tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75482010506316484812024-03-05T06:44:10.223-08:00Sister AcostaUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger82125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7548201050631648481.post-5047789768277462292016-05-02T21:59:00.000-07:002016-10-23T04:14:49.490-07:00Last but not the Least<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">This week has been a roller coaster ride. One of these days has been one of the most challenging moments to me as a missionary. I hope and pray that before my mission ends, my companion and I would be able to achieve our goal. I know that as we prayerfully do this, and work hand-in-hand with the branch, things will work out. I think challenges really happen BEFORE and AFTER a very spiritual experience -- like having an amazing zone conference, and investigators receiving answers to their prayers. I have been studying pre-emptive and counter-attacks in the scriptures and in the words of latter-day prophets. I have learned that I can gradually train my eyes as well as my mind and spirit to recognize those "attacks", even the smallest one.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">It is such a wonderful gift having Sister Martinez in my last days as a missionary. She is just perfect. How can I deserve a companion like her? Her desire to give everything for this work shows in her countenance. She's one of the most beautiful persons that I know. She is the best. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Work has been amazing. We have regular branch coordination meeting now. And this week, my companion and I will be working with the RS. Jesus said " The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven".. we can be that yeast to help the whole mass raise by our influence. </span><br />
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Brother Marlon received the answer to his prayers and knows this is true. This work is really amazing. The God of Israel leads! It has been glorious 18 months. And what a privilege it is to work, not just with the third member of Godhead, but with the very Son of God Himself. I hope and pray for the strength, to have both of my feet firmly planted in the field, both hands tightly grasped on the plough, never looking back, until the work is finished.</div>
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Can you feel the fire burning?</div>
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I love being a missionary!<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7548201050631648481.post-43133734036020432542016-04-23T22:01:00.000-07:002016-10-23T04:16:59.974-07:00That's How I'll Be<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">I think Sister Martinez and I are getting very dangerous to the adversary, we felt his opposition to us this week. We got sick and our investigators are experiencing some challenges as well. But! But! I just want to let him know that I am so sorry -- I am not sorry. I want him to know, to really know, that no unhallowed hand can stop this work from progressing. And my fire will continue to burn brighter and brighter and brighter until the perfect day!! Hahaha. I love being a missionary!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Sister Omna, wife of an LA, whom Sister Mcbride and I taught the first lesson in Tuguegarao, is now progressing towards baptism this coming May 7th. In fact, she was the one who taught us the plan of salvation, with all the sticky notes and scripture references as she studied her assignment. I know with all my heart and soul that she will be a good instrument in building the kingdom here on earth. I can't believe I would be able to see her again, here in Roxas, my last area. I know it wasn't an accident that Sister Martinez brought me to their house during my first day here. And it wasn't an accident President Rahlf transferred me here! The God of Israel truly leads this mission!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Tomorrow will be a very very special day to me, to President and Sister Rahlf. Our very last zone conference! I can't believe how much time has gone past and I just want to let the Lord know, to really know, that I am so so so grateful He has allowed me to play a little part in this great and marvelous work, in this wonderful Cauayan Zion. Much more for giving President and Sister Rahlf to me, as my mission parents. I do not want to be emotional right now, because I am not yet leaving.. but yes, I just want them to know, to really know, that I love them so much.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Power Reading the book of mormon has been great!! I have been using my "colored and encircled" book of mormon in teaching the investigators how this book helps us know Christ. I am grateful for this Power Read, I was able to finish reading the book of mormon in the field by centering it on Jesus Christ, my Savior and my Master.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">I know that as I continue to make Him the center of my life, no unhallowed hand can ever stop me to return to Him. No, not even the devil's mightiest winds, scariest shafts in the whirlwind, heaviest hail and storm.. Nothing, as in nothing can stop me and those around me to return to Him, valiantly.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">I will be firm as the mountain, stretched to the sky, strong as a fortress, sure as the night. I will be straight as an arrow, deep as the sea. That’s how He lived So that’s how I’ll be.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">That's a song by the way. Ooooh I love being a missionary!!</span><br />
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Free ride!!! :)</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Roxas, Isabela, Philippines17.1030766 121.6169002000000316.9816596 121.45553870000003 17.224493600000002 121.77826170000003tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7548201050631648481.post-68973792522226054732016-04-18T22:03:00.000-07:002016-10-24T07:06:15.394-07:009:30!!! 70 contacts!!! 9:30!!! 70 contacts!!!<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">This has been a wonderful week for me and my companion. Sister Martinez and I are on fire. The Spirit is burning within us all day everyday, that we couldn't feel the heat of the sun here in Roxas. I love being assigned in this beautiful part of the country and be companions with someone who is sooo selfless and pure. (Members work with us everyday, now! And it will get better and better in few more weeks.)</span><br />
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Yesterday was one of the best days of my life, never to be forgotten. My companion and I gave sacrament talks. I woke up at 6:30 am and straightway went to the study room to make the talk . . . and I prayed and labored over every word, stopping frequently to remind the Lord and myself that I wanted this to be His message as nearly as I could make it, to help hasten the work in this branch. I felt it did. One of our investigators told us "Sisters, could I request our branch president to make the two of you always the sacrament speakers? You are a good tandem". It is another way of saying "Your companionship's divine!"<br />
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At 9:05pm last night, my companion and I just got 61 contacts. We decided we will never go back to our apartment until we reach 70, so we went to the plaza where there were more people to contact. At 9:24pm, we were able to contact 9 more people to complete the 70. At 9:25PM, there were NO more tricy passing by to give us a ride to go back to our apartment. We prayed in the middle of the streets, asking for a tricy. Then a tricy passed by. We called him. But he told us he had to go home already with his family. We said "okay" and tried to find another. But in a few seconds, the tricy we called, came back and decided to give us a ride going home. We found out that he has already given a ride to former sister missionaries before so he knows our apartment and so he drove a little faster than usual. And at 9:30! Exactly 9:30, we got home!!!</div>
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I shouted and shouted "9:30!!! 70 contacts!!! 9:30!!!! 70 contacts!!!" I felt like a runner who reached the finish line. I looked at my companion and found her crying, sobbing out of control. I asked her why she was crying. She said "I am just sooo happy".. I laughed so hard and we gave each other a hug. Then she said, "We didn't contact 70.", still crying. She continued by saying "We contacted 71. Because we contacted the family of the tricy driver who brought us here." And I started crying.</div>
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It is a day never to be forgotten. I know that God knows each of us and hears and answers our prayers. But it usually through other people our prayers get answered. I love the people of Roxas. </div>
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Ooooooh I just love being a missionary!<br />
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My companion is a civil engineer :)</div>
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After praying . . .</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Roxas, Isabela, Philippines17.1030766 121.6169002000000316.9816596 121.45553870000003 17.224493600000002 121.77826170000003tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7548201050631648481.post-70907493307779734372016-04-11T22:07:00.000-07:002016-10-23T04:33:02.651-07:00The God of Israel leads . . .<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
I can't believe how much time has gone past. The past two days were special for me because it was my last general conference as a full-time missionary. I love President Monson's talk about choices. I know that someday I will dwell with God and become like Him as I strive to always choose wisely -- not just choosing what is right, but what is always best -- the things that matter most. I am so grateful the Lord has assigned me in this beautiful vineyard of Roxas. As my companion and I work with Him to lift this area, we are also being lifted up. I am learning so much here about the true meaning of life. I love being a missionary.</div>
