When The Rains Come Down!

Dear Family,
We weren't even planning on going on exchanges in LaPaz, Tarlac and the nearby Zaragosa, Nueva Ecija until Tuesday night. After zone conference on Wednesday, we drove them over to their areas and spent the afternoon working with them. The typhoon moved on through the top of Luzon on Tuesday and Wednesday, and we saw some heavy wind and rain but were in no real danger. In hindsight, it all seems so funny -- we were so clueless! Everyone in the streets was talking about the dams to the north filling up and the danger of being flooded, just like happened to me last year in Aduas, Cabanatuan. But we just kept on working, of course we didn't know how serious things might be. I remember talking to one family on the side of the highway. The dad was sitting in the rain outside his gate, looking across the road. We talked to him for a moment and tried to get around to the gospel, but he seemed really distracted and after a few moments he excused himself and just started walking away. We talked to his family and they were busy tying things down and moving things around. Talk about wrong timing -- after that I noticed the water on the other side of the highway, slowly creeping up the embankment. We helped two member families that night move refrigerators and tables. After our last appointment, we were surprised that on one of the roads on our way home, there was already a flood. Without even bothering to roll up our pant-legs, we trudged through it, up to our shins. I heard one young boy running home to his family, who were waiting for news, and the boy was shouting, "the water is to the highway, it's about to come over! The Pangasinan dam's exploded! They've cracked it right down the middle!" I laughed at that, thinking the boy was a little over-excited, but our Filipino companion told us the words he used, "exploded" and "cracked" just meant that the overflow had been opened and that they were releasing water. On our way home, we passed the church, where leaders were opening the doors as a shelter for any in need. They told us to call them if they needed to come and get us out. I don't think it ever sank in for the three of us, we assumed the LaPaz house was pretty high, and the rain hadn't been that hard, anyway. We planned, cooked dinner, swapped stories, and then got to bed.

Guess where I slept -- yep, on the floor. Remember, hindsight is 20-20, but a flood just doesn't seem like much of a threat until it's actually arrived. My mattress was about 6 inches high. I put my towel under my head, my glasses and cell phone on the ironing board, and fell asleep. The first thing I remembered was the short-term missionary, Brother Dasargo, shouting, "Elders! Gising! Baha na sa atin!" I opened my eyes in the dark and immediately felt that my body from my right shoulder to my hip was wet. I don't think I've ever gone from horizontal to vertical so fast. When the lights came on, it revealed 4 inches of water on the floor and my floating shoes, clothes, and other things. As soon as I could snag two sandals, I was pulling my things out of the water. It was 4 am. When we got all our things out of the water, our situation started to seem pretty comical, until we realized that the water was coming up, and we'd soon have to turn off the electricity in the switch box or risk death when the water reached the sockets. It was time to call for help, because spending the wee hours of the morning in a dark, flooding house should not be part of a companionship exchange.

In half an hour, Elder Landingin was there with the van. We were singing "the rains came down and the floods came up" until we started down the road and saw just how serious things were getting. We were indeed on high ground, and the only roads back out of LaPaz were submerged. In some places, I didn't know if we'd make it, the water was so high, several feet, but the van kept going. We got to the one bridge leading out of LaPaz, and to our dismay, the river was surging over it, the current was amazing! On the sides of the street motorcycles were half submerged, some of them tipped over by the current. But we made it! The next day we tried it again, after we got the Elders to Zaragosa safe and sound. We had to get back to Tarlac, and the water had receeded a little bit, at the bridge, there was a big line up of trucks and cars, and one by one they either made a u-turn and came back past us or plowed ahead into the knee-to-thigh deep water. The vehicle in front of us looked about the same size as we were, so we decided if he went, we would try it. He went. Again, I thought the van wasn't going to make it at some points, and when we got to the other side of the town, the people asked where we'd come from and were surprised that we'd made it from Zaragosa. As we were going through, it was wild to see people standing outside their homes, just like usual, while the brown water was flowing around them, up to their stomach! One old lady was sitting in a chair on the road in at least 2 feet of water, and people were fishing like crazy. Everybody had a net. The water was surging, it was a river. Sari-sari stores were still open, the seller and the buyer both standing in knee-deep river water. Kids were swimming -- there was no place for them to go to get out or stay dry. Their houses were full. And after one picture, my camera's battery was dead. And the charger had been submerged the night before along with my electric razor. The amazing thing was that the bag with my garments in it floated on top of the water and not one piece got wet. My shoes, thankfully, floated as well.

