Hi Mom :)
The week has been good, even if the work continues to be a bit of a struggle. We're still making a lot of progress with our Investigators though, and we may even have a few interviews this week! Anthony Valdez and Roger Arcilla are both doing a great job keeping commitments and everything, and so we'll have a mock-interview to review principles and commandments and see if we can get them okay-ed for baptism either on the 10th or the 17th. Maybe the 17th because of Conference on the 10th and 11th. So ya, super excited :D For both General Conference and for Roger and Anthony. I REALLY hope I'm still here for their baptisms, and I've got a feeling I still will be, but if the Lord has any different plans for me, I guess it'll just have to be "Come what may, and love it" :P
So, here's a day-by-day rundown:
Monday: We had a really fun Zone Activity and just played a few simple games like signs or Missionary Tag, and then Elder Chand and I headed off with the Zone Leaders to do some work at their house and then just did the typical P-Day stuff with them. We went to Greenwich, which is the really good Pizza Place, and then got to do some shopping in SM! SM is THE mall here in the Philippines, and it's awesome. This one was only a MegaCenter, so it wasn't full-blown SM status, but an official one is opening on October 9, so that'll be fun :P I spent most of my time inside looking at watches and not buying anything, but it was def a good time :P After we got home, we went and taught Kathleen Cababat, a Part Member in the area. We don't focus with her because she doesn't really progress, but she's really nice and welcoming, so we stop by every now and then to share a message and hopefully get her to become more committed.
Tuesday: We had exchanges with the Zone Leaders, and I was with Elder Johnson, which was awesome. He's really good at Tagalog, and so I was able to get a few pointers from him, and he gave me some advice about helping the Elders in our District, which did a LOT. It was a lot of fun, and we ended the Night with a Ward FHE which is basically a couple really crazy games and then the Relief Society dances to a sketchy song that they don't understand :P It's actually sort of funny, but really uncomfortable at the same time. Oh, Philippines :)
Wednesday: We got the news about Elder Richard G Scott :( It's crazy to see how many of them are going, and in such a short amount of time, but it's a huge blessing knowing that their work here on Earth is done, and that our Father in Heaven is preparing to bless us with 3 more inspired men that he has called or will call as Prophets and Apostles. It's making General Conference a lot more exciting :P
Thursday: We had a Stake Open House which just means that the Stake Center is open for 6 hours for people to come in and learn about the Church Groups and Organizations. We invited Anthony to come and he of course said yes, so we accompanied him and went through for about an hour and a half. The Priesthood and Auxiliaries weren't all that well set up or maintained, but the PEF, Job Help, and Family Search Presentations were awesome. The 1st Counselor in the Talavera Bishopric talked about Family History, and the Spirit was so strong, just testifying about the importance of the work and blessings it will bring to both us and those we do the work for. Anthony is really excited to try it out and has already throwing done names and dates on paper while he waits for access to a computer. Cool stuff :)
Saturday: We were able to get a lesson in with all of our Super Investigators in a single day, so that was awesome :) Roger, Anthony, and Frank Valdez's family, and they're all responding incredibly well to the Gospel, which isn't surprising in the least. It's a HUGE blessing to be able to work with all of them, especially at once, and really helps with the struggles we're facing in other areas of the work. Things are really looking up for these people, and we're doing all we can to help them gain that lasting conversion and be committed to the Restored Gospel. They all attended Church on Sunday as well, and so we're looking at getting interviews set and scheduled to move them on towards baptism :)
So, that's the week, and the rest of my time, so I'll write some more again next time :) LOVE YOU!!!!
