This is the hardest part of missionary work.. Loving people too much.

6-6-16 (Monday)
I got my hair trimmed today.. Not going to lie I was pretty dang scared. But it all worked out and my hair looks pretty again. (: I also bought a basketball today so we can play in the morning for exercise. Hopefully Sister Alpino will actually enjoy playing so I can play often. (:

We also got to teach J and J’s oldest brother today which was a total surprise and blessing. We’ve always invited him to join in our lessons but he never does. Anyway.. so we were teaching J and M out in the front of Johnathan’s house but then it started getting dark so they asked if we could move to the porch to have more light, then they were like.. Nah, we don’t like it here either. So.. we just went inside because D was like.. Guys! Just come inside. So we moved inside to the family room and as we were sitting down D pulls up his chair and joined the lesson! Yeah baby! :D He was so awesome! He was so commentive and would make sure he understood things right. He even started talking about how Sunday is the Lord’s day and a day of rest because Christ created the world in 6 days then rested on the 7th. Oh my word, that made me so dang happy to know he realizes the importance of keeping the Sabbath day holy. He even accepted his baptismal date for July 30 which makes me super happy. Hopefully he continues to listen to us and be acceptive to the Spirit. 

And.. My funny line of the day was pretty good today. (: I was helping Sister Alpino with her laundry and she handed me a shirt to hang up and no joke it was tiny! The first thing that came out of my mouth was “Dang! I’m pretty sure my build-a-bear has bigger shirts than this!” Haha, I was pretty proud of that line of the day. (;

6-7-16 (Tuesday)

Today was such a fun day! It even started off super great because I got to actually run around and play basketball for exercise this morning. No joke I was so excited to play I woke up at 6:00 and couldn’t fall back asleep. I guess I really do miss my high school basketball days. 

Nothing really noteworthy happened today.. But I did realize today how much I really do love being a member of Christ’s church, and knowing/understanding His gospel and doctrine. I’ve reached the point in my mission that I truly just want people to understand the importance of religion and being part of the TRUE church. 

Alejandra’s baptism is this week and I am SO excited, and noon [then] that was the only thing I would be thinking about all week. But.. I honestly just can’t stop thinking about how I can help all of my other investigators be more converted to Christ and understand the importance of our message. I just want people to find the happiness they are looking for. Whether they realize it or not, all these people are looking for the happy message we as missionaries are trying to share. I truly love this gospel and church. I want everyone to accept our message so baaaaaad! I love sharing the gospel, I really do. Even when people reject us and break my heart.. I’m still the happiest I’ve ever been. (:

6-8-16 (Wednesday)

Today was super different for me emotionally. I just kept getting heart broken by everything that was happening with the people we are teaching. Like we went to see M and he’s been one of my favorites from day one. He wants to be baptized so bad, but he’s still having a hard time overcoming his smoking addiction. I just love him so much and want to help him quit so dang bad! I just know how hard it is to overcome and addition, but I do know it’s possible and sooo worth it! I just love these people so much and it breaks my heart seeing them struggle.  It’s hard to see people’s families falling apart when I’m doing everything I can to help them be together forever but they just won’t accept the gospel message I am here trying to share. 

And.. It sucks that I can’t go play basketball in the morning for exercise because my companion doesn’t want to.  It’s stupid because when we just do exercise here, we sit around and “stretch” for exercise.. 

But on the bright side, J is the best and already read all of 1 Nephi 17 which is 55 verses before the end of the day. He’s so cute. We saw him, M, and C as we were opening our gate and when Sister Alpino told them to go read the Book of Mormon J said he already did and started telling us all about Nephi’s family. It made me pretty dang happy! He really is the best! I hope these guys stay this awesome even when school starts again.

6-9-16 (Thursday)

Today it rained pretty hard. I like when it rains, I really do. Even though it’s kind of annoying, I still think it’s fun. I really enjoyed today! It wasn’t the most wonderful day for missionary work, but it was still a fun successful day. Especially because this morning we texted M reminding him not to smoke and that we know he is strong enough to resist the temptation. And then later sa hapon [In the afternoon] he texted us saying he hasn’t smoked and how happy and grateful he is for our support. Oh my word, I just love him! I really hope he can continue to resist the temptation. Alam ko na kaya niya iyan! (: [I know that he can!] 

6-10-16 (Friday)

Today was probably the most heart breaking day of my life. Even though today was actually pretty great, and I mean I’m perfectly fine and happy now, but for a couple hours I was pretty down. After teaching J, J, M, and G about the Word of Wisdom, when I asked J if he would stop drinking coffee he’s like “probably not.” So I pointed out that before they can be baptized they have to live the Word of Wisdom. Then.. I asked him again if he would stop drinking coffee so he can prepare for his baptism and he just said “ayaw ko” [“I don’t want to”] while shrugging his shoulders. I’m not joking, when he said that I literally felt my heart break. After I could finally breathe again I asked why and he just said he doesn’t want to be baptized… We aren’t even dating and he literally broke my heart! He says he still wants us to come over and loves our lessons, but he doesn’t want to be baptized because his lola [grandmother] doesn’t want him to leave the Catholic church. It made it even worse that I couldn’t talk to him like I wanted to because I still can’t speak Tagalog. AHH! But then when I asked them all if they were going to come to church on Sunday they all nodded their heads and said yes. Hopefully he’ll keep coming to church.. 

Anyway.. I was pretty heart broken for a couple hours after that, but I cheered up a lot because M texted us and said he didn’t smoke today! Woo! That’s two days in a row now. I’m proud of him. (:

6-11-16 (Saturday)

Today was completely full of ups and downs. Oh my word, it was insane how often I went up and down emotionally. But luckily I cheered up when we started working and 3 of our new investigators accepted their baptismal date. 

Then Sister Alpino and I came back for lunch and 12 weeks training which was great. But while watching some of The District videos it made me remember how different the members are in America and here. People’s lifestyles are just so different here so it’s harder to have the member missionary work/help. All-in-all, it’s just not as organized here like it is in America. Maybe just because it’s a branch and not a ward. I don’t know. But! My thoughts and feelings were kind of verified when Sister Alpino and I showed up at the church for Nanay Alejandra’s baptism.. 

When we first got there I was so excited to see that Nanay’s grandson J actually was staying to watch her baptism! He always just drops Nanay off and leaves or when we’re teaching Nanay he never joins (and I personally have been teaching her since January). But yesterday I asked if he was going to watch Nanay’s baptism and he said he would if he wasn’t busy. So I was pretty dang happy he stayed to support Nanay. 

Sister Alpino, Alejandra, J, ako. 

