Maligayang pasko at Manigong bagong taon!

Is that not like every kids dream shot for his baptism?! Yeah...I know
Bro . Isaac and Bro. Steven

Dec. 30, 2012
What a fantastic week...as in, i don't really even know where to start, especially cuz it took me a while to upload all the photo's....the photos probably speak for themselves....its been pretty eventful!
Of course, for Christmas Eve and Christmas, we had an early curfew, so we were in by 6pm. Last year, I remember Sis. Fajardo and I stopped by this local pizza place, and bought pizza that didn't taste like pizza...it was soo gross...but it's okay haha then we reparied the hymn books from the chapel. So, this year, we started making a tradition...so we bought pizza again. Only...they have a Shakeys in the next town over, in Dagupan, and one of our ward missionaries, bro Ammon agreed to go to dagupan and buy pizza for us and bring it to us so we would still make curfew, and we still had a pizza dinner, we were so excited! hahaha real pizza! haha :) Then....we wanted to do a service project again this year, so we were trying to think of something we could do in the apartment, then we realized the baptisimal clothes here were just thrown in a closet and were dirty and not washed and just disgusting...so, we thought, let's wash the baptisimal clothes. That's what we did! Afterwards....I made them no-bake cookies...they had never tried them...and of course we don't have an oven here...so thats what we did. It was a lot of fun!!! :) So whenever a single woman or man bakes or does dishes, or wahes clothes they have a kinda funny frequent saying they say here, thats: "pwede ka na magasawa" or..."you can get married now" when your cooking is good, or when you're masipag at washing clothes...so....on christmas night...they said "pwede ka na magasawa sis. allen" yes..pwede na daw. hahaha It was really funny...it's true...I was pretty busy washing clothes and baking...

So....to celebrate Christmas and New Years...filipino's love mga putok-putok....or lighting fireworks....so we hear fireworks all night long...and even sometimes in the morning. they're not even the really pretty sparkly kind...they're just the noisy big blast kind. haha
I got an extra special christmas present this year. Yesterday when I went to church, I had a present waiting in the foyer for me...the Reyes Family and Bro Brix & Mark....they were some of my first baptisms in Lingayen 1st ward...remember the Reyes family? Last Christmas that's what made our christmas "white" here....they'r wedding and baptism. Well, they all came to say hi....and we got to chat...and this time really chat because I could talk to them!! :) They're soo sweet, I just love them. It made it a really great Christmas.

Not to mention, this Saturday we had a baptism. Even though bro Steven is only 12 years old....he is soo cute, and his testimony really is real. His older Brother, Bro. Isaac got to baptize him. We took one look at the baptisimal font...it was funny because I said jokingly at like 8:50am (the baptism was gonna start at 9am)...well, the water's really dirty, and look there's even sand in it. We might as well go to the beach. And then they said Yeah....lets just do that instead. haha I love it, the filipino's are such spur of the moment, whatever kinda people...so...we really did to go the beach. haha It was my first baptism at the beach, and it was soo great! It was a memorable experience, as we sung "I'm trying to be like Jesus" on the beach for the musical number...I don't think I'll ever forget that feeling. :)

Anyways, another great year has come and gone. I can't believe tomorrow it's 2013. Whenever anyone asks me about when I go home I always say "ah..matagal pa, next year pa" or "it's still a long way away, not till next year" but now...I can't say that...less than 3 months! ah...crazy.
Anyways, I love you all, I pray for you always, and it was soo good to hear your voices again! Take care, and enjoy the rest of this holiday season!\




 xoxo


Row 1   L: Our Christmas party   R: Me & Sisl Valera
Row 2 L:  Christmas morning  R. Gift exchange under our mini-
Christmas tree...who knew Santa even makes it over here in the Filpines!
Row 3  L.  Christmas Dinner- Shakey's Pizza    R: No-bake cookies

Row 1  L: Yup...a fish and shrimp tree!  R: Me & Sis Penna before trnasfer.
Center:  Us at the manger scene.
Row3 L:  Me & Sis Valera at the Capitol    R: Opening our Gifts



Maligayang Pasko!!!

Dec. 23, 2012
Well...as they say here in the Filipines...Maligayang Pasko sa inyong lahat!!!!!! Or...Merry Christmas to all of you!
So, This week was soo awesome, and soo crazy busy. We had our trizone christmas conference, and watched the Charles Dickens "A christmas carol"....a first time for many of the filipinos. It was great! Not to mention we had a ward christmas party, and soo many members came! It was fun, Sis. Valera & I were in charge of the Christmas games....it was sooo fun...I still can't get over it. the last game, we had everyone involved and we played my favorite game here in the Filipines.... hahaha It's hilarious, and I love the game....some other time, I'll have to explain it. The filipino's just laugh and laugh...I love their sense of humor here!
We're here at CSI right now...it's like a walmart....it is brand new and just opened up this week....it's soo nice. I remember when I was in my first area, lingayen...they had just started the ground breaking...who would have thought I'd return here to actually see it and go shopping :) I'm excited, we feel pretty spoiled!!!
Brother Steven Bernardo had his baptisimal interview. He passed...so looks like we'll be having a baptism this next weekend! I'm pretty excited about it. We also extended a baptisimal date to the Soriano Family for January 24th....they are such a golden family, and I absolutely love them. They went to church this last sunday for the first time...and they both had prayed to know and have been reading the book of mormon, and they both felt good and both received an answer. Before Sis. VAlera and I could extend a date, they asked us how they too could become members of the church...it was such a great experience. Sorry, I've used up all my time now so I don't have time to really accurately explain. Basta, this week was a great week!
What a very merry Christmas...Last year, we had a White Christmas with the Reyes Family being dressed in white...this year, it will be Brother Steven
How very blessed I am to not only be enjoying Christmas...but actually understanding it in a very truly significant way.
Love you all. Even though I may not be "home for christmas"....you're always in my heart.
I love you all
xoxox







Me & Sis. Maiva...my first companion EVER...in the MTC.

Sis. Alvaro.  She is so cute.  I really love her!





Alam ko ito. Ipinapamuhay ko ito. Mahal ko ito.



