Letter 46: Challenges are Good for You

Dearest Family and Friends, 

That sentence is what Sister Haun and I have been telling ourselves for the past week. 

It's crazy how you can be doing so well, and your area and investigators are progressing wonderfully, and then in two weeks it all just stops and goes backwards. 

But let's not be Pessimistic, let's look at the good side of things :) This is a Challenge from Heavenly Father! And like the title of this Letter says: Challenges are Good for You. They Help you grow and refine you to become the person you want to be. 

Zone Meeting was this week, and that's kinda what we all talked about. (well, three out of four of us). It was definitely one of my favorite trainings I've given, and something I've really learned out here on the Mission.  I referenced my watercolor painting hobby in high school. Remember when I wasn't able to paint? But then I decided I wanted to paint as well as Casey does, and then I finally got better! Goals are important. If you don't have goals, you won't get Anywhere in Life. You will never reach your potential. Jesus Christ gave us a goal we are to achieve, "Be thou perfect, even as your Father in Heaven is Perfect." Talk about a life time goal that will not be achieved in one day! But that's why we have each day, to work for it and improve each day. Repent, Come unto Christ, and try a little bit harder each day. :) The Refiners Fire hurts a bit, but it's worth it in the End. 

(Did I mention that the APs decided to walk in our Zone meeting as it was starting? Grabi, at that sight I was like, "NOOoooo" in my head. Haha. Just wanted to mention that.)

Had a Fun CSP in the rain at the Elementary school on Saturday cleaning up the school yard. Funny 'Sister Smith is such a Klutz story' So I was walking down the sidewalk, and then Slipped in the ONLY puddle. Grabi, I did the entire "Heels coming off the ground, back taking it's place" thing. I was soaked and covered in the moss that made the puddle slippery. Haha, luckily no one saw but Brother Nester. And I didn't even understand a word of what he was saying, because he's from Manila and only speaks Tagalog. `

CSP time!

This week really wasn't out of the ordinary (except for the "Our investigators and Recent Converts are struggling.) It's cold and I'm wearing the Rain Coat I bought (that looks like it's from the 90's. one of these days I'll take a picture of it) because there's a bagio somewhere up north. Our gas ran out and so we thought we'd be stoveless for a week and a half (my housemates refuse to buy new gas because Sister Marticio is going home, so she doesn't have money, and neither does Sister Tarantan because she's only a Part Time missionary. And Sister Haun refuses to buy some just in case she might transfer.) but then the District President said we could borrow the Church house's ELECTRIC ONE for a week. Blessings from Heaven. also, we had water this morning even though it's been raining really bad (they turn it off generally when it rains, so that the sediment doesn't get into the system)

Anyway. Biskan may mga pagtilaw, (whoops. Even though have trials,) Heavenly Father will always help and tender mercies from Heaven are Miracles in our life. 

I love you all! The Church is true and everything that goes along with it! Joseph Smith is a true Prophet of God, and one of my heroes. Heavenly Father Loves us and wants us to return to Him. Yes it will be difficult. Yes there will be Mountains to climb and Rivers to Cross, and a Devil to defeat and temptation to overcome. But in the End, Christ will Reign, and through His selfless Atonement, we have the chance to be there with the righteous at Judgement day. Sa ngalan ni Jesu Kristo, Amen. 

All's Well, 
-Sister Smith

The Cutest little Ati. She used to be scared of me,
but I won her over with Candy :D

Letter 45: Had a Great Time in. . . ILOILO

Dearest Family and Friends, 

I must say, I had a great time in the mission field out here. . . Not in my area.

It was actually a super BOMB week (and a challenging week all at the same time.) As in. 

So Monday we're in Iloilo to buy the things you can't find on Guimaras. (and I'm sick as we walk around SM. Not the funnest thing ever)

Tuesday: Teach one lesson (which was a spiritual disaster. blech. you win some you loose some) and then head off to Iloilo again for MLC. 

MLC: Awesome. Spiritual. Got a Cold from the Air Con. 

Wednesday: More MLC. It was funny, actually. Everyone is dying from the heat because of a Brown out, so we have one fan going because of the emergency power thing they have, and it's blowing on me, so I have my jacket hanging on my shoulders and a lot of tissues in my hands. . .

MLC actually ended early for the first ever "Sisters in Excellence Conference." 

What is a Sisters in Excellence Conference, you ask? Well, If I could describe it in five words. . 'Girls' Camp for Sister Missionaries." would be the words I choose. 

