Week 2
Well, we are finally settling in to a routine here.  Our first week at the temple was enjoyable and a learning experience.  The people are kind, and patient with us as we struggle to communicate with them.  Thursday was MTC Missionary day and I was on a session with five own endowment sisters.  Most could understand English but the challenge was their escorts had only been to the temple once themselves.  It was quite a sight to see the ten of them (who looked like they were nine or ten) sitting together taking everything in.  Saturday was another totally different experience.  Sessions start at 7:00 a.m. and run every 30 minutes.  The rooms are small, so only 25-28 patrons can attend at once.  As the session progressed, I noticed several who were sleeping.  I started to "judge" them but quickly repented as I found out most of them had come from the outlying areas and had been up since 2:00 and made several bus and Jeepnee transfers to attend the temple.  They do as many sessions as space will allow and leave at 5:00 at night.  Needless to say, I was pretty humbled by their dedication and my judgmental attitude.

Sunday brought the Sabbath and our journey to the Marakina First Ward.  Once again, no piano player, so I was able to play.  It is interesting to us that the natives are difficult to understand with their broken English, but when they sing the Hymns of Zion, their English is perfect.  Go figure!

Elder England

Jeepnee owned by a member.  He picks
up ward members who live a distance away
and can't afford to pay for a ride.

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After Church and a "simple" meal, we went on a Walk & Gawk around the Temple and over to the MTC.  We met missionaries from all over:  Samoa, Idaho, Australia etc.  It is a small group here now with only 50 elders and sisters.  They are happy to be on their mission and can't wait to get out in the field.

Oops! Got to run...I will finish this later today.