My "3" words for 2012

 Dec. 16, 2012
If you don't know what I said in the subject heading, it just means. "I know it. I live it. I love it." haha
How's it going family?!
Well, Christmas is only a week or so away, how quickly it is coming, and how how exciting!!!!
This week has been an exciting week...it was TRANSFER WEEK...and of course, as expected...I did NOT transfer. haha Sis. Valera and I are doing great, and going to enjoy our last transfer being together, because we will be finishing the training program at the end of this transfer. It's been fun to watch her grow, and be a part of that process. It's also kind of funny because while I'm with these new missionaries, I realize so much about myself, and how much I've changed...and it makes me laugh. haha especially as we were sitting on the floor (the house was a bamboo house...or bahay kubu) and as we were teaching, we saw this huge daga (rat) crawl across the floor in front of us, it didn't touch us, but it went right by us, and Sis. Valera just screamed and moved around. hahaha I just looked at her, looked and watched the rat, and then went on with the lesson. hahaha Then...I just laughed afterwards....because that totally was my reaction. hahah I can't believe that didn't affect me. haha It was funny. A lot of times stuff like that has happened...and it just makes me laugh.
Last night the Vinluan family had us over for dinner. Sis. Valera started laughing as we started running home cuz we were going to be late for curfew, and of course, we need to be home on time...it was soo funny, we just got to the staircase and just collapsed laughing...that was her first experience doing that....that's happened way too many times to me here in the mission.
Because this week was transfer week, Sis. Carr transferred to Dagupan, so she is no longer there. I'm the only American in the apartment now...and now we're multicultural because Sis. Alvaro is now training...she just finished being trained and she went directly to be a trainer. She is soo great, and her companion is from Sri Lanka...and she hasn't had any language training yet...so guess who gets to be her teacher...yep...me :) It was sooo funny...Sis. Valera wanted to film me yesterday because I was trying to speak english to her...and I really was struggling soo hard. hahaha It was soo funny....if I get going and speak in english, it becomes easy...but sometimes I really do stumble and it's hard. It's been fun to teach tagalog...I'm soo glad that I've overcome that challenge...and I'm so grateful for the gift of tongues. I just kept telling Sis. Navarthba (from sri lanka) that the gift of tongues is real....but you have to work for it first...don't think it's a free gift. But if you do your part, you will be blessed with that gift. From my first few days here in the Pines, until now, I have seen that gift time after time, and I am so grateful for it.  It was kinda funny I started to cry as I was teaching her yesterday...as I thought of the so many times when I first got here and I was soo frustrated and I felt useless because I can't help the people if I don't know what they're saying...and how I learned that...if I try and do my part, the Lord really will give you spiritual impressions, and help you understand if you are patient enough.
Oh...I do have to tell you something funny. For whatever reason we were telling stories about our families, and I mentioned that in our family my Dad always says "You know what?" to us and that we always say "You love me" because if you respond "what?!" He just says "I love you!" so we try and answer him instead of ask! So...it was funny, because usually before we go to bed I always say "Mahal Kita Sis. Valera. Matamis na panaginip" Or "I love you sis. Valera, sweet dreams" so...before I got the chance to, she said "Sis. Allen. You know what?" hahah i just laughed soo hard..and told her...it's just not the same when you say it...and when my dad says it...but I know you love me. hahaha It was funny, so now we've adapted that...so now every night I think of dad as I say to Sis. Valera. "Sis. Valera, Alam mo ba?" or (you know what) haha...it's funny :)
Yesterday was their primary program, they are soo cute. We have 4 investigators that are children still, and it was cute to see them participate in the program. The sad part was, or the problem, was that their parents (who are less active members) didn't come to church because they were "busy" so they missed out on seeing the children perform...sayang. That seriously is the challenge.  All of the little kids want to come to church, and their parents don't want to be bothered, so they have no support....and there are other missionaries who have baptized these little kids, and because they don't have any support...they just fall away and become inactive...until they're in their mid 30's and have married another person of another faith and have no interest in the church anymore, and then we find them and start teaching their children...it's just a pattern that keeps going on that needs to be broken here. Anyways...we're trying really hard. Fellowshipping is difficult here, not because we don't have people, but because they're always "busy."
Anyways...with fasting and prayer...we'll figure out how to help them...and what to teach them so they become more excited about helping others come unto Christ too...and become member missionaries.
Anyways, I love you all I'm out of time
xoxox
TALK to you...and I mean literally TALK to you next week!!! :)
Anyways, we really had a great week...again...of course...and I know this next week is going to be great too. We have our TriZone Conference, so I should have lots of great pictures for you next week....we also have our ward christmas party. Sis. Valera and I are in charge of the games, so that should be pretty fun. :)


Sincerely,

Munting Langit sa Lupa

 Dec 9, 2012

Well...what another crazy, amazing week!!! Well...I know everyone was a little depressed last week when I announced my mission call got extended...but...joke lang yun or...that was just a joke I guess. haha They extended the calls of the Elders...but the Sisters- they weren't allowed to extend. Instead...I will be coming home: March 26th!!!!! Crazy....time is going by SO fast!!!!! I have soo much still I want to do before I go home. When they told me at first that I would be extending to May...I just remember praying and telling Heavenly Father if he wants me here till that long, of course I'll stay...but that I"d like to be home for Derek's baptism and the birth of my nephew...and that Gee wasn't doing so good.......but of course, "Thy will be done" attitude. Because...My ways...are not always His ways. And....I came home one night and Sis. Carr told me she talked Pres monahan into letting us go home on our original date. Then she said...just kidding...she wanted to take credit, but actually the first presidency wouldn't let them extend the dates for the sisters-just the elders' dates got extended. haha So...Yep...March 26th it is....so I guess...that is the Lord's will. Although, President did email me earlier and asked if he could extend my mission call another 5 years. haha I just replied and said...if you do that...YOU have to be the one to tell my family. :) haha
This week has gone by really fast...and it's been a fun one. We just got done with our zone activity...which was just pertty much a trivia game and eating...but its cool. haha
So our "tagalaba" or the sister who does our laundry was the RS president in Lingayen 1st ward- my first area. It's been really fun to see her all the time. It was funny because the other day she was talking to Sis. Valera bout me, and about how it's a good thing now I've learned how to take care of myself and that I look good...because before she just said I would just stand there, and sweat...and I didn't know how to take care of myself...or speak the language. It was just funny to hear her tell the story...because it's soo true. hahaha It was also fun because last night at the Christmas devotional it was at the stake center- so I also got to see members from my first area and reminisce and just tell stories...oh how I love and have missed them soo much! It was soo fun, they were all amazed now that I speak pure tagalog. It was funny at first, they tried speaking in part english to me...i guess thats what they used to do. haha
So, the member work here in Binmaley is a little shaky....or should I say...non existent at the moment...but unti unti or little by little we are working it out. This week, we had a family home evening at our Bishops house- trying to gain his trust. He is sooo humble, and such a great guy. HIs family is so wonderful...and of course we shared with them, and then asked them if they could work with us sometime. And they agreed- so they went to one of our new invesitgators' houses...which...actually came to church for the first time this week- and I think it's because we had fellowshippers. Also....we found a medyo less active faimly- and asked them to come with us to another less active's house to share a message...and they agreed...so now they're working...and they were also all at church because of that...then...we taught another less active family....who recently started returning, and taught about the joys of sharing the gospel with others, so we have a fhe scheduled this week with them and they'll be inviting their friends who aren't yet members. Not to mention we also have a FHE scheduled later on tonight with our 1st councelor in the stake presidency here in our ward, trying to gain his trust. We're just really trying to work on gaining the trust right now, and getting the members to work. Thats the hardest part...but the missionaries come and go. They need to learn to be self reliant...so...we're trying to work it out. Now with the new dates...i'm not sure if this will be my last area or if I wll be transferred this january...but...I'm hoping I'll get to stay here...so that I can help them to be self reliant...we'll see. Gawain ng Diyos. :)
Well, I love you all, sorry for the short message once again...
I pray for you often, and love you


Hiking...Sis. Valera, Me, Sis. Carr, Sis. Alvaro




 xoxoxo

December Na!!

Dec. 2, 2012

Wow, It's December.....that's soo crazy!!! I've had this nasty cough for like 2 weeks now, hopefully it starts to go away, off and on too I''ve had a cold. It's kinda funny cuz...which I think I might have mentioned in my last letter, but when the members or people we're talking to notice I have a cold they mention it, then they always say "It's because of the season, or it's that time of the year. It's cold." Then I find myself agreeing and then think...wait a minute...what in the world am I going to do when I come home and it's freezing cold?! hahaha
Well one day this week, we totally got chased by dogs....and then got cornered by them....and lucky for us the wall that they backed us up to was freshly painted...sooo....we got white paint all on our back sides. hahaha It's kinda funny now if you think about it. All of a sudden...these 2 kids came to our rescue...they had big sticks, and they beat the dogs for us haha...so we're totally fine...but I thought for a minute I was gonna have to be getting a rabies shot. haha The dogs are SOO mean here, I don't like them. haha
We also got to have a study session with Pres Monahan again, He is so wonderful, I just love him, and of course, I learned a lot.  This week, we honestly worked soo hard. We took an area that had no progressing investigators, no teaching pool, and we now have 6 invesitors with bap dates, we'll be extending 2 more invitations later tonight, and hopefully if it all works out 4 more later this week. The Cruz Family- we extended a Bap date to them for January 19th, they are soo great, it's like they're already members, they just...haven't been officially baptized, but they understand everything, they actively participate in the lessons, and they follow the word of wisdom and all of the mga "bawal" dito. 2 of our other baptismal dates that we extended are to part member families. They're "married" but they haven't had a legal wedding, which means they've just lived together for a long time....if all works out...hopefully we'll be having a double wedding in December or January! Now that we're both starting to get into the swing of things here, our first month is over with...we both don't want to transfer. Almost 100% one of us will transfer in January

Anyways, lots of funny and great experiences this week, but I'm sorry I ran out of time cuz...well....cuz of distractions haha but I will write more next week.
Love you all.


Me and Sister Valera infront of Labrador falls.



Another week in Paradise...ah...Binmaley pala

Nov 25, 2012


Our Thanksgiving Feast!  Lechon Manok!!! Soo good...
and let's not forget the rice  :)




US eating our Thanksgiving Feast!

