Robert's 15th Birthday

To start the day off, Robert had a delicious breakfast with his family and then Robert and Marissa were off to Seminary and school

 After school Betsy took Robert to Sports Fitness Training while Mark finished up things at work, then Mark picked up Marissa at home and met Robert and mom at The Cheesecake Factory to celebrate Robert's and Marissa's birthday (just the dinner part) since the both love the Cheesecake Factory.  They both ordered the Crusted Chicken Romero, Betsy got her traditional Steak Diane and Scampi Shrimp and Mark had a huge taco salad.  Both Robert and Marissa had cheesecake for dessert.  Robert's plate was specially decorated for him...

After dinner we came home for Robert to open presents:  Robert received ...

a tennis racket from mom and dad

his Photo album from last year

$15 gift card to Starbucks for hot chocolates with Marissa

 and … a special present from Marissa … The card read, "Don't Blow it all in One Place"

a tissue box … but there's more

money

awesome present

celebrating!!!

Shhh - Marissa is asked out on her first date ...

Today Marissa went out on her first date.  A nice guy from her work asked her to lunch and a movie.

They met at Panera and then went to see the Lego Movie.  Should be good!

I hope she has a wonderful time.

Girl's Basketball Team Remains Undefeated!

At 9:30 this morning the girls basketball team had their third game.  Today they play against Louisville 2nd and 6th Ward (they combined for basketball).

There were only 5 girls there at the start of the game:  Marissa, Meg, Dominique, Serina, and Deriana and then Serria Johnson came late.  We are missing Eden.



Marissa takes the jump (still can't believe she is the tallest girl on the team - but she is!).  She jumped way higher than the other girl and won the tip.  She made a great pass back to her teammate but they lost control and the L2/6 won the ball.

The first basket of the game was made by Dominique, followed by a basket for the other team.  The first quarter was like this - back and forth 2-2, 4-2, 3-4.  We are up by one.  The second quarter was the same.  4-3, 6-4, and ended 8-6 our lead.  What is great about our team is that we rebound the ball … we may not make the first shot, but we go after our ball and put it back up, again and again until it goes in.

Bringing the ball down the court

The third quarter we break away and it continues into forth quarter.  The game is 22-8 with 32 seconds left.  Our girls do some silly mistakes (over and back) so the other team makes a basket 22-10 and then they steal the ball and make another basket 22-12 just before the buzzer rings.

We win!  The girls are undefeated!!!  So proud of them.

Week 41

Hey everyone!

Happy belated valentines day! The work here in Lubao is just amazing! People are just so ready to hear the gospel and progress so much in such a little space of time! I definitely think it has to do with how humble, accepting, and happy the people are here. I hope when I  go home I will be more like them because they are just the best and happiest little people on earth even though they pretty much have nothing. Just goes to show it doesn't matter what brands you're wearing, if you have "the latest i-phone" (how many are there now since I've left like 100? haha) or how much money you have. If you are living the gospel of Jesus Christ and putting him and your family first... you will be happy and you will feel content and prosperous in your life. 

This week at church we heard from a young couple who was teaching gospel essentials class and the wife shared a short story with us that I would like to share with you today. She and her husband live in a small hut about 5 miles from the church. They have 3 small children under the age of 7 and also have their 2 cousins, aunt and grandma and grandpa living with them as well as providing for them. I saw the tears well up in this women's eyes as she told us how many times now she and her husband have gone without food so that their family could eat at least 2 times a day. Sometimes they only have enough food to have everyone in their home eat 1 meal a day. She spoke of the pain she felt as her children would cry saying they were hungry and the anguish she felt knowing she could do nothing to help the situation but pray and do her best to fulfill her duty as a mom. Although this was her situation for quite some time, she said she just put her faith in God and asked him for his tender mercies. She later told of how her and her husband made the gospel of Jesus Christ a new priority in their lives and diligently sought everyday to teach it to their small children. Now She finds joy in seeing her children pray or read the scriptures and although their living situation never changed, they became more unified as a family and are 100 times happier in their lives.

The gospel truly is the answer to our problems and the purpose of our lives. I am so grateful to have the opportunity everyday to go out in the blazing heat and share it with everyone I see. Next week we have a baptism so all of you get excited/ pray for Elsa and Harlyn! Love you all and keep the faith!

Love always,

Sister Lowe

Robert Joins the Tennis Team at NOHS

We are so happy (shhh) don't tell Robert but we are so happy he decided to join the tennis team.

It was a struggle at first.  Betsy really believe he has a talent and could be quite good, like his father was back in high school, if Robert would practice and be a part of the team.  Tennis is one of those sports you can do forever and with just one other person, whereas soccer requires so much more… BUT, Robert didn't want to go out for tennis.

