A Tough Week

10-12-16 (Wednesday)
Today was a total party! I had exchanges with Sister Ngatai in our area today while Sister Tanielu and Sister Sanico are in their area. But man.. I love sister Ngatai! She’s just as silly and talkative as I am so our lessons today were awesome! We really got our investigators to talk a lot in our lessons, which I think is better than us always talking so I really enjoyed life today. (: I was also able to get Carlo to finally accept a baptismal date. Haa! It only took five years, but I finally did it! I accomplished the unaccomplishable! ;D But he finally accepted it because even his parents told him they see a better difference in him ever since we started teaching him. (: I just LOVE when people actually realize the blessings that come by trying to understand and come to know the truthfulness of the gospel/our message. (:

Joy and Jayann

10-13-16 (Thursday)
I got emergency transferred to Urdaneta. My new companion is Sister Burton from Lindon, Utah. I actually already know her which I am very grateful for because it’s hard enough being transferred let alone having to get to know your new companion from level zero.  I absolutely LOVED life this last transfer with our investigators in Binalonan.

10-16-16 (Sunday)
Today I experience my first bagyo [typhoon] and not going to lie it was glorious. ;D Because it was just like a normal rainy day but extra windy. So it wasn’t scary or worrisome for me so it was just like a day off work to nap and try my best to mentally and emotionally cheer up from being transferred. So.. Today was very much needed for me.

But last night our Bishop texted us telling us church was going to be cancelled today and I was super bummed because I wanted to take the Sacrament sooo bad! But luckily the bagyo was only Stage 2 so the office Elders came to our apartment for a special Sacrament and I kid you not.. I felt like a million bucks after. Like I literally felt like a new person. Two weeks without the sacrament was waaay too long! [Last week was General Conference] It’s such a blessing to know I’m 100% clean again. I’m all ready for this week now. (:

[Wow! Is this your first typhoon?  We got a letter from President Deyro this morning at 1:30 am (3:30 pm your time I think) telling us that all the missionaries were trained and had 72-hr kits, disaster kits, and 5 gallons of drinking water. Also that housing was all typhoon safe, but some missionaries were moved where flooding may happen.]

Yeah, I'm all good. It honestly wasn't really much different from any other rainy day. But I was told there's supposed to be more tonight. But it really was nothing. Which is a good thing of course but also kind of a bummer. I wanted a fun experience and story to tell. (;

[Typhoon Karen was the first storm. Super Typhoon Haima is forcast to hit the Northern tip of the Philippines on Thursday as a Stage 4. Kels is in the middle of the main island] 

So the other day I was having a pretty bad day. As in.. Ayaw ko mabuhay. Like it was so bad I about chewed out this lady for telling me that what I believe is wrong and the Heavenly Father does not have flesh and bones. She's like "He's just a spirit up in heaven sitting on His throne." And luckily I bit my tongue but in my head I was like.. "If He's just a spirit how is He sitting on a throne?" (; 

Anyway.. Then later that night.. I totally slipped while walking down the street and did a movie perfect biff into a giant pile of mud. And I kid you not.. I laughed so dang hard because that was literally how I felt ALLLL day long! ;D It's ironic how it literally made my day that I fell into a giant puddle of nasty water and mud. Haha.. Patayin ako. ;D

Fall 2016 General Conference

(10-3-16) Monday
Today was AWESOME! It was probably one of my favorite p-day’s ever! Sister Tanielu and I went to go hangout with J, J2, and all them in Capas and man.. we sure know how to party. ;D We all went to the Palangke [marketplace] together and bought stuff to make pansit canton [canton noodles] which was a total party! Then we all came back and hung out while cooking. 

Here's my new journal. Fancy huh? (; 

Then we ate all together and were able to teach them a lesson about following the prophet and invite them all to attend General Conference in Urdaneta. It was great! But! The best part was that we were able to have “FHE” at J2’ house (because that’s where we cooked) and build trust and relationship with his parents! We were even able to teach them too, and Tatay said he wants to come to church. (Tatay was supposed to come to church yesterday with M and A, but he didn’t come, for some reason that I do not know) so hopefully we can continue to teach J2’ parents with him. 

Sister Tanielu and I also taught R by himself today which was very needed. It was good for both of us to see/hear/feel that he has a real desire to understand/know what it is and why we want to be missionaries. He really does want something new in his life. So we finally extended a baptismal date to him and he accepted it!

10-4-16 (Tuesday)
I REEEALLY love teaching M, A, and L! It’s so refreshing teaching 3 very receptive older men. This is no joke for them. They truly realize they’re missing something in their lives, so they listen very intently and really seem to enjoy the principles we testify of. 

But as awesome as today was I came home a little grumpy because Sister Tanielu and I ended up spending like two hours trying to find/get the keys to the chapel for Zone interviews tomorrow. I don’t know.. I just was a little bummed because I knew we could have had two more lessons today if we didn’t have to fetch the dang church keys.

10-5-16 (Wednesday)
Haa! So we got a call from the Zone Leaders this morning telling us we were actually going to have Zone Interviews in Urdaneta. So.. you mean to tell me we literally wasted hours of work yesterday FOR NOTHING!? Gaaahhhh! Haha, life. (; But it’s all good because it’s always fun going to Urdaneta. (:

So my interview with President was just a fun time. I love being able to joke around with people in a language I actually understand. (; But I must say, my favorite part of our interview was when President Deyro laughed at the fact I told Heavenly Father I was grateful for Aircon that keeps us cool. Haha, I just told him that it was something I was truly grateful for and I was just talking to my Father in Heaven like I would my dad here on Earth. I don’t know.. My prayers are always like that. I let Heavenly Father know what I am truly grateful for so I can ask very specific questions in hopes of getting specific answers. 

I honestly don't know anyone's names.. 

