Beautiful Philippines!
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Wash and dry! |
This is HOW WE DO IT!!!!! Brownie the bumba (water pump) and our handy dandy homemade water filter!
Large snails, and the sting rays tail I bought from an old man
Our tribute to our "Dying" mission president
June 21
My deeeeeeearest family,
This week has been a huge learning and miracle-witnessing and
testimony building week. On Tuesday, we had our transfers and I was
reunited with my dear Sister Malobago. I just want to tell you more
about her. Sister Malobago is incredible. Her whole family is nonmember
or less active. She was converted as a 19 year old, but then was less
active herself for 13 years. But the Lord has led her and guided her to
come back to the church, and the next year after that, she left to serve
a mission... she is incredible!
We had one... really tough thing happen in our branch. The only
child of a young less active couple got electrocuted and was killed this
week. He is only 4 years old. We went over to their home that night to
give them strength and comfort. We shared with them about the Atonement,
prayer, God's perfect love, and the surety that that child is going to
the celestial kingdom. At the end of that, we sang the hymn Families can
Be Together Forever. As we sang the words, I was filled with joy at the
knowledge that we have, that whatever happens we will see our families
again. The Spirit testified to me of the truthfulness of that message.
That is the first message we share to our investigators, how there is
power for their family to be sealed together forever.
We have seen many miracles this week. Sister Malobago is an
incredible teacher. She focuses on the investigators really
understanding the doctrine. We saw that "True doctrine, understood,
changes attitudes and behaviors. The study of the doctrines of the
gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will
improve behavior.-boyd k. Packer" Sister Malobago teaches in a way that
makes them thirsty to know the answer, She leaves them hanging by saying
"Next time, you will know why... etc" It is such a joy to teach with
her, and to see the investigators in awe at knowing the truth. And
because of how we taught the doctrine, we had two families come to
church this week!!!!!! At first, we
didn't see one of the families, and we were so sad, "Why didn't they
come to church?" Then we found out they came to church in the afternoon!
In the other branch. I am really witnessing conversion, especially
brother Christopher Talosig, the father of Merry Cris, Clarissa and
Christian. He used to be very shy quiet, wouldn't answer questions, read
or pray in front of us. Now, he is reading, even though it is hard for
him. He prays out loud without hesitation. He has stopped coffee. He is
the one encouraging his kids to come to church. He is a changed man. And
all of this I have seen in the last 2 months. We are excited for their
family to be baptized next month.
The gospel is
for families. It is for everyone. But the gospel really blesses the
family. I pray that each of us will strengthen our families through the
tools the gospel brings.
I love you all
so much and I am so thankful for my mission. This is the most incredible
miracle of all... to see the gospel change people and families. I am so
happy for Jess and Tim, so excited for them to build a gospel cultured
family! And Catherine and Hyrum will soon follow. We are on the half
mark, 6 married, 6 single!
Have the best week. Cherish live and share the gospel.
Mahal ko kayo,
SIster Andelin