All the sisters in the mission (all 44 of us) came down and were all gathered in one place at the same time! (thus we finally were able to get a picture of our five generations of Trainers and Trainees before Sister Fabella goes home in November!) 

Five Generations

We went to this place where they do a team building program. It's also a little family resort too, if that's what you're going for. Got to stick my feet in a pond and have little fish eat the dead skin off, and have a bonfire, complete with skits just like the ones from Girls' camp. Did some mending of a skirt that I ripped forever ago. . .

Thursday: Did the Team building activity. I was so tired from being sick, but I really enjoyed it (Note. A mouse just ran across the top of my shoe. and I didn't scream when i saw it. Congratulate me.) and it all ended with a testimony meeting. It was wonderful and I was sad when it was over 

Got HOME. And had enough time to visit one person. 

Friday Saturday and Sunday were us trying to get back on our feet from everything. The past few weeks we've been doing so well, but now it's just turning into a time of trials. We're growing because of it. And hopefully our investigators grow because of it too!. I gave Sister Haun my cold. again. 

Got to go on a hike this morning to Balaan nga Bukid (holy Mountain) That was fun!

anyway, I've lost track of time again, 

Signing off!

-Sister Smith

No bridge? There's wood just lying there on the grass?
MAKE ONE! (there's that civil engineer in me haha)

Letter 44: The Life of a Missionary

Dearest Panimalay kag mga Abyan,

So many things happened this week, it was great. 

First of all: Went on Exchanges with Sister Marticio! That was interesting, housemate of 10 months and we finally worked with each other! She was in the beginning stages of a cold, and I'm that person that has an easier time in my own area then in another missionary's area. . . Something I'm working on! (sometimes I'm still just a little too huya (shy)!) 

The big thing this week was something Sister Haun Proposed to me, and then we Proposed it to our District President last month. President named it "Missionary Life," and we went on splits with 4 Prospective Missionaries from the Branch :) They slept over and had studies and everything. It was super fun and awesome. Our companionship actually ended up in a trio because my member-companion bailed on us for a job interview in Iloilo (No hard feelings, it was a life time opportunity for a GOOD job.) 

Missionary Life. Three Future Sisters

That was Friday Morning until Saturday. And then on Saturday Afternoon we had a fireside. Talks were spoken, Testimonies were given, and the Spirit was awesome. (the only downside was the Member attendance. . next time! President is determined to make it a quarterly thing.) 

I got sick again. There is just something about this island, I swear! haha, it's actually super funny, I'm exercising better, eating better, getting good sleep, being HEALTHY, and then yesterday I break out into a fever (or a Lagnat. I believe that's Tagalog. . not sure) during Sacrament. (which meeting I gave a talk in, by the way. Fifth Sunday is "Missionary talk" Sunday) Of course class goes over half an hour and I'm just sitting there, absolutely miserable. President was like, "You're sick again." "Yep." "This is your life, isn't it?" "Yep."

Went home, ate food, got some sleep, then went out to two appointments. (Not my wisest decision, because we ended up walking home, and it started sprinkling rain.) But don't worry about me, I'm taking Ibuprofen and will rest when we get home from Iloilo. 

Church was awesome, even though I was sick for it. The Tacdoro Family made it (after two weeks of absence) which was awesome. I think Sister can really feel the difference it makes in her life when she comes. Grace made it (she still yet to stay for all 3 hours. There always seems to be an emergency going on and she has to go home.) and BILLY (a new investigator of one day) came. Billy is awesome, we met her last week, she's a former investigator of the two sisters before Sister Haun and me, and is now back from Bacolod. We had an awesomely spiritual lesson about how God gives us trials because He knows we can handle it and we'll grow and become stronger and closer to Him because of it. She's so small (I think she's about 4'6. . or shorter.) and absolutely the sweetest. Palangga ko sia :)

Cool thing this week: ATE HALO. Not sure what it is in English. . The member that cooked it for us isn't sure. But it's a LIZARD. (monitor lizard. . .she said. yeah, I don't know what that is) it was AWESOME and tasted like Chicken. Her husband just kept singing this little tune, "Chicken in Disguise!"

Anyway, times up!

The Church is TRUE!

Christ is our Savior, 

And I love you (all.)

-Sister Smith

Apparently I have a Filipina twin? (according to everyone)

Letter 43

Dearest Panimalay kag Mga abyan,

It's been a good week here on the little island of Guimaras! So This week was Zone Conference! It was great! I got to see my BATA! and my APO! Sister Taufanga actually transferred to the. . . other room in the house and is now finishing the training of her housemate. hahaha. She's still in the same ward! 

