Written 1/11/15
"But Wesley, what about the R.O.U.S's?"
There seems to be some good Princess Bride themes happening in my life lately, if you know what I mean :) Apparently rats are not exclusive to Inayauan... But we have poison now, so no fear, Mom.
I hope this disjointed email makes sense. Lets start with the funny happenings:
This week we finished teaching the Word of Wisdom to an investigator, and she runs to the kitchen to feed us snacks before we go, and she comes out with..... Iced tea. Ahahaha. I guess we need to raise the caliber of our teaching skills. (Don't worry, we didn't drink it.)
We also had a visitor for weekly planning this week. I wanted to attach a picture but the computer doesn't seem to allow it, so I'll send it next week. But we had a huge frog prince hop into our house and onto our area book on Friday during planning, so we had to pause for 10 minutes while we got the situation under control by trapping him with a strainer. We're so resourceful. :)
MLC was 4 kinds of amazing. I got to see Sister McKee and Sister Char, the only other 2 sisters in my batch that are "foreigners" (we're referred to as the foreigners here) and that was wonderful. I never get tired of being in the mission home with President. I've learned more about faith from him than anyone else. At our Zone Training meeting on Thursday, I got a letter from my recent convert, L., from Manapla. It was the BEST letter ever... I quote just a bit from the rough translation:
"Sister, Cheequi and I got to go to the temple last November! I'm so happy I got to visit the Lord's house. It was so good and it's so sacred. I'm continuing to read, pray, and attend church. I have so many friends here, sister! No matter how poor we are, we're still seeing blessings arrive. I'm so happy, Sister. Thank you that I became a member of this church and that I've become close to our Heavenly Father."
This work brings the greatest joy. The kind of joy I feel when Sister En. bought a head lamp she can wear at night so she can read to her husband after he gets home from work? Can't describe that one. I just love what the gospel does to people. We've seen this week that our investigators have been opening up to us and trusting us a lot more, leading to resolved concerns, commitments being kept and repentance. We met a man, a young father who's name is Brother P.J., (flashback to my first area!) who told us he read the restoration pamphlet we'd given him and felt so light and good inside, and that he knows it's true. Experiences like this strengthen my testimony that there are people prepared.
M. G. is getting baptized this week. She's the maid of one of our members and has been going to church for about 7 months, but has only just made the decision to be baptized in the past little while. She's a sweet 26 year old, and I cant wait to see her join the true church.
I testify that faith is the antidote to all maladies, spiritual and physical. I've come to know what we can do with true faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. If we have faith, no disappointment lasts. If we have faith, no discouragement can keep us down. If we have faith, no fear can block our path. It helps us to be patient in trials. In Hebrews 11:24-26 it describes what Moses accomplished by faith:
"'By faith Moses...[chose] rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt..."
and then in verse 40, it explains why we must suffer sometimes for the cause of Christ:
"God having provided some better thing for them thru their sufferings, for without their sufferings they could not be madeperfect."
By faith we can do all things. Even suffer. When we humble ourselves, we make way for faith to take over. President Benson once said, "To the proud, the applause of the world rings in their ears. To the humble, the applause of heaven warms their hearts." Humility is a prerequisite to faith. As we long for the applause of heaven, we look to please the Lord and not man, it is then that we will feel our faith beginning to grow. And with faith we can do all things.
We got told this week, "Well, Jesus was a member of the Catholic church, right?"
Jesus is a Mormon, my friends. And I have faith in Him.
Peace out,
Sister Luke
Monday, January 12, 2015
Sunday, January 4, 2015
Happy 2015!
Written 1/4/15
I just realized I forgot my list of things to tell you all at the apartment. Oops :) We'll be winging it here.
First off, Happy Birthday, Sarah! I swear I thought you'd all change more than you have. You're all as beautiful and young looking as when I left. Or even MORE.
Heather, the Filipinos in Sagay 2nd ward know about 2nd dinner. They even know about 3rd lunch andmidafternoon snack. Needless to say we get fed CONSTANTLY here. No complaints there, though.
We're emailing now because we're going to Bacolod to stay the night for MLC tomorrow at the mission home. I'm peeing-my-skirt excited to get trainings from President. I could go on and on about him but I'll refrain.
Speaking of President, nothing better than your mission president showing up suddenly to your district meeting unannounced.... While you're wearing flip flops. I cut my toe on a rock last week (it has since healed, mom) and I couldn't wear regular shoes... So... That was a nice embarrassing experience. Some things never change, like my awkward nature.
Its been a really, really good week. I feel like Sister Turtal and I saw the fruits of our compounded faith, and my testimony has grown leaps and bounds. Sister and I committed to exact obedience and were constantly evaluating our teachings and our work and ourselves, and I saw a difference in the work this week. We experienced so many powerful lessons. I felt the Spirit burning in my heart every time we taught, and I saw a visible difference in our investigators. We have a lot of long time investigators who have been taught by so many sets of missionaries and just haven't progressed, but this week we saw changes and I know they felt the Spirit. We were able to see 10 investigators at church on Sunday, and I just have such a testimony that our faith can change others. It can bring the message strongly unto their hearts, and it can bring them to a knowledge of the truth. I love love LOVE missionary work.
We taught a recent convert this week and she had missed church last week. She told us it was because she had played volleyball last Sunday at the park with her friends. This led me to some pondering in my studies on our purpose in this life. I thought about the good things we do in life as opposed to the best things. (Thinking on the vein of Elder Oaks' talk from a few years ago.) It's not bad to play volleyball with your friends- in fact that's a healthy, wholesome activity. But when it gets in the way of the best things, that's when it becomes a sin and a hindrance. I learned that the devil doesn't always work through making us do horrible and evil sins... But if he can distract us enough from the best things in life by doing only the good things, then he has succeed in distracting us from fulfilling our divine purpose. Elder Cook put it well in last conference's priesthood session:
"Many choices are not inherently evil, but if they absorb all of our time and keep us from the best choices, thenthey become insidious.
Even worthwhile endeavors need evaluation in order to determine if they have become distractions from thebest goals.
"Distractions and rationalizations that limit progress are harmful enough, but when they diminish faith in Jesus Christ and His Church, they are tragic. ...In all things we should remember that being 'valiant in the testimony of Jesus' is the great dividing test between the celestial and terrestrial kingdoms. We want to be found on the celestial side of that divide."