Elder Syphus
Monday, September 28, 2015
Monday, September 21, 2015
Week 62 (Sept. 21, 2015 Talavera, Philippines)
So I decided to throw the Pictures down first just to make sure they get there :P
Dear Mom,
I love you :)
Love, Elder Syphus
PS. We had a pretty good week this week. I actually wrote about it in my journal. But I didn't bring my journal :P I'll tell you what my planner says though-
Monday- Elder Silva's Birthday. He's from Sri Langka and was baptized about 2 or 3 years ago. He's 24 now (we had to give him a hard time about being the old man in the mission. All in good fun :) ), and so Elder Chand and I decided to get him something, so we stopped by a bakery and bought him a birthday cake. Lucky for me/him, I just so happened to have a box with exactly 24 birthday candles (thanks Mom!!), so we made it extra special for him :) He seemed to enjoy it, and the cake was good, so we all had a good time :)
Tuesday- We had exchanges with Talavera B. Elder Valdez and I were in our Area with Elders Silva and Chand in theirs. Elder Valdez is an awesome missionary and it was really cool to work with him. When it comes to contacting people I can get a little stressed, especially when they're in big groups. I attract enough attention as it is, and when passerby see me talking to a fellow countryman of theirs, they feel it their obligation to come in and interrupt us. However, Elder Valdez was excellent at just going for everyone, even if it was a group of like 10 grown men cock fighting. He showed me that I didn't need to worry about the people, and just remember exactly why it is that we talk to them. Good guy Elder Valdez :)
Wednesday- We started teaching the Manuel Family again because their son who is an active member in the Ward is now living in their home again, so we have some very needed member help :) Sister Manuel was baptized just as I came into the area, but she's in Saudi Arabia right now for overseas work :/ Right now we're teaching her husband and 2 sons who haven't yet been baptized. They're really receptive and do a good job at reading the things we give them, but haven't attended church yet because of Brother Manuel's Job. The thing is that hes his own boss though, so it's truly just based on whether or not he wants to. We're focusing right now and helping him understand the importance of church attendance.
Thursday- We got 2 new investigators, Kevin and Jonna. Good people so far :)
Friday- I got to deal with a missionary not wanting to take up till 1 PM. Silly disobedience, always causing problems :) (It's alright now, though. We got him some good help.)
Saturday- We taught our 2 super investigator families, which was wonderful. The Frank Valdez Family, the Anthony Valdez Family, and Roger Arcilla. All looking towards baptism in early October :D I hope I don't get transferred!!
Sunday - Bishopric got reorganized. That was exciting. The old Bishop is now on the Stake High Counsel. Cool stuff.
Sorry that Thursday through Friday were so short, but O've run a bit short on time again :P Love you though!! Next week!!
PPS. Do you want a clay carved scripture case? It's almost like a combination of Book binding and pot making classes. Really cool.
PPS HAPPY BIRTHDAY KYLIE!!! I LOVE YOU!!!!
Want a pair Erik? They've got Really nice tread and they have kinds with ankle straps so they're basically open everything shoes. Really good quality and really popular in the Pinas.
We had a Zone Activity. Here we are :)
Before the Zone Leaders showed up.
What a little cutie :P
Old watch
New Watch
Queen Caterpillar
Demon Caterpillar
A Zone shirt design I presented. This is it on paper, thanks to an Elder in our Zone.
I bought some awesome face towels, but the Persa Gel bleached them :( This is what they looked like before they got ruined.
Dear Mom,
I love you :)
Love, Elder Syphus
PS. We had a pretty good week this week. I actually wrote about it in my journal. But I didn't bring my journal :P I'll tell you what my planner says though-
Monday- Elder Silva's Birthday. He's from Sri Langka and was baptized about 2 or 3 years ago. He's 24 now (we had to give him a hard time about being the old man in the mission. All in good fun :) ), and so Elder Chand and I decided to get him something, so we stopped by a bakery and bought him a birthday cake. Lucky for me/him, I just so happened to have a box with exactly 24 birthday candles (thanks Mom!!), so we made it extra special for him :) He seemed to enjoy it, and the cake was good, so we all had a good time :)
Tuesday- We had exchanges with Talavera B. Elder Valdez and I were in our Area with Elders Silva and Chand in theirs. Elder Valdez is an awesome missionary and it was really cool to work with him. When it comes to contacting people I can get a little stressed, especially when they're in big groups. I attract enough attention as it is, and when passerby see me talking to a fellow countryman of theirs, they feel it their obligation to come in and interrupt us. However, Elder Valdez was excellent at just going for everyone, even if it was a group of like 10 grown men cock fighting. He showed me that I didn't need to worry about the people, and just remember exactly why it is that we talk to them. Good guy Elder Valdez :)
Wednesday- We started teaching the Manuel Family again because their son who is an active member in the Ward is now living in their home again, so we have some very needed member help :) Sister Manuel was baptized just as I came into the area, but she's in Saudi Arabia right now for overseas work :/ Right now we're teaching her husband and 2 sons who haven't yet been baptized. They're really receptive and do a good job at reading the things we give them, but haven't attended church yet because of Brother Manuel's Job. The thing is that hes his own boss though, so it's truly just based on whether or not he wants to. We're focusing right now and helping him understand the importance of church attendance.