 Well...where do I even begin. First of all, this was another great week. We had our thanksgiving feast...Lechon Manok and rice...just kiddin, we did cook peas and made mashed potatoes. I guess it's tradition in Sis. Carrs family to do a bubblegum contest too, so we did that just for fun too. It was fun!
Kind of a cool thing-  Sis. Carr and I both remember going to EFY one year when we were like 14 years old....and it was at Idaho...and then she asked me about the people in my group...and that was a long time ago so I don't really remember..but we both remember a Ben who played the guitar and a backstreet boys dance/song...haha so we're guessing we were in the same group...who would have known we'd be serving in the same mission together like 10 years later...crazy God's plan for us that we don't know!
I also was really excited because I rode in a car 2 times this week...wow I felt different, I actually didn't like it, I asked them if it was okay with them if we could just walk instead, so that it wouldn't draw attention. Even if I wore rags as clothing, because I'm american I still have the steriotype that I'm filthy rich....if only that was true. haha Anyways...I just don't want to add more attention to it by riding in a car. I was freaking out though, it was soo nice. I  know I'm gonna freak out when I come home. hahaa One thing I will not miss is every morning waking up to the smell of dried fish coming from the renters in the basement...I soo hate that smell!! haha Yesterday it was soo bad I had to grab a towel and breathe into it...ahhh....and Sis. Valera's favorite food is...FISH....so we go to the "wet market" every pday to buy fish for her....I want to throw up every time. Yes, even though I'm here in the Pines...that still hasn't rubbed off on me....who knows...I've still got 4.5 months left haha...it could still happen. :)
This week we had a lot of tender mercies...as in...a lot. The longer I am here in the mission field, the  more I realize God's part in our every day life. We are so blessed- we had a ton of appointments this week- and almost all of them were either not there when we went to them, or when we went there, they asked if we could come back later, they didn't want us to share. So...I don't know why, but I had a name that I was looking at awhile ago pop into my head, so we went there- and....it turns out we ended up extending a baptismal date to them that night- we now have 5 IBD's or bap dates- they were prepared to receive the gospel. I don't know why at that exact time we went there, it just so happened that their dad was visiting from his work far away, and was leaving later that night- but I know that God had a plan for us to share with them our message, at that exact time, and it wasn't an accident.
Anyways, hopefully that experience was clear, I'm running out of time, but I love you all...my 45 minutes to email goes by way too fast!
xoxox
love and pray for you always

What Another Great Week!!!!



We had a party at one of the member's houses- It was
Sister Carr's one year anniversary!

  Nov 18, 2012

This week was awesome!!! I got to see recent converts that I had in my first area, they found out I got transferred to Binmaley and....they came to our ward! haha It was soo great to see them, and now...I can actually talk to them for real! haha :) I was soo excited you have no idea!
This week...we worked so hard...I actually don't think I've worked this hard my entire mission...I am soo tired....but happy!! haha :) We found 13 less actives for the week, and we now have 15 new investigators this week....I'm really lucky, once again to have a companion that loves to work :) We are now getting familiarized with the area...actually it's really crazy, I would consider myself "Kabao" or forgetful most of the time, but here, I feel like Heavenly Father has really helped me to be able to remember the people and the places. I don't know if I mentioned that last time, but it's been such a great tender mercy that he's given to me. I just talk to these people once, and I can remember their names and where they live. I could tell you almost all the names of the streets and areas here in Binmaley....and I know that's not me...that's completely the Lord helping me. Sometimes when we're riding a trike I"ll feel prompted to get off...so we do, and it happens to be right in front of the persons house we were looking for.  It's been such a blessing for me to know that I really am not alone...well of course, I have my great companion...and of course, God.
We've decided prayers are really powerful. Yes, you would think we would have known that before...but this week....it was tuesday night, and we were starving cuz we ate lunch at 12:00 and it was now 9:00 at night, we were heading home, but we decided to stop by the Lopez' first...because they said if we want dinner, we have a dinner appointment every night, we just pick up dinner and go. haha they're soo great, they're like family I love them. Anyways, we decided to go by their house and see what Sis. Lopez had cooked. I told Sis. Valera I was praying it was Lechon Manok (or...barbeque chicken I think...that's what it means in english?!) Anyways...its my favorite...and guess what. We got there...and Sis. Valera just smiled and we laughed...I told her I prayed that it would be that...and yep...it was! Then....Saturday was another really long day and we hadn't eaten anything...and I ate cereal for lunch...so I was kinda hungry. Anyways....I said I was hungry....and our next apointment....first time meeting her...she brought out a "merienda" Merienda means snack....yes!!! I was soo excited...we got crackers and juice....that same day...we were still hungry and mentioned it to each other....then...bam next appointment...my merienda naman again! hahaha.Heavenly Father is making sure we're well fed apparently, haha.  Of course...I don't eat very much now...I've learned to say no...or else I seriously would be coming home 2 times the size I was before I left...now this is what we call, if I haven't mentioned it to you before the "sexy six" so...the last 6 months....you get your body back to...as close as possible...as normal....hahahaha So....anyways...God answering our prayers...even as small as they were....just shows you how aware he is of us. haha and...it was another tender mercy from Him.
In Relief Society last week and this week we talked about Kindness...and the role of mothers and parents and having a good relationship for your children. They of course, asked us for additional comments. And they all laughed as I was trying to say what Mom always told us "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all". but...if you translate that to tagalog it's "kung wala kang mabuting sasabihin, huwag ka na lang magsasalita." hahahaha It sounds sooo rude in tagalog, so they all laughed when I told them my mom always told me that when I was growing up. haaha Anyways, they talked about parents still loving each other and showing that affection so their children know how to treat their spouse one day. I was also happy to tell them. Even though my parents have been married for over 45? years...when My Dad comes home from work, he still finds my mom first thing, gives her a hug and kiss and tells her he missed her. Awww.....they were touched. hahaha it was funny, and I told them about just the little things you always did when we were growing up, the culture is so different here. You rarely hear an "I love you"....don't get me wrong, the Filipino people are the sweetest most loving people....soo giving...but they show their love differently than verbally....but they want to change...they want to say "I love you" more often. Anyways...it was just cute to see their reactions.
As I was sitting there in sacrament a few weeks ago, I didn't have time to mention it to you, but it was my first week and I remember the lyrics of hymn 169 written by L. Tom Perry really stuck out to me. It says there: "The way to thee is righteousness, the way thy life was spent...with hands now pledged to do thy work, we take the sacrament. As now we praise thy name with song, the blessings of this day will linger in our thankful hearts, and silently we pray. For courage to accept thy will, to listen and obey, we love thee, Lord; our hearts are full. We'll walk thy chosen way." Tears filled my eyes, how grateful I am for the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I just thought about my thankful heart, and how my hands, especially now are pledged to do his work. I have seen countless times over the past 14 months how the Lord has led me by the hand and taken me on paths that I never thought I would go, or didn't know how to get there. But, if your hands are pledged to do his work....if we love him. If we truly listen and obey...we WILL walk His chosen way.
On a funnier note... we were heading to this less actives' house, and we ran into this man, and he was drunk. And He was soo funny. He said "Wow, there's an Americana here, wow. You know, my Dad is Mormon....But I'm not mormon yet. I'm still a filipino. I'm not mormon" He just kept saying that over and over it was hilarious. I'm not mormon, i'm a filipino. haha we laughed soo hard.
oh what else....we also found this other less active for the first time. And...yep, you guessed it...when we found him...he was drinking alcohol...just sitting on his porch hanging out. We asked him if he was this man "Caezar Avalos" and he said nope. there's no Avalos' here. Then someone called his name from afar and said "Cezar" hahaha it was sooo funny, we totally felt prompted to stop and talk to him too...we knew it was him. It's like an adventure and mystery here seriously...I love it! :)
Anyways, that's all I have to say this week, I love you all and I am so grateful for you, especially because next week is Thanksgiving. I am soo grateful too for my country, for all of our freedom and privileges that we have. I am so grateful for the Gospel. I am so grateful that I know of God's plan for all of us, and I am so grateful that he has trusted me for this short period of time to do his work.
I love you all
xoxox
Love Sis Allen
P.S. I totally want to change the name of my blog from "Bahala ka" because...now I actually know what that means. I think the new name of my blog should be "Sulit Talaga". I think those are my favorite words, I say them numerous times every day. It means "It's worth it". I think in every lesson I always leave with saying that I know it's not very easy to follow the commandments, i know sometimes it's hard...but...It's worth it. Sulit Talaga.
Anyways
I love you
xoxo

So you may think that's grass under us,
but it's not.  It's like a dirty pond.  Sis. Valera was
freaking out.  We were just praying we didn't fall.
It was so shakey and unstable.
But it's okay!  We're alive!

