So this letter is just gonna have little bits of experiences, nothing really flows.
I love being in an appointment and 1) finding out someones concerns and helping solve that concern. or 2) using a scripture or asking a question and just feeling the spirit fill the room (there really is a tangible feeling of the spirit)
This happened the other night when we were teaching an active family about missionary work. I started by saying or telling about how when the missionaries came to the house and taught about missionary work nothing would really happen, So I tried to emphasize that our purpose at their house was to help them become missionaries on their own!
We shared Alma 17:2-3, 11 which talks about things we should do to become instruments for Heavenly Father, and out of nowhere I asked if they were scared/worried about the world their kids had to grow up in. They said, "yes, but we have the gospel. so we don't need to worry." I replied, "exactly! Don't you think there are other parents who are worried but don't have the peace of mind that you have?" The spirit filled the room and they committed to fast and pray about finding someone or to become aware of someone who they needed to help! They approached me Sunday with a family whom we have tried to visit but they just need a really great fellow shipper and now they have someone. YEAH! Hopefully they can go somewhere now.
So as I mentioned in my email Elder Bowen came to our mission, we talked about obedience and 1) he asked if we knew someone who should be on a mission but isn't 2) why are we serving missions. I automatically thought about a friend and he said, "the reason they aren't on missions is because they don't understand the doctrine". If they understood His plan they would be out. So I was thinking that no matter how great men are if they don't go on missions they don't understand the doctrine of the church. If I want a strong family who can face the temptations and events of the second coming I need a valiant faithful returned missionary.
Elder Bowen gave us 3 things that will change our missions. 1) Arise, not just wake up by 6:30am. 2) Have nightly planning every night. 3) talk to 20 people each day. He said that we go around asking people to change their lives give up life long habits and sometimes cherished relationships for the gospel, BUT we cant ask people to do that if we aren't exactly obedient to the simplest mission rules. Such as planning and waking up. There is much at stake to be just a little lazy! I at least felt good knowing the things I could do on uy own I ws doing and the compaionship stuff is getting better. Anyways it was a really great conference and I learned so much
We also talked about who we are and who we may have been in pre0earth life. Think about it.....Abraham was a "Nobel and great one" and opened the way for everyone to receive the gospel! Christ was a God who created this world then came here as a man. Adam as we know was Michael who helped create the world! They all passed through the veil and were subject to the challenges of mortal life. Just like us!! So, who exactly were we before this life? What did we do? What role did we play> What promises did we make our Heavenly Father? This really pressed upon my mind since I have a glimpse of who I was and how I promised y Savior I would come here to the Philippines and we had a "friendship" Who was I? What exactly did I promise to do here? YIKES! So many questions. Hopefully each one of us are able to live up to our promises and his desire everyday.
Thursday, October 16, 2014
Being UNITED
We had exchanges last week, which were amazing. We tried to focus on one chapeter of Preach My Gospel, "Teach with your compainon in unity" We then focused on passing the lesson back and forth more often in the lesson. Can I just say the result was magical!
The family we taught has been less active for a long time and has been through many sets of missionaries. So...... our lesson was about the baptismal covenant. We just taught like normal (meaning the information) and then I was prompted to ask their thoughts. To which they said they felt like they were being corrected. At this point we hadn't really done much in way of invitations or suggestions things they should be dong so it opened up a great window to talk about eh Holy Ghost and how he is the one who truly lets us know what we need to be dong and that our messages don't come from us. It comes from Heavenly Father!
Unfortunately they still didn't come to church, which is okay, everyone has their agency. But this was one lesson I knew the spirit was guiding and teaching both the learner and teacher!This kind of teaching akes faith, patience, and trust in both your companion and Heavenly Father. But the results are magical! This doesnt just apply to teaching as a missionary but in helping famioy members make good decisions or in our own personal relationships.
The Key.....BEING UNITED!
So lets be more united. As a family, as husbands and wives (where applicable) as church leaders, and as individuals with our Father in Heaven. It can be tricky but it is possible.
The family we taught has been less active for a long time and has been through many sets of missionaries. So...... our lesson was about the baptismal covenant. We just taught like normal (meaning the information) and then I was prompted to ask their thoughts. To which they said they felt like they were being corrected. At this point we hadn't really done much in way of invitations or suggestions things they should be dong so it opened up a great window to talk about eh Holy Ghost and how he is the one who truly lets us know what we need to be dong and that our messages don't come from us. It comes from Heavenly Father!
Unfortunately they still didn't come to church, which is okay, everyone has their agency. But this was one lesson I knew the spirit was guiding and teaching both the learner and teacher!This kind of teaching akes faith, patience, and trust in both your companion and Heavenly Father. But the results are magical! This doesnt just apply to teaching as a missionary but in helping famioy members make good decisions or in our own personal relationships.
The Key.....BEING UNITED!
So lets be more united. As a family, as husbands and wives (where applicable) as church leaders, and as individuals with our Father in Heaven. It can be tricky but it is possible.
Miracles In Valenzuela
What an amazing week this last week has been. We reached our goal of contacting 20 people in a day... we didn't reach it every day
but we gave our best and we are already seeing the results! We had 4 new
investigators this last week and many follow up appointments this
coming week. We also had 5 investigators attend church!
One lady that we found is actually a friend of one of our less actives! We stopped to talk to this random lady on the street when our less active walked by and told us that her friend lived in the same complex. So she introduced us to her friend and they let us into their house. Our less active gave them a tithing pamphlet a while back I guess, and it was actually right above their T.V. We were all out of pamphlets and the only one we had left was law of chastity... yeah go figure. But we found out that she has a 4 month old baby! She is really cute! But we also met her father in law who has been inside the temple for some electrical work! We now have a return appointment with the both of them! And they even gave us a referral! The statement from President Hinkley about member missionary work is so true... Our less active has taken an interest in their progression and is starting to catch a vision of missionary work... Our less active also came to church on Sunday after having missed a few!
Judge Not that ye Be NOT judges
No matter how righteous we are life is hard. Look at our Savior, he was pure, he never looked at, thought or said anything bad, however people sought his life and eventually crucified him only hours after he atoned for their weaknesses and sins. There is NO EASY LIFE! So before we go and judge someone or say they should be doing something different, we need to remember they have personal battles we cant see and even if we can and we think its a no brainer, it may be a world crushing experience to them.
Monday, August 18, 2014
Just a Little Insight
Hello Again! WOW! P-day again.
Todays p-day was so great. We went to Avilon Zoo as a zone today! I was able to feed aralpaima fish! They were maybe 5-6 feet long and only eat meat/blood! We fed them chicken heads! It was so cool. I'm really sad that I'm not able to send pictures....but, I was also able to take a picture with a monkey named Trixy. She held my hand and even kissed my cheek. It was SO cool!! Then I pet a tiger, yep, the cages are that close, and they arent like our tigers in the zoo back home where they just sit and are boring. They were up and playing and would talk to us!!!:)
So there were some other really good things that happened this past week and other not so good...not so good first. One of our less actives has been really sick and just found out that she has breast cancer so if I may I would ask that you keep her in your prayers! She is such an inspiration though. She told us that "she knows Heavently Father will not put you through anything that we can not handle."
Now for the good things....Elder Shane Bowen from the seventies came to visit our mission this last week and gave some amazing talks. We discussed the oath and the covenant of the Priesthood, the Abrahamic covenant and so forth and we talked a lot about who we are. He said that he believes that when we remember who we are we will act differently. To illustrate this he talked about fleas....crabs...and a runner. He told us how fleas, like the ones you find on dogs, do not crawl or run, they jump. If you put them in a jar with no lid they will jump out. But... if you put them in a jar with a lid they will eventually learn to jump just below the lid..he then talked about how when you catch crabs you can put them all in one bowl and they wont get out because the crabs will pull each other down. Then he talked about the runner who broke the 4 minute mile... At the time even doctors said it wasn't possible.
As people we will often look at others and copy what they do...if someone thinks that this is the best they can do then otheres will only reach that height. Along with all the other runners..until the record was broken. After the record was broken many people have been able to get even better times...the secret...its all in your head...it all in what we want to do....whether we believe in ourselves and have faith or we dont... he challenged everyone to repent and to gain a better view of who they can become and the things that they can do..
After conference Elder Bowen, his wife, President Bertin and his wife, and the AP"S came to our apartment to just look around and what not....President Bertin before they left offered a prayer and then something special happened....They paused before they left then offered us an invitation and a challenge. They asked if we 4 sister would be willing to change our mission.. To set the standard higher and to become like the runner...YIKES!!! This is a disciple of Christ personally inviting me in my apartment to break records....Of course I said yes!!
This means that we will be talking and contacting more then 20 people a day....planning more effectively and waking up just a little earlier.. But the extra work will only bring extra blessings!!
I'm excited for the challenge. There you go! Just a little insight into my week
Well I hope you are all having a great week and things are gong great Remember Heavently Father loves you and is proud of you!!
Todays p-day was so great. We went to Avilon Zoo as a zone today! I was able to feed aralpaima fish! They were maybe 5-6 feet long and only eat meat/blood! We fed them chicken heads! It was so cool. I'm really sad that I'm not able to send pictures....but, I was also able to take a picture with a monkey named Trixy. She held my hand and even kissed my cheek. It was SO cool!! Then I pet a tiger, yep, the cages are that close, and they arent like our tigers in the zoo back home where they just sit and are boring. They were up and playing and would talk to us!!!:)
So there were some other really good things that happened this past week and other not so good...not so good first. One of our less actives has been really sick and just found out that she has breast cancer so if I may I would ask that you keep her in your prayers! She is such an inspiration though. She told us that "she knows Heavently Father will not put you through anything that we can not handle."
Now for the good things....Elder Shane Bowen from the seventies came to visit our mission this last week and gave some amazing talks. We discussed the oath and the covenant of the Priesthood, the Abrahamic covenant and so forth and we talked a lot about who we are. He said that he believes that when we remember who we are we will act differently. To illustrate this he talked about fleas....crabs...and a runner. He told us how fleas, like the ones you find on dogs, do not crawl or run, they jump. If you put them in a jar with no lid they will jump out. But... if you put them in a jar with a lid they will eventually learn to jump just below the lid..he then talked about how when you catch crabs you can put them all in one bowl and they wont get out because the crabs will pull each other down. Then he talked about the runner who broke the 4 minute mile... At the time even doctors said it wasn't possible.
As people we will often look at others and copy what they do...if someone thinks that this is the best they can do then otheres will only reach that height. Along with all the other runners..until the record was broken. After the record was broken many people have been able to get even better times...the secret...its all in your head...it all in what we want to do....whether we believe in ourselves and have faith or we dont... he challenged everyone to repent and to gain a better view of who they can become and the things that they can do..
After conference Elder Bowen, his wife, President Bertin and his wife, and the AP"S came to our apartment to just look around and what not....President Bertin before they left offered a prayer and then something special happened....They paused before they left then offered us an invitation and a challenge. They asked if we 4 sister would be willing to change our mission.. To set the standard higher and to become like the runner...YIKES!!! This is a disciple of Christ personally inviting me in my apartment to break records....Of course I said yes!!
This means that we will be talking and contacting more then 20 people a day....planning more effectively and waking up just a little earlier.. But the extra work will only bring extra blessings!!
I'm excited for the challenge. There you go! Just a little insight into my week
Well I hope you are all having a great week and things are gong great Remember Heavently Father loves you and is proud of you!!
Thursday, August 14, 2014
Whats your VISION
This letter is about creating a vision, for ourselves, our families, or any other situation or group you may be in. The word vision means "to see a future state; to see the end from the beginning" So when we create our vision we must know what, or who we want to become what do we want our lives to become? Then we must visualize our road map and identify key events and types of people that we need in order to accomplish this vision. In Isaiah 40:31 we learn of some things we must do and include in our vision. 1) we must "wait" upon the Lord the footnote says. It teaches us that we must hope for or anticipate his will or to know His will for us. 2) We must then "mount up with wings as eagles" I'm sure this could be interrupted many different ways bot for me it means take your vision and direction from the Lord and run with it! We must do all that we can to make the vision happen. Nephi and his brothers had a goal/vision. When they went back to Jerusalem to get the plates plan A didn't work so they had to go all the way to plan C.
