Thursday was a day that I
had been waiting for since the middle of July. Our missionary Christmas party.
It was great. We began with a devotional given by President and Sister
Stucki that was awesome. It was then followed by a gift exchange, lunch
and concluded with a talent show. It was so much fun. Elder Villoso
and I lit up the stage with a rendition of The First Noel. That was an
experience. When we initially said that we'd participate, we didn't quite
understand how big of a deal this talent show actually would be. When we
arrived, we discovered that we would be performing on stage in front of
hundreds of missionaries. The only thing that was going through my head
was the fond memories of the Mr. Lancer contest and how wonderful that
experience was. Luckily, it turned out far better. Not great, but better. Elder
Villoso started us out on the wrong note so we kind of had to change the arrangement
that we made up. There was a high part that destroyed me. It was good
though. Fun stuff.
Friday night was our
Christmas party in the Manila 1st ward. It was fun. I really like
the ward. They're so nice and welcoming. I met a ton of people and had
some great times. I was kinda disappointed in the turn out though. People
aren't too big on church activities here so not too many people were there. Way
fun anyway. I ate more food than I have in a long time.
Elder Carlson and I were
finally able to work in our area on Saturday. Our bishop offered to show us
around. He took us to the homes of some of the Members and a few of the
less actives. I'm stoked for the area. It's way tough shotgunning
though. We are starting from absolutely nothing. This area was not
very progressing before we got here so we have a grand total of 4 investigators
at the moment. We're trying to spend a lot of time finding to enlarge our
teaching pool. It's a little tough because Elder Carlson doesn't speak
Tagalog so I'm the one that has to do... well... all of the talking. On the
bright side, my Tagalog should get pretty dang good over the next few
transfers. I honestly feel the Lord qualifying me. I've noticed a huge