March 27, 2011
This week, I was reminded that God loves me. Last Sunday, the relief society president announced which talk they would be discussing in church for this Sunday. I wrote it down in my planner for something to study Saturday morning and didn't think about it again. Then, I had a really hard week. My two favorite missionaries in the mission were both taken away from me. One of them went home, by now she's probably already enjoyed pizza and ice cream and cheese- all those silly things I miss. The other one was transferred and is now the follow up trainer for my MTC companion. You know how you always realize just how great something was when it goes away. That's how I feel about these two sisters. Over the past three months, they have become some of my closest friends and helped me through a really difficult transition time. But you don't know what you've got till it's gone- right?
Friday I became the only American in the apartment. I understand Hiligaynon better than one of the sisters understands English. My own companion has also been companions with both sisters in the other companionship. They all started as close friends who understand each other's languages and cultures. The conversation is fast and, for me, near impossible to understand. The only time English is used is when someone is talking specifically to me. Even in that situation, sometimes the sentence is said in Hiligaynon first and then another sister translates it for me. Friday night, I went to bed feeling very alone. I tried to be optimistic, knowing that God will only do what is best for me. It was difficult, however, to be as cheerful as I wish I could be.
Saturday morning, I returned to the talk that I hadn't thought about since Sunday. I read "The Divine Gift of Gratitude", a talk given by President Thomas S. Monson, the current prophet, during General Conference in October 2010. General Conference is a bi-yearly event in which people from all over the world are able to listen to the leaders of the church speak and give council from God. It's one of my favorite events of the year, and one of the reasons October is my favorite month (that and my birthday). The talk really lifted my spirits. It reminded me to talk the opportunity to be grateful for the blessing I had. I'm so grateful that I'm sad previous housemates have left, because I know that I'm only sad because I've been blessed with wonderful friends and memories. I'm grateful for the chance to be tested and strengthened in my language skills. I'm grateful for the trust of the Lord as I face another challenge.
Being a missionary is budlay gid! (really hard) I know that it's worth it though. I know that I'm loved. I know that I'm blessed. My favorite quote from the talk is "My brothers and sisters, to express gratitude is gracious and honorable, to enact gratitude is generous and noble, but to live with gratitude ever in our hearts is to touch heaven." I hope to be able to live in such a way that I can touch heaven. President Monson also quoted William A. Ward in saying “feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.” So here is my present to all those who read this. Thanks for reading, for your prayers and your support. Thanks for letting me know I have people out there who care. Thanks to those two wonderful sisters who have left me know and have moved on to better things that wait in store for them. Your friendship has been invaluable. Thanks to President Monson for his ever inspiring talks and the opportunity coming up to hear from him again. And thanks most of all to my Heavenly Father, for giving me a good reason to read just what I needed this week, a talk that I wouldn't have come across other wise.
This upcoming weekend is conference weekend, one of my favorite of the year. As you watch conference this year and afterwards maybe think of your favorite missionary on the other side of the world, please take the time to email or write me and let me know what your favorite part was. We all have such different insights and ways of thinking, I'd love to hear about conference from your perspective. Let me know your favorite talk, or quote, or just an inspiring thought you had while listening that you don't mind sharing. I'll make sure to let you all know mine as well in my blog after we see conference (we watch it the weekend after you do because they have to tape it and re-show it, both the original and the re-broadcast are when filipinos sleep)
Palangga Ko Kamo!
P.S. If you want to watch conference it is shown on BYUTV which in Las Vegas is cable channel 352 and KVMY which is channel 12. There are 4 different sessions on Saturday April 2nd and Sunday April 3rd at 9:00 am and 1:00 pm PST. And if you happen to watch Sat at 1:00 look for Caimon (Elora's brother) he will be singing in the choir that session.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Why am I cold?
March 21, 2011
This week has been lotsa fun. The weather in the Philippines has chosen an unanticipated direction. As February drew to a close (several weeks ago), I had many missionaries tell me that the hot season was beginning. Apparently March, April, and May are the hotter months of the year. March seems to have decided it no longer wants to be in that category. We've had incredibly unusual weather the past week, some blame it on the earthquake in Japan, which is possible I suppose. It's mostly just been rainy, and cold... well, at least in my "raised in Vegas and hates temperatures under 70F" mind it's cold. It's okay to have that mind set though, because all the Filipinos think it's cold too. The highlight of the week was when the two americans in the apartment stop and notice that they are both walking around in sweatshirts and socks during a month which is supposed to be a Filipino summer.
