Batch 689 - October 23, 2019

American Samoa, China, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Pakistan, Philippines, Samos, Sri Lanka, United Kingdom, United States, Peru and Canada. 
184 RTM and LTM plus 18 from Provo for the last 6 days of the transfer.  We continue to stand strong at the 200 mark. 

Mongolians - October 18, 2019

The Manila Temple serves many saints from the Asian area.  Hong Kong Temple is closed so we had many fly to Manila.  This group is from Mongolia.  They came for a tour at the MTC and we were able to speak with them through an interpreter.  It is amazing the sacrifice one will go to in order to receive the beautiful blessings of the temple.  

Mission Possible - October Conference Style 2019

General Conference is loved by all missionaries in the field.  It is a time to gain spiritual strength from the speakers.  The MTC Teachers generally teach the missionaries on Saturday.  Because of Conference, we allow them to be with their families and we take care of the teaching for the day.  We decided to split them in 4 groups and have MISSION POSSIBLE.  They rotated through to learn different skills like sewing, dental care, exercise and dress and grooming.  Many senior couples helped and the missionaries were able to enjoy a hot fudge sundae afterward.  Fun times!

Pasay Stake Leadership Meeting - October 5, 2019

Pasay Stake had a leadership meeting and asked us to share ways they could work with the youth to build their desire to serve missions.  It is always nice to have members from the area join us at the MTC for special occasions.  How we love the Filipino members.

Manila Polo Club Fundraiser - September 28, 2019

There are times when the Public Relations department asks us to go to fundraisers in the community.  This was a fun one because we were able to dress up in western style.  President Clark did a great job on the bucking bronco.  Once in awhile we like going out and seeing the sites outside of the MTC.

Adventures with Bonnie Jean

My beautiful mother before leaving for the Philippines to the Missionary Training Center.

                                              

                             Elder and Sister Warner surprised me at the viewing for mom.  What a welcome site.

The Clark's came to see me at the San Francisco when I flew in for the funeral.

Childhood friends Kelly and Lori at the funeral.

Bonnie Jean Luker Curtis

1932 - 2019 

A few weeks before mom's passing, I was inspired to Marco Polo her from my kitchen in the Philippines.  Stuart said she hadn't been very communicative but I told her about how I was making brownies that Grandma Luker used to make.  I told her how I had her close because I was wearing a thin gold band with rubies in it every day.  It was her ring.  Stuart was with her when she listened to the Marco.  She spoke for the first time that day.  She talked a lot and she loved seeing me and was proud of the things that I had accomplished.  I didn't have any idea it would be the last time I would see her in this life.  

My dear and wonderful mother’s life passed through the veil on September 8, 2019.  The staff at Sunridge Assisted Living was dressing her for church.  She looked up and smiled then was gone.  I had tickets to go home and see her, but she instead planned her last big party.  On September 19, 2019 we were able to celebrate her unique and blessed life.  All my siblings were there.  All my children were there.  It was an amazing celebration of the life of an incredible woman.  Mom lived her life as described by Hunter S. Thompson:  “Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, “Wow!  What a Ride!”  

Farewell Dear Warner's - September 5, 2019

How we love Sister and Elder Warner.  They have been MTC Leaders dream come true.  Sister Warner has such a great way with the missionaries who are sick.  Elder Warner entertains and works hard serving in any way he is needed.  Sister Warner has had some difficulties with her intestines for a few weeks.  Finally, she was in such pain that it was decided she should go home.  Kicking and screaming, yet knowing it was needful for her health, they returned to Utah.  In a short time, our missionaries gathered to tell them how much they were loved and would be missed.  Thank you both for your incredible service!