Notes from Mother's Day Call

Garrett called for Mother's Day. He has been transferred to New Washington, Kalibo, Panay, Philippines. It is on the coast on the Northern tip of the island. He lives in a house with his new companion, Elder Wilhelmsen (Texas) and two other Elders. Their house is next door to Sampaguita Gardens Resort and near Maria Mercedes Water Park. He lives in the nicest house in the mission. The area is considered wealthy compared to his last area (Sibolom). It would even be considered nice in America. There is air unit in the Zone Leader's room, they can't use it much, because it costs too much. Still no warm shower. He loves his Mission President. He needs to learn another language in his new area. It is a mixture of Tagalog and Alkanon. He has heard that this new language is harder to learn than Kinaraya was, but he is up for the challange. It was 9:17 Sunday night for us and 11:17 Monday morning for Garrett. He called from an internet cafe, using Skype without video. He loves the Bishop in his new area. There is more poverty in Sibolom and people were more willing to listen. New Washington is more wealthy and people aren't so willing to listen. From Siblomon the couple missionaries took him to Iloilo for a meeting. Then he took a 4 hour bus ride to New Washington with his zone leaders and other transferring Elders. Elder Wilhelmsen has been in New Washington for one transfer, so he is fairly new, too. He asked about Irene, since he hasn't met her. He asked about his room. We told him we tore it apart (we didn't). He asked about his truck, which we sold. He asked about Macy & Breck's upcoming trip to Boston. He asked about Emily and Brad's new baby, Peter. He talked with each of us individually and asked about what and how we are each doing. It is rainy season there. He has started wearing his second pair of shoes, which are waterproof, because he has already worn a whole in the first pair. He loves the pants he had made in the Philippines. They are thinner. They get soaked if they forget to bring their umbrellas. He was soaked during our call because he didn't take his umbrella. He is enjoying the cooler weather during the rainy season. He asked when Colton Gust, Clint Madsen and Nick Accordino (June) leave for their missions. He asked about Brian Knells wedding (April 9). He asked if Ben Rebman got his call yet (he hasn't). He said to talked Ben out of having a girlfriend when he leaves. Having a girlfriend really affects the Elder's ability to have a successful mission. He is surprized how many missionaries don't take it seriously. He said he worked really hard in Sibolom and "walked my butt off everyday". He can see other islands off in the distance. It is really pretty. Every "payday" we go into San Jose and buy groceries. He was happy to hear that Dalton is expecting a mission call. Brittney asked "are you whimpy now?" He didn't know how to reply. We all got a chuckle! Finally he said "maybe". He works out every morning and doesn't think he has gained or lost weight. He keeps in touch with Taylor Webster and Kyle. He wishes James Wulfenstein would write and he hopes James will go on a mission. He enjoys getting handwritten letters. They make his day. He eats a lot of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. He likes when people send jerky, because they don't have it there. He misses spices. They use vegetables to flavor food. He is surprised how much he likes rice now. He eats it with his hands or with a spoon. Never a fork. There is a tiny oven in the new house, but he doesn't know if it works. He hopes to send home a package "for mom's birthday with something little for everyone". During the week he is focused and then when it gets closer to his p-day he starts thinking about home and waiting for an e-mail. It's harder now that he has an American companion. People seem to think they are a joke... like two Joes. We asked about the dog bite and he said it was embarrassing. He has had a sore throat for a long time, but Sister Pagalon gave him some medicine and it's getting better. When he talked with Brittney she was shy. She told him about her chickens laying eggs and selling some to Papa Joe. He said "Barb, you're rich". If you have the equivalent to a $20 bill there the shops won't have change for it. They use very small amounts of money. He feels uncomforable taking pictures of the culture because people there don't have cameras. Breck asked about wildlife. There are fist-sized spiders, dogs everywhere, and rats. He ate belut (half developed duck egg). He doesn't like to eat at member's homes very much. They usually have fish. He hasn't eaten in restaurants. He said they try to cook American food, like pizza. We told him pizza is Italian. LOL! He likes rotessori chicken and top ramon. We never need to send toothbrushes, but floride toothpaste would be good, since their toothpaste isn't very good. He is afraid he'll get cavities. He chipped a tooth, but wants to wait until he gets home to have it fixed. He chipped it on a carmel apple sucker. He fell through a bamboo bridge that covered a large ditch colvert. He felt bad, but the people said don't worry about it. They people there are way happy, but they drink a lot and it's hard to get them to stop. They live together without getting married, but they call each other husband and wife. I miss little things like going to Breck's motel. There is no time for just a break. It would be so nice to just go sit in a hot tub. If you are working hard and doing your best here the time flies and before you know it you're home. He asked about the family trip to Havasu. I miss good pasta. We make pasta here, but it's just not the same. You could send alfredo sauce. I miss good food. I buy fruit here. It is so, so good. I bought a whole pineapple and ate it last night. It is so good and cheap. It would be way, way hard to not get anything from your family. Sometimes it's nice to get handwritten letters. It's kind of like the highlight of my week. We got lucky, we can buy peanut butter here and jelly. The closest to eating out I've done is this rice place. I get by fine. In our apartment we have 3 Americans a zone leader (Nebraska) and one Philippino who goes home in a month. He asked about Joe's homecoming. They listen to a lot of Justin Biber. I'm excited that when I come home it will be right in the middle of the deer hunt. You guys can pick me up and we'll go right to deer camp and the stay in the Aladin. He asked Barb what's your favorite subject at school and she said "recess". Barb told Garrett about her soccer, gymnastics and piano lessons. She will go to Toniquent next fall. He asked about my work now that tax season is over. In the pictures you sent, I think Brittney has changed, but the rest of you look the same. He said he listens to hymns on his i-pod. I miss The Ringer show are there any new shows? Is there a new bachelor? LOL! He asked about Macy's EMT testing. To be honest I was talking with Elder Jenkins and I said I kindof wish they didn't sell the F150. I would like to drive it when I get back. The driving is crazy here. Everyone drives all over the place. I do miss air conditioning. I wouldn't mind driving around with air conditioning. He asked us all what we drive (like we would all have new vehicles or something.) He teased Dad that he was having to mow the lawn now that Garrett is gone. When I get home we need to have a softball team. I want to play when I get back. We don't do anything here except basketball. It's fun though to play once a week. That's another good thing about the time I left. I'll only miss one football season. Just make me a fantasy team and I'll take over when I get home. He asked about Dixie High Baseball team. He asked about Trevor Reynold's getting married. He mentioned that he got a letter from Travis Reynolds and from Janell Reynolds. That was cool. I got a letter from Konner Taylor. It said "I'm your best bud." Every once in a while on p-day I write a personal letter to someone. How is Mandy. She sends me DearElder letters almost every week. He asked if we plan to make a trip to the Philippines. He said it would be fun to go like a year after he gets home. In January when I got your calendar I thought I would have to wait forever, but it just flew by and now it's May. He asked if we can do a voice recording of some kind for him. Just the other day I was trying to remember your voices. Could you just buy one of those cheap voice recorders and record your voices so I can hear them. I know it sounds wierd, but I'ld like to hear your voices. Did you guys look up the Jubilee on the internet. It was at Reneta Stadium and the Manila area stakes went together and did a bunch of cultural dances. The Tabernacle Choir came and sang with the Philippine Choir. It was really good. Macy asked if he wants a PAT ring (CTR in Togalog). He said "yeah, that would be cool".