Changes Abound! Happy 2014!

Written on 1/5/14

Hello my loved ones!

I just finished reading all of your emails and goodness gracious, there is so much to be grateful for this week. You are all so wonderful and inspiring... I love you all so much.

This week has been a loooong week. It started with our New Years Eve...On NYE and New years day all the missionaries had to be in at 5 pm. We were all sitting in the kitchen washing laundry, where we got a dreaded phone call from the Assistants. Sister Fitz looked at the screen, then threw the phone and told me I had to answer it. I picked up and Elder Sablan asked for Sister Fitz. I handed her the phone again and watched as her face fell..... Emergency transfers. Needless to say, our New Years Eve was slightly dampened. We all cried a lot, but tried to have fun anyway. New Years Day we spent that night together as well, helping Sister pack and trying to enjoy our last time together.

Thursday we went to Galo for transfers and for my follow up training with President and Sister Lopez. My new companion is Sister Person! She was my Sister Training Leader in my district, and she is returning home a week from tomorrow. Weird! We had a really successful week together- lots of baptism dates given and.....

Sister G. was baptized on Saturday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The MOST best. She gave the cutest, simple and strong testimony after her baptism, and was just so bright and happy. What a lovely little thing she is. Her sister also accepted the invitation to be baptized. Baptisms for all! Whew. Love it. I'll try and get some pictures to you all.

I'm so glad my letters finally came! There are more coming, and I'll keep writing, but who knows when they'll all get there :) I love hearing about all your adventures and your vacation together! And your home projects, too, Mom :) Can't wait to see pictures of the progress!

In our follow up training President Lopez based his training on the videos featuring Elder Bednar and his talk "Spirit of Revelation". You should all go watch the video cycle! "Patterns of Light." There's 3 videos and they are so good. Only a few minutes each :) His talk is SO good, and if you have a few minutes, read that too. Here's a small excerpt from it:

"In many of the uncertainties and challenges we encounter in our lives, God requires us to do our best, to act and not be acted upon, and to trust in Him. We may not see angels, hear heavenly voices, or receive overwhelming spiritual impressions. We frequently may press forward hoping and praying—but without absolute assurance—that we are acting in accordance with God’s will. But as we honor our covenants and keep the commandments, as we strive ever more consistently to do good and to become better, we can walk with the confidence that God will guide our steps. And we can speak with the assurance that God will inspire our utterances. This is in part the meaning of the scripture that declares, “Then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God”.

As you appropriately seek for and apply unto the spirit of revelation, I promise you will “walk in the light of the Lord”. Sometimes the spirit of revelation will operate immediately and intensely, other times subtly and gradually, and often so delicately you may not even consciously recognize it. But regardless of the pattern whereby this blessing is received, the light it provides will illuminate and enlarge your soul, enlighten your understanding, and direct and protect you and your family."

So good, right? Man, I love Elder Bednar. Always a good reminder for me to remember who is really in charge. It's not me, and it's not you. But we are all in the hands of the Master potter. I testify to that with all my heart. He gives us enough light, and guides our steps daily, in order for us to grow day by day. The gospel is so cool.

Anyway, till next week! Sorry this email is a little scattered. The work is working here in the Philippines. Never forget this blondie loves you.

XOXOXOXO

Sister Luke

P.S. Happy Happy New Year!
sorry, the pictures aren't working :P Maybe next week!

This is Sister Person! I'm finally tall! She's a cutie. And SO good. 

Man does not live by bread alone!‏

Written 12/29/13

Hellloo!!! (Mrs. Doubtfire style, anyone?)

Hey, guys. So... It was a pretty great week :) I got to see your shining faces, which was definitely the highlight of the week (if you'll excuse the pun. My humor has gotten so bad...). Our Christmas was AWESOME. We got to skype, we exchanged gifts, and it felt so Christmasy in our apartment. Sister Davis' mom sent her Christmas tree scents, so it even SMELLED like Christmas in the apartment. How fun :) We ate with Brother P. for Christmas lunch and that was pretty fun. It was a catered lunch! Ritzy. We're excited for the progress he's making... albeit slowly.

