Week 40 - Holy Week

Hey Folks! I swear I was just emailing you. Time is sure flying by. Can't
believe it! But let's just update you on this week I guess!

So it was holy week. Man, Filipinos know how to party! People were
singing, dancing and making these huge floats with saints on them.
Seriously they take it overboard. It was crazy. So many people were out
doing things, in the church singing and doing these crazy things then
Friday hit and it just went dead quiet. Like it was scary how quiet it
went. So ya friday saturday and yesterday we got curfewed cuz our President
did'nt want anything bad happening. Which I was thinking there are no
people here to have anything happen to us hahah but all is well. It was
just crazy to see what they were doing. Just taking it way too far. Made me
think on all the prophecies. "Men shall be blinded by the craftiness of the
devil and men." SOOO TRUE... Holy Week in the Philippines testifies of it...

This week we also had Zone Conference. Man! President Reeder is the bomb
dot com. Seriously he gave up the greatest workshop ever. Kind of an answer
to a prayer. But it was on How to recognize personal revelation. Man it was
crazy good. I wish I could tell you how crazy awesome it was but you just
had to be in the room and feel the spirit. Seriously the spirit is
something else. I don't know how anyone can deny its power. When you know,
you just KNOW. The lord works in wondrous ways. I have come to realize that
on my mission. The lord truly has a plan. It never makes any sense but it
always always works out. Always. Without fail. So why not trust in it? Just
give it all up to him and trust in him. I read this sick quote the other
day. "You will only make a man, God will make you a god." It's true. Only
through him can we become like him.

Since it was Easter I just want to talk a little about the Savior and his
atonement. I know that Jesus Christ lives. I also know that he dies for us.
Here on the mission i have truly appreciated what the Atonement truly is. I
messed up a lot when I was a kid and I never thought I could make it back.
But because he died for us I can, and so can you. He gave his life because
he loved us. It wasn't for fame or for glory but because he just straight
up loved us. I hope I can gain that love. And I hope that I can do the same
for him. I have always thought on how we could even pay him back for dying
for us. Everything we have has come from him. Everything but one thing. Our
will and heart. That is the only thing we can give him that he does not
already have. As we make his will our will, we in turn become like him.
That is why we are here. To follow his example. I hope we can do this.
Don't do it cuz you have to but do it cuz it is the only thing you can do.
Just give it up to him. I love you all and I am thankful for your example.
Remember because of him we shall live forever. I leave you with a scripture
Matthew 11:28-30. Until next time my friends...

Week 39 - Conference Week

Hello friends! Another week is upon us. I don't know what else to say
hahahha but it was a good one. An adjustment! but still good.

So the new comp is chill! His name is E. Lam Cheung. He is from Somoa but
has some chinese german running through the veins too. He has gotten in
some problems before but he is still a really good guy. A hard worker! So
we have gotten a lot done this week. But it is still taken an adjustment.
He goes home in December! So he has been here longer than me. So I am just
trying to learn the most I can from him. The lord has a plan!!

The biggest news this week was definitely Conference! For those of you that
missed it, just hit up good ole lds.org   but wait..it has been over for
you fellas for like 2 weeks now in the states hahah but we in the islands
just had it this past week.  But man conference was off the hook!! well
when isn't it hahah never heard someone say "Man, conference just was a let
down this year." hahha but seriously it is something else to hear directly
from the prophet! I loved Eyring's talk in priesthood about Heroes. That
one hit home. And just all of them! What I got from conference this year is
faith. That we need to trust and have faith in God. Trust in his plan and
just don't back down from it. Being members of the church, the world is
going against now everything we believe in. They mentioned Helaman 5:12
like 4 times on Saturday. "My sons, remember rememer that is is upon the
rock of our Redeemer, who is CHRIST, the Son Of God, that ye MUST build
your foundation." If our foundation is strong no matter how bad this world
gets. We shall not fall.