President was also surprised to know I didn’t have any questions for him. Haa, I’d say I’m progressing pretty smoothly in life right now; which is great! (: I’m just so excited to see what the future holds for me. I hope I stay this happy forever. (:

10-6-16 (Thursday)
I honestly don’t know what to say about today. I feel like nothing really happened. But it was a happy day! Even though we had weekly planning… ;D  But I do have to admit my favorite part of the day was during companionship inventory. 

Sister Tanielu told me how much she loves when I recite The First Vision in lessons. Man.. As simple as her compliment was it just made my whole day! (: She just told me the speed, volume, facial expressions, and power while I recite it is perfect. Honestly, that just makes me so happy. (: Because Joseph Smith’s First Vision is truly and incredibly a powerful and sacred experience for me. It just makes me happy that Sister Tanielu sees just how close to my heart I hold the First Vision. Because without my testimony of Joseph Smith.. I don’t think I would be converted to Christ even a fraction that I am now; if I didn’t have the powerful witness that I received through the Holy Ghost while sitting in Sacrament meeting one Sunday. (: And because of that! I have a very strong testimony of revelation through Sacrament attendance. So.. Go to church kids. (; Huwag kayo pumasok sa eskwelahan.. Magsimba na tang maga bata! ;D

10-7-16 (Friday)
Today was probably the first day I’ve actually gotten mad while on my mission. So R, J3, and J4 took Sister Tanielu and I to their Sister-in-law’s sister’s house..? (I’m not sure how exactly their related, but they’re somehow relatives) And the husband we were talking to and trying to teach was the most disrespectful and rude person I have ever met. His sense of humor was not okay with me.  It took all I had not to chew him out or even punch him. I had so much to say to him. So while everyone was laughing, of course Sister Tanielu and I weren’t, the stupid brother was like “it’s just a joke, Sister. Lighten up.” All I could say was “yeah sure, maybe it was just a joke but I didn’t find it funny.” I was so freakin’ mad at everyone! I’M NOT A TOY! I finally had to stare R in the eye and tell him we’re leaving. 

...But this is my zone.

So after we prayed with the other man that was there that we were actually able to teach, we all started walking to R’s trike. And as we got outside there was another guy there that was incredibly drunk. And of course “he thinks I’m the sexiest and most beautiful thing he has ever seen and really wants to court me.” I’m not kidding. I have never felt so mistreated, disrespected, and disgusted in my entire life. I just wanted to run away, crawl under a rock, and cry. I was so disappointed with everyone. Luckily Sister Tanielu was there for me and we were able to talk about how angry we were together. But I kid you not. It took me hours to cool down. I will NEVER go back there in any of the eternities! NEVER EVER! GAAAAAAHHHH! 

6-8-16 (Saturday)
Today was great! We got to go to Urdaneta to watch General Conference which was absolutely wonderful! Like.. It’s crazy how fast two hours went by. I remember growing up and never thinking Conference would end, but now I wish it really wouldn’t ever end! I love listening to the revelations our General Authorities received just for us at this specific time of life. I loved how well everyone seemed to point out just how important it is to pray with real intent. 
We need to really pray, not just say a prayer. And that is what the difference is between pagdarasal [prayer] and panalangin [prayer]. Ponder that for a while. (; 

But what made today even better was that 3 of our investigators came to General Conference with us. (: R, J2, and J5.. They’re the best! And they’re still excited to come tomorrow even though they don’t understand any of the talks because they’re all in English.. (; 

But when I asked R what he though/felt, he commented on how much he liked that lots of people talked. He said it’s just the same guy that always talks the whole time at the Catholic Church and he likes the way we do it better. That was just cool for me to see and learn how important it truly is to declare the gospel with more than one witness. As missionaries we have a companion to help make our testimonies stronger and more powerful. By the mouth of two or three witnesses ye shall know them. (:

Sister Tanielu, Jess, Carlo, Jayann, Jerome, Riki, Joy, me, Rany, Ariel

6-9-16 (Sunday)
Sunday we had to go to Urdaneta for church to watch General Conference. And even though it was far away, we were still able to have 10 investigators come to church. YAAAASSSSS! ;D But honestly.. It was the most stressful thing for me and my life. It was insane.. Honestly.. It was hard for me to feel the Spirit because of how irreverent everyone was. 

I swear, people throughout the whole overflow part of the chapel were practically chatting the whole time. And of course that was a bummer for me, because I was so excited for General Conference. Don't get me wrong.. It was still an absolutely wonderful experience, but I wish it was a little more of a happier experience for me. (; I mean, it would still have been a stressful experience for me no matter how reverent people were because I was so worried about our investigators. But I am happy to say, everyone had a great time and once again my week ended with great success. (:

"Boom! Miracle!"

Jayann

9-27-16 (Monday)
It’s so stinkin’ hawwwt! I’m dying.. But I guess I’m okay with that because when it’s super hot like this I’m never hungry because I drink so much water. So Yeah baby! I’m loosing even more weight! ;D

Anyway.. so today we went to go visit the D family and as we knocked on their gate we saw through the cracks a bunch of people hanging out drinking. Then I saw Tatay hangin out with them and my stomach just dropped. It literally made me sick thinking Tatay was drinking, but once they finally opened the gate to let us in, Tatay was like “don’t worry Sisters! I didn’t drink, I was just visiting with them.” When I heard that my stomach hurt again because I was so relieved! As I was telling him how happy I was to find out he wasn’t actually drinking he then went on to say “no, don’t worry, really, I want to be clean before I’m baptized. And I want to be able to proudly stand in front of God. I don’t drink or smoke anymore, Sister.” I DIED! Oh my word! The emotional roller coaster was real today. But I guess it’s a good thing I’ve always liked roller coasters. ;)

9-27-16 (Tuesday)