Welcome to Binmaley!!!

Binmaley Welcomed Us!
This beach is part of our proselyting area...it's so pretty.



Yup. We walk here every week, part of our area.
I love Binmaley!

 
  Nov 11, 2012

Well...what another great adventurous week in the Filipines!!!! It seriously was an adventure...we were lost together, but it's okay...at least we weren't lost alone.

Friday we had our "New Missionary Training" so we took a 2 hour bus ride to Urdaneta for Sis. Valera's training...we didn't get home till 6pm at night...but that's okay...it was worth it. Even though I'm not a new missionary, I still feel new, there is still soo much more that I want to learn, and every time I come from a meeting with Pres Monahan I just feel pumped and ready to go.

So everyone is talking about the election here. I knew the very hour that Pres Obama got re-elected. They all wanted "Bro. Romney" to win again. hahaha It was really funny...when I found out, of course I'ts BAWAL or we're not supposed to talk about politics...so I just cried inside instead of vocalizing how sad I was. haha

So I found out one of our "housemates' - Sis. Alvaro said she totally knew me before she got here to the Mission, cuz she stalked my blog. I thought it was funny, she said my blog was her favorite because it was promptly updated every tuesday. haha So...thanks Mom for the prompt update...I knew I could count on you :) haha

Last P Day I told you that it was an adjustment here, and I Really wasn't looking forward to the rusty water. Well...I've been surprised at myself, because I feel right at home again. Last p day we went home, and we just cleaned our little hearts out, until the aparment was spotless and we felt comfortable. haha :) Then, I spent hours fixing the area book (the area book is there, and that's the only information you have about the area, and about the members that and investigators that they were teaching before..if there is no area book, you are completely lost.) Well...the area book hasn't been used for a while...and our teaching pool is literally 0 people because it's open area....but, i fixed all the less active papers, updated everything, asked for new copies of the ward directory- color coded it by area...created little tabs so it'd be easier...yep I seriously spent hours...but...it's okay...now I feel comfortable...and things are good. It's under control and so now we can work our little hearts out, and I won't be concerned in the back of my head. We went to our district meeting and when I expressed my concerns all Elder Wood said was "sounds like you're just a little bit of a perfectionist. Do you have OCD?" Yep...is that not a typical 19 year old Elder response?! jhaha...I just said "yep...and there's nothing wrong with that, especially when it's the Lords work. Read 3 NE 12:48...there is especially nothing wrong with it, when its the Lords work."...it was kinda funny.
I also really laughed when one of the speakers sunday read D&C 84:80 and said that not one hair of our head is lost and goes unnoticed by God...well....espeically I laughed kasi....that's like the number one concern of all the missionaries...I will be surprised if I don't come back bald....there's a lot of hair loss goin on in our apartment. haha

Anyways, I'm running out of time. Just know, that this week we have been lost...but not really. The Lord is by our side. We found 10 new investigators this week that we got from preaching by the way, and we've had less actives come to church this week that have been visited by the missionaries for months, and they finally came to church this last week. I am so grateful for the Spirit, and for God's trust in me and in all of His missionaries.

Love you all and have a great week,
Love,




This is not an animal...there's a trike underneath all of that!

 

Finally...area 3....guess where ?!?!?!

Lingayen....here we come...again!

Nov 4, 2012 

Transfer point was crazy! First of all, one of the Elders made the mistake of saying to me. "Sis. Allen, I know where you're getting assigned. I hope you like the heat." and then I asked one of the sisters after he left what zone he was in and he said Lingayen Zone. Well...then I excused myself to the bathroom...and...you guessed it. Cried. hahaha I did NOT want to be assigned to Lingayen because, althought it was a great expeirence the first time and I will always love the people...it was also the hardest living conditions that I have ever experienced. hahaha
Once again at transfer point I about died when they announced "Sister Allen. Senior. Trainer. Open Area. Will now be serving with trainee Sis. Valera in Binmaley, Lingayen Zone."....ahhh!!! Napakabigat!  Well apparently, I was not sent to Baguio Mission. My call was just to Carmen & Lingayen. Since, my first 5 months here were in lingayen, then the next 8 months were in Carmen, and now...I'm back in Lingayen again! haha I was originally assigned to Lingayen 1st ward. Now I'm in Binmaley ward. Just when I was finally starting to speak a little ilicono...I get transfered to where they speak pangasinan.
Sis. Perina requested from President for her to come to transfer point with me, because she didn't want to say goodbye...and of course, neither did I.  Anyways, she went with, and we got to transfer point a little bit early so of course, we went to the mission house, and met the new incoming missionaries. Sis. Valera, Sis. Velasco and Sis. Lauililau?! Basta...it was a crazy last name. Anyways, Sis. Perina immediatly turned to me and we both said. "Sis. Valera" that's gonna be your trianee. hahaha It was funny. Later that night. Sis. Valera told me that the other trainers came and visited earlier, and she didn't feel anything. But then, when I walked in the room, she felt and knew that I would be her trainer. Kind of amazing how the spirit testifies of that to you. That's why she said she knew it was inspired, and I also know it was inspried, because I know I will learn a lot from Sis. Valera. She is from Cavite....not sure about spelling...but Manila Mission. She is soo sweet, and she doesn't need a trainer. She came to the mission already trained. She too, like Sis. Perina has a testimony of the Gospel. When she teaches, she teaches with power because her testimony is pure. And...she is obedient and a hard worker. I'm so lucky to be able to serve with her for the next 3 months. I know it will be great.
My experience at the ward...Binmaley ward...well, the leaders are so great, and the Bishop is really nice, and is magnifying his call as Bishop. I'm excited to be able to work with them. We showed up at 1:00 and there were no people at the church. haha I was soo confused. Then Sis. Carr showed me their clock and said that they set the clocks late so that they'll feel like they're really on time, but their clock, even though my clock said 1:00 it said it was only 12:30 according to their time. I kind of laughed to myself. they always joke about "filipino time" here...and it's true...they NEVER start on time. It's funny. haha Anyways, the Young Women teacher didn't show up to church so...we got to teach the Young Women...our lesson...about personal progress. I'm actually really greateful for the experience I had teaching them. they're soo great, and sweet, and hopefully someday too, they will serve missions. Anyways, we then attended Gospel Principles, but I felt like I was in a single adult class. It was soo funny, our topic in young womens earlier was about our goal to eventually be married in the temple. Then in Gospel Principle we talked about Eternal Marriage. Then...in church in sacrament one of the sisters bore her testimony about how our goal after our mission should be right after to get married in the temple. Although...it was kinda funny cuz they kept saying just go to the temple...don't be picky. But I 100% disagree there...you have to be picky...just cuz you get married in the temple is no guarantee..it needs to be right. sadly, it should be a guarantee...but we all have our agency. Anyways, I was a little frustrated at their "doctrine" haha....but anyways....then at night....someone else mentioned temple marriage too....Sis. Valera just held up her head and mouthed "that's 4 times now" hahaha it was sooo funny.
This last week was a really bitter experience saying goodbye to my family in Carmen, and meeting my new family here in Binmaley. I shed a lot of tears...of course...you know me :)  Bro. Ariel Medina told me a story, he said he saw me when I was still in my first area, here in Lingayen 1st ward. He said he saw two missionaries walking, and he noticed me. Of course...cuz I'm the only white person within miles. haha everyone notices the white skin. haha Anyways, he said, who would of thought that the missionary he saw 8 months ago would be the missionary that introduced him to the Gospel, and then he would eventually be baptized. Now, he is working with the missionaries, and he is preparing to serve his mission as soon as he hits his 1 year mark. I'm really excited for him. It was kinda a cool coincidence....but then again, we know that there are no real coincidences in the gospel. :)
Anyways, the Gospel is true, this has been a fun week, I can't wait to go home and scrub my aparments from ceiling to floor so its actually liveable.
haha
love you all
xoxox

Buntis na ako...ulit!!!!!!! (I'm pregnant...again!) hehe



At "train the trainers" meeting.  These are all my batchmates! 6 of us
that came in at the same time are all training together!
I just love them.  They're great missionaries!