My friends I know this to be true. I know this is Christ's church and as we
build our foundation around him no matter what happens in this world we
will be victorious. We will win that trophy. the trophy of eternal life.
Life is a struggle! It isn't easy. But what I have learned this past months
on the mission that it wasn't easy for our Savior. So why should we think
that it would be easy for us. And even though it isn't easy. The hard times
make it all worth it. It makes us appreciate everything in life. The
important things. So spend time with the family, sit down and just enjoy
life. We live in a world of chaos, but as we turn to Christ and build our
foundation around him we will begin to live in a world of peace among the
chaos. I love you all and could not be more thankful for all that you do
for me. I leave you with a scripture. 1 Corinthians 9:12. Until next time
mga kapatid.

Week 38 - Food Week

My peeps! Geezo time is straight cruzzzzzzzzing! I cant believe it haha but loving it. But as time goes by, these emails get harder and harder to write hahah I just get lazy... YOu guys just should join me in this work and you could just see all the happiness so I dont have to write this anymore. But until then, I guess ill update you on the week!

So I have never been fed so much this week! haha it is unreal... I am gonna get fat. It is a blessing and a curse. Why is food so good?! I have had more food appointments in a week than I have had on my whole mission. LIfe is different when you are in the city! and when you happen to find your great aunt in your area... So throwing that in the mix with all the members I have yet to cook lunch and only dinner twice hahaha seriously it is bad.. But I will not complain :) I am living the high life for sure. I LOVE FOOD..

And I love this area! Even though it is huge and we are basically kind of opening it up, the people here are awesome. We have had some huge success with finding and it has just been a party. We have picked up some sick new investigators that are making some huge strides, hopefully I dont jynx this! but it has been such a huge blessing. Feeling way grateful. The lord has prepared a way. That is what I have learned on my mission. As missionaries we do nothing. It is all the lord. We just help them realize that is there heavenly father. He truly does care about his kids. I have seen it. So such a huge blessing for sure to be apart of. We have 5 inv show up to church yesterday and I just went little school crazy inside!! Seriously nothing better as a missionary than to see the people finally realizing why this gospel is important. 

It has been a good week my friends. Just tryna make the most it! it has been fun :) I got this little pool resort next to our house and all I hear are kids playing in the water while it is a million degrees outside. Seriously it is so hot hahaha and hearing people playing in a pool doesnt help out. and the fact that they always have music bumping just sometimes make me miss the water... But I wouldnt wanna be anywhere else! Even though we walk miles and get doors slammed for some reason, I wouldn't have it any other way.  The mission changes you. changes you for the better.

The pics! here is an albino caribou for ya haha so awesome! and then just a little taste of what I have eaten this week. I have eaten like a king! may not look like it but for me that is royalty right there.

Bad news of the week.. I am getting a new comp later today... some things happen in another companionship and we are the ones that have to switch. So I have to say goodbye to E. Lavulavu. Which sucks! He is such a great guy. It has been a good two weeks. But the lord needs him somewhere else.That is prolly the thing that I have learned the most on the mission. That the lord truly has a plan for all. And how hard it is to sometimes trust in that plan. But it always works out... no matter what! So even though it is sometimes hard, we just gotta take that leap of faith and run with it. We just have to trust in Heavenly Father like he trusts in us. Easier said than done but it will all be worth it. I love you all, I leave you with a scripture. 2 Nephi 26:33. Until next time family.

 

 

 

Week 37 - City Life Week

My friends, another week! They all just kind of blend in now haha but this
week was a huge one! A lot of change for sure. But good change! Change is
always good. And this change may be great!

So I got transferred, to Iriga! haha I am now serving in the city... I'm
not a city boy! There are way too many people and they are all rich.. haha
but luckily i still have some outskirts in my area! I actually love this
area. It's HUGE! They city life is finally upon me. It's weird to see
restaurants and fast food places.. Been a while since I have seen some!
Which means I'm gonna get fat.. Freak! haha but I am way excited. I am
serving in a branch again but it is basically a ward. We are just a
district still for you big fellas up there that is a stake but littler haha
but I am starting love it here! The people have been way nice and they all
freaked out when they found out that I was from utah hahahah they all
thought i was from the philippines. Seeing there facial expressions are
hilarious. I wish I could take a pic and show you. They freak out. But the
mental picture will have to do.