Maya, Ranny, Jess, Carlo, Lorenzo, Andy, Melo

Originally I was super excited today because our schedule for today was packed with names! We were going to go teach a lot of people. I was really excited to teach again, but no. They were all drunk.. Aray ko! [ouch!] ;)  But as much of a bummer that is.. At least we know we’re going to have to teach them the Word of Wisdom here real soon. ;) But what was real cool was J, J2, J3, and J4 noticed we kind of didn’t know what to do once we found out everyone was drunk. So they took us around to all of their neighbors that they’re friends with! YAASSS! Now we have 5 new investigators because of them and lots of return appointments! :D It’s kind of sad though knowing investigators help us more than the members. ;) Haha, but oh well, it’s all good in the hood. ;)

9-28-16 (Wednesday)
Well.. I am now a firm believer of “complain and ye shall receive.” Because I sure did complain about how hot it’s been the last couple days, but it finally rained again! Yeaahhh Babbyyy! ;D

Ranny, Me, Sister Tanielu, Carlo, Jess,
 Lorenzo, Andy, Maya, Melo. (:

Anyway.. Today was great! I really enjoyed how things ended up working out. For example we went back to Capas today in hopes to be able to teach [brothers] M and A since they were drunk yesterday. And my word.. They are the two nicest and open men I have ever taught my whole mission. They absolutely loved learning about Joseph Smith. They were so intrigued by the uniqueness of our message and BOOM! We now have two new IBD’s [Investigator with a Baptismal Date] that are incredibly potential! :D

Then.. As we were walking away from M and A’s house we saw D on the street so we started talking to him and ended up meeting C’s older brother R and BOOM! Miracle! I was able to talk to him enough to get him to join our lesson and as we were building trust and relationship at the beginning of our lesson and somehow I got R to open up and he looks me in the eye and says “Sister, I want to change.” Then he talked about how he just left all his friends because he’s done with the life he’s been living. He realizes he’s not happy being around his friends and always drinking. And man.. I just felt for him. I am so excited to help him change his life around. (:

9-29-16 (Thursday)
I never have any idea what to write about! ;D But I will say how impressed I am with how much my Tagalog has improved this transfer. I really do understand people pretty well. Especially when Sister Tanielu and Sister Quijada are telling each other stories. I LOVE that I actually understand people’s stories now! I still have a lot to learn/memorize in order to speak more fluently, but I’m so happy with my improvement these last couple weeks. (: I’m determined to go home as a fluent Tagalog speaker! Haa! Wish me luck! ;D

We had ice cream at President Deyro's house
 after the Women's Conference. (:

9-30-16 (Friday)
Haa! Once again I just had to complain in order to get what I want. ;D Today was GREAT! I honestly LOVE our investigators! I love that I’m getting good enough at Tagalog that I actually have a relationship with people! Like.. people actually talk to ME! They look at ME and ask ME questions now! Not just my companion! SUCCESS! ;D But my favorite part of today would probably be our lesson with M and A E. I kid you not.. They are so elect! They seem so dang interested in our message. Their hearts are wide open. We just have to help them understand the Spirit that is in their hearts. But man. They were so cute today! As we were following up on their commitments, A says “Sisters! We have a friend that’s going to come to church with us on Sunday!” YAAASSS! And the best part is their friend is J2’s dad! :D Freak man! I am SO excited for Sunday! I hope they truly enjoy church and feel the Spirit in great abundance; and come to know this gospel is what they want/need. AHH! I love this work! There’s nothing better than seeing your area just really starting to progress. (:

10-1-16 (Saturday)
Today we got to go to Urdaneta to watch the General Women’s Conference; which was a lot of fun! I always love going to Urdaneta.. Mostly because we have lots of choices where to eat lunch. ;D 

But anyway.. I don’t really have any thoughts about the conference, which is a bummer but it’s true.. Nothing really noteworthy happened for me there. But.. Today while teaching the D’s it hit me hard. They’re not all ready. Nanay, Tatay, and T need more time to prepare for their baptism. But it’s hard because I know how badly they want to get baptized as a family.. But the girls are ready now. Especially R and E.. It’s hard.. I don’t want to make them wait more than they have to, but the rest of the family needs more time. As much as I hate to say it, we’re going to have to push their baptismal date back. 

ALSO! I’m pretty heart broken that this will be my last journal entry in this journal… AHH! This journal and I have such a strong relationship! It’s going to be hard saying goodbye to my baby. ;D

10-2-16 (Sunday)
Also! Even though [Sunday’s] journal entry was too personal to send.. I would like to let you know that we had 13 investigators come to church this week! YAAAASSSS! We're doing so good here. (:

Happy 20th Birthday!

Sister Tanielu

9-19-16 (Monday)[Happy Birthday!!]
Well.. I’m 20 now.. Blahh.. Haha. Honestly today felt no different from any other day. I mean I got to open my birthday package, got some nice happy birthday texts, and fun emails.. But it just felt like any other day. Which is fine, because every day is a total party here in the Philippines! ;D 

Anyway.. The day started with us Sisters being locked in our house/yard. William (the caretaker) changed the lock to our gate without telling us or giving us a key. Long story short.. we started District Meeting an hour and a half late. Thaaank Yoouu Brother William. ;) The AP’s also came to our District Meeting so that’s fun. They didn’t even know it was my birthday. Grabe yung spirit! [?] I was able to spend some of my birthday with my lolo [grandfather] Elder Raguin. Aaang cuuute! ;) Haha. But for real.. Nothing really noteworthy happened today. 