We learn here that the choice of doing good things or doing the best things is the deciding factor of us being able to return to our Father in Heaven and be exalted. We taught this principle to our Recent Convert and lo and behold, she came to church on Sunday, bringing with her a non-member friend.. Perhaps one that had gone with her to play volleyball the week before. :)
This week was crazy and busy and filled with the usual trials and tests... But there was something different about this week that I will never forget. A special spirit abounds in the work. We are not alone. The work is so good. It's inspired of God and He knows what we must do to keep the work moving. I love my companion. Sister Turtal and I made New Years Resolutions together. We made lists of of the things we are going to leave behind in 2014, and then burned each slip of paper containing the things we want to put behind us in this new year. My list helped me mentally release and refocus, and ponder on those things I want to change about myself.
Happy New Year to you all, I hope you all set resolutions and rely on the limitless power of the Atonement of Christ to accomplish them. Here's to getting our priorities straight and doing the best things, those things that will bring salvation and endless happiness in the life to come.
Love,
Sister Luke
I just realized I forgot my list of things to tell you all at the apartment. Oops :) We'll be winging it here.
First off, Happy Birthday, Sarah! I swear I thought you'd all change more than you have. You're all as beautiful and young looking as when I left. Or even MORE.
Heather, the Filipinos in Sagay 2nd ward know about 2nd dinner. They even know about 3rd lunch andmidafternoon snack. Needless to say we get fed CONSTANTLY here. No complaints there, though.
We're emailing now because we're going to Bacolod to stay the night for MLC tomorrow at the mission home. I'm peeing-my-skirt excited to get trainings from President. I could go on and on about him but I'll refrain.
Speaking of President, nothing better than your mission president showing up suddenly to your district meeting unannounced.... While you're wearing flip flops. I cut my toe on a rock last week (it has since healed, mom) and I couldn't wear regular shoes... So... That was a nice embarrassing experience. Some things never change, like my awkward nature.
Its been a really, really good week. I feel like Sister Turtal and I saw the fruits of our compounded faith, and my testimony has grown leaps and bounds. Sister and I committed to exact obedience and were constantly evaluating our teachings and our work and ourselves, and I saw a difference in the work this week. We experienced so many powerful lessons. I felt the Spirit burning in my heart every time we taught, and I saw a visible difference in our investigators. We have a lot of long time investigators who have been taught by so many sets of missionaries and just haven't progressed, but this week we saw changes and I know they felt the Spirit. We were able to see 10 investigators at church on Sunday, and I just have such a testimony that our faith can change others. It can bring the message strongly unto their hearts, and it can bring them to a knowledge of the truth. I love love LOVE missionary work.
We taught a recent convert this week and she had missed church last week. She told us it was because she had played volleyball last Sunday at the park with her friends. This led me to some pondering in my studies on our purpose in this life. I thought about the good things we do in life as opposed to the best things. (Thinking on the vein of Elder Oaks' talk from a few years ago.) It's not bad to play volleyball with your friends- in fact that's a healthy, wholesome activity. But when it gets in the way of the best things, that's when it becomes a sin and a hindrance. I learned that the devil doesn't always work through making us do horrible and evil sins... But if he can distract us enough from the best things in life by doing only the good things, then he has succeed in distracting us from fulfilling our divine purpose. Elder Cook put it well in last conference's priesthood session:
"Many choices are not inherently evil, but if they absorb all of our time and keep us from the best choices, thenthey become insidious.
Even worthwhile endeavors need evaluation in order to determine if they have become distractions from thebest goals.
"Distractions and rationalizations that limit progress are harmful enough, but when they diminish faith in Jesus Christ and His Church, they are tragic. ...In all things we should remember that being 'valiant in the testimony of Jesus' is the great dividing test between the celestial and terrestrial kingdoms. We want to be found on the celestial side of that divide."
We learn here that the choice of doing good things or doing the best things is the deciding factor of us being able to return to our Father in Heaven and be exalted. We taught this principle to our Recent Convert and lo and behold, she came to church on Sunday, bringing with her a non-member friend.. Perhaps one that had gone with her to play volleyball the week before. :)
This week was crazy and busy and filled with the usual trials and tests... But there was something different about this week that I will never forget. A special spirit abounds in the work. We are not alone. The work is so good. It's inspired of God and He knows what we must do to keep the work moving. I love my companion. Sister Turtal and I made New Years Resolutions together. We made lists of of the things we are going to leave behind in 2014, and then burned each slip of paper containing the things we want to put behind us in this new year. My list helped me mentally release and refocus, and ponder on those things I want to change about myself.
Happy New Year to you all, I hope you all set resolutions and rely on the limitless power of the Atonement of Christ to accomplish them. Here's to getting our priorities straight and doing the best things, those things that will bring salvation and endless happiness in the life to come.
Love,
Sister Luke
1. What's that I see?
2. Sister "Turtal"
3. Cuties.
Sunday, December 28, 2014
The 6th and 7th En. Children
Written 12/28/14
This week Brother En. told us that he has 5 kids, and then he named me as the 6th and Sister Turtal as his 7th. Have I mentioned how much I love this family?
Happy New Year my family! And Happy Birthday to Bekah :) It was good to see your faces. This week was joyful for so many reasons, and I learned a lot. I also got hugged on the street by a slightly crazy 16 year old boy who had to be pried off by Sister Turtal. It's a good thing we have companions.
Since one encounter with the opposite gender wasn't enough, I experienced another one on Wednesday. We went to our area about 45 minutes out of the city, to find lots and lots of mud and slippery hills barring our way to our investigators. We were advised to take off our shoes and rough it bare foot, thinking maybe that might be easier, but we slipped just as much. Then- I don't know if this was supposed to be mercy or temptation- as we were just about to decide to slide down the muddy hill on our bums, or throw ourselves down it Wesley-and-Buttercup-Style, a teenage boy appeared to escort us down the hill, holding my hand, and sister Turtal holding me as we carefully made our way down the muddly slope. I tried not to be traumatized and disgusted by actually touching the opposite gender. Ahaha. The mission does things to you.