In regards to the subject line.... That was proven true this week. Man needs WATER to live. And we ran out. The past week the water in our apartment wasn't working, meaning we relied on the rain (typhoon) water outside in our big barrels to shower etc. It's not that bad, but we used the last of the Yolanda water on the day after Christmas to shower.. We were literally scraping the bottom of the barrel :) Ahaha. The water got pretty nasty.. We dumped out the last yucky dregs of it down our drain outside and cleaned out the barrels so they'd be ready for new, clean rainwater. But now we had zero water to wash dishes, ourselves, the apartment,and our clothes. (I never realized the necessity of water for all those things....) Our barrels outside were empty and waiting to be filled, though! So I suggested that we say a prayer together for rain to fill our buckets enough to have some water to shower the next day. Lo and behold, 20 minutes later, while in the middle of personal study, a downpour occurs :) All of us looked up from our desks as smiles crept onto our faces :) We raced outside to make sure we had as many buckets as possible catching water. God's so awesome, right? It rained for a couple hours, and by the time we got home that night, we had enough water to shower the next day :) 

Not only was this experience an awesome miracle, It made me think about us as individuals when we ask for blessings from God. Hopefully this makes sense, because it's easier in my head. We have barrels, if you will, in our minds or hearts, waiting to be filled with whatever we are asking from God. Help, guidance, comfort, knowledge, forgiveness. God wants to fill these, but first we have to be willing to dump out whatever yucky stuff may be inside; whatever may be filling them up currently, and disallowing us from filling them up with things of the Lord. Maybe it's our pride, maybe our desire to sin. Perhaps we have guilt, or we're harboring bad feelings against someone. Before the Lord can fill us up with what we're asking for, we must be willing to relinquish whatever gross stuff may be holding us back from becoming empty- in order to be filled. Often times people say things need to get worse before they get better. I've found the same thing. Sometimes it seems like the Lord is asking for so much from us. We're pouring out our soul for Him.. Only to find that he was drawing out the gunk from us.. Making us empty and clean in preparation for the blessings he has waiting for us. In essence, we must let go of sin before we can become vessels of the Lord. 

Hope that made sense.. It made more sense in my head, but that's how it normally goes with these things :) Hope you are all having a wonderful and lovely week. I love things here in the Philippines! Life is simply awesome. Missionary work is awesome. Happy New Year to everyone.. Write me and let me know your new years resolutions! It's a time for change, no? No better time than now. 

Sister and I have a baptism this week! Our cute little G. is being baptized on Saturday! :) She just turned 12, and her mom is a less active. We actually found her through OYM, and found out later that her mom is a less active. Amazing, how the Lord works! We've only been teaching her for about 3 weeks but she's definitely ready and excited to be baptized. I'll send pictures next week and tell you about it! Yay for saving souls. 

Love you all so much! Till next week,

Sister Luke

 

 1. They have the sweetest gates here in front of everyone's houses. This is one of my new favorites we found :)

 2. This is what happens when we run out of water.... This is us filtering the water before we shower. We take water out of the big blue one and run it through an old button up shirt into the bucket :) Voila! Ready-Rain-water. Try it at home! Just kidding, that's gross. :)

 3. The miracle rain filling the buckets!

Christmas time is the best time!‏

Written 12/23/2013

 

Good Morning my loved ones.

This week was an emotional roller coaster. More on that later. This week has also been super fantastic because it's Christmas! Yesterday we had the awesome opportunity to go to the mission home for Zone Conference and to watch the First Presidency devotional. That was so sweet... It really feels like Christmas here. We even ate really nice sub sandwiches! It was so American I wanted to cry. I couldn't help but remember that devotional, what, 3 years ago now? At Heather and Spencer's apartment, when we watched the devotional with them; they made the peppermint chip cookies and Charlotte got so excited I thought she was going to pop? :) What good memories :)

Here's the reason for my slightly broken heart this week: We had to postpone T.'s baptism. I don't want to give too many details, but as we were going through his practice interview for baptism, a few things we hadn't known about came forward that need to be resolved. We were really bummed for a while, but I prayed that night and felt such peace about it all. I know it's way better for T. to be completely spiritually ready for his baptism than it is for me to have my selfish desires (a Christmas baptism). I feel a lot of optimism about it and we're hoping that it can happen in the next couple weeks. He is so wise, and I'm happy that he recognizes the need for and desires complete repentance in his life before he makes sacred covenants. What an example he is. Keep sending your prayers his way!