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Yesterday became more special to me and my companion because of the investigators who came to church. Tatay Artemio, one of the new investigators we had this week came to church. Sister Martinez contacted him in one of our punted hours, and we already love him with all our heart and soul.</div>
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Sister Valerie and Brother Marlon came to church too! They are the children from the two inactive families we contacted in our first week together. During our first days, Sister Martinez felt impressed to visit Riverside (one of the baranggays in this area where she had not been to). We trusted the prompting, and there we found a big compound full of inactive families. We found so many part-member investigators there and Valerie and Marlon are just one of our favorites. Our last lesson with them was so powerful and inspiring. They said they read their assignment in the book of mormon and know it is true. They said they want to become full-time missionaries someday, and told us that when they are alone, they practice how to "talk like a missionary". And yesterday, they walked from church to their house despite how far it was, under the prickling heat of the sun. Sister Valerie and Brother Marlon are going to be great missionaries someday. We love them, with all our heart and soul.</div>
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Our companionship is doing great. Sister Martinez is such a wonderful gift to me at my last cycle as a missionary. She got one of the purest heart on earth. Our companionship is living our Mission's Vision every minute of the day. We feel the spirit and power as we strive to be more consecrated. We connect the people we teach to heaven. Every after teaching appointment, we evaluate our lesson: what went well and what to improve -- and our lesson get better and better every after each lesson. We teach at least 50 lessons a week. And in our daily planning, we pray fervently and specifically to each of the person we taught during the day, and those we will be teaching the next day. Our companionship's divine. And we know the God of Israel leads this mission!</div>
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My time as a missionary is running out so fast. And I hope and pray fervently that I am doing the best that I can to magnify this calling as His representative, so at the very last day, I would be able to look Him in the eyes, and tell Him, that even though I wasn't a perfect missionary, I loved Him and all the people around me in this wonderful Cauayan Mission with all my heart and soul.</div>
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I love being a missionary!<br />
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She reminds me of Elaine. Very cute and bubbly. </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7548201050631648481.post-39871449712205196732016-04-04T22:08:00.000-07:002016-10-23T04:44:53.081-07:00Complete!<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Be it known unto all nations, kindreds, tounges, and people ... that Sister Acosta is feeling wonderful! I love my new area, I love my new companion. I love everything and everyone in Roxas! I love being a missionary!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Sure, I felt overwhelmed during my first days, to think that I am only given 6 weeks to do ALL the things He asks me to do. But I know, with all my heart and soul, that in His strength I can do ALL things. Jesus Christ himself, was able to cover all men throughout the eternity, in just 3 short years of ministry. 3 years, and He was able to change eternity. I know He's just always with me and my companion as we invite more people to come unto Him.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Recently, I have been studying our Savior's admonition in the Sermon on the Mount to be "perfect". I have learned that the term "perfect" was translated from the Greek word teleios which means "complete". Being complete does NOT mean becoming "free from error or mistake". Being complete means, going from grace to grace towards the end, to be fully developed, to consummate, or to finish.</span><br />
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Even though I was never a missionary who made no mistake, I can strive to become better each and every day so I could COMPLETE this errand from the Lord, valiantly. I know we can do this! I love being a missionary!<br />
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1st Sunday in Roxas :)</div>
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<i>This is Nanay Acosta. She is already 98 years old, never had the chance to marry, and has been blind for a few years. <span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Her house is located in the farthest barangay away from the church. But guess what, she never misses coming to church every Sunday! She is just inspiring. She speaks good english (she is a retired teacher and reminds me a lot of Lola Mary). Everytime we visit her, she asks us to read her a chapter in the book of mormon -- but it has to be in english. She wants us to always talk with her in english because she doesn't want to forget speaking in english. I love her soooo much!! She must be my lola -- something like a nth degree relative? :D</span></i></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7548201050631648481.post-51420805234092411482016-03-28T22:11:00.000-07:002016-10-23T04:51:29.336-07:00More<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
I can't believe how much time has gone past. In my first cycle as a missionary, one of my housemates, <span class="il">Sister</span> <span class="il">Davis</span>, randomly told me "I hope I could see you how you end your mission."</div>
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I cannot forget that. That experience is still vivid in my memory. Now that I'm heading to my last cycle as a missionary. How do I end it? I do not know. I just hope and pray that He would give me more holiness, just as what Hymn 131 says. My favorite line in that hymn is "More used would I be". I hope and pray that I would be more used, even if I would now be released in the calling as an STL. I hope and pray to be more like our Savior, who endured well, never shrank, and pressed sublimely towards the completion of His mission.</div>
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Santiago 2nd ward will be forever in my heart. In the short three months I spent in this wonderful area, I was able to see a lot of miracles. First, I met Bishop Acosta and his family. Second, <span class="il">Sister</span> Ethington became my companion. Third, Nanay and Tatay Quintos got baptized.</div>
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I can never forget how Nanay and Tatay got fully immersed in the waters of baptism last Saturday. I can never forget Tatay and Nanay's countenance shine as they were sitting in the sacrament hall yesterday, wearing their Sundays best. Tatay was so handsome with his white polo and a tie. Quintos family is just one of the most beautiful people in the world. I love them, with all my heart, and soul.</div>
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I love being a missionary!<br />
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I am going to miss praying with Tatay Rola.</div>
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The very first time I baked a cake! (Does it look like a cake?)</div>
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This will be for my anak, Sister Maroket :)</div>
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Quintos Couple :)</div>
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Quintos' confirmation Sunday :)</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Santiago, Philippines16.7149832 121.5537151999999416.4716302 121.23099169999995 16.958336199999998 121.87643869999994tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7548201050631648481.post-83381832924361085032016-03-21T22:12:00.000-07:002016-10-23T04:49:55.639-07:00Try Again<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
So Nanay and Tatay Quintos both passed the baptismal interviews. Aside from having Sister Maroket as my "anak" in the mission field, having the Quintos couple get baptized next Saturday would be one of Heavenly Father's biggest gifts and miracles I have in the field. Rhodalyn, their youngest daughter even returned yesterday and volunteered to work with us missionaries. I hope and pray she would serve full-time mission too, and get sealed in the temple with her parents, soon. Just picturing out it in my mind gives me the purest joy.</div>
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I think the lesson I learned this week is to always get up each and every time I fall. My LTP last week was all about, well, my failures. I really liked our specialized training with President and Sister Rahlf this week. President Rahlf shared about Thomas Edison, and how he was able to invent the light bulbs after a thousand of failures.</div>
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Sometimes, we people stop trying again after we experienced a failure. This is best illustrated by Elder Bowen's object lesson of "baby flies". We are sometimes like the baby flies who will just jump just beneath the lid, over and over again, not reaching any higher than that. Some of us never reach our divinest potentials because we won't ever try again... once we experience a failure. We get hurt and embarrassed, and will never dare to try again.</div>
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I am grateful for the knowledge about the gospel, which teaches us to get up each time we fall. President Rahlf said: "The Lord loves it when we start over and try again. The whole plan of salvation is based on trying again after we fail."</div>
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While traveling through the Banaue roads this morning, I was thinking why did the Lord had me serve in my first area for 9 months, and an STL for another 9 months? And do you know what answer I received? </div>
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Because He wanted me to learn something, and I couldn't get it ... only until after 9 months.</div>
