A Trip to Mindanao

During the semester break we were blessed to travel to Mindanao. We had been there for youth camp in 2017 and were excited to go back to this gorgeous place. 

We met Bro. & Sis. White, Bro. & Sis. McElhaney and Bro. John Wright at the Manila airport where we all flew to Cagayan de Oro together. 

It was great to see some familiar American faces. 😀

We had a short, and smooth flight (thankfully) and were greeted by Elder & Sis. Barrero and their son, Bro. Kokie. These people are precious, and they also have the most gorgeous smiles I have ever seen. 😁

We enjoyed a wonderful lunch at a place called Circa. Sis. White told us how amazing their food was and we agreed. It was fantastic! I am amazed at how many yummy "American" restaurants there are here in the Philippines. Amazed, and also thankful. 

After lunch, Bro. Kokie, Sis. White, Nate and I went shopping while the others traveled to the church grounds. Sis. White needed to pick up some extra things for the new Messner House like pillows, sheets, etc. 

Bro. Kokie was a trooper. Well, so was my husband. 😀 

Us ladies tend to enjoy shopping more than the men, but they smiled and were glad to help. 

By the time we had all of our packages, we wondered how in the world we would get them up the mountain and to the newly built home where we would be staying. But all you need is a crew of Filipinos and some rope, and they had it all taken care of! We were completely loaded outside and inside of that car. 

Nate and I had not been to the new church grounds so we were very excited. It was dark when we arrived, so we missed the beautiful scenery, but when we opened our door it was cold. COLD IN THE PHILIPPINES??? Yes! Ok, cool...😂 

Some of the Acts Bible School young men met us and they all had jackets on. It was funny, but to me it was cold, and it felt WONDERFUL! If you have ever been to the Philippines you would understand. 

We arrived to a wonderful dinner prepared by the Angels. Sis. Che (far right) & Sis. Zeny (not pictured) came from Bagong Silang to help teach a new generation of House Angels. They are precious and worked very hard all week while we were there. 

The next morning we had breakfast then started a busy day. Us ladies helped Sis. White get the rooms ready and decorated before everyone else arrived. We had a lot of beds to make, shelves, decorations and curtains to hang. It was a blast! I enjoyed every moment of being able to help set up this beautiful new house for the future guests who come to visit.

[Bro. David Pabanil, Bro. Mark Alcaron & Bro. Timothy Estacio]

The young men were a large help as well. Whatever we asked of them, they were happy to comply. And we kept them busy!

[Bro. Jay Ar was added to the team]

[Sis. McElhaney cleaning the new mirrors]

Sis. White did a nautical theme throughout the home, and it turned out adorable! 

[Pastor Balmes painted the fruit painting and Sis. Balmes painted the floral one below. They are very talented!]

While us ladies were busy working, the men traveled to the Sulindawan Church to be in service with them. Although I enjoyed staying and helping Sis. White, after seeing my husband's photos I missed being with these people. 

[Bro. McElhaney preaching while Pastor Balmes interpreted]

[Nate with Pastor Playto]

[Enjoying some lanzones. The fruit in Mindanao is the best!]

This place truly is incredible. Any chance I am able to travel to Mindanao, I will. The people, the scenery, the fruit....it's wonderful!!! 💗

[The beautiful saints of Sulindawan] 

Back at the farm....or church grounds...

Bro. Kokie showed us around. Sis. White and I enjoyed petting and loving on some of the animals. 

[This cow is named Mr. Phil after Bro. White] 😂

[Bro. Barrero showing us the turkeys that we would be eating the next day.]

[Bro. Kokie and his beautiful family]

[Bro. Barrero showed us his poinsettias which he grows and sells] 

[Bro. Marcelino (one of our students who is also from Mindanao) showed me how to harvest corn]

The men arrived from their service around that time and joined us on our tour. 

[We LOVE animals, just in case you hadn't noticed] 

[A photo from Bro. John Wright's drone, I love it!]

[The Church on the left and the recently built Messner House is on the right] 

[Cooking turkeys]

The next day, Ma'am White, with the help of the House Angels and some men, prepared a Thanksgiving/Turkey dinner for all of the ministry. 

[Bro. Jay-Ar & Sis. Zeny preparing the turkeys]

[Sis. Carrier helped bake some of these treats for everyone. Yum!]

[The hard working cooks & help]

[Bro, McElhaney & Nate enjoying some good conversation after breakfast. But, look at that view!]

The sole purpose for our trip was the Leadership Training Seminar. It was for all of the Filipino leaders, potential leaders, and their wives and families. 

One of the evening services was very special. Bro. Messner was to be the speaker, but before he began, Elder White surprised him with a painting (which you can see covered up in the photo above). The painting was of the Messner House and it had an image of Bro. Messner's parents in it. It was really special. 

This started the dedication service of the Messner House, which was built in remembrance of Bro. Messner's father. This place was built for all of the Americans to have a place to stay on the grounds instead of in hotels. It is a blessing in many ways, as the nearest hotel is hours away. Also, it gives the people more time to be with the Filipinos and get to fellowship with them. 

After Bro. Messner spoke, Elder White had everyone stand around the newly built Messner House, which was surrounded by candles. Pastor Collins (from Idaho), along with everyone, prayed. It was a very special night and we were very happy to be there and participate. 

[A view from the drone] 

Us ladies were happy to have several sessions outside just for us. Sis. White, Sis. McElhaney, Sis. Carrier and myself all spoke. These ladies soaked it all in and we were all blessed. 

[Sis. McElhaney did phenomenal!] 

[Nate preaching with the help of Bro. Balmes]

[This is the view from the dining room] 

[Timothy, Marcelino & James]

During one of the afternoons they had everyone who wanted to come and help harvest the corn. Most everyone came to help, and we had a great time. 

[Elder & Sis. Cajanding]

We took quite a few photos after service the last night, as everyone usually does. 😀 We had had a great week, and were blessed, encouraged, and were ready for revival! 

[Sis. McElhaney, Sis. White & Sis. Carrier]

[Picking out ties] 

We can't wait to be back in Mindanao again!💗