Thursday- We got 2 new investigators, Kevin and Jonna. Good people so far :)
Friday- I got to deal with a missionary not wanting to take up till 1 PM. Silly disobedience, always causing problems :) (It's alright now, though. We got him some good help.)
Saturday- We taught our 2 super investigator families, which was wonderful. The Frank Valdez Family, the Anthony Valdez Family, and Roger Arcilla. All looking towards baptism in early October :D I hope I don't get transferred!!
Sunday - Bishopric got reorganized. That was exciting. The old Bishop is now on the Stake High Counsel. Cool stuff.
Sorry that Thursday through Friday were so short, but O've run a bit short on time again :P Love you though!! Next week!!
PPS. Do you want a clay carved scripture case? It's almost like a combination of Book binding and pot making classes. Really cool.
PPS HAPPY BIRTHDAY KYLIE!!! I LOVE YOU!!!!
Don't know If I already sent you these pictures, but I bought $18 shirt the other day for $1.50. It's a Fish Tank. Get it?
My new super Sandals.
My new super Sandals.
Want a pair Erik? They've got Really nice tread and they have kinds with ankle straps so they're basically open everything shoes. Really good quality and really popular in the Pinas.
We had a Zone Activity. Here we are :)
Before the Zone Leaders showed up.
What a little cutie :P
Old watch
New Watch
Queen Caterpillar
Demon Caterpillar
A Zone shirt design I presented. This is it on paper, thanks to an Elder in our Zone.
I bought some awesome face towels, but the Persa Gel bleached them :( This is what they looked like before they got ruined.
Sunday, September 13, 2015
Week 61 (Sept. 13, 2015 Talavera, Philippines)
Dear Mom and Dad
The Sabbath Day really is such a misunderstand and important principle, so I can definitely see why it would be such a focal point for discussion. It's been huge as well in Mission and Stake Conferences as well, so you know the Lord wants us to understand, haha.
The basement sounds awesome!! I don't know if I want pictures, or just to be surprised when I see it when I come home. That's crazy though, how much is happening!! Sounds like Kratelet and Clel will enjoy a bit of permanent residence for a while :P
Monday: We ate at this really nice Pizza Place called Shakey's for my companions 1 year mark. Highly recommended, though I don't know if it's in America. Sort of like Pizza Hut though :) I also bought a new watch from Seiko, because my old one broke. Loving the watch too :D
Tuesday: Elder Johnson the Zone Leader did exchanges with one of our housemates so it was fun talking to him and getting some advice from him about teaching and finding and things. Alway helpful
Wednesday: We taught a really cool investigator for the first time in two weeks after his long recovery from the Flu. Still a little weak, but he's glad to be back in Action. His name is Roger Arcilla
Thursday: Celebrated the actual year mark of Elder Chand by eating at Jollibee for lunch and him catching a giant frog for dinner. After the hour trudge home in the rain with the thing constantly trying to escape, our house mate told us it was poisonous, so we disappointedly dropped it off in the field behind our house :P
Stake Conference was yesterday and we had a few excellent talks on the Sabbath and Tithing from the Stake Presidency, Mission President Clark, and an Area Seventy. Awesome stuff :)
Love you so much!!
Elder Syphus
The Sabbath Day really is such a misunderstand and important principle, so I can definitely see why it would be such a focal point for discussion. It's been huge as well in Mission and Stake Conferences as well, so you know the Lord wants us to understand, haha.
The basement sounds awesome!! I don't know if I want pictures, or just to be surprised when I see it when I come home. That's crazy though, how much is happening!! Sounds like Kratelet and Clel will enjoy a bit of permanent residence for a while :P
Monday: We ate at this really nice Pizza Place called Shakey's for my companions 1 year mark. Highly recommended, though I don't know if it's in America. Sort of like Pizza Hut though :) I also bought a new watch from Seiko, because my old one broke. Loving the watch too :D
Tuesday: Elder Johnson the Zone Leader did exchanges with one of our housemates so it was fun talking to him and getting some advice from him about teaching and finding and things. Alway helpful
Wednesday: We taught a really cool investigator for the first time in two weeks after his long recovery from the Flu. Still a little weak, but he's glad to be back in Action. His name is Roger Arcilla
Thursday: Celebrated the actual year mark of Elder Chand by eating at Jollibee for lunch and him catching a giant frog for dinner. After the hour trudge home in the rain with the thing constantly trying to escape, our house mate told us it was poisonous, so we disappointedly dropped it off in the field behind our house :P
Stake Conference was yesterday and we had a few excellent talks on the Sabbath and Tithing from the Stake Presidency, Mission President Clark, and an Area Seventy. Awesome stuff :)
Love you so much!!
