Call to Jan - March 24, 2009

Hi. Mom just called me from the Philippines and she wanted to give everyone an update. They had a wonderful trip over. No problems at all. Mom's legs felt good and they each had a nice reclining chair. She said she felt our prayers because things went really well. They have a nice apartment with good water that they can use straight from the tap (I guess most places, you either have to buy bottled water or do something to filter or clean it). She did find out though, that people are not allowed to stay at their apartment and they have no transportation other than a van that all the couples share. The president of the temple is from Salt Lake City and his name is President Monson (no relation to the prophet). Most of the other temple workers are also from the states, although President Monson is trying to turn things around so that the Filipinos are running things rather than others. It has been a slow process, but they are getting there. They had to cross a busy road to get to a small grocery store and she said traffic is terrible. You just put up your hand like a policeman and hope people stop to let you across. She said the mangos are delicious! They have also eaten at Chili's which is the only place they let you eat out because they have higher standards than most places. Mom and Dad have the afternoon shift at the temple and work until nine at night. They have been set apart and will do their first shift today (Wednesday for them). On Mondays, all of the couples load up in the van and go to the open market in the morning to buy fresh fruit and vegetables (which she said you still have to put in bleach water for one minute before you can eat it). Then later they all go to the regular grocery store and after that they all go to the mall. I guess that's the weekly routine. Mom and Dad will have internet in about a week, and they will fill in everyone more at that time. They say hello, and they send their love.

ps. They also found an orange ball in one of their suitcases. Mmmmmmm. Wonder how that got there! So strange. Anyways, they are having a great time!

We have Landed

Dear Family and Friends,

Yes, we are finally here. Every thing went fine. It was a long ride but it went better than we thought. It was very interesting along the way, but we'll send another e-mail as soon as we get a connection. We are at another couple's apartment now. Tonight we went out to dinner with all the missionary couples and I know we will enjoy knowing them. Hope all is fine at home. Yes it is hot here! More later.

Love.

Brother and Sister Barfuss

MTC - Sat 3/14/09

Dear Family and Friends,

It is Saturday morning and we finally got our heads off the pillow in time to catch the last of breakfast being served. It has been an exhausting week, but oh so wonderful. The Spirit here is so strong and the people so great, and the purpose so important that we are so glad we are having this experience. We have had the challenge of teaching three discussions to community volunteers, and role playing less active/teaching less active, and listening to instruction from wonderful returned missionary teachers. Another very meaningful part has been listening to senior couples who have served several missions tell their experiences as they served. We have really enjoyed meeting all the other couples and single sisters who are here to be trained, just as we are. In our group there are 11 couples and 2 single sisters. There are 6 couples going to serve in the temple, some will serve in the office, one in the Polynesian Cultural Center, one to Nauvoo, others to Australia, U.S. and other places.

When we taught our first discussion, we really didn't do too well. The second was better as we had prayed before for the help of the Spirit and we really felt it. We found it is best to just have an outline and talk from our hearts and experience and bear testimony. The "Preach My Gospel" lessons are designed to be given that way. It is so much better than the old discussions.

Next week we will be in the temple all week, being instructed by Elder Rex Pineger and his wife. We are looking forward to that time. Since we already know the verbage it will not be so pressured and we can really enjoy it.Last night we had our first 2 hour session with Sister Stacia Svedi, who just a year ago, returned from a mission in the Philippines. She is trying to teach us Tagalog. We spent part of the time asking questions about the country, food, customs, etc. The language will not be that hard to pronounce, but to remember, speak and understand is a whole new ballgame. Sis Svedi is so cute and patient with us and we are so glad. Please pray for us that we can remember what we are taught and start using it now or we will not get anywhere with it later.

We will be doing our laundry this morning, then after lunch, going to Janice's house and spending some time with her. We love all of you and appreciate your support of us serving this mission. We know you will be blessed.

Love, Brother and Sister Barfuss

PS The food here is always so good that I'm sure that we are gaining weight. They especially make great speciality salads. On Wednesdays and Sundays (we are told) are ice cream days. They serve these big bowls of BYU Dairy ice cream. Of course we have to enjoy that also. We walk alot between buildings and between sessions, but that is not enough.

- This Picture was taken the night before we left and the picture at the top of the post was taken the morning we left for the MTC

Just 5 Days before leaving!

This is a very busy time for us. We are starting to pack, work on our talks, talk to lots of people, and of course, income tax, pruning, more cleaning out etc. We hope we will remember all the important things. Becky is teaching us how to use this blog and if we can remember, we will update you on what we are doing when we get on our way.

Our family has increased

Julie and her family have moved into our house and we are trying to make places for all their things. It is really a blessing in disguise because we are cleaning out lots of areas that really needed it. We still have lots of things to do and shots to get before the 9th of March.

Getting Ready for a Mission

Here is a picture that Julie took of us as we were getting our mission papers filled out.

We will be posting updates in the coming weeks as we prepare for the mission field. Check back from time to time to see how it is going.