But then when we all walked into the church it was insane! It was about 3:45 and NOTHING was prepared for her baptism! NOTHING! Her baptism was supposed to start at 4:00! It was insane, I’m telling you. The other branch was having some kind of activity and we all know how ward activity/party things are. They’re not the most reverent or spiritual. Anyway.. so at about 3:50 we start to fill up the font.. Luckily it doesn’t take hours like it does when dad always had to fill the font because 1). There’s no water heater and (2). It’s so hot here we want the water cold. (; So after we started filling the font we went around trying to find a jumpsuit for Nanay but we couldn’t find one because there were NO priesthood holders from our branch at the church yet! What the heck! Her baptism was supposed to start like 10 minutes ago! But when I saw President Villanueva from branch 1, I asked him if he knew where the clothes were and luckily he was able to help us with that.

So we got Nanay all dressed and more people showed up, but we ended up having to sit around for over an hour waiting for someone to show up that could preside. Finally our D was able to show up at about 5:30! Her baptism was supposed to start at 4:00! It was super awesome that she was baptized and all but I was so frustrated at how unorganized everything was and simply just was not a beautiful experience. We always talk about and teach how wonderful and sacred baptism is, but today it was just a complete train wreck. I hope her grandson doesn’t think our church is a joke from his first experience at the church. But I do think he had a good time and enjoyed seeing that we’re normal people that like to visit and joke around with each other. And even though it was crazy for me trying to get everything together, it was all worth it because Alejandra was baptized and her testimony afterwards was complete spiritual power. 

Then after her baptism I was all excited to go work again and teach M, because I was so excited to tell him how proud I am of him for not smoking in a couple days, but when we got there.. He was drinking with his friends.. Once again, my heart was broken. He did say he was sorry and that he’s going to come to church tomorrow (which is great!), but my heart was just so sad. This is the hardest part of missionary work.. Loving people too much. 

So.. After M’s it was time to head home. We got home and unlocked the gate and door. But when we opened the door, all the drawers in our desks were opened, the stuff on the desks were all a mess, our chairs were knocked over, and all the same in the other room where the other sisters study. Oh my word, I was so freaked out. I was like “someone was in here.” But it was crazy because we unlocked the gate and the door ourselves, so I was freaked out how someone could get in. 

Then M and J knock on our gate to give me back my basketball I let them use today, so we ask them if they saw anything or anyone come in and they said no. So Sister Alpino and I were kind of freaking out a bit and then Sister Alpino sees through the window that someone is still in the house! So I’m straight up worried, I didn’t know what to do. And we’re by the gate with M, and J runs to go get his older brother and stays with us to make sure we’re safe. And he’s like “let me go in and check it out for you.” And Sister Alpino was like “no, that’s bawal [taboo, against the rules].” (Good for her because in that situation I didn’t care, I was so scared!) Then Sister Alpino and M see someone move through the window again, and then the front door opens and freaking Sister Arquiola jumps out yelling “Gotcha!” Oh my word, I’ve never freaked out and screamed that bad in my life! Then once I realized it was Sister Arquiola I died! Oh my word, I laughed so dang hard! Sister Miller and Sister Arquiola got Sister Alpino and I sooo good! Once my heart rate finally went back to normal I was honestly just so impressed with that prank! It was honestly just pure genius. ;D And what makes it even better is how worried M and J were for us. They’re so cute. It’s nice to know they’ve got our backs. (; That prank was the perfect way to cheer me up and end the day as happy as ever. I’m glad I have such fun kabahay [roommates]. (:

6-12-16 (Sunday)

Today ended up being pretty good. Sister Alejandra didn’t come to church so she obviously wasn’t confirmed. I’m sure she didn’t come because it was raining so hard. Something about how if it’s raining, people don’t come to church.. That doesn’t exactly make sense to me because 1. It’s always raining here and (2). It’s not like church is outside.. 

But! M came to church again and brought G and A with them, so that made me super happy! Then after church we went to go visit M which ended up being good, but I was still pretty heart broken about him drinking. We talked about it and he kept apologizing so I just looked him in the eye and asked if that was true. I asked him if he really truly was sorry and when he said yes I 100% believed him. He wants to be baptized, he really does. GAHH! It’s so hard loving these people so much! I just want them to have the happiness I have and experience every day because I have an understanding of this gospel and its importance.

LOVE YOU!

So.. Because I'm training sister Alpino and I have an extra hour of studies. And on Sunday's we have so many meetings that we technically don't have time for lunch. So I asked Sister Arquiola and Sister Miller to make enough food for us so we could eat something before our PEC meeting. Sister Aruiola said she would only if I wear mascara.. And we all know how much I love food so she won.. ;D
Also.. This is the best picture I have for you to see my haircut.

"I got to ride in a police car while on my mission in the Philippines."

5-30-16 (Monday)

Today we got permission to go to Lingayen for P-Day, because Sister Miller needed new rubber shoes and Aguilar Zone is literally so small there’s nowhere to get any. Then Elder Baniago said to Sister Miller “Yeah you can go, but just you and Sister Arquiola.” But luckily Sister Miller had my back and said, “But Sister Fivas doesn’t have any!” Then that’s when I came into the conversation because I heard my name and Elder Baniago (our Zone Leader) was like “yeah, you can go to Lingayen for P-Day.” Woo baby! That was a total surprise that we all got to go to Lingayen. I didn’t even know the other Sisters wanted to go. 

Sisters Clair, Alpino, me

Anyway..I got to eat Chow King for the first time today.  It wasn’t anything special for me. It wasn’t as wonderful as everyone made it seem like. 

But the best part of P-Day was while Sister Alpino and I were walking from CSI to the Jeepny terminal to go back to Aguilar, Sister "L" passes by in the police car thing that looks like a mini Jeepny and makes the Sheriff stop and take us home with her! Haha, we totally got a free ride home in a police car. I’d say that counts a having a personal police escort home. I’m practically famous. (; Haha, moral of the story is Sister "L" was able to be bailed out of jail and I got to ride in a police car while on my mission in the Philippines. Man, I love it here! ;D 

Also.. Today I noticed that I honestly love missionary work. I think if I ever find myself not wanting to go out and work, it just means I’m tired and really want a nap. I really do enjoy teaching lessons now. I think being a trainer so early in my mission has been such a blessing. I feel more confident and comfortable teaching lessons because I don’t feel intimidated by my companion any more. Life truly is getting happier and happier everyday.