Elder Syphus
Sunday, September 6, 2015
Week 60 (Sept. 6, 2015 Talavera, Philippines)
Dear Mom,
The Elders from India serve for a year in India, then they are sent to a mission here in the Philippines, but it's not always the same one. This even happens to any Foreign Mission Presidents. However, what happens is that they'll wait for a while, typically no longer than 6 months, and then a new visa will arrive, and they'll return to their new mission without delay. Which means if it happens in the middle of a transfer, I'll be companionless for a while . Ya. Pretty scary stuff :P As to learning Hindi- I'm not sure how far I'll be able to get their, but I'm going to focus more on it from now on. I have an actual speaker of the language, so why not? Lately I've been jumping between learning Ilokano, Japanese, or Hindi, but I think I'll go for Hindi first, and then for Japanese when I get home. Ilokano will probably be the easiest just because it's a Tagalog dialect, plus has a romanized writing system. Cool beans :)
This week has been really fulfilling in terms of Progressing Investigator FAMILIES :D It's two different Valdez families, and they are SO awesome! Frank Valdez and his wife with their 2/4 children are a member referral from Frank's older sister, and they all attended church yesterday!! I say 2/4 kids because they each had a kid before they got together, and they've had two kids since then. Their names are Frank, Isay, and then Isay's daughter, Raven, Frank's son, Justin, and then the couples two daughters, Francine and Casey. They aren't married yet :/ so that's definitely a concern, but the bishop should be able to help us clear it up in no time :) They really are an awesome family, and have plenty of family support because of siblings that are members, so we've decided to set them on goal for October 3. So exciting! :D
The other family is the Anthony Valdez Family. Anthony is actually the oldest kid in the family, but he's our main connection. We are teaching him, as well as his mom and younger sister Elaine. The dad is waiting to see the changes in the family before he joins in, so he'll probably be joining soon, because they're changing a LOT :D It's incredible what the Spirit can and will do if you just give Him the opportunity. President Clark said something really cool in a DLC. He said that as long as we're worthy, the Spirit will be in our lessons. Getting him there isn't the hard part. It's giving him the time and environment to speak and be heard that we struggle with. Since then, I've been trying SO much harder to work consciously work with the spirit in working with the people. It's beautiful :) They're also on goal for October 3, but Anthony maybe in September, just because he's been investigating longer. Happy Days Ahead :)
Love you so much!!
Elder Syphus
The Elders from India serve for a year in India, then they are sent to a mission here in the Philippines, but it's not always the same one. This even happens to any Foreign Mission Presidents. However, what happens is that they'll wait for a while, typically no longer than 6 months, and then a new visa will arrive, and they'll return to their new mission without delay. Which means if it happens in the middle of a transfer, I'll be companionless for a while . Ya. Pretty scary stuff :P As to learning Hindi- I'm not sure how far I'll be able to get their, but I'm going to focus more on it from now on. I have an actual speaker of the language, so why not? Lately I've been jumping between learning Ilokano, Japanese, or Hindi, but I think I'll go for Hindi first, and then for Japanese when I get home. Ilokano will probably be the easiest just because it's a Tagalog dialect, plus has a romanized writing system. Cool beans :)
This week has been really fulfilling in terms of Progressing Investigator FAMILIES :D It's two different Valdez families, and they are SO awesome! Frank Valdez and his wife with their 2/4 children are a member referral from Frank's older sister, and they all attended church yesterday!! I say 2/4 kids because they each had a kid before they got together, and they've had two kids since then. Their names are Frank, Isay, and then Isay's daughter, Raven, Frank's son, Justin, and then the couples two daughters, Francine and Casey. They aren't married yet :/ so that's definitely a concern, but the bishop should be able to help us clear it up in no time :) They really are an awesome family, and have plenty of family support because of siblings that are members, so we've decided to set them on goal for October 3. So exciting! :D
The other family is the Anthony Valdez Family. Anthony is actually the oldest kid in the family, but he's our main connection. We are teaching him, as well as his mom and younger sister Elaine. The dad is waiting to see the changes in the family before he joins in, so he'll probably be joining soon, because they're changing a LOT :D It's incredible what the Spirit can and will do if you just give Him the opportunity. President Clark said something really cool in a DLC. He said that as long as we're worthy, the Spirit will be in our lessons. Getting him there isn't the hard part. It's giving him the time and environment to speak and be heard that we struggle with. Since then, I've been trying SO much harder to work consciously work with the spirit in working with the people. It's beautiful :) They're also on goal for October 3, but Anthony maybe in September, just because he's been investigating longer. Happy Days Ahead :)
Love you so much!!