I have really limited time today, but I want you all to know how much I love you and how much more the Savior loves you. I can relate more of my weeks actvities to you when I SEE you tomorrow :D

Your emails the past two weeks have been a huge support to me. Shoutout to Bekah this week who will be celebrating her birthday and we will all celebrate her awesomeness. All the best to you, Bekah :)

This week during one of my personal studies I was reading about the life of Jesus. For our celebration tonight as an apartment, we wanted to do the traditional reading of the Christmas story and sing all the Christmas songs in the hymnbook. As I thought about our plans for Christmas Eve, I had an idea (impression?) to make a...program? of sorts. (For lack of a better term.) I went through the story in Luke and the story of the Wisemen in Matthew and divided up the scriptures with the Christmas hymns that corresponded to the verses. Tonight, we'll read a few verses, sing the songs that go with them, read some more, sing, and enjoy the Spirit of Christmas. It was a special experience to read the verses, ponder on the lyrics of the songs, and to think of the birth of our Savior. The lyrics of the hymns are powerful... I would definitely suggest to look through them. Music is powerful.

We had a lot of less active members come to church last Sunday, and I am forever grateful for this universal time of year- everyone's hearts are softer, words are kinder, actions are sweeter, people are more selfless, and feelings are more tender. At the Christmas party, the Elders and us sang the First Noel for the beginning of their program, and it made me think of my year of Madrigals, getting to sing for so many ward programs and dinners. What a special time Christmas is, wherever you go, and whoever you're with!

Thank you for your support and your love. Sorry this email is a little bland this week... Hopefully tomorrow will make up for it :) There's probably more to say, but I can't think.....

So.....

I love you all so much, and I'll SEE you tomorrow!!!

XOXOX

Sister Luke

P.S. One special request: To anyone who would like- President Lopez asked us to gather testimonies and experiences that people have had with keeping the Law of Tithing, so we could share some of them (and the blessings that have come to loved ones in our lives) with the less actives we are teaching. If anyone would like to send me their testimonies or experiences with the law of tithing, feel free, they would be greatly appreciated!

Christmas is Coming, The Goose is Getting Fat!

12/15

Merry Christmas, my loved ones!

Your emails were especially long and satisfying this week... I LOVE reading about all your doings, whether they be big or small. Thank you for the updates... They mean more than I can say. 

This week has been pretty solid! Before I get into anything- Mom, next week P Day is Tuesday instead of Monday (Christmas Eve for us) so I'll email Tuesday and Google Plus on Wednesday! #HollaForChristmas. Also, this past Wednesday was my 3 month mark! Whew. Time flies wickedly fast. 

As time has been flying away, I've had a few thoughts. This last week at Zone meeting we had a good lesson about exact obedience. President Lopez stresses that almost more than anything else. Exact obedience begins at 6:30 exactly. The sisters and I in the apartment have made a special effort this week to be exactly on time and schedule with working out, studies, lunch, and going to bed. We've seen such miracles! The other morning we popped out of bed at 6:30 and my first thought was, "Yes! We get to go work out! Then we get to go study the Book of Mormon and Preach my Gospel!" Man, life is good. If I'm being honest, that's definitely not the type of thoughts I would have had before my mission, as a 19 year old girl... But it's amazing how with our desire to be exactly obedient, the Lord has placed in my heart a new excitement for the work; a fresh perspective. I thought of this motto for my mission:"Don't just endure it-  just embrace it." I'm here in the Philippines for 15 more months. I could bear the humidity and heat, or I could embrace it. I could bear the fact that I take cold showers every day, or I could embrace it. I could bear the work, or embrace it. Make it my own vision, not just the Lord's. And isn't that our purpose? To bring our mind into the mind of Christ? So much of the time we just hold on tight and close our eyes till the trial has passed. I read every monday about the things my loved ones are facing back home. Let us hold on tightly, yes, but I challenge you to make it an embrace instead of a slipping grip. I promise as we open our eyes and embrace the Savior as things come that we think we cannot overcome...We will rely on the strength of the Savior, which is unlimited. "Come what may, and love it."

Okay, I'm off my soapbox. You wanna hear our miracle this week? SIster Fitzy and I were standing at the doors of the church on Sunday greeting the members as they came in. Sister Fitz started pulling on my arm, and as I looked up, who did I see? Brother and Sister G., smartly dressed and with a light in their eyes, helping their grandchildren walk to the doors of the church. Man, missionary work is rad. Their countenances were totally changed, and I could hardly believe they were the same less active couple we've been visiting since I got here. Seeing Less Actives return to church is a bomb feeling. The Spirit rocks.