Alma was commanded to preach the gospel in Ammoniaha. His first plan failed but he didn't give up. He went back by a different way, met Amulek and baptized many. Through these examples we see that when it is inspired of the Lord and we do our VERY BEST, we will succeed. However KIng Soloman has v=given us a warning about what will happen if we dont create or have a vision. In proverbs 29:18 "where there is no vision, the people perish."
So I took the time to do a lifttle self reflection and I created a vision fo my life. To share just a few goals, I want to always have family prayer, I want to be organized and I want to be physically fit. All these things I can work on and prepare for now. They wont magically come when I go home, when I have my own family or anyghing else. Wemust work our plan now. "Prepare for tomorrow by working today."
So What is your Vision?
I love you all so much and I hope all is well on that side of the world.Life continues over herel the work is progressing and blessings are being manifested.
"No unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing"
Love you!
Alma was commanded to preach the gospel in Ammoniaha. His first plan failed but he didn't give up. He went back by a different way, met Amulek and baptized many. Through these examples we see that when it is inspired of the Lord and we do our VERY BEST, we will succeed. However KIng Soloman has v=given us a warning about what will happen if we dont create or have a vision. In proverbs 29:18 "where there is no vision, the people perish."
So I took the time to do a lifttle self reflection and I created a vision fo my life. To share just a few goals, I want to always have family prayer, I want to be organized and I want to be physically fit. All these things I can work on and prepare for now. They wont magically come when I go home, when I have my own family or anyghing else. Wemust work our plan now. "Prepare for tomorrow by working today."
So What is your Vision?
I love you all so much and I hope all is well on that side of the world.Life continues over herel the work is progressing and blessings are being manifested.
"No unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing"
Love you!
LIfe long friends
What an interesting week this has been yet again!
So....My whole time here in the Philippines, learning Tagalog I've never really said anything that has been completely wrong and embarrassing. Yes I get grammar wrong and words mixed up and what not but nothing super embarrassing....until last week! So Sister Mole and I went to the salon to get our hair cut...well she ended up coloring her hair and I had time to wait so the lady talked me into getting a manicure and pedicure. So we were all sitting there chatting and one of the guys that worked there was a former investigator where he lives so he knows a lot about the church. The lady asked if I would like some coffee to which he quickly told her that it wasn't allowed!....That got us on the topic of the Word of Wildon and what we choose not to eat and drink...well he asked me if "sister"meaning sister Mole ate something........I thought he asked if we eat our sisters...as in do we eat people...oh my! We had a good laugh!
There are 4 sisters who stay in our one apartment and Sister Basulgan usually cooks for us, but she has asked us to help out by cooking a meal or two each week...They wanted American..so I made BBQ Pork...Can you get much more American then that!! And they made me giggle, they walked up to the table that had the pork, hamburger buns, and chips and asked, "Wheres the rice?" And they werent joking! They were very confused as to why there was no rice. But youknow what?! Ther were actually full even though there was no rice.
We had a really great week for finding new people to teach. We received a referral for a young lady named Michelle. She is 22 years old, has a 5 year old who is staying with her parents in Province since she is here taking care of 2 elderly ladies..We invited her to come to church this Sunday and she said that she would. And what do you know! She showed up before we did. But she loved it ans said that she can relate to everything that was being presented, she even shed a few tears. But I talked to her about the people she is taking care of and what kind of illness they hat because she mentioned that they have to go to Dialysis, and what would you guess..They have kidney failure and do dialysis 2 times a week for 4 hours at a time! This truly is a samll world and we all have experiences in our life so that we can help others in thier trials! Sometimes theyjust arent as apparent as this. I am so excited to get to know these amazing people better. I can feel we are gonna be lfe long friends! Its amazing how someone can automatically have a special place in your heart just because someone else who is special is already there!
I love being a missionary and seeing how the gospel truly is for everyone. And when someone comes unto Christ their world is immediately changes! (Mosiah 2, Book of Mormon) So if you need help, feel lost and in the dark, just turn on the light of the restored gospel!
I love you all, Have a great week and for everyone gong back to school...study hard, learn lots and NEVER forget who you are!
So....My whole time here in the Philippines, learning Tagalog I've never really said anything that has been completely wrong and embarrassing. Yes I get grammar wrong and words mixed up and what not but nothing super embarrassing....until last week! So Sister Mole and I went to the salon to get our hair cut...well she ended up coloring her hair and I had time to wait so the lady talked me into getting a manicure and pedicure. So we were all sitting there chatting and one of the guys that worked there was a former investigator where he lives so he knows a lot about the church. The lady asked if I would like some coffee to which he quickly told her that it wasn't allowed!....That got us on the topic of the Word of Wildon and what we choose not to eat and drink...well he asked me if "sister"meaning sister Mole ate something........I thought he asked if we eat our sisters...as in do we eat people...oh my! We had a good laugh!
There are 4 sisters who stay in our one apartment and Sister Basulgan usually cooks for us, but she has asked us to help out by cooking a meal or two each week...They wanted American..so I made BBQ Pork...Can you get much more American then that!! And they made me giggle, they walked up to the table that had the pork, hamburger buns, and chips and asked, "Wheres the rice?" And they werent joking! They were very confused as to why there was no rice. But youknow what?! Ther were actually full even though there was no rice.
We had a really great week for finding new people to teach. We received a referral for a young lady named Michelle. She is 22 years old, has a 5 year old who is staying with her parents in Province since she is here taking care of 2 elderly ladies..We invited her to come to church this Sunday and she said that she would. And what do you know! She showed up before we did. But she loved it ans said that she can relate to everything that was being presented, she even shed a few tears. But I talked to her about the people she is taking care of and what kind of illness they hat because she mentioned that they have to go to Dialysis, and what would you guess..They have kidney failure and do dialysis 2 times a week for 4 hours at a time! This truly is a samll world and we all have experiences in our life so that we can help others in thier trials! Sometimes theyjust arent as apparent as this. I am so excited to get to know these amazing people better. I can feel we are gonna be lfe long friends! Its amazing how someone can automatically have a special place in your heart just because someone else who is special is already there!
I love being a missionary and seeing how the gospel truly is for everyone. And when someone comes unto Christ their world is immediately changes! (Mosiah 2, Book of Mormon) So if you need help, feel lost and in the dark, just turn on the light of the restored gospel!
I love you all, Have a great week and for everyone gong back to school...study hard, learn lots and NEVER forget who you are!
Monday, August 4, 2014
I don't know Heavenly Fathers plan for me....but
Hello again,
Email time just seems to go by to fast! I don't get enough time to write anything good! Our workshop is the workshop President gives the missionaries going home since they are going home....the workshop....about families and finding an eternal companion. Needless to say we were all a bit trunks! But we quickly got over it.
So he first started talking about the creation and how the earth was truly made for us to come and create families. Then we talked a bit about how important family sis..and we can see how important family is because of the greatness of Satans fight against it. Some ideas given was same sex marriage, the degradation of the importance of children, the attitude of spouses to one another, shellfish ness, and the pleasures of the world and then the kicker, hanging out! You know, having personally gone through the affects of Satans temptations I can say just how powerful and harsh they are, and they aren't going to stop!
President Hinckley once said that Satans attack is now on the family! Why? Besides Christ, family is central to his plan. We see many ways satan is attacking the family, but as eternal law requires there is equal and greater tools and happiness available to families! Like prayer, family home evening, making and keeping covenants, being honest, setting family goals, clinging (not just holding) onto your spouse, and allowing him in your daily life!
We examine the examples of Nephi and his family!they went back to Jerusalem to get wives (Nephi 7:1) and they even had weddings! (Nephi 16). Then the big day came when Nephi was done building the ship and they set sail to "the promised land". As the scriptures tell in Nephi 18:9 Laman, Lemuel, and their wives began to make themselves merry and became exceedingly rude. They even bound up Nephi to eventually lol him. This is when we see the faith and love of his sweet wife in verse 19. It says that not even tears and prayers of his wife and children could soften their hearts! Nephi was, "large in stature" obviously a faithful, righteous man. What kind of person was his wife? Did she honor the priesthood? Support her husband in his calling and seek help from The Lord? It seems to be this way! Nephi got the kind of wife that was comparative to himself....Laman and Lemuel as well. So.....what kind of person do you want to marry? Or if you are already married what kind of relationship do you want to have?
I know I am not married yet but I have seen lots of examples of how a good relationship works and how a not so good one works and the good and especially best relationships aren't easy and they include 3people ALWAYS, the husband, the wife, and Heavenly FatherM. We must always rely on him to lead and guide us.
I am so grateful for my family. I know I knew them before we came to this earth and I pray every night that we may each become worthy to continue our journey together as an Eternal FamilyM. It is absolutely possible. We were once broken but by carefully applying the teachings of Jesus Christ and using the atonement we have found happiness and hope for a brighter future. The family truly is central to his plan and there is a way to be sure of an eternal companion and to know how to raise families in this ever changing and dangerous world. But as with all the commandments of god we must first exercise faith! I don't know Heavenly Fathers plan for me after my mission but I'm excited to find out!
Email time just seems to go by to fast! I don't get enough time to write anything good! Our workshop is the workshop President gives the missionaries going home since they are going home....the workshop....about families and finding an eternal companion. Needless to say we were all a bit trunks! But we quickly got over it.
So he first started talking about the creation and how the earth was truly made for us to come and create families. Then we talked a bit about how important family sis..and we can see how important family is because of the greatness of Satans fight against it. Some ideas given was same sex marriage, the degradation of the importance of children, the attitude of spouses to one another, shellfish ness, and the pleasures of the world and then the kicker, hanging out! You know, having personally gone through the affects of Satans temptations I can say just how powerful and harsh they are, and they aren't going to stop!
President Hinckley once said that Satans attack is now on the family! Why? Besides Christ, family is central to his plan. We see many ways satan is attacking the family, but as eternal law requires there is equal and greater tools and happiness available to families! Like prayer, family home evening, making and keeping covenants, being honest, setting family goals, clinging (not just holding) onto your spouse, and allowing him in your daily life!
We examine the examples of Nephi and his family!they went back to Jerusalem to get wives (Nephi 7:1) and they even had weddings! (Nephi 16). Then the big day came when Nephi was done building the ship and they set sail to "the promised land". As the scriptures tell in Nephi 18:9 Laman, Lemuel, and their wives began to make themselves merry and became exceedingly rude. They even bound up Nephi to eventually lol him. This is when we see the faith and love of his sweet wife in verse 19. It says that not even tears and prayers of his wife and children could soften their hearts! Nephi was, "large in stature" obviously a faithful, righteous man. What kind of person was his wife? Did she honor the priesthood? Support her husband in his calling and seek help from The Lord? It seems to be this way! Nephi got the kind of wife that was comparative to himself....Laman and Lemuel as well. So.....what kind of person do you want to marry? Or if you are already married what kind of relationship do you want to have?
I know I am not married yet but I have seen lots of examples of how a good relationship works and how a not so good one works and the good and especially best relationships aren't easy and they include 3people ALWAYS, the husband, the wife, and Heavenly FatherM. We must always rely on him to lead and guide us.
I am so grateful for my family. I know I knew them before we came to this earth and I pray every night that we may each become worthy to continue our journey together as an Eternal FamilyM. It is absolutely possible. We were once broken but by carefully applying the teachings of Jesus Christ and using the atonement we have found happiness and hope for a brighter future. The family truly is central to his plan and there is a way to be sure of an eternal companion and to know how to raise families in this ever changing and dangerous world. But as with all the commandments of god we must first exercise faith! I don't know Heavenly Fathers plan for me after my mission but I'm excited to find out!
