Elder Smith went to the doctor on Monday and his quarantine was extended another 10 to 14 days so… He is healing well and on the mend but is still contagious. The Mission Tour was this week and so we had to do some creative planning. Tuesday was the meeting for our Zone (along with four others) in DasMarinias. We had previously taught the new Mission Song to the Zones and had committed to leading the music at the tour. Elder Smith drove me to the stake center and then sat in the car for 3 hours while I was able to enjoy the meeting and lead the song. Yes, I did feel guilty! But, Elder Teh was amazing! It is always a pleasure to listen to a G.A. and this was no exception. He is a member of the First Quorum of Seventy and in our Area Presidency. We were scheduled to feed the Teh’s, Howards etc. on Tuesday before a fireside here in Naic. Well, with Elder Smith’s guck we were in a bind. We finally figured we’d somehow transport all the food etc. to the Naic Chapel and serve the meal there. After checking with the doctor on Monday he said that as long as Elder Smith stayed upstairs and didn’t interact with the guests we could have the dinner at the apartment. So, as soon as the meetings were winding down in DasMas we headed for home and put the finishing touches on dinner. We prepared Beef Steak Tagalog with rice, mixed veggies in cheese sauce, rolls, cucumber salad and brownie/ice cream/cherry topping for dessert. Dinner was scheduled for 5 p.m. with the fireside to follow at 6 p.m. At 5:00 the phone rang and it was Pres. Howard. They had been delayed in DasMas and were just leaving the Stake Center, a 45 minute drive from here. We quickly put all the food on “stay warm” mode and then went to the Naic Chapel for the fireside. Elder Smith was here to stir things once in awhile and make sure nothing burned. We were all back at the apartment by 7:30 and ready to eat. 
It was actually a blessing in disguise as we were able to relax, visit and enjoy the time and meal together. Sister Jean (our tutor and Naic Branch RS pres.) came over to help with the final preparations and serving. She is such a sweetheart.
Tuesday morning we were up bright and early to head to Makati for the second day of Mission Tour. Five more Zones were able to meet and enjoy Elder Teh and his message. The Mission Song went well and was great fun. Poor Elder Smith set in the car once again for hours! Sister Teh is a former Manila Mission missionary and actually served some of her mission in Naic. I was very inspired and uplifted by Elder Teh’s messages and felt so sad that Elder Smith missed them. One thing is certain, we are here in the Philippines for a reason! The Lord does issue Mission Calls and we needed to be here to serve. We are so thankful for the things we are learning and for the blessings of being in His service.
Now for a little taste of home. Our KFC is Kapag Fried Chicken. The original recipe tastes like home and the crispy is quite spicy. All meals come with rice and gravy.
****3/5 Update****
Elder Smith went out in public today and was shaking hands and everything. Back to normal! Hooray!
3 comments:
Hey, a little taste of home is always a good thing! Glad to hear dad is better and is able to get some more sunlight!
I'm glad to hear all is well. Even though he was in the background a lot for this last week, it was good to know he was there to help. Love ya guys!
I'm glad for an end to the quarantine. That sounds like a real challenge. No worse for the wear, though, and that is great.
I am totally with you on the beets. I think I'd rather eat most of the fruits that you have featured than get any more of those. They taste like dirt.
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