My comp is E. Lavulavu. He is the batch of my kid and from the heart of
Tonga. Finally got me a Poly comp!! haha yes, get me a little taste of
home. He is legit! such a humble and a big loving dude. He is quiet though
but we have already had some fun! He is new to the area too so we are both
learning the area. haha that is fun. We don't know where we are going half
the time but we just go with the flow and make the most of it. Seriously,
loving all this change!

So ya change has been the biggest! new area, new comp and just tryng get a
feel for everything. But straight up loving it here already. The members
are awesome, the comp is a stud, the area is kicking and we are just
living! First week and some crazy things have already happened haha I found
out that the sister of my grandpa lives here. Ran into her yesterday! This
world is way too small. So gonna preach her the good word! She straight up
said don't convince me to join your church hahaha but we will give it some
time and have some fun :) Gonna get some family history done!

So ya folks, that is my lovely week. The city life is now me, I got a Poly
comp and we party it up and I am gonna convert my family. what else does a
guy need? Life is good. No complaints. Just taking it all in! oh ya the
pics for ya. That is my comp in one, the other is Mount Mayon! you can see
if from our apartment and our area. it is in legaspi but we are just that
close to it! some sunset pics and Me with some I <3 Iriga :) haha just
having some fun! Realized I was way too serious in my last area. Life is
too hard when you are so serious! I realized you also gotta have some fun.
Which is weird cuz I swear that is all I did. But I guess it is just
finding the right balance.. Life is meant to be enjoyed. We are meant to
mess up and learn. None of are perfect and the only way to get there is
just to mess up sometimes. Get dirty, fall. Fail and just keep trying. Cuz
those are the times you will remember. I love you all. Seriously, you guys
are everything to me. I would not be here without you. Keep pushing on.
Life is good. Just depends on what you look at. So Enjoy! Laugh, mess
around a little. Just be happy :) I leave you with a scripture. 2 Nephi
33:12. Until next time homies.

Week 36 - White Week

Well Folks another week! This may be short cuz I really don't know what to
put hahaha sorry!

So I'm transferred! I am actually really really surprised that I am being
transfered, thought for sure that I would stay here and my kid would go but
the lord has planned other wise. Man, its been a while since I have had a
change, 18 weeks! So I am having a little mixed emotions... Don't know what
to really expect, but you just gotta hope for the best I guess.

But we did get to have some baptisms on Saturday! No better way to leave
then to see some people get dunked. They are awesome too! . Truly a special
day. Had the chance to baptize one of them too and seriously I don't know
if there is a better feeling. The fact that I was lucky enough to help them
get closer to returning home is something else. So there are some pics from
the baptism there. Enjoy that!

The other pics.... So the one with the old man! he is 95! hahaha and he is
straight rocking a mohawk! new cut hahah I laughed and had to get a pic
with him.. those are the new converts the two girls haha they are awesome!
and then some pics from our activity last week at the falls.

But ya that sums up the week. Just seeing some people swim and finding out
I am getting transfered. Change is good my friends, it is all part of the
plan. We just never know what lies ahead. That is what faith is for. Just
trust in our Heavenly Father. He knows the way and the path. So trust in
him. Even when you don't know where to walk, hope for the best and walk. If
you fall he is there to catch you I promise. I love you all. Life is hard,
but that is what makes it fun! Enjoy the moment my friends cuz it will all
end soon. Don't wait for the end to be happy. That is my problem haha but
I'm learning. One day it will all be worth it. I leave you with a
scripture. Mosiah 4:11. Until next time email people.

Week 35 - Fun Week

Well folks!! Great week haha just living life here! A lot happened. good and some bad but let's not focus too much on the bad eh? but I will just update you on this week haha

So teaching wise was a decent week! We have had some struggles finding but the investigators that we do have are the bomb dot com! So that is jolly and fun. just tryna help them come closer to stepping into the lovely water and taking a swim. Bad news though there.... Our golden investigator is not looking so good :( She has to be married before she can be baptized and the husband has gone wacko and now does not wanna get married. It doesn't help that he is a member either... Just inactive for a century and a half... So this week we found out he doesn't wanna be married. It was a shot to the heart... And she didnt even go to church yesterday.. So that is kind of heartbreaking. Just hoping for the best for her. everyone has a right time right?