 Oct 29, 2012

 You complained about my titles mom...how was this one for you?! did you freak out a little bit?1 hahaha
Well, I'm pregnant again...that's what we call when you're going to be training again!!! haha
what a crazy but fantastic week!!!
So wednesday night, Sis. Perina and I decided to go to bed a little early...10:15 instead of 10:30....so we did.....after we had just climbed into bed...we got a phone call. It was our zone leaders. I answered the phone and the first thing he said was "Sister Allen?!" "Opo"" "Sister Allen!!!! Congratulations!!!! Ikay ay magiging Nanay ulit!!!! Yay!" Which means Sister Allen, congratulations, you are going to be a mom again!!  haha So when we train we're called a Mom or Dad (Nanay or Tatay) and our trainee is called our anak or (child). Anyways....I thought it was a joke...nope. He told me to be in Urdaneta 11:00 friday...so....needless to say, I had a hard time sleeping that night. haha. That's the first time that's happened....2 times in a row...training. ano ba iyon?!?! But...it's okay...of course, it will be another challenge, but a great experience. I'm a little nervous because we have 19 elders coming friday...but only 3 sisters. My choices are 1 Samoan (but she's from america), 1 Pakistani, or 1 Filipina. Well....I'm a little scared...I'm hoping I get the Filipina! :) HAHA
Thursday- we had a successful baptism of Bro Emil Patubo. He is the Nephew of Bro & Sis. Orenia...probably one of my very favorite families here in carmen ward. they're like my real family, I love them! They actually remind me of Kari & Michael a little bit...its funny! Anyways, we were soo excited. Bro Emil is 21 years old. He is the person who we first met and he gave up his smoking and drinking the next day. The spirit was soo strong when we taught him that first time. Anyways, he used to smoke 1 1/2 packs of cigarettes a day, and drink...or get drunk every night. He immediately gave it all up. And he had 1 time that he slipped up in 2 months...he is so incredible, his testimony is so strong already. It makes a huge difference becaues he lives with the Orenia family now, and he see's the difference in their lives, so he sees the gospel in action, when you actually live it. He's really excited to serve a mission in 1 year.

So we also had a jersey done this week...we had them sew one for us...its pretty sweet. The front has the Utah Jazz logo but instead of utah jazz it says carmen zion. It's pretty cool...its navy blue...and white so I can wear it to the byu games. haha :) they wanted red...but Sis. Palmer and I convinced them into blue...cuz we said we can't wear it if its red when we go home. hahaa :) Anyways, next week I'll send a photo, we haven't yet taken a picture of it.

Yesterday I spoke in sacrament meeting and gave my talk. Oh my goodness I just cried and cried...I shared from Alma 5 about singing a song of redeeming love, and have you seen his image in your countenance and had a mighty change of heart. and if you have...can you do so now?! Oh my goodness I cried soo much...it was like a farewell address. I just look at each of them, and I just have such great love for each of them. I will truly miss them soo much. I know this transfer is going to be the hardest...i think of my entire mission. Well...friday....friday is the day I will be transferring. Look foward to some great adventure stories next week.

Well, I love you all and pray for you always. I especially am praying for my county, and the elections. Vote...all of you...vote! haha
This week....I have learned that life is full of trails and tests. It's not just about IF we endure, but HOW we endure.
Love you


THANK YOU ROSALES...I LOVE YOU ALL!

  




   

Weekly Letter

 Oct 21, 2012

So this week....what a great one...of course!
We have now started week 12 of the training program. What an amazing last 12 weeks it has been! I don't want it to end, and lets just say the training program is not just for the trainee, but I feel as if I have grown soo much more too with this program. It's been great...I am starting to get a little sad as I'm realizing my time is coming to a close here in Carmen, and I will soon be in a new area, with new people, and new surroundings...I'm just praying they have an "SM Mall" or at least some kind of wilderness...because my first area was...lets just say....challening. and now I'm a little spoiled having SM within walking distance here. haha It's okay...it's like they say "I'll go where you want me to go". It's true, I know wherever I go next, is from God. So...I'm excited...wherever it is, and however challenging it may be :)

So this week...tears started streaming down my face again...with joy...Yep..I know, I think I say that in just about every email I send home now. haha At least I'm not cryin cause I'm sad...but happy. Because.....after 8 months, the RS sisters are finally working! We were walking in Salvacion (part of our area) and we saw Sis. Nancy Uminga & Sis. Blesslyn Gabertan....and we stopped and said hi to them. Well...we asked them a common question here in the pines, and that is "saan ba kayo pupunta?" or Where are you going? haha and they said they were doing their visiting teaching, visitng their assignment...YES YES YES!!! Ah I was soooooo happy, they are so diligent....and they're soo sweet, and THEY...not the missionaries...are going to change peoples' lives. They are the ones who will change Carmen ward for good. I am soo excited you have no idea. This sunday, we trained the newly called RS Visitng teaching coordinator & supervisor- so....they know what's expected of them, and how to do their calling. Also....we have order now to everything...we read from the handbook of instruction...I made forms for them that they can follow, we listed everything out clearly and gave them set dates of when their reporting needs to be given to the RS pres....ah...it feels soo good to have some kind of organization here now :) haha

It was soo funny....so we've started joggin every day...some days we go about 3 or 4 miles...which is really good....it feels great. Anyways....the other day we woke up and we were running....actually no...we were walking cuz we had like no energy hahaha anyways....so our bishop here, Bishop Caoayan is like a marathon runner, which is so rare here in the filipines. Anyways, he saw us....and he wants us to jog too like him...and we were walking but then we got scared and Sis. Perina yelled "Ah, Bishop...Run" so we automatically started running so it looked like we were great...then we thought he turned the corner after saying hi to us, so we stopped and walked again. Then we hear this giant laugh from behind us...it was soo funny. We heard it and turned to him, and then we started running again. He just kept laughing. It was really funny. It's the simple things in life, right? I thought it was hialrious.

So far in our "CR" in our aparment I have no found Cockroaches, Frogs, Ants, Spiders....but wait...this week, I was greeted by almost like a praying mantis...don't know if that's what it is...It just gets better and better...I wonder what else I will find in there before I get transferred. haha

We had one Less active come to church this week that the sisters before I was here started visitng...its been 10 months now....he finally came...2 weeks in a row now! We were soo excited...their hearts are sooo hard in this area...as in...soo hard. But...it's okay, as long as eventually they come back...and stay.

Anyways, lots of great miracles this week.
Sorry I'm out of time, but I love you all
xoxoxo