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It was the funniest answer ever. I laughed and said a silent prayer: "Thank you, Heavenly Father for being really patient with me." And I almost cried when I said "Sorry, for the times I had failed Thee." ... </div>
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"But yes, thank you for giving me your Son.. I can start over and try again."</div>
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I am just so grateful for these wonderful experiences I have as a missionary. I love EVERYTHING -- the ups and downs, and of course everything in between.</div>
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I love being a missionary!<br />
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Exchanges with the sweetest Sister Wiri!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Santiago, Philippines16.7149832 121.5537151999999416.4716302 121.23099169999995 16.958336199999998 121.87643869999994tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7548201050631648481.post-78560237102671678212016-03-14T22:16:00.000-07:002016-10-23T04:57:52.165-07:00Eye Single<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">This week was a roller coaster ride. I had been sick for few days. I think I have pneumonia. But the area doctor gave me some prescriptions so nothing to worry about.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">I had exchanges with Sister Arganosa this week (this is our 3rd time on exchanges!! Haha) </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Skills-wise, she is amazing!! </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Had exchanges with Sister Sutherby as well.This was our 4th exchanges aside from our 2 exchanges we had in Ilagan). After having exchanges with them for many times, we became best friends. Haha.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Aside from these things, I think the major lesson I have learned this week is overcoming pride. I think it is okay to share with you my experience this week that taught me a principle. A principle that I hope I would forever live as a disciple of Jesus Christ.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">So this week, Bishop assigned me to be the speaker at the funeral service of Bishop Castelo. I said okay, even though deep inside I didn't want to. Lest I be misunderstood, I know that as a missionary, it is expected that I will be asked to give some speaking assignments whether I like it or <i>I like it.</i> And somehow I managed to struggle through a few speaking assignments as a missionary, and as an STL (oh my gosh), and dodged all the rest.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Long story short, I went to the funeral service, and tried to convince myself I was prepared. But all the faith and hope and optimism I had, vanished away when I saw all the people of the baranggay buenavista including the Mayor and Vice Mayor of Santiago City and other politicians were present at the funeral service. I wanted to cry.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Long story short. I gave a talk. And I was more discouraged than ever. I didn't know what I really said that time. All I remember was that I shared a scripture verse, and that I was just rumbling words.</span><br />
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I was not teaching people. Not even teaching a lesson. I was just there, "talking to myself" in front of many people.<br />
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In my 16 months as a missionary, and a few months of being an STL (oh my gosh), I have often asked the Lord and myself every time I felt something was wrong in what I did. And yesterday, Sister Rahlf gave a talk and I felt that she was speaking to me directly, in behalf of the Lord to answer my question"what went wrong?"</div>
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I realized that I was afraid of doing things, primarily because I was too concerned about what other people would think of me. It was a matter of vanity and pride and ego. I have learned that my fears and self-consciousness could be conquered if my "eyes be single to His glory" Just like what Elder Bednar always saying ... "get out of the way" so He can perform His sacred function and work.</div>
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I hope and pray, that I will never ever forget this experience to always remind myself to simulaneouly "get out of the way". And never,ever, ever do anything... as in anything ... that would draw attention to myself.</div>
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Never again.<br />
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D&C 88:67: “If your eye be single to my glory, your whole bodies shall be filled with light, and there shall be no darkness in you; and that body which is filled with light comprehendeth all things.”<br />
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Quintos gave us merienda :)</div>
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This is what we looked like when we sang in the stake conference.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Santiago, Philippines16.7149832 121.5537151999999416.4716302 121.23099169999995 16.958336199999998 121.87643869999994tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7548201050631648481.post-76839789245651383392016-03-07T22:20:00.000-08:002016-10-23T05:02:59.281-07:00Fears<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
One of the talks my companion and I are seriously studying this week is "Becoming A Consecrated Missionary". As I was pondering about this talk, I asked the Lord "what lack I yet" to become more consecrated. To become consecrated, I need to put on to the altar of sacrifice my fears. I told my companion yesterday, that because of my experiences in the past, I have already developed the courage to talk to everyone -- I could press the doorbell of the biggest house on the earth and share the beautiful message that we have. I said, I have no fear.</div>
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But today, I realized that leaving our fears on the altar of sacrifice isn't just all about talking to everyone. I realized that it also means giving an accurate correction when it is necessary. I am still learning the art of understanding others and being understood. Much of the time, I just think and think and try to understand others yet I have no courage to say what I feel. Just like what it is said in the talk, "Sometimes we have missionaries who are so worried about offending people that in the process they never ever save them."</div>
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This week, Stefanie was baptized and confirmed. Right after she came out of the waters of baptism, we told her she was the cleanest person at that time.. And with a light in her eyes and and a smile on her face, she asked "Really Sister? Really? I love the feeling. I feel great." I love Sister Stef so much and I am grateful to be a small part of this great redemptive work.</div>
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Tatay Cuyajon, Felix Family, and Rodalyn came to church yesterday! They are the members who became less-actives because they were offended. I am grateful to see the light in their eyes and the smile on their faces because of being able to forgive others who might have offended them.</div>
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I hope and pray that I could become more of a consecrated person -- someone who is humble enough to ask others how can I be better, and someone who loves other people enough to offer correction when needed.</div>
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I am learning so much from my mission. I love being a missionary!<br />
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Sister Stef was baptized by her bestfriend. They looked good together in white.</div>
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My companion and I hope to see them "together in white, again". Maybe in the temple?</div>
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Of course after finishing their own missions. :)</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7548201050631648481.post-43969330952011705952016-02-29T22:26:00.000-08:002016-10-23T05:05:31.247-07:00Eye of Faith<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">A lot of miracles happened this week. So I'll start counting miracles, and name them one by one.</span><br />
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First, Stefanie passed the baptismal interview! She's an investigator who lives just across our apartment. The past years of her life has been really tough, and it has not been easy for her to open up to us because of different sisters teaching her every time. Few weeks ago, she opened up her problems, and her desires come closer to Heavenly Father. We promised that as we seriously repent -- refrain from evil, and do that which is good -- we will feel the power of Atonement in our lives. She has been seriously reading the book of mormon, and beginning to feel the redeeming power of atonement. That after her interview, she said "I feel light. I feel light.". She she felt light many times. I love Sister Stefanie so much, and someday she'll serve full-time mission too!<br />
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Sister Anna is doing great as well. She has been going to church for 2 months but cannot be baptized till next year. We taught her this week, and before we began the lesson, she shared what she has learned from studying the book of mormon. She read the book of Jacob, and she started crying when she told us that she felt she was the tree being cut by the Lord. She said that sometimes the Lord cuts the "evil" in us, so that the "good" will grow in us. I have never thought of the allegory that way. The book of mormon is really powerful. As we read this inspired book with a question in mind, the Holy Ghost can give us customized counsel, and specific answers to the questions of our soul.<br />
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The Quintos couple came to church again for the third time! I have never cried when an investigator accepted the invitation to be baptized. Only last saturday, when Nanay and Tatay Quintos said YES! I love Tatay and Nanay Quintos so much!<br />
