Back to Mindoro!!

January 20, 2020

Well, I got transferred back to the island of Mindoro!

This time, I went to the other side of the island, in the most southern and province area, called Magsaysay, which used to be in the Quezon City Mission, so now I've seen 3 mission areas...

My new comp is Elder Arakaki from New Zealand, and he's super sick! We both like working out so we get along well. We're planning on running every other morning and working out together in the morning. Only problem is that he's way HUGER than me and he used to play rugby. I feel like he's joking, but he always tells me I'm massive haha!

So many things happened this week but I'll give y'all the highlights!

1. We had a couple more baptisms on Tuesday! This super nice tatay (older guy) and his grandson. When we extended the baptismal date back in December, he didn't think he'd be alive for his baptism in January because of his severe diabetes, but he made it!! Hopefully, he got confirmed yesterday in church!

2. We had to proselyte with masks on because of the volcano

3. We were told to be at the mission office at 6 in the morning, on transfer day, because I was going to Mindoro and there was a van that would be taking all of the missionaries that were transferring there. The text I received said "the van leaves at exactly 6 in the morning and THE VAN WAITS FOR NO ONE". I was stressing it a little bit, so I set an alarm for 2:30, then we could have a little cushion time and get some pancakes at McDo and be at the office by 5:30... but somehow we slept threw the alarm and woke up at 5:10! I was freaking out! Long story short, the van waits for no one... except for Elder Wolferts.

4. Boat ride and van ride through Mindoro was beautiful. We went to the top and I saw this guy just frying a pig leg for a little snack???? I talked to him for a little bit and he was super chill, haha I asked for a pic! Peep the pic below.

5. Arrived at Mindoro to no running water and no electricity. Luckily the water came back but I have only had electricity 40% or less of the time. Super hard to sleep at night with no electric fan, cuz it's so hot!

6. Turns out, my comp and I are the branch clerks AND we have to bless the sacrament every week. The branch is kinda struggling, but I'm excited to do what I can to help it!

7. I was excited to go to a progressing investigator, my comp was telling me about (one of the only progressing ones) and then we got there, and he was dead... SO SAD! My comp had no idea what happened. I guess he died from a stroke. He was 70 yrs old. 

8. I was washing the dishes one night, when I heard a thumping sound (people were saying the apartment was haunted so I thought it might be that haha). I looked behind me and it was a bat flying in the house running into the ceiling! I got the broom and was ready to act in self defense, if needed, and then it ran into a wall and fell down. I thought it was dead, but when I was about to touch it, it sprung to life and flew out the door.

9. We did service yesterday because everyone got wrecked in the typhoon that hit a couple weeks ago. We delivered some materials all day long to members and they were so grateful!

10. The church is true!

Have a great week!!!

Our surroundings

Volcano Eruption??

January 13, 2020

Yep you guessed it, a volcano erupted.

On Sunday, we arrive at an appointment around 6 pm and they point us toward their TV right away, BREAKING NEWS the Taal Volcano has just erupted... Then I find out it that it was actually super close to us! Only 37 miles away. At that very moment President Cauilan texts us that we have to go back to our apartments and to close all the windows because of the ash. We share a super quick message and then leave. 

In thinking of the volcano, fire in Australia, tension between the US and Iran, and countless other calamities, a scripture came to mind that I've never shared in a lesson. Helaman 12:3 

"And thus we see that except the Lord doth chasten his people with many afflictions, yea, except he doth visit them with death and with terror, and with famine and with all manner of pestilence, they will not remember him." Super straightforward, but it's so true. Everyone would forget about God and His Goodness if everything was always easy and had everything go the way they want it to.

Don't have a lot of time today, but I will be getting transferred on Thursday, and tomorrow Elder Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve is speaking to us, so that's exciting! 

Saturday, we had a baptism. The first counselor in the bishopric got to baptize his girlfriend. 

Hopefully we'll have 3 later today, but we're not sure haha!

LOVE YOU ALL

Obedient Unto Death

January 6, 2020

I couldn't sleep New Years Eve.

So apparently our apartment was in the middle of 2 huge parties. There were giant speakers on both sides that seemed to be competing with each other, to see who could blast their music louder. Not to mention, the noise makers, people revving their motorcycles, fireworks, car horns, etc. I didn't even try to sleep haha. I decided to get an extra workout in to make up for all the food that the members brought to us!

This week, we got lost a little bit, trying to find this person's house for a return appointment and then we "accidentally" ran into a long time less active member. She was a little busy, but she agreed to schedule an appointment for us to come back another time. When we came back, she said that she had been talking to her son about when they should come back to church, and they decided that they would find out what time and where the church is. Then, 2 days later, when we ran into her, she gave us a referral and also encouraged us to frequently visit her and her children! Super cool experience!

I also found out in interviews that I'll be transferring, but I don't know yet where. It's going to be sad leaving this area on the 16th. I've grown close to the people here and the ward is so strong! I'm focusing on building up the area a bit more for Elder Smith to lead it because he's feeling a little nervous about doing it without me! On Saturday, we extended two more baptismal goal dates to two very interested people, and also, a family should be getting baptized in February, so the area is still looking to be in good shape! 

7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

Ponder this passage about Jesus Christ found in Paul's writing to the Philippians. 

Being obedient unto death is the ultimate qualifying factor to our celestial resumes. This year, during 2020, let us try a little harder to follow the perfect example of He, who is the only one who can rightfully say He got a 100% on a test of His obedience.

A member gave us some sick shirts for our birthdays, and then treated us to a nice meal!