Ratan....a very sour fruit



Another Week

October 15, 2012
What a great week! I cannot believe that we're on week 4 now of 6 for this transfer. Meaning, I am close to transferring, this Nov 2 I will be transferring...well I guess I don't technically know for sure, but I'm pretty sure that's gonna happen.
I received a huge letter from Amber...she started it in July...thanks Amber! I loved it....I was soaking it up last night when I was reading...laughing to myself...haha :)
Well I have to say when I was watching the saturday conference I couldn't help but wonder if Shawn was watching, cuz Pres Monson even said his one regret or the thing that he wished he would have done was stick with the piano....hopefully you choose to do that...all of you! Even now, here in the mission field, I have used that skill soo much, and I'm not even the best at playing.  Imagine if you were actually really good at it, you would use it soo much and be so beneficial to the mission! seriously! So...stick with it!
This week, as I watched General Conference, I just cried like a baby, the spirit was so strong. haha It was really embarrassing...but...it's okay, when the heart overflows...it overflows through tears in the eyes, right?! :) that's what I keep tellin myself anyways.
This week I have had a lot of great spiritual experiences and a lot things that have reminded me about why we are here. What is our purpose. Why is it hard sometimes in life? Why do even the best of people and most righteous have bad things happen to them. It is because God loves us. Yesterday, as we watched general conference I just as in...so embarrassing, I was literally crying as Pres Holland speaks.  He always gives the best talks (for me anyways :) PS  if you have time look up safety for the soul 2009 by Jeffery R Holland) anyways, as I listened to him talk about the original apostles that Jesus called and Peter, and his question. "do you love me more than all of this?" He said we need to be disciples, and we need to be them forever. This is the work of the Lord; and that is to change the world. tears came streaming down because I know it's easy to be a disciple of Christ when you're a full time missionary...it's what you do, day in and day out. It's harder to live in the world, work, care for your children, be a good spouse and parent, manage activities, magnify your calling, and find balance and life, that truly is the hardest part. I am so sheltered now; and I really realize that. I realize that my responsibility, as is each and every one of our responsibilities is to be a disciple of Christ. automatically the scripture 3 Ne 5:13 popped into my head as he was saying that. It says something like "Behold, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I have been called of him to delcare his word among his people, that they might have everlasting life." Well...that is me. I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. That is every one of us. When we were baptized, we literally covenanted with God to always be his representative and always remember in him. All of us are disciples of Christ. It is up to us to magnify our responbility and act like a TRUE disciple of Christ by living the Gospel. Like Elder Holland said; we can't go back, and we can't give up. Our father in heaven expects our loyalty and our love. I thought about myself personally reuturning home, and standing before the judgment bar of God. I more than anything don't want him to say to me "Kimberly, I know I have given many commandments while you were on earth, but you couldn't even keep my first commandment, which is to love me?" I can't even imagine the guilt that would come to me, if I couldn't tell him that I followed that, that I loved him. I was soo struck by this message of Elder Holland...I decided to use it in a lesson last night. haha Cabatic Family. They were baptized a year ago. For the last 4 months, they've gone inactive in the church. Sister is now gambling and smoking again, they don't come to church anymore because Sister was offended by one of the members. I can't even tell you how many times we've taught them about the reasons for going to church, and it's not for the others, but for God. Well...I have been stuck, I seriously have not known what to teach them. Well, we had a lesson planned about about service to teach them, but when I got there it just didn't feel right. I started asking Brother if he knew that God loved him, and what has happened in his life to help him feel that. What tender mercies or blessings has God given him? Then the Mosiah 2: 20-24 popped into my head. Yeah...I knew it was pretty bold...but it's okay haha as long as I get my message through :) Anyways, so we shared that, luckily somehow sis perina got the memo that I changed lessons on her haha and she's great, so she expounded about the verses. Then we talked about how we are soo eternally indebted to God for all that he has given us. I then asked him. Bro Cabatic, Do you love God? He automatically said of course I do. Then I asked again...Do you really love god? Then what are you doing in your life to show him that? Well, tears started to fill his eyes, and he said he knows he's not doing anything right now to show that. It was a really great experience...yeah I know...normally that would be on the border line of rude...but...I was prompted- as clear as ever- and good thing Sis. Perina and I listened, because Brother Cabatic is starting to wake up again.
I love this Gospel. I am so grateful to be a Disciple of Jesus Christ, as should we all. I am so grateful for his trust in me here in Carmen. And I am so grateful that not just for 18 months of my life I will be a Disciple, but for my entire life.
I love you all, sorry this email is like a sermon...but that's what I wanted to share this week. The work is the same....lots of new things to be grateful for every day.
I love you all again....
xoxoxoxo

This Week...What A Great One!

Oct 8, 2012
Well, another week has passed by. I apologize ulti that you didn't receive the email from last week, I seriously don't know what happened. and of course, my time was up, so I didn't see it till today that it didn't send. I'm sorry :( That stinks....well at least you get 2 letters today!
This week was great! we now have Christmas lights at the front of our house, they're beautiful! They also sing...so I get to go to bed to the sound of Christmas songs every night. hahaha It's cool...maybe by december I"ll be sick of Christmas......hmmm...on second thought...nope...not gonna happen :)
We had Zone Interviews this week, it went well, of course. haha I just love Pres and Sis. Monahan, he is soo inspired it's ridiculous, every time I leave a meeting I just am pumped and ready to go out to work now. I don't know what's going to happen to me this transfer. I love the people here, and of course don't want to transfer...but Pres did mention I've been here for a really long time. Sis. Palmer came out with tears down her face, I just remembered my first interview after my first 2 weeks here too...oh my how hard that interview was, how much I wanted to go home. I am so glad that we're in the same house, Sis. Palmer is awesome, she's adjusting great! She told me of a batch mate who thinks she's going to go home, she's asked president to go home now. Tears started to roll down my face as I told Sis. Palmer "No, she can't do that. She hasn't even given the mission a chance"....and then I realized...I sooo badly wanted to go home when I first got here too....then I started to cry as I realized how now...I don't want to leave. For the first time I really realized that now...I am used to life here, it's as if the only way I've known how to live my entire life. It's so easy now...but before...it was soo hard. It's funny how the Lord works in all of us if we let him. He really does help us through even the most insignificant trails.
The RS broadcast was great, I cried....it is soo true, we are never alone, and we do have trails for our benefit; even though when you're in the midst of it, sometimes it's hard to realize that. I know it's true.
Tears started  rolling down my face too as I listened to the soundtrack that Sis. Shattuck sent, please thank her for me! I thought about all my little nieces and nephews, and how some day, they will serve a  mission too...and that day isn't too far off, time goes by really fast. They need to prepare themselves now so that they'll be ready for that "some day" that is quickly approaching.
So, this morning we woke up super early and went out to play a little :) haha We went to Bro & Sis. Hernandez, Bro and Sis. Orenia & Pres & Sis. Fajardo's farms! We got to ride a kuliglig :) and then we got to ride a carabao! haha It was awesome....they are like family now seriously, I will miss all of them! The farm areas here are soo beautiful! :) You can probably tell...hopefully the pictures sent to you...that I was freakin out on the carabao! haha He was nice though at least :)
This week, we actually got the RS visiting teaching assignments passed out, I was soooo happy, especially after the touching story that Pres Eyring shared about that at RS conference. I'm excited for this next weekend, we'll get to watch the general conf broadcast. I still can't believe about them changing the ages for mission..thats exciting :)
Sorry, this emails pretty short too, but it's been another great week. I'll try next time to make the email a little longer
haha
love you all
thanks for eveything, and i hope you had a great experiene at conference...i'm excited to watch it this week...who knows maybe i'll make sausage, eggs and toast....like our tradition...it won't be the same as dad's though :)
xoxo
Love, Sis Allen

Yep...I was freakin out...just a little :)

or should I say WE were freakin out...just a little :)

Last Weeks E-mail

Oct 1, 2012
This week, well, I'm running short on time so I'll be short, simple and to the point :) This week was National Family Week here in the Philippines. So all of the members in all of the Philippines all celebrated. They read part in church about families too and as I was listening I couldn't help but count my blessings for my family. I only hope that one day I can be half as great a parent as mine. Seriously, I do not know what I did to deserve such great parents. It seems every thing they listed that families should do; my parents did it. I know that the gospel really does bless families.

When friday rolled around- I still didn't know what I was going to do because we were lacking in referrals and new investigators for this week. I seriously prayed and asked for help because I really didn't know where to go or who to ask or what to do. Anyways, just another testament that God really does answer our prayers. By the end of the day he had answered my prayer by some miracle we had 2 referrals and 2 new investigators. It never ceases to amaze me that even if it's the slightest thing that we ask for, if its according to his will, and we are patient and obedient, he will answer.

Yesterday was sunday- we went to church at 9am, and we didn't leave the chapel till 8pm. haha it was a long day, but it was really great. We met with our newly called RS president who is just awesome, and since sadly, we know the sisters better than they do, where the live, their needs, and the less actives- and they've never had a vt program so they don't know what its supposed to be like...anyways we helped them, and we set up 4 different supervisors- each companion is to visit 3 sisters- I know its asking a lot...but kaya nila iyan. Anyways, I left the church, and even though Sis. Perina said her head hurt, and so did mine...I still had a really rewarding feeling- we're trying our best, and we're making a difference in Carmen ward- because honestly the work they do if they can learn how to work together as a relief society will have a far greater impact than what the 2 or 4 of us misisonaries can do. Their is strength in numbers- and I know this ward is capable of doing so much good, I',m excited to see the plan in action.

well thats all for this week,
love you


Tulak ng bibig, kabig ng dibdib.