So- I'm not cold particularly often, just far more often than anticipated. The weather is cold enough that I'm grateful for my socks, sweatshirt, and blanket. Very very grateful. Every day this week has been rainy and breezy. The clouds have been thick enough that I pointed to a very small clear patch this morning and declared "look, the sky is still blue!" Of course, through all of this, we haven't missed a step of work. This means wet feet, muddy shoes, and very excited investigators as they try to figure out why we care about them so much to brave the weather. If only they understood how much we love them and this message, they wouldn't need to ask.
Apart from the cold, I had my first baptism this week. The brother who was baptized is one of the sweetest people I've ever met. He's in his 60's, never lets us leave his house without snacks, and trusts in his Heavenly Father with absolute solidity. After his baptism, he stood up to bear his testimony. After a long pause, just standing in front of the crowd, he finally began speaking. "I cannot say it, the joy is too great." He gestured to his heart and his eyes began to tear up. Later he explained to us how he still felt like he was floating. He has a wonderful testimony and a genuine heart, even among Filipinos he's one of the sweetest people I've ever met.
I'm eternally grateful for opportunity I had to be raised in the gospel and baptized at 8, yet I wish I could remember that feeling. I was too young, the memories are too far away. I'm grateful for the chance I had to see that joy in his eyes and to know that he could feel God's love for him.
If I ever get the computer to recognize my memory card I'll send my mom a picture and have her upload it to my blog. Picture coming soon... just need to get the computer to be nice and recognize my memory card.
Finally- Something that will effect this upcoming week a good deal. We had transfer announcements this morning. The transfer itself doesn't happen till Friday. During transfer announcements I learned my trainer was being taken away from me. I've been with her for two transfers, so everyone was expecting this, but it still makes me sad. I really love my trainer. Another one of the sisters in our apartment is also transferring- but she's transferring home. This means she's already left for the mission home and will be flying home this Wednesday. Until Friday, her companion is joining with me and my companion to make a three-some for the week. It should be fun, but is definitely going to cost us more than normal in travel money.
Miss you all and loving the letters!
This week has been lotsa fun. The weather in the Philippines has chosen an unanticipated direction. As February drew to a close (several weeks ago), I had many missionaries tell me that the hot season was beginning. Apparently March, April, and May are the hotter months of the year. March seems to have decided it no longer wants to be in that category. We've had incredibly unusual weather the past week, some blame it on the earthquake in Japan, which is possible I suppose. It's mostly just been rainy, and cold... well, at least in my "raised in Vegas and hates temperatures under 70F" mind it's cold. It's okay to have that mind set though, because all the Filipinos think it's cold too. The highlight of the week was when the two americans in the apartment stop and notice that they are both walking around in sweatshirts and socks during a month which is supposed to be a Filipino summer.
So- I'm not cold particularly often, just far more often than anticipated. The weather is cold enough that I'm grateful for my socks, sweatshirt, and blanket. Very very grateful. Every day this week has been rainy and breezy. The clouds have been thick enough that I pointed to a very small clear patch this morning and declared "look, the sky is still blue!" Of course, through all of this, we haven't missed a step of work. This means wet feet, muddy shoes, and very excited investigators as they try to figure out why we care about them so much to brave the weather. If only they understood how much we love them and this message, they wouldn't need to ask.
Apart from the cold, I had my first baptism this week. The brother who was baptized is one of the sweetest people I've ever met. He's in his 60's, never lets us leave his house without snacks, and trusts in his Heavenly Father with absolute solidity. After his baptism, he stood up to bear his testimony. After a long pause, just standing in front of the crowd, he finally began speaking. "I cannot say it, the joy is too great." He gestured to his heart and his eyes began to tear up. Later he explained to us how he still felt like he was floating. He has a wonderful testimony and a genuine heart, even among Filipinos he's one of the sweetest people I've ever met.
I'm eternally grateful for opportunity I had to be raised in the gospel and baptized at 8, yet I wish I could remember that feeling. I was too young, the memories are too far away. I'm grateful for the chance I had to see that joy in his eyes and to know that he could feel God's love for him.
If I ever get the computer to recognize my memory card I'll send my mom a picture and have her upload it to my blog. Picture coming soon... just need to get the computer to be nice and recognize my memory card.
Finally- Something that will effect this upcoming week a good deal. We had transfer announcements this morning. The transfer itself doesn't happen till Friday. During transfer announcements I learned my trainer was being taken away from me. I've been with her for two transfers, so everyone was expecting this, but it still makes me sad. I really love my trainer. Another one of the sisters in our apartment is also transferring- but she's transferring home. This means she's already left for the mission home and will be flying home this Wednesday. Until Friday, her companion is joining with me and my companion to make a three-some for the week. It should be fun, but is definitely going to cost us more than normal in travel money.
