The
gospel is of course the same all over the world, but missionary work itself is
so different depending on where you are and...I've got to say I feel so lucky
to be assigned here in the Philippines because the missionaries really are
special members of the ward family. I don't know if I can remember one name of
a missionary in our wards in washington or utah but here I have got sisters,
brothers, aunts, parents, even a twin! Christmas is already here and they know
that can be a homesick time for missionaries so that's what they told me- Don't
cry you'e got family here :)
Highlights:
- The cute
Aguilar couple really felt like my parents this week because we had a 1/2 day
mission with the ward! We went on splits and they were my companions. They did
AWESOME in the lessons just testifying and actually Brother Ceasar took charge
of one lesson, went straight into the Apostasy and why this is the only true
church. I was worried the man we were teaching would get confused or offended
on the first lesson but afterwards he just said "Everything you're saying
is true, I really understand that. I always need to listen to you guys so I can
gain more knowledge about God." And then he accepted a baptismal invite.
So there, power of members.
 |
| This is Sister Estelle and Brother Ceasar Aguilar! (My "parents" for that day) |
Missionaries can Laugh too:
- Sister Aurelio
slapped me in the forehead (to kill a lamok (mosquito)) while I was reading a
scripture in a lesson and i had to try SO hard not to laugh and keep the
spirit.
- Cute Nanay Romero
(nanay means mom but it's what you call all older ladies) got up to bear her
testimony and waved to the crowed before walking up with that big smile of
hers, then proceeded to give her thanks for all that attended her lunch party
last week and specifically named all those that didn't attend, but kindly gave public
forgiveness to them as well. It. was. SO. funny. Even the bishop and his
counselors were trying not to laugh on the stand. But hey our investigators
still felt the spirit during the meeting because actually she bore a beautiful
testimony. She is seriously the best :)
 |
| Guess who is now in my zone!!! Welcome my beloved MTC companion Sister Bleak :) |
You Know You're in the Philippines When..
They will say "I
promise" about five times while telling one story to add emphasis even
though you haven't said you don't believe them hahaha
Tagalog / English
"Masarap" =
delicious but you don't only use it for food. You can say "masarap
matulog" or "masarp ang hangin" (sleeping is delicious, the wind
is delicious)
Spiritual Thought:
I would just like to
emphasize the power of patience and love. I thought I was a patient person
before but I am learning true patience here on the mission. I read a talk in
the Liahona about making the perfect grilled cheese and how you need medium
heat. If you turn it up to make it cook faster you will get burnt bread and
half melted cheese. But even on medium heat you can't just abandon the
sandwich, you have to watch it and turn it over. I have learned I can't solve
an investigator's problem in one lesson, I can't change behavior in our zone in
one transfer, I can't overcome my weaknesses in just one day...and I'll be
honest it can be frustrating because I feel like I am on a ticking clock. I
don't want to waste even one day of the Lord's time, but I am constantly
inadequate of the responsibilities I need to fulfill. But just like Nephi
states in 2 Nephi 4:19 "And when I desire to rejoice, my heart groaneth
because of mine [weaknesses]...nevertheless, I know in whom I have
trusted." Missionaries need to apply patience to every teaching
appointment, every ward, every companion, and especially themselves. But we
don't just sit and wait, we are actively striving to improve and showing
charity and love to others. The Lord has opened my eyes, broadened my
perspective, made clear my struggles, but ALWAYS lifts me up and strengthens me
to somehow accomplish what he needs me to do. Being an instrument in his hands
is the most incredible feeling. I wouldn't trade that for anything!
love you all :)
Sister Walters
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