No joke.. That is a real living frog smaller than a penny.
It was SOOOO cute watching him hop around. ;D

5-31-16 (Tuesday)

I have a cold.. It still blows my mind that you can get a cold while living on a tropical island. (; 

Anyway, this morning we went to go teach "J" and "J" again and I was so worried because of how church was. Luckily they’re super awesome and are still interested in the church and want to go to church again. (: But before we taught them we had language study with them to help build trust and relationship. It was such a good idea! "J" even went inside and grabbed his English-Tagalog dictionary. It was so cute. Then after language study/BTR, we shared Mosiah 2:22 about obedience and because they’re the best ever we somehow ended up being able to teach two of their friends too. So now we have 5 investigators that are all best buds which is awesome! They’ll be able to fellowship themselves at church if none of the members will. "J" even invited "M" and "G" to come to church with him before we invited them.  I really hope they really will all come to church and continue to investigate all together. (: 

6-1-16 (Wednesday)

I cannot believe it’s already June! It literally blows my mind that I’ve been living in Aguilar for 5 months now. I remember my first day here like it was last week. Oh man, I really am having the time of my life here. I honestly LOVE missionary work. I don’t know if it’s just because I love my area or what, but I am having the time of my life here! I just love all the funny things that happen throughout the day. It just makes missionary work that much more enjoyable. 

For example, early this afternoon we went to go see "A", but when we got there, her asawa [boyfriend] was there too!  So no joke, my heart was the happiest it has ever been! I was dang exited to teach them together because they need to get married still. And.. Because I know how much "A" wants this gospel for her family. So I was so excited to teach her asawa. But.. a little bit after we came in, he got up and left to take a bath. Oh. My. Word. My heart BROKE! I can’t even describe to you how excited I was to teach him, but when he left I swear I felt my heart break! So we just taught "A" and "T" about faith unto repentance and how we can be cleansed from sin. But as we were ending our lesson their little boy started throwing a fit and wouldn’t stop crying so "A's" asawa came back in to help "A" take care of him. Let me tell you.. God truly does work in mysterious ways. When he came back in and the boy calmed down right away, I jumped all over the opportunity to teach him. So we just taught him what we just taught "A".. The sweet Spirit I felt while teaching him about the Atonement and repentance is something I will remember forever. I know he felt it too. Christ ALWAYS wants us to give him our sins because he already paid for them. He’s ALWAYS happy when we confess and repent of our mistakes. 

And.. to end the day on a fun note, while we OYMd [Open Your Mouth] this big group of people I was mostly talking to these two guys while Sister Alpino and Sister Clair talked to some of the others. It was so dang funny! We were all making jokes about my Tagalog so I didn’t feel awkward when I didn’t understand them or when they didn’t understand me. But the best part was when they were like “so.. how long have you lived here and how long will you stay here?” So I was like “after 18 months I’ll be done with my mission so I will go home, but I’ll probably come back again.” Then they freaked out and were like “WHEN!? When will you come back?” I was like “I don’t know..” and then one of them said in perfect English “I’ll be waiting for you..” Oh my gosh I DIED! I honestly didn’t know what to say to that so his friend and I both just started laughing super hard. Eventually I was like “Thank you..?” Haha, I think it’s so funny when men just say such things and then we all laugh at how awkward it was. I love the Philippines, I really do. I don’t ever want to leave.

6-2-16 (Thursday)

This morning we got to do community service at one of the Catholic schools and clean up all the grounds before school starts later this month. I honestly love every second of it. I liked that I got to wear sweatpants too.. I miss being able to sit however I want. (; I also ran around a lot so it was nice to go for a “run” for a while. One thing that I have noticed is how often people freak out at me when I’m not sitting in the shade or using an umbrella for shade. It kind of annoys me.. I’m not going to die if I’m working in the sun. If I really do get skin cancer one day, Oh well! At least I lived my life doing what I wanted and not worrying about if I’m in the shade or not. (; 

We also got to go to Mangatarem today to get support because Aguilar is so small we don’t even have an ATM to get our money. But I’m not complaining because I love that it’s a homey small town and that I get to ride a bus for 30 minutes each way to go get money and have a yummy lunch. (; Oh how you learn to enjoy the little things while on a mission.

6-3-16 (Friday)

Oh my word, the thunder here is insane! I’m not joking when I say you can feel it. Astig siya! [It was cool!] 

Anyway.. I love our investigators so much! Especially because a lot of them are teenage boys that are all on a basketball team together so it’s nice because I can talk about basketball with them to build relationship and trust. (; So I guess for the finals it’s the Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors.. My only question is.. who the heck are the Warriors!? Are they a new team or is my brain really messed up that bad? 

Also.. I saw one of my investigator today for the first time in a couple weeks. Turns out he’s actually really good at speaking English.. when he’s drunk! Haha, when he first saw me he perked right up and yelled hi. That made me so happy he was being so happy and friendly but then I noticed he was being too friendly and realized he was drunk. Why is it every time a drunk Filipino sees me they always speak in English! It’s a hard life when I can have a better conversation with someone that’s drunk than if they were sober.  This would happen to me. (; But on the bright side, I now know he speaks English and that he “loves me so much.” Haha! ;D

Here's a picture of me with a baby cow. ;D

6-4-16 (Saturday)

I love Saturdays. They’re the best days for work. I also really love "J". He’s so cute! I asked if he read his Book of Mormon assignment and he said yes and asked who the Holy Messiah is. Then we told him it was just another name for Christ and he got so exited! He researched online and was so happy he was able to answer his question correctly because of his research. It was just so cute to see how happy he was because he really studied his Book of Mormon assignment. He’s the best. (: 

Also today Sister Alpino and I taught this lady we met through an OYM and it was great! She accepted her baptismal date and everything. Then while Sister Alpino and I were walking to our next investigator, we both couldn’t remember her first name. I was pretty bummed we both forgot her name before I could write it down. So I just said a simple prayer that Heavenly Father would help us remember it. And He answered it in the best way possible! (: So while we were visiting Brother "C", a recent convert, I asked him how his Book of Mormon reading was; expecting he’d give us another lame excuse for not reading.. But he actually did read! He’s like “yeah, I read in Alma about people going to synagogues!” First! I was incredibly happy he read! Then! It instantly came to me that that lady’s name is Alma! Woo baby! It was just a great way to receive an answer to my prayer. It’s nice to know no matter how simple our prayers are, God always answers. (:

6-5-16 (Sunday)

Today was full of all kinds of great things! First, we had 6 investigators come to church! Woo baby! That honestly made me so happy! Although.. It’s a little worrisome for me because all our progressing investigators, except for Alejandra, are boys 16 to 24.. I’m really glad we’re all friends and can joke around with each other and talk about basketball, but I’m worried we all have TOO much fun together. I really want them to be converted to Christ and His church, not me.. But I’m really glad they come to church and let us teach them a lot! (: 

Also.. some other great news is Nanay Alejandra passed her baptismal interview! :D Sister Alpino will now have her first baptism this Saturday! (: I’m so dang excited! Sister Alejandra has been one of my investigators ever since I got put in Aguilar 2/2A, which was February. The work truly is moving forward here in Aguilar. I honestly doubt I’ll like any other area better than Aguilar. I really do love it here. (:

 

Sister Alejandra

Six Lessons and Seven New Investigators!