Elder Syphus
Sunday, August 30, 2015
Week 59 (Aug. 30, 2015 Talavera, Philippines)
Dear Mine Mom,
Dad's Birthday Dinner sounds awesome :) I miss real burgers, SO much, and pretty much everything else that doesn't involve rice :P Whether it be Pizza, Pie, Burritos or Enchiladas, they don't have it here. I guess you can throw some rice in with burritos and enchiladas, but I think that that may too complicated for the Filipinos :/ So yeah, super excited to eat again in a year :P However, what I've been craving most lately (and I actually got a tinge homesick thinking about it), is Roast Beef and Mashed Potatoes. We were teaching a lesson, and the rice the guy was cooking started to burn, but for a split second, it smelt almost exactly like Roast Beef. But then it smelt like burnt rice. Go figure :P Anyhoo, still loving it out here, but definitely missing you all like crazy.
The Basement is sounding awesome!! That's going to be so exciting to see. So tell me again; what's happening to the play room? Is that being finished and becoming something special for the two of them? And what exactly are you doing right now? When I first read it, I thought it was you and Dad painting, but now I realize you're just prepping for painting. Does that mean like dry wall and plaster? Or have I just proved that my knowledge about construction is completely zero? Still sounds cool :P
Send Maddison my love. There's a new missionary who just came the other day who's from the St George Area. Her name is Sister Ott, and she's from Little Valley. She said she knew Maddison at Desert Hills, so it was cool to talk to another Homelander.
And speaking of new missionaries... No, I'm not training! Thank goodness ;) :P What happened is we got a group of Missionaries who just came from there assigned missions in India. There Visas expire after a year though, so they sort of get crated to the Filipinos and told to fend for themselves... Just kidding :P They're assigned a missionary host, and i happy to be one of the those. So my new companion, Elder Chand, knows perfectly well how to be a missionary, but just can't speak a word of Tagalog. So I'm basically a translator for the next 6 or more weeks. It's actually been kind of fun :) Of course I'm trying to teach him the Language, but it's not something that will happen over night. He's from Las Vegas, but both his Parents and all of his Grandparents grew up in Fiji. BUT, his nationality is actually pure Indian. Cool beans, huh? So, even though the language of Gospel Sharing in India is English, he stills knows how to speak Hindi, and he's been teaching me as I teach him Tagalog. It's awesome :) We also have a neighbor who has lived in the Philippines for 25 years, but grew up in India. He doesn't speak English though, so I talk to him with Tagalog, and Elder Chand talks in Hindi, and we get along just fine :P HOW COOL WOULD THAT BE IF WE GOT TO TEACH HIM?? New goal before I leave this area. Even I just teach him once, I want to help him feel the Spriti in TWO languages :D
So yeah, not training. Just hosting. And Translating :) And yup. Still District Leader.
Anyway, as for what happened here in Talavera this last week, I'm sad to say not much :/ Because it was a tripanionship, we had to juggle 2 different areas, which meant we both sort of suffered. We had some good lessons in, and found a few new Investigators, which is actually a miracle in and of itself. Four of them were even referrals. Definitely the weekly highlight :)
We got the referral from a Sister in our ward. Her name is Rose Ann, and the Referral is her younger brother and his family. It's actually incredible how God prepared them to receive the lessons. Brother Valdez (Rose Ann's brother), actually got involved in a Motorcycle accident last week because he was drunk. However, he saw it as such a miracle that he lived through the experience, and knew a little bit about the church because of his siblings, so when Sister Rose Ann was prompted to approach her Brother yet again about receiving the missionaries, he was ready and willing. So we were invited into their home and taught them about the Plan of Salvation. Not your typical first lesson, but Sister Valdez had some concerns that we felt were important enough to address right away. They're a really great family :)
Anyway, that's it for today! Love you so much!!!