What else is news? We split in Paniqui. For me, that was the best part of the week, and the transfer, and my mission, because I got to see the Patricio family again. I can't write everything, but when I entered their door, there was Sister Lerma, holding the new baby, Sarah-Jane. She's two months old now, and she was born the morning I had to leave. Being with them was like seeing family again. Brother Philip stood at the kitchen table mixing up rice coffee just like always, and we talked and laughed and told stories over crackers and coffee (kapeng bigas). They are doing so well. Brother Philip was the baptizer at the last baptism. We had another spiritual lesson, just like always. Saying goodbye was much easier this time -- they are so firm in the faith, and I know that I'll see them again, most likely on December 11-12, when Paniqui will meet as a district and then leave as a stake! Great news! First, a temple just 30 minutes away from Paniqui, and then it becomes a stake and I'll get to see it. It was a great week. We taught the other Patricio family again and it was the best as well. That night the thought of leaving just tore me up. I feel like I could just set up my bamboo house there and live happily -- it's the best place on earth.

Fall weather looks beautiful there! My companion got a kick out of the colored trees and the size of our "kalabasa" (pumpkins). The rainy season should be over by December, and then there will be little rain until May or June. January and February, things get kind of desert-y, but in March, I'll be hitting my 3rd mango season. Talk about good timing. Good luck Dad with the trial! I love you all.
Love, Elder Loren Peck

Pagiging? O hinki pagiging?

Dear Family,

Yeah, I'm over the shock of the engagement -- It's just that... I can't imagine... I mean without seeing for myself. Seems like Chris just barely got home, right? I'm way behind the times. There's a missionary here from Petersboro, Sister Bevan and she told me that Joe has been back and forth from Egypt and all sorts of places -- I guess there's still a lot of life that takes place after the mission. I've still got a while to enjoy the best two years, thank goodness.

Last night was one of those best moments of the best two years. We finally made it back to the Sibal family, and caught them at home, we planned to drop by at dinner time and catch them both at home. Perfect timing -- we cought them right in the middle of their dinner. With the ulam and rice, half eaten, they welcomed us in and we all sat on the floor. They were so kind, welcoming us in like that. We re-introduced ourselves and spent some time getting to know each other. Elder Landingin hit it right off with them. We were all laughing and having a great talk, but the spirit sure entered strong when we started talking about religion and what they expected from the missionaries. They were just really open with their feelings and really honest. We had a kneeling prayer, and then we started reading and sharing from 2 Nephi 31. The first presidency in their new curriculum have instructed that baptism should be mentioned right from the start and that people should know that we are there to help them know the truth, and then live it by being baptized. We started talking about baptism, and Christ's baptism, and reading from the Book of Mormon, and got to the point that from the scriptures, it was plain that we all needed to be baptized. Elder Landingin is so good at teaching, and especially listening and asking questions. The lesson was one great back and forth discussion. Question, listen, read, question, question, it was great. We read about baptism being the "gate" or entrance to God's church and kingdom. Like signing a time slip to get salary at the end of the day, baptism, an ordinance, is the way God has provided for us to "check-in". When it was out in the open and the spirit was testifying that we need baptism, my companion gave a soft baptismal commitment, will you be baptized? Brother and Sister said yes, that they would have a long time ago, but work was the problem. Elder Landingin asked what could be done. They talked about work and came to no conclusion. Instead of giving it up, we followed up and eventually the pinaka-concern of sister came out. Yes! The problem got out into the open, and once it did, the spirit just took over the lesson. You can feel it when all of a sudden they just feel comfortable enough to be honest and say it like it is. Sister, who had been the quieter of the two, said that although Brother had been set on being baptized for some time, she felt that she was still a pretty solid Catholic, and that she was "Undecided pa" as to whether or not she really wanted to be baptized. Brother added that he'd been trying to convince her how good the church was, but had honestly been struggling to get a different work schedule in order to get to church. We just listened until we felt like all their feelings were out, and it was quiet. Then Elder Landingin said "Sister, there's a way that Heavenly Father gave for us to become 100% decided. He said that if we do it, we'll become decided." First, read the Book of Mormon. Second, Pray and ask. Third, attend church na tuloy-tuloy. He added "if you don't do those three things, the feeling will never come that you need to be baptized. But If you do those three things you'll feel that you need to do this." It was powerful. I hardly dared talk, the spirit was so strong. We set a date for November 13 and they said they'd try it out. The whole lesson was a great heart-to-hear talk. I'll keep you updated about what happens.
You know what, Sarah, the new missionaries laughed at what they called an "accent" two weeks ago, but I can't seem to shake it. I hope Zak is doing great. Is he in post-mission shock? A typhoon is making it's way through the Philippines right now, it's wet outside. Sure do love ya'll family and thanks so much for the pictures and news.
Love,
Elder Loren Peck
Check out the pictures! That's me and Elder Landingin right here in the internet shop. We are that happy!