Miss you all and loving the letters!
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Awesome Week!
March 13, 2011
I was totally going to send home pictures today, for all of you eager to see pictures of my life, but the computer has decided it doesn't really want to upload my pictures. Maybe next week, sorry.
In my frustration of not getting the pictures posted, I've forgotten what I was planning on writing about, funny huh? On top of that, I'm actually out of time. All that effort and nothing to show for it.
Sorry this weeks blog post is lame...
Love ya all, check back next week!
Since Elora's blog post was so short I combined it with her family letter.
Hey Everyone,
This weeks unique adventures started on Monday and haven't let up. It's been really fun, and that's an honest statement, despite what my description of the week may sound like.
Monday- So, I got sick on Friday, and this happened to be an illness I had earlier in my mission as well. It was essentially just a really obnoxious sore throat. I started off by just gargling salt water and taking some ibuprofen- the same instructions the mission presidents wife gave me last time I felt sick. When Monday rolled around and I only felt worse, I figured I should let her know again. To my dismay the response was to go to the hospital and get a check up at the clinic. We texted our District Leader to ask where the hospital was and were informed this trip would probably last all day because it's first come-first serve and the service is slow.
Tuesday- we woke up a little early to go to the hospital so that we could get on the list early. I ended up going with Sister Adams, another sister in the apartment who isn't my companion, so that my companion could take her companion and visit our investigator who is planning on being baptized this Saturday. We ended up being the first ones there and were done in less than an hour. The doctor didn't take my temperature, didn't swab my throat to see what it was, didn't really do anything. He gave me some lozenges for the pain and something to gargle, which was basically an extra strength mouth wash.
Wednesday- We held official companionship exchanges where Sister Adams and I went to my area. This meant I was in charge for the day for who to visit and what to do. This really helped me to feel more comfortable with the area. I was with someone who was familiar so I wasn't stressed at all. I know feel more confident in my ability to lead the area if my companion leaves me at the next transfer day.
Thursday- On this day I made a goal to talk a lot more in Hiligaynon. I ended up teaching nearly half of every lesson we taught. I felt so smart. The only problem is I still don't understand most people when they talk to me.
The rest of the weekend has been a little stressful and very rainy. The earthquake in Japan has caused some interesting weather problems and set everyone on edge. Nothing super big has happened here besides random 5 minute storms that soak everything then go away. People are mostly all worried about if there is another earthquake here because we are on the same fault line.
Well- that's my week, it was AWESOME!
I was totally going to send home pictures today, for all of you eager to see pictures of my life, but the computer has decided it doesn't really want to upload my pictures. Maybe next week, sorry.
In my frustration of not getting the pictures posted, I've forgotten what I was planning on writing about, funny huh? On top of that, I'm actually out of time. All that effort and nothing to show for it.
Sorry this weeks blog post is lame...
Love ya all, check back next week!
Since Elora's blog post was so short I combined it with her family letter.
Hey Everyone,
This weeks unique adventures started on Monday and haven't let up. It's been really fun, and that's an honest statement, despite what my description of the week may sound like.
Monday- So, I got sick on Friday, and this happened to be an illness I had earlier in my mission as well. It was essentially just a really obnoxious sore throat. I started off by just gargling salt water and taking some ibuprofen- the same instructions the mission presidents wife gave me last time I felt sick. When Monday rolled around and I only felt worse, I figured I should let her know again. To my dismay the response was to go to the hospital and get a check up at the clinic. We texted our District Leader to ask where the hospital was and were informed this trip would probably last all day because it's first come-first serve and the service is slow.
Tuesday- we woke up a little early to go to the hospital so that we could get on the list early. I ended up going with Sister Adams, another sister in the apartment who isn't my companion, so that my companion could take her companion and visit our investigator who is planning on being baptized this Saturday. We ended up being the first ones there and were done in less than an hour. The doctor didn't take my temperature, didn't swab my throat to see what it was, didn't really do anything. He gave me some lozenges for the pain and something to gargle, which was basically an extra strength mouth wash.
Wednesday- We held official companionship exchanges where Sister Adams and I went to my area. This meant I was in charge for the day for who to visit and what to do. This really helped me to feel more comfortable with the area. I was with someone who was familiar so I wasn't stressed at all. I know feel more confident in my ability to lead the area if my companion leaves me at the next transfer day.
Thursday- On this day I made a goal to talk a lot more in Hiligaynon. I ended up teaching nearly half of every lesson we taught. I felt so smart. The only problem is I still don't understand most people when they talk to me.