T. also walked in in a new plaid yellow shirt and khakis and a huge smile. I love him. We taught him Tithing the other night, and as we sat down to discuss his questions from the Tithing Pamphlet we had given him last time, his first question was, "Who do I give my tithing to?" Jeepers. Not "Why do I have to give money to the church," not, "How much do I have to give?" but right away he wanted to know where and how he could give of himself. What an amazing example. 

Also- In case this information is of use to anyone: Filipinos in the Bacolod 2nd ward don't know the song, "Tis Sweet to Sing the Matchless Love"... Instead, it ends up being an awkward solo of the Sister missionary chorister, with a few warbling notes due to stifled laughter. 

Another miracle: Yesterday I had a HOT shower! We're still not quite sure how it happened...But I turned on the shower and the water was hot! (Although we think it's because our water thing in the back was overheating.....) But we were happy nonetheless! 

In my personal study lately I've read this excerpt over and over I have in my scriptures from my most favorite talk I think I've ever read, by Elder Holland "The First and Great Commandment." As I've contemplated my reasons for coming on a mission and studied this talk, I've come up with two statements that reasonably sum up the "Why" of how I got here. 

1. The Book of Mormon is true.

2. I love the Lord. 

Indulge me for a second while I get out my soapbox again, and quote Elder Holland. At this point in his talk, he has related the story of the Lord coming to the Apostles after his resurrection while they were fishing. Peter has led his apostles back to the water to return to their lives after their ministry with the Lord. Christ asked Peter 3 times, "Do you love me?" to which Peter responds in the affirmative, 3 times. Elder Holland says,

To which Jesus responded (and here again I acknowledge my nonscriptural elaboration), perhaps saying something like: “Then Peter, why are you here? Why are we back on this same shore, by these same nets, having this same conversation? Wasn’t it obvious then and isn’t it obvious now that if I want fish, I can get fish? What I need, Peter, are disciples—and I need them forever. I need someone to feed my sheep and save my lambs. I need someone to preach my gospel and defend my faith. I need someone who loves me, truly, truly loves me, and loves what our Father in Heaven has commissioned me to do. Ours is not a feeble message. It is not a fleeting task. It is not hapless; it is not hopeless; it is not to be consigned to the ash heap of history. It is the work of Almighty God, and it is to change the world. So, Peter, for the second and presumably the last time, I am asking you to leave all this and to go teach and testify, labor and serve loyally until the day in which they will do to you exactly what they did to me.”

Then, turning to all the Apostles, He might well have said something like: “Were you as foolhardy as the scribes and Pharisees? As Herod and Pilate? Did you, like they, think that this work could be killed simply by killing me? Did you, like they, think the cross and the nails and the tomb were the end of it all and each could blissfully go back to being whatever you were before? Children, did not my life and my love touch your hearts more deeply than this?”

I want to add my testimony to Elder Holland's. Often times in this work I wonder if I am making any difference at all. The work feels mundane, no one is home, it's hot and I'm sweaty and I don't want anyone else to talk to me in Ilonggo ever again. But then I remember the words of Elder Holland, and he is exactly right. This work is not fleeting. It is not feeble. It's not hapless or hopeless. It is the work of our Almighty God. Who can limit God? 

It's my prayer that His life and His love has touched our hearts- to the point that we will serve Him loyally. Remember the invitation to share the gospel with one person before Christmas. Christmas is soon approaching, my friends, and I hope that we will remember our love for the Lord- love unto action. I want to close with one last quote from Elder Holland:

"My beloved brothers and sisters, I am not certain just what our experience will be on Judgment Day, but I will be very surprised if at some point in that conversation, God does not ask us exactly what Christ asked Peter: “Did you love me?” I think He will want to know if in our very mortal, very inadequate, and sometimes childish grasp of things, did we at least understand one commandment, the first and greatest commandment of them all—“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind.”¹³ And if at such a moment we can stammer out, “Yea, Lord, thou knowest that I love thee,” thenHe may remind us that the crowning characteristic of love is always loyalty.