Those Around Us
So yesterday I was able to have
an interview with my mission President! (man i love that guy!)... But we
talked about who we affect as a missionary.. what are the outcomes. 1,
ourselves 2. Our companions and 3. those around us.
Hello Again
Hello again!
What an interesting week!
We had a record high for less actives at church this week. On average there have only been 4-5 attending for the last few months.However there were 12 yesterday!
We were able to contact 2 referrals this last week! One of them, Sister Marly, because one of our new investigators. She is the Aunt of an active member, mid 40's and she is great! She is very knowledgeable about the church and once we finally found her house she welcomed us in immediately! We are really excited for her not only because she has a desire but she has a support system! When we were trying to find her house we got a trike (tricycle driver). We thought he knew where the street was... he was peddling and peddling and we kept going further and further... turns out he didn't know where the street was and we ended up at the very end of the subdivision... the street... the very first one! Poor guy! He was sweating so bad! I paid him extra just because I felt bad!
One of our other investigators came from 2 of our less actives who have started to come back to church! He is their brother and when we asked what his favorite scriptural story was he said "Joseph Smith". We were shocked and he already knew about Josephs experience and prophets and at the end of the lesson he asked if he could have the copy of the book of Mormon that we had been using! We very willingly gave it to him! We just need to get him to church and to be really converted and he will be good. I can see him being a great leader!
The work here is progressing and we are starting to see miracle here in the Malanday ward! Now is the perfect time to be a missionary!! not just for me but for all of you! :)
I love you all! have a great week and be safe!!
-XOXO-
Sister Hawkins
What an interesting week!
We had a record high for less actives at church this week. On average there have only been 4-5 attending for the last few months.However there were 12 yesterday!
We were able to contact 2 referrals this last week! One of them, Sister Marly, because one of our new investigators. She is the Aunt of an active member, mid 40's and she is great! She is very knowledgeable about the church and once we finally found her house she welcomed us in immediately! We are really excited for her not only because she has a desire but she has a support system! When we were trying to find her house we got a trike (tricycle driver). We thought he knew where the street was... he was peddling and peddling and we kept going further and further... turns out he didn't know where the street was and we ended up at the very end of the subdivision... the street... the very first one! Poor guy! He was sweating so bad! I paid him extra just because I felt bad!
One of our other investigators came from 2 of our less actives who have started to come back to church! He is their brother and when we asked what his favorite scriptural story was he said "Joseph Smith". We were shocked and he already knew about Josephs experience and prophets and at the end of the lesson he asked if he could have the copy of the book of Mormon that we had been using! We very willingly gave it to him! We just need to get him to church and to be really converted and he will be good. I can see him being a great leader!
The work here is progressing and we are starting to see miracle here in the Malanday ward! Now is the perfect time to be a missionary!! not just for me but for all of you! :)
I love you all! have a great week and be safe!!
-XOXO-
Sister Hawkins
Welcome To Valenzuela
Welcome to Valenzuela!!...
This
are going great here! My companion is Sister Mole, she is 23 and from
Devo Philippines! She goes home in October, and is only like 4'11" I
think she said! It is way wird being the taller one! The work is slow
and we only have 2 investigators that I am aware of... There are more on
the list but we haven't been able to teach them! BUT We met a really
cool investigator the other day! They are way prepared.
The man has prostate cancer, and his live in partners family are
members. And the man is way humble (of course he isn't expected to live
much longer) and they have come to church 2 times on their own!... But
the problem... they aren't married (and they probably don't have to
money to get married) and they don't know how to read or
write, which means they cant read any assignments! So we are trying to
get someone to go over there and read with them!... But If they can get
married than they will be ready for baptism with in 2-3 weeks!! So cross
your fingers and say your prayers!... We taught them how to pray the
other day... and Brother was so funny, but it really displays his desire
to live... He opened the prayer, asked Heavenly Father to heal him and
than closed it!... Poor guy, I feel so bad for him! But Im exercising my
faith that all will work out!...
There is another recent
convert in the area (the fellowshipper for the investigators) who has a
pretty interesting story... her daughter I think it is is only 18... she
is married... to a 14 year old!! Can you believe it!! I was shocked!!
At 14 I was going to dances, and expirementing with make-up! Nt trying
to be a married person!! I was shocked! But... I guess... more power to
them!...
I was able to see Brother Esquerra from Marulas ward at church on
Sunday! That was way cool! He took a picture so that he could show the
ward!! :) Dont Just Follow...Follow Through
well hello my dear Family and friends!
How
are you all?! Things are going great here in Valenzuela! :) I am
learning lots and starting to see success!! ... So before I get to the
good stuff I have a funny story... Typhoon Glenda
Well Good morning my lovely family!
I don't
know if you have been watching the news or if you heard anything about
Typhoon Glenda, but I can officially say that I survived a rather strong
typhoon. Which is why we are all emailing to let our families know that
we are ok! SO... IM OK! :)
We haven't been to our area yet and will hopefully be able to
go tomorrow. S. Mole decided that there was probably flooding in all of
our areas right now so we will just wait until tomorrow!
I really wanna go and see everyone and make sure they are all OK! But please pray for them and their families! :)
But know all is well and I was never in immediate danger! :)
I love you all! Talk to you in a few days! Stay safe!
XOXOXOXOXOXO
Sister Hawkins
One Year
Email received:
Well, what an interesting week this has been!
We
lived through Typhoon Glenda! It really was just a normal typhoon,
nothing to exciting! But we had fun cleaning up little mini flash floods
from all the water coming through our windows! :) Well, what an interesting week this has been!
Written Letter Received:
So Today is what wouold have been 1 year as a missionary! One year ago today I entered the Manila Missionary Training Center. I had no idea the kind of adventures that laid ahead of me, the excitement and heartache I would face as I invited others to come unto Christ! And I had no idea how fast time would go! It feels as though this day a whole year ago was just yesterday.
Today I realized something wonderful. We contacted a referral last week whose name is Henry, but his nickname is DubDub. We are going to teach him and his parents for the first time later today. And I just realized what a big event this is. Their family is about to enter one of the greatest journeys of their life today and they are being given the opportunity to effectively prepare for eternal life. They didn't have this chance yesterday! Today, it all starts. And they have no idea. a scripture I found that seems to be appropriate for both these amazing events is D&C 78:17. In this relation to Joseph Smith the Lord says "ye are yet little children and ye have not understood how great blessings the Father hath in his own hands prepared for you"
As we wake up everyday we have no idea the kind of happiness our Heavenly Father has prepared for us. But everyday we have the opportunity to find out. The Lord then continues to say in verse 18 "ye cannot bear all things now, nevertheless, be of good sheer, for I will lead you along. the kingdom is yours and the blessings there of are yours and the riches of eternity are yours"
Even though we may be blinded by our everyday troubles we ned to look up and be of good cheer because he truly is here, Leading us by the hand and eventually we will one day realize just how great our potential is!
:Live each day to the fullest, cheerfully! They go by to quickly! I love you all and I am so thankful I have such amazing people in my life who love and support me. I will see you soon. Love Sister Hawkins
MIni Miracles
So... A new transfer and the same
companion! :) Sister Mole and I are still together. She goes home in
October so just 2 more transfers! I think Ill be the one to kill her
(that just means im her last companion!). We are gonna have lots of fun
this transfer!
This last week was a lot of fun and we saw some miracles as we were able to teach some people who have in the past not wanted to listen! We thought that Sister Mole was going to be transferred so she was showing me some homes of less actives in a particular subdivision. for some reason after she showed me, I just walked right up to the gate and rung the door bell. Normally I would say lets try here but for some reason I didn't even think about it! I just did it! And guess what! They let us in. We had a great chat and found out that she hasn't been to church for 10 years because there are "a lot of problems and unanswered prayers". But she asked us to pray for her and her family because they are experiencing some strain in their family! I am really excited to go back to this family! I know Heavenly Father has some great experiences waiting for them!
We also extended a baptism date to a man and
his mom who have been involved with the church for almost 10 years and
just haven't been baptized. Well the mans sister is coming to stay with
them from Washington for 2 months and she is fully active. I think she
is going to be a really big strength for them! But while we were there
they invited their friend, and they said that they should all just get
baptized together! yay!! Its one of the greatest things to see people
embrace the gospel! They even said "Hi" and stopped to talk when were
walking down the street! This last week was a lot of fun and we saw some miracles as we were able to teach some people who have in the past not wanted to listen! We thought that Sister Mole was going to be transferred so she was showing me some homes of less actives in a particular subdivision. for some reason after she showed me, I just walked right up to the gate and rung the door bell. Normally I would say lets try here but for some reason I didn't even think about it! I just did it! And guess what! They let us in. We had a great chat and found out that she hasn't been to church for 10 years because there are "a lot of problems and unanswered prayers". But she asked us to pray for her and her family because they are experiencing some strain in their family! I am really excited to go back to this family! I know Heavenly Father has some great experiences waiting for them!
Those Around US
So yesterday I was able to have
an interview with my mission President! (man i love that guy!)... But we
talked about who we affect as a missionary.. what are the outcomes. 1,
ourselves 2. Our companions and 3. those around us.
I've learned this about myself
Through this whole experience with some investigators I have learned something about myself. When faced with a situation that I cant change I don't dwell on it.. Its not that I don't think about it, or that my heart doesn't ache but I don't focus on it and drive myself as well as others crazy.
Every time we leave this investigators home my companion gets so sad, and just dwells on it and basically says the same things every time over and over. Anyways, I repeat it one time and then I am done with it. I am sure she thinks I have no feelings, but I see no reason to dwell on something I cant change. Rather I exercise my faith by doing my best. This is the only way his promises are sure and we all need his help..
My studies in Preach My Gospel (PMG) chapter 6 have been focused on humility! PMG.says that humility is not a sign of weakness, it is a sign of spiritual strength. In Helaman chapter 4 the Nephites forgot to be humble they forgot just how important Heavenly Father is and the amount of strength they received from Him, verse 13 tells you what happened.
" And because of this their great wickdness, and their boastings in their own strength, they were left in their own strength; therefore they did not prosper, but were afflicted and smitten, and driven before the Lamanites, until they had lost possession of almost all their lands."
Read it! Ponder it! Apply it! Humility also includes having confidence in HIS plan...I'm still working on this one! But I do know he has a plan, one much better and more beautiful then we could ever imagine. Im still trying to work on this but this is why I dont just sit around when something unfortunate happens.
To find happiness and enjoy His plan more often then not we must get on our feet and work. Never forget the strength he gives you or we may leave you to your own!!!
Don't forget to let me know about your PMG studies!! I love you, see you soon.
Every time we leave this investigators home my companion gets so sad, and just dwells on it and basically says the same things every time over and over. Anyways, I repeat it one time and then I am done with it. I am sure she thinks I have no feelings, but I see no reason to dwell on something I cant change. Rather I exercise my faith by doing my best. This is the only way his promises are sure and we all need his help..
My studies in Preach My Gospel (PMG) chapter 6 have been focused on humility! PMG.says that humility is not a sign of weakness, it is a sign of spiritual strength. In Helaman chapter 4 the Nephites forgot to be humble they forgot just how important Heavenly Father is and the amount of strength they received from Him, verse 13 tells you what happened.
" And because of this their great wickdness, and their boastings in their own strength, they were left in their own strength; therefore they did not prosper, but were afflicted and smitten, and driven before the Lamanites, until they had lost possession of almost all their lands."
Read it! Ponder it! Apply it! Humility also includes having confidence in HIS plan...I'm still working on this one! But I do know he has a plan, one much better and more beautiful then we could ever imagine. Im still trying to work on this but this is why I dont just sit around when something unfortunate happens.
To find happiness and enjoy His plan more often then not we must get on our feet and work. Never forget the strength he gives you or we may leave you to your own!!!
Don't forget to let me know about your PMG studies!! I love you, see you soon.