Here's my letter to President Deyro this week just for fun: 

This week was great! We were able to find 17 new investigators and a lot of them are related in some way. Teaching in groups really is such an advantage with helping investigators be comfortable in lessons and come to church. 

I also want you to know that I really like training. I didn't expect to enjoy it this much. I figured I'd be all stressed and uncomfortable in lessons trying to make sure things are done right all while not being able to understand Tagalog yet. But no worries, Sister Alpino really catches on quickly and is so great at following the Spirit. Our companionship unity is really great too! It's been such a great experience to see how well we teach together. We're always on the same mind track even when we change the lesson we planned on teaching. 


5-23-16 (Monday)
Well last night I woke up with an upset stomach and ended up going to the bathroom but that didn’t really help.. Because apparently I needed to throw up too. I ended up doing that twice throughout the night. I really did not enjoy throwing up and having rice come out my nose. That hurt! I now understand what everyone means when they talk about the two-headed dragon. ;D Even though I didn’t feel good today I wasn’t miserable enough to not go to Mangatarem and enjoy my p-day which is really good because I really appreciated Brayden’s email.  It really made me feel his love and that he thinks about me and truly cares about me.  I sure do miss him a lot. He’s always been my best friend and helped me through some sad times in my life.

Anyway, he just wrote me about how two completely different people could both be AP’s [Assistant to the President] like him and Taylor Johansen.  Even though they do things very differently, they both were worthy enough to be AP’s.  Then Bub talked about how just because Sister Standage and I were so different but she’s now an STL [Sister Training Leader] doesn’t mean I was always wrong. Both our ways could very well be right even if they were very different.  I just really loved that email from Brayden.  He’s the best big brother ever.  

Then after P-Day and it was time to go work, I still wasn’t feeling good, but I decided we should go work because I wasn’t dying anymore, and I’m so grateful I made that decision! We ended up teaching one of my favorite RCLA’s [Recent Convert, Less Active], Cezar, about temples and family history.  Oh my word, it was so fun to remind him that if he comes back to church he has the opportunity to still be sealed to his wife that passed away, for eternity.  I truly believe that refreshed desire will help him come back to church more often and frequent.  I just love the hope that comes from this gospel, and the fact that I get to share that love and hope with people everyday! (:

5-24-16 (Tuesday)
I thoroughly enjoyed today! Oh man, work today was the best! We ended up having six lessons and found SEVEN new investigators! WOO baby! I’m so proud of our work today! Having six lessons in a day is pretty great here in Aguilar, especially with having an extra hour and a half of studies since Sister Alpino is training.  I don’t know what it’s like in other areas or even missions, but I’m absolutely thrilled we were able to have that many lessons AND find seven new investigators! And to make it all better, three of those new investigators are Cielo’s sisters and brother-in-law.  I’ve been teaching Sister Cielo since I got put in Aguilar 2A, which has been months and I’ve never gotten them to actually listen to a lesson.  I was so happy! I’m really excited to see if they’ll continue to listen so they can help Cielo come to church.  Life is so good! And to make things even more fun, Sister Alpino and I get to go to Urdaneta tomorrow for New Missionary Training! I’m so excited for Sister Alpino because I remember how much I loved getting to see all my friends from the MTC [Missionary Training Center] again. But I’m also excited to see my friends that are training too, but I’m mostly excited to ride the bus.. That’s still one of my favorite things to do. Just ride in a vehicle and look out the window (:

5-25-16 (Wednesday)
Today was quite the exhausting adventure! It was an awesome fun day being able to go to Urdaneta, but sometimes while on the bus I was worried we would pass where I would need to tell them where to stop.  Luckily we had no problems like that, but I was a bit stressed sometimes.  Although, I feel pretty cool that I know how to take a 3-hour and 4 bus ride in the Philippines and get to the right place. I’m pretty much the best. (; Anyway.. Today I realized how lucky I have been with companions.  I don’t know if all my companions have just been fun or if I really do just get along with everyone.. But from what Sister Alpino has told me, her batchmates/MTC friends are having a really hard time with their trainers. It really makes me sad to know how many of my mission friends lock themselves in the bathroom and cry.  It breaks my heart knowing they’re that uncomfortable with their trainers.

5-26-16 (Thursday)
I’ve decided the worst part of training is the fact that I have to lead weekly planning four weeks in a row.. A YAW KO! [I don't like it!] Oh man, I woke up this morning like “I can’t believe its already Thursday again! I swear we just had weekly planning yesterday!” Haha, it’s a hard life. (; Other than that today was pretty dang great! We were able to find three more new investigators which was awesome! But to make things even more great, our lessons were SOOO powerful! There’s nothing more rewarding in life than seeing your investigators accept the Spirit into their hearts.  I really do love being a missionary. Kahit antok ako [even though I'm tired] ALL the time, I always perk up and wake up in lessons and while talking to people.  There truly are special blessings you receive while being a full-time missionary. I’m so grateful for the life I’m living here in the Philippines (:

5-27-16 (Friday)
Today Sister Alpino and I went on exchanges with the STL’s in Manat.  It was my first time being on exchanges with someone other than Sister Naua.  It was weird.  I guess I just got really used to Naua. (; Anyway! My companion today was Sister Berecho.  I really like her! I did notice today though that I still always feel inadequate around other missionaries.  Not that I think they’re better than me, but I guess at the same time I do.. I don’t know. I’m just worried that we teach principles differently and they may not think the way I teach is good. I guess I’m worried I make myself look like a fool when I have to work with more experienced missionaries. I did have a lot of fun today though! Since I used to come to Manat every week when Sister Cuenca was my companion, it was fun to realize I’ve actually already taught most of the people we taught today. It’s always fun to recognize faces you didn’t plan on recognizing. (: I really had a great day, but I’m also very grateful for Sister Alpino.  I’m glad she’s my anak, because I feel 100% comfortable around her. (:

5-28-16 (Saturday)
Well today was quite the party! I got to go visit my recent convert Luzviminda..IN JAIL! WHAT THE HECK!? Haha, when Sister Alpino and I got back home in Aguilar, Sister Miller told me Luzviminda was arrested yesterday.. As crappy as the whole situation is, it’s pretty stinkin’ hilarious! ;D How many missionaries get to go visit their RC [Recent Convert] in Jail! (; I guess her husband’s family wants her land or something so they got a warrant for her arrest because “in 2012 she stole their table…” When I found out that’s why she’s in jail I honestly just laughed.  First off, how do you get arrested for that!? Second, even if it were true.. It’s 2016 now.. If it happened four years ago, they should have done something about it four years ago..  Luckily Sister Luzviminda is totally fine and is her happy silly self. (: I just found that whole situation pretty dang funny.  I never imagined myself hanging out in jail with my favorite RC cracking jokes with the Sheriff while on my mission.. But like they always say, it’s more fun in the Philippines! (; 

I also got to go to the other Sisters' baptism because we ended up having 3 investigators come with us! We went to go pick up Johnathan and he ended up getting Johnson and Casmer to come with him. Woo baby! I really hope they enjoyed it and want to come to church tomorrow.

