Training in Cebu

We had quite the adventure as we flew to Cebu in December to meet with all eight of our 

Multi-Stake Public Affairs Directors and some of their councils. We didn't expect to get

 to have as much fun as we did though!!! It all began as we met some musicians as we 

waited for out flight. They asked if we had heard of the Von Trapp Famiy. 

"You mean like the Sound of Music Von Trapps? Yes, we just watched the movie." 

"We are touring with Maria's great grand children. They are going to Cebu to sing 

this evening. Do you want to meet them?" 

Well of course we did and we got our picture taken with them! 

Haidi was as excited as we were!!!

Our adventure didn't stop there as we acturally went to their concert, then bought a CD,

and stood in line for their autographs! They were delightful!

Haidi's cute husband picked us up at the airport but we were a little delayed. 

We couldn't find out luggage! Finally everyone one gone and the same two bags 

keep coming around. I suddenly dawned on me. Our bags were NOT black, 

but were thenice royal blue ones that everyone had left on the turntable!!!

Gerome and Haidi took us to a floating restaurant right on the shore in Lapu Lapu. 

We had our first mussels and tuna belly, which was delicious!!!

This may be the only jeepney we ever get to "ride" in so we had to get our picture 

taken inside. We didn't serve any drinks while we were inside though!

After lunch we went to Magellan's grave. He was killed here by Lapu Lapu, 

the Chief of the Island which now bears his name.

Gerome and Haidi and Sis. and Elder DuPaix

Before our training began of Fri. afternoon, Haidi, Gerome, and Danzel showed 

us some more of Cebu.

We stopped at Magellan's cross. He erected the
cross here in Cebu and the original wood has
been encased to protect it. He was the first to
bring Christianity to the Philippines.

Fri. afternoon we got to go to the beautiful Cebu Temple. We ate lunch at the 

Patron Housing then went to a wonderful session. It was very special to realize that

 some of the people we had been in the Temple with, were some of the Public Affairs 

directors and leaders who had come here for our training. They also wanted to take 

advantage of being near the temple here!

The Cebu Philippines Temple

We held our training in the beautiful new Quest Hotel. They took very good care of us and 

we had a delightful time meeting these wonderful people from all over the Philippines!

Our name plaque outside the conference room.

 We worked hard and laughed and danced and got to know and love each other! 

I even got to hold this precious tiny baby while her mama took a break. 

Filipino children are so beautiful!

Some of the great women we got to train with! Stella, Amie, Tina, Erl, Monette, 

Haidi and me!!!

Since we were so close to Christmas, we had a gift exchange. Didn't know 

Elder DuPaix had so much talent at doing the "Scarf Dance"!

We love our Public Affairs leaders! Didn't know I could feel so close to these wonderful

 people after only knowing them a few hours! We appreciate all they do in their different 

areas all over the Philippines!