Family....Central To Heavnly Fathers Plan
We had mission workshop and the workshop President Sperry gave us was the workshop he gives the missionaries when they are going home. Since he and Sister Sperry are going home he gave it to all of us. It is about families and finding are eternal companion! Needless to say we were all a bit trunky! But we quickly got over it.
So he first started talking about the creation and how the earth was truly made for us to come and create families. Then we talked a bit about how important family is. We can see how important family is because of the greatness of Satan's fight against it. Some ideas given were same sex marriage, the degradation of the importance of children, the attitude of spouses to one another, selfishness, and the pleasures of the world and then the kicker....hanging out! You know, having personally gone through the affects of Satan's temptations I can say just how powerful and harsh they are, and they aren't going to stop!
President Hinckley once said that Satan's attack is now on the family. Why? Because besides Christ, family is central to his plan. We see many ways Satan is attacking the family, but as eternal law requires there is equal and greater tools and happiness available to families, like prayer, family home evening, making and keeping covenants, being honest, setting family goals, clinging (not just holding) onto your spouse, and allowing Heavenly Father into your life daily!
We examined the examples of Nephi and his family. They went back to Jerusalem to get wives ( I Nephi 7:1) and they even had weddings. Then the big day came when Nephi was done building the ship and they set sail to the promised land. As the scriptures tell in I Nephi 18:9 Laman and Lemuel and theiir wives began to make themselves merry and become exceedingly rude! They even bound up Nephi to eventually kill him. This is when we see the faith and love of his sweet wife in verse 19 it says, that not even the tears and prayers of his wife and children could soften their hearts. Nephi was large in stature, obviously a faithful and righteous man......What kind of person was his wife? Did she honor the priesthood? It seems to be this way. Nephi got the kind of wife that was comparative to himself. Laman and Lemuel as well.
So what kind of person do you want to marry?
Or what if you are already married, what kind of relationship do you want to have?
I know I am not married yet but I have seen lots of examples of how a good relationship works and how a not so good one works and the good and especially best relationships arent easy and they include 3 people ALWAYS!! The husband, the wife, and Heavenly 'Father. We must always rely on him to lead and guide us.
I am so grateful for my family. I know I knew them before we came to this earth and I pray everynight that we may each become worthy to continue our journey together as an eternal family. It is absoultely possible. We were once broken but by carefullly applying the teachings of Jesus Christ and using the atonement we have found happiness and hope for a brighter future. The family truly is central to this plan and there is a way to be sure of an eternal companion and to know how to raise failies in this ever changing and dangerous world. But as with all the commandements of God, we must first exercise faith!
I don't know Heavenly Fathers plan for me after the mission, but I'm excited to find out!
So he first started talking about the creation and how the earth was truly made for us to come and create families. Then we talked a bit about how important family is. We can see how important family is because of the greatness of Satan's fight against it. Some ideas given were same sex marriage, the degradation of the importance of children, the attitude of spouses to one another, selfishness, and the pleasures of the world and then the kicker....hanging out! You know, having personally gone through the affects of Satan's temptations I can say just how powerful and harsh they are, and they aren't going to stop!
President Hinckley once said that Satan's attack is now on the family. Why? Because besides Christ, family is central to his plan. We see many ways Satan is attacking the family, but as eternal law requires there is equal and greater tools and happiness available to families, like prayer, family home evening, making and keeping covenants, being honest, setting family goals, clinging (not just holding) onto your spouse, and allowing Heavenly Father into your life daily!
We examined the examples of Nephi and his family. They went back to Jerusalem to get wives ( I Nephi 7:1) and they even had weddings. Then the big day came when Nephi was done building the ship and they set sail to the promised land. As the scriptures tell in I Nephi 18:9 Laman and Lemuel and theiir wives began to make themselves merry and become exceedingly rude! They even bound up Nephi to eventually kill him. This is when we see the faith and love of his sweet wife in verse 19 it says, that not even the tears and prayers of his wife and children could soften their hearts. Nephi was large in stature, obviously a faithful and righteous man......What kind of person was his wife? Did she honor the priesthood? It seems to be this way. Nephi got the kind of wife that was comparative to himself. Laman and Lemuel as well.
So what kind of person do you want to marry?
Or what if you are already married, what kind of relationship do you want to have?
I know I am not married yet but I have seen lots of examples of how a good relationship works and how a not so good one works and the good and especially best relationships arent easy and they include 3 people ALWAYS!! The husband, the wife, and Heavenly 'Father. We must always rely on him to lead and guide us.
I am so grateful for my family. I know I knew them before we came to this earth and I pray everynight that we may each become worthy to continue our journey together as an eternal family. It is absoultely possible. We were once broken but by carefullly applying the teachings of Jesus Christ and using the atonement we have found happiness and hope for a brighter future. The family truly is central to this plan and there is a way to be sure of an eternal companion and to know how to raise failies in this ever changing and dangerous world. But as with all the commandements of God, we must first exercise faith!
I don't know Heavenly Fathers plan for me after the mission, but I'm excited to find out!
Sunday, June 8, 2014
Everything has a Purpose
So we decided I don't know how to teach kids, especially in another language. They just get bored and end up leaving. So I decided to read the friend for some ideas, and I found this quote, "Your Heavenly Father has known you for a very long time. You as his son or daughter were chosen by him to come to earth at this precise time, to be a leader in His great work on earth! You were not chosen for your bodily characteristics but for your spiritual attributes, such as bravery, courage, integrity of heart, a thirst for truth, a hunger for wisdom and desire to serve others!"
EVERYTHING happens for a reason. And at this specific timing. I don't believe anything is a coincidence. Something's are too perfect to be an accident! We truly have been personally selected by our Heavenly Father to be where we are at this time, and if we are willing we can become an effective tool for him! Nothing is impossible! I promise! Even learning to love those "hard to handle" people is possible.
I read another article from last October Conference and a mom didn't understand why her son had made such bad decisions. Why was he sent to her, she had done her best! And the answer she got was...."I knew you could love him, no matter what he did." Those situations can be hard in the moment and I am learning how to love difficult people, but really it is a privilege when you think about it. Look at the trust Heavenly Father has in you!
Everything has a purpose, even our relationships with others!
EVERYTHING happens for a reason. And at this specific timing. I don't believe anything is a coincidence. Something's are too perfect to be an accident! We truly have been personally selected by our Heavenly Father to be where we are at this time, and if we are willing we can become an effective tool for him! Nothing is impossible! I promise! Even learning to love those "hard to handle" people is possible.
I read another article from last October Conference and a mom didn't understand why her son had made such bad decisions. Why was he sent to her, she had done her best! And the answer she got was...."I knew you could love him, no matter what he did." Those situations can be hard in the moment and I am learning how to love difficult people, but really it is a privilege when you think about it. Look at the trust Heavenly Father has in you!
Everything has a purpose, even our relationships with others!
Wearing the Gospel
Fun memories this week!
We had mission tour and the ENTIRE mission was in one place! It was really cool to see past companions and cherished friends. The training that we received was amazing as well.
We had spontaneous service projects this week, repackaging wrapping paper for Christmas. It was so cool, and I got a preview of what the 2014 hallmark paper is!! It's way cute, just in case you were wondering. To bad it's not the same in the states.
The ward is doing great and progressing, it's just our investigators that aren't. We leave commitments we have talked about and talked about how important they are, but they are just choosing not to act! Which can be really frustrating. We can't force them.
We have been praying more fervently to find part member families to teach, and that prayer is starting to be answered. We met a less active part member family last night and they seemed really excited for us to come back! We had a member visit last week that was absolutely inspired! We went to Sister O's home, she is a lawyer for the church here in Asia and she has an inspiring story. When she was first transferred to her area they hadn't had a baptism for 8 months and she was really confused why she was there. So she prayed for inspiration and to make a long story short, they started being happy and "wearing the gospel". They then talked to everyone, and not with the pure intent of teaching, but with trust first, and they prayed VERY specifically. The end result, they had 95 baptisms I think it was in a 6 month period.
I know that this is possible in my area as well. It won't be easy but it is possible! Because this is HIS work, and he does not fail!!
We had mission tour and the ENTIRE mission was in one place! It was really cool to see past companions and cherished friends. The training that we received was amazing as well.
We had spontaneous service projects this week, repackaging wrapping paper for Christmas. It was so cool, and I got a preview of what the 2014 hallmark paper is!! It's way cute, just in case you were wondering. To bad it's not the same in the states.
The ward is doing great and progressing, it's just our investigators that aren't. We leave commitments we have talked about and talked about how important they are, but they are just choosing not to act! Which can be really frustrating. We can't force them.
We have been praying more fervently to find part member families to teach, and that prayer is starting to be answered. We met a less active part member family last night and they seemed really excited for us to come back! We had a member visit last week that was absolutely inspired! We went to Sister O's home, she is a lawyer for the church here in Asia and she has an inspiring story. When she was first transferred to her area they hadn't had a baptism for 8 months and she was really confused why she was there. So she prayed for inspiration and to make a long story short, they started being happy and "wearing the gospel". They then talked to everyone, and not with the pure intent of teaching, but with trust first, and they prayed VERY specifically. The end result, they had 95 baptisms I think it was in a 6 month period.
I know that this is possible in my area as well. It won't be easy but it is possible! Because this is HIS work, and he does not fail!!
Thursday, May 29, 2014
The Gardner
So the other day we had a nice day planned out and we were punted (meaning no one let us teach them) at basically every appointment! It was awesome! No, really it wasn't to bad. Since we had no appointments we did what we do best, street contacted. We met this man who knew a member, I had know idea who the member was so we decided to contact him. It turns out he is a less active, I love meeting less actives. They know who we are and they know the lessons. So after that we were back to finding. My feet hurt SO bad at the end of that day. Holy cow I thought they were going to fall off! We only had four appointments. Days like that can be rough and can feel very....unproductive. Then I remembered how sometimes we need to be the Gardner. Before the Gardner can pick his crop he must plant the seeds! So one day he will go out and plant and plant his crops, that's all he does all day. At the end of the day did he accomplish anything? You bet he did! His crops are now planted, so even though our efforts may seem useless at times they aren't. It may be someone else's job to care for the garden or to harvest. We all have a part in this work. So let's get to work!
Atonement and forgiveness
I was supposed to give a talk in church this last week and with it being Easter I decided I was going to give it on the atonement of Jesus Christ. So there I was at my desk looking up scriptures, and thinking about what I wanted to say and then I. It iced the picture of my family, that I use for a book mark. I was reflecting on how much I love each and everyone in that picture and then I thought about how happy it will be when I get to hug each one of them and what it will be like at the airport when I go home (this was my trunks moment for the week, please forgive me). As all of this played out in my mind I had to think to myself that not everyone in that picture would be there, and how I would have only memories of past embraces to hold onto. And then I thought about the type of embrace we will have when we return back to our Heavenly Father! What a glorious. Day that will be!!! That day that we will see our Eternal Father inHeaven and we will recognize him as such!
BUT none of this would be possible if it weren't for our Savior Jesus Christq. Eternal life is only possible because of His suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane, and hHis death on the cross. Those two events are what allows us to have eternal life and to have our bodies joined with our spirit, never again to be separated,always in a glorified and perfect form.
I don't remember who gave the talk in general conference but they talked about how Mary was at the garden tomb and Christ asked her why she was so upset, and she thought he was just the Gardner, until he called her by name. And that is when she recognized him as the resurrected Lord. All of us will be called by our names nod day to face our maker, and we will recognize his loving tone of voice as he embraces each of us, his children!
The plan of salvation is real! And his plan is perfect! He loves us more than we can ever compared and gave us His only Begotten Son so that we could return and live with him. Don't take all of this from me. Find a quiet spots and talk to the Gather who we all left not so long ago and ask him if it is true! Ask him what we should be doing here on our journey. And I promise, as a representative of Jesus Christ that he will give you an answer if you have real intent and a sincere heart! I am just a mortal, and I could not promise such a blessing, that my dear brothers and sisters is coming from your Father in Heaven!
