September 3, 2012

     I still haven't been able to take any pictures yet because I haven't bought a new charger yet, but I'm going to soon so no worries on that! I'll work on getting you pictures of a Jeepney, and of my new companion!

    

    Yeah, ground beef is good and usually pretty cheap comparatively. The stores here are way different haha. In the big cities they have Americanized stories, but nothing like that in the city I'm living in. We usually buy our things at a market; like a Farmer's Market. But usually a couple times a month, we'll have zone gatherings where we can buy ground beef and things like that. 

   

    I know that fasting is a true principle of this gospel.  In relationships with my companions, when something they do or say to me would normally be pretty offensive, I try to remember my own weaknesses and quote to myself Ether 12:27.  The scriptures are so powerful, and are our guide back to our heavenly home!

    I've been so impressed this week by how much the atonement is part of the gospel; I think it might be appropriate to say that the atonement is the gospel, because every part of everything that can be taught is rooted in the atonement, and with it the hope that we can return to live with Heavenly Father.

    This week was so good, just in general.. One of our investigators actually asked if she could be baptized! She's the 11 year old girl that we've been teaching, and began coming to church on her own! She's starting to bring her less-active grandma back with her.  She is such a good example to me, and I'm so humbled to be able to work with the people here in Lupao. The highlight of my week was Sunday.  We had five of our investigators come to church!  An investigating Lola that we have been working with and her family who had recently become less active came to church. We had been visiting Lola quite often and inviting and inviting, but she's had difficulty committing to come to church because of the friends she has in the church she currently attends, and she's been going there for a while.  We had a lesson with her and her less-active son and daughter in law the Saturday before where we talked about missionary work, and how the atonement is part of missionary work; her grandson and grand-daughter are preparing to serve missions later this month. It was a very spiritual experience, but what was even more sweet, was seeing them all together in their Sunday best enjoying the gift of the sacrament together. I know this is the true church, and that it blesses families.

     I had no idea about the earthquake; I'm doing fine though - don't worry about me! I'm in good health and am stoked because we have zone conference tomorrow where we get to meet with the president! Always a
sweet experience!