"HAPPY ONE MARK TO ME!"

11-7-16 (Monday)

JeanKyle

Today was the best! I was my normal happy self for the most of the day. YAAASS! :D I don’t know.. I guess I just tried my best to do whatever Sister Buna Cruz wanted to do so that she would be happier and essentially help me be happier. (Haha! I had to ask Sister Buna Cruz how to spell essentially! ;D There’s something wrong with that. (;) But we both ended up kind of doing what we both wanted to do without really talking about it! So.. that worked out better than I thought it would. (;

Sister Ikafanga

Anyway.. Today in one of our lessons I really tried my best to apply what I learned in zone training this morning. And it was total success! :D I straight up told them that I was going to apply something in our lesson that I just learned earlier today. And they’re like yeah, sure, whatever. That’s cool. So I told them about how as missionaries one of the most important questions an investigator could have is one of the most difficult to answer. And that is “How do I know if I have received an answer from God? How do I know I have felt the Spirit testify to me the truthfulness of the missionary’s lessons?” So! We all read in the restoration pamphlet about how the Spirit testifies in many ways but that they’re all beautiful feelings and/or thoughts. Then we were able to teach them the Word of Wisdom which went great AND THEN as we were wrapping things up and getting ready to commit them to live the word of wisdom I asked them what they felt during our lesson and they answered in a way that it all makes sense and they’re happy. Then we re-read the part in the pamphlet that we started the lesson with then I testified that the Spirit was in our lesson and that I felt it and that I truly believe that their hearts were open and they felt the Spirit too. Then they all committed to live the word of wisdom and be baptized as a family on December 10! BOOM PANES! ;D Life is great. (:

Allen

11-8-16 (Tuesday)

Honestly I thought today was great! I had a ton of fun! I had exchanges here in 100 Islands with Sister Ikafanga from Australia. So, yes. I had the time of my life spending the day with another foreigner that actually speaks English. AAND we’re actually alike so we had a blast while working. (:

  

11-10-16 (Thursday)

So today when we went to teach A and M we had a total blast! When we got all sat down and ready, Sister Buna Cruz and I both realized there were too many little kids that were joining our lesson to be able to have a formal/focused lesson. So we turned it into a Family Home Evening. It was total success! So in our last lesson with them we read some of 1 Nephi 8 so that’s what they’ve been reading on their own the last couple days. So for our lesson we blindfolded M and gave B a chocolate bar to try and convince M to eat what B was trying to feed him while everyone else yelled stuff like “no, no! Don’t eat it! It’s dirty!” or I guess you could say it was more like “Huwag! Wag-wag! Marumi iyan!” (:

But eventually M took a bite and was obviously grateful. (; Then we tied all that to Lehi’s dream and it was just perfect. (: Then we played some games and everyone was just laughing and having a great time then the next thing you know, practically the whole compound is all hanging out with us being amused by the fun all the kids were having. Man.. It was just a great time seeing how happy everyone was. I really hope that broke the ice for some people [so] we’ll be able to teach more people that live by A. (:

11-11-16 (Friday)

HAPPY ONE MARK TO ME! :D We all went over to the Mina’s to cook food for the picnic we planned last week to celebrate my one year mark. I was expecting we would be able to go out and work around 5:30 or 6:00, But no.. of course cooking took 5 years. So we finally got to the 100 Islands Park around 6:30 for our picnic. I really did enjoy our little picnic while we were all eating together. And I got lots of cute pictures. (:

Also! I totally wore the same outfit today that I wore when I entered the MTC on November 11^th 2015. (:

Jeankyle's mom and Kim. (: 

11-12-16 (Saturday)

JeanKyle was baptized today! Yeah baby! That’s 3 weeks in a row with a baptism! We’re actually baptizing every week! Success! :D

I also talked to a guy from Washington as he was walking past the church while we were out taking pictures. Turns out he’s a member! He explained how grateful he was that I’m serving a mission and said he was baptized after 24 hours. That’s cool and all, but how and why was that ever allowed! Anyway.. He’s less active because “he doesn’t understand anything anyway.” So I told him he should come and I’d translate for him. He was all like “wait. You go to church here!?” (Uhh.. yes..) “Then I’ll see you again sometime.” Oh man, I sure hope he comes to church tomorrow. (:

ALSO! I forgot to mention JeanKyle’s mom actually came to her baptism! YAASSS! And the members, especially the Relief Society, did a fantastic job at helping her feel loved, missed, and welcomed. I sure hope she felt the Spirit and remembered why she was baptized in the first place, and comes to church tomorrow. That would be true success! I have high hopes/great expectations for tomorrow. I really hope I’m not let down too bad.

