Elder and Sister Whiting in the Philippines: Holy Cow!

Sister Whiting turned 60 this week, and although she wanted to quietly let it pass, her loved ones would not allow it. It started early with the sisters who live down the street bringing muffins and singing happy birthday. Then a party at the office with decorations, a cake, and the happy birthday song. Sister Clark baked the cake and made a sign that said "Holy Cow look who's 60!" To finish the day we went with shopping with Elder and Sister Pugh to S&R. We like going there and pretending we're in Costco in America. It was a fun birthday.

Friday we had errands to run, and were able to visit a new part of the mission called Cuyapo. It's beautiful and rural and it was a nice ride. Today, we attended church in Dapdap again, found it without any help from trike drivers, and were actually on time. On our drive this morning, we passed many Catholic churches just as they were ending their Palm Sunday services. The people coming out were carrying palms, and it reminded us that today is the beginning of the last week of Christ's life, culminating in the Atonement, crucifixion, and resurrection on Easter Sunday. We hope you will spend time each day this week pondering with gratitude the events of the last week of Christ's life.

The upcoming week will be filled with preparations for transfers, which will happen the following week. Transfer week is a week of many emotions. We are sad to see beloved missionaries depart, but happy they have completed an honorable mission and have a lifetime of service ahead of them. It is always fun to welcome the new missionaries and see the potential in them. It is always a busy time.

We leave you with two great scriptures regarding the great gift of repentance--from vilest of sinners to men of god: See Mosiah 28:4, and Alma 48:18

Mahal Kita
Elder and Sister Whiting