I was also informed this week that cold water makes you fat. So. That explains it. It's not the endless rice they feed us every day. It's the water. Watch out for the water :)
Of course one of the highlights of this week was the baptism of the En. family. Seeing them baptized and dressed in white and bearing their testimonies afterward... There is truly nothing like it. They offered simple testimonies, and as they spoke at the front of the room where we held the baptismal service, I had a glimpse from the Spirit of who these wonderful people can become, if they continue in this church. I saw future leaders, stronger testimonies, trials overcome by faith and blessings poured out, if they will just remain true and faithful.
I came to a point this week where I realized that the work here is like my medicine. No matter what stress I feel at the apartment or if I have something worrying me or even if I feel sick, if I can just get out and work it all goes away. The familiar feel of putting on my rubber shoes and tromping through mud and grass and over hills, talking to strangers and praying for families... There is nothing better than this work. It cures every negative thought, heals all impatience, and teaches me more than I ever thought I could fit in my head.
M. G. is getting baptized this January, she's the house help of one of our member families here. She is 26 and so sincere. She has such an open heart and getting to teach her is a delight (not just because she feeds us) but because she accepts everything we teach and asks genuine questions. She has been going to church for a few weeks now, but we've had a hard time adjusting our time to teach her and finding her at home, so her baptismal date is January 10. She introduced us to her sister last week and even brought her to church. She also has a date for January.
This week I experienced the physical part of the Atonement. I know it can have a literal effect on us to physically do things we may not have been able to do on our own. I know the promptings of the Spirit come subtly and powerfully, and especially to those who listen to his influence. I learned this week that the Lord protects his missionaries even when we make mistakes. I know the Atonement is not just for the sinners, but for the righteous in times of immediate need.
I finished the Book of Mormon on Christmas day. It's such a wonderful cycle to me to start over, and I'm glad that it never has to have an end. Whatever else changes in a missionary's life, the book of Mormon is always constant. I'm still working on my goal of memorizing the Living Christ.
In my studies this week I had a few impressions I wanted to share:
God gives us weaknesses so we may be humble (from Ether 12:27), but he wants us to be humble because humility begets repentance.
"Even the transgressions of man may be turned to the accomplishment of High Purposes." James E. Talmage. I based my study off this quote today and connected it to Jacob 5, where the Lord uses wild branches of the olive tree as grafts for a natural tree. Eventually these wild branches take strength from the root, and produce beautiful, natural fruit... In essence, the nature of the branch was changed. In verse 18:
And he said unto the servant: Behold, the branches of the wild tree have taken hold of the moistureof the root thereof, that the root thereof hath brought forth much strength; and because of the muchstrength of the root thereof the wild branches have brought forth tame fruit.
I like that the Lord didn't just cast away the bad branches right away, he used them to his advantage. We are the same way, with our weaknesses, sins, and "wild branches". God doesn't expect us to be perfect immediately, but he gives us the chance to change. We have been grafted into the natural tree (which I likened to the church), so that we may change our very natures and bring forth good fruit. In time, if we take hold of the strength of the roots (I likened the roots to the Atonement) we find the wherewithal to change our natures and bring forth "fruit meet for repentance".
God "cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance" because Christ did not shy away with the least degree of allowance from his responsibility given to him from the Father. He gave all, suffered all, not to just save us "as we are" because what we are is unclean. He did what he did to give us an opportunity to repent. So we may change from "just as we are" to "even as [He is]". If our faith is strong, our repentance is also strong.
It has been a lovely Christmas. The best, actually, in my life. I wasn't focused on worldly gifts or buying things for people... I wasn't wondering what decorations looked best on the house or what food to share at my party. It was focused on the Lord Jesus Christ, and his great gift for us. On Christmas I did what I've done for the past year or more of my life: I went out and worked and shared the message of the Restoration. And I couldn't have been happier. I love you!
Love,
Sister Luke
1.2.&3. HAPPY WHITE CHRISTMAS!!
This week Brother En. told us that he has 5 kids, and then he named me as the 6th and Sister Turtal as his 7th. Have I mentioned how much I love this family?
Happy New Year my family! And Happy Birthday to Bekah :) It was good to see your faces. This week was joyful for so many reasons, and I learned a lot. I also got hugged on the street by a slightly crazy 16 year old boy who had to be pried off by Sister Turtal. It's a good thing we have companions.
Since one encounter with the opposite gender wasn't enough, I experienced another one on Wednesday. We went to our area about 45 minutes out of the city, to find lots and lots of mud and slippery hills barring our way to our investigators. We were advised to take off our shoes and rough it bare foot, thinking maybe that might be easier, but we slipped just as much. Then- I don't know if this was supposed to be mercy or temptation- as we were just about to decide to slide down the muddy hill on our bums, or throw ourselves down it Wesley-and-Buttercup-Style, a teenage boy appeared to escort us down the hill, holding my hand, and sister Turtal holding me as we carefully made our way down the muddly slope. I tried not to be traumatized and disgusted by actually touching the opposite gender. Ahaha. The mission does things to you.
I was also informed this week that cold water makes you fat. So. That explains it. It's not the endless rice they feed us every day. It's the water. Watch out for the water :)
Of course one of the highlights of this week was the baptism of the En. family. Seeing them baptized and dressed in white and bearing their testimonies afterward... There is truly nothing like it. They offered simple testimonies, and as they spoke at the front of the room where we held the baptismal service, I had a glimpse from the Spirit of who these wonderful people can become, if they continue in this church. I saw future leaders, stronger testimonies, trials overcome by faith and blessings poured out, if they will just remain true and faithful.
I came to a point this week where I realized that the work here is like my medicine. No matter what stress I feel at the apartment or if I have something worrying me or even if I feel sick, if I can just get out and work it all goes away. The familiar feel of putting on my rubber shoes and tromping through mud and grass and over hills, talking to strangers and praying for families... There is nothing better than this work. It cures every negative thought, heals all impatience, and teaches me more than I ever thought I could fit in my head.
M. G. is getting baptized this January, she's the house help of one of our member families here. She is 26 and so sincere. She has such an open heart and getting to teach her is a delight (not just because she feeds us) but because she accepts everything we teach and asks genuine questions. She has been going to church for a few weeks now, but we've had a hard time adjusting our time to teach her and finding her at home, so her baptismal date is January 10. She introduced us to her sister last week and even brought her to church. She also has a date for January.