11-13-16 (Sunday)

I honestly had a great day. (: I don’t know why or what happened, but I enjoyed life today. Church today was great (and so was the aircon. (;! Even though both the American guy and JeanKyle’s mom missed church.. Sayang.. [alas] But! JeanKyle was confirmed a member today which makes up for that! ;D She’s so cute and just makes me happy. (:

  

"It's helpful with the work being a blonde American in the Philippines"

100 Islands

10-31-16 (Monday)
Today we went to the 100 islands! :D AHH! It was so fun looking at all the cool boats and souvenirs. I’m honestly so excited to actually go to the islands one day. I wish I could go with all my friends, but we all know that’ll never happen. ;) Elder and Sister Jensen actually went to the islands for Elder Jensen’s birthday and said they went zip lining! AHH! I want to go so bad! :D And they said it’s only 250 pesos for about a half a mile long ride! That’s less than $5! AHH! The excitement is real. (: Other than that.. nothing else really happened. 

11-1-16 (Tuesday)
So today we had an early curfew because of All Saints Day so President Deyro said to go out and work at 8:00 and just do studies in the evening. It was kind of a love-hate relationship with that schedule because I just felt off all morning. I didn’t get to read the Book of Mormon before we went out to teach and it just didn’t feel right. But then while studying tonight I was very grateful because I was really able to focus and put in real effort trying to find answers to my questions because I wasn’t sleepy like I always am in the morning. (:

Sister Buna Cruz

But work today was great! We found lots of super potential investigators today; which is great because I’m determined to have two baptisms every week in the month of December. Even though I’m in the tropical Philippines for Christmas again, I WILL have a white Christmas. ;D

Anyway.. my favorite part of the day was companionship study. I know Sister Buna Cruz is having a hard time right now because her mind is on stuff/people at home so I just felt inspired to share my thoughts and feelings of when I was struggling while in my training and just testified that we’re meant to be here and that we have a purpose here. I don’t know exactly what I said but the whole atmosphere of our companionship changed. I think she felt more peace and I felt more love and patience. And honestly.. I even felt a lot better and happier. (: We truly are here to help our companions just as much as everyone else. (:

11-2-16 (Wednesday)
This morning we went to the cemetery to OYM people because that’s what President Deyro said to do.. And I had a really interesting experience. So while Sister Buna Cruz and I were walking through the meydo [pretty] creepy movie perfect cemetery looking for people to talk to, Sister Buna Cruz really was getting creeped out and wanted to leave. But I kept walking and she was like “Where are you going? Can we go?” So I was like “wait, let’s check there to the left.” 

So we walked a little further, turn left, and see a family (which were the first people we saw in a while)! So I asked them “Hey! Have you seen any tombstones around here with the name Santos on it?” (With Alfred and Beth Santos on my mind/excuse to talk to people.) Then they’re like “no” so we just started to talk to them getting ready to OYM them then one of the girls is like “Hey.. This one says Santos.” And I kid you not, I about died. The tombstone this family was standing right in front of while looking at their tombstone was for a Santos family! WHATTTT!? They asked if that was the right one and I said no but we were able to talk to them and give them Plan of Salvation pamphlets and all was great. 

The family is out of our area, which is a bummer, but man.. The way everything ended up going was just too weird and perfect to be a coincidence. I really hope something comes out of that experience for that family. (:

11-3-16 (Thursday)
I honestly don’t even know what happened today. Haha.. I did do weekly planning today which was kind of nice. I felt a lot more accomplished in life since I planned because Sister Buna Cruz isn’t exactly the planning champion. (;

Also! This morning I was just in some kind of blah mood so I kneeled down and prayed for help to cheer up and feel more happy and peaceful in life. And while I was praying one of our neighbors started blasting their music and the song was that “You Raise Me Up” song by Josh Groben and I about died! I couldn’t stop thinking about/remembering growing up and jumping on the tramp and hearing dad sing that song [through the window]. Oh man, it just made me smile that I was able to feel God’s love for me through a cute memory I have of my earthly father. (: Gosh.. I just love my parents. (:

11-4-16 (Friday)
Today I realized I don’t like to do the talking in lessons. I love to ask questions and get to know people and pretty much have them teach themselves and truly figure out what they believe and why. I love getting people to talk about simple truths that they know without even realizing they actually know/have a testimony of a gospel truth. And as they tell me about their life and the things they’ve learned through their life experiences I simply testify of the truthfulness of what they said and tie it to the lesson/gospel principle they need to better know and understand. Honestly I just love getting to know people, especially if they’re super talkative. (: 

But anyway.. D is super excited for her baptism tomorrow and so am I! (: She’s super nervous about having to bear her testimony after though.. Haha, I hope she’ll feel comfortable/brave enough to actually enjoy sharing her testimony.