Elder Syphus
Dad's Birthday Dinner sounds awesome :) I miss real burgers, SO much, and pretty much everything else that doesn't involve rice :P Whether it be Pizza, Pie, Burritos or Enchiladas, they don't have it here. I guess you can throw some rice in with burritos and enchiladas, but I think that that may too complicated for the Filipinos :/ So yeah, super excited to eat again in a year :P However, what I've been craving most lately (and I actually got a tinge homesick thinking about it), is Roast Beef and Mashed Potatoes. We were teaching a lesson, and the rice the guy was cooking started to burn, but for a split second, it smelt almost exactly like Roast Beef. But then it smelt like burnt rice. Go figure :P Anyhoo, still loving it out here, but definitely missing you all like crazy.
The Basement is sounding awesome!! That's going to be so exciting to see. So tell me again; what's happening to the play room? Is that being finished and becoming something special for the two of them? And what exactly are you doing right now? When I first read it, I thought it was you and Dad painting, but now I realize you're just prepping for painting. Does that mean like dry wall and plaster? Or have I just proved that my knowledge about construction is completely zero? Still sounds cool :P
Send Maddison my love. There's a new missionary who just came the other day who's from the St George Area. Her name is Sister Ott, and she's from Little Valley. She said she knew Maddison at Desert Hills, so it was cool to talk to another Homelander.
And speaking of new missionaries... No, I'm not training! Thank goodness ;) :P What happened is we got a group of Missionaries who just came from there assigned missions in India. There Visas expire after a year though, so they sort of get crated to the Filipinos and told to fend for themselves... Just kidding :P They're assigned a missionary host, and i happy to be one of the those. So my new companion, Elder Chand, knows perfectly well how to be a missionary, but just can't speak a word of Tagalog. So I'm basically a translator for the next 6 or more weeks. It's actually been kind of fun :) Of course I'm trying to teach him the Language, but it's not something that will happen over night. He's from Las Vegas, but both his Parents and all of his Grandparents grew up in Fiji. BUT, his nationality is actually pure Indian. Cool beans, huh? So, even though the language of Gospel Sharing in India is English, he stills knows how to speak Hindi, and he's been teaching me as I teach him Tagalog. It's awesome :) We also have a neighbor who has lived in the Philippines for 25 years, but grew up in India. He doesn't speak English though, so I talk to him with Tagalog, and Elder Chand talks in Hindi, and we get along just fine :P HOW COOL WOULD THAT BE IF WE GOT TO TEACH HIM?? New goal before I leave this area. Even I just teach him once, I want to help him feel the Spriti in TWO languages :D
So yeah, not training. Just hosting. And Translating :) And yup. Still District Leader.
Anyway, as for what happened here in Talavera this last week, I'm sad to say not much :/ Because it was a tripanionship, we had to juggle 2 different areas, which meant we both sort of suffered. We had some good lessons in, and found a few new Investigators, which is actually a miracle in and of itself. Four of them were even referrals. Definitely the weekly highlight :)
We got the referral from a Sister in our ward. Her name is Rose Ann, and the Referral is her younger brother and his family. It's actually incredible how God prepared them to receive the lessons. Brother Valdez (Rose Ann's brother), actually got involved in a Motorcycle accident last week because he was drunk. However, he saw it as such a miracle that he lived through the experience, and knew a little bit about the church because of his siblings, so when Sister Rose Ann was prompted to approach her Brother yet again about receiving the missionaries, he was ready and willing. So we were invited into their home and taught them about the Plan of Salvation. Not your typical first lesson, but Sister Valdez had some concerns that we felt were important enough to address right away. They're a really great family :)
Anyway, that's it for today! Love you so much!!!
Elder Syphus
Thursday, August 27, 2015
Monday, August 24, 2015
Week 58 (Aug. 24, 2015 Talavera, Philippines)
Dear Mom,
First off, I would just like to say that yes, Kambree is a beautiful young lady. The Filipinos sure think so too :P Whenever anyone looks through the "Memories" book you gave me, they always see that picture of me and Kambree, and ask "Is that your girlfriend?" I tell them no. They say "Does she have a boyfriend?" I say "No." They ask "How old is she?" I answer "Almost 18." And then they just whisper to themselves "Yesss." Little creepy, but then they make it better by calling me their brother in law :P ;)
Shaun is also quite popular among the Filipinos. They just say he's really pogi, which is like the Filipino word for handsome, but means something more like cute. However, it's not a word that you would ever use to describe a girl. Kind of weird.