If we truly love the Lord, we will be truly loyal. If we are loyal, we will be involved in this cause, in His work, in this task that the Lord has left to us. Remember, however, He has not left us to it alone. We have the help of the Almighty God, be it in His work, or in our personal, quiet lives. I imagine that the Lord's wall of family pictures is very large. Because He knows us and loves us enough to put us all on His wall of family pictures somewhere up there in Heaven. He hasn't just put our picture on his wall, however...He has engraven us upon the palms of His very hands. He loves us more than we could ever love Him- in our very mortal, inadequate, and childish state. 

The soapbox is in the corner now (maybe only till next week.) but I want you to know I love you all. I'm learning so many new things every day, and I'm so blessed to have family like you all at home. I don't feel so far away from you. :)

Loves,

Sister Luke

Our God is a God of Miracles

Written 12/8/13

My Dearest Loved ones! Maayong Aga!

What a beautiful morning it is here. Even though its about triple what the temperature probably is back home, something in the air feels like Christmas :) Maybe it's the mini Christmas tree we have in our apartment, or the cut out snowflakes we have on the walls... But the Spirit of Christmas is definitely present. This week has been a week of miracles! I can hardly contain my smiles. I wish my journal and family letters could communicate the excitement I feel. Let me explain. (No, there is too much... Let me sum up.:) [movie, movie!])

First of all, last week I told you all about Brother P. How he came to church? The miracle continues. We stopped by their house Monday night to teach J. (the daughter), but only her baby sister F. was home. F. told us Brother P. had started READING in the Book of Mormon... and it was exactly at that point that I knew we had him. Or... God did. The Spirit. Someone :) Anyway, Sister and I got pretty excited... We went back the next day when he was home from work, and talked to him about church and his reading. We had a lot of questions to answer; definitely had our work cut out for us, but it also means I'm learning so many new things about the gospel. Our investigators lately have been asking a lot of questions I've never thought of before... My study journal is thick with them, but I love it! We get such an opportunity to learn. Anyhow. The Spirit was so strong. He asked about the Plan of Salvation and the Spirit was so strong as we testified that he would see his wife again on the other side. I've never seen such a change in someone... The Lord literally softened his heart and our lessons turned into just that: lessons. Not contests of knowledge, not contentious conversations, but a true gospel conversation. He listened to what we had to say, and asked good questions, but in a spirit of desire to actually know the answers. God is amazing.

One thing I already knew before I came here, but I was reminded of this week was that MUSIC works MIRACLES in the lives of people. Remember Brother G.? I think I told you about him, but here's some background. Brother G. is a less active for years now, although has previously served as a bishop, in the high council, etc. We've never been able to find out why he went inactive, and all our visits felt so futile. We would normally just sing a hymn and share a short message. Last time we were there was one of the worst nights of my mission.. He told us we were not effective missionaries, and basically bashed down what smidgen of self confidence I had. (This was in my first few weeks here... Maybe mga 3?) I was scared to go back again, but we've been trying, nonetheless. We went back about 3 or 4 times and wala gid. No answer. Although one time we saw a hand poke out the window and drop some garbage on the ground. So there was that. BUT! God works miracles in mysterious ways. I still am in shock almost about how it all happened. Sister and I had seen Brother G. drinking and smoking with some buddies earlier, but when we passed his house and talked to Sister G., she said Brother G. was wanting to come back to church... He'd just been waiting for us to visit him.Confused? Me too. So Sister F and I went back a couple days later and waited forever outside their house, and they finally answered. They invited us in and we talked like normal people. (Normally it's an awkward one sided conversation with ourselves and vague nods and blank stares from Brother or Sister.) Brother started to tell us that his daughter had been trying to get him to go back to church, and he basically taught himself the lesson from there. He told us he's been thinking and he's getting older his time is running short. He can't keep running to God only in times of need... But he needs to remember him before the time is too late, and he meets Him at judgement day. He told us that our music and our hymns are what touched his heart, what reminded him of the things he used to know. He said there had been years of missionaries who had visited him, who had talked about good things and asked good questions and were good teachers, but that we had found his weakness: "Kanta." (Music.)

