Last but not the Least

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

Can you feel the fire burning?

I love being a missionary!

That's How I'll Be

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

That's a song by the way. Ooooh I love being a missionary!!

Free ride!!! :)

9:30!!! 70 contacts!!! 9:30!!! 70 contacts!!!

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.)

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!"

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!!!

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.

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. 

Ooooooh I just love being a missionary!

My companion is a civil engineer :)

After praying . . .

The God of Israel leads . . .

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

I love being a missionary!

She reminds me of Elaine. Very cute and bubbly. 

Complete!

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!

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.

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.

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!

1st Sunday in Roxas :)

This is Nanay Acosta. She is already 98 years old, never had the chance to marry, and has been blind for a few years. 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

More

I can't believe how much time has gone past. In my first cycle as a missionary, one of my housemates, Sister Davis, randomly told me "I hope I could see you how you end your mission."

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.

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, Sister Ethington became my companion. Third, Nanay and Tatay Quintos got baptized.

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.

I love being a missionary!

I am going to miss praying with Tatay Rola.

The very first time I baked a cake! (Does it look like a cake?)

This will be for my anak, Sister Maroket :)

      

Quintos Couple :)

Quintos' confirmation Sunday :)

Try Again

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.

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.

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.

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."

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? 

Because He wanted me to learn something, and I couldn't get it ... only until after 9 months.

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." ... 

"But yes, thank you for giving me your Son.. I can start over and try again."

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.

I love being a missionary!

Exchanges with the sweetest Sister Wiri!

Eye Single

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.

I had exchanges with Sister Arganosa this week (this is our 3rd time on exchanges!! Haha) Skills-wise, she is amazing!! 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.

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.

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 like it. 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.

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.

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.

I was not teaching people. Not even teaching a lesson. I was just there, "talking to myself" in front of many people.

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?"

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.

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.

Never again.

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.”

Quintos gave us merienda :)

This is what we looked like when we sang in the stake conference.

Fears

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.

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."

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.

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.

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.

I am learning so much from my mission. I love being a missionary!

Sister Stef was baptized by her bestfriend. They looked good together in white.

My companion and I hope to see them "together in white, again". Maybe in the temple?

Of course after finishing their own missions. :)

Eye of Faith

A lot of miracles happened this week. So I'll start counting miracles, and name them one by one.

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!

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.

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!

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!

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!

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.”

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!

I am excited for all the miracles that lie ahead! I love being a missionary!

One of our housemates, Sister Victoria, had her birthday cake baked by her trainer! Super sweet!

Worries and Whatnot

This 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.”

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

I love being a missionary!

We had 11 investigators coming to church. :) Such a wonderful gift for my birthday! Hehe

On my 20 something birthday, Bishop Acosta prepared dinner to celebrate! So so happy!

On our way back to Santiago from Cauayan after Sister Ethington's New Leaders Training.

President Rahlf and I taught together in the Companion Exchange Part since... well, I need some help.

Before the meeting began, President Rahlf led a Happy Birthday Song for me. One of the best days of my life!

Zone conference with some new missionaries :)

Charity

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!

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

I know this work is true, and I am grateful to be a little part of it.

I love being a missionary!

I love Rola Family :)

Kenzie and friends :)

Tatay Rola

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? 

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.

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 that "peace and serenity" comes from learning how to balance demands, instead of escaping it. He wants me to learn that demands of life will always be there, and it has no endings, because I am made of the stuff of eternity.

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. 

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. In this 2 cycles left, and I will give my all.

I love being a missionary!

Sister Mcbride's gift for my birthday :) She is the sweetest!

Exchanges with the sisters of Echague!

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.

Stars and Creations

This 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.

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.

The same with Sister Balaoing, a very diligent trainer. She's so hyper in talking to everyone. Haha.

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.

I know Heavenly Father loves me.

I love being His missionary!

After our community service :)

Zone activity awhile ago. 

Love

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."

So I do not know if that's funny, but that made my whole week.

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,

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.

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.

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.

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.

I cannot stop thinking of the woman who annointed Jesus' feet in the 7th chapter of Luke, where Jesus told of a parable 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”. The comparison of their sins isn't the point to Him. It is, how MUCH do we LOVE Him.

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.

I love Him and this work. I love being a missionary!

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.

@ Diffun.

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!