5-29-16 (Sunday)
Today Johnathan, Johnson, and Casmer all came to church today, which is great! But, church today was insanely boring! Oh my word, all I could think about was how worried I am that the boys won’t want to come to church again.  It was such a horrible first experience for them to have at church. And to make it worse, it wasn’t even spiritual! So I don’t know how easy it will be to convince them to come again. I also got a little saddened because Sister Alpino started crying in Sacrament meeting because she’s so homesick. That makes me sad knowing she’s struggling with that. But once we finally got to go work I think she really cheered up. Hopefully that was a testimony builder for her that the secret to missionary work is work.. On the bright side though.. I’m happy! And days honestly go by sooo fast now! I think training really has been such a blessing for me! I love feeling comfortable in lessons and being comfortable with how I teach and do things. Training has really helped me feel more confident that I can be a good missionary. (: Also! Cezar ended up coming to church again! :D having the Spirit in lessons really does bring miracles!

"Bawal, Brother!"

[How much do things cost there? Is it easy or a struggle to keep on budget?]
Things here really are super cheap. The only thing more expensive are the American imported things. I spend about $10 on grocery's for an entire week. 

[We saw that your mission is one that has been affected by the new Zika mosquito virus.  Have you heard of it? Because of mosquito borne illnesses, the church has modified it's dress standards during rainy season.  Sister are now allowed to wear dress pants in certain missions. Including all the Philippines' missions.] Yeah.. I don't really know anymore than you do about the whole pants and mosquito thing.. I'll keep you posted though. 

5-16-16 (Monday)

Today was such a fun happy day! P-Day is always a fun day, but work tonight was so fun and spiritual. We taught [an investigator] about the Book of Mormon and praying to know the truth.. Oh my word, the Spirit was so strong.  I hope he continues to have a receptive heart because there's a lot of things he needs to change in his life. I swear everyone here has a problem with the Word of Wisdom.  I think I'm very grateful I don't have the ability to smell so I don't have to smell cigarettes all the time.. (; 

We also did a lot of OYM's [Open Your Mouth street contacting] today which I really enjoyed! I like practicing my Tagalog while getting to see how open some people are to listen to our message.  It's always an exciting thing talking to people when they all go wide eyed because I make them think I can speak Tagalog..But then they slowly realize I only know those get-to-know-you questions and once I know their name and where they're from I'm usually out of sentences that are grammatically correct. (; But I like that people are nice and appreciate I'm trying to learn their language.

5-17-16 (Tuesday)

I honestly don't know what to write about today.. Today just flew by! Sister Ming and Sister Mary Rose worked with us so that made things extra fun. (; We did get 30 OYM's today though, so that was pretty awesome! I am pretty worried we will run out of people to OYM in a couple weeks because Aguilar really is a small town.  Today really was a happy day and I think it was extra happy because it was cloudy and very little rain. So.. It wasn't super hot or annoyingly rainy. (;

5-18-16 (Wednesday)

Elder Ah Hong, ako [me], Sister Alpino,
Elder Key, and Elder Dela Gracia in the back. 

I was sooo tired today! But it wasn't exactly a sleepy or exhausted tired, just a mentally tired.  I can't wait till it's easy to have a conversation with people in Tagalog. But I'm getting better at making the people we talk to on the streets think I really can speak Tagalog.. I feel pretty accomplished when that happens. (; Also.. I really truly love Sister Alpino so much! She's got such a strong and loving testimony. She's so good at being bold and loving while teaching repentance. Like today, we have this LA, [Less Active] who was talking about how she doesn't come to church because she was offended. So Sister Alpino just talked about how no one is perfect and even if people are offense [offended], our faith in Christ should be strong enough to go to church anyway.  And shared the scripture that talks about how God will forgive whom He will forgive but we need to forgive everyone. Now that is teaching repentance! It was very bold but even more loving that [our less active] even texted us after we left thanking us for coming to visit.  I love missionary work, I really do.  And it makes it even more enjoyable when you have a companion that you would be friends with even if you weren't forced to be friends. (;

5-19-16 (Thursday)

Today we focused on teaching RCLA lessons; which is always nice because it's easier to remind people what they believe(d) than to teach people something completely new.  But.. Today was a bit rough emotionally.  It's so heartbreaking having to beg people to come back to church when they've made such sacred covenants [in the temple] and once knew the importance of their covenants and enduring to the end. Teaching a certain family was so heart breaking for me.  The whole family was just sealed together in 2012. Most of the family is still active but [the father] is inactive and I just wanted so badly to lovingly beat some sense into his brain! I just want them to have the happy united family relationship I know they could/used to have.

5-20-16 (Friday)

Today we had the blitz in the other Sister's area, so I got to work in my old area again. (: That was pretty fun to go to San Jose again and do OYM's there.  I've noticed I have no problem talking to strangers and introducing myself, but I don't think my OYM's are very effective because I can never remember people's names. Their names are crazy AND they have such thick accents that I cannot even understand.  And to make it worse.. I'll ask them to spell it so I can write it down, but then I can't even understand what letter they're saying! Haha, ang hirap ng buhay! [life is hard] (; Other than that, life's great! (; Even though I'm sooo tired ALLL the time again! I feel like I'm as tired as I was when I was a trainee.  I guess training makes you tired no matter what side of the training scale you're on! ;D

5-21-16 (Saturday)

Today was a happy day.  We didn't do a whole lot, but we did get to take Nanay Alejandra to Rene's baptism.  I thoroughly enjoyed that experience! I loved how happy Alejandra was and that she said she's excited for her own baptism.  Woo baby, I'm excited too! ;D It was also fun to witness Brother Rene's baptism because he was one of my investigators when I was in Aguilar 2B. 