We taught the D Family again and it’s just so refreshing hearing how grateful they are for the blessings they’re receiving ever since they met us. They truly see the Lord’s hand in their lives now and it’s so fun hearing about how grateful they are for Christ’s gospel. AHHH! I truly feel that I am accomplishing my purpose as a servant of the Lord every time I go to their home. They are 100% the best! :D

9-21-16 (Wednesday)
I don’t know.. not a whole lot happened today. We only had four lessons today because everywhere we didn’t get punted they had a lot to talk about. I truly believe people open up to Sisters more than Elders. Which I say is great! Even if we may not always have a ton of lessons every day, I do know they are quality lessons. Because I really try to help my investigators know I care about them, they open up. And even though our lessons may be longer than most.. At least they’re the ones talking things out so they eventually figure the answer out on their own. And if they don’t.. At least they opened up to me so I can more easily help them/discern their needs. So once again.. I’d say quality is better than quantity. But.. sometimes it’s hard because you know their situation and you want so badly to help them but you just don’t know how to answer/explain like with J, J, J, and J.. They don’t think they’ve received an answer yet, but they have! They don’t realize that the happiness they have while reading and praying and the desire they have to always feel that happiness/feeling is their answer! I want so badly for them to understand na young masarap na pakiramdam na mayroon sila habang ang mga panalangin nila ay ang sagot na hinahanas nila! (Tama ba yung Tagalog ko? ;D) [?]

9-22-16 (Thursday)
Anyway.. Today was good. Weekly planning took five years so we only had a couple of hours to work. But it was so cute today. While asking the P Family how their reading is going they all perked up and said they now all read together and take turns who reads every verse. It was so cute! Little R was like “Yeah, I’ll read a verse then mom reads a verse than I read the next one..” That just made my heart melt! But the best part was when she told me about how last night when her dad came home (who is an investigator still) he was tired from work and just wanted to go to sleep so he wasn’t going to read the Book of Mormon. But because her and Nanay were reading out loud together he ended up listening and asked questions about what was going on in the story! Then R just talked about how happy she was that Tatay ended up listening to her and Nanay reading the Book of Mormon. And Oh. My. Word! I died! What a great experience for the whole family to witness/experience! The testimony of little 11-year old R just might be exactly what Tatay T needs in order to exercise his faith and come to understand the importance of our message, or even religion in general. 

That is one thing I’ve noticed on my mission is how much I love seeing kids setting good examples for their parents. There’s nothing more powerful than a kid’s sincere testimony of what they truly believe to be true. I never expected a little 11-year old help strengthen my testimony of the book of Mormon and how the gospel blesses families. Those cute sweet little tender mercies.. They’re just toooo gooood. ;) (please tell me you read that in the way Goofy would say it on the Extremely Goofy Movie. ;D)

9-23-1 (Friday)
Today was great! Sister Tanielu and I did really good at following the Spirit! It was Awwwesome! We were able to find 5 new very receptive new investigators! YAAASS! Hopefully they’ll continue to be so open to us and the Spirit when we go back to them. (: But as wonderfully spiritual today was.. It was also full of pretty funny experiences. The best one was when this guy I always talk to insisted, once again, that I give him my number so he can give it to his son. I’ve always just told him no and that I personally don’t have a phone; it’s the church’s. But this time I finally asked him why he wants me to talk to his son so bad and he straight up told me he wants me to marry him so he can have FillAm grandkids! I DIED! Not only no, but heck no! He was so funny! He’s all like “No! It’s true! He’s tall and very strong and muscular. Bagay siya say yo.” I honestly couldn’t help but laugh. But I will admit I took advantage of the situation and told this guy I’d be happy to meet his son if Sister Tanielu and I could teach them. Scooore! ;D Hopefully I don’t end up regretting that. (; 

And the rest of the funny awkward stories are just about other boys being awkward and not letting my hand go once I shake their hand. Honestly.. people here really do make me feel beautiful and I really appreciate that I’ve gained better self-confidence on my mission because of it, but when people ask me if I would ever marry a Filipino.. I always tell them it’s possible, but honestly.. I don’t trust Filipinos to actually love ME. I would constantly think they only like me because I’m American and I’m their hope to a better/easier life. So.. No.. No Filipinos for me.

Rada, Tatay Deleon, Tatay's Nanay.. (;

9-24-16 (Saturday)
So to keep you posted on crazy Tatay that wants FilAm grandbabies.. he drove Sister Tanielu and I to Sister Gina’s and well.. He’s still pretty convinced that his son and I are meant to be soul mates. ;D HAHA! WHHYYY!? People really do just speak their minds here. It’s pretty funny actually.. Especially when they’re drunk. ;D 

Anyway.. Today Sister Tanielu and I went to contact some referrals in a part of Pablacion that I’ve never been before and holy cow.. Ayaw talaga ng mga tao doon [do not really like it]. As in! Like.. Freeaaak yo! I honestly never want to go back there. It made me feel like I was with [Elder] Sam [Scott] in San Diego. Kawawa naman siya.. [I feel bad for him] I couldn’t imagine what it would be like in a mission where it’s like that all day everyday. [People were rude and would not let us talk to them.] It really helped me understand some of Sam’s heartfelt/venting emails a lot better. From what I can tell, he’s doing a lot better in California than I ever could. 

But on the bright side.. My night ended perfectly with the happy lesson we had at the D’s! Tatay hasn’t drank coffee for a week now! YAAASSS! He’s now on track with the whole family to be baptized October 15! And man.. I cannot explain how badly I want to be able to see the whole family get baptized together. Honestly. If something happens and they can’t be baptized this transfer and I get transferred.. I will quit my mission so I can stay here until that family enters into the waters of baptism. All I want in my life is to continue to help the D Family make and keep sacred covenants. GAAHH! It’s my biggest prayer that things work out for October 15! The suspense is killing me! AHH! ;)

9-25-16 (Sunday)
Well.. Because today was Tatay D’s birthday they had a lot of family and friends over; and because of that.. They had a lot of cooking to do. Needless to say they weren’t able to make it to church.. So.. Ignore my excitement I had yesterday because now they probably won’t be able to be baptized this transfer. GAAHHH! The world hates me! ;)

Jess, Sister Tanielu, Justin, Dave, Jerome, Ronnie, me, Joy, Jayann, Adrian

But it’s all good because I know they’ll be baptized here sometime soon. As long as they’re baptized, I’ll be happy. (: But even though the D’s didn’t come to church.. we still had TEN ISM’s! And it wasn’t even my birthday! YEEAAAH Baby! ;D This area truly is progressing a million times more than when I got here, so I feel pretty successful. (: 

I don’t know.. I don’t have much to say about today other than it was a good day. But even though today ended nicely.. It was one of those days where I came home for the night and sat down with a sigh of relief. Haha, I’m pretty glad today is over. (; Even though it was a good day.. It was also full of disappointments. Nothing we had planned today happened.. NOTHING. People suck.. (; But it all worked out because we’re friends with our investigators so they let us come over even though it was late at night. (:

"THE GIFT OF TONGUES IS REAL!"