Sep23, 2012
Well Hello Family,
The subject of this week's email yes is "tulak ng bibig, kabig ng dibdib" which literally means in english "push with your lips, pull with your heart" which is an idiomatic expression here in the philippines, that's what I learned this morning in language study. What that means is that, you say you want one thing, but you really mean another thing, your heart says something different. I was reading in the conversational tagalog book this morning. It said that filipino's, when it comes to relationships, they will say stuff to irritate another person, to see how deep their interest is, and find out what their reaction is, but they secretly have a 'crush' or interest on the other person. I said that line to Sis. Sandoy as she came down the stairs this morning, and we all just laughed, apparently they think it's really funny when you say that. haha Anyways, don't worry, I do study the gospel in tagalog too..butu sometimes it's fun to study other parts :) haha
What a great week, again. I did not transfer, I am still here in Carmen. I have no idea when they sent me to the Philippines that they were not sending me to Baguio Mission, but rather Carmen mission. haha. Because I did not transfer, that means I will be here till November 2nd- the next transfer day. Meaning, I will have spent over 8 months in one area. That's like...unheard of. haha But, I know there is a purpose for it :) I still have unfinished business here :) We do however have 2 more sisters that got assigned here to carmen, so we are not alone anymore, thank goodness, because our area was sooo huge! So...Sis. Sandoy, and Sis. Palmer (she is from park city, utah) boy has it been fun to watch her go into culture shock...I just laugh and remember all of those funny memories now, but...it wasn't so funny when it was happening to me. haha They are cute, and we're really excited that we are 4 now in our apartment, masaya!
So yes, last monday when I emailed you I thought i had hit the worst part of my sickness, to my surprise, I got really sick that night and I still have a cough even now, but I am doing good now :) There was a day or so when I had a fever of 102....but its okay, haha they laughed at me, cuz of course, I worked still- then we got home and realized how high my fever was...I had no idea it was that high haha...so we came home a little early from our work, around 8 o'clock, and i took it easy that night. Luckily, God gave me another tender mercies, and that was enough time for me to get feeling better- so I was up and at it again the next day. :)
This week we had the baptism of Bro. Sadi. We have one investigator, Bro Emil, he is the nephew of Sis. Orenia (so active, and great sila. Anyways, I told you about him in my last emails.) It has been soo fun to watch him literally change, his countenance has changed- and he is excited to be baptized, and wants to serve a mission. He has still had no problems with cigarette smoking or drinking. He is amazing, we're really excited!

We did have on interesting experience this week, when we went to the house of one of our progressing investigators, finally her husband faced us, after several times of him hiding when we came, but...what happened was unexpected...we spent almost 2 hours there, he was just telling us about his understanding of the truh, and his belief. He wanted to debate with us. haha it was intersting- he said all the churches just want to have more members- because it's more fun, and the leaders make money, and that's why i'm here. Of course, I corrected him- and said that none of our leaders received one cent of money- then of course he said "you mean to say, you don't have have sallary right now?" Of course I proudly said, nope. I saved up my money, so I could come here and preach the gospel. then he said "ano gust mo patunayan sa sarili mo?" hahaha I just said excuse me? because that basically means "what are you trying to prove to yourself by coming here?"  then he rephrased his question and asked why i was here on a mission and I just said...Because I love God, and I know through the power of the Holy Ghost that this is his church. He couldn't argue there. haha anyways, it was very intersrting, even a year into the mission- there's never a dull moment and never an opporutnity passed by to have a "first experience" that was a first for me.
Anyways, the work is good, it is true. :) I can't believe this week is my year mark!!! Yay, time flies! :)
I love you all and pray for you always,




I guess I passed the judgement day!

 

Week 6...again :) (meaning transfers!)



Me, Sis. Perina with Sis. Ardoum


Sep 16, 2012
Well Hello there Family! What another great week!  I'm waiting a little anxiously- I'm not sure if I'll be transferred this week, or not. I'm guess not, because we haven't finished the 12 week training program...but I feel like maybe I will...cuz if I don't- It will end up being almost 8 months in one area by the time I transfer.

This week was great, we had a Tri-Zone Conference, and Elder Ardourn (of the 70's) was there. They told us all to prepare just a 3 min scrip thought- of course I thought about it, but I seriously could not decide what scripture I wanted to use. Well, of course- Elder Ardourn called me up out of the Audience filled with missionaries...and I shared what came to my mind- the verse that changed my service here in the mission field Mark 8:35. Oh my gosh then he kept me up there for a long time, kept asking me questions about the work, and how to overcome things...just totally put me on the spot....and of course- as I was bearing my testimony- I cried....because I realized how much I really have changed throughout my mission, how much I really have learned to rely upon the Lord. It was a great experience.  I was a little shocked, after that all the Sisters met together, and Sis. Ardourn (his wife) talked to us. She talked about Marriage, and marrying the right person. I seriously just thought to myself 'really, do we really need to talk about this right now? We're missionaries...I really don't even want to worry about this right now." haha But it was good, the things she said. She said to think to ourselves always- when we're looking for our future spouse "Is he a man of God, or of the world?" she said if we can answer, he is a man of God, then we'll be okay. The more I thought about it, the more I agree with her, but of course, if he is a man of God....that means I also have to be a woman of God- becuase I can't expect more than I am willing to be in my spouse.Anyways...that was interesting...I then realized- soon I will be back in a singles ward...yep, so not looking foward to that! haha

Friday- we had exchanges- with Sis. Perina's batch mate here, Sis. Urbano- It was werid being the senior and evaluating companion of the other- teaching her what I know, instead of being taught. I thought to myself wait...how did that happen? When did I become the older missinary here in the field? haha

Bro. Sadi passed his baptisimal interview, we will be having a baptisim this next saturday! We're excited; of course! :) I got to watch sunday, as Bro. Ariel & Jayson (they were baptized 2 weeks ago) wore their brand new white shirts and ties and passed and blessed the sacrament, as in...I was like a proud parent. Speaking of proud parent- it's fun to watch Sis. Perina, she does what I do, her tendencies, and her teaching style is exactly like me...we were laughing about that earlier this week, cuz we realized that must be what it's like to be a real parent, and watch your kids grow up and become like you. haha :)

We have one referral from an active member that sometimes works with us, Sis. & Bro. Orenia, their nephew that lives with them- he was always drinking, as in getting drunk nightly and before he smoked 1 1/2 boxes of cigarettes a day- we taught him the first lesson-the spirit wa soo strong, and knowing that the "word of wisdom" would be a problem, I left him a pamphlet about it.  and when we returned for the second appointment, he completely went "cold turkey" and got rid of his cigarettes and alchohol. He knows that the gospel is true, and he is one of those golden investigators. We're soo excited...he's 21 years old. He now has a baptisimal date Oct 27. :)

Anyways, overall this week has been a great one, can't wait to see what this next week has in store.
xoxox
thinking of you and loving you always

The Sisters table!  Kain tayo! (Let's eat!)

It's a "BER" month...that means...CHRISTMAS HERE!!!

"Tubo" or sugar cane...it is really sweet inside...it's a snack for the
kids...it's a really cheap snack, you just go chop down a tree!