Also.. I think I've reached the point that I don't like writing in my journal anymore.. But I've never missed a night my entire mission and I am 100% determined to keep it that way. (:

5-22-16 (Sunday)

Today was packed with fun things. (; First! Nanay Alejandra came to church two hours early because she doesn't have a clock! Hahaha! :D Oh man, that is some serious dedication to make sure she's at church on time! I just love her. She's the cutest old Nanay ever! 

Second! We were able to bring Annamarie and Trisha to church for their first time and they seemed to enjoy it a lot. I was also very impressed with how well the members fellow shipped Annamarie and helped her feel more comfortable about having a two year old and a two month baby at church.  It made me really happy the members helped her enjoy church so much.  

Also..Third! Justin came to church today for the first time since his confirmation in January. Woo baby! I was so happy to see him! It's always been pretty uncomfortable for me knowing the first baptism I was able to help happen went less active the Sunday after his confirmation so it made me happy to see Justin at church again and talk to him a lot better than I did when I was teaching him my first week in the field. (; 

And the best/funniest part about today was in our lesson with a Sister. Her 40+ year old son came in super drunk and when he saw me he jumped and went back outside. Then after a while he came back in and sat down and was just so funny! I didn't know what to do in that situation because we were teaching his mom a very spiritual lesson about the Book of Mormon, but I knew we're supposed to stay away from drunk people. So.. We just started to wrap up the lesson, but not insanely quick because he is a silly and kind kind of drunk. But while we were wrapping things up, he just kept talking about how much he loves Jesus and his family. He was like "I really do love Jesus. Even though I'm drunk, I love him because I know he loves me." Oh my word, that whole situation was hilarious to me! He even spoke in great English..while drunk.. so I was pretty impressed. Haha. 

I ended up giving him a word of wisdom pamphlet and asked when we could come back. He said "Saturday or Sunday, but Sunday would be great because that's the Lord's day. Even though I'm drunk, I still knew it's the Lord's day." I was like "yes it is! So next Sunday we'll all go to church! (;" Sinabi niya [He said] "Okay, okay! What time!? I'll be ready! I'll wait for you to come get me." Oh my word the whole situation was just so dang funny to me! 

But the best part was while he was constantly talking about how much he loves Jesus he would do the whole raise your hands in the air Hallelujah thing. I was dying! Then after we were getting up and saying goodbye, he put his arm around his mom and kissed her cheek, then put his other arm around me and went to hug me and I just froze! I had no idea what to do in that situation. Luckily Sister Arpino was quick and knew he was going in for a hug. She grabbed his arm and yelled "Bawal [taboo], Brother!" He's like "Ayyy! ope pasensya! [Ooops! yes patience]" And once we finally got away, Sister Alpino and I died laughing! Oh my word it was hilarious! I bet it was just one of those things you had to be there for, but I'm telling you it was the funniest thing ever! ;D

Training Sister Alpino

Mom, your a grandma.. I have a baby now! (; Haha, yes I have my new companion and I LOOOOVE her! We're still in Aguilar which means I'll be in my first area till my 9 month mark. I always joke with the members that I'm actually Aguilar mission. (; 

5-9-16 (Monday)

I got to call home today and I loved every second of it!  I'm so glad it ended up working so well!  I was so happy I was able to Skype/talk with Brayden, Sadie, mom, AND dad!  Man, technology is some cool stuff! (;  I'm so grateful I was able to talk with my whole family!  I honestly didn't expect to be able to Skype Brayden and Sadie at the same time as mom and dad.  I'm just so happy it was a fun, upbeat, and happy experience.  I was a little worried it would make me homesick or something, but I'm happy to say it was just a fun time and didn't make me miss my family at all! That sounds bad, but it's actually a good thing.  ;D  

We also didn't have any work today because of the elections going on and apparently that makes everyone go crazy...so we all got a full-day P-day!  Woo baby! ;D I was probably a lot happier about that than I should have been...It was just so nice to have a whole day to relax and enjoy myself.  Life is so good right now, it really is. (:

Anak ko si Sister Alpino. (: 

5-10-16 (Tuesday)

So last night President Deyro called Sister Standage to be an STL [Sister Training Leader].  I wasn't really surprised.  But anyway... after lunch the AP's [Assistant to the President] came and picked up Sister Standage, so I was in a tri-some with Sister Arquiola and Sister Miller.  I loved every second of it! It was sooo fun!  I hope I have fun like I did today with my anak. (:


5-11-16 (Wednesday)

6 months down baby!  I honestly cannot believe how fast time flies by while on a mission!  I wish school went by this fast. (;  I just can't believe I'm already 1/3 done.. That's crazy to me!  Anyway..I pick up my anak [daughter] tomorrow.  I'm pretty nervous to be training..I'm really worried about having to be in charge of lessons.  I am excited to see the truthfulness of the gift of tongues though.  I hope I can learn the things I'm supposed to be learning quickly.  AHH! The nerves are real! But I'm excited to meet my new companion, it'll be fun, I just know it. (:


5-12-16 (Thursday)

Today I went to Urdaneta and picked up my anak. (:  Her name is Sister Alpino from Leyte.  She's 24 and the cutest girl ever!  She's super magaling [pretty]!  She LOVES to talk to people and she's already better in lessons than I am.  I do like being the trainer though, because I'm less intimidated to speak up and take the lead in teaching.  I don't feel insuperior [I think she means inferior ;)] like I used to.  I'm still really nervous to be training, but I truly believe I will learn so much through this experience.  I'm excited though to have a good friendship with Sister Alpino.  We get along great, but we're still in that awkward I don't now you stage.  Also.. Today Sister Deyro told me I'm getting skinny and I felt like I accomplished the unaccomplishable. ;D



5-13-16 (Friday)

This morning I felt pretty uncomfortable with being a trainer.  I'm not very good at being assertive and having to tell people what to do.  It's just really uncomfortable for me especially when I'm "in charge" of someone 5 years older than me.  Ayaw Ko!  And then we also had to do weekly planning today and I felt so bad..Poor Sister Alpino had to sit there all confused with what was going on for two hours straight.  I hope I can help her learn everything fast.  Although..She's already better at teaching lessons than I am, no joke.  I'm learning so much from her!  I guess the fact that she has a college degree in Elementary Education makes her that much better at making sure people understand our lessons.  She's honestly the best!  I love her so much!  She also LOVES to cook.. I'm super worried she's going to make me gain all my weight back.. AYAW KO!  Anyway..I love Sister Alpino so much and I'm so lucky to have her as my Kasama.


