December 25, 2009
Dear Family,
Today is Christmas and we are here in the
Yesterday we spent the afternoon in a Zone Conference with the Senior Couples zone of the Quezon City Mission. We are Church Service Volunteers and thus are not attached to any mission but they include us in all their activities and we are happy and grateful. Our meeting began with some lovely music and also reports by nine of the couples on their branch assignments. They love the members in their little branches and are grateful for the assignments there. We heard a lovely piano solo by the daughter of President and Sister Ko, 2nd Counselor in the Area Presidency from
We miss all of you and all the Christmas activities. It is very different here. We have a tiny tree with tiny lights behind a Philippine nativity set with capiz shell angels. We had very little shopping to do. No running around or extra meals to prepare. No sleep-overs or added guests. This was quite an unusual thing for us. But we are grateful for all of you and for the Savior whose birth we celebrate. President Edwards spoke about the 19th chapter of Matthew with the Savior talking about the rich man who was told to go and sell all that he had. Then he spoke to the disciples and told them that (v.25 )…”all who had forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.” We all were feeling a bit sad but trying to keep a cheerful face.
One man among us said that his brother was killed in an auto accident the day before. Some of his family have told him not to come home—others want him to come home. He faces a decision. He was very emotional about the loss of his brother. I remember when Jan died, I could not be consoled until I had been to Rexburg and done my own investigation. Then it became very evident that the Lord was taking him home and then, with that understanding, I had a calm, peaceful feeling and could go on. I am grateful that Janell let me read his mission journal before we left. I see him everywhere here. He was a pied piper for the children and I see him doing that everywhere. Our experience here is at the office, working with the staff and also the YSA in our ward. We also have the privilege of working with wonderful people at the temple, but we don’t speak the language (70 different ones) so our communication is with the English speaking people, of which there are also many. But I see my brother everywhere, but haven’t found anyone yet who knew him. I understand why he loved the people and why they loved him.
Our love and concern for all of you continues in our prayers and service here. We know that God has a plan for all of us and that his loving care stretches out to include all of us. Sometimes being patient with what we don’t yet understand is difficult.
I’m especially grateful for a wonderful mission and life companion that I love. It makes all the difference in the world to serve with someone that knows the Gospel, loves the Lord and with whom we face the same direction in life’s challenges.
We had fireworks last night and firecrackers going off intermittently since about a month ago. We also had a fire that burned a whole section of small houses across the river. Now I see clothes lines back in some of the burned-out shells so life goes on as usual. We live on the 24th storey of a tall apartment building facing the
We love and appreciate all of you and know that the Gospel is true. We are also grateful for the Savior and all that his plan provides for all his children, everywhere. We are happy to serve in this mission and working hard to get as much accomplished as possible. We love the Lord and the scriptures that we have to assist us in following Him.
May the Lord’s blessings be always with all of you in all that you do everyday. We pray that you will continue to teach your children correct principles and to follow the Savior, for therein lies the safety and consistency in life.
We love the Savior and are grateful to be in a country that focuses on Christ and His Ministry. Traditional Christmas Carrols are played everywhere, radio, TV, the malls and it all begins in Sept. Nativity scenes are displayed at all the churches, in the malls, and various commercial locations. We attended a concert at the University of the
I have been reading the new testament, learning again and refreshing my memory of His birth, ministry and teachings, reminding me that we believe not only in his earthly , but the He is the Prince of Peace, our Savior, God and King, that He has reigned everlastingly, in our Premortal existence, from the beginning of this earthly life, and will continue to reign as our Lord of Lord, and King of Kings forever more. May the time quickly come when he will reign personally on the earth and His laws and His government will rule. May it come soon and may we each of us and every one of our family personally meet Him and be embraced by him as He has promised. It is our prayer, and continued desire that each of us will live worthy of that promised privilege. It is our goal, objective, and mission in life to help, assist and to support each in achieving such a marvelous blessing.
Our gratitude abounds for wonderful children and family who willingly give up their parents and support and sustain us in our service so far away. We miss all of you and yearn to once more embrace each of you.
Love to all;,
Elder and Sister Wright
Dad and Mom, Grandpa and Grandma
Philippines Area
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