I am going to attempt to share about two weeks, because my last letter was so small. Man it has been a great two weeks!
We got to hear from President and Sister Durant and Elder and Sister Echo Hawk. It was a very special training about how to teach as Christ taught. They shared something that really helped me... when someone has a problem keeping commitments, whether it is baptism, going to church, reading the scriptures, etc, the question to ask yourself is "What doctrine don't they understand?" If these people understood the doctrines of the gospel, they would see its importance. As we help them to see the "Why" of the commandments and as we are prayerful about what doctrines they still don't understand, we will be able to help them progress.
Last week we saw some great miracles. Nelita accepted a baptismal date!! We also had a very special Sunday. I attended my first Special sacrament for one of our less actives that can't attend church. The Spirit was so strong in her house, I could literally feel the priesthood power as they gave her a blessing and administered the sacrament. I think it was much stronger because it was quiet, the priesthood holders were so righteous, and the ordinance of the sacrament was isolated. It was an experience I won't forget. Last
On sunday night we had a surprise going home party for sister Anderson, and a surprise graduation party for me.
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| We had a BOODLE fight! When you eat your food with no utensils or plates, you just use your hands and eat on banana leaves. It was SO delicious. |
It was hard saying goodbye to my sweet companion and Sister Anderson! But... transfers come whether you are ready or not.
I have a great new companion, Sister Andres!!!!! She is so super sweet. She has charity for everyone, and she is always smiling and speaking in a cute quiet voice. She is Filipina and speaks both Tagalog and Ilokano! It is SUCH a blessing!
I am taking advantage of that and studying Ilokano 3 days a week. Everyone here speaks Ilokano as their native language. Most know Tagalog, but usually the older people speak only Ilokano.
It has been a wonderful week working with her. It is humbling to be a senior companion. I am realizing more and more what a big responsibility it is and that we are accountable to the Lord for what we do. I am so grateful that I have so many supportive members and that I was able to learn the area well.
In our apartment, there are 3 Filipinas and me. Haha I might not be able to speak English anymore. Sister Malobago stayed in the apartment from last transfer, and me and the other two are only 3 months in! It is a party. We are all taking advantage of each others skills, I teach them English and lead morning exercises, they teach me Tagalog, Ilokano, Cooking,
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| I made mango pie from scratch! And loooook what I will eat for dinner this week! |
and washing clothes. I love them a lot :)
Our investigators are doing well! We are reaching a break through with J! He is coming to church and reading in the BOM daily, even though he is only 9. Sister Linda came to church again, with her friend who we are also teaching! AND TATAY DOMINGO CAME TOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you so much for your prayers. And little by little he is smoking less cigarettes. We are just so excited.
So many blessings, and it is all Heavenly Father's hand and His Spirit touching hearts and changing people. I love all so much and I hope you have a fantastic week!!!
Ayayaten kayo!!!
Sister Andelin
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| The District |
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| The Zone |
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| Here in Laoag they have a fiesta on February 9 and 10. That was way fun. They have lots of super duper beautiful floats and a parade. All the floats are handmade ingeniously with flowers, paint, and even coke bottles. |
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| A cocoa tree!! Chocolate comes from treeeees?!?! |