5-14-16 (Saturday)

Today was the national day of service so we got to wear those cool yellow vest things while cleaning the side of the roads.  It was pretty funny to me that our service and vest things made us look like those juvenile kids that have to do community service. It was just funny to me. (;  But it was so fun!  It was kind of nice to be able to "missionary work" without really having to have a conversation with people.. It was a nice little break.  I know.. That's horrible, but it's true.  Also!  Sister Alpino is still the best ever!  She's so good at teaching with the Spirit!  I love her so much!  It's a little awkward for me though, because I have to teach/tell her what to do even though she's 5-years older than me..I'm super uncomfortable with that..I really will learn so much about how to be more assertive with people while I'm training.  I'm grateful Sister Alpino is so easy to talk to though.  I know I can trust her which is a good way to help us with companionship unity.

Sisters Arquiola, Alpino, Miller, Me

5-15-16 (Sunday)

Oh man, today was just awesome!  Sister Alpino and I had SIX investigators come to church today! :D  That's the most ISM's I've had my whole mission, it was glorious!  Hopefully that continues, because this was Sister Alpino's first Sunday in the field and I don't want her to get bummed by finding out that we are usually lucky to have one investigator come to church.  But..After church RJ, Ryan, and JR all left right away but we went to go find them and make sure they didn't leave their cousin Annie and we found them all waiting for her in their trike smoking.  I couldn't help but laugh at how ironic that situation was! ;D "Oh, church is over..let's go smoke!" Haha!  Sister Alpino was fine with it too because we haven't taught them the word of wisdom yet.  But.. RJ used to be an investigator when he lived in Davao, and he knows about the W of W because when we first taught him and Ryan he was like "Ryan get rid of your cig, it's bawal [taboo]." So..when we saw them all smoking RJ just looks at me and smiles like "hehe, sorry..".  I honestly about died.  It was so horrible and ironic I couldn't help but laugh.  It was just super funny to me. (;

Changes Are in the Works!

5-2-16 (Monday)

Oh my word, today was sooo fun!  I had my very first zone activity and I loved every second of it!  We just played with water all day and it was a total party!  We started by playing hangman and every time you guessed a wrong letter we'd throw a water balloon at you and your team.  Then we all went crazy and just had a giant water balloon fight.  It was sooo fun!  And sooo nice because it was so hot today.  We also played volleyball which was a total party!  I even played basketball for a little bit, but volleyball was more fun.  

Oh mac'n cheese how I've missed you.. ;D

Also..Elder Emit and Elder Fiel are my favorite people ever!  They are the goofiest people ever.  If I could be my normal self with them we would have even more fun together.  But either way, they're my two best friends here along with Elder Budge and Sister Miller.  Like..I would be friends with them in the real world. (;

Anyway, for lunch I had my very first foodie fight!  Everyone just stands around a big long table and eats rice and fish off a giant banana leaf with their hands.  Haha, it was just a lot of fun.  Everyone made fun of me because apparently I don't know how to eat with my hands very well..So Elder Emit kept giving me the big chunks of rice all stuck together.  I don't think these people realize I just have a really small mouth.  Haha!  Life was just so dang fun today! (:

5-3-16 (Tuesday)

Work today wad awesome!  I really tried my best to talk more in lessons and rely more on the Spirit so I would know what to say even though I don't always know what's being said..If that makes sense.  And let me tell you, missionary work is so much more enjoyable when you rely on the Spirit more than your companion.

5-4-16 (Wednesday)

Today we had our Mission Tour Zone Conference with Elder Shane M. Bowen of the Seventy.  He was actually born in Rigby and grew up in Idaho Falls, so I felt like we had a connection. (;  I actually already met him in the Manila MTC around Christmas, but it was still good to hear him speak/give counsel again.  I felt the Spirit very strongly throughout the whole conference which was wonderful!  And to make everything all better, after the conference and lunch I got all your packages!  Three from you and one from Abby [Nelson]!  I felt so loved when I saw all my packages.  People think I'm pretty cool now too which is pretty sweet.  Haha! (;  But really, everyone was like "what the heck, Sister Fivas!?" All I could tell them was that my family loves me. (;

Today honestly was an awesome day though!  I loved every second of it!  Except having to wake up at 4:00 am so we could get to Dagupan by 7:30.  That sucked. (;

5-5-16 (Thursday)

Today was quite the experience.  So..let me back up for a minute.  So noon when I had my interview with President Deyro at the beginning of the transfer,  the first thing he said was "so are you ready to train next transfer!?"  Then..In my white letter from him that next Monday he quoted me from my letter to him that had "I LOVE this work and I LOVE the Philippines!" and then said something like "and that is why you will win the upcoming elections.." so he practically told me twice that I will be training next transfer.

Mission Tour Luncheon

Then yesterday after Zone Conference he was like "Hey, Sister Fivas, do you know the area really well?" So..once again implying I will be training.  But last night was when the AP's [Assistant to the President] usually do the calls to call trainers so we all thought I was safe. (;  So before bed and this morning I kept thinking "why would President Deyro tease me and freak me out like that all transfer long?"  I was actually kind of looking forward to training... But!  This afternoon Elder McBride called me to train!  I'm super excited but also pretty worried because I can't speak Tagalog yet..But I feel very honored to be training this early in my mission.  I hope it really helps me become a great missionary AND help me learn Tagalog quicker.


5-6-16 (Friday)

Today I had to go to Urdaneta for the Train the Trainers meeting.  It was a pretty fun experience!  I got to meet Sister Stromberg which is Sister Cuenca's other anok. So I've met two of my "sisters'. (; [Sister Cuenca was one of Kelsey's trainers so Kelsey has met 2 sisters trained by Sister Cuenca]. 

Also! Sister Piutau is training too!  I was pretty excited to see her again.  At first I was pretty scared for the meeting, because I didn't think I would know anyone but I actually knew most of them.  I feel pretty honored that out of all the Sisters in the whole mission I was one of 8 Sisters called to train.  I also got to see Elder Edgley too! He came last week since he finally recovered from his leg injury from the MTC. [Elder Edgley was in Kelsey's district in the Provo MTC but injured his knee in November and had to go home]  It was just nice to know I actually do have friends outside of my District. (;

5-7-16 (Saturday)

Sister Piutau

Having to wake up at 4:00 am twice this week has caught up to me 100%!  I'm so dang tired! AHH!  I love Aguilar so much, but it's not the best place to live when I have to be at meetings in Urdaneta at 8:00 am.  Medyo malayo siya [It's pretty far].