After approximately a 40 minute discussion about it, we left it up to Robert but required that he think about it over night and decide the next day.  Somehow between Sunday night and Monday at 4:30 Robert decided he would stay for practice.

After the first two practices, he said he really likes it.  I can't say, "I told you so." but I really can think it!! :)

I'm so happy he's part of the NOHS tennis team.  He won't make all the matches because of club soccer, but he can contribute to the team, and most importantly improve this year as he's growing!

So proud of you Robert for making a tough decision and enjoying it!!!

Valentine's Day Party

Saturday night Mark and I went to the Orr's for their traditional Valentine's Day party.  It had snowed the day before and the roads were all clear however, the Orr's driveway was one huge sloped sheet of ice.  We made it all the way to the top, but I couldn't get the car far enough over to the side of the drive so I had to make another pass.  While I was at the top turning around, another car (the Simpson's) started up the drive.  "Where does HE think he's going?"  He got all the way to the top - almost - but then had to stop because I was there, and then he started to slip.  He went back down the drive in reverse, but for some reason decided to reverse into the yard at a 90 degree angle.  Well, needless to say, he got stuck.  Mark, and several others had to come push him out.  It was a good laugh later.  Meanwhile, I'm up a the top waiting for them to finish so that I don't end up in a mess with them.  After parking everything was fine.

The party was super fun and there were a few families we knew, and a few we didn't so it gave us a chance to meet new families.  The Dodson's, Bosko's and Simpson's were some we knew.  We played a "name that person" game = girls won!!!!  Then we played the Newlywed Game.  Guess who won = MARK and I!!!!  Way to go.

The men stayed upstairs to answer questions for us to answer later, while we went downstairs and did the same in reverse but to different questions.  In total, there were 16 questions (8 for the men to answer and 8 for the women).  We went around the room, one by one, answering the questions out load.  The questions went like this:

1.  If your mother-in-law were an animal - what animal would she be?  Mark wrote cat - I said bird.  (this one was unfair because Mark never met my mother) no chance
2.  What was the name of your husband's girlfriend before you - Betsy wrote Mary - Mark said Mary.
(yeah)
3.  Where would your wife want to live:  San Fransisco, Rome or Paris?  Mark wrote Paris - Betsy said Paris (yeah)
4.  If your husband had to make dinner - what would he make?  - Betsy wrote "Teriyaki Chicken and Rice" - Mark said the same thing.  (yeah)
5.  How many pairs of shoes does your wife own? - Mark wrote 20 - Betsy said 30 oops
6.  How much money does your husband have on him right now?  Betsy wrote $2 - but should have remembered that Mark didn't bring his wallet so the answer was $0 - Mark said $0 oops
7.  When your wife wakes up in the morning is she more like a Bird of Paradise, Sunflower, or Snapdragon? Mark wrote Sunflower - Betsy said Sunflower (Yeah)
8. 

Indoor soccer continues

Well, today was the perfect day for a game - the game didn't start until 11:00 am; therefore all theh boys got to sleep in and get a good breakfast, however, they came out flat and stayed that way the entire game.  The main problem was the ball was in the back (defense) area most of the time and our one defender kept passing the ball back to the goalie instead of up to a midfielder - or he would long ball it to the far forward - either way we would lose control of the ball and the other team took control.  UGH!!!  We did much better and even scored while he was out.  It was amazing that one player could make that much of a difference but he gave the opponent 3 points from passing back to the goalie! 

Robert didn't start but made great passes when he was in.  Unfortunately, we just couldn't keep possession of the ball. 

We scored one goal - they scored 10. 

Photos  to come

Boys Basketball Game

For the second week in a row, the girl's team didn't have games, but the boy's team did.

Robert's basketball game was at 3:30 pm.  When we arrived there were already 10 players for our team shooting... crazy.  That will be little playing time for everyone.

Robert started the game and took the tip, but then fell on his elbow.  You could tell it hurt, but he said he was okay.  The first quarter started rather shaky.  We made the first shot, but then fell behind. 

The second quarter Robert came alive making a ton of three-point shots.  He brought the team back into play.  In the third quarter, we had another good run.  We actually even took the lead 21-20.  We held the lead for a good 3 minutes but then it seemed like none of our shots would go in.  We had a great game, but came up short on the score in the end.  It was a good competitive game.

I was so impressed by their Amazing come back!   Great effort by everyone!!!

Final score 30-23.

Robert gives everything he has in the games, but we are a small team and we lost Devon to college and Kaleb didn't play this season, so there isn't much height in the center for rebounds.  Overall the boys had a great experience and got to know each other very well.

