June 12, 2012
I came across this line that makes sense especially it's almost winter. Melbourne's weather is known to chill hearts and cause them to be blue.
What makes me happy are mostly moments not things.
Serving a mission for my church made me the happiest. 18 months of 1993-1995. Lessons of life are learned from being Christ-like, kind, compassionate, cheerful, patient and strong. To be budget-savvy, alert and resourceful. I even learned tolerance when much divine attributes proved hard to practice.
I deserve a medal because if those circumstances happened now, toleration would be the last in my mind. That is why Ecclesiastes was right. There is the right time and place for everything. I cannot serve a mission now. Not only am I older but Patience and unconditional love no longer hold a big place in my heart. I am still patient but I have them for a chosen few. My family, special friends and kids at my work. Just them. That is why they are chosen.
But those short 18 months in the Visayas area of the Philippines was the happiest and most worthwhile time of my life. It was great.
Today, I was browsing my large mission journal and the faces that jumped out of the pages made me stop and smile. I didn't even know that I have missed them this much! I wonder how they are now.
I developed special bond with my first companion (trainer) Sister Rose. She is a stunning, gorgeous young lady that literally made all the cars, trucks, tricycles, bikes, carabaos stop when we walk together along the streets of Bohol. If she is beautiful in the outside she is even more so inside. She helped me develop more Christ-like attributes. One thing that made it even more special is she is not boring at all. She was fun and we were happy.
When I finished my training at the MTC in Manila, we were flown in to CEBU. I had a late night meeting with my Mission President. The wonderful Lawrence Haines in Mission Home Office.
I have this habit that I developed years ago. I like to scan the rooms I am in without being too obvious. Though I don't have 20/20 vision and needs contacts/glasses - my peripheral vision is fantastic.
President Haines as a wall of photos in his office of the missionaries serving in his care. Side by side with their companions.
That's when I saw my photo next to a sister assigned to Capitol. I said to myself okay then this lady is going to be my Trainer. I'll be assigned in the CBD. Cool. Then I glanced at another photo. She looks happier and mestiza.
It was a lovely interview. President Haines and I started our friendship then. Until now we are in touch and have visited their home in Utah, USA with Rich a couple of years ago.
In that interview, President Haines felt the prompting to send me to Bohol. A small island just off Cebu. He's sending me off to another Trainer. Early the next morning his assistants (AP) took me and other missionaries to the airport. One handed me a ticket.
Being a lawyer's daughter and vocal whinger I said: "You gave me a wrong ticket. My name is not M. Buhay." The tall elder was surprised to hear a greenie complain out loud. I think he was a bit embarrassed but it was pre-9/11 so he just ignored me, proceeded to instruct all of us to be on the plane in a few minutes and have fun with our missions.
I dragged my overweight hand carry luggage of books and sat on the smallest plane ever invented in the planet. I counted less than 20 people on it. I was a bit nervous but I know God won't take down this plane of valiant servants.♥☀☺
I arrived in Tagbilaran, Bohol Airport that balmy day of August 1993. Someone came to drape me a lei. I said: ”Please don’t. I have allergies.” Her smile became a straight line. Not a good first impression Sister T. I told myself. But all good, she turned out to be one of the best stake missionaries of my mission life.
Then I met Sister Rose. She looked like the mestiza in the Mission Home Board. She smiled and gave me a hug. (Mestiza is commonly used to women of mixed heritage, like half-Filipino, half-American.)
She was everything you’d ask for a trainer. She made the first few months of my mission bearable and fantastic. We did really well on that companionship. I am glad President Haines felt and acted upon the promptings of the Spirit. That I am to be sent to Bohol to be with Sister Rose. Not in Capitol with another sister. It turned out Sister Rose needed me at that time too. She was getting frustrated and almost giving up. When she met me she and I clicked like castanets and we rocked!
Unfortunately a
short few weeks later I learned that the sister who's ticket I used was not able to endure the
hardships of her mission in Capitol and decided to go home early.
The 18 months serving 24/7 made me appreciate more the truthfulness of the gospel message we are sharing to the people. In that short time I have gained eternal friendships, too. I love the people we taught and led to the waters of baptism. I love my companions and also those who serve along side us in Districts and Zones. I have my favourites and we are in touch.
I wish one day we can meet up again. They’ve made me happy I wish I can relive the feeling and do it over and over again.
One day I will thank April Rose again in person. I hope to see her again even just one more time. Thank you Apes! I’ll catch ya in Salt Lake!
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More about my other mission adventures in coming blog entries...
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