My Granddaughter (Apo) is awesome. She calls me Lola

Good News from my last area: The old Couple Sister Taufanga and I tracted before I left got BAPTIZED. WOAH AWESOME! The Less-active married her boyfriend, her new baby is healthy! My Returning family is Returned and active and PREPARING TO ENTER THE TEMPLE! When she told me that, I almost wanted to cry I was so happy. 

haha, remember how I mentioned that we would be giving training? It actually went really well. :) It was on "Teaching with Unity" which was really ironic because that was something Sister Haun and I struggled with for a long time (as in. We're best of friends, but have completely different teaching styles.) haha, REVELATION. Heavenly Father does have a sense of humor. It was really fun. We started out by playing that song everyone knows. . the. . I don't remember the name. But that one that takes to people to play it and it's from a musical. I taught it to Sister Haun and we showed how you can either do your own thing, or "play" (teach) with your companion in unity if you try!. 

Gali (whoops) I used a bit too much time reading letters today to have time to write. hahaha. 

This week was full of awesome times. We extended baptismal dates to like, a lot of people! And a lot of them accepted!!!! (and then didn't make it to church. haha. Heavenly Father blesses you in one way and makes you struggle in another!)

We've gotten into this weird flow of something big happens every week. Whether is sickness, MLC, Zone Training, Zone Conference, or FHE. . . something is always happening around us! (especially this week! I'll tell you about what will be happening. . . next week :D )

Tender Mercy of the week: I lost my planner. It fell out of my bag, and it wouldn't have been a big deal, but I had a lot of sentimental value for that thing (Sister Massé actually personalized it with spiritual thoughts and memories and sent it to me) and then on Sunday (I lost it Tuesday) Sister Haun hands it to me! Our investigators had found it on the road and gave it to her. 

anyway. Yeah, Time's up!

I love you all. Like, As in! I Pray you're all doing well, and I hope life is great, trials are small (and if they're big. . remember, God loves you and wants you to grow and become closer to Him!) and the blessings are many. 

-Sister Smith

Sister Sclicluna

Did I ever mention how much I adore Sister Sclicluna? She knew me in the "Pre-Mission Life" (aka, she found my blog and read it before she came here. hahaha.)

Letter 42

Dearest Family and Friends,

First of all. . . KEATLEY! Congratulations on the BEAUTIFUL BRACES (aka. torture device) SMILE! Gwapa gid sa imo!

Well this week was a good one! (Question: When is there a bad week in the mission? Answer: umm... NEVER)

I'm trying to think of what to write about. . .Umm... it started raining again. Which means I have to hang my laundry inside the house, and it takes forever to dry. 

Sister Punsalan transferred (the only one from the zone to transfer. . . ) Sister Marticio is now with Sister Tarantan, A part-time missionary from Kalibo. (she actually worked with Sister Haun when she was assigned there! How fun is that?) She's waiting for her call, which should be coming before the end of the transfer. 

Saying Goodbye to Sister Punsalan

We had an AWESOME FHE on Monday with the Family we're focusing on. It was super fun! I've never seen a family of investigators so . . into playing the games and laughing and having fun. :D And it wasn't just all fun and games, we really saw the rewards. The next time we came over for a lesson, the men joined in on the lesson, not just the women in the family! It's been so great! Sister Haun and I adore them. Then later we got to do some BRTing (Building Relationship and Trust) with the Less active son later in the week. He's opening up to us, and is starting to listen to the lessons now too! 

 FHE! Is seriously the Best.

This week Sister Haun and I realized we've been slacking off. It's crazy how even the slightest bit of disobedience can stop blessings. After coming home a little late, not making that extra effort to make it home by 7:30, when we really needed those miracles of a tricycle coming by- they wouldn't be there, and we'd have to walk and then be even later. We're working on it again, making it a goal to NEVER be late for curfew ever again. To be more diligent, be more obedient and hard working.

Erlose said she had a great time at church! (except for her distracting 8 month old baby) And she came again a second time! So did Grace! (Nanette didn't make it. That baby should be coming really soon. . .)

Zone Training was on Tuesday. And Zone Conference is going to be this Wednesday. :) Headed to Iloilo, and I get to see my BATA! She's training, by the way (she adopted. Because it's the second transfer of the new Sister) So I'm a Grandmother! (haha, I'm a Lola.).