BUT none of this would be possible if it weren't for our Savior Jesus Christq. Eternal life is only possible because of His suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane, and hHis death on the cross. Those two events are what allows us to have eternal life and to have our bodies joined with our spirit, never again to be separated,always in a glorified and perfect form.
I don't remember who gave the talk in general conference but they talked about how Mary was at the garden tomb and Christ asked her why she was so upset, and she thought he was just the Gardner, until he called her by name. And that is when she recognized him as the resurrected Lord. All of us will be called by our names nod day to face our maker, and we will recognize his loving tone of voice as he embraces each of us, his children!
The plan of salvation is real! And his plan is perfect! He loves us more than we can ever compared and gave us His only Begotten Son so that we could return and live with him. Don't take all of this from me. Find a quiet spots and talk to the Gather who we all left not so long ago and ask him if it is true! Ask him what we should be doing here on our journey. And I promise, as a representative of Jesus Christ that he will give you an answer if you have real intent and a sincere heart! I am just a mortal, and I could not promise such a blessing, that my dear brothers and sisters is coming from your Father in Heaven!
Reach for His help
We have a family that was a referral who we have tried to contact but the timing just has not worked out. But to make a long story short and not to share any information that is private we went back this last week and the mom was really upset. She told us that her daughter went missing last week. They don't know if she ran away or if she was taken. Of course just as any mother would be she was upset and very tired from the long nights of no rest and worry. I can't imagine the things that this woman is going through, and I tried to put myself into her shoes and still, I know I can't feel her pain unless I am in her situation.
HOWEVER! There is one person who knows exactly what she is feeling. But I want to look at this in a little different way. We all have a Heavenly Father and Mother, who have exercised their faith in us by sending us here to earth, with the hope that we would live the gospel so that we could return to them one day! Everyday we have the opportunity to make decisions which naturally will allow us to grow closer or further away from them. And I can't imagine the pain that Father in Heaven feels when we choose to essentially "run away" from Him. Or what he must feel when he sends us help and we choose to ignore it!
I know that Heavenly Father has a plan for each of us and his work and his glory is to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man! He is willing to reach out, to give us help on this mortal journey, if we are willing to reach back! There is no need for us to wander in darkness.
HOWEVER! There is one person who knows exactly what she is feeling. But I want to look at this in a little different way. We all have a Heavenly Father and Mother, who have exercised their faith in us by sending us here to earth, with the hope that we would live the gospel so that we could return to them one day! Everyday we have the opportunity to make decisions which naturally will allow us to grow closer or further away from them. And I can't imagine the pain that Father in Heaven feels when we choose to essentially "run away" from Him. Or what he must feel when he sends us help and we choose to ignore it!
I know that Heavenly Father has a plan for each of us and his work and his glory is to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man! He is willing to reach out, to give us help on this mortal journey, if we are willing to reach back! There is no need for us to wander in darkness.
Changing the world, one person at a time!
So next week is June! Can you believe it? Time goes by so ridiculously fast. But you know what that means we are done with summer and moving on to rainy season, YAY!!! I would rather be wet from rain then from sweat.
Great news!! Guess who got baptized last week? Brother Jessie! I was SO excited!!!!
Anyway, the work her in Deparo ward is doing great. We have been doing a lot of finding, and the members are starting to get involved in the work!
I had to give a talk Mathis last Sunday so I decided to share a story's....about a young boy who lived in 1820. At this time there were a lot of different churches who all claimed to have the truth (sound like our time huh?). Well he really wanted to know which church was true. One night he was reading the Bible in James 1:5 where it challenges us to ask God our questions and he will give us answers. So this young man decided to do just that. He went to a grove of trees and started to offer up the desires of his heart. And then in his own words he said, "I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me, when the light rested upon me I saw two personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description. Standing above me in the air one of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said pointing to the other, "Joseph, this is my beloved Son, Hear him." This is the story of a humble boy who wanted to know the truth. On this spring day the true church of God was restored on earth. From this time forward, the world would again have a prophetW, this provides evidence of so many different things. But for one it shows that one person can truly change the world! The "first vision" as it is called changes the world. Let it change your life! For more information or a way to contact the missionaries near you please visit mormon.org
I love you all! Thank you for continually changing my life through your constant prayers, encouragement and support!
Great news!! Guess who got baptized last week? Brother Jessie! I was SO excited!!!!
Anyway, the work her in Deparo ward is doing great. We have been doing a lot of finding, and the members are starting to get involved in the work!
I had to give a talk Mathis last Sunday so I decided to share a story's....about a young boy who lived in 1820. At this time there were a lot of different churches who all claimed to have the truth (sound like our time huh?). Well he really wanted to know which church was true. One night he was reading the Bible in James 1:5 where it challenges us to ask God our questions and he will give us answers. So this young man decided to do just that. He went to a grove of trees and started to offer up the desires of his heart. And then in his own words he said, "I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me, when the light rested upon me I saw two personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description. Standing above me in the air one of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said pointing to the other, "Joseph, this is my beloved Son, Hear him." This is the story of a humble boy who wanted to know the truth. On this spring day the true church of God was restored on earth. From this time forward, the world would again have a prophetW, this provides evidence of so many different things. But for one it shows that one person can truly change the world! The "first vision" as it is called changes the world. Let it change your life! For more information or a way to contact the missionaries near you please visit mormon.org
I love you all! Thank you for continually changing my life through your constant prayers, encouragement and support!
Popcorn
So I was hungry the other day but I was feeling pretty lazy...so...I decided to pop some popcorn...however here in the Philippines, at least as a missionary we don't have a microwave, so we have to make it on the stove! Which is actually really cool,because you get to see the popcorn start to pop! But more than being delicious, it reminded me of faith and how we all have our own timing. We must first be Tried, or heated up, and then we flourish! Then just like once one kernel pops all the others start as well, just like our understanding of the gospel! If we allow, the spirit will enlighten our minds and allow personal revelation to come. But just as I mentioned above, everything has it's timing, and we must be patient in waiting for those things that we need and want! I know and testify that all of our trials and problems have the capability to bring us closer to Christ, if we allow them to! He is our loving Heavenly Father and wants the very best for us! He doesn't give us trials to be mean, but to rather allow us to grow and become more like him. So if you are going through a trial, or that "heat" just wait! You are about to pop and become something truly amazing!!!
Sunday, May 4, 2014
Service
Well, as many of you may or may not know, my grandma passed away the other week. She was a wonderful lady full of stories, a strong testimony, and best of all a stubborn attitude. ;) Sometimes being the youngest I feel cheated from having the experiences of my brothers and sisters have had, with having grandparents there to pick out their first car, and to approve of their boy friends/ girl friends, and than to have them there for their weddings. But that is the beauty of the gospel. I have the knowledge that their life really isn't over, they continue to live and are able experience all these things even thought they are not here in the flesh! Families really are forever!!
There is one story that my grandma always shared about her mission, and it was when there was a roadshow and her companion wanted to go, but she didn't because she wanted to meet their goal of a certain number of lessons or "cottage visits". So they had exchanges and her and her temporary companion not only met the goal, they exceeded it!... She was a great example of diligence and how when we remember our purpose, whatever it may be and we work hard, we can always reach our goals! My grandma was great at giving compliments, and you always knew they were honest because she would tell you "I mean it, I don't lie when I say that". hehe :)
I have been blessed to have had the opportunity to care for not only 1 but 2 grandmas as they began and ended the last chapter of their mortal lives and that I am forever thankful for.
We have a less active family in our ward who is very poor, and they don't have very many things in this world. We went to their house the other day to teach and they were both laying there very sick, nay has been sick for a while and tay just got it. Sister Collins knows how to do this cool massage thing that they do in Samoa so she offered to massage Nanays head. Well we needed a certain type of leave so we went and got it and at the same time we picked up some food since they had none. When we went back Sister Collins worked her magic and I cooked them dinner. While I was cooking, and things were quiet out of no where I heard a harmonica playing "How great thou art"... For those of you know know my family, you know that my grandpa plays the harmonica beautifully! what a beautiful moment this was! Since I was here on the mission when my grandma passed away I was unable to help as much as I would have like, but there I was as if I was at home, helping those I love!
"And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God."- Mosiah 2:17 The Book of Mormon
When we are willing to serve, He will allow us to be instruments, and he will allow the empty holes in our hearts to be filled!
-XOXO-
Sister Hawkins
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
Building our lives
So this week I had the opportunity to talk to a man who is a convert to the church and he told us his conversion story. He said that he came to Manila and didnt have anywhere to live, nothing to do and one day he met a man who got him a construction job...building a chapel for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. There were only 2 latter-day saints that were working on that job and he said for whatever reason he would hang out with them. Well that got him going to church and then one day his branch president ask if he knew how to cook... he said yes and the next thing he knew he was hired as house help for some missionaries and a year later he was serving his own mission.
Something happened to this brother as he was building this sacred house of the Lord. The same thing happened to the Pioneers who trekked across America to find Zion. When they arrived in the Salt Lake valley they began to build the world famous temple, the Salt Lake Temple. This beautiful building took over 40 years to build as those who build it had to cut each stone by hand. They first got stones from the mountain and had to use whatever means possible to get it to the temple site. From there it was taken from its rugged raw state and formed into what is now a beautiful edifice!
Heavenly Father is doing that with each one of us. He is taking us from our natural or Human man and turning us into a useful, beautiful instruments worthy and ready for exaltation. But we to must build our own temples. What sacrifices are you willing to make? what kind of materials are you going to use? and who are you going to allow into that temple?
As we can see from more than one example, beautiful things happen when we surround our lives with the spirit and clean and good things.
I encourage all of you to select the things in your life wisely. And as you do you will find yourself growing closer and closer to our Eternal Father in Heaven!
I love you all! Have a great week!!
-XOXO-
Sister Hawkins
Saturday, April 5, 2014
Trying on Shoes
Before I left to come to the mission I needed to get another pair of shoes... I wanted a different color than Black and maybe a little heel and of course it needed good arch support for all of my walking! but other than that I didn't have any specifications..So we went on the hunt... we went to so many different stores and nothing! They were all really cute! But they either didn't fit right, or rubbed in the wrong way... they just weren't right... well we ended up going to Dillards since that is where we found my shoes the first time I came out on my mission. We walked in and there where the shoes that I bought for my mission the first time. But I didn't want the same shoes! So we kept looking... we were at the store for maybe 2 hours!! And at one point I looked over and here comes my mom with an arm full of shoes and said "These are all the flats from over
there, take your pick!" hahaha I love my mommy!... well I found a pair I really loved! They were a nude leather with a little heel, oh my goodness! They were so cute!! and they fit really good, the only problem was the price and there was just something there that didn't feel right!...I ended up going with the first pair I saw the same ones I had taken in black the first time I went out!
It is kind of like each of our lives you have something or a period in our life that finishes and we need to start a "new chapter"... that's when we go looking and here in this life we have so many options! So which one are we going to choose?! the one that looks cute or I guess fun or the one that is going to give us that "support" or assure us that you are doing the right thing?!... I have to be honest with everyone reading this and I hope by saying this I can help someone pick the path that has some unknowns but is ultimately the right path. But it was SO much harder for me to come back out on my mission. I had just gotten comfortable with my "normal life" and I remembered how hard it was being a missionary and having to learn a new language and all...so in essence I went shopping. Shopping for what I could now do with my life. I prayed and even fasted and I knew that Heavenly Father would support me in whatever decision I made just as any shoe would cover my feet from walking on the bare ground! But when it came down to the good and best choice I knew I needed to come back to the Philippines Quezon City North Mission. This path in my life wont just "cover my feet" but will give me the support, comfort and experiences that will not only help me but will help change lives for eternity! So here I am writing this in the Philippines, still breaking in these new shoes, but this time I have gratitude in my heart and optimism for every day that lies ahead of me! So take courage in His plan, and take that leap of Faith! And I promise if it is the right thing, and He wont let you go to far if it isn't, everything will be just fine!Now you may be wondering why I am telling you this long drawn out story about shoe shopping... well...