And also.. We went through the BIQ’s [Baptismal Interview Questions] with J today and she’s all ready for her baptismal interview on Sunday. Yeah baby! We’re doing the work! ;D

11-5-16 (Saturday)
D’s baptism was great! She was so cute and giddy while we waited for people to show up. (: It was good to see how excited she was to be baptized. But as great as her baptismal service was.. I’m pretty disappointed that no one from her family came to support her.. That was just heart breaking to learn that even though her parents are very supportive of her decision.. They don’t really care about it.  Blahh… Her mom’s even a member.. She should have come!

Me, Sister Buna Cruz, Danica,
 Sisters Reyes and Alversado

11-6-16 (Sunday)
Honestly today was exactly what I needed in my life! I was incredibly upbeat and happy all day which was awesome because that’s what I was fasting for.. To simply be happier and enjoy myself/time here in 100 Islands. And I truly did! Haa! And I thought all this time food was what makes me happy in life. ;D Maybe what really makes me happy is aircon.. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that I was sitting in a building with aircon all day and it’s the happiest I’ve been here in 100 Islands. (; 

Haha Anyway.. Lots of great things happened at church today! First! This couple came to church and no one knew who they were so of course we talked to them to welcome them and turns out they were the daughter and son-in-law of a random lady we OYM’d on Wednesday! Whaaat!? Haha, that just truly made me realize that no effort is wasted. (: They were so cute! They were like “our mom gave us this and told us we should come.” While showing us a pass along card we’ve been handing out with the address and time of church. Man.. That just made me really happy. (: 

Jeankyle. (:

Then! D was confirmed a member and there were two baby blessings all before Sacrament. Ahh, what a great start to my day. (: AAANNND! J passed her interview! YAAASS! We have another baptism! :D I’m super excited! And to make things even better.. We had 11 investigators come to church! Even though I don’t always like it anymore, it’s helpful with the work being a blonde American in the Philippines. (:

Welcome to 100 Islands!

I'm officially a Filipino. (;
(Yes.. That's rice.. And I'm walking on it..)

10-24-16 (Monday)

Oh my word! Today was the best! Honestly, I love it here! Anyway.. I LOVE Sister Buna Cruz! She is just the best. I kid you not, she is the best companion I have had in lessons. She is the perfect amount of silliness and knows perfectly how to take control of lessons. And the way she teaches, Oh my word, her insights are insane! She is truly led by the Spirit. (:

Another thing that I absolutely loved is how she would ask me to pick the scriptures we used and share my insights and actually be the one to start teaching some of our lessons. That sounds silly, but I am so grateful for that/her because usually when I get transferred I get lazy because I don’t know the area or the people and my companion usually just takes over all the time because they too know they’re leading the area. But NOPE! Hindi ako magiging tamad kailanman! ;D [I won’t be lazy here!]

Sister Burton

And on a side note… Sister Buna Cruz is 23 and from Bayambang Zone. Wait, what? Bayambang Zone…! Isn’t that in the Urdaneta Mission? Haa! Yes, yes it is! ;D Sister Buna Cruz is totally serving in the mission she lives in! Yiiikes. (: I guess when she applied for her mission she was living/studying in Manila so that was her address when she submitted her mission papers. But man! I find that really interesting that the Lord sent her to the mission she’s from. I never would have guessed something like this would happen. But no matter what, I am sure grateful she is here. (:

10-25-16 (Tuesday)

Well today started out as the best ever! I thoroughly enjoyed life this morning! I REALLY like this area! It’s a lot like Aguilar except bigger and less poor. But it’s more rice field than anything. (: But yeah! I went out to work this morning with the right attitude and it sure paid off with 4 lessons before lunch. (:

Sister Buna Cruz, Jimuel, Rosaldo, me

10-26-16 (Wednesday)