In Awesome News: Darwin Passed the Sacrament on Sunday! :D I felt like Mom, when she tells that story of when Sam first passed the Sacrament. :)

My Zone Leader of 4 transfers is now my AP.

I'm behind in reading the Bible. I'm actually supposed to be done with it (and be reading in 1 Nephi. .) But I'm still in. . 2 Timothy. Whoops.

This letter is quickly becoming one of 'Bullet Points of things that Happened." Much like my Journal entries. .

Life is great. I shower with a bucket. I still think Rice is delicious (even though it's tasteless and I don't eat it much anymore) Sister Haun and I killed a spider bigger than my hand with phentermine the other day. (hahaha.. I unfortunately did not get it on tape.) I fall asleep while praying at night usually once a week, and Sister Haun has to wake me up. I'm picking up a tiny bit of Tagalog from Sister Haun too. I've decided that if my children ever complain about having to do their laundry, I'll have them do it by hand. My bad eating habits are starting to come back, which is bad, because I've been feeling so healthy.

The AP just called. Sister Haun and I are giving training at Zone Conference on Wednesday. *sigh* I feel like this is my life now. training training training. Looks like this supposedly relaxing P-day where I was going to get things done (finish the Bible. . Not write Letters because I still have no idea where the post office is) is turning into a stressful P-day.

Anyway. Palangga ko kamo guid, Palangga kita sang Diyos.

The church is TRUE!

Much love,
-Sister Smith

Santol Jelly is Sister Haun's FAVORITE.
But in this picture, we ate it like a hotdog. haha

MORE SANTOL. We're gonna be making the Jelly out of these :)
Darwin just climbed the tree and shook the branches,
and gave us a sackful. haha, And then we carried it around proselyting!

Letter 41: When You've Got Lots to Do, You've Got No Time

Dearest Family and Friends, 

Hey, I've gotta make this letter faster than normal, because we had a zone activity this morning, and we've got an FHE in a few hours (and we need to make some treats still. . so. . . I'll be as fast as possible, and try to have good Grammar. . . And this letter won't have pictures. . sorry! No time to wait for it to load.)

Anyway, so this week we went to Iloilo for MLC! It's weird to have two MLCs in one transfer, but it was fun. Several ZLs and STLs weren't there (either released or they're going home tomorrow. . ) and there were several "Guests" *wink wink* 

I've been eating so healthy the past few weeks (I gave up rice, because Sister Haun doesn't eat it. And went back to veggies not soaked in soy sauce. I've felt great actually.) but that MLC food was a little too rich for me. (and we also got some wonderful cashews and pistachio ice cream! YUM!) 

It was a great time :) Spiritually enlightening, and a lot of chastisement. (a lot)

A lot of miracles happened this week (again!) The Tacdoros came to church! (they were more on time this time! next time they'll make it for the Actually passing of the Sacrament.) and the mga Atti came to church too! The Atti are pretty much Pure Filipino, and are so dark (I almost feel like I'm in Ghana with Elder Bautner when we go their their houses.) They're super shy, and of the three friends that came, one is very pregnant. What a trooper! She made it through the first hour, but her baby was kicking so hard, that they had to leave before class. 

I got a cold this week. We didn't work on Saturday. (haha. My body was present. But my Brain hasn't been. haha.) I'm still recovering. I'm at the point of "Still tired, throat is a little sore from all the mouth breathing, but the headache is gone and so is most of the runny nose." 

Sunday we had a Super long meeting with our District President. (expectation: 1hour. What happened: 2.5 hours.) but it was good. All meeting. "Are you ok Sister Smith?" "Yes, I'm just tired." after about the third time asking Sister Haun was just like, "She's Sick." his response was "ah. Kalu-oy sa imo." (directly translated that means "Mercy on you." kinda like, "oh, I'm sorry.")

On top of being sick. . IT'S BEEN SO HOT. You all got hail in August. . . yeah, it's been hotter than it's been in weeks/months. It doesn't feel like rainy season. And normally a hot front means a cold front and a storm will follow.  . .

Answers to questions: I still don't know how Alex is doing. . Sister Taufanga has yet to write me. . . The RC lessons are going great! DARWIN AND DANILO GOT THE PRIESTHOOD!! We both pitched in to buy them each a tie (the branch is getting them white shirts)
And yes, I did have Electricity and Water this week. (the water went off on one day. but we have a barrel full of water for emergencies. It's enough for everyone to take a shower).