9-12-16 (Monday)
Well.. Elder Raguin called.. Sister Diaz is getting transferred tomorrow. I don’t know how I feel about it. I’m definitely happy I’m staying here in Binalonan so I can continue helping the D Family prepare for baptism, but I’m lazy and don’t feel like getting to know another companion.. ;D I don’t remember my new companion’s name, but Sister Quijada says she’s super nice and from the Republic of Kiribati [click on link] [pronounced Key-ree-bass according to Kels]. So I’m pretty excited to get to know her. I think I’m secretly hoping she’s not super good at English so I’ll be forced to do better at always speaking Tagalog. I’m sure everything is going to be great, but I’m anxious to see what’s going to happen with this next transfer. Other than that, nothing else crazy happened today. 

Byyye Sisterrr Diaaazz! 

We did teach the D Family today and our lesson was tithing and fast offerings. Not going to lie.. I was a little nervous to teach them that while they’re really struggling financially right now. I knew this was really going to test their faith, and mine for that matter, but once again.. They did not disappoint me! YAAASS! They liked it and agreed that it was the least they could do to repay Heavenly Father for their blessings. It was just awesome and I really enjoyed it. 

Sister Diaz and I also gave the girls some skirts to wear to church that are a little more modest and they loved it! After our lesson they hurried and tried them all on and ran outside to show us before we left. It was so cute! Eliza was like “It’s like I’m a missionary! I need a name tag that says ‘Sister Eliza’.” Oh man, my heart melted. It really made me smile seeing how happy and excited they were to wear their new skirts. (: There’s nothing better than seeing someone appreciate your gift. (: If only people were that appreciative to the gift of Everlasting Life I’ve been trying to give them. ;D

9-13-16 (Tuesday)
Well.. I have a new companion now and holy freak she is beautiful! Sister Tanielu (I still don’t know how to pronounce it so good luck! ;D) [Tan-yell-oo] is just the sweetest! I’m really excited to get to know her better. We’re still in that awkward getting used to the way we each do things, but it’ll be good; I just know it! (: She seems pretty mellow, but I think it’s just because she doesn’t know anyone yet. But even if she is a mellow person.. I’ll be sure to change that. (;

Kiribati is in the upper right half of map
Vanuatu is next to the Coral Sea

Anyway.. I don’t know what to say about today.. Nothing really happened. I spent most of the day waiting for Sister Tanielu to get here but she didn’t get here ‘til like 6:00 p.m. Sister Quijada, Sister Alinton, and I tried to work in our closest area, because we didn’t know when Sister Tanielu would get here, but we didn’t have a whole lot of success. But I did OYM this lady that lived in Louisiana for 30 years so it was pretty nice being able to testify of Christ and His gospel in English. Speaking of English.. Sister Tanielu is actually probably better at English than most people here.. But hopefully I still try my best to always speak Tagalog. But! I’m still happy happy and am excited to get more comfortable with my cute new Kiribati companion. (;

9-14-16 (Wednesday)
THE GIFT OF TONGUES IS REAL! Oh my word! I straight up had conversations today with my investigators. I talked sooo much and loved every second of it! :D Something about me leading the area AND the fact that Sister Tanielu is pretty shy helped me really listen and focus on what people were saying. I got pretty lazy with my Tagalog because I always knew Sister Diaz would answer/reply to people whenever they talked. I guess I really am better at Tagalog than I thought. I mean, I’m far from fluent but I’m good enough for people to understand me. (: 

Anyway.. Sister Quijada got her new companion today, Sister Tokaloio from Vanuatu. She’s so cute. (: Sister Quijada is her follow-up trainer so she’s still pretty new and man.. I remember all too well what it’s like to be in her shoes. When I was first talking to her and getting to know her I just wanted to grab her and hug her and tell her it gets so much easier! Oh man, I feel for her; I really do. 

Birthday Package!

Also.. None of us really know how to cook.. We’re all gonna die! I’m the one that knows the most about cooking but they don’t really have all the ingredients I need here for American food. I can’t just make spaghetti and grilled cheese all the time! I’m trying to lose more weight! Not gain it all back! I have no problem experimenting with foods except for the fact I can’t taste it and make sure it tastes good! GAHH! Mamamatay tayo ianat! ;D 

Work today was great though and I’m grateful I get to lead the area and be more of myself again because I feel more in charge during our lessons. It’s going to be a great transfer, I just know it (:

9-15-16 (Thursday)
I’m so stinkin happy! Oh my heck I love missionary work! I have no idea what happened but I am 100% myself now while speaking Tagalog. I can’t stop talking in lessons! And because I open my mouth more I enjoy our lessons a million times more, because I truly feel the Spirit testifying to people through me. (: Honestly.. I’m so happy right now. I’m so grateful for Sister Tanielu. She’s awesome. I really enjoy being around her. Hopefully she has as much fun with me as I have with her. (: 

Anyway.. we taught Tatay P, and the whole family today the Word of Wisdom. I was incredibly bold and loving with Tatay and man.. I truly believe he accepted the Spirit into his heart. At the end of the lesson I testified that we need to set a good example for our families and used some examples and ended with.. “Tay, do you want little J to follow all the examples you’re setting for him?” I let him ponder that for a bit then we committed then all to live the Word of Wisdom and read 1 Nephi 17:3 [click on link] for their promised blessings and BOOM! We left with an incredible amount of Spirit in their home (and hopefully their hearts) so they could ponder the message we shared with them. 