This week I experienced the physical part of the Atonement. I know it can have a literal effect on us to physically do things we may not have been able to do on our own. I know the promptings of the Spirit come subtly and powerfully, and especially to those who listen to his influence. I learned this week that the Lord protects his missionaries even when we make mistakes. I know the Atonement is not just for the sinners, but for the righteous in times of immediate need.
I finished the Book of Mormon on Christmas day. It's such a wonderful cycle to me to start over, and I'm glad that it never has to have an end. Whatever else changes in a missionary's life, the book of Mormon is always constant. I'm still working on my goal of memorizing the Living Christ.
In my studies this week I had a few impressions I wanted to share:
God gives us weaknesses so we may be humble (from Ether 12:27), but he wants us to be humble because humility begets repentance.
"Even the transgressions of man may be turned to the accomplishment of High Purposes." James E. Talmage. I based my study off this quote today and connected it to Jacob 5, where the Lord uses wild branches of the olive tree as grafts for a natural tree. Eventually these wild branches take strength from the root, and produce beautiful, natural fruit... In essence, the nature of the branch was changed. In verse 18:
And he said unto the servant: Behold, the branches of the wild tree have taken hold of the moistureof the root thereof, that the root thereof hath brought forth much strength; and because of the muchstrength of the root thereof the wild branches have brought forth tame fruit.
I like that the Lord didn't just cast away the bad branches right away, he used them to his advantage. We are the same way, with our weaknesses, sins, and "wild branches". God doesn't expect us to be perfect immediately, but he gives us the chance to change. We have been grafted into the natural tree (which I likened to the church), so that we may change our very natures and bring forth good fruit. In time, if we take hold of the strength of the roots (I likened the roots to the Atonement) we find the wherewithal to change our natures and bring forth "fruit meet for repentance".
God "cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance" because Christ did not shy away with the least degree of allowance from his responsibility given to him from the Father. He gave all, suffered all, not to just save us "as we are" because what we are is unclean. He did what he did to give us an opportunity to repent. So we may change from "just as we are" to "even as [He is]". If our faith is strong, our repentance is also strong.
It has been a lovely Christmas. The best, actually, in my life. I wasn't focused on worldly gifts or buying things for people... I wasn't wondering what decorations looked best on the house or what food to share at my party. It was focused on the Lord Jesus Christ, and his great gift for us. On Christmas I did what I've done for the past year or more of my life: I went out and worked and shared the message of the Restoration. And I couldn't have been happier. I love you!
Love,
Sister Luke
1.2.&3. HAPPY WHITE CHRISTMAS!!
Monday, December 22, 2014
Christmas Miracles
Written 12/21/14
The first week in a new area is the longest. But it was so good.
First of all, to quote my dear Sister Aubree Andrus about my new house here in Sagay, "0 to 60, my friends." We have marble floors and someone who burns our garbage for us and we've only seen a couple bugs so far. From Inayauan to luxury. :) We also have 2 sisters with us in the house (one was trained by Sister Fitz!) and we all get along really well. Sort of having flashbacks to last year at Christmas when we were 4 in the house too.
We've been fed every night since I've got here. Sometimes twice over. The members are SO nice. Sometimes too nice, but lets be honest, all missionaries love food, so all you can do is accept it.
Sagay is pretty developed. I mean, it has a real grocery store, so I'm not out in the sticks anymore. But our area is pretty far out there into the mountains, and out of the city part of Sagay so it's a perfect combination. Sister Turtal rocks. We've had so much fun together. I'm always laughing with her, and the work is so smooth because she's a hard worker. Both of us go home March 11. She looks like a filipino Reese Witherspoon. :) So far we're loving our time together. No complaints there.I've been blessed my whole mission with such great companions.
It's weird that even though I've been here only a week I feel like its been longer. The amazing thing happening in the area right now is the baptism of the E. Family this Christmas. Wait, what? Lemme repeat that.
THE E. FAMILY. They are a FAMILY!
Sister Turtal found them while on splits with a member last November. We've been making daily contact with them every day since I got here, and so I already feel like they are "mine". There is 4 of them, the Mom, Sister En., the dad, Brother Ro., and their daughter, Sister A., age 12. Their son Ro. is still working out word of wisdom and will be baptized in January, but the 3 of them will be baptized on Christmas. They are so, so strong and committed to the gospel. Satan has been sending a lot of temptations their way this week but they've overcome each one. Their family has been persecuting them as well but it seems like nothing to them, if they are but able to join the restored gospel of Christ. They have even become missionaries to their daughter and his husband.
Sister En. and Brother Ro. both stopped all their word of wisdom issues right away, before the missionaries even taught about the commandment! As we reviewed it this week, Sister Turtal was teaching and said something about the commandment given to Joseph Smith, but she forgot the year it was given. Sister En. just looks at her and says, "1833, it was given in 1833. I read the pamphlet 3 times." Another time she was sharing about why she wants to be baptized, and she said that in all the churches that she's attended, this is the church where the members know the commandments and live them. She always calls us her "Angels" for her and her family. She reminds me a lot of Mom, and our visits to their house are always special spiritual memories for me.
The Lord hears prayers. I have been searching and wishing and hoping for a family baptism my whole mission, and my prayers have intensified these past couple months, and ITS HERE. I've desired this my whole mission because I know that this gospel is for families. It blesses and prospers families, and I want this family to have what I do.
A quick thought I've been pondering on these past 2 weeks, something that has changed my whole perspective and opened the doors of personal revelation for me (and I hope for you) on the subject of faith and repentance. President said something in his weekly email last week I haven't been able to forget:
"True faith in Christ only leads to repentance. True repentance is not only to be forgiven from our sins but for most of us- true repentance is when it leads us to progress and development. Remember that “it is by faith that miracles are wrought”! Repentance is a “miracle of forgiveness”! "
I understand true repentance because of my mission. The plan is not only for us to be forgiven, but to become like God. Not only to discard our sins, but to gain Christlike attributes. So that "[we] maybecome the sons [and daughters] of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for weshall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure."
Have the Merriest Christmas ever! Christ lives, I know He lives.
See you next week ;)
Love,
Sister Luke
1. I've got a lovely bunch of coconuts.
2.&3 From last week. I cannot describe the joy :)
4. Winter lovin.
5. Sister En. and I. And a random child photo bomber.
6. The En. family.
The first week in a new area is the longest. But it was so good.