So much has happened. But no time! 

Palangga ta kamo gid! Tani maayo kamo, bisan diin kamo. Magpangako ako nga iload ko ang mga kodak sa sunod simana.  (I love you all. I hope you're all well, where ever you are. I promise to load pictures next week.)

Halong sa inyo tanan! (Y'all take care)

Matuod Gid an Simbahan! (the Church is very true)

-Sister Smith

ps- My English is going to be getting much worse, by the way

Reason: New House Rule: Ilonggo (or Tagalog or Kiniraya. if you're in Kalibo or Antique) for the Foreigners. English for the Locals. 

Hope you all enjoy my decaying grammar!

Letter 40: Miracles and Muddy Days

Hello Family and Friends! 

Over here in Guimaras, it's been a fabulous week! (week 40. . . What??) 

We had exchanges this week! I got to go to the other Sisters' area and trek through a muddy field. Sister Punsalan is such a wonderful missionary (we're actually batchmates going home! We Foriegners get one less transfer than the locals, because we have a transfer in the MTC, so even though she's a transfer a head of me, we go home together.) 

Last week on our Announcements Email, we were told, "No more Pamphlets. Teach only from the Book of Mormon." Sister Haun and I were like, "WAHOO! We've been doing that for 2 weeks!." but Sister Punsalan had some doubts. It was great being able to talk to her about it, and after a few minutes, she was determined to put all her faith and her testimony into using the Book of Mormon only. I'm excited for her :)

I learned a lot more about how and why I need to change this week. Sometimes you think you're doing great, but the Heavenly Father decides to cut you down so that you can grow ("Thank you Mr. Gardner, for loving me enough to cut me down.") You know me, sometimes I don't like to open up to people, and when you're a missionary, that's not allowed. I'm still working on it, becoming that person He wants me to become. Amat-amat lang (just little by little)

This week we went without Electricity from Tuesday Night until Saturday Night. It. Was. Awful. I actually started to get scared of our house. And you know me, I'm not a superstitious person. . . But 4 nights with no light in a big house. . yeah. . it wasn't fun. Sister Haun and I didn't walk upstairs at night. And if we did we didn't go alone (yeah companionship!). And then there were a few nights where we didn't have Water either. (luckily never in the morning, so we were still able to take a shower) and Area Book by candle light? Fun every once in a while, but not every day. 

Planning and Updating the Area Book by Candle light. 

But then Saturday night we got Koriente (electricity) and we've been just peachy ever since. 

We were so sad when 9:00 came 'round on Sunday. No one came to church. But then Sacrament meeting didn't start until 9:15 (someone forgot to bring the bread. haha) and a less active came in around 9:10! He's one of the Branches 15 Names!! We actually visited him and his wife on Saturday, and they didn't make any promises about coming. But then they DID! The Branch was so happy to see them! 

Then, when the meeting was almost over, the Tacdoro family came!!! They'd had someone visit them that morning, so they left the house late, but they made it to Sunday School and Relief Society! It was so great! There was so much support, we didn't even ask anyone to fellowship them, one Sister knows the mom, and she went right up to her and showed her to class, and sat with her! The kids loved Primary, and the Daughter in YW wants to go to the YW activity they're having on Saturday. 

Basically: It was a Magical Moment. :)

Later when were were teaching them that night, Nanay (Mother. Often, we use Nay and Tay in replacement for Sister and Brother for those older here. It has more of a. . Respectful? Loving? feel. Basta it's just more nice.) was just saying how much she loved church. 

Like, WOAH! The Spirit that is felt if someone goes to church within the month that you meet them. It's so much more powerful. I know she'll be coming next week (we'll be doing everything we can to NOT let Satan ruin those plans.) 

Anyhoos. Love you all! 

The Church is True,

Love, 

Sister Smith

PS. The adventure we had this week! There's this warehouse along the road, and we were told that there's a Tsunggi (a tsunggi: a home owned store where someone decides to sell things they buy from the store. Totally illegal in America, but there are several on most roads here.) behind the warehouse. (By the way, it belongs to the Less Active, who's on the 15 Names of the Branch.. .) 

At first Sister Haun and I were like, "Back there?? No way!" But after we tried, lo and behold, there it was. 

But the only way to get there? To trek through some mud. . and well. . . I sank. 

Sister Haun was laughing too hard at me to get a picture of me actually stuck in the mud, but the after picture (with the mud half dried) is still enjoyable. 

Muddy Feet