In terms of the work out here in Talavera, Things are moving at a strange rate, and one of the Elders in my district, Elder Tejada, became an Assistant to the President, and so he left the area a week before transfers to be trained in his new duties. Because of this, Elder Silva now has no companion, and we are now a tri some. Normally, this wouldn't be a big deal, however, we know have to work in his area on one day, and then in ours the next, so we're not able to see all the peple we want to be seeing, and the numbers are really suffering. However, the people we're teaching are too awesome to be held back by a few stressed missionaries, and we had quite a few people attend church yesterday, even though we haven't been able to teach them all week. So EXCITING!! But here are our super investigators for the week.
Tatay Roger Arcilla was supposed to be interviewed for baptism on Friday, but he had the Flu, so it was postponed. e also wasn't able to attend church, which he was determined to do even with his flu, so that's kind of worrying. However, all should be fine and his Baptism should be either this Saturday or the next. It's so awesome how prepared he his!! He's sort of quiet when we teach but will go off on a tangent every now and then, but in turns out he's just silently soaking everything up, and then sharing his own personal experiences from being touched by the Holy Ghost. I love him :)
Anthony Valdez that I mentioned last week is super awesome as well. He attended church yesterday, and was dressed up nicer then most of the members. I was really impressed. He's a classy guy. He also wasn't shy at all. People would ask questions in Sunday School and Elder's Quorum, and he would always be one of the first with his hand up, if not the only one. He's got such an incredible story, and is so intent on finding the truth.
Jhomel Dela Cruz has been taught for a while, and was even interviewed for baptism, but an unresloved concern arose, and it was delayed. He was a little crushed by the situation, and so fell away from investigating seriously for a while, but now he's back :) We haven't been able to see him all week because his house is really far, and our schedule has just been super hectic with the extra area, but he attended church yesterday!! Super proud of him. He's been through a ton, and is making HUGE steps and changes in his life for the sake of the Lord and His church, and I'm so glad I get to be a part of it. It's awesome being a missionary :)
So quick scripture for you all:
In Alma 51, there is a split among the people. The King-Men want to overthrow their free government and establish a king to rule over them, but the Freemen were content with keeping Pahoran as their chief judge and being led by his guidance and that of the government as a whole. Pahoran then calls on Governor Moroni to help put the King-Men back in their place, which Moroni gladly does, but here are the scripures:
22 Behold, it came to pass that while Moroni was thus breaking down the wars and contentions among his own people, and subjecting them to peace and civilization, and making regulations to prepare for war against the Lamanites, behold, the Lamanites had come into the land of Moroni, which was in the borders by the seashore.
23 And it came to pass that the Nephites were not sufficiently strong in the city of Moroni; therefore Amalickiah did drive them, slaying many. And it came to pass that Amalickiah took possession of the city, yea, possession of all their fortifications.
And then in Alma 53
8 And now it came to pass that the armies of the Lamanites, on the west sea, south, while in the absence of Moroni on account of some intrigue amongst the Nephites, which caused dissensions amongst them, had gained some ground over the Nephites, yea, insomuch that they had obtained possession of a number of their cities in that part of the land.
So, what I got from all of this, I'd like to relate to our Families. In this account, there were contentions within the people, and they suffered from outside forces because of it. So it is true within our own homes. We can't expect to have contention and darkness with the home or family, and then go out searching for light and happiness. Anything we think we may find will not last through the eternities, because the only thing that can truly become eternal are our families. If we are weakened on the inside, we'll become so much more subject to the wickedness and sin from without. I regretfully admit that I was a very large part of the darkness that once existed in our home, and am actually brought to tears by the thought, but I have changed a lot our here in the field, and am determined to never allow it again on account of my actions. We will be more blessed and protected by the Lord from the filth of the world if we'll make the Personal efforts to keep it out of our homes.
I love you all so much, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY KAMBREE!!!! I LOVE YOU!!! Sorry for being such a jerk all the time before. That's one of many regrets that tears at my heart at even the thought. I really do regret acting the way I did, and hope both you and Kendly and everyone else will forgive me for it. But I truly do love you all!! Next week ulit :)
Elder Syphus
First off, I would just like to say that yes, Kambree is a beautiful young lady. The Filipinos sure think so too :P Whenever anyone looks through the "Memories" book you gave me, they always see that picture of me and Kambree, and ask "Is that your girlfriend?" I tell them no. They say "Does she have a boyfriend?" I say "No." They ask "How old is she?" I answer "Almost 18." And then they just whisper to themselves "Yesss." Little creepy, but then they make it better by calling me their brother in law :P ;)
Shaun is also quite popular among the Filipinos. They just say he's really pogi, which is like the Filipino word for handsome, but means something more like cute. However, it's not a word that you would ever use to describe a girl. Kind of weird.