Well, I Certainly Can't Beat Your News!

(Loren just received the news that Chris was engaged to be married.)

Dear Family,
Um...
I forgot what I was going to write about. This might be a short letter.

And the December 17th date didn't have any year on it, so I'm just assuming that's '11. Thanks for waiting, huh? Nice try with the bedroom pitch... the full meal was more tempting. Hey, I've got nothing against having another sister as long as she can't beat me in an arm-wrestle. Which is why I'm kind of worried about Kristen. I lost all my bets that Chris wouldn't be married by the time I got home! Hey, next week I want some more details about the proposal and the sneakers and the plans.

Ok, I'll see what I can remember what happened to me this week (back to me, right?)
I got to shake Elder Cook's hand on Saturday and say "Elder Peck, Cache Valley, Avon". With Elder Edward there was time for a few sentences before the line pushed me on. He said he'd had an Elder Peck as a companion during his mission, but we didn't get to find out if I was related because I still needed to shake hands with Bishop McMullin, Elder Ko, and the two other 70's that were there. They all bore their testimony and many of them spoke along with their wives. I heard Elder Cook again in a special meeting with the Angeles Stake on Sunday. It was great to hear him speak outside of General Conference. He told stories about his mission and his time here in the Philippines. When Bishop McMullin started speaking, everybody sat up straight in their seats because who only hear that voice at conference time. He's such a good speaker. It was a spiritual feast this weekend. But their visit interfered with the conference re-broadcast, so I've only seen the two Sunday sessions, and read Elder Uchdorf's talk about pride and the priesthood. My favorite was President Monson's, about gratitude, that was so powerful. Thanks for the letters mom and dad -- I hope everything is going well with work and with the family.
Our schedule didn't line up with the Sibals or the Tolentinos this week but we've been texting them occasionally about church and just to keep some friendly contact. We hope to get back as soon as possible, especially because Elder Landingin is going through "office shock" this week and is really missing the field. I know exactly how he feels, but I think I've made a big adjustment, where I can see what I'm doing and how we're helping here in what we're doing. It sure is hard to not have a ward, members, and investigators. It's feels like a big step down at first and it's just hard on a missionary. But it's only for a few months and there are a lot of things to learn here about the administrative side of the work, as well as all the things that President Puzey is constantly teaching us in his teachings and example.
Elder Landingin is the best companion. I remember a year ago when Elder Cobacha and I were companions, and things just clicked and it was the happiest time for me. Things are clicking just the same here, and I'm learning so much from Elder Landingin. I find the administrative tasks and work comes very easy for me, but it's the ministering that I really need to work on -- working with people and feelings and being spiritually attentive to others spiritual needs. That's one of my companions strengths and something I'll really be focusing on these next few weeks. The Magaland elders had 11 investigators to the meeting with Elder Cook -- 2 families. Elder Magsino is doing great in Bulaon, I saw him earlier, we had some time to play frisbee/basketball.
I really had a lot more I was going to write about, but I honestly can't think of it all anymore. I should've written before I read your letter. I feel completely absorbed here in what we're doing and it's my life! It's hard to imagine anything else. (like brothers getting married!) Hey, good luck with everything -- life sure is moving fast over there! Don't move too far away, ha?
Love ya'll lots!
Love,
Elder Loren Peck