Today was actually an awesome day! I really truly enjoyed all that happened. (: So to start.. I just have to say, Sister Buna Cruz is literally the best missionary ever. I kid you not she is fearless! She does not care if people are ayaw [unwilling] or not. She will teach, testify, repeat, and extend baptismal date. Even when we’re just on the street OYMing people. She’s literally my idol. But.. It also makes me very aware of my weaknesses because I see how good she is at literally everything. So therefore I’m a little insecure at times. But! I am determined to get over that and just learn as much as I can from her. (:

Sister Alversado, Buna Cruz, Jimuel,
 Rosaldo, me, Sister Reyes

So my favorite experience today was in our lesson with Tatay A. Oh my word. He wanted to Bible bash so bad! You would think it would be a frustrating situation, but I was kind of like whatever. He honestly wasn’t rude but man.. He is so incredibly misled! Like, Satan’s got him gooood. But after Sister Buna Cruz and I were able to get A to listen to us I just testified to him what I know to be true. And that the Book of Mormon is true. And it was translated by a prophet of God named Joseph Smith. . And that we can all come to know what I know if we simply open our hearts and ask Heavenly Father to help us come to know the truth.

But what was crazy.. I honestly don’t think I was the one talking. I kid you not my Tagalog seemed perfectly fluent AND I just talked.. I was not thinking in English and having to translate into Tagalog. My mouth was literally being filled by the Spirit. It was the most powerful testimony I have ever borne. I don’t know if Brother A felt the Spirit or not because his heart truly is shut tight but he had nothing to say after my testimony. That’s the best thing about bearing a testimony; people can’t try and debate it. They may not believe or agree with what I testify, but they can’t argue with me if I know what I testify of to be true or not. (:

10-27-16 (Thursday)

I really love this area! It honestly reminds me of home. And as silly as this might sound… when we were riding in a trike to a further area and I was looking out “the window” at the scenery, I honestly felt like I was going for a ride up Middle Canyon [in Tooele]. Haha, I don’t know how or why, considering there’s not a single pine or maple tree in the whole Philippines, but I just felt very at home today. (:

I also saw a firefly again today and it made me miss my Raymond. (: I actually told Sister Buna Cruz about how fireflies always remind me of dad and she just died! Haha, she was like “AHH! I need to marry someone like your dad! ;D” But for real.. I got pretty lucky to have my dad show me my whole life what I want my husband to be like. (: [Raymond is a firefly in the movie The Princess and the Frog]

 

And.. I really do love Sister Buna Cruz! She really makes sure I talk just as much as her in lessons. I’m honestly not used to that.. Usually my companion just takes over because they can get things done faster than I can in Tagalog. But nope! Not Sister Buna Cruz. (: She is very helpful and supportive of the effort I put into learning Tagalog. It’s great. She definitely knows how to make sure I don’t get lazy. (;

10-28-16 (Friday)

We got to go to a wedding today for a returning, less active couple. And man, it was so cuuute! Oh my word it was just so precious seeing how sacred the marriage was to Jesse. You could just see how good he felt that he was finally marrying Jeanny. AHH.. The Feels! (;  

Sister Buna Cruz, Jeanny, me

10-29-16 (Saturday)

Man.. Today was just awesome! I got super lucky getting assigned in this area because it is very progressive right now. (: So! With that said.. We had a baptism today! Jimuel was baptized by his father, who was just baptized this last March! :D But I kid you not, it was a sweet moment when they both walked into the water together and Jimuel had to wipe away tears before he grabbed his dad’s hands. Gahhh! I love how happy the gospel makes people! (:

Also.. After Jimuel was baptized, Sisters Buna Cruz, Reyes, Alversado, and I sang “Come Unto Christ” and I had multiple solo parts. AHHH! They all think I have a good voice so they made me sing more than them.. I really hope I didn’t embarrass myself in front of everyone! (;

But then after the baptism we went to Danica’s house to fill out her BCR [Baptismal and Confirmation Record?] and have her mom sign the parental consent form for her baptismal interview tomorrow. Yesss! We’re actually baptizing every week! Kaya namih iyan! ;D

Honestly.. a ton happened today, but I don’t know what to write because it was all just so happy. Well.. This morning we helped with the branch’s Family Day Activity which was a ton of fun. It was an all day sports fest and we even had about 6 investigators there playing with everyone. It really was a lot of fun seeing how bubbly this branch is. I think I’m really truly going to like it here. (:

10-30-16 (Sunday)

So! Jimuel was confirmed a member and received the gift of the Holy Ghost today AND D passed her baptismal interview! YEAAAH Baby! Now that is a good day! ;D

Anyway.. This branch is stinkin’ loaded! People here are dang rich! This branch has a church all to themselves that’s only like maybe five miles away from the “stake” center AND it has aircon. For real.. I’ve never heard of something like this here. Or even in America as a matter of fact.. But I’m not complaining at all! I love it! We have aircon AND our investigators have enough money to get to church on their own. (: All 9 of them that came today! ;D wait… That was a lie we paid for one because we all rode in the same trike. But either way.. Life is great here in good ole’ Hundred Islands!

