May 29th at the American Cemetery Memorial Services

Introducing US Ambassador to the Philippines. He spoke at the ceremonies.

Girl who helped place flowers at the memorial from the generations of today and in the future.  She and a boy did this and then said very loud.  "We will never forget".  We all got lumps in our throats.

Elder and Sister Bird with Ambassador Thomas

Wreath from the USA

A Cross over the remains of an unknown soldier.  "Known but only to God". There were several crosses like this.  They gave their lives and their indentity.

Elder and Sister Bird with 4 star General North

Flower placed by children of the Future, "We will Never forget."

Crosses and Flags on Memorial Day

Al loves these flowers that are on trees everywhere. He stops to pick one up every chance he gets.

Wreath from the Philippines

We went with the three B's again but this time off to the Memorial Service at the American Cemetery.  We so enjoyed our time there. The American Ambassador was so enjoyable to see and talk to.  He is very approachable. Three B's are, Birds, Bells and Burningham's

There were many wreaths of flowers placed that day but I chose to picture the ones from the USA and the Philippines.

May 21st Day trip to Lake Taal Vista Hotel, Sonya's Gardens and Vivre Azure

Elder and Sister Bell

Elder and Sister Bird

Elder Bell decided he couldn't resist getting in the water.

Wedding set up at Lake Taal Vista Hotel.

Sister Bird

Sister Bird

All of us at Sonya's gardens

Flower at Sonya's garden

On May 21st The Birds, Bells, and us the Burningham's, the Three B's went on a day trip to Lake Taal Vista Hotel (to view the lake), then on to Sonya's Gardens and a visit to Vivre Azure.  We wanted to show the senior missionaries a few of the sites that are relatively closeby.

May 28th, Preparation for Memorial Day Services for tomorrow.

American Soldier and his daughter planting flags

Crosses and flowers

American Soldiers helping with the flag placing. Notice the template used to the left of picture

Here I am placing flags

Sisters Clark and Burwell from Membership and Records division. They also map out the districts.

Flags that we helped place.

I took this picture of Al to show how hot and humid it is by the look of his wet shirt.

We went this morning at 6 am to help plant Philippine and American Flags at the American Cemetery today.  It was very warm and humid with a cloud cover and once in awhile a small breeze.  The American Ambassador was there and also some soldiers.  They have a template that you use to press the holes into the ground at the right length from the cross and from each hole in the ground to place the flags.  We were pleased to do it and we saw Sister Clark and Sister Burwell there also.  It was warm and humid and once through we had to go back to the apartment to shower and wash our clothes.

What our Sacrament Meeting introduction is like.

This is Brother Espiritu who is the first counselor in our Branch.  He is opening up the meeting and he is giving announcements.  This is rather a long video than usual but enjoy it.  Some of it is in Tagalog and some in English.  We love his delivery of his conducting and wanted to share it.

Primary Children with Elder Burningham just before Sacrament Meeting May 22, 2011

Elder Burningham keeps his scriptures and Mormon Tabernacle Choir on his I Touch. He likes to show these children how it works and then the kids sing "I am a Child of God" From left to right, Elder B, Angelica, Maria Theresa and Davina.

From left to right, Angelica, Maria Theresa and Davina

This could have happened to us but hasn't yet. Sister Bell's Accident

Yesterday as we left the parking garage we saw a rearended pool car.  We thought it was Elder and Sister Bell's car and this morning we heard that indeed it was.  Sister Bell was driving by herself and with caution she says, and congratulating herself on how well she was doing when a bus cut in front of her causing her to stop and then a moment later was rearended by another bus.  We leave here in 9 weeks so I hope it doesn't happen to us...knock on wood.  Because there is sure the potential of it happening here.  YIKES. See pictures.

Finally after five months the Golf Cart for the Security has been delivered..

Odometer installed

 This is where we park the Golf Cart in the parking garage

 We had a flashing light to help with crossing a street at night.

 Side view of the golf cart

 Better close up view

As part of this years budget we were able to purchase a golf cart for our security staff to better rove the expanded complex and to better facilitate the emergencies at the temple.  This golf cart has a rear facing seat and a place to put first aid supplies.  This was ordered in January and finally today May 17, 2011 it arrived.  But not without really having many phone calls and yesterday the 16th there was some strong words by Elder Burningham and suggested strongly that the order could be cancelled.  Pictures show how nice the cart is.

May 5th thru the 7th, a missionary get away at Puerto Galera, Sunset at Aninuan resort

This is the ferry terminal where we waited before boarding the ferry.

Elder B in the life jacket we all donned when we boarded the ferry.

This is how Elder Burningham wants you to know that he relaxed in a hammock with his feet straight up

Waitress working at the resort

Beach in the morning

Waitress that worked at Aninuan

Table set up at the resort right on the beach

The Beach in the morning

White Beach near our resort.  The swinging hot spot we avoided

Breakfast set up

The beach in the morning with a few swimmers

floating flowers at our resort

On the Ferry landing at Aninuan

The Ferry that brought us right to the door of the resort

Looking from the beach back to the table set up

Hotel Manager Lez and staff

Another view of the hotel

Looking back at the resort

Hotel Manager Lez

Sir Alvin as the hotel manager called him

This is our room just steps away from the ocean and the tables for our meals.  It was awesome.