Hey y'all-
I've gone south for the winter! I got transferred last week (no big surprise, but still heartbreaking), and I'm now in the most southern zone, Sipalay. My new area is Inayauan. Figure out how to say that one :) I'm still struggling with the pronunciation, so don't ask me.
I'm torn between feeling like a southern belle and a mountain man. This place looks like everything you ever thought the Pines would be. If I look to my left, I have a huge, jungle-forested mountain. If I look to my right I have a glorious sand beach (where we proselyte every day) and if I look straight ahead I see rice fields for miles. My new favorite color is green. We trek daily through the mountains. It's wonderful.
Thanks for the package of letters from the Luke reunion, mom, you all kept me company on the 5 hour bus ride here from Bacolod :) I've seen plenty of.... insects here, being this far from the city. Don't ask me the details... "Big ones, small ones, some as big as your head...."
So, yes. It was really hard to leave Manapla. We all tried to be rational, but lets be honest, we cried a lot. But the Spirit is wonderful. It means so much to me to have his constant companionship. Speaking of companions, my new companion looks like a mix of Jasmine and Mulan. So... Gwapa :) Sister Santos is about 6 months into the mission, and so far we've really enjoyed ourselves together. She's from Quezon City in Manila and 21 years old.
Inayauan is not yet a ward, just a branch, but we really are looking forward to kicking things in gear. We had a wonderful District Conference in Sipalay (you might have seen pictures from that online) and President made me demo in front of everyone in Ilonggo how to place a pamphlet, so the members could get an idea. As I sat down, President said to the congregation, "Did you enjoy that? I did. She did not enjoy that." Ahahah. Talk about pressure.
I don't have much to say. The area is new, so it's all about getting to know the members, investigators, planning, and working things out. It's a good opportunity to exercise faith and rely on the Lord. This week Sister B. was baptized, a wonderful woman, around 50 and such big faith in the Lord. It's been so wonderful to teach her and see her example to her friends and family. There's also a 99 year old member here who still comes to church every week and has the strongest handshake ever. I have a feeling I'll like this branch :)
We are literally in the boonies, but I love it. I'm looking forward to getting down to business (sing it... to defeat the huns) and as hard as missionary work is, I know I am not alone. The Lord is at my back, He is at my front, and I've got my companion in my left and the Spirit on my right. And a book of Mormon in my hands and words of the restored gospel in my mouth. What more can a missionary ask for?
"And I will also be your light in the wilderness; and I will prepare the way before you, if it be so that you keep my commandments; wherefore, inasmuch as ye keep my commandments ye shall be led towards the promised land; and ye shall know that it is by me that ye are led." 1 Nephi 17:13
Love you all. Carry on!
Love, Sister Luke
1. Just a taste. More of this to come.
2. Sister Santos. See I told you, Disney Princess
3. Sister B.
4. On to the Next Appointment!
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