-XOXO-Sister Hawkins
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Taking a step back
Do you ever wish you had a camera around to capture all those "perfect" moments?! I saw a quote once that said "we don't remember days, we remember moments"...
But why? What sets those moments apart from every other moment? Because it seems like some moments, such as those "big milestones" should stay with us forever and mean the most. But for me those big days seem to fade into a blur while the little, unlikely moments stand out like vibrant colors on a black canvas. Maybe it's because in those moments we realize or feel something new, or different. Maybe it's when you body and soul connect together.. Or maybe it's a simple as realizing that time doesn't stop, but goes by rather quickly. Like when you see your "little nephew" and you realize he is no longer a little boy. He is now a young man who is seeing the value of a genuine compliment and being nice to others, and what it means to have faith. Or maybe it's that "magic in the air" affect that helps us to remember. Such as the night when you find yourself dancing to your favorite song under the only street light in the middle of no where with your best friend. Or perhaps it could be feeling peace and love when you realize a prayer has been answered.
You know, it is easy to get caught up in the stress if everyday life. But why should we always focus in the bad?? Are we not told that "thine aflictions will be but a small moment"? (D&C 121:7 ) It's time to start seeing the good. The good in the world, the good in those who have hurt you, and the good in yourself!
You know, it is easy to get caught up in the stress if everyday life. But why should we always focus in the bad?? Are we not told that "thine aflictions will be but a small moment"? (D&C 121:7 ) It's time to start seeing the good. The good in the world, the good in those who have hurt you, and the good in yourself!
The most tender memories can't be captured on camera because they are felt by the heart. But here's to all the good, yet crazy times I've experienced with those I love the most. A gentle nod to the past as we learn to embrace the unknown.
Saturday, March 8, 2014
Getting Lost
In my last area before I came home my companion and I were "opening the area". That just means that both of the missionaries in the companionship are new to the area and normally don't know any of the people or the area. I must say I had some of the most epic adventures in this area, including the big power box thingy that is attached to the power line ( i think it is called the transformer) exploding just down the street from where we lived!
Because we weren't familiar with the area we chose 2 reference points, The church building and our Friday night dinner appointment! Both very important! Everyday for the first few days we would go to the church building and than start to find people from there, mostly because we needed to know where the church building was by Sunday, or...well, I don't know what kind of missionaries we would be if we didn't go to church!
We saw so many miracles happen in this area and I was only there for 12 days!
On one particular day we started at the church and decided to try and find the members on the road leading to the church and to hopefully find some people to teach as well! We stopped by one house and introduced ourselves, the man wasn't interested BUT he did give us a referral for a less active! So we quickly found this less active family and when we met them they were very receptive and happy to see us after so many years!
There was another time we were walking down the street and decided to stop and talk to a girl who looked like she was having a rough day, as we were talking to her we met her mother and just began to get to know their family. Well come to find out, she knew exactly who we were! She was a member herself, but they had just moved into the area and her husband was really sick so she was unable to go to church!
I know these are just simple stories, but the cool part about most of the miracles that happened, all came when we were lost. We didn't know where we were or where we should go, so we learned to listen and to follow, and miracles proceeded.
When I came up to Utah to finish up testing and to help my sister I was again in a new city! My very wise sister told me "pick one or two places that you can make as a reference point and than never take the same route home". Her suggestion of reference point, the temple. The Logan temple sits up on a hill, brightly illuminated for all to see, especially a lost traveler. We also saw miracle in this beautiful city! Not the ones we were expecting, but ones I will ever be grateful for.
Have you noticed anything similar about these stories?... The reference points are sacred places, and the miracles happened when the travelers were lost, left to rely on something more divine. Aren't we all a little lost in our lives? Seeking and striving to do the right thing? Where do you go when you are lost in your life, and who do you consult to find the right way? When life gets rough many people like to blame God, and they wonder why me? Why does this have to happen to me? But shouldn't we ask "Why not me?". Trials come to us for 1 of 2 reasons, it is either a consequence of sin, or it is Heavenly Father telling you its time to grow! That means Heavenly Father is trusting you! How awesome does that feel! The man who know EVERYTHING, and loves you more than we can dare to comprehend wants you to experience something greater than you already have! He sees your true divine potential. So, we have some options. We can say "no!" we can turn around and stop progressing by not going to church, by not continuing to pray and to be miserable. OR we can say "I don't know how I am going to do this, but, lets go". The second option isn't always the easiest, and the rewards often unseen but in the shadows of the trial lay the miracles waiting to be realized. It is those miracles and those tender mercies that make the rocky path worth it! So my dear friends, if you are lost and cant find your way, stop a second find something happy (there is ALWAYS something to be happy about!) and go back to what you know is right. I have a testimony that when we humble ourselves before Him he will show us where we need to go! Kaya mo yan! (You can do it!)
Because we weren't familiar with the area we chose 2 reference points, The church building and our Friday night dinner appointment! Both very important! Everyday for the first few days we would go to the church building and than start to find people from there, mostly because we needed to know where the church building was by Sunday, or...well, I don't know what kind of missionaries we would be if we didn't go to church!
We saw so many miracles happen in this area and I was only there for 12 days!
On one particular day we started at the church and decided to try and find the members on the road leading to the church and to hopefully find some people to teach as well! We stopped by one house and introduced ourselves, the man wasn't interested BUT he did give us a referral for a less active! So we quickly found this less active family and when we met them they were very receptive and happy to see us after so many years!
There was another time we were walking down the street and decided to stop and talk to a girl who looked like she was having a rough day, as we were talking to her we met her mother and just began to get to know their family. Well come to find out, she knew exactly who we were! She was a member herself, but they had just moved into the area and her husband was really sick so she was unable to go to church!
I know these are just simple stories, but the cool part about most of the miracles that happened, all came when we were lost. We didn't know where we were or where we should go, so we learned to listen and to follow, and miracles proceeded.
When I came up to Utah to finish up testing and to help my sister I was again in a new city! My very wise sister told me "pick one or two places that you can make as a reference point and than never take the same route home". Her suggestion of reference point, the temple. The Logan temple sits up on a hill, brightly illuminated for all to see, especially a lost traveler. We also saw miracle in this beautiful city! Not the ones we were expecting, but ones I will ever be grateful for.
Have you noticed anything similar about these stories?... The reference points are sacred places, and the miracles happened when the travelers were lost, left to rely on something more divine. Aren't we all a little lost in our lives? Seeking and striving to do the right thing? Where do you go when you are lost in your life, and who do you consult to find the right way? When life gets rough many people like to blame God, and they wonder why me? Why does this have to happen to me? But shouldn't we ask "Why not me?". Trials come to us for 1 of 2 reasons, it is either a consequence of sin, or it is Heavenly Father telling you its time to grow! That means Heavenly Father is trusting you! How awesome does that feel! The man who know EVERYTHING, and loves you more than we can dare to comprehend wants you to experience something greater than you already have! He sees your true divine potential. So, we have some options. We can say "no!" we can turn around and stop progressing by not going to church, by not continuing to pray and to be miserable. OR we can say "I don't know how I am going to do this, but, lets go". The second option isn't always the easiest, and the rewards often unseen but in the shadows of the trial lay the miracles waiting to be realized. It is those miracles and those tender mercies that make the rocky path worth it! So my dear friends, if you are lost and cant find your way, stop a second find something happy (there is ALWAYS something to be happy about!) and go back to what you know is right. I have a testimony that when we humble ourselves before Him he will show us where we need to go! Kaya mo yan! (You can do it!)
-XOXO-
Thursday, March 6, 2014
The Temple
Have you ever been between a rock and a hard place, and you were just yearning for that "safe peaceful place". A place that made you closer to God, a place that makes you feel loved, and wanted...Somewhere that kind of reminds you of that childhood home that smells like chocolate chip cookie when you walk in...
Well my home never really smelled like chocolate chip cookies when I walked in and neither does this "Heaven on Earth". BUT there is a place that allows you to feel peace and comfort when all other sources don't, and that place is what we call a Temple.
Temples aren't a new concept, you can read all about them in the Bible as well as The Book of Mormon. Temples are a very sacred, not secret place where worthy members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saint can go to make covenants and gain spiritual strength. There is a story about a little boy and a security guard for the temple. The security guard was watching the camera screen when he noticed a little boy run in and out of the gate. He though this was interesting, so he went outside to ask the boy what he was doing. The little boy asked the security guard if he could feel "it". The security guard looked a little confused and the little boy had the security guard go outside the gate and than run inside with him again. He than asked the question again "Can you feel it?". He than continued to tell the security guard that it "feels different" as they stood within the temple gates. There is a special spirit or feeling when you are at the temple, one that you cant find anywhere else.
This last summer I had the opportunity to take a little trip up to Utah with my family and my 2 best friends. Well my one best friend who many are familiar with (Ryan) was preparing for baptism just a week later. The first night that we got into Salt lake it was pretty late, if I am recalling correctly, so we didn't get out of the car, we just drove around the block. And the temple even though it is well lit and is rather large can sneak up on you in down town Salt Lake. So we told Ryan to look out his window, and the look in his eye as he caught his first glimpse of this sacred ground was priceless. It was as though heaven was in his eyes, and he had just witnessed a miracle.
The same thing happened when we took investigators to visit the Manila temple. My dear friend in my first area went to the temple for the first time with his family and it would be sufficient to say they have experienced some rough times, but when you see the picture of the 3 of them standing with the temple in the background you cant help but notice the smile on their face. In fact after that day my companion was looking at the pictures and made the comment that they just looked so happy! For once they could smile! I cant wait for the day that they will be able to go inside that temple and become an eternal family. A family that wont be together just here on this earth, but will be a family linked together for time and all eternity!
Sometimes there are things in life that you just cant explain and these experiences fall into that category.So if you want to know what I'm talking about, hop on the nearest form of transportation and get to the closest temple, even if you cant go inside! But the image and feeling from both occasions will forever be with me, never to be forgotten. I feel so honored to be a part of these spiritual experiences, and to be a part of both of their journeys into the wonderful gospel. I don't know why I was blessed to be a part of it, but I wouldn't trade it for anything in this world! Thank you! :)
There really are blessings that come for those who attend the temple. Not just immediate strength and personal revelation, but blessings that last for an eternity. Before I left on a mission I worked for a wedding and event firm, naturally I witnessed a lot of weddings! And it always killed me when you saw 2 people so incredibly in love and than to hear the words "till death do us part". The beautiful thing about the restored gospel through the Prophet Joseph Smith is that not only were correct principles and doctrines restored, but the priesthood or the power and authority of God was restored as well. This is why families are able to be made eternal in the temple. In Matthew 16:19 we read " And I will give unto you the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven". If you love someone so much, wouldn't you want to spend more than just the short time we have here on earth with them?
I know that families are forever! This knowledge brings me great comfort in times of uncertainty! I know that I will see my sweet grandma again and all my other family members who are on the other side of the veil. I know that no matter what happens here in this life all will be made right and perfect in the end and that MY family is forever. Its more than forever! Its eternal! Families are essential and the center of our Heavenly Fathers plan and I am happy I have the one I have. There is a quote on my moms wall that say "We may not have it all together, but together we have it all". That is 100% correct, we are far from the perfect family, but they are perfect enough for me! So wherever you are give your sibling a hug, or call up your mom and tell her you love her because they are a Gods special gift to you, intended to never be separated.
Well my home never really smelled like chocolate chip cookies when I walked in and neither does this "Heaven on Earth". BUT there is a place that allows you to feel peace and comfort when all other sources don't, and that place is what we call a Temple.