Then we went to the C and talked about the Book of Mormon and praying and it was really good for me to feel just how strong my testimony really is about the Book of Mormon. AHH! I’m just so happy I finally have confidence talking to people in Tagalog! :D

9-16-16 (Friday)
So many things happened today it was insane! All good things though.. I think.. Haa, I’m not sure. Anyway we were able to go to Capas today to teach the P’s and J but we got there later than usual because we were waiting for J2 to be our trike driver but she ended up bailing on us and just told us she would pick us up later and bring us home. So okay, we went to Capas and taught a lesson to a lady and her daughters I OYM’d before and it was fun testifying to them about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. 

Then we went to teach J3 and J and ended up being able to teach 3 more of their friends! It was great! Honestly.. I am really comfortable talking/teaching people in Tagalog now. FINALLY! Even though I’m still not very good and I have a lot to improve; I’m at the point where that’s okay.. like.. I’m finally at a good enough point that I can actually be patient with my improvement. But while in our lesson with the Ps, and all them, I could tell how frustrated Sister Tanielu was getting with her Tagalog. I didn’t know how to help her.. I felt so bad because I know how she feels, but honestly she was doing fine. We all understood what she was saying. I don’t know.. It made me realize how grateful I am for my new confidence I now have in my Tagalog because even though Sister Tanielu only has four months left in her mission, she’s still not sure of herself/Tagalog. Hopefully I can help her out. (: 

9-17-16 (Saturday)
Oh man, I just love my Kabahay! Sister Tokaloio and Tanielu actually get my jokes and it’s GLORIOUS! Filipinos honestly just have a very different sense of humor than most people.. I swear. (; 

Anyway.. Not much happened today but it was a good fun day! Honestly.. I have nothing to write about today. It was just a good normal day; not sad, not super spiritual, and/or extra happy. But I will say I really do like Sister Tanielu! She’s the companion I’ve had closest to a normal friend. As of right now.. she’s up there with Sister Cuenca in my book. (: Its just fun talking to her. It’s like talking to an old friend. (: 

ALSO! I ate goat today.. Holy freak.. NEVER AGAIN! I ate one little chunk of meat and was done eating for the rest of my life. The texture.. I don’t even know how to describe it.. It was like eating a super hard thick piece of fat. GAAAG!

9-18-16 (Sunday)
Today scores a 100% AHH! :D Today we had 16 investigators come to church! 16!!! YAAASSS! I’m super happy about that because we had very few lessons this week with it being transfer week and constantly being punted. But! I learned today that quality is better than quantity.. Diba!? (; That is one thing I have noticed with Sister Tanielu as my companion.. I’m really good at building trust and relationship with people. I feel like when we leave a lesson I was able to make new friends and or just become even better buddies. (: But as awesome as I think I am, the real reason we had so many investigators is because my birthday is tomorrow. ;D  So J2 went to go pick up J and J3 in Capas and I told her to stop at the D’s and tell them they have to come to church because it’s my birthday tomorrow. And well.. they did! Ten of them! :D 

Also! Today in Relief Society Sister R was teaching and started talking about tithing/honesty. She ended up saying that you’re still an honest full tithe payer even if you only pay 8 or 9 % as long as your heart truly was there wanting to pay the full 10%. And in my head I was like “Nooooo. That is NOT true!” I mean.. I don’t know what it’s like being a mom and having my own family and bills to take care of, but I do know there are no exceptions to Gods commandments. God always provides a way to accomplish His will. When we receive money/income, we pay tithing before we do anything else with it. Not when its convenient. Anyway.. As Sister R was teaching, I honestly didn’t know what to do. I didn’t feel comfortable with her teaching false doctrine (especially to my recent converts), but I also didn’t know if it was my place to correct her. Something about correcting her in front of everyone was uncomfortable for me, but it was also uncomfortable not doing anything. Luckily Sister J3 spoke up and gently tried to fix what Sister R was teaching. (Thank you J3 for being an RM and able to help me out in times of need/weakness!).

Anyway life is great! Even though I’m turning 20 tomorrow.. I don’t want to be 20.. That’s like the real number where you become an adult because you’re actually out of the teens. (; And we all know I’m not mentally ready to be a real adult just quite yet. ;D But.. I will be honest.. I’m pretty dang excited to open my birthday package tomorrow! It’s been sitting there torturing me for weeks! ;D

“Heavenly Father Truly Loves Us”

Elder Geanga

9-5-16 (Monday)
I have so much to say but so little time! Haha, lagi! [as always] Welcome sa aking buhay. [to my life] ;D Anyway! Today ended pretty great! I had a fun AND spiritually filled day! So! Sister Diaz and I went to Capas to see J1 and J2 with J3 as our fellowshipper and trike driver. But in the middle of our lesson she [J3] got a phone call and said she had to go do something at home real quick (something about her kids) but would come back to get us later and take us to the D’s. Well later came and as we went to visit the D2 family because she still hadn’t come back she texted us saying she couldn’t come back! GAAHHH! What the heck!? She left us in a barangay [neighborhood] like 15 minutes away by trike from bayan! At 7:00 pm! Even though it all worked out I’m still going to beat her! What was she thinking!? But yes that was a bit scary and frustrating because there are very few trikes at night in general let alone far away from bayan [town]. I was a little scared we wouldn’t be able to get home on time let alone to the D’s for our appointment. 