The rest of the weekend has been a little stressful and very rainy. The earthquake in Japan has caused some interesting weather problems and set everyone on edge. Nothing super big has happened here besides random 5 minute storms that soak everything then go away. People are mostly all worried about if there is another earthquake here because we are on the same fault line.
Well- that's my week, it was AWESOME!
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Everything!
March 6, 2011
This week, I decided to start reading the New Testament. I've gone through seminary and other classes that have worked through the bible, but I've never dedicated time to reading it like I have the Book of Mormon before. This decision has brought about many insights and thoughts that I've never had before. To start- I never before realized how beautiful the parables are, they have so much meaning. I wanted to share one of the insights I've had this week with you.
Matthew 13: 44-46.
"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.
Again, the kingdom oh heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls:
Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it."
The first individual was probably a farmer, someone who worked the fields his whole life to support his family. He happened upon a treasure that would greatly bless his family when he received it.
The second individual was a merchant of pearls and precious gems. He probably had a great deal of wealth. He was seeking something of great value and recognized it when he found it.
To both individuals, the price was the same- everything.
They received a treasure, a pearl of great price. Something that would bless their lives forever. Before they could receive it, however, they had to give everything.
Each breath is a gift, everything we own was created for us, everything we are able to do is because of the talents we've been blessed with. We've been asked to give it all back in exchange for something so much better. Some people happen upon it as they work, others search for it diligently. Some are blessed with riches and others can barely make it. Salvation is not free, but the price is the same and all can afford it.
This week, I decided to start reading the New Testament. I've gone through seminary and other classes that have worked through the bible, but I've never dedicated time to reading it like I have the Book of Mormon before. This decision has brought about many insights and thoughts that I've never had before. To start- I never before realized how beautiful the parables are, they have so much meaning. I wanted to share one of the insights I've had this week with you.
Matthew 13: 44-46.
"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.
Again, the kingdom oh heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls:
Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it."
The first individual was probably a farmer, someone who worked the fields his whole life to support his family. He happened upon a treasure that would greatly bless his family when he received it.
The second individual was a merchant of pearls and precious gems. He probably had a great deal of wealth. He was seeking something of great value and recognized it when he found it.
To both individuals, the price was the same- everything.
They received a treasure, a pearl of great price. Something that would bless their lives forever. Before they could receive it, however, they had to give everything.
Each breath is a gift, everything we own was created for us, everything we are able to do is because of the talents we've been blessed with. We've been asked to give it all back in exchange for something so much better. Some people happen upon it as they work, others search for it diligently. Some are blessed with riches and others can barely make it. Salvation is not free, but the price is the same and all can afford it.
Rainy!
March 6, 2011
This week was... RAINY! I know, I'm in the Philippines and my whole mission will be rainy, but this week was crazy. It rained almost constantly whenever we were outside for two days. I say whenever we went outside because the rain really did wait for us to go outside before it decided to pour. Pathways to several investigators were too flooded to use. For some of these investigators, we couldn't go because the entire field was flooded. Other investigators were reached by walking through the field beside the path, which had turned into a small stream for the day. Both days consisted of walking home in soaked skirts just as the rain decided to stop, and then promptly changing into our pjs. It was a wonderful adventure!
The week in general, though not as productive as I hoped it would be, was very adventurous. In our District Meeting on Monday our District Leader challenged us to try to think of our missions as adventures. Though I had always tried to maintain a positive outlook on my mission, I have never labeled it as an adventure before. Yet there is no other word to describe the fun we had wandering through the rain all Wednesday and Thursday.
That was my adventure of the week- tell me about yours!
This week was... RAINY! I know, I'm in the Philippines and my whole mission will be rainy, but this week was crazy. It rained almost constantly whenever we were outside for two days. I say whenever we went outside because the rain really did wait for us to go outside before it decided to pour. Pathways to several investigators were too flooded to use. For some of these investigators, we couldn't go because the entire field was flooded. Other investigators were reached by walking through the field beside the path, which had turned into a small stream for the day. Both days consisted of walking home in soaked skirts just as the rain decided to stop, and then promptly changing into our pjs. It was a wonderful adventure!
The week in general, though not as productive as I hoped it would be, was very adventurous. In our District Meeting on Monday our District Leader challenged us to try to think of our missions as adventures. Though I had always tried to maintain a positive outlook on my mission, I have never labeled it as an adventure before. Yet there is no other word to describe the fun we had wandering through the rain all Wednesday and Thursday.
That was my adventure of the week- tell me about yours!
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