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Our companionship is doing greaaaat. Sister Ethington had her first companion exchanges, and I can tell she enjoyed it! There is so much more of happiness to be had when we can rejoice in another sisters successes and not just in my own. I love my companion and the beautiful sisters of our zones!<br />
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As for me, I am doing great. I am still studying Faith in Jesus Christ, and I can't believe there is still sooooo muuuuuchhh to learn about faith! I have been studying the "eye of faith" I mentioned last week's LTP. What is eye of faith? Can we actually see the things that can come to pass? We can!<br />
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In Ether 12, Moroni said: “And neither at any time hath any wrought miracles until after their faith; wherefore, they first believed in the Son of God. And there were many whose faith was so exceeding strong, EVEN BEFORE CHRIST CAME, who could not be kept from within the veil, but truly saw with their eyes the things which they had beheld with an EYE OF FAITH, and they were glad.”<br />
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I do not know why... but the first time I met the Quintos couple, I knew they are going to be baptized. Even though they kind of rejected us during our first, or second, and third visits, I still knew they are going to be baptized. We can truly see things happen, even before they happen... with an eye of faith!<br />
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I am excited for all the miracles that lie ahead! I love being a missionary!<br />
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One of our housemates, Sister Victoria, had her birthday cake baked by her trainer! Super sweet!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7548201050631648481.post-44156019320893654252016-02-22T22:30:00.000-08:002016-10-23T05:07:47.841-07:00Worries and WhatnotThis week, I worried and prayed and wasn't able to sleep because of zone conference, new leaders training and some other things. The good news is that almost none of the things I have worried about or been afraid of have ever happened. I suppose that is why Elder Packer said once “You can’t tell me worrying doesn’t help because the things I worry about never happen.”<br />
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Although we were out of our area for 2 days (plus some choir practice for the upcoming stake conference), we were still able to reach the standards of excellence. And to top that, we had 11 investigators who attend the sacrament meeting!<br />
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If I'll ever get transferred next cycle, I know that the missionary who would replace me could take care of these wonderful people in Santiago. But now, I don't want to get transferred. I have already learned to love the Quintos couple, the Rola Family, Stephanie, Lizel and friends, and oh Niko and Bryan, and many moreee.. They all have special place in my heart.</div>
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Sister Ethington and I are doing great. This Wednesday, we'll start conducting companionship exchanges. My companion and I are amazed how we could both recognize the spirit in telling us who we are going to be with on exchanges. It's hard to describe how to receive that kind of revelation, but I know that's the same way you receive revelation on transfers.</div>
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As for me, I have been studying Christlike attributes. I desire to become more like Him each and every day in the weeks left I have as a missionary. This week, I studied Faith in Jesus Christ.</div>
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So how do we measure one's faith? I do not know. But I feel my faith in Him has increased tremendously this week as I keep myself focused on Him and His work. It is the “eye of faith” spoken in Alma 5. It is the assurance and confidence I have in His perfect love for me and everyone around me. It is the one that moves me into some physical and mental action that I even ran some miles nonstop this morning, which I thought before was impossible. I am amazed what Faith in Jesus Christ can do. I can see in my mind's eye the miracles that lie ahead. I just need to keep looking to Him, doubting nothing ... fearing nothing..I know in His strength, I can do all things!</div>
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I love being a missionary!<br />
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We had 11 investigators coming to church. :) Such a wonderful gift for my birthday! Hehe</div>
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On my 20 something birthday, Bishop Acosta prepared dinner to celebrate! So so happy!</div>
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On our way back to Santiago from Cauayan after Sister Ethington's New Leaders Training.</div>
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President Rahlf and I taught together in the Companion Exchange Part since... well, I need some help.</div>
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Before the meeting began, President Rahlf led a Happy Birthday Song for me. One of the best days of my life!</div>
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Zone conference with some new missionaries :)</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7548201050631648481.post-51972897886429332392016-02-15T22:31:00.000-08:002016-10-23T05:09:30.268-07:00Charity<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
This week has been truly amazing. Having Sister Ethington as a companion is a miracle. I deeply admire her example of kindness and "calmness" during her first days in this calling. After teaching 3 zone meetings in a row, and teaching zone conference tomorrow, our goal is to familiarize the area and get to know the beautiful people of Santiago!</div>
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We taught "Charity in Companionship" topic in zone meetings. Had some discussion of "Contention or Disobedience", Seeking First to Understand then to be Understood, and D&C 121:41-43. At the end of the lesson, we had some role practice where junior companions need to correct their senior companions, with love. The spirit was so powerful testifying to me how important Charity is! Because without it, I am nothing.</div>
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And speaking of Charity, it's the month of Love! Valentines day has become really special to me since I entered the mission field. Last year's valentines, Tatay George was baptized. And yesterday's valentines, Tatay Rola came... to church!</div>
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I do not know how to properly describe my feelings right now. I feel like I am going to cry. I do not know what I can say more but Tatay Rola came to church. Tatay Rola came to church. Tatay Rola came to church!</div>
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For more than 25 years of being taught by missionaries, he came to church yesterday... for the very first time. Tatay Rola is the only non-member in his family with 2 returned missionaries.</div>
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I do not know if this is true for me and this family, but I think I was called to this mission, at this time to teach some particular person or family I had a covenant with. During my first week in this area, one of the daughters of Tatay Rola, told me that I look really familiar to her. I cannot forget that. Because I feel like I know her too. I know Tatay Rola, and Nanay Rola, and the rest of Rola family. I don't actually recognize them, but I have the overwhelming feeling that I know them, even before I met them.</div>
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I also cannot forget how happy Nanay Rola was yesterday. I was so happy that I didn't notice the Quintos couple (investigators) came to sacrament meeting as well yesterday! My bad.</div>
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Later, I will print many copies of the picture of Rola Family taken in the church and I will put it everywhere I can see everyday. So I will always be inspired and motivated to give every drop of my passion in this work. For Tatay Rola, I will give my all.</div>
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I know this work is true, and I am grateful to be a little part of it.</div>
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I love being a missionary!<br />
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I love Rola Family :)</div>
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Kenzie and friends :)</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7548201050631648481.post-37091273393510241582016-02-08T22:34:00.000-08:002016-10-23T05:12:00.530-07:00Tatay Rola<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So I do not know what to write. We received the transfer list, and I was surprised I wasn't transferred, I wasn't released. Is that true? Is this for real? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For the past week, I have been thinking, that since I have been in this calling for so long, I would now be released. And that, finally, I could rest from the crazy schedule, and the unnecessary expectations I demand from myself because of this calling to be "seen". I thought I would be now released because I shared a scriptural thought in the MLC, and that He has already granted my prayer to meet Bishop Acosta and his family. Or because I have not been thinking and worrying as much as I used to... thus, I have been complacent. Thus, He would now release me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #373737; line-height: 19.5px;">I want to admit that somehow, I covet the airconditioned apartment San Mateo has to offer, so I could now take my beauty rest forever. But my Eternal Father in Heaven wants me to learn that </span><span style="color: #373737; line-height: 19.5px;">that "peace and serenity" comes from learning how to balance demands, instead of escaping it. He wants me to learn that d</span><span style="color: #373737; line-height: 19.5px;">emands of life will always be there, and it has no endings, because I am made of the stuff of eternity.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #373737; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.5px;">Had exchanges with Sister Delinila this week. We taught 11 lessons. Had exchanges with Sister Albarico this week. We had 10 lessons. We now focused in the nearby areas so we could me more wise in using our time. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #373737;"><span style="line-height: 19.5px;">Tatay Candido Rola is the best. I know that no matter how I strive to be exactly obedient, I can never push the message into his heart. I do not know if it is proper to negotiate with Heavenly Father, but my prayer is that He will soften Tatay's heart in exchange of my all. For Tatay Rola, I will give my all. I know he is not aware how much I love him, but that doesn't matter. </span></span>In this 2 cycles left, and I will give my all.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I love being a missionary!</span><br />
