The subject line was the brilliant quote I heard from Sister Vaitohi this week on exchanges, and that explains why the Philippines is better than America. Boom. Sidenote: Sister Vai and I were both trained by Sister Fitzgerald. That was a great exchange :)
My beef with you all this week: I'M NOT IN THE FAMILY CHRISTMAS CARD. Still choosing not to be offended about this but I wouldn't mind an explanation..... *taps foot*
The BEST news ever I forgot to share last week. I found out that my miracle couple (M. and A.) from Inayauan that wanted to be baptized so bad got baptized on Christmas last year. And Sister A. And Sister P. And Brother W. Missionary work is so good.
Awkward moment this week: Mistaking an investigators mom for her husband. No recovery there.
On to the miracles this week, because there were plenty.
1. J. Again. Let me just list the ways: His beautiful, marked up book of Mormon (He's in 2 nephi now), passing his baptismal interview, quoting a speaker from church in one of our lessons, coming to church even when his fellowshipper stopped coming to church, working with us after we taught him about missionary work, telling me a story and saying, "Before I was a mormon..." I can't say enough about this kid.
2. Brother Je. The long time investigator who finally took care of some personal issues and is like a different person. I've never seen someone's countenance change so dramatically. We've been teaching him long before I got into the area, and after hours and hours of study, preparation, prayers, and patience, he's finally decided to accept the gospel fully. We had some amazing experiences with the Spirit leading us at exactly the right time to the right place, and all I can say is wow at the change I've seen in this man.
3. W. and B. Boy planning their wedding for the end of March. I love these people SO much. And they are finally gettin' hitched.
We had a cool experience this week on Saturday. Sister and I went to pick up a member (Sister Jo.) that was going to work with us and ended up bringing another sister (Mi.) we weren't planning on. Seizing the opportunity, we decided to go on splits in order to hit all the appointments for that night. Immediately a name of one of our recent converts we hand't even planned for the night before popped into my head and I told Sister Generalo to go there with Sis Jo. first. Then Mi. and I headed off to our appointments. An hour and a half later found us waiting at the place we had agreed to meet. After about 10 minutes, we went to go find Sister Generalo and the member that accompanied her. I felt prompted to stop by the member's house and ask if they had seen my companion and the member. After stopping by, we were told that Sister Generalo and Sister Jo. were at that recent convert's house; she had collapsed from a fever in their lesson and they called the Elders to give a blessing. It was such a reminder of the power of the holy ghost in the work, and a tender mercy that we were able to help the family so quickly.
I've learned on my mission what the Lord is really asking from me. The Lord isn't asking for just our time or our money or even just 18 months from Sister Missionaries. What he's asking for is our hearts. The commandments are but a means to that end.
Love you all so much. I love the work and the Filipinos and everything about my life right now. I've never been so exhausted and I've never been so happy.
Love,
Sister Luke
1. A late 17 months picture.
2. En.'s baptism last week
3. We ran into our friend Er. again!
4. The Bu.’s; Love this family. Sis Jo. is the one standing behind me.
5. No words :)
6. The parents of W. and B. Boy (recent converts) and W.'s little girl. I LOVE these two.