Week 40 - Gave out Clothing

Magandang umaga po! Kumsta po kayo dyan? :)

Jessica at the Mission President's home for
Sister Leadership Training

Eating a yummy lunch

Jessica is in the center of the third row back
Philippines Olongapo Mission - Dinalupihan Zone

Ok so first things first, DEVON! CONGRATUALATIONS on your mission call!!!!!! ahhhhhh Boise Idaho?? No way! That's awesome! You are so gonna rock it over there :) I wish I could have been there to see you open it, but i'm so proud of you bro and I'm super excited to both be out on our missions serving the lord :) Marissa you're next ;) haha

Ok so guys it's been another busy busy week here in Lubao but man I just love it here! The people are just so nice here and so prepared to hear the gospel. Our area is massive right now and its a little challenging to manage at times, but it's good because it keeps us busy and focused. We have to be super aware of the time and always moving to get to our next appointment. But hey, no complaints there right? :) The work is really progressing here, we have 7 baptisms coming up at the end of February and early March and each one of them are SO excited for their special day. 

Another exciting thing that happened this week was that I received the packages of clothes you all sent over (they are HUGE!) and I had the opportunity to distribute them out to needy families here who don't have the money to buy clothes for their families. Oh my gosh I don't know if I've ever had so much hugs or affection in my entire life! These people were just so humble and so grateful for something as simple as a clean t-shirt for their child or a new skirt that they can now wear to church. I was truly touched by the outpouring of love and gratitude from the Philippine people here in Lubao. I told them from where I got the clothes and they told me to tell all who was involved in the donation of these clothes a big thank you for your goodness and kindness to them or in their own words " Marami maraming salamat po, nagpapasalamat po kami para sa inyong kabutian at kabaitan sa amin."  

taken by Ernesto at church on 2/10/14

also taken at church on 2/10/14

photo of children that received new clothes from our donations

Jessica and Sister Paciano on the bus on their way to an appointment

This mission has truly  opened my eyes to a different world and I know I will be forever changed because of the experiences I have had here. I love the Filipino people, I love the gospel, and I love my Savior Jesus Christ who makes everything possible :) Mahal ko kayo and just keep living everyday with a smile :) We truly do have so much to be grateful for. 

Love you all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ingat po palagi!

Love,

Sister Lowe   

Ice storm Cancels school for two days

So, there wasn't school on Monday because of a snowstorm that left us with 5 inches of snow. Tuesday the kids went to school, yeah, but got out an hour early because the weather was predicting ice by 4:00.  That is right when the middle and high school students would be leaving on buses to take kids home.  The ice came around 5:30 - at times it looked like a blizzard of snow,

but mostly it was ice - tapping at the windows all night.  Betsy shoveled the drive way and cleared off Marissa's car (because we park it outside) three times before going to bed.  She hoped it would help for the morning. Wednesday we woke up to ice everywhere.  There was no school.  It was also only 10 degrees.

The kids went to the dentist and Betsy went to the doctor.  

Crazy enough - they didn't have school on Thursday either.  That seemed strange since the roads were all clear.  I guessed that since some homes were still without power, maybe a school or two also was without power.  

The kids went sledding for over an hour, but the ice hurt if you came off your sled. They also did ACT practice and homework.  

Devon Opens His Mission Call

Finally the day came where Devon would open his mission call. He set the time for 7:30 pm his time or 9:30 pm our time.  All day I was on pins and needles waiting to find out.  We all went to work out after dinner to pass the time.  At last time time finally came.  I skyped Devon and he read the letter ...

Brother Lowe

You have been hereby called to serve a full time mission for The Church of Jeses Christ of Latter-day Saints in the BOISE IDAHO mission.  You will report to the Provo MTC on June 18, 2014.  

He has his calling.  He's so excited.  Mark had originally guessed there, but changed it to Colorado.  We are so very excited for Devon's chance to serve.


Way to go Devon!

I posted the news on Facebook.  Devon had like 150 likes and several congratulations.  The most common post was "he will have no trouble getting CoCoa Puff", and "no typhoons there"  ha ha

But in reality, they are right - he will do fine!  His mission call is exactly what his partriarchal blessing says, "He would be called to where the Lord needs him and he can be successful."

CONGRATULATIONS DEVON - WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU!!!

Some very positive comments were made by dear friends - no typhoons, lots of coco-puffs and food he will eat!!!  Too funny - his friends know him well.

Devon receives his mission call

On Wednesday Devon received his missing call in his mailbox. We were all so excited to hear where he would be serving his mission, however when we talk to him he said he wasn't going to open it until Thursday.  "Why???"  He responded that one of his friends wanted to be there but had to work on Thursday. So we all have to wait one ... more ... day.

Week 39 - Met Baptism GOAL

Hey hey hey!