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Sister Mcbride's gift for my birthday :) She is the sweetest!</div>
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Exchanges with the sisters of Echague!</div>
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I played the piano during the baptismal service of one of the investigators of the other sister missionaries in the ward. Looking at this program with many "Acosta" makes me feel so at hooooooooome.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7548201050631648481.post-58428140169552622382016-02-01T22:36:00.000-08:002016-10-23T05:18:06.264-07:00Stars and CreationsThis week went too fast. My companion and I opened a "baranggay" this week after being informed by our bishop that centro west is part of our area. We found a lot of good new investigators in this small baranggay filled with many people. It's just close to the chapel. So for now, we are just going to focus in this area instead of those far-far-away.. to be more effective and efficient.<br /><br />I had exchanges with Sister Baker and Sister Balaoing this week. Sister Baker is smart, a scriptorian, and really sincere in asking for ways how she can improve. As for me, I'm still working on with my inspired questions and so we made it a goal to study that skill. She's awesome. She talks to everyone.<br /><br />The same with Sister Balaoing, a very diligent trainer. She's so hyper in talking to everyone. Haha.<div>
<br />We had a zone activity this morning, and it is a wonderful time to ponder how much He loves me through His wonderful creations. Last Sunday, during Gospel Essential Class, we were talking about the creation and I was suddenly asked by the teacher how I can feel His love through His creations. I suddenly remembered how much I love walking every night in my bukid area in Alinguigan. When you are in a bukid, you see more stars at night. And everytime disappoinments and failures come, everytime baptisms fall through, everytime I had misunderstanding with someone else, I just look up to sky and see the stars testifying that He lives and that He loves me and everyone around me.</div>
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I know Heavenly Father loves me.</div>
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I love being His missionary!<br /></div>
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After our community service :)</div>
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Zone activity awhile ago. </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7548201050631648481.post-82268762558404179992016-01-25T22:38:00.000-08:002016-10-23T05:31:44.222-07:00Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So last saturday, my companion and I attended the baptismal service in the zone leaders ward. And it was a wonderful experience being able to witness many of His children got baptized. My favorite among them is the young woman who was the last to bear testimony. In her testimony, she said, "I believe Thomas S. Monson is our living prophet." Then she continued on by saying "I also believe Joseph Smith is our dead prophet."</div>
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So I do not know if that's funny, but that made my whole week.<br />
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On a more serious note, this morning I studied Elder Bednar's talk about why we have the older men serve in the senior leadership positions of this restored church. The spirit was so strong in teaching me that since we have limited time in this life (and in the mission), we need to focus our efforts on the things that matter most -- those that would help us and others return to Him,<br />
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Exchanges with Sister Wiri was great. Even though we went to areas that are far apart, we were still able to teach 8 lessons. We contacted every people we meet while walking to our next appointments. She's so humble, loving, and positive, and very diligent to learn tagalog.<br />
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Exchanges with Sister Sutherby was also amazing. We taught 9 lessons and contacted every people we meet. She has grown a lot since the last time I met her in her first area. I am so happy and so proud of her. Sister Sapinoso is also a great companion! I love them both.<br />
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And my love for Sister Albarico has gone deeper (In fact, we jogged together this morning!). I do not know why, but I feel like she's very special person to me. I do not know how would I describe this feeling, I just love her.<br />
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I think my favorite miracle of the week is Sister Anna and Sister Stephanie, new investigators, who came to church again yesterday. I sat beside Sister Stephanie during Gospel Essential Class, and before the class began, I showed a copy of a Liahona. When she saw a picture of the temple, she asked what it was. I told her it is the place where a man and a woman can marry for time and for all eternity. Curious, she asked me if she can ever still enter the temple someday despite of the transgressions she had made in the past. Testified of the Atonement, and its power to make scarlet sins be as white as snow.<br />
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I cannot stop thinking of the woman who annointed Jesus' feet in the 7th chapter of Luke, where Jesus told of a p<i>arable of two people who both owed money to the same man. Jesus told Simon, that the one whose "sins,... are many, are forgiven;for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little”</i>. The comparison of their sins isn't the point to Him. It is, how MUCH do we LOVE Him.<br />
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I know I can never compensate the perfect love He has for me but I hope and pray that I am showing enough love to Him.<br />
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I love Him and this work. I love being a missionary!<br />
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My companion and I took Tatay Rola's sinampay so that he would have no excuse of not being able to give us at least 10 minutes to teach a lesson. Tatay is so funny. We love him so much.</div>
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@ Diffun.</div>
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In Alicia. The other sister is Sister Delinila. She's the girl in one of the LDS youth videos that made me cry while watching it while I was still in youth. We talked often because we have the same course in college. I keep on telling her that passing my board exam was just a miracle, and that she can do it too. She's very smart! Very very smart!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7548201050631648481.post-4500052104996419592016-01-18T22:39:00.000-08:002016-10-23T05:34:32.434-07:00Wooonderful Weeek<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
<i>What a wonderful week! My companion and I taught 3 zone meetings (Alicia, Santiago South, and North Zones), attended ward council (Oh, Bishop Acosta is amazing!), personal interview with President and Sister Rahlf (I love them with all my heart!), and I had companion exchanges with Sister Kibaimoa..</i></div>
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Exchanges with Sister Kibaimoa was great. She is a wonderful sister missionary who is sincere, loving, humble, and very willing to learn. In terms of her tagalog communication skills, she's great. Promise!</div>
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Sister Albarico is also doing great! She's a very humble, very talented, and loving person. Sister Victoria is lucky to have her as a trainer. She's hastening! I hope and pray that I am doing my best in showing my love and appreciation to them and to my companion.</div>
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I was the one being taught by the Spirit in teaching 3 zone meetings this week. I have learned that when I do not worry what to say next, the Spirit takes over the lesson. I learn from what I say when it's the Spirit who's teaching the lesson. After all, he's the true teacher.</div>
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Work has been great. The ward is so supportive. Bishop Acosta is a great leader I strive to be like. He's very effective and efficient. I think he's my uncle. Once, we were teaching an RC family ... and they told me that I teach and act like Bishop Acosta. It made me want to work harder for this people. Maybe, the people in Santiago are my distant relatives.</div>
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Personal interview with President and Sister Rahlf is the best. I hope it is not the last. It helped me reorganize my goals and prepare myself for Eternal Life. After all, that's the reason why I am here on earth. </div>
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Sister Anna Patag, and Brother Viernes has been consistently coming to church but not yet solid in their decision to be baptized. I do not know how long will the nourishing be, but I am willing to obey His will no matter what it takes.</div>
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I love being a missionary!<br />