Temples aren't a new concept, you can read all about them in the Bible as well as The Book of Mormon. Temples are a very sacred, not secret place where worthy members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saint can go to make covenants and gain spiritual strength. There is a story about a little boy and a security guard for the temple. The security guard was watching the camera screen when he noticed a little boy run in and out of the gate. He though this was interesting, so he went outside to ask the boy what he was doing. The little boy asked the security guard if he could feel "it". The security guard looked a little confused and the little boy had the security guard go outside the gate and than run inside with him again. He than asked the question again "Can you feel it?". He than continued to tell the security guard that it "feels different" as they stood within the temple gates. There is a special spirit or feeling when you are at the temple, one that you cant find anywhere else.
This last summer I had the opportunity to take a little trip up to Utah with my family and my 2 best friends. Well my one best friend who many are familiar with (Ryan) was preparing for baptism just a week later. The first night that we got into Salt lake it was pretty late, if I am recalling correctly, so we didn't get out of the car, we just drove around the block. And the temple even though it is well lit and is rather large can sneak up on you in down town Salt Lake. So we told Ryan to look out his window, and the look in his eye as he caught his first glimpse of this sacred ground was priceless. It was as though heaven was in his eyes, and he had just witnessed a miracle.
The same thing happened when we took investigators to visit the Manila temple. My dear friend in my first area went to the temple for the first time with his family and it would be sufficient to say they have experienced some rough times, but when you see the picture of the 3 of them standing with the temple in the background you cant help but notice the smile on their face. In fact after that day my companion was looking at the pictures and made the comment that they just looked so happy! For once they could smile! I cant wait for the day that they will be able to go inside that temple and become an eternal family. A family that wont be together just here on this earth, but will be a family linked together for time and all eternity!
Sometimes there are things in life that you just cant explain and these experiences fall into that category.So if you want to know what I'm talking about, hop on the nearest form of transportation and get to the closest temple, even if you cant go inside! But the image and feeling from both occasions will forever be with me, never to be forgotten. I feel so honored to be a part of these spiritual experiences, and to be a part of both of their journeys into the wonderful gospel. I don't know why I was blessed to be a part of it, but I wouldn't trade it for anything in this world! Thank you! :)
There really are blessings that come for those who attend the temple. Not just immediate strength and personal revelation, but blessings that last for an eternity. Before I left on a mission I worked for a wedding and event firm, naturally I witnessed a lot of weddings! And it always killed me when you saw 2 people so incredibly in love and than to hear the words "till death do us part". The beautiful thing about the restored gospel through the Prophet Joseph Smith is that not only were correct principles and doctrines restored, but the priesthood or the power and authority of God was restored as well. This is why families are able to be made eternal in the temple. In Matthew 16:19 we read " And I will give unto you the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven". If you love someone so much, wouldn't you want to spend more than just the short time we have here on earth with them?
I know that families are forever! This knowledge brings me great comfort in times of uncertainty! I know that I will see my sweet grandma again and all my other family members who are on the other side of the veil. I know that no matter what happens here in this life all will be made right and perfect in the end and that MY family is forever. Its more than forever! Its eternal! Families are essential and the center of our Heavenly Fathers plan and I am happy I have the one I have. There is a quote on my moms wall that say "We may not have it all together, but together we have it all". That is 100% correct, we are far from the perfect family, but they are perfect enough for me! So wherever you are give your sibling a hug, or call up your mom and tell her you love her because they are a Gods special gift to you, intended to never be separated.
-XOXO-
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Good Things to Come
Just a little add on... I have always loved this video and it has helped me on various accounts, but it never seemed more real than it did today!
What kind of Faith do you have?
2014 Really started out as an interesting year. In case you haven't heard New Years in the Philippines is the greatest firework show ever experienced! Better than any 4th of July! It literally sounded like there was a war going on outside! Anyways...
On January 1st my companion and I took our journey to the hospital. I have to admit I was a little scared of doing this blood type test. Everyone told me that it was nothing to worry about! All they do is prick your finger! That's not a big deal! I can do that! Well, I went into the little room and the tech started telling me what to do. Well, I didn't study medical Tagalog! but I got that I needed to sit down and put my arm out! That defiantly didn't sound like put out your finger! So, there I was getting my arm poked! But its OK because after, while waiting for the results I was able to look at the adorable Christmas tree in the lobby that looked like a syringe! Anyways back on subject! I got my results back and.. Yep I was o+ which meant I had the same blood type as my sister. Now what do I do?!...
Well, transfers were that following week so, it was a great bonding opportunity for my new companion and I. I must say Heavenly Father knew what he was doing there because my dear companion was a huge support for me and really helped strengthen me! I prayed and fasted so much that week. And by the time Zone Conference rolled around I knew what I needed to do. Every time I would pray about what I should do, I just felt this sort of peace and energy and it was just this kind of "lets do this!" attitude. So I talked with my mission president and he was very supportive of whatever conclusion my family and I came to. So after discussion with my mom and James we decided to have a family fast that coming Sunday. After the fast and before talking with my family on p-day I message my mission president telling him that I needed to come home. That is how sure I was of my answer. Well being the wise man that he is he advised me to talk with my family first and than let him know.
One of my concerns about coming home was if I would be able to return to the mission field after. Well, prayers were defiantly answered that day. I learned that I would in fact be able to return to the mission field whether I was a match or not! This was just a double confirmation that this was the right decision!
As a missionary we need to be up no later than 6:30AM. I am laying in my bed and I hear the phone ring, it shows President Sperry's name on the screen. "OH NO!! I SLEPT IN!!" So I tried to not have a sleepy voice while answering the phone, chatted with him and when I hung up I realized it was just before 6:30! That made me feel so much better! I didn't want to be a disobedient missionary! :) We all thought that it was going to be a few weeks until I came home because of security clearances and what not, but than I get another call later that afternoon telling me that I needed to go back to my apartment and to start packing my things. I had to ask a few times what was said because I really couldn't believe it! The voice on the phone said that I would be on a flight the next morning! WHAT?! That fast?! I didn't even have time to say good bye to anyone! Not long after that phone call I was sitting in a hotel trying to wrap my head around what was happening!
So I came got home and I received the most amazing welcome! I was released by my stake president and than I went to see my sister who happened to be at the church. Oh, side note, the only people who knew exactly when I would be home was my parents and my stake president! I walked into the gym and saw my Lily bug. She looked up, looked away and than looked up again and her jaw dropped, and than she just ran as fast as she could into my arms! It was the cutest thing ever! :) And than there was my sister and Nephews! They all cry a lot (love you guys). But there was something different about these tears. It was the kind that let you know just how much they missed you and they were happy to see you home!
That next morning I woke up to my brother welcoming me home and spending the day with him! I love those types of days! We always end up having fun! But this is the day that everything started and was "on record". We called the transplant coordinator and she quickly sent us the initial testing orders. Blood typing. Again. Well since I had already done this in the Philippines I already knew that I would pass that test. No stress about passing! Well the next step after that included "quite a bit of blood" and other little joys that I happily repeated! And when I got the call that I passed them I was SO excited! As always the hospital wants you to be as informed as possible about life changing events such as this so I was required to take a donors education class. Well the day I was scheduled to do this was the same day that we had to take my grandma to the emergency room! So there I was trying to take this class, schedule other appointments I HAD to have with in like a 4 day time frame and follow what was happening with my grandma. Lets just say it was a great day! And I mean that in all seriousness! I love being able to serve my family and be there for them as much as possible.
Well, I was finally cleared from that round of tests which meant I was ready for clinic...in Utah. So me and my sisters, being who we are, decided to make a girls weekend out of it, even though it was in the middle of the week! :) And to make this long story a little shorter I'll just say we had fun!
So, Monday I was cleared as a "normal person" well, not really they just decided I wasn't forced into this! But man was the phone call funny! I'll share one funny statement that I hope my brother doesn't get upset with me saying! I am on the phone and we are talking about my family and what not and I hear "your brother, how is his house?" Well, I said "Its a little messy, but I guess its OK"... the real question, "How is your brothers health!" bahaha welcome to my blond moments!
Since I passed that questionnaire I was approved to go to "Clinic" which is where they look at the function and anatomy of your kidneys, and they determine if you are healthy enough for transplant and the whole 9 yards. Well, one of my tests from previous testing contradicted itself so they had to do some addition testing. Which meant I had to go to Salt Lake Tuesday night as well as Wednesday! On Tuesday I did a ct scan where they put a contrast dye in you so that they can see your kidneys! Let me just say that is some weird stuff! It starts out making your body feel warm and than suddenly you get really hot and feel like you wet yourself. But as the nurse informed me when I first went in you in fact do not wet yourself! But I thought that if it went on much longer I was going to die from heat stroke or something! Man it was a different experience! But than this morning I did what they call a GFR test ( I think that is what it is called!). They gave me 2 IVs and put some more dye type stuff in my and than set me on a table and lowered a x-ray type plate over me, I felt like a little Jayne sandwich! It was great!
Than it came time for the big test down in the clinic with all of the doctors and surgeons. It started out great! My blood pressure was perfect, my height and weight were fine. And than the doctor came in and talked to me about some stuff and than he tells me "I don't think you will be a good candidate for donation" my first though was "excuse me?!" All of my tests show that I am healthy. Well a little fact about our anatomy! About 85% of the population only has 1 artery and 1 vein that coming from their Kidneys and 15% of the population has more than 1. If you have 2 they can kind of re-construct your kidney to make it work. But more than that its just out of the question. Than they look at the size of the kidney. Most peoples kidneys are only slightly different in size. Well to put this all together one of my kidneys has 2 arteries and the other has 3. So I said, OK, take the one that only has 2! Well, that one would have been great for transplant, the only problem is that the size difference is so big that my body wouldn't be able to keep up with itself, if we left me with the smaller Kidney and I would be in the same case that my sister is in.
When all of this started I knew that there was a chance that I wouldn't be a match. And until now I thought it would just be something I would accept and it wouldn't really affect me. I would know that I tried my hardest! but lets just say, that's not really how it went. I don't really know how to describe how I feel, but I think helpless could be a good word to describe it. I want to be upset, and frustrated, but I cant. I know that this is part of His plan. He knew what the outcome would be before it all started! But here I am, trying to figure out just what that plan is. But maybe, I'm not supposed to understand. Maybe that is the point. Just learning hot to follow without knowing. Maybe the point is to see if I can follow his will and have the Faith to accept what he wants. Most of us have all the Faith in the world for the things that we want. But a quote that keeps sticking in my head comes from a talk that President David A. Bednar gave in a CES broadcast a few years ago. He was asked to go to the hospital to help a young couple who had just been married face the reality of a very serious illness. I don't quite remember what it was, but they asked him if he would give them a priesthood blessing. He said that he asked them a few questions before giving the blessing about faith and different things, and than he asked the young couple if they "had enough Faith not to be healed". Maybe Heavenly Father is testing mine and others Faith. Sure we have the Hope and Faith for those things that we want. But do we have enough Hope and Faith to accept His plan for us. Can we trust that He has our best interest in mind and that if we follow everything will turn out much better than we ever dreamed?
Those are questions that I am still trying to answer for myself. I KNOW that He has a plan and it is more perfect than we can imagine, but am I willing to take a step into the unknown, and follow? If my purpose being home isn't to give my sister a kidney, than what is it? Maybe it is to learn that exact lesson. I'm not really sure, but I have the Faith that one day it will all make perfect sense!
I would like to thank those who have prayed and been a support for my family and I. This has been a rough journey, and now that one roller coaster ride is done we are looking for others who want to get on and try it out! But we really couldn't have done it with out you and your Faith. I wish there was some way to repay you all. But please know that I thank you from the very bottom of my heart!Oh! And in case anyone was wondering, I'm not afraid of needles anymore!;)
On January 1st my companion and I took our journey to the hospital. I have to admit I was a little scared of doing this blood type test. Everyone told me that it was nothing to worry about! All they do is prick your finger! That's not a big deal! I can do that! Well, I went into the little room and the tech started telling me what to do. Well, I didn't study medical Tagalog! but I got that I needed to sit down and put my arm out! That defiantly didn't sound like put out your finger! So, there I was getting my arm poked! But its OK because after, while waiting for the results I was able to look at the adorable Christmas tree in the lobby that looked like a syringe! Anyways back on subject! I got my results back and.. Yep I was o+ which meant I had the same blood type as my sister. Now what do I do?!...