Sep 9, 2012

So again, I just can't get over the fact that because it's a "ber" month, meaning the month ends in ber "septemBER" we're seriously celebrating christmas, I was soo taken aback the other night we went to one of our recent converts houses and she had a big christmas star on her front door all lit up. hahaha It's hilarious!
This week- when I walked into our CR or bathroom in the morning, I was shocked when I was greeted by a "palaka" or frog instead of "ipis" cockroaches in our bathroom. hahaha we just have all sorts of fun things crawling around in our bathroom...how on earth a frog got in there- I have no idea. haha
So I also heard something really funny this week that I had to share with you. There was some girl that got married last week, and this guy was telling us this story- inactive member- and he is a little bitter because he's like 48 years old now and still...no asawa or wife...haha Anyways- he was like "yep, she got married and she got 3 rings". I said "huh, 3 rings?" seriously confused- then he said yep, "her engagement ring, wedding ring, and sufferRING. hahaha we all laughed...I thought it was funny...he's soo bitter.
One other thing I heard this week from Pres Fajardo, he said to talk to God you dail "22211" I was confused...then he said "2 Knees, 2 arms folded, 2 eyes folded, 1 broken heart and 1 contrite spirit" I thought that was cute...so if you need help, can't text...but you can dial 22211 :) haha
This week we had a lot of meetings. We met with the EQ Pres, RS Pres, Primary Pres, YW Pres, and Bishopric and of course our regular MCM meeting- it was soo great, I feel like we got a lot accomplished. I introcued them to the callings "RS coordinator and RS supervisor" for visiting teaching-bishop didn't even know it existed- i'm grateful that was one of my callings before the mission, and hopefully we'll get that up and operating now. our meetings were very successful- we'll continue meeting with them until we get some of their issues worked out...like the fact that before now- none of them had ever had a presidency meeting...yep...things will be changing here in carmen ward :) haha
I found out one of my recent converts, Bro Hernani Bidan from Lingayen was called to serve as 1st councelor in the bishopric there! My jaw dropped...he is soo great, I just am soo proud of their whole family, they're doing great, not to mention his daughrter is now the YW President! :)  We had another baptism this week! This one was soo special for me...it was Brother Ryan Marzan. I feel as if he is my son..haha I just love him and his whole family, and I remember our first appointment with him and afterwards telling Sis. Olila I wanted to "drop him" because he wasn't progressing and he had no interest. Then I told her we needed to talk to him and see what he wants..after that, he began to change...and he has completely turned his life around. A year ago, you would have found him on the street- having a drinking party, with lots of body piercings, smoking a pack of cigarettes a day, ditching school, swearing a ton, and being rude. haha Now...He's at church, or seminary, or working with us, when you talk to him, his testimony is soo heart felt...its that "true conversion" that takes place if you have real intent. I'm really grateful that Heavenly Father let me be a part of his experience finding the truth.
The work is good, the work is true...life is great of course, i love the people, i love everything about it here...i can't imagine a day when I'm not here...
xoxoxo
love you all, and of course pray for you always
Love,

Bro. Ryan and Bro. Joenice-
baptism of Bro. Ryan this week

Agrugi Tayong! (ilicono iyon)

Sep 2, 2012
I am so sorry that I seriously am not creative at titles at all...This week was pretty great! I am starting to learn a little bit of Ilicono....I feel pretty cool when I can speak Ilicono because first of all their really confused when they see that an americana can speak tagalog...they're REALLY confused when I speak ilicono. hahaha I love it! :)
This week we were very surprised to receive a phone call from Pres and Sis. Monohan while we were having personal study. He just asked me to clarify the directions to our apartment, so I did, he said okay, see you in 5 minutes, we're almost there. Fear came over me. haha Oh no...I hurried and made sure that our apartment looked descent...and then tried to act calm and cool as they pulled up to our apartment. They came and had companionship study with us! They were great, and I just absolutely love them. One I love them because they're soo nice and want to help and are magnifying their calling....and I have not once left a conversation with Pres Monahan where I did not feel the spirit super intensely sp? (ps don't make fun of my english haha, i'm sorry its gotten really bad now) And two...I love them because they're brilliant and I learn a TON from them. We can spend an hour just dissecting and discussing one verse from the scriptures. and three...they're strict. There's no messing around, and there's no way to get away with anything now in the mission. They're very strict...but of course loving. It's like they say. "the more control from within, the less control from without. The less control from within, the more control from without." totoo yun. Anyways, I just love them :) And four. I love them because they have a great relationship with each other...they remind me of you...mom and dad :) They just are happy and so polite and just cute with each other...even after so many years of marriage...i just love them :)
This week was also great because...we had a family baptism! The Hernandez Family, and Brother Ariel Medina! I was soooo excited, I could hardly sleep friday night. Especially because they were soo ready to be baptized. So my cliff hanger story....not really a huge cliff hanger, but it is one story that I will never forget. The story of the Hernandez story, maybe I've already told you about them but...they're sooo special to me.  their next door neighbor is a less active member, so When Sis. Olila and I were companions about 6 months ago, we went and found Brother Elmer, their next door neighbor. It was night time, maybe lke 9:15 at night, we were about to go home, and it was pouring rain...as in...it was raining really hard! Anyways, as we left their house, I saw this man standing on his front porch...he had just finished a cigarette...anyway I looked at Sis. Olila and said...lets preach by the way. She just looked at me like...are you kidding me...and then an expression that said, okay, if you want to. haha Anyways, we went over to them, and I just said Hello, do you know brother Elmer? We're coming form there, he's a member of church, the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day saints, do you know other missionaries like us? And that opened up a huge conversation. I found out that his name was Jerry Hernandez, he was from La Union (about a 3 hour bus ride from here) and he was baptized, he was a member and he hasn't been to church in about 18 years now,. He said he was offended so he never went back. He was an active member, he with is family, and he wanted to serve a mission and had prepared. He submitted his papers, he worked with the missionaries before and he was even their cook and tagalaba...what is that in english? the person who does the laundry for the elders at that time) anyways he was close with them. So after he submitted his papers,  his stake president wouldn't let him go on the mission. He kept him back because he said they needed the priesthood there in LaUnion, that he shouldn't leave. Because of that, he became less active. At least, that is what he told us, I dont know if he actually submitted his papers yet or not...but anyways he said he was ready to go to the MTC, but was held back. Anyways, his heart was soo hard, we tried to leave a book of mormon but he wouldn't accept it.  The next week, we returned to teach Brother Elmer (his next door neighbor) and he had a visitor, sis. Adelaida Hernandez, I kindly said "stay for the lessson, we're teaching brother Elmer, stay!" And she said, oh...okay. She was soo shy and just sat in the corner, but she at least stayed. As I met sis. Adelaida her face looked SO familiar to me, almost as if I had known her...as in...I knew I knew her somehow, but I wasn't sure how. Anyways after the lesson we talked and I found out she was the wife of brother Jerry who we had met last week. We kept pushing to teach their family, and finally Brother Jerry opened up and siad, oh before when I was a member we used to have Family home evenings, I said thats a great idea, lets do that. so we set an appt for that thursday and had their next door neighbors who were members come over and it was soo fun, and the spirit was present, and he remembered what i was like to be a latterday saint. Anyways...we continued to visit them. After a few months now, the son of brother Elmer Medina (his less active neighbor) was baptized with the wife of Brother Jerry and his 2 children. this last saturday. Brother Jerry is now very active, and he had the priviledge of baptizing his children and sister this last saturday. The spirit was soo strong, and they all cried as they bore their testimonies at their baptism about how they know this church is true, and it has changed their family for forever. Brother Ariel is lookingn forward to serving amission in one year. And Brother Elmer, his father is now a returning less active member. WE are now teaching the discussions to his wife who is not yet a member, and his other son who has a baptisimal date set for Sept 22. I still don't know how I know Sis. Adelaida, but its like we've been friends for forever...I honestly feel that we knew eachtother before this life. My life will forever be changed because of the Hernandez family.
This sunday, we had our ward council meeting. I talked to bishop before the meeting and asked if it would be alright or help if we met with all of the auxilary leaders individually and taught them how to have a weekly meeting, since none of them have a meeting at all EVER...and he agreed and said thank you. haha Then, in ward council he announced it. He kind of joked as he said that I wouldn't let any of them escape their weekly meeting, so to help with that we scheduled the meeting and I told them their assignments that I wanted them to do before we met with them, so we will have a ton of meetings this saturday and sunday. I scheduled it with RS, EQ, YM, YW, Primary, HP. all of them, should be great, I'm looking forward to this week.
Anyways, "The standard of truth has been erected. No unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing. It will go forth boldly, nobly and independent till it has penetrated every continent, swept every climb, and sounded in every ear. Till the great Jehovah shall say, ' the work is done'." I know this is the only true church upon the face of the earth, that Jesus Christ established himself when he was here. I am soo grateful for His trust in me to share that message with everyone here in Carmen.
I love you all, have a great week
Love,



BEFORE....




AFTER!  The baptism of the Hernandez family and brother Ariel!
When I look at this I just think, wow...there's a lot of future
priesthood holders and leaders there :)  Ah I just LOVE them!