First of all, to quote my dear Sister Aubree Andrus about my new house here in Sagay, "0 to 60, my friends." We have marble floors and someone who burns our garbage for us and we've only seen a couple bugs so far. From Inayauan to luxury. :) We also have 2 sisters with us in the house (one was trained by Sister Fitz!) and we all get along really well. Sort of having flashbacks to last year at Christmas when we were 4 in the house too.
We've been fed every night since I've got here. Sometimes twice over. The members are SO nice. Sometimes too nice, but lets be honest, all missionaries love food, so all you can do is accept it.
Sagay is pretty developed. I mean, it has a real grocery store, so I'm not out in the sticks anymore. But our area is pretty far out there into the mountains, and out of the city part of Sagay so it's a perfect combination. Sister Turtal rocks. We've had so much fun together. I'm always laughing with her, and the work is so smooth because she's a hard worker. Both of us go home March 11. She looks like a filipino Reese Witherspoon. :) So far we're loving our time together. No complaints there.I've been blessed my whole mission with such great companions.
It's weird that even though I've been here only a week I feel like its been longer. The amazing thing happening in the area right now is the baptism of the E. Family this Christmas. Wait, what? Lemme repeat that.
THE E. FAMILY. They are a FAMILY!
Sister Turtal found them while on splits with a member last November. We've been making daily contact with them every day since I got here, and so I already feel like they are "mine". There is 4 of them, the Mom, Sister En., the dad, Brother Ro., and their daughter, Sister A., age 12. Their son Ro. is still working out word of wisdom and will be baptized in January, but the 3 of them will be baptized on Christmas. They are so, so strong and committed to the gospel. Satan has been sending a lot of temptations their way this week but they've overcome each one. Their family has been persecuting them as well but it seems like nothing to them, if they are but able to join the restored gospel of Christ. They have even become missionaries to their daughter and his husband.
Sister En. and Brother Ro. both stopped all their word of wisdom issues right away, before the missionaries even taught about the commandment! As we reviewed it this week, Sister Turtal was teaching and said something about the commandment given to Joseph Smith, but she forgot the year it was given. Sister En. just looks at her and says, "1833, it was given in 1833. I read the pamphlet 3 times." Another time she was sharing about why she wants to be baptized, and she said that in all the churches that she's attended, this is the church where the members know the commandments and live them. She always calls us her "Angels" for her and her family. She reminds me a lot of Mom, and our visits to their house are always special spiritual memories for me.
The Lord hears prayers. I have been searching and wishing and hoping for a family baptism my whole mission, and my prayers have intensified these past couple months, and ITS HERE. I've desired this my whole mission because I know that this gospel is for families. It blesses and prospers families, and I want this family to have what I do.
A quick thought I've been pondering on these past 2 weeks, something that has changed my whole perspective and opened the doors of personal revelation for me (and I hope for you) on the subject of faith and repentance. President said something in his weekly email last week I haven't been able to forget:
"True faith in Christ only leads to repentance. True repentance is not only to be forgiven from our sins but for most of us- true repentance is when it leads us to progress and development. Remember that “it is by faith that miracles are wrought”! Repentance is a “miracle of forgiveness”! "
I understand true repentance because of my mission. The plan is not only for us to be forgiven, but to become like God. Not only to discard our sins, but to gain Christlike attributes. So that "[we] maybecome the sons [and daughters] of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for weshall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure."
Have the Merriest Christmas ever! Christ lives, I know He lives.
See you next week ;)
Love,
Sister Luke
Monday, December 15, 2014
Confessions of a Sleep Deprived Missionary
Written 12/14/14
Hi family.
Isn't it funny that the things we always really, really, really, don't want to happen at the exact wrong time always seem to happen at those exact moments?
My email is late today because we got a call from President on Sunday that Sister Santos and I are getting pulled out from Inayauan, and I will be called as a Sister Traning Leader in Sagay. All this after a really amazing week of miracles and seeing the area progress so much. But that's how it goes right?
The mission has a LOT of missionaries going home this transfer and only a small number arriving... Meaning we have to adjust the number of missionaries in the branches and wards. Sister Santos and I were SO sad to be spending Christmas not with each other in Inayauan like we thought. But I feel like we accomplished our purpose in Inayauan, and even though we won't see the people we love so much, I know the Elders will take good care of the area.
Sunday was the most insane day of my mission. We were trying to get Elder Pack (the new elder who's been in Inayauan for 5 days and has a companion going home this week) familiar with our area, visit our recent converts and investigators, clean out our whole apartment and pack all our things, and leave by 3 am Monday morning. Then the 6 hour bus ride and yada yada... The point is, now I'm here in Sagay 2nd ward. I left from the most southern zone in the mission to the most northern. I saw the whole island in one day. But hey, how many missionaries get to say that?
I can't even think of everything that's happened this week. My brain is a little mushy feeling. I do remember in my studies this week that I have felt prompted that I need to be a lily of the field. Accept the Lord's will for me, whatever it may be. I've pondered on Jared's faith shown in Ether 1:38:
"And it came to pass that Jared spake again unto his brother, saying: Go and inquire of the Lord whether he will drive us out of the land, and if he will drive us out of the land, cry unto him whither we shall go. And who knoweth but the Lord will carry us forth into a land which is choice above all the earth? And if it so be, let us be faithful unto the Lord, that we may receive it for our inheritance."
I love his words. I'm looking forward to the challenges and experiences ahead here in Sagay, with my new companion Sister Turtal. We both go home in March, and she is the cutest little Filipina you ever did see. The area is in great shape, and I can't wait to dig into the work.
I saw Sister Fitzgerald, Sister Foote, Sister Reid, Sister Char and Sister Oquias today as we said goodbye to the first three who are going home THIS WEEK. Where has the time gone? It was the best to be able to see these faithful and amazing sisters I love so much, whom I've grown so close to, and with whom I've had the opportunity to work so closely with.
This week Sister Santos and I talked with SO many people about "The Gift" and I have never felt so... Christmas-y. It's a wonderful feeling to know you are giving people a priceless gift, even if they don't recognize it at the time. Sister Santos put it well when she said it's like the members of the church are holding candles in a dark world... And each time we share our testimonies or "The Gift", we are lighting other's candles and giving them the light to see the pathway back to our Heavenly Father.