Movin' In, Movin' Out, Movin' On

Dear Family,
A lot changes from day to day! Yesterday at 5pm marked 6 weeks for me in the office, which means that I'm finally starting to see the transfer cycle repeat itself. Which means I might be more ready this time around! There really is no set schedule.
We had a Missionary Training Meeting on Tuesday and Wednesday for President Puzey to teach more of the new MTC curriculum. The two lessons we talked about were "Revelation through Church Attendance", and "Teach People, not Lessons". I'm learning so much more about being a true missionary, someone that can teach the gospel in Christ's way.
Sometimes I learn the very most in the office, from President Puzey. He's been working very hard this past week on interviews, and he's said some interesting things about it. I was interested a few weeks ago when he compared the revelatory process as "going to the mount". He said as transfers drew closer, he'd spend less time with the technicalities (the puzzle side of transfers), which come first, and begin inviting the spirit. He started spending more time in his apartment and one day when we got home his office light was on but the main door to the office he'd locked. He spent more than three hours, and we didn't disturb him. In my personal study, (which I have to sneak in wherever I can) I've been looking into that a little bit -- Climbing the mount. As far as literally climbing the mount, Moses did it and spent 40 days at the top. When he came down, he had the 10 commandments, revelation from the Lord. Elijah went on a 40 day journey, living on bread and water an angel had given him, to go to the "Mountain of the Lord" where he found the still small voice (not in the earthquake, wind, or fire). Ether also went to a mount which was described as being "exceedingly high" and was on the very top when he offered his suggested course of action to the Lord and asked him to bless it. President Puzey said "I know why the Lord asked his prophets to climb the mount. It's hard. It takes time. And it gives you a chance to think on the way up." It seems that "going to the mount" spiritually takes time as well, time and focus. Elder Scott said that acquiring spiritual guidance isn't supposed to be easy, if it was we'd become dependent and weak.
I also read about Samuel, Saul, and David, and how Samuel was guided to choose two kings out of all of Israel. It interested me how both times, the revelation came little by little. Only as Samuel followed the first promptings, he was put in situations to see who the Lord had prepared.
I've really enjoyed my study this week.

Elder Magsino and I worked in Bulaon again this week for a day in preparation for the area to open. On Saturday, we moved into the Bulaon house, and yesterday, we picked up Elder Magsino's new companion and dropped them both off in the area, with a cell phone, and left them to fend for themselves. Which means... I have a new companion. From what I've been a part of and what President Puzey has said, it's been a struggle to pick a new Assistant, but 3 days ago it was finally set in stone and after a few calls, we went and picked him up from Tarlac Zone. We attended church and then escorted him to Angeles. He's a great guy, real funny and fun to be around. His name is Elder Landingin and he's from Zamboanga City, Mindanao -- waaaay down south. His original language is called Chavacano, which is about 40% spanish (it's nicknamed "asian's latin city". The other 60% is mixed up Viscayan and Cebuano. All of a sudden, I'm the old one in the office, and I'm in over my head! There is so much to do and I never even thanked Elder Magsino for doing it all! When I came in we were a threesome for a while and the two had been there for 3-4 months. But I'm hanging on and running at high speeds.

We have our own investigators! I met the Sibal Family on Saturday morning. They have a cool story. President Puzey keeps everything he's juggling in the air and still finds time to talk with everyone about the gospel and he probably sends more referrals out than most of the missionaries. Anyway, Brother Sibal is a gaurd here in Clark and he asked President Puzey about the church and President Puzey got him a Book of Mormon, talked with him about the gospel, got his address and a return appointment. He's even come to church once now, and President Puzey has gone with the missionaries and helped teach a lesson. They are a great couple and after a lesson we got talking about baptism with them. Their work schedule is the only thing holding them back, and I wish we could find time to visit them more frequently. Hopefully this Wednesday we'll find some time. The other family we've taught here close to the mission home was the Tolentino family. Brother makes and sells wooded bows, arrows, whistles, necklaces, and blow-guns and sells them to tourists. He has 10 children and they all listen, and listen good. They are progressing slower than the Sibals but they are making some headway.

On Friday our house-mates, Elder Smith and Elder Pajela, finally got moved into their new house in Santa Lucia (Magalang). They have a baptism on October 16th.
Oh yeah! Big news -- Elder Quentin L. Cook, Bishop Keith McMullin, Elder Edwards, Elder Ko, and others are coming to Angeles Mission on October 9th and 10th and they want to meet with all the missionaries. A two hour meeting with them all on Saturday in Tarlac, and 1.5 hours with Elder Cook in Angeles. It happens to be the day of the conference rebroadcasts here in the Philippines, which means we'll most likely miss some of the conference sessions, but the Ensign will come out in a month -- I'm more than excited to hear what Elder Cook and Bishop McMullin have to share with us missionaries.

This week we'll be working with departures, arrivals, and transfers. It's fun to spend time with the brand new missionaries on their first night here in the Philippines. They are all so different but they bring quite a spirit into the mission home. I hope to get those pictures from Paniqui sent next week, I don't have the camera with me, sorry! I love you all so much and I'm napaka-grateful for Mom's letter which I received a few days ago. Just nothing better than a handwritten letter! Good to hear Nate and Daniel are doing great -- it feels neat to be right in the middle of them.
I'm excited to hear from you next week!
Love, Elder Loren Peck