Sunday February 3, 2013

Remind anyone of RV??? NOT!!!

The mutt and jeff of Sur Camarines!

Howdy!

     So, time flies. I am almost 6 months in The Philippines and one third of the way through my mission! Time goes by way way way to fast. Also it's the Super Bowl? Who knew? Little to busy over here for football- never thought I would say that hahaha. Anyways it's February and that when by so fast!

        So things here are great. I am really loving this area and my new companion is super cool. I am pretty sure I could put Elder Guanio on a key chain and carry him around with me... he's tiny. But very cool! This was just a great missionary week, as every week is in a missionary's life. Oh, before I forget, please thank President Hunt and President Hamblin and President Goodman for their Christmas card to me. I just got here last week... it was like finding Booga Reds leftovers in the fridge, little late but still good! So truly thank them for all they do. They are wise and inspired men and I owe a lot to them. 

        The first day I was here we gave a blessing to Tatay Victorio... the next day he passed away. It was a humbling experience to watch and VERY SAD for that family. However they have returned to the church because of it. They are a large less active family and they are committed to church ever since Tatay (who loved the church) passed away. This last week we attended the funeral service of Tatay, and literally 2 minutes before it began I was asked to speak by Bishop Arce.... the assigned speaker couldn't make it. So with NO preparation I stood up and talked to them about life and death and the resurrection and Jesus Christ who makes it all possible. I talked longer than I knew I was able to talk and it was amazing what words were given to me as I addressed them. And they were truly given to me. I have found that true so far in my mission, when I NEED to say something- I have always been able to say it. Death is a scary thing for people even when you know the Gospel... it's terrifying for those who don't know the Gospel. I am glad I know the Plan of Salvation, this church is the only place where that plan is taught. And that's why I am serving, so others and everyone can know the plan. 

       On that note, the culture is very different here in the Philippines than at home. When someone dies here, they put a big black sign in front of the house with the person's name and usually R.I.P.. Then they keep the body there for a week or so in the coffin for people to see and then that family feeds everyone. Back at home, we take food to whoever family had a death... here it is backwards, don't know why but that is how it is. Also if it is your birthday and there is a party YOU pay. Seems like a rip off to me but hey it's not my country. So be careful who you tell your birthday too. Many american missionaries have been caught into spending a bunch of money on their birthday because they didn't know that little cultural treat haha. Good stuff. ALSO one of the first things they do when they have a death is get the VIDEOKE machine there.... these people love there videoke haha. It's hard to find a place where you can't here an old Nanay singing her heart away haha. I love this place so much. I am scarred to death to come home hahaha

      So this past month the Caribao (sp) and Cows here have been calving. And in my new area there is a lot of corn. Cows and corn will make a missionary miss home haha or at least this missionary haha. But not too much. The corn here is a little smaller, the cows are different too, but it makes me miss going with Gramps on the farm. Mais ka ba? bakit? Ang "corny" mo kasi! hahaha Yes Race, mais is spanish haha. Great Tagalog jokes! But anyway life is good here. Our area is massive but we'll be splitting it in two next transfer and a new branch is being formed.... I am super excited. I hope I get assigned to the branch! We'll see, again I think I am training next transfer... I don't know why but I do. And IF I do, it may be one of the first 18 year old missionaries.... WHO KNOW's! 

      Also, warning there could be pictures of me eating Crocodile in the upcoming weeks. . . I know a guy. But for real I do know a guy and hopefully I will be holding and eating one soon. AWESOME! Masiramon Daw!  I am excited. Hopefully my crocodile hunter isn't full of it. They crocs here are just small here they tell me. Like 4 feet or so. I was surprised there are even some here. We'll see. 

     Well life is great. The church is true and I love my mission. It is RIDICULOUS how fast 18-21 year old BOYS learn things on their missions. There is nothing like this in the world. It truly is a "Great and Marvelous Work." This church has grown rapidly and it will continue to encompass the globe. Nothing can stop it, it is the work of God. So, you all know it is true, and if you don't know- ASK. And God will tell you if you truly want to know and if you have faith. If you once knew, and have forgotten.... come back and hold on like your life depends on it. I would, without question, die for this truth. I would. I know you would to, anyone that is converted would. Most won't be asked to die for it.... but we are all asked to live for it. So let's live this Gospel everyday. I wouldn't be here if I didn't know it was true. So, gosh  there I go being a missionary haha. But time is up and I need to go. The bugs are still big, the shower... I mean bucket is still filled, the people are still nice and the church is still true. Love you a bushel.