As Sister Diaz and I were walking I kept praying we would get a trike fast and be able to go to the D’s and when we got to the highway/main road I told Sister Diaz we should pray. So.. I said a prayer again that we would quickly get a trike. And well… we all know how mindful Heavenly Father is so maybe 2 minutes after our prayer we were able to get a trike! YESSS! :D And when we got to bayan we went to pay the trike driver but he wouldn’t let us because he was going to bayan anyway! Oh my word. What a dang nice guy! I 100% see that whole experience as a total blessing. I kid you not, as we were walking to the D’s house, I felt such a warm feeling come over my heart. I couldn’t help but say “Heavenly Father truly loves us.” (: 

My District: Elder Reyes, Geanga, Tanner, Baniago, Daquioag
Sister Diaz, Me, Quijada, Alinton

THEN! As we got to the D’s I was a little worried we were loosing them because they just weren’t entirely as welcoming again as they usually are. So as we talked.. They’re just having a really hard time financially. That’s also why they couldn’t make it to church because they had no pamasahe [fare]. And even though it’s a bummer they didn’t make it to church, I was so happy to know that’s why. I’m just thrilled the reason was something other than they just didn’t want to.

It’s just hard seeing how people live their lives here and not being able to exactly help them temporally. I think the transaction [she means “transition” :)] back in America is going to be pretty rough for me.

Jess, Rosemarry, Joy, Sister Diaz

9-6-16 (Tuesday)
I’m on exchanges with the STL’s [Sister Training Leaders] in Villasis.. We’re having too much fun and I know Sister Standage would get mad at me if I stayed up late writing in my journal. But I will say that I had a great day! Our lessons so far this week have been very spiritual for me. 

So! We really did have great lessons today! We kept running out of time though because we had a lot of actual appointments, but had to leave Binalonan by 7:00 in order to get here in Villasis before curfew. But man! Our lessons were so good! Lalo Kay [especially for dad] Tatay F! He had lots of great questions that needed sometime to explain, but of course we would have an awesome lesson completely full of the Spirit with him asking awesome questions but also being stressed because we had two more appointments before we had to leave for Villasis. ;D That would happen to us. The one time we actually have appointments is the one time we actually didn’t get punted everywhere. ;D But no worries! It all worked out! (;

Sister Sanico

Anyways.. Tatay’s question was “why is it after baptism people don’t change?” I LOVED THAT QUESTION! It really got me to think. It made me realize how sacred baptism is when it actually counts in heaven. In our church we make sure the ordinance of baptism is sacred and holy. Not just a casual thing. And one way we do that is by making sure people change before their baptism; through faith unto repentance. We need to change our hearts before we can be baptized, not just think because we got baptized “we’re all good now” or “I’ll be different once I come out of the water.” It takes repentance unto baptism not the other way around. So.. Atta boy Tatay! I was the one that was supposed to ask thinking questions.. But nooo..! You had to show me up! (;

9-7-16 (Wednesday)
I had such a great day! It went by sooo fast! I don’t know.. something about not worrying about stats really makes the day more enjoyable.. Anyways.. (; I really did have a lot of fun with Sister Sanico. I feel like our personalities are a lot alike. Although the whole day was spiritual and fun, my favorite part was the insight I realized during companion study. As Sister Sanico and I were reading the White Handbook we read about leaders and their responsibilities. So! We always talk about what we like about what we just read and I shared that like how leaders need to lovingly correct people. Then! Sister Sanico said something about how we’re the leader of our own selves. And BOOM! With what I shared and then having her say that it hit me right in the face that I need to lovingly correct my own self. LOVINGLY is the key word there. I don’t know man, but whatever happened this morning really helped me realize I need to be nice to myself. I need to lovingly correct myself so I can happily and excitedly work/strive to be better. (:

9-8-16 (Thursday)
Well.. Even though I kind of wanted to train again I didn’t get called this week so now I’m still waiting to find out what’s going to happen with next transfer. The suspense is killing me! (; So pretty much I’m all good with whatever! Hopefully I’ll stay that way when/if things get switched up. (:

Anyway.. I finally read some of mom’s email today and it just made me smile and giggle a whole lot. I didn’t get to finish it yet, but man.. It made me realize I really am excited to hangout with her again when I get home. (: 

As for work.. We got to teach the D Family again; which of course is my favorite! Little T prayed for the first time which was so cute! I’m proud of him. (; Tatay B has also stopped smoking. 

9-9-16 (Friday)
Today was just a good easy going happy day for me. (: It wasn’t the best day for work but I didn’t care at all about the stats. I was having fun doing what I knew to be our best. And honestly.. That’s all that matters. I shouldn’t be scared or embarrassed to text our stats to the leaders. As long as we worked hard we shouldn’t be worried about what the leaders say. Of course we’ll try harder and harder every day, but all that matters is that we worked hard that day. Because Heavenly Father knows we worked hard even if our stats don’t say so and that is all that matters. (: 

9-11-16 (Sunday)
We had 9 investigators come to church today! YAAASS! I’d call that success. (; The D’s came (minus T because he wanted to play with his friends.. stinker..) and so did J! Honestly.. I was just so happy at church today. (: Even Tatay P came to church with the fam. And we always teach him on Thursdays and Sundays so I was excited to go teach him today after church. 

Sister C asked a lot of deep questions for not really growing up in the gospel, and I was able to help her out no problem because I also have deep questions and was raised by very spiritually knowledgeable parents that helped me learn enough through my life to know how to carefully address Sister C’s questions about worthiness/repentance/Celestial kingdom. I don’t know.. Me having deep questions was actually a helpful tool for me today! Woo! (; 

Also.. I really, really like Sister Diaz and don’t want either of us to be transferred. I don’t feel like getting to know another companion right now.. Haa.

Ups and Downs

8-29-16 (Monday)
Today was such a good day! I just had a lot of fun throughout the whole day. (: I love P-Days. I really do. I love getting to email home and hear from my family. I’m excited to see them again. (: 

Elder Paz, Elder Budge, and Elder Kofe
sa likod [in the back]. Haha. (: 

Work today was also super fun! We had a dinner appointment at the D’s because J’s little boy turned 8 months today. I don’t know why, but people here have a party every month until the baby actually turns one years old. But whatever, I’m not complaining.. I got free food. (; We weren’t able to teach them but it ended up okay because we were able to build lots of trust and relationship with them. (: 

But the best of all was teaching the D2 Family! We asked how church was and they all went crazy about how good they felt. They’re already excited for next week! AHH! And R was excited to tell us she read the Book of Mormon. AND! They have all stopped drinking coffee. The only thing left now is Tatay and his addiction to cigarettes. His desire is there. He just needs to have faith in the help God is trying to give him and he’ll be able to quit smoking in no time. (: 

I also printed some Book of Mormon chapters in a big front for Brother B and Sister G to be able to read, which will hopefully be helpful for them. I know there’s power that comes from reading the Book of Mormon! I can’t wait to see their faith grow together as a family! I just love them so dang much and will not ever be happier than the day I see them all get baptized together. (:

8-30-16 (Tuesday)
So.. Yesterday in Sam’s letter [a friend serving in San Diego] he told me that the Filipino Sister in his District told him missionaries in the Philippines are super disobedient and that the Urdaneta Mission might be the most disobedient. He asked me if that was true and I just told him every missionary has their weaknesses, but no.. I don’t think we’re disobedient. But this morning I couldn’t stop thinking about that! I went a little “momma bear” over it while telling sister Diaz and Sister Quijada ;D Like.. I honestly love it here so much it was like knowing someone was talking bad about my child! Haha! I’m pathetic! ;D 

Anyway.. Sister Diaz and I were able to teach 9 lessons today which I am just very proud of. I’d say we did pretty good today and that we’re getting better at weekly planning. (: 

My best friend Kevin Castro. (;
and Sister Diaz

8-31-16 (Wednesday)
Tatay D2 only smoked twice today! :D He has gone from [fade out] (NOOO! My forest green pen just died on me.. I’m pretty sure that’s the first pen I have ever used all the ink my entire life. I can’t decide if I’m sad it died or if I’m proud I was able to use all the ink in a pen. Haha! ;D)

Tatay has gone from smoking an entire pack every single day to two cigarettes a day within 2 weeks! He is doing so good! When Tatay told us that, I about lost it I was so dang happy! I testified of the blessings he will receive because of his faithful diligence and told him he’ll be able to be baptized this year. I truly do believe they’ll all be baptized in October. (:

Also! When we first got there, G was all excited to show us the new white button-up church shirt she bought for Brother B. They’re pretty excited for church again. (: 

Also.. I found out Tatay B’s birthday is the same as Fuzzy’s [a close friend from Tooele] so I’m pretty excited to celebrate with him. The transfer does end on the 14th though and I’m so scared. I don’t want to get transferred right before my birthday [Sept. 19th]. I want to be able to celebrate with people I know, not people I just barely met. But mostly I want to be able to be here for the D2 Family’s baptisms.

9-1-16 (Thursday)
Today was an awesome day that went by really fast actually, but it was more of a thoughtful day than an eventful day. I mean, it was an eventful day with 6 lessons AND weekly planning.. But I was pondering life a bit more than usual today. Everyone tells me I’m a deep thinker, but I never realized that till my mission.

Anyway.. Today I asked P how long it took him to stop smoking before he was baptized, with Brother B in mind.. And well.. I learned a LOT more about P than I expected. I couldn’t help but smile at how much the Atonement has helped him change. The Atonement of Jesus Christ will help anyone and everyone if we simply open our hearts and desire to change. We simply just need faith in Jesus Christ and that will eventually lead us to eternal happiness. (: 

The Pablo Family

Also! I got a package from the Annis Ward AND my birthday package from mom and dad today! I cannot wait to open them! :D

9-2-16 (Friday)
I met and taught Jesus today! It’s true! I shook his hand and everything. (; And in return.. he helped us get 2 new referrals AND taught me how to play Pak-Ganern! ;D

9-3-16 (Saturday)
This morning I opened my package from the Annis Relief Society and found a giant burst of sunshine! ;D [the whole package was yellow] But dang.. Butterfingers.. I haven’t had one of those in forever! Oh man, it was a glorious party in my mouth. That’s all I can say. Haha! Although the Butterfinger was pretty great, I have to say my favorite part was my letter from Shaundel Scott. I don’t know, it was just nice to read a letter from one of my best friend’s mom and feel like I was actually reading a letter from my best friend. (: In her letter she sent me a picture of one of the “KELSEY”s written on the butte and man.. That just made me giggle with a big ole’ smile! That sure brought back a lot of fun memories. (:

Anyway.. Work today was fun and went by really fast, but man..  I got a little more frustrated with the language than usual today.. I just want so badly to be able to express the feelings of my heart! But as frustrated I was with the language.. Today was great and P, J, and G all worked with us this evening so that was nice. (:

Also! Tatay D2 didn’t smoke at all today or yesterday! YAAASS! But.. I guess him stopping so quickly made him have an asthma attack or something like that.. That was hard for me to hear.. I didn’t know what to say to that.. All this time we have been promising him health and strength if he stops smoking and he did.. But had different health problems come up. All we could do was promise the Lord is mindful of him and that in the long run him quitting smoking will all be worth it. 

9-4-16 (Sunday)
I’m a little confused.. Sister Diaz and I taught so many lessons this week and really did a good job at trying to reach the mission’s Stand of Excellence but today none of our investigators came to church. BAAAKIIT!? [Whyyyy!?] 

The Deleon Family

I’m not sure why the D2 Family didn’t come, but I sure hope it’s not because tatay had an asthma attack while trying to do what we told him would help him be healthier/feel the Spirit more abundantly. I don’t want to lose this family! I’ll be so incredibly heart broken if we lose them and their desire. 

BUUUT! On the bright side, Sister Diaz and I fixed the typewriter that’s been in our apartment for who knows how long and you can bet your butt we’re having fun with it! ;D