I love you all so much and I loved seeing the pictures of the
Christmas tree hacking down!! It really doesn't feel like the same
christmas here, its so warm out! But people say merry christmas to you
on the streets, and the grocery stores play Christmas music, everyone is
just so excited! I am sure you all had a blast with Alec and Christine
and Reid and Bowie! :)
Okay! This week has been a very
full and busy week! I feel like I have been here forever when it's been
only a week and a half! haha:) Wow, the people here are so receptive.
Everyone here that I have met believes in Christ.We
invited many people to be baptized this week even in the first lesson,
and 4 said yes!! :) So exciting, so we have a lot of people to work with
and teach.
The children here are THE CUTEST!!! I wanna
adopt one someday. One day my companion and I were walking and a group
of children saw me and started freaking out (because I'm white). They
all ran up and said "What's your name, what's your name?! Trying to
practice their English I guess. And they kept touching me and shaking my
hand, touching my hair, and two little girls said, "can we give you a
kiss?" haha another day some kids saw us and said "Hi Elders!" with
bright smiles on their faces. Everyone here is so friendly, really.
Everyone says "Hi sisters! " when we pass on the street. I love it!
Our ward here is very different, most of the time I can't understand
what people are saying in classes and talks because it's largely
Ilokano. But I love it, I love smiling and meeting people and joking
with them, I just feel at home here. We had a senior couple come in this
week, the Lashers from Idaho! They are so nice. I feel a little bad for
them because they didn't have any language training! They only had 2
months from the time they got their call to when they left.
I have seen a lot of
miracles here. Moments when I just feel like.. I need to talk to that
person! or I need to stop at that house! I have been strengthened as I
do my best and am prayerfully seeking out those prepared. This is
truly God's work. He knows us and has placed us wherever we are in the
world for specific reasons, for specific people we need to touch. Are we
prepared and worthy of those opportunities? Are we praying to recognize
them? I know that this gospel is the truth, it is so beautiful and
divinely ordained for us to find joy here on earth. I love teaching and
seeing people change and act in faith.
I love you all and
thank you for your prayers and support!!!! You are the best family
EVER!!!!!! And you have been such great strengths and examples to me
throughout my life. Have a wonderful week!!!!
Love, Sister Andelinnn