I would appreciate your prayers this week, and know that you are always in mine. Only 10 more days till I get to see your beautiful faces. Merry Christmas :)
Love,
Sister Luke
*A note from the editor: Amy's companion forwarded an email that had EIGHTY ONE pictures of them together, so I just picked a few that showed the area. She took pictures of their house, which I thought was fun to see.
Hi family.
Isn't it funny that the things we always really, really, really, don't want to happen at the exact wrong time always seem to happen at those exact moments?
My email is late today because we got a call from President on Sunday that Sister Santos and I are getting pulled out from Inayauan, and I will be called as a Sister Traning Leader in Sagay. All this after a really amazing week of miracles and seeing the area progress so much. But that's how it goes right?
The mission has a LOT of missionaries going home this transfer and only a small number arriving... Meaning we have to adjust the number of missionaries in the branches and wards. Sister Santos and I were SO sad to be spending Christmas not with each other in Inayauan like we thought. But I feel like we accomplished our purpose in Inayauan, and even though we won't see the people we love so much, I know the Elders will take good care of the area.
Sunday was the most insane day of my mission. We were trying to get Elder Pack (the new elder who's been in Inayauan for 5 days and has a companion going home this week) familiar with our area, visit our recent converts and investigators, clean out our whole apartment and pack all our things, and leave by 3 am Monday morning. Then the 6 hour bus ride and yada yada... The point is, now I'm here in Sagay 2nd ward. I left from the most southern zone in the mission to the most northern. I saw the whole island in one day. But hey, how many missionaries get to say that?
I can't even think of everything that's happened this week. My brain is a little mushy feeling. I do remember in my studies this week that I have felt prompted that I need to be a lily of the field. Accept the Lord's will for me, whatever it may be. I've pondered on Jared's faith shown in Ether 1:38:
"And it came to pass that Jared spake again unto his brother, saying: Go and inquire of the Lord whether he will drive us out of the land, and if he will drive us out of the land, cry unto him whither we shall go. And who knoweth but the Lord will carry us forth into a land which is choice above all the earth? And if it so be, let us be faithful unto the Lord, that we may receive it for our inheritance."
I love his words. I'm looking forward to the challenges and experiences ahead here in Sagay, with my new companion Sister Turtal. We both go home in March, and she is the cutest little Filipina you ever did see. The area is in great shape, and I can't wait to dig into the work.
I saw Sister Fitzgerald, Sister Foote, Sister Reid, Sister Char and Sister Oquias today as we said goodbye to the first three who are going home THIS WEEK. Where has the time gone? It was the best to be able to see these faithful and amazing sisters I love so much, whom I've grown so close to, and with whom I've had the opportunity to work so closely with.
This week Sister Santos and I talked with SO many people about "The Gift" and I have never felt so... Christmas-y. It's a wonderful feeling to know you are giving people a priceless gift, even if they don't recognize it at the time. Sister Santos put it well when she said it's like the members of the church are holding candles in a dark world... And each time we share our testimonies or "The Gift", we are lighting other's candles and giving them the light to see the pathway back to our Heavenly Father.
I would appreciate your prayers this week, and know that you are always in mine. Only 10 more days till I get to see your beautiful faces. Merry Christmas :)
Love,
Sister Luke
*A note from the editor: Amy's companion forwarded an email that had EIGHTY ONE pictures of them together, so I just picked a few that showed the area. She took pictures of their house, which I thought was fun to see.
Friday, December 12, 2014
The Gift
Written 12/7/14
Don't worry Mom, Typhoon Ruby hardly even left a raindrop in Inayauan. We're totally safe :)
Thought I'd get that out of the way first.
2nd, Happy birthday to Benson this week! Weird that he's a whole year old. Or wait... He's two now isn't he?
I seem to be finding all the characters in The Great Mouse Detective here in Inayauan. See the attached picture for more details.
This week Sister Char and I received our "trunky letters" (letters detailing our general departure details... GAH) and I feel like it was only yesterday I was reading Tanner DeHaan's weekly missionary email, when HE got his trunky letters in the mail. It's a surreal feeling. Can we just not talk about it?
Also, my hilarious experience this week is brought to us by our next door neighbor, a rather flamboyant 40 year old. He and I were talking when he exclaims loudly that he can't control himself and starts patting my face and then patting his own face as if putting on makeup. He said he wants my "beautiful" to be on his face too. Then he says to me, in English "If I were a real man, I would court you!" with a big laugh and a dramatic exit. The Philippines often leaves me speechless.
It still feels like a lot happened this week even though our week was scattered and we spent all Saturday inside because of the hurricane, Ruby. We had some random stuff happen with investigators and with Sister R. getting really ill and needing to go to the hospital…Anyway. Don't want to detail all of it, so we'll stick to a couple really cool experiences this week.
First, our cool investigator of about a month now, Sister A., told us of a really cool dream she had a while back, before the chapel in Inayauan was built here. She told us she dreamed that she was sitting down, when the chair was lifted up and she was taken and placed in front of a big, white church, at the front doors, and told that this was the "kingdom of God" and that she needed to enter. For years, she searched for the church that looked like the one in her dream, but only when she came to church the first time a few weeks ago did she feel that this was the "kingdom of God". How right she is.
I hope you all have seen the Christmas initiative the church is starting about "The Gift" of Jesus Christ as the Savior, given from our loving Father. If you haven't seen the video, take a break from reading my ramblings and go watch it.
Did you watch it? Okay.
The second experience happened on Tuesday, when sister and I walked by an elderly sister trying to scrape some wood scraps into a bag. She could barely hear our offers to help, but eventually she got the idea and we helped her carry the bag (and herself) to her house. Share the gift, right? She could barely string two words together because she had a hard time talking, but we did have some conversation and asked to sing a Christmas hymn for her.
At the end she asked my name again and looked at my tag, saying, “Sister Luke….. Jesus Christ.”
Those words hit me hard. In my sharing of The Gift, she shared in return, a gift with me: a simple reminder of who's name I carry, by whose name I am identified by others, and whose name I hope to be called by at the last day.
In Mosiah 5:12 and 13 we read:
I say unto you, I would that ye should remember to retain the name written always in your hearts... that ye hear and know the voice by which ye shall be called, and also, the name by which he shall call you.