This week we were a little special and had the AP's come visit us and have exchanges with us on frid... That was fun! other than the fact that I had to go on exchanges with the ap's hahaha scared the living daylights outta me, but it helped out a ton and it was a blessing! There is a reason why they are the assistants to the president for sure. They do work! Still don't know really why they went on exchanges with me... It never happens just happens haha but that's life! just go with the flow i guess.

But ya that explains my week. Same old same old with some new in there. Just tryna enjoy myself! Heck only here as a missionary once, might as well live it up! this morning we decided to go hiking and check out some falls. The hike turned into a 30 min jeepney ride and about a 2 min hike hahah but the falls were awesome!! Had to think real hard if I wanted to jump in or not. I got really close. I sent a kid instead to do it for me. So that was my morning. enjoy the islands! but here is the bad news too. My pics wont show up on the comp!! and i have no clue why... So ya i had to steal these pics from our DL. i wanna send ya some more but they are lost in the abyss of my sd card somewhere. if i find them, i will let you know.

So there is the update peeps! nothing too special haha transfer week is next week and that will some up 18 weeks with my kid. 18 weeks.... a long time for sure but definitely a time that I  have learned a lot. Patience has been huge and just about pride and humbleness. Pride is the root of all evil, it destroys things! That is the reason Satan fell. because of his pride. We can't let it happen to us. It's hard definitely to let go of pride but as these past weeks have come and gone, it has gotten easier. Jesus is the prime example. He was a perfect being. He could have done whatever he pleased. But he gave it up and followed the will of the father for us. He showed us the way. Each day, I hope that i am becoming more like him. For he is the light, the truth and the way. I love you all friends and thank you for everything! Remember to enjoy the moment, even the hard ones. It will all be worth it. I leave you with scripture. Alma 7:23. Until next time we talk.

 

 

 

Week 34 - Realization Week

Well, another week! I swear these go by way too quick... Where has the time gone?! But at least we are still living right? the sun is shining, all is well! Let's just ghet you updated on this week eh?

So nothing too special actually happened this week! haha we lost a ton of investigators, so that is always fun.. But the lord has a plan! Our teaching pool has just gone down the drain hahaha but the teaching pool that we do have is doing awesome! Planning this wedding is hard but it is fun and the other are progressing and should see the swimming pool soon. So even though we are losing some investigators, at least we will lose some to baptism :) 

So realization week! This week I realized how truly hard working filipinos are. It is unreal! What happened to me?! haha but we had a csp and we had some fun there. but filipinos are truly hard working. man my people rock. So that was fun :) good change of scenery. I also realized this week how much I miss baseball haha I finally got to throw for the first time in about 9 months and that was a hay day. Luckily I got Elder Relph here. So one day we decided to have some fun and just have a little tossing session. It was before our zone training and it was a hay day! Man i love baseball. The little things I swear are what truly matter. Don't let anyone tell you different!

So ya homies, that is the week. It has been a good one. Of course with some struggles but each week I see how much the lord has blessed us. We are way too blessed as children of God. He truly does everything he can for us even when we don't listen, he is still there for us. That is true love. I have learned this week what charity is all about. It doesn't matter what you do, it matters on why you do it. What are our true intentions a people? Do we do it for our own self, or do we do it because we want the praise or because we know it looks good. Christ died for us cuz he loved us. All he is asking is to follow his commandments to show our love to him. I have learned that life is tough, but it isn't impossible. Keep moving forward my friends. One quote that has helped me a ton this week "When it feels like God is not answering your prayers, count your blessings." He has given you the world. What are you giving him? I love you all and i wish the best my friends. miss you more than anything. I leave you with a scripture. 2 Nephi 11:6. Until next time my people.