Anyway..Funny story of the day: so whenever we try to get our new investigators to pray at the end of the lesson they ALWAYS try to get out of it.  They usually just say "Next time, na lang [thanks]!" and do everything they can to get out of it by saying something like "I don't know your prayer yet." Then we tell them we don't have a memorized prayer; we just pray from the heart.  But today Eric's excuse was "I can't pray because I'm wearing a tank top.  I don't want God to see me like this."  Oh my word, I about died!  I actually laughed out loud and he ended laughing too because he realized how bad his excuse was so he ended up praying and it all worked out great.  I was just so caught off guard with his unique excuse I couldn't keep my laugh in.  Haha!  Iyan lang. ;D

Baby Pineapple

5-8-16 (Sunday)

So this afternoon while we were sitting in the chapel waiting for church to start, [Branch] President Dariano comes up to Sister Standage and I and asks Sister Standage "Does she understand Tagalog?" Yes President I can understand you! Haha, I guess I don't talk to him enough..I mean I can't speak Tagalog yet, but I can understand pretty well now.  Anyway, then he asked me if I would give a talk since Sarah didn't come to church.  Oh man, that talk was so rough.  I had like 10 minutes to think of what to share, so I honestly had no idea what to say in English let alone Tagalog.  But it also makes me nervous that he asked me to talk because that means he thinks I'm going to be transferred.  I really don't think I want to be transferred.

Relentless Week in Aguilar

We had a giant water fight and it was SO fun!
But mostly it was just nice to get wet
 since it's so dang hot here. (; 

4-25-16 (Monday)

Today was such a fun yet relaxing day! I LOVED IT!  We had zone training this morning, since it's relentless week, that was super fun as usual...I love getting to "hangout" with other people.  Being with the same person all day everyday is great and all but it's nice to have someone else to talk to every once-in-a while. (;

Then after training we emailed, ate lunch, then shopped.  Woo! When we got home I should have done laundry, but I had 0 motivation.  (;  Anyway...Today was great and I loved every second of it! (:

4-26-16 (Tuesday)

Today was a good day.  It was an okay day, but it was a happy day, so that makes it a good day. Diba? Haha! (;  We had apartment checks today which I always find pretty awkward.  Something about having my Zone Leaders check all my stuff and how clean things are is just a bit weird for me.  Luckily I like my Zone Leaders and we're buds so it makes it less awkward.  Yeah...We had a lot of lessons today which is pretty awesome, but I feel like they could have been a lot better.  But we do have 2 new investigators now which is great of course!

4-27-16 (Wednesday)

So...I feel like absolutely nothing happened today.  But!  It was a good day because it was only 38 C. [100.4 F] (;  When it's that cool it makes the fact that we have to go hiking up the mountain to get our investigators a lot more enjoyable. Haha, I'm not joking, we go hiking up a mountain EVERYDAY! I come home every night so exhausted, but I'm grateful because I sleep sooo good at night! ;D  

Also!  I ate tofu for the first time ever!  I had no idea till after I ate a bunch of it. I thought it was just some weird chunks of pork. But then Nanay Villanueva was like "do you like the tofu!?"  Haha, when I found out it was tofu it made the texture a million times better! (;  So I learned today that I like tofu ;D

4-28-16 (Thursday)

Today I had to lead weekly planning...I hate weekly planning...It takes sooo long!  But today I did learn that it goes by a lot faster when you have to lead.  Because when you don't lead you literally just sit there for two hours.  

I feel like this picture perfectly describes my life. ;D

Anyway...! Today it poured rain for like 45 minutes and it was the most exciting thing ever!  It was so fun for me!  And the thunder here is SO loud and powerful.  It's actually kind of scary, but that just makes working in the rain even more of an adventure. (: 

We also taught a lesson today to a man and his wife that was super wonderful.
Brother Lomlao's brother passed away yesterday so it was such a spiritual experience for me to be able to teach them about the Plan of Salvation.  It was such a testimony builder for me to understand that this gospel truly has all the answers to life's questions.  The gospel of Jesus Christ truly is perfect.  I know, without a doubt in my mind, we can all find hope, comfort, and strength in all the blessings that come from the Atonement of Jesus Christ 

4-29-16 (Friday)

Sisters Arquiola and Miller 

Today we had the Blitz in our area.  I don't know if I've ever told you about it, but that's when our whole District works in one area proselyting from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm.  I'm really grateful Elder Smith (my District Leader) chose our area for the Blitz this transfer.  I feel like Sister Standage and I needed some help in our area.  None of our investigators are progressing except for one.  I'm confident that the extra help today will really help us get some investigators to church this week which will be AWESOME! (:  Life is great and I love all the things I'm learning as a missionary

4-30-16 (Saturday)

Today ended up being great!  This morning was pretty rough emotionally.  I just had 0 motivation or desire to work.  But after our 20 lesson with Shaniqa I cheered up a bit!  She's the brightest 9-year old ever.  After her lesson we walked by Nanay Alejandra's house and saw her reading the Book of Mormon on her porch again. Oh my word , that made me so happy my heart was hurting. ;)  She's the best.

We also had a lesson with Brother Jovensio today and he is so funny!  He's so addicted to coffee and doesn't realize it because "he only drinks it once a day, not multiple times a day."  He's just so funny and defensive about it!  Like today he opened up the Word of Wisdom pamphlet and pointed at the picture of all the good foods we're supposed to eat, specifically at the piles of beans and yelled "coffee's a bean!" Haha!  I about died!  It was sooo funny!  Hopefully one day he'll give up coffee.  But!  He did promise he'll come to church tomorrow so hopefully that will happen too. (;

5-1-16 (Sunday)

Woo!  I've been in Aguilar for 4 whole months now!  Anyway...This morning I was sooo irritated with everything.  Today  Cielo was scheduled to have her baptismal interview, but this morning Sister Standage and I woke up frustrated about her situation.  It's hard for Ciela to come to church on her own as an 11-year old.  She didn't come to church so she obviously couldn't have her interview.

I was also able to cheer up quite a bit because Brother Jovensio came to Sacrament meeting because he "made a promise he would come."  That makes me pretty happy he kept his promise.  I'm excited to hear what his thoughts were about church.  

Also!  Today Brother Ryan passed the Sacrament for the first time and that just made my heart melt.  My little RC is becoming a man. ;D Also!  Ulit...! A lot of the time it lightnings (I'm not sure if that's a word or not. Haha), but there's NO thunder?  It's kind of creepy...But it's pretty cool. ;D 

Also! The highlight of my week was eating Cinci [Skyline] chili! NO JOKE! There's an American guy that's married to one of our members and he makes Cincinnati chilli! I loved it because I knew you were in Cincinnati at the time. It was exciting. (;

Aguilar Zone Baby!
Elders Smith, Garate, Apor, Gabriel, Lomax, Dixon, Key, Baniago, Raguin
Elders Barrancco, Fiel, me, Sisters Standage, Arquiola, Miller, Elders Emit, Deva