 Especially tonight at our dinner appointment. I honestly love how amazed people are with my Tagalog. They truly help give me confidence. Like yesterday when I was OYMing a guy he was like “Dang, you’re really good at Tagalog” probably 3 or 4 times and finally asked me if I grew up here in the Philippines! HAAA! YES! I’d say thats the best “compliment” I’ve gotten in my life! I call that complete success! ;D

Bagyo Lawin

10-17-16 (Monday)
I saw Sister Tanielu today and she said R didn’t pass his interview because he didn’t know who Joseph Smith was. What in the world, R!? That was the best lesson we taught you! At first it made my stomach hurt that he didn’t pass, but then I became grateful because now he has more time to make sure he’s converted to Christ, not just me. BUT! Jayann and Jess both passed their interviews so they’ll be baptized on Saturday. And even though I won’t be there.. I still count them as my baptisms because I taught them every lesson. (:

10-19-16 (Wednesday)
Tomorrow there’s supposed to be a stage 4 bagyo [typhoon] and I’m actually kind of scared. I don’t know why though because I know I’m completely safe, but I’m still a little nervous; maybe it’s just excitement though.. Haha, I don’t know I guess I am a little excited to see a real bagyo. (;

10-20-16 (Thursday)
I am now a survivor of bagyo Karen and bagyo Lawin. (; Haha, anyway.. Because of bagyo Lawin today we had to stay inside till about 3:00 pm but honestly.. I feel like we could have gone out at normal time because today’s bagyo was just like the last one.. It seemed like another rainy day with extra wind. [Typhoon Lawin hit the northern Philippines at a category 4. Kelsey was about 180 miles south of the eye] Since we had to stay inside all morning and early afternoon playing with our thumbs.. I did A LOT of pondering. 

10-21-16 (Friday)
Today was just a good day. I have realized how much I want to be more obedient with our schedule. Like.. If we get out of the house late and it’s my fault I just feel yucky inside. I don’t know.. I really do want to be exactly obedient. I know how important our obedience is as missionaries.

10-22-16 (Saturday)

The Nicolas Family

Today was great! Ahh man, it was just a nice day for me. In a sense it was just so relaxing. (: Anyways.. I really do like Sister Burton. She LOVES to talk and tell stories, which makes life while walking from house to house a lot more exciting. But for real.. She doesn’t stop talking! Like.. I can never get to bed on time because she’ll just talk to me while I’m trying to write in my journal but by the time she’s done talking at like 10:45, I still need to write in my journal! ;D haha, the struggle is reaaal! But oh well, I’m happy. (:

10-23-16 (Sunday)
Well today was my first time at church with the Urdaneta 2nd Ward and it was great! It was my first time going to church here on my mission in a ward. (; Woo! But honestly my favorite part was MCM [Missionary Correlation Meeting?] I just had a ton of fun with the ward missionaries. We were all joking around and teasing each other and man..! It was just like being at home messing with my best friends. (: But as awesome my first day with the ward was.. It was also my last. Haa! 

I caught Sister Burton playing
 with moms makeup again.
 HAHAHA! ;D

Yeah.. The AP’s called at about 8:30 pm telling me I’m transferring tomorrow morning at 6:45 am. Thaannks for the heads up on time to pack. (; But it’s all good because I never really unpacked when I got here; so it’s all working out pretty good right now. Except.. I will be late once again. (;

Anyway.. Where am I going? Wait for it… 100 ISLANDS! :D I’m pretty excited, not going to lie. It’s a very touristy place so I think that’ll help me call less attention to myself as a big white blond American, because there’s probably lots of Americans that go there. (: But I’m also pretty excited because I’m pretty sure the STL’s [Sister Training Leaders] over the Alaminos Zone are the STLs that live in Aguilar! [Kelsey’s first area] YAAASS! I might be able to go back to Aguilar! :D Oh man, that was my dream ever since I left! :D

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. (: