Fishing in the Philippines (Matthew 4:19): June 2016

Wednesday, June 22, 2016

He's Home! (June 22, 2016)

My heart is very tender right now, not knowing whether to be excited for Elder Syphus' return or to cry as I reflect on what he is going through. All I know is that I am SO VERY PROUD of him and his obedient, hard working, missionary service. He has loved the Philippine people, their land and their culture. It took him awhile to get used to it all, but now he doesn't want to leave it all behind. Hopefully someday soon he can return. Last night Kendyl wanted to watch "The Other Side of Heaven". I definitely didn't do my already fragile emotional state any better. At the end of the movie as Elder Groberg is saying good-bye to the Tongan Saints and to the island that he had served on for 2 1/2 years, my thoughts turned to Joel, going through the same thing and I cried. So, after leaving the Philippines at 6pm last night, he is almost ready to arrive in Portland, Oregon and then on to Salt Lake City. He will be at the St. George airport at 5:52pm and I'm a bundle of nerves. It will be a wonderful weekend though as we will finally have all of our family with us after 3 1/2 years.

Feeling so blessed!

Sunday, June 12, 2016

Week 100 (Camiling, Philippines June 12, 2016 )

Don't take any of those in the literal sense :P

We just kind of had a bumpy week, hence the title :) It wasn't all bad, but just super stressful. The most stressful factor of this part of my mission isn't really with responsibilities or with the actual missionary work, but with my companion :/ He's too ingrained in the whole idea of "perks of being a zone leader" which means he doesn't think ANY of the rules apply to him. I don't want to go to deep with it, but that's what I'm working with right now. We're still buddies, but it's just a big struggle having that integrity to push for obedience, and the skill to do it without shattering your companionship.

We did have two successful baptisms however, and THEY are super solid in the gospel. If you remember, Marselle and Giselle Bautista were baptized a few weeks ago. Well, Marlon (the dad) was baptized yesterday :D We also baptized Jessica Simon, the cousin of a super member missionary, Renell. The Bautista family is solid, but we still worry about Jessica. She's got great support right now, but her cousin is planning on interning overseas in America, and she doesn't know if she'll go to church when he's gone. (she's 10)

The people here are awesome. I was kind of bummed that I got transferred and would only be given 6 weeks in a new area, but it's truly been some of the best 6 weeks of my mission, despite those "hiccups, hurdles, and hemorrhoids." I've made a lot of great friends and I'm really sad to have to leave them all, but know that it won't be forever (looks kinda flirtatious.... not supposed to be).

I'm sorry if this letter is kinda of panzee, but I can't really keep my thoughts straight or anything cause I'm uber freakin out right now. Kratelet's email was bomb diggity though, so make sure you tell her that I love her like a million red M&Ms.

Love you SO Much Mom!! See you in 10!!

ELDER Syphus

Monday, June 6, 2016

Week 99 (Camiling, Philippines June 6, 2016)

Dag'gum!! That's crazy to hear about Kendyl. I hope she'll be alright. She shoulda just gone ape on that rope and swung the crap out of it. That's what I would've done. Ya, prolly :D

I was a little surprised as well to hear about Family Camp, but it's fine. It'll be fun to just hang around with the family a bit wherever we are. I'm glad we still get most everybody home (I didn't really understand the whole work and school and other stuff thing. I think it means that some people are or might be or not there. I think)

So, sort of really rushed right now. Lot sof stuff to prepare for and get done with TOO LITTLE TIME!! Gaahh!! I can't believe next week's email will be my last :( Anyway, we had a really rough week in terms of work, but an awesome two day MLC meeting at the Mission Home with President Clark with a bunch of other missionaries. First time I've been back since my first day in the mission. PLus free breakfast lunch and dinner :P Anyway, we went over a bunch of stuff about improving the flow of the mission and the work and continuing to prepare people for the gospel at a steady rate, not random, unpredictable blotches or spurts. And a new dress code. Sisters get to wear slacks now. (look it up on lds.org) Any, that was all on Monday and Tuesday, and then we shared all the stuff we learned with the missionaries in the zone on Wednesday. It was fun :) We had two of our investigators interviewed for baptism, and they will both be baptized on the 11 of June. Marlon Bautista and Jessica Simon. Marlon is 38 and is the coolest. His wife and son were baptized a few weeks ago, and now he's finishing the family. Jessica is only 9, and her cousin is a member. She isn't super converted yet, but what 9 year old is? She likes church, and has good support, so I think she'll turn out pretty well din.

Yesterday we had more meetings with President Clark and the District Presidencies. I'm not really sure how that went :/ I sort of feel like my companion is in the mindset of "Well, he'll only be here for a few weeks, and then I'll have to train someone else all over again, so why bother?" It's rough, but we do have a better relationship now, just not really as missionary companions. Not much time to change it either :/

Anyhoo, all is good though, and today was a huge stress reliever. We had a bomb zone activity going on a hike and then having lunch on the river. Pics at the end.

Love you Mom!! I'll write again in a week, and I'll see you in two!!!

Elder Syphus