For how knoweth a man the master whom he has not served?
We can serve Him by sharing The Gift this Christmas. By serving Him, we come to know Him, and His voice. We take His name upon us, and we retain that name written in our hearts, not just on a missionary tag. Further, we read in Mosiah 13:15:
Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
At baptism, we covenanted to take His name upon us, and each week during the sacrament, we renew that promise. That means we covenant to share the Gift, as Jesus Christ Himself did. To become like Him. Aren't we taking His name upon us in vain when we don't hold up our promises? Isn't it vain and selfish to keep to ourselves The Gift? It was for all people, after all.
Think of the priceless Gift. "In the Gift of His Son hath God prepared a more excellent way"- the gospel, the Atonement- that can be fulfilled through our faith to live it. The excellent way is an offering of peace, joy, belonging, identity, light, resolved misunderstandings, better communication, healing, and eternal life. Why would we selfishly hesitate in bringing that to anyone?
I would love if you would share with me how you are sharing The Gift this Christmas season. I know it will bring us all the most joy we have ever experienced. I get to feel that joy every day. To quote The Living Christ, "God be thanked for the matchless gift of His divine Son."
Merry Christmas,
Sister Luke
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Don't worry Mom, Typhoon Ruby hardly even left a raindrop in Inayauan. We're totally safe :)
Thought I'd get that out of the way first.
2nd, Happy birthday to Benson this week! Weird that he's a whole year old. Or wait... He's two now isn't he?
I seem to be finding all the characters in The Great Mouse Detective here in Inayauan. See the attached picture for more details.
This week Sister Char and I received our "trunky letters" (letters detailing our general departure details... GAH) and I feel like it was only yesterday I was reading Tanner DeHaan's weekly missionary email, when HE got his trunky letters in the mail. It's a surreal feeling. Can we just not talk about it?
Also, my hilarious experience this week is brought to us by our next door neighbor, a rather flamboyant 40 year old. He and I were talking when he exclaims loudly that he can't control himself and starts patting my face and then patting his own face as if putting on makeup. He said he wants my "beautiful" to be on his face too. Then he says to me, in English "If I were a real man, I would court you!" with a big laugh and a dramatic exit. The Philippines often leaves me speechless.
It still feels like a lot happened this week even though our week was scattered and we spent all Saturday inside because of the hurricane, Ruby. We had some random stuff happen with investigators and with Sister R. getting really ill and needing to go to the hospital…Anyway. Don't want to detail all of it, so we'll stick to a couple really cool experiences this week.
First, our cool investigator of about a month now, Sister A., told us of a really cool dream she had a while back, before the chapel in Inayauan was built here. She told us she dreamed that she was sitting down, when the chair was lifted up and she was taken and placed in front of a big, white church, at the front doors, and told that this was the "kingdom of God" and that she needed to enter. For years, she searched for the church that looked like the one in her dream, but only when she came to church the first time a few weeks ago did she feel that this was the "kingdom of God". How right she is.
I hope you all have seen the Christmas initiative the church is starting about "The Gift" of Jesus Christ as the Savior, given from our loving Father. If you haven't seen the video, take a break from reading my ramblings and go watch it.
Did you watch it? Okay.
The second experience happened on Tuesday, when sister and I walked by an elderly sister trying to scrape some wood scraps into a bag. She could barely hear our offers to help, but eventually she got the idea and we helped her carry the bag (and herself) to her house. Share the gift, right? She could barely string two words together because she had a hard time talking, but we did have some conversation and asked to sing a Christmas hymn for her.
At the end she asked my name again and looked at my tag, saying, “Sister Luke….. Jesus Christ.”
Those words hit me hard. In my sharing of The Gift, she shared in return, a gift with me: a simple reminder of who's name I carry, by whose name I am identified by others, and whose name I hope to be called by at the last day.
In Mosiah 5:12 and 13 we read:
I say unto you, I would that ye should remember to retain the name written always in your hearts... that ye hear and know the voice by which ye shall be called, and also, the name by which he shall call you.
For how knoweth a man the master whom he has not served?
We can serve Him by sharing The Gift this Christmas. By serving Him, we come to know Him, and His voice. We take His name upon us, and we retain that name written in our hearts, not just on a missionary tag. Further, we read in Mosiah 13:15:
Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
At baptism, we covenanted to take His name upon us, and each week during the sacrament, we renew that promise. That means we covenant to share the Gift, as Jesus Christ Himself did. To become like Him. Aren't we taking His name upon us in vain when we don't hold up our promises? Isn't it vain and selfish to keep to ourselves The Gift? It was for all people, after all.
Think of the priceless Gift. "In the Gift of His Son hath God prepared a more excellent way"- the gospel, the Atonement- that can be fulfilled through our faith to live it. The excellent way is an offering of peace, joy, belonging, identity, light, resolved misunderstandings, better communication, healing, and eternal life. Why would we selfishly hesitate in bringing that to anyone?
I would love if you would share with me how you are sharing The Gift this Christmas season. I know it will bring us all the most joy we have ever experienced. I get to feel that joy every day. To quote The Living Christ, "God be thanked for the matchless gift of His divine Son."
Merry Christmas,
Sister Luke
Monday, December 1, 2014
"We Ate Spaghetti At Our House 3 Times Last Week"
Written 11/30/14
I hope at least one of you can name the quote in my subject line. Tanner, that's probably left up to you.
So I had an internal conflict with this when I read it in President's email today, but I guess it's against the rules to "chat" while emailing. Which I will not lie, totally kills me, but exact obedience is either all or nothing. And I can't exactly look my investigators in the eye and tell them to follow a difficult commandment when I'm not following the mission rules myself. So. Please don't chat with me anymore. (I still love you.)
This week the Elders ran out of water in their apartment and had to come get buckets of water from us at 10 at night. So I spent Tuesday night singing "I will go and fetch the water..." while we ran buckets out to them :) You can never guess life here in the Pines.
Also on Tuesday night, we found out Rattigan is actually new Mother Rattigan. 10x more fun :)
I ate goat this week. I didn't throw up. That is a miracle in and of itself.