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Going to zone meeting with the Alicia Zone!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7548201050631648481.post-77563726699027409242016-01-11T22:41:00.000-08:002016-10-23T05:45:19.280-07:00In Wisdom and OrderThis has been a wonderful week. We had a crazy schedule or maybe, I'm the one who is getting crazy. I find it difficult to sleep these past few days. I wanted to sleep, but my mind couldn't sleep. I do not know why. I feel like there's a lot of things needed to be done, but so little time. I. can't. believe. this.<br />
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So lately, I have been thinking and studying (and hopefully applying) How to Use Time Wisely. I hope and pray that I am spending my time with the things that matter most. Because "matter occupies space, and we can only have space for what really matters."<br />
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I think my favorite miracle of the week is teaching John Paul's relatives. We were teaching Salvador family, when our phone rang. We didn't mind it because we were in a lesson. After that, we went "to and fro" teaching appointments only to find out that we were punted. We were punted many times until the "impatient" me wanted to teach Monica, an active member who lives just close by. Then all of the sudden, my companion remembered to check our phone. She said, "Ay may nagtext pala sa atin!" And so she checked, and we found out that Brother John Paul sent a text message telling us that he was on his way to church. He brought with him his siblings and cousin to be taught by us missionaries. And we had a very wonderful lesson about restoration. And they all accepted the invitation to be baptized. I am just grateful my companion is so receptive to the Spirit, she remembered to check our phone. The Spirit is the really the most important element in this work.<br />
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Sister Anna Patag also came to church yesterday. She's a referral from Tatay Lucas. We just met her last week, and in our second lesson to her yesterday, she shared how much she had been praying that she may be able to regain her faith and relationship with God. She has been really preoccupied with a lot of problems lately, that she forgot the things that really matter most. She told us that "maybe", we are the answer to her prayers. Oh, how I hope and pray that I will be worthy enough to be someone's answered prayer.<br />
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We had MLC last wednesday, and had specialized sister training with other STLs wednesday night. I am now the oldest STL and I feel like I am going to be released next cycle. :) I remember how much I cried during my first cycle in this calling because of the crazy schedule I am not used with. I thought that I already knew and that I am already an "expert" in juggling and managing time, but this week ... I came to realize that I am still learning. In my last personal interview with President Rahlf, he told me that I will be using all the skills I am learning now in the mission, in my future callings as hmmm, (should I dare say it?) homemaker, wife, and a mother -- who has many many many responsibilites. I still haven't found the magic formula for using time wisely, but I think this one really helped me:<br />
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1. Eat Right. ( 3 - 4 Liters of Water, 5 servings of fruits and veggies)</div>
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2. Exercise.<br />
3. Enough rest. (8 - 9 hours of sleep)<br />
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and then add what my mission president told me:<br />
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Pray, Read the Scriptures, Set goals. Make plans, Budget money.<br />
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This coming thursday, we'll be having another personal interview with him and his wife. So I can't wait.<br />
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I love you all. And I love being a missionary!</div>
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Preparing object lesson for our zone meeting!</div>
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Specialized Sisters Training :)</div>
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Catching up with the beautiful Sister Mcbride :)</div>
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I am very beautiful here!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7548201050631648481.post-42047509355223423132016-01-04T22:43:00.000-08:002016-10-23T05:51:05.278-07:00All things have become new: Happy New Year!Happy new year! I spent new year's eve in my new area (Santiago 2nd Ward) with my new companion (Sister Fajardo), and with other sister missionaries of our zone. We watched a Inside-Out Disney Movie as we have been told by our mission president.<br /><br />It was a great movie. It made me want to study psychology. I realized how powerful our minds can be. And as the new year begins, I hope and pray for strength so I can give every conscious thought and every drop of passion to this great and marvelous work. I do not want to think anything that is not inline with my purpose. I hope and pray for a consecrated mind in the remaining cycles that I have as a missionary. I will continue to dismiss the destructive and keep dismissing it and focus on my purpose until the beauty of Atonement of Christ has revealed to me the bright future God has prepared for me, and for the people in this wonderful area of Philippines Cauayan Mission!<br /><br />So about the work, IT HAS BEEN AMAZING. A month ago, I have prayed and fasted so that the Lord would assign me here in Santiago. So this is an answered prayer. Working with Bishop Acosta is a miracle. I have such good feelings about this area and the people who live here -- I do not know what is this; I just can't explain it; I feel like I have known these people long before; love fills my heart. I feel like I am going to cry right now.<br /><br />The day after transfers, my companion and I went tracting in one of the baranggays to find new investigators, and prepare this area for companion exchanges.<br /><br />We found Sister Eva who was pumping water outside their house. We found out that their family had no electricity for months. We told her that we might not be able to provide her electricity, but we can help her find the light and the life of the world -- who is Christ. The Spirit was so strong that yesterday, she came to church, together with her children.<br /><br /><div>
Brother John Paul (RC) brought her sister and cousins to church to be taught by us missionaries. The spirit filled the room as we testified how the gospel blesses families. My heart felt like it was going to burst.<br /><br />Tatay Domeng, Tatay Rolo, and other wonderful people of Santiago. I feel like I have known them long before, and I want to give them my all.<br /><br />This is a wonderful area filled with beautiful and humble people, just like my companion. Sister Fajardo is the epitome of someone described in D & C 12:8 : " And no one can assist in this work except he shall be humble and full of love,... whatsoever shall be entrusted to his care. "<br /><br />I love my companion so much. I am learning so much from her Christlike example. She's a person I strive to be like. I see a lot of potential in her and in the sisters of these 3 zones.<br /><br />I am excited for everything that is going to happen this year. <br /></div>
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Old things are done away, and all things have become new. </div>
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I love being a missionary!</div>
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With Bishop Mallari and his wife. Bye just for now, Tuguegarao!</div>
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On our last day together. I woke up and was surprised with a breakfast prepared by Sister Mcbride. :) </div>
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Hello, Santiago.</div>
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New Year's Eve with other sister missionaries of the zone!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7548201050631648481.post-58210079569169866402015-12-28T22:51:00.000-08:002016-10-23T05:53:57.894-07:00Skypes and Goodbyes<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! </div>
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It was a great time skyping with my family on Christmas day. So I was not able to see my father because my mom told me that he was in our farm, working. She told me that my father has not been drinking alcohol as much as he had been doing before. Heavenly Father truly hears and answers prayers, in His own perfect time and way.</div>
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I know with all my heart that my decision to serve as a full-time missionary was not an accident. Seeing others receive the blessings of living the restored gospel of Jesus Christ is one of the greatest blessings I will ever receive in this life. And looking back, I am amazed how much I have also grown in faith, testimony, and in every aspect of my life because of the experiences I had in the mission. And I would not trade them with anything else.</div>
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About the work, it has been great! Tatay Oni came to church yesterday. He was the one we met through tracting. He was the investigator I immediately dropped just after our first teaching appointment. And until now, I amazed how we were miraculously led back to his house to teach him again. He is progressing. And the Indong Family accepted our invitation to be baptized. I hope and pray for the best for these people and to my amazing, diligent, and intelligent companion. They will be forever in my heart.</div>
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I am excited for my new area, new companion, and new people to love with all my heart this new year. Old things are done away, and all things have become new. I love being a missionary!<br />
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Well I am sorry. I know this lumpia that I cooked looks scary.</div>
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But my companion said it is masarap.</div>
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Zone Activity!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSuH-SsZzlyzvq_LBw7jpSQYQQQnGtXt-5ZqgFdhKoXJxetF9uL_jDQFrcwyPbko3Oq9Vb9ojUpY1I0zdCwSMyHMixesADCDp2EPPQLSh9jq4ni3RNy28G2CMXHJBQm8hyhOrX6ApZ3J8/s1600/bcf6a224-82c6-4d22-a54d-f0baeee84516.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSuH-SsZzlyzvq_LBw7jpSQYQQQnGtXt-5ZqgFdhKoXJxetF9uL_jDQFrcwyPbko3Oq9Vb9ojUpY1I0zdCwSMyHMixesADCDp2EPPQLSh9jq4ni3RNy28G2CMXHJBQm8hyhOrX6ApZ3J8/s400/bcf6a224-82c6-4d22-a54d-f0baeee84516.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Tatay Oni!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7548201050631648481.post-54407941553767168902015-12-21T23:04:00.000-08:002016-10-23T05:56:08.179-07:00Introspection<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">So </span><span class="il" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Sister</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"> </span><span class="il" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Jamaica</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"> </span><span class="il" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">wasn</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">'</span><span class="il" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">t</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"> </span><span class="il" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">able</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"> to attend sacrament meeting yesterday because she was sick. So we do not know now. We hope and pray that this wouldn'</span><span class="il" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">t</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"> hinder her from entering the waters of baptism this coming 26th. I hope and pray that everything will work out this week. His will be done.</span><br />
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I have been through some real introspection this past week. I feel that I will be transferred this coming 30th and I do not know why but I feel that I have not been making any difference in this area. I see no visible results. Have I done all that was required of me? What could have I done more? Is there something I should have done better? What more can I do?</div>
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My companion shared a beautiful and inspiring <wbr></wbr>sacrament talk yesterday. She shared Ether 12:27 as a formula for achieving our goals/resolutions this new year. I know that as I regularly check on myself and recognize my areas of vulnerability, I recognize a chance for divine influence. I hope and pray for wisdom and strength for things He requires me to do. "Help me give my all", is my prayer.</div>
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We conducted spilts at Penablanca last wednesday. Their area is really big and has plenty of beautiful and humble people, willing to learn of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. I was with <span class="il">Sister</span> Flores and it was a wonderful time to reflect on my relationship to the Lord, to my responsibility, and to the people I serve..</div>
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Nika, Beth, and Michael came to church yesterday. But the Indong Family was not <span class="il">able</span> to come to church because they are on a christmas vacation. But I am grateful that this investigator family enjoyed the ward christmas party. They told us that the night after the party, they all slept late because for the whole night, they just talked with each other about how much they enjoyed the ward party. Ooooh, if only they know how much blessings they'll enjoy if they'll accept and live the gospel. Ooohh I hope I can see them again. And I hope and pray that I'll be <span class="il">able</span>to see them dressed in white (twice), even just in pictures.</div>
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I love this area. I love these people. I love my companion. I love the Lord. I love His work. And I love being a missionary!<br />
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My companion's idea of giving little tootsie rolls to everyone. :)</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7548201050631648481.post-58005748118270385912015-12-14T22:55:00.000-08:002016-10-23T05:57:24.882-07:00Some slooow moootion and some hastening<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
This week was a miracle. My companion and I thought we wouldn't be able to have 70 lessons this week because of Christmas devotionals. But God has always been good, we were so surprised we still had 71 lessons and 105 contacts!</div>
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Yesterday in our ward council meeting, our bishop asked how were we able to teach so many lessons in a week, and in all honesty we said "We do not know".. My companion and I really don't know what's happening in this area. Blessings just fall into our hands and we acknowledge that it's Him who is leading this mission, area, and our companionship. And I am beyond grateful for having such a wonderful area with a wonderful companion. She is amazing!!</div>
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I had the opportunity to go on exchanges with Sister Garcia this week. We taught 14 lessons and contacted 16 times. Sister Garcia is bold and fearless (and so loving) just like her trainer Sister Manosig. There are a lot of miracles happening in their area. I am certain that their ward could see their hastening example that's why they get so many referrals from them. Their companionship is exemplary!</div>
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Yesterday has been great. Marianika, Joy, and Ivy came to church. But I think my favorite part is when Heavenly Father answered our prayers that Jamaica would come to church. Jamaica has been an investigator since March 2015. Her baptismal dates have been moved more or less 10 times because of her inconsistent sacrament attendance and the like. She would just come to church if her RC/LA cousin would come. And yesterday was the "last sunday" for her to come to church so she can be baptized before the year ends. Could I just tell you how much I had been so nervous yesterday because the opening hymn at the sacrament meeting had begun and she had not yet come. But when I opened my eyes after the opening prayer, I saw her enter the sacrament hall with her nonmember grandmother.. Aaaaah!!!! It felt like everything around me stopped moving while she was walking at the sacrament hall. Everything just went in sloooooooowwwww motion..</div>
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Sister Jamaica is amazing! Even though her cousin didn't come to church, she came! She is such an inspiration! And... the Indong Family is getting strong as well. I do not know when will they be baptized, but I have the strongest feelings that I can see them sealed in the temple someday.</div>
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Miracles are happening but I know that the more we rely on Him, we could do a lot more.</div>
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We love you and sustain you! Happy Birthday!</div>
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I love being a missionary!</div>
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Christmas devo with my batchmates!</div>
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Merry Christmas!!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7548201050631648481.post-87128216513316058712015-12-07T22:56:00.000-08:002016-10-24T07:13:04.138-07:00I love Sister Earl<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Almost a year ago, I thought 70 contacts per week is impossible. But guess what happened this week . . . the God of Israel who leads this mission helped me and my companion teach 74 lessons! Yes, 74 lessons and 104 contacts!</span><br />
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Aah. What a privilege it is to be assigned in such a wonderful area with very loving and supportive ward members! Tuguegarao members are like the the members in Alinguigan who calls and volunteers themselves to work with us! Aaah. I love this area with all my heart!</div>
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Exchanges with Sister Earl this week was amazing. We taught 10 lessons and had 12 effective contacts in one day. I am just amazed how God truly answers our prayers if we will just ask, seek, and knock. Our first lesson that day was so memorable. Sister Earl and I taught the Articulo family about the restoration . . . and the Spirit was so strong that Sister Earl and I hugged each other really really tight while walking to our next appontment. Sister Earl is such an amazing missionary with a lot of potentials. She's really smart. In fact, she had received many compliments from our investigators about her tagalog communication skills. I promise. I love Sister Earl so much, and I could see how many miracles she can do in this mission ... </div>
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Book of Mormon is amazing! I had never had so many investigators read, ponder, and pray the book of mormon as much as I do now. Questions really are healthy! I am amazed how the same chapters of book of mormon could answer our investigators and LAs' questions like: "How can I live longer to serve God?", "How can I help my family be back to church?", "How can I receive further enlightenment?" ...</div>
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and I am still enjoying feasting the book of mormon with the question: "How can I become a consecrated missionary?"</div>
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I am just grateful for the privilege to see His hands working in these people lives.</div>
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It is true. Heavenly Father hears and answers prayers.</div>
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I love being a missionary!<br />
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That is Sister Earl praying over there. And yes, I have been wearing contact lenses on some days for the past few months. :)</div>
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But on some days, I wear my eyeglasses too! Haha.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7548201050631648481.post-2254388438367403442015-11-30T22:59:00.000-08:002016-10-23T06:03:19.982-07:00Gratitude<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">This week we had the opportunity to conduct companion exchanges with the Enrile B sisters and it has been sooo great! I was with Sister Golong all throughout the day, and that was the best exchanges I ever had in my whole mission life! It was a day filled with miracles! We had 11 effective contacts; we taught 11 powerful lessons (3 of which were lessons to amazing new investigators we just found that day).. Ah! Time is not sufficient for me to tell you how miraculous we met and taught Ping Gumiran. But I think it is sufficient for me to say that finding him gave me a deeper testimony how important it is to plan by the Spirit. Everything starts at "planning by the Spirt"</span><br />
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Before our exchanges, I had heard many good things about Sister Golong. They said, she seemed responsible, she's a good leader, and teaches very welll. I found out for myself that day that THEY ARE ALL RIGHT. She's a talented missionary who teaches boldly yet lovingly. She's amaazzing.</div>
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I think aside from the exchanges, my favorite is also was what we have discussed in MLC: The Doctrine of Gratitude. Could I just tell you how much I had been thinking about that doctrine and the ten lepers the day before our MLC (so I was so surprised that's what we talked about).</div>
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When Jesus told the 10 lepers to go and visit the priest, ALL of them did. All of them obeyed. But only one of them returned and expressed gratitude to the Savior. </div>
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I just thought about how a missionary can be obedient, but not expressing gratitude properly to Whom it is due. So I made a "new vision" for myself to be "a consecrated missionary who obtains power through obedience, fervent prayer, hardwork, and gratitude."</div>
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Saying prayers during thanksgiving day had been difficult for me because it was that day when we found out that our progressing investigator was taken by the DSWD because she was raped by her father. I couldn't sleep and think very well these past few days because of that.</div>
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But no matter how hard and painful things happened this week, I am grateful for the knowledge that the atonement can cover all.</div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">I am grateful I am a missionary.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"><i>We woke up very early this morning. It was still dark and we were "hastening" to go to the oval to jog with other sister missionaries. Because of that, I brought the wrong pairs of proselyting shoes. It was so funnnny. I am wearing Nanay Barreo's sandals right now. She let me borrow hers.</i></span></div>
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<i>The next two pictures was taken yesterday at church. Marilou Indong and her daughter Annamarie. Indong Family is one of my favorite investigators in Tuguegarao. I just hope and pray that they will be sealed in the temple, a year from now (or whenever the Lord sees fit it would be).</i></div>
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And I also know that someday, our family will be sealed in the temple as well. I do not know when. But I know it will. I love you!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7548201050631648481.post-65314886442151688042015-11-23T23:09:00.000-08:002016-10-23T06:14:10.412-07:00Dear Mamang<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
<span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">I just read your email. Why are you sad? =) Be of good cheer, I am in good hands. Actually, everything gets better here. I will not be transferred till Dec 30.. I will be spending Christmas with the all the beautiful and generous people of Tuguegarao..</span></div>
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This week has been great (as you can see with my photos)</div>
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1. I received a package again from my Nanay Crystal all the way from Utah. 90% of my package and pouches are from her. She gave me a mug (with our pictures printed on it) plus some chocolate mix... and sobrang masarap! :) I am just grateful Heavenly Father gave me wonderful Nanay Crystal. She trained me very well. She is well-known in the mission field as the "diligent missionary"..</div>
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At the same time, I am grateful I got you as my mamang. YOU ARE THE BEST AND NO ONE CAN EVER REPLACE YOU.<br />
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2. Speaking of Nanay... during one of these days, my companion and I together with Sister Ragasa and Stokes went to Mallari's house to have merienda because we celebrated the 48th birthday of Nanay Cathy Mallari. She's my favorite nanay here because she feeds us everytime and in just one text she comes to work with us... =) My companion and sister stokes shared Alma 37:35 to her as a birthday message. It's Alma's counsel to his son Helaman to "learn wisdom in youth"... It was a good message. I pondered about it and I realized that we are all YOUTH. Because in eternal perspective, all of us are in the MIDDLE of the eternity. =) We are all in between of the premortal life and eternal life.. And it's never too late for each one of us to learn, because ALL OF US are still in the process of learning to become like Him. =)</div>
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3. The group pictures attached were just taken this morning. My companion and I spent our PDAY with the North Zone. We jogged for 30 minutes and mingled with the North Sisters. =) It was soooo fun.. (I haven't taken a bath though.. Malayo kasi apartment namin... It would take us 30-40 minutes ride for us to get there. So we will just take a bath mamayang gabi nalang)..<br />
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4. The sister missionary in the photo at the top wearing pink shirt is Sister Ragasa. I had the opportunity to be with her the 2nd time on exchanges. =) She is a good friend of mine. She is also a CPA, and I hope and I pray that we will be working in the same company after our mission life. (She going home on Dec 30) Pero sa ngayon we still have both our feet planted in the mission field. =)</div>
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5. I have also a picture of my companion holding our area book. She is sooooooo hardworking. We teach at least 50 lessons each week and find 20 new investigators each week. Our companionship is getting better and bettter and better each and everyday. She is the besssssssst! At first, both of were just shy with each other but now we talk with each other openly and more frequently. In fact these past few days she has been cracking jokes.</div>
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Do you remember President Anggoy? One of the counselors in Davao Mission Presidency before who was at the same time the Gen San Institute Director.. So President Angoy gave a talk last Sunday in our sacrament meeting. My companion really liked it so in our companionship study the next day, she shared what she liked in the talk. But then she couldn't remember what is President Anggoy's name.. So she said,, "President Unggoy".</div>
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Hahahahahahahahahahahahahaha. Okay tama na..<br />
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You mentioned about umbrella. So, I have not been using umbrella since my Nanay Crystal went home. =) I do not know why I like the sun now. We walk 12nn to 9pm in Tuguegarao and the heat is tolerable. Remember the Nivea Sunblock we bought before I was set apart? Hindi pa ubos. =) </div>
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I have been reading the book of mormon (from the start) again.. I think this is the 8th time I read from the start while in the mission field. And with those 8 times, I never was able to finish reading..... I usually call the people who never finish reading the BOM as members of "1 Nephi Club". So I think it reasonable to say that I am their Club President. Heehehehe..</div>
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I just started 2 days ago, and I am now in 2 Nephi 4. In less than 15 days, I'll be able to finish it, we'll seee.</div>
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So 2015 is going to end in few weeks.. What are your goals for 2016? I hope that includes reading the Book of Mormon everyday, and going through the temple (with me)</div>
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I love you all.</div>
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And I love being a missionary!</div>
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Please be always happy!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7548201050631648481.post-67678674925804832162015-11-23T23:07:00.000-08:002017-11-21T03:13:14.605-08:0016 newsI am just grateful the Lord assigned me in this wonderful area filled with wonderful people with a diligent companion. The work has been great this week (and it will get better and better as the week will pass by). Finding at least 16 new investigators each week (and of course following up on them) is one of my companion and I's favorite things to do! It's one of the secrets of a "never punted missionary". Because when you get punted at one, you have at least 15 back-ups. Even if we are punted 10 times, we still have at least 5 back-ups!<br />
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Aside from finding and teaching people, talking openly and more frequently is also now one of my favorite things to with my companion. Aaaaah... I love my companion sooo muuuccch. She is the best!! I am grateful for the opportunity to be with her for 2 cycles, she's a best friend.<br />
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I hope and I pray that in this last cycle of the year, I will be able to give Him ALLLL that I've got for all the people here in Tuguegarao. <br />
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Will you help me pray for that?! Please thank you!<br />
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I love being a missionary!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0