Approaching Christmas in Paradise

Our BLOG is a little more sporadic than we had hoped, but our primary purpose is to serve The Lord, and it has been a busy month.  If any of you are wondering what to do when you retire consider serving a mission. It is a great transition! Not much rocking chair time.
As promised here is a scripture to share. This is a prophecy in the Book of Mormon written almost 600 years before Christ was born.

2 Nephi Chapter 2

6. Wherefore redemption cometh in and through the Holy Messiah; for he is full of grace and truth.

7. Behold, he offereth himself a sacrifice for sin, to answer the ends of the law, unto all those who have a broken heart and a contrite spirit; and unto none else can the ends of the law be answered.

8. Wherefore, how great the importance to make these things known unto the inhabitants of the earth, that they may know that there is no flesh that can dwell in the presence of God, save it be through the merits, and mercy, and grace of the Holy Messiah, who layeth down his life according to the flesh, and taketh it again by the power of the Spirit, that he may bring to pass the resurrection of the dead, being the first that should rise.

This past month we enjoyed many things. On a personal note our son was working in Manila so he came to the island for a few days. We took some time off to spend with him and visited some of the sites. Most notably we took a tour of the Underground River. This is listed as one of the top 7 natural wonders in the world. We enjoyed the day trip and the experience:

Sister Wolcott waiting at Sabang for
the boat ride to the Underground River

The outrigger ride to the cove where the
Underground River is located

Jason, Joanne and Jerry
with the underground river
in the background

This is one of the formations which is known as the stable. Many people see
Mary, Joseph and the wise men in these stalagmites

We also helped host Elder and Sister Bowen. Elder Bowen is a General Authority from the church, he was on a mission tour and spent several days on Palawan. Sister Wolcott and I enjoyed the time with them. It is a great opportunity to learn from a church leader who has sacrificed a great deal to serve the Lord. This is there 9th year away from home and family

Sister Wolcott directed a Christmas nativity program with missionaries playing parts and singing Christmas hymns. It was a great program with beautiful music that helped all of us feel the true spirit of Christmas





Yesterday we took time out for a day with most of the Senior Couples on our mission with a little sightseeing on the Island. We all met in Narra, had lunch with the Elder and Sister Wirthlin then went to Estrella Falls and walked the beach at Crystal Paradise Resort.

Now it is back to work!

We know this will be the last Blog we will be able to write before Christmas. It is hard to believe it is Christmas when it is in the 80s outside. We went wading in the ocean yesterday, and it was lovely and warm. And never complain about people getting in the Christmas spirit too early, in the Philippines they celebrate Christmas in the "ber" months.  September, October, November and December. So Christmas trees and Christmas music filled the malls starting in September.

We love you all and miss everyone so much. Last year we had a lovely Christmas with family, this year we will spend it with over 20 young missionaries.  We are excited about our time with them.We will miss family like crazy, but we are looking forward to another new adventure.

We have been so blessed by the Lord and we are so excited to wear his name on our collars and testify of that HE LIVES. How could the Father tell the world of love and tenderness?  He sent his Son, a newborn babe, with peace and holiness,  How could the Father show the world the pathway we should go?  He sent his Son to walk with men on earth, that we may know.  How could the Father tell the world of sacrifice, of death? He sent his Son to die for us and rise with living breath.  What does the Father ask of us? What do the scriptures say?  Have faith, have hope, live like His Son, help others on their way.  What does he ask? Live like His Son.

 We want to wish one and all A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A WONDERFUL AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR.  May the Lord's choicest blessing come your way in New Year 2016.

Elder and Sister Wolcott