And the highlight of the week (and really of my entire mission)... I was reunited with Sister Char in exchanges, Wednesday afternoon till Friday morning. And I wish I could contain in words in an email how amazing and God-sent that exchange was for the both of us. She is hands down one of the most amazing missionaries I have ever met, and if you know me (or her) our mouths didn't stop going from the time she got off the bus till the cows came home. I got to spend thanksgiving with her, and though there was no celebration, I have never enjoyed the work so much, despite the pouring rain. I have never learned so much from one person in a day and a half.
Rose's baptism was postponed to December 6th. Sister A. and her husband accepted baptismal dates for December 25th. We found this amazing 18 year old, J., last night, and I can tell you, It's amazing how when someone walks in a room you can just feel the Spirit telling you, "He's next, he's next."
Our other miracle this week was Sister M.'s husband and Sister C.'s husband coming to church. We've been working with them since I got to the area, and A. and J. both attended all meetings and the Priesthood totally fellowshipped them all day. Miracles are so real, and patience pays off.
As I pondered on my goals for the next 3 months of my mission, I thought about what has already happened in the last 15 months of my life. I pondered on Alma 5... My favorite verses there are 14, 19, and 26.
14 And now behold, I ask of you, my brethren of the church, have ye spiritually been born of God? Have ye received his image in your countenances? Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts?
Here, Alma is talking to those of the church. Have we experienced this mighty change he talks about?
19 I say unto you, can ye look up to God at that day with a pure heart and clean hands? I say unto you, can you look up, having the image of God engraven upon your countenances?
Then in this verse, he goes even further. Is our change of heart manifested in our repentance? Do we plan to stand without spot before the Lord? What are we doing to ensure this happens?
26 And now behold, I say unto you, my brethren, if ye have experienced a change of heart, and if ye have felt to sing the song of redeeming love, I would ask, can ye feel so now?
Then, last of all, Alma asks us that if we've felt that change of heart before... If we experienced all these righteous desires and felt the Atonement active in our lives.... Do we feel all that today? That is the test. Has our conversion endured? Was the change of heart permanent?
I know we all need to reflect to check if we are all spiritually updated. If we only felt the influence of the holy ghost yesterday, but we don't keep Him with us today, it profits us nothing. Our obedience acquires worth as it becomes not only a one-time-thing, but a daily quest.
I hope you all had a wonderful thanksgiving. Its my favorite time of the year right now, and I hope we all take advantage of this time where it is easier to share the gospel with everyone! How easy is it to just share our testimony of our Savior? I love my Savior. I've come to know Him as I've walked a ways in His shoes. I don't know everything, but I know that my Redeemer lives.
Merry Christmas! (Maayong Paskwa!)
Love,
Sister Luke
1. Ladies and gentleman, I give you Sister Char.
2. I can't stop myself.
3. Effects of Queenie. (Two tornadoes.. although somehow their house is still standing. Apparently Filipinos know how to build houses stronger than decades-old-trees. Props.)
I hope at least one of you can name the quote in my subject line. Tanner, that's probably left up to you.
So I had an internal conflict with this when I read it in President's email today, but I guess it's against the rules to "chat" while emailing. Which I will not lie, totally kills me, but exact obedience is either all or nothing. And I can't exactly look my investigators in the eye and tell them to follow a difficult commandment when I'm not following the mission rules myself. So. Please don't chat with me anymore. (I still love you.)
This week the Elders ran out of water in their apartment and had to come get buckets of water from us at 10 at night. So I spent Tuesday night singing "I will go and fetch the water..." while we ran buckets out to them :) You can never guess life here in the Pines.
Also on Tuesday night, we found out Rattigan is actually new Mother Rattigan. 10x more fun :)
I ate goat this week. I didn't throw up. That is a miracle in and of itself.
And the highlight of the week (and really of my entire mission)... I was reunited with Sister Char in exchanges, Wednesday afternoon till Friday morning. And I wish I could contain in words in an email how amazing and God-sent that exchange was for the both of us. She is hands down one of the most amazing missionaries I have ever met, and if you know me (or her) our mouths didn't stop going from the time she got off the bus till the cows came home. I got to spend thanksgiving with her, and though there was no celebration, I have never enjoyed the work so much, despite the pouring rain. I have never learned so much from one person in a day and a half.
Rose's baptism was postponed to December 6th. Sister A. and her husband accepted baptismal dates for December 25th. We found this amazing 18 year old, J., last night, and I can tell you, It's amazing how when someone walks in a room you can just feel the Spirit telling you, "He's next, he's next."
Our other miracle this week was Sister M.'s husband and Sister C.'s husband coming to church. We've been working with them since I got to the area, and A. and J. both attended all meetings and the Priesthood totally fellowshipped them all day. Miracles are so real, and patience pays off.
As I pondered on my goals for the next 3 months of my mission, I thought about what has already happened in the last 15 months of my life. I pondered on Alma 5... My favorite verses there are 14, 19, and 26.
14 And now behold, I ask of you, my brethren of the church, have ye spiritually been born of God? Have ye received his image in your countenances? Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts?
Here, Alma is talking to those of the church. Have we experienced this mighty change he talks about?
19 I say unto you, can ye look up to God at that day with a pure heart and clean hands? I say unto you, can you look up, having the image of God engraven upon your countenances?
Then in this verse, he goes even further. Is our change of heart manifested in our repentance? Do we plan to stand without spot before the Lord? What are we doing to ensure this happens?
26 And now behold, I say unto you, my brethren, if ye have experienced a change of heart, and if ye have felt to sing the song of redeeming love, I would ask, can ye feel so now?
Then, last of all, Alma asks us that if we've felt that change of heart before... If we experienced all these righteous desires and felt the Atonement active in our lives.... Do we feel all that today? That is the test. Has our conversion endured? Was the change of heart permanent?
I know we all need to reflect to check if we are all spiritually updated. If we only felt the influence of the holy ghost yesterday, but we don't keep Him with us today, it profits us nothing. Our obedience acquires worth as it becomes not only a one-time-thing, but a daily quest.
I hope you all had a wonderful thanksgiving. Its my favorite time of the year right now, and I hope we all take advantage of this time where it is easier to share the gospel with everyone! How easy is it to just share our testimony of our Savior? I love my Savior. I've come to know Him as I've walked a ways in His shoes. I don't know everything, but I know that my Redeemer lives.
Merry Christmas! (Maayong Paskwa!)
Love,
Sister Luke
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