Well, transfers were that following week so, it was a great bonding opportunity for my new companion and I. I must say Heavenly Father knew what he was doing there because my dear companion was a huge support for me and really helped strengthen me! I prayed and fasted so much that week. And by the time Zone Conference rolled around I knew what I needed to do. Every time I would pray about what I should do, I just felt this sort of peace and energy and it was just this kind of "lets do this!" attitude. So I talked with my mission president and he was very supportive of whatever conclusion my family and I came to. So after discussion with my mom and James we decided to have a family fast that coming Sunday. After the fast and before talking with my family on p-day I message my mission president telling him that I needed to come home. That is how sure I was of my answer. Well being the wise man that he is he advised me to talk with my family first and than let him know.
One of my concerns about coming home was if I would be able to return to the mission field after. Well, prayers were defiantly answered that day. I learned that I would in fact be able to return to the mission field whether I was a match or not! This was just a double confirmation that this was the right decision!
As a missionary we need to be up no later than 6:30AM. I am laying in my bed and I hear the phone ring, it shows President Sperry's name on the screen. "OH NO!! I SLEPT IN!!" So I tried to not have a sleepy voice while answering the phone, chatted with him and when I hung up I realized it was just before 6:30! That made me feel so much better! I didn't want to be a disobedient missionary! :) We all thought that it was going to be a few weeks until I came home because of security clearances and what not, but than I get another call later that afternoon telling me that I needed to go back to my apartment and to start packing my things. I had to ask a few times what was said because I really couldn't believe it! The voice on the phone said that I would be on a flight the next morning! WHAT?! That fast?! I didn't even have time to say good bye to anyone! Not long after that phone call I was sitting in a hotel trying to wrap my head around what was happening!
So I came got home and I received the most amazing welcome! I was released by my stake president and than I went to see my sister who happened to be at the church. Oh, side note, the only people who knew exactly when I would be home was my parents and my stake president! I walked into the gym and saw my Lily bug. She looked up, looked away and than looked up again and her jaw dropped, and than she just ran as fast as she could into my arms! It was the cutest thing ever! :) And than there was my sister and Nephews! They all cry a lot (love you guys). But there was something different about these tears. It was the kind that let you know just how much they missed you and they were happy to see you home!
That next morning I woke up to my brother welcoming me home and spending the day with him! I love those types of days! We always end up having fun! But this is the day that everything started and was "on record". We called the transplant coordinator and she quickly sent us the initial testing orders. Blood typing. Again. Well since I had already done this in the Philippines I already knew that I would pass that test. No stress about passing! Well the next step after that included "quite a bit of blood" and other little joys that I happily repeated! And when I got the call that I passed them I was SO excited! As always the hospital wants you to be as informed as possible about life changing events such as this so I was required to take a donors education class. Well the day I was scheduled to do this was the same day that we had to take my grandma to the emergency room! So there I was trying to take this class, schedule other appointments I HAD to have with in like a 4 day time frame and follow what was happening with my grandma. Lets just say it was a great day! And I mean that in all seriousness! I love being able to serve my family and be there for them as much as possible.
Well, I was finally cleared from that round of tests which meant I was ready for clinic...in Utah. So me and my sisters, being who we are, decided to make a girls weekend out of it, even though it was in the middle of the week! :) And to make this long story a little shorter I'll just say we had fun!
So, Monday I was cleared as a "normal person" well, not really they just decided I wasn't forced into this! But man was the phone call funny! I'll share one funny statement that I hope my brother doesn't get upset with me saying! I am on the phone and we are talking about my family and what not and I hear "your brother, how is his house?" Well, I said "Its a little messy, but I guess its OK"... the real question, "How is your brothers health!" bahaha welcome to my blond moments!
Since I passed that questionnaire I was approved to go to "Clinic" which is where they look at the function and anatomy of your kidneys, and they determine if you are healthy enough for transplant and the whole 9 yards. Well, one of my tests from previous testing contradicted itself so they had to do some addition testing. Which meant I had to go to Salt Lake Tuesday night as well as Wednesday! On Tuesday I did a ct scan where they put a contrast dye in you so that they can see your kidneys! Let me just say that is some weird stuff! It starts out making your body feel warm and than suddenly you get really hot and feel like you wet yourself. But as the nurse informed me when I first went in you in fact do not wet yourself! But I thought that if it went on much longer I was going to die from heat stroke or something! Man it was a different experience! But than this morning I did what they call a GFR test ( I think that is what it is called!). They gave me 2 IVs and put some more dye type stuff in my and than set me on a table and lowered a x-ray type plate over me, I felt like a little Jayne sandwich! It was great!
Than it came time for the big test down in the clinic with all of the doctors and surgeons. It started out great! My blood pressure was perfect, my height and weight were fine. And than the doctor came in and talked to me about some stuff and than he tells me "I don't think you will be a good candidate for donation" my first though was "excuse me?!" All of my tests show that I am healthy. Well a little fact about our anatomy! About 85% of the population only has 1 artery and 1 vein that coming from their Kidneys and 15% of the population has more than 1. If you have 2 they can kind of re-construct your kidney to make it work. But more than that its just out of the question. Than they look at the size of the kidney. Most peoples kidneys are only slightly different in size. Well to put this all together one of my kidneys has 2 arteries and the other has 3. So I said, OK, take the one that only has 2! Well, that one would have been great for transplant, the only problem is that the size difference is so big that my body wouldn't be able to keep up with itself, if we left me with the smaller Kidney and I would be in the same case that my sister is in.
When all of this started I knew that there was a chance that I wouldn't be a match. And until now I thought it would just be something I would accept and it wouldn't really affect me. I would know that I tried my hardest! but lets just say, that's not really how it went. I don't really know how to describe how I feel, but I think helpless could be a good word to describe it. I want to be upset, and frustrated, but I cant. I know that this is part of His plan. He knew what the outcome would be before it all started! But here I am, trying to figure out just what that plan is. But maybe, I'm not supposed to understand. Maybe that is the point. Just learning hot to follow without knowing. Maybe the point is to see if I can follow his will and have the Faith to accept what he wants. Most of us have all the Faith in the world for the things that we want. But a quote that keeps sticking in my head comes from a talk that President David A. Bednar gave in a CES broadcast a few years ago. He was asked to go to the hospital to help a young couple who had just been married face the reality of a very serious illness. I don't quite remember what it was, but they asked him if he would give them a priesthood blessing. He said that he asked them a few questions before giving the blessing about faith and different things, and than he asked the young couple if they "had enough Faith not to be healed". Maybe Heavenly Father is testing mine and others Faith. Sure we have the Hope and Faith for those things that we want. But do we have enough Hope and Faith to accept His plan for us. Can we trust that He has our best interest in mind and that if we follow everything will turn out much better than we ever dreamed?
Those are questions that I am still trying to answer for myself. I KNOW that He has a plan and it is more perfect than we can imagine, but am I willing to take a step into the unknown, and follow? If my purpose being home isn't to give my sister a kidney, than what is it? Maybe it is to learn that exact lesson. I'm not really sure, but I have the Faith that one day it will all make perfect sense!
I would like to thank those who have prayed and been a support for my family and I. This has been a rough journey, and now that one roller coaster ride is done we are looking for others who want to get on and try it out! But we really couldn't have done it with out you and your Faith. I wish there was some way to repay you all. But please know that I thank you from the very bottom of my heart!Oh! And in case anyone was wondering, I'm not afraid of needles anymore!;)
-XOXO-
Sunday, March 2, 2014
"Do you know what is really important in your life?"
November 8,2013
Typhoon Yolanda
Category:5
Total Fatalities:5,260
Total times to make landfall: 5
I was in my first area when Typhoon Yolanda ripped through the Philippines.
I remember we were getting ready to go out for the day when we messaged our member present to confirm, and she responded back something to the fact of "Sisters, there is a typhoon headed our way, you need to stay inside". Well being the nieve missionaries that we were we kind of giggled, and and said to ourselves, we have typhoons all the time! We're missionaries! We cant stay in just because of a little rain! So... we went out to work! Later on we received a message from our mission leaders that asked us to make sure we had everything we would need for 3 days, and if we had any flooding in our areas to make contact with mission leaders and to stay safe. Luckily our mission had no permanent damage, we only experienced increased wind and rain. But what we didn't know until the next day was that others, lots of others were going through hell and back, and the end was no where in sight.
I don't know all of the details of the storm. And I wouldn't dare to imagine the types of things that those caught in the middle had to see and go through!...
Today was fast Sunday. That means members and non-members who wish to participate go without food and water for 2 consecutive meals. They than donate the money that they would have spent on those meals to the church for humanitarian use. As people gave their testimonies about missionary work and such I had the opportunity to reflect on the time I had as a missionary in the Philippines Quezon City North Mission, and than I tried to figure out what my most spiritual sacrament meeting was. First I would like to say all sacrament meetings are great, but this one really made me stop and think.
After the Typhoon the Philippines Tacloban Mission was closed to missionary work because of safety precautions. Well, all of those missionaries had to go somewhere! They were re-assigned to different missions in the Philippines. At the time I was serving the people of the La Mesa ward. I should just pause a second and say that these wonderful saints are so loving and accepting and I am SO incredibly thankful to have been able to serve in their ward. They quickly became like family and they will forever have a special place in my heart! mahal na mahal kita lahat!
The first Sunday after the Tacloban missionaries were reassigned we (the La Mesa ward) met Elder Lowe. I remember at first we though we was quiet, and than we all got to know him! And from than he was know as the" always happy and enthusiastic missionary". As tradition goes, missionaries are asked to introduce themselves and say a little something their first Sunday in a new area. Everyone was so excited because we had seen the pictures and heard the stories, but we hadn't met anyone who had actually seen the storm. But we weren't ready for the things we were about to hear. Not because it was bad but because it would change our lives forever. When Elder Lowe got up, he started with the usual, name, home town and so forth and than he began to talk about the Atonement and how it now had new meaning in his life. "When you loose everything, you find that you really have it all" he said "The things that mean the most in life are the things that help you to
get through the hard times, the things that give you hope and peace!". And than he asked the question "Do you know what is really important in your life?". I cant speak for everyone in sacrament meeting that day but the spirit in that room was like something I had only felt a few times before in my life. I honestly cant really say I remember exactly what was said that day but I do know that the things I was complaining about suddenly didn't matter. Things like my sisters wedding, births of new family members, and the crazy thanksgiving my family have had, seemed to flood my mind. In this same moment I was thankful for the knowledge I have of the gospel of Jesus Christ.I am grateful that I have the fullness! Not
just bits and pieces! I'm thankful for my knowledge of the Atonement
and knowing that even though I am a very imperfect person I can become
clean from my sins and face my maker one day! Jesus Christ came to this world already once before, and he is coming back! This time with reign and glory. And that second coming is not far off. In Doctrine and Covenants section 88 verse 90 it tells that the seas will have no boundaries, this being one of the signs of His coming. Typhoon Yolanda, seemed to have no bounds.
So I pose the question to you all "Do you know what is really important in your life?"
I am grateful for the opportunity that I had to meet not only Elder Lowe but the other missionaries from Tacloban. My testimony was made stronger by their examples and desire to serve! They are strong, courageous, and valiant, ready to serve their king! Their optimism has helped so many people through their trying times. There is a saying that "the Filipino spirit is waterproof", I would like to add on and say "the missionary spirit is waterproof". And those missionaries have proved it!
I keep saying this but it is only because it is true, serving as a missionary was the greatest experience of my life. Having the opportunity to meet new people everyday and invite them to come unto Christ has brought me more happiness than anything else I have ever done. Not only do you have the opportunity to see miracles on a daily basis but you also get to meet wonderful people who end up changing your life!
-XOXO-
P.s The Tacloban Mission has been re-opened to missionary work, and they are seeing much success!
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