My loved ones, I told my bishop in Rexburg that I wanted to go to a mission where I could use music to help the work move forward. The Lord knows us. I am not a great or powerful teacher, I can't speak too much Ilonggo and most of the time I don't know what people are saying to me, but I testify that "The song of the righteous is a prayer unto [the Lord]". Brother G. was able to feel the redeeming power of the Atonement through music. We asked him his favorite hymn... It's the same as mine: How Great Thou Art. We sang it together and he and I both cried as we looked into each others eyes. Brother G. is returning to church on the 15th of December, and every bit of his desire to return is due to the Spirit. The Spirit found Brother G.'s "weakness", Kanta, but the Lord will make weak things become strong unto us, no? Brother G.'s "weakness" was transformed into a strength- a road for the Spirit to testify to him of the truthfulness of this gospel, and ultimately for him to return to his Father in Heaven.Let us bring our weaknesses unto the Lord, especially during this Christmas season, and watch as he stretches us, melts us, reforms us and teaches us. God is the best! "Now sings my soul, my Savior, God, to Thee... How great thou art!"

Gah, missionary work is so rad, isn't it?

Christmas is coming closer, and this is the best Christmas season ever. Our Christmas tree reminds me of home, but this work keeps me grounded here. What a privilege to spend a sacred holiday here with people I love. T. is going strong and is set for his baptism on Christmas... Bless him for making ours a White Christmas :) He just went to a YSA activity this past weekend. They all went and stayed at a nice resort, and stayed overnight :) They had a forum there about marriage and one about missionary work. He went to the missionary work one... and the night he got home we taught him. We met up with him walking home from the tiangge by his house and he had just OYM'ed the tiangge owner and given him a pamphlet on the restoration! Already a missionary, even before his baptism. Man, he's boss. :)

All is well here! I'm stoked for this new transfer and I can't wait to talk to my dear family so soon :) I tried fresh pineapple here for the first time, we have an awesome fruit stand by our home now and golly. I think the Philippines is fruit heaven.

Sorry for a beast of an email. The most love to you all!

Sister Luke

PS A HUGE shoutout to the huge cute chub, BENSON for his birthday tomorrow!! Well, in two days for ya'll. I'll be celebrating by a great day of proselyting! Happy birthday baby!

Also, shoutouts to Hunter and Adam and Megan for the mail! Adam's Dear Elders kept me laughing for days, and Hunter's dear elder made my WHOLE day. I'll be writing you back soon, Hunter! And Meg's mail was the first piece of handwritten mail yet here in the field... You all rock! Loves! :)

Our cuties at English Class!

This delicious pineapple. There's no going back.

Our Christmas Cove in our apartment!

Happy Late Thanksgiving!

Written 12/1/13

Hello my loved ones!

We just found out the news about transfers..... Sister Fitzgerald and I AND Sister Davis and Sister Smith are ALL staying together! I am so excited I want to scream. Maybe I will later :) That means we all get to have Christmas together! What a fun holiday season it will be. I love these three sisters with all my heart. 

It's been a good week! Thanksgiving was a blast with Sister Smith and Sister Davis. We bought a chicken from a slow cooking stand place, made mashed potatoes, cooked carrots and corn, and had rolls! A true American holiday :) Topped off with chocolate milk (which, on a slight tangent, is super delicious here. It freaked me out at first that they don't refrigerate their milk or eggs or cheese, but their chocolate milk is like a heaven.) and for dessert we bought a buko (coconut) pie and ice cream. So... You could say it was a pretty great day :) We went around the table and talked about what we were grateful for, and I even did our own thankful list in my journal! I thought especially about the characteristics of my amazing family that I was grateful for. I want to share a few of the things I wrote:

Spencer's laugh and Heather's teaching skills; Krista's patience, Aaron's humor, Adam's drive and diligence, Sarah's strength and smile, Megan's heart, Jared's logic, Bekah's personable way with everyone she meets, Hunter's innate goodness, Charlotte's imagination, Sophie's adorableness, Aiden's sense of adventure and curiosity, Laila's sweetness and sincerity, Ezra's chub and smiles, Casen's sensitivity, Benson's giggles, Mom's constant love and service, and Dad's everlasting testimony and his love for our mother. 

As I thought more and more about it, I am overwhelmed with the multitude of blessings and miracles that have occurred and arrived in my life here. For the people I've met at home and especially for the new souls I've met here. I am amazed every day at these hardworking and humble people. Our amazing investigator T. is on track for his baptism on Christmas and I can't wait to see him become a member. His desire to quit smoking, change his whole life, and join himself with this church, in a matter of 3 weeks is unbelievable... But it happens because of the power of the Atonement. I had one day this week where I felt like the language really clicked for me, and I was able to understand what I needed and say what I needed. The power of the gift of tongues is real! Some days are awesome and some are... Nosebleed days, but the language is coming.