Guys, it has been one crazy week! But don't worry- a good kind of crazy. So on Wednesday the APs called and were like tell sister Leakehe, Sister De Los Santos, and Sister Jensen to pack their bags because they are having an emergency transfer! It was totally unexpected and we had to get them packed and loaded within 2 hours! The reason they had to transfer is because the Tacloban missionaries that came here a couple months ago are going back to Tacloban now. Then on Thursday me and Sister Paciano had to pack up all of our stuff because we had to move into another apartment with the other sisters in our ward- Sister Calaunan (my trainer!) and Sister Larkin who I found out is friends with Jenny from St Joseph! Small world right? So now we are all housemates and just lov'n life as usual :) 

So another big thing happened. When Sister Leakehe and Sister De Los Santos left, no one came to take their place in their area so President told us that their old area is now combined with ours which was already huge! Its quite the adventure to say the least haha but we've been having TONS of success here! Like it's incredible what hard work, obedience, and help from the Lord can do. This week Sister Paciano and I found 13 new investigators and we had 20 investigators come to church yesterday!!! That was a record for me :) I was so happy to see them walk through the door and to see them really enjoy themselves there. I'm also super excited for Elsa, Harlyn and Carlito who are getting baptized on February 22!!! And then the entire Mangalindan family is getting baptized now march 8!!!! Guys, missions are the best! I just can't get enough of it :) 

Earlier my zone and I got to go to Mt Samat because we achieved all our goals for the month of January! It is SOOO pretty up there! I'll try to send some pics- I have to tell you I am not jealous one bit of your 30 degree weather right now haha 80 and sunny all the way baby! hehe :) Well, I just wanted to let you all know how much I love and miss you! Just because I'm focused on my work doesn't mean I still don't think and pray for you often :) You all are THE BEST! Keep up the faith, love everyday and make the most of what God has blessed you with :)

LOVE ALWAYS,

Sister Lowe

Jessica and Sister Paciano at Mt. Samat

Jessica at the Battle of Bataan memorial

LOVE ALWAYS,

Sister Lowe

More SNOW

We woke up today to approximately 4-5 inches of snow.  SNOW DAY - NO SCHOOL!!!

We all slept in until 9:30 / 10:00 am - that is except Mark - he never misses work.  

It was wonderful.  We were just saying how we wished, "If it were going to snow, it would be nice to get enough to cover the grass so we could go sledding!"  Well, wish granted!

The first thing we did - even before breakfast was to shovel the driveway.  Marissa joined me and Robert came out shortly after.  Everyone did a great job.  We even had little helpers - the neighbor's kids (Carson, 8 and Bella 5) came to help.

Awesome job!

Carson and Bella's house

After shoveling our drive I decided I wanted to shovel Carson and Bella's drive way.  Their dad is a single dad and works a lot.  I knew he wouldn't have time.  Well, it turns out he is in Texas and the kids Grandma and Grandpa are taking care of them.  I am so glad I decided to shovel.  Robert stayed at our house to play with the kids (keep them out of the way), while Marissa and I shoveled.  We were a good team.  They have a much longer driveway and they had driven on it so it was HARD to shovel - BUT We did it.  Actually, I sent Marissa over to play with Robert and the kids about ⅔ of the way done, so she could have fun.

Marissa, Bella and Robert making 3 snowmen

 Robert was the start of it, Bella and Carson contributed and Marissa came in to help in the end.  They all had a great time.  The sun was shinning and they were all dressed warm enough, so everyone was happy!  They made three snowmen.

Marissa with the BIG one

Robert with the BIG one

Robert with the little one

Marissa with the little one and the medium is to the right.

What a great day to have off from school.  To bad it didn't last forever.  Marissa had teachers send homework, and so did Robert's teachers.  CRAZY!!!  But, since they are in classes that have a "FINAL" exam in May (AP classes and EOC's) they need to stay current.

Another Win for Indoor Soccer

Robert and his team had a game at 7:00 pm Saturday.  It's nice having the later games so that we have our afternoons to do things as a family.  Today is the first Saturday of the month so there are no church basketball games, and Futsal is done until February 22…a day to have fun with the family.

Robert and Mark did a lot together.  They played basketball and soccer at the church!  It's good to get some of Robert's physicalness out - he is all boy!!!

Anyway, tonight's game is against some of his friends - Max Kaywork, Riley Dodson, and Drew Coch.  The other team is made up of mostly sophomores - going to be tough!!!

The game was close:  We scored right away and followed up with another goal - awesome!  2-0!!!  Then they scored - now 2-1.  Robert had a beautiful shot but missed the goal by less than an inch - shucks!  Then they score again - ouch 2-2.  Andrew scores for us 3-2.  Just before half Riley (other team) scores tying up the game at halftime 3-3.  The second half they scored first 4-3, 5-3…  what's going on BLUE!!!  Then Wes scores for us making it 4-5, and Robert has a nice goal to tie the game at 5-5.  We went on to score 2 more and win the game 7-5.  YEAH!!!

Robert has scored in every game (indoor)!