In terms of the work out here in Talavera, Things are moving at a strange rate, and one of the Elders in my district, Elder Tejada, became an Assistant to the President, and so he left the area a week before transfers to be trained in his new duties. Because of this, Elder Silva now has no companion, and we are now a tri some. Normally, this wouldn't be a big deal, however, we know have to work in his area on one day, and then in ours the next, so we're not able to see all the peple we want to be seeing, and the numbers are really suffering. However, the people we're teaching are too awesome to be held back by a few stressed missionaries, and we had quite a few people attend church yesterday, even though we haven't been able to teach them all week. So EXCITING!! But here are our super investigators for the week.
Tatay Roger Arcilla was supposed to be interviewed for baptism on Friday, but he had the Flu, so it was postponed. e also wasn't able to attend church, which he was determined to do even with his flu, so that's kind of worrying. However, all should be fine and his Baptism should be either this Saturday or the next. It's so awesome how prepared he his!! He's sort of quiet when we teach but will go off on a tangent every now and then, but in turns out he's just silently soaking everything up, and then sharing his own personal experiences from being touched by the Holy Ghost. I love him :)
Anthony Valdez that I mentioned last week is super awesome as well. He attended church yesterday, and was dressed up nicer then most of the members. I was really impressed. He's a classy guy. He also wasn't shy at all. People would ask questions in Sunday School and Elder's Quorum, and he would always be one of the first with his hand up, if not the only one. He's got such an incredible story, and is so intent on finding the truth.
Jhomel Dela Cruz has been taught for a while, and was even interviewed for baptism, but an unresloved concern arose, and it was delayed. He was a little crushed by the situation, and so fell away from investigating seriously for a while, but now he's back :) We haven't been able to see him all week because his house is really far, and our schedule has just been super hectic with the extra area, but he attended church yesterday!! Super proud of him. He's been through a ton, and is making HUGE steps and changes in his life for the sake of the Lord and His church, and I'm so glad I get to be a part of it. It's awesome being a missionary :)
So quick scripture for you all:
In Alma 51, there is a split among the people. The King-Men want to overthrow their free government and establish a king to rule over them, but the Freemen were content with keeping Pahoran as their chief judge and being led by his guidance and that of the government as a whole. Pahoran then calls on Governor Moroni to help put the King-Men back in their place, which Moroni gladly does, but here are the scripures:
22 Behold, it came to pass that while Moroni was thus breaking down the wars and contentions among his own people, and subjecting them to peace and civilization, and making regulations to prepare for war against the Lamanites, behold, the Lamanites had come into the land of Moroni, which was in the borders by the seashore.
23 And it came to pass that the Nephites were not sufficiently strong in the city of Moroni; therefore Amalickiah did drive them, slaying many. And it came to pass that Amalickiah took possession of the city, yea, possession of all their fortifications.
And then in Alma 53
8 And now it came to pass that the armies of the Lamanites, on the west sea, south, while in the absence of Moroni on account of some intrigue amongst the Nephites, which caused dissensions amongst them, had gained some ground over the Nephites, yea, insomuch that they had obtained possession of a number of their cities in that part of the land.
So, what I got from all of this, I'd like to relate to our Families. In this account, there were contentions within the people, and they suffered from outside forces because of it. So it is true within our own homes. We can't expect to have contention and darkness with the home or family, and then go out searching for light and happiness. Anything we think we may find will not last through the eternities, because the only thing that can truly become eternal are our families. If we are weakened on the inside, we'll become so much more subject to the wickedness and sin from without. I regretfully admit that I was a very large part of the darkness that once existed in our home, and am actually brought to tears by the thought, but I have changed a lot our here in the field, and am determined to never allow it again on account of my actions. We will be more blessed and protected by the Lord from the filth of the world if we'll make the Personal efforts to keep it out of our homes.
I love you all so much, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY KAMBREE!!!! I LOVE YOU!!! Sorry for being such a jerk all the time before. That's one of many regrets that tears at my heart at even the thought. I really do regret acting the way I did, and hope both you and Kendly and everyone else will forgive me for it. But I truly do love you all!! Next week ulit :)
Elder Syphus
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