This week we went to visit our investigator J. She's 13 and wants to be baptized, but can't get permission from her dad. So we've started to teach when her dad is home. He's sat in on a few lessons, but on Wednesday we visited the house and only Brother P. (dad) and her little sister F. were home. I felt like something was off, and when we went inside I could tell why. There was a super bloody movie playing with scantily clad persons and way, way too much gore. It's crazy how much that drove the Spirit away, and how much it affected me the rest of the day. I don't feel like I've ever been super sensitive to that sort of stuff, but it made me realize how many roads the devil has to wiggle into the crevices of our hearts. Through media, through friends, through music and books and anything that causes us to put something above God in our lives. As we've taught the 10 commandments to people, and talked about not having any god's before Heavenly Father, it's made me think about the things that I put before God. Anything can become a vice, an addiction, or an idol in our lives, if we let it. It's become more and more apparent to me that if we in reality put the Lord at the center of our lives, and don't let anything obstruct our relationship with the Almighty, that is when "all these things" that are necessary in our lives, will be added unto us. That's my invitation to you; especially in this Christmas season, find ways to make Christ the center of your celebrations. Find ways to serve, to share and to love! Then all the rest will be added unto you.

One miracle this week was that same brother, Brother P. showed up to church with little F.!! Sister Fitzy and I were sitting on the stand leading music and playing piano for the hymns, and we nearly jumped out of our seats! I think he had a good experience there, and I really hope this helps us baptize the whole family.

The J.U.'s family is a referral we received a couple weeks ago. They are seventh day Adventists, but are "Searching for the truth". LOVE that, right?! :) So we've taught them a couple times and they are totally golden. The mom is 28 and the dad in his 30's and they have 4 beautiful kids. The last time we taught them there was a FULL rainbow over the house by the end of the lesson... Sign?? I like to think so :) God is so preparing people to receive this message. People just need to be invited! (This experience made me think of Adam, too... "Why are there so many songs about rainbows?..." :) )

Anyway, sorry this is a bit of a boring email. Not too much to report on this week but I am safe and happy and loving my life here in the Pines. Before I forget, Hunter! I have a picture of a HUGE tokay gecko that I want to send to you! I'll send it with Mom and Dad as a printed copy sometime soon, but I will try and send an attached one today:) The funny bit from this week: I definitely got pooped on by a lizard. (Not a tokay gecko though. Phew.) We were teaching our awesome little mischevious 11 year old, A., and a little black thing plops onto my arm. I flicked it off and then saw A. laughing his head off and pointing up. I looked up and saw the last flick of the lizard's tail disappearing from view on the pipe above my head. Ahahaha it was so funny. Later that appointment, they were showing us their pet birds and as Sister F was holding them and I was taking a picture... It pooped all over her hand. So... That was a good appointment :) Also I got sick for the first time this week. We were passing all these workers chopping down sugar cane on our way out from one of our neighborhoods. They asked if we wanted some and the members we were with said yes. They cut some off for us... I have some pictures I might send. Imagine a really thick stalk of celery with the texture of an apple. That's what it's like.. and it doesn't really taste like anything. But hey, it's the experience right? Anyway, that night I got pretty sick and we think it was from the sugar cane. Oh well. Also, I ate fried fish squid ball things yesterday at a members house. So that happened! Not too bad. :)

Love all ya'll! The work is working.

Sister Luke

Hellooooooo over there!‏

Written 11/24/13

Hello my loved ones!

What a lovely week its been! A couple days this week were "chilly"! It was the best thing ever. Instead of sweating buckets, I only sweat cups. So that's cool :)

First of all... I LOVE MISSIONARY WORK. It's the best thing ever. We had a couple rough days this week and got punted all day on Thursday, but okay lang! We had members come with us this week almost every day... Part of "Our Vision" here in Bacolod is harnessing the power of the members in missionary work. I'm really seeing the blessings from it. Our lessons are so much more powerful when we have a member testify and share parts of the lesson. 

Wanna know the best part?? Our amazing investigator T. has stopped smoking and is living the Word of Wisdom so he can be ready for his baptism on Christmas. I wanted to scream and jump for joy and cry when he agreed to live it and when he made his plan to quit smoking. Seeing someone change their life for the Gospel, through the enabling power of the Atonement, right before your eyes is something indescribable. He's always our last appointment at the end of the day, and it's crazy to see how much he grows day by day. On Friday we had an activity at the church and we watched The Restoration movie. T. came and just loved it. He came to church again this week too, and even prayed at the end of Sunday School. I can't wait for him to get baptized :) 

This week I finished the Book of Mormon for the first time in my mission, actually the day before we watched The Restoration. I've been reading in Preach My Gospel about using the Book of Mormon in lessons and it's essential role in conversion. It's amazing how much it really is the keystone of our religion. It's what sets us apart, gives us evidence of Joseph Smith and most importantly, testifies of our Lord and Savior, the fact that Jesus is the Christ. I completed Moroni's challenge and once again had such a strong confirmation that the Book of Mormon is just SO true. Right!? The gospel just makes so much beautiful sense.

On Thursday we decided to buckle down and find this referral we had for a couple days. It's so hard to find referrals out here since no one really has addresses. We had her street name, and spent an hour walking from house to house on that street asking if anyone knew her. We were out in the boonies like... boonies GID and were about to give up... We'd checked every house! We were about to go back when a seven year old beautiful little Filipina came up to us and said that her mom was V., (our referral) and to follow her! We ran back to her house with her and taught the family. They were absolutely golden. The mom and dad and four kids were Seventh Day Adventist, but not super active. They said they were confused about where the truth was and where to find it. It can't get any better, right? We taught them the Restoration and the Spirit was rockin' it. Can't wait to return.

Sister J.R. and Sister K went with us on member exchanges yesterday. I went with K into the Elder's area to visit some less actives and Sister Fitz went with J.R. to our area. It was amazing to meet people I've never taught and try to discern their needs and teach according to them... But the Spirit knows everything. It was so cool to be able to feel the influence of the Spirit, as we asked what to teach them in our hearts, and were shown directly where to go. What an indescribable thing, no? I love when you can see the Spirit working on people right before your eyes. I've never been able to understand so much Ilonggo as I did yesterday at our last appointment. I actually could respond to their questions... By the end of the day, I feel like my brain has mushed and I have a nosebleed from trying to speak Ilonggo, but I love it, and It's coming. I have the words when I truly need them, and that is enough. Just gotta keep working!

I definitely broke through an investigator's bamboo floor.... Awk. Sister and I sat on the couch in his hut, and as the member with us sat down, we started to crash through the floor! Ahaha. It was funny and freaky all at once. There was already a hole in the floor where the couch had been though... So he said it was okay, and he needed to fix it already. I felt bad... But he laughed with us. Those darn huge, heavy americans... :)

Okay, cool-things-Sister-Luke-sees-In-the-Philippines time. I SAW A GOAT GIVE BIRTH!! Like, literally, i saw it give birth. It was the coolest thing ever. If I can send pics later I will. It was the tiniest thing and made all these cute squeaky noises. Man. It was sweet. Also, my feet got pecked to death by ducks during an appointment the other day. Gotta love all the animals in the Philippines. :) We came home the other night to 6 cockroaches on our counter in our kitchen. We've recently taken up a collection of them. We have a small graveyard corner for their bodies. I'm learning how many different kinds there are. :)

Also, where has schwarma pizza been my whole life?? We started doing "Schwarma Saturdays" in our apartment, and man. It has to be my favorite food. It's not even strictly Filipino! So go home and try some. Delish.

Um.. Sorry this is sort of a throw up email. Read 2 Nephi 26:24. Remember why we're here and how much the Lord loves you. So much that he sent his own beloved Son to atone for even you. We may be apart, but my heart always feels close to family. Especially with the Holidays approaching, (HOW IS IT ALMOST DECEMBER??) I love how close I can still feel to you, even when I'm so far away :) Thank you for your support and prayers! 

Love you all the MOST,

XOXO

Sister Luke

P.S. I've become addicted to peanut butter since arriving here. My condolences to the missionaries in Brazil, where I hear they don't have peanut butter. I feel like the phrase should be changed to, "Eat your food, there are starving missionaries in Brazil without Peanut Butter." 

Ahaha. I've gotten weird. Have a lovely week, family!