far reaching from the other side. I know there is a master plan--a great plan of salvation and eternal happiness--and because of that, I know I will see and embrace him again. I am so grateful for that knowledge.

I am also grateful for four amazing sons who honor their father with their own lives--he truly lives on in them in so many wonderful ways! I love them beyond words. The thought often crosses my mind that I am following in my sons’ footsteps as I serve my Savior on this mission. What a blessing and an honor!

I am so thankful that this day passed by with no feelings of sorrow or sadness which is a first for me. I totally attribute that to the fact that I am immersed in the Lord’s work here in the Philippines. I continue to feel God’s loving influence and guiding hand in all the small details of my life as I navigate these very unfamiliar waters. So so grateful for this opportunity and experience--it has already been life-changing! Love you forever, my Prince!

LAOAG!!!!

March 12, 2019

We were so thrilled to finally be on the airplane that would take us to our final destination of Laoag! The flight from Manilla was short--a little over an hour. We were amazed by the huge cloud of polution (we think) that hung ominously over Manilla. We were both surprised by the terrain we were flying over--very interesting. I think we expected it to be basically flat but there were lots of mountainous areas, rivers, bodies of water (in addition to the surrounding ocean) with agricultural areas interspersed throughout. There were really bright orange patches scattered through the agricultural areas. Couldn’t imagine what that almost neon color could be and later found out they were fields of corn being laid out to dry. Have never seen corn that color! We caught glimpses of the ocean as we neared Laoag but were also surprised to find Laoag a little further inland than we had thought.

The Laoag Airport is small but it was beautiful to pull up to--part of it being covered with bright pink Buganvilias! After we retrieved our luggage (it all made it!!) we made our way out to where President and Sister Peterson, and Elder and Sister Kartchner were waiting for us. So wonderful to be greeted by the familiar faces of long time friends.

We were taken to the Mission Home (which is like a little Oasis in the middle of the city) where they were just finishing up with a District Leadership meeting. Got to meet several of the missionaries who seemed genuinely happy to have us there. We were served a delicious lunch (Costa Vida knock off) and then off to see where we would be living. I actually drove our car that was waiting at the Mission Home for us (more on the driving here later! So crazy!) 

We pulled up and were greeted by a pig and a rooster--welcome to the Philippines! 

 We were pretty blown away to find we would be living in such a nice place! Its very simple but spacious and bright with air conditioning and hot and cold running water in the bathroom AND the kitchen thanks to Richard Kartchner! We have young missionaries living next to us and above us. Also a delightful member family in the fourth apartment upstairs. The Kartchners had actually been living in our place and had really fixed it up but found another house in a location they liked better so they gave us their apartment! We feel pretty blessed. Sister Peterson had stocked the apt. with some of the basics AND a box of chocolate covered Mangos. What a wonderful welcome!

Unfortunately, the first couple of nights were a little rough--partly due to major jet lag and partly due to the rooster! Ends up he was tied right outside my bedroom window and thought sunrise was at 3:30am when he started his non-stop crowing. Even though Darlene’s room is on the other side, we were both contemplating rooster murder. Elder Kartchner came to the rescue and convinced the landlord to move the rooster to the other side of the building. Yay!! Turns out the rooster only lasted for another couple of weeks. Rumor has it he ended up on the landlords dinner table! I’m afraid the pig, who is getting quite plump, will have the same destiny.

SALT LAKE TO MANILLA

March 9-March 11

Even though my mission officially started when I entered the MTC, it got very real for me when I boarded the plane in Salt Lake City with the final destination of Manilla. I feel so honored to be wearing my missionary badge and boldly displaying who I represent for all to see.



We had a 5 ½ hour layover in Las Angeles. Darlene’s daughter, Kim, and some of Darlene’s long time friends picked us up with dinner, a lighted van, and music playing. In spite of my protestations that we not leave the airport (glad I didn’t persist), we went and had a wonderful time. Got back in plenty of time to catch our 11:00 pm flight for Manilla.


Darlene and I had grand plans for our 15 hour flight--reading,
catching up on thank yous, crocheting, etc.--none of which happened. It was lights out, try to sleep, watch a movie or two and try not to go bonkers in our confined space. While the food was decent and the attendants helpful, I have never been so happy to see a flight end! We arrived in Manilla to a bright orange sunrise and proceeded to make our way through customs. Felt pretty strange to be surrounded by people who were speaking a language we didn’t understand at all!

We were met at a designated spot by our driver, Roger, who took us to the Hotel 101. Unfortunately, it was about 8:00 AM and we were told our rooms would not be ready until 2:00! Oh dear!!! We were exhausted and hungry but settled down in the lobby in two of the four chairs available. Finally decided to go into the hotel restaurant for a buffet breakfast, lingered for a while there and at 10:00 decided to go check on our room. Tender mercies! Our room was available! Boy did it feel good to lie down on a real bed! We slept until about 3:00 when our driver returned and took us to the Customs office for fingerprinting and mug shots. We were so lucky not to have to wait in that hot, crowded place for three hours like the senior couple that arrived just ahead of us. Someone is definitely watching out for us. Then back to the hotel for dinner and a good night’s sleep. Then an early morning pick up for our 11:00 flight to Laoag.

So we had about two hours to wait before our flight to Laoag. It’s wasn’t a big airport but they had Krispy Kreme donuts!!! (Unfortunately, you had to buy a dozen so that didn’t work out). Then we noticed a little massage kiosk at the end of the airport. I convinced Darlene that it might be a good idea to get a back and neck massage to get some of the kinks out from our long flight. She hesitatingly went along. Oh boy--big mistake. The masseuses had very firm hands, especially the one working on Darlene. I was doing ok until she started massaging my head and totally destroying any semblance of normalcy. I heard Darlene mention that she had had a hip replacement and was possibly in need of another. When the torture session (Darlene’s words) was over. I got up--looked at Darlene--and just busted out laughing. Her hair was all over, she had mascara smudged under her eye and she said to me “What were you thinking?” then she busted out laughing. I got a glimpse of myself in the mirror--oh my-- I looked like the wild woman from Borneo--Ha Ha! We did our best to compose ourselves and leave the area. What an experience!! Darlene says I owe her big time and I would have to agree!

THE MTC!

March 4-March 9
The start of my actual mission was a little surreal for me. After sending four sons off to the MTC (Missionary Training Center) in Provo it seemed a little strange but, oh so wonderful, to have my sons and their families seeing ME off to the MTC!! I have learned much from my children and the learning continues! As I walked the MTC campus, the thought often crossed my mind that I was following in the footsteps of my stalwart sons and it made my heart swell with gratitude and love. It was an inspirational experience to say the least. In our group, there were 125 senior missionaries (only five single sisters). We were surrounded by approximately 1,400 junior missionaries from all corners of the world who were preparing to serve missions in all corners of the world. The atmosphere was energetic and uplifting--such energy!! We were only there for five days but I learned much and fell into bed exhausted each night. I was so impressed by the young return missionaries who taught us. I was truly amazed at how quickly we formed strong and lasting relationships with our fellow senior missionaries. I totally attribute that to the fact that we were all intent on developing our own personal relationship with the Savior, working through the Spirit, and extending Christlike love to each other. It was exhilarating!

March 3, 2019  Boise to Salt Lake City
Nick and Emmi send me off from the Boise airport! So glad they came in to help me with my massive amounts of luggage!  So hard to pack for a whole year!!!  So hard to say goodbye!

March 3, 2019  Salt Lake to Provo MTC
Mack, Ashley, Odessa, Hazel & August picked me up at the Salt Lake airport and took me to Jake and Kaylee's place where I was fed a delicious dinner. Then everyone (including Ellis and Cohen) loaded up and dropped me at the MTC.  Full circle with these sons of mine!  Bit of a mixup at the MTC security gate (and Mack's kids were asleep in the car)  so didn't get a picture of them and only Mack & Odessa came in with me but I was grateful for that!  Love this picture of Mack putting on my tag!  As he pointed out--first "Sister"
Drzayich ever to go on a mission!

            Our MTC District--what a great bunch of people!

Iconic MTC pictures in front of the picture of Christ and pointing to where you are serving on the wall map.
We were a threesome.  Our third companion was a wonderful sister from Virginia--Martha Dubyk.  Sister Dubyk was called to the Polynesian Cultural Center in Hawaii. 

Snapshot of what we did and learned in a jam packed week at the MTC!

March 9, 2019
Time to depart!!!!  Goodbye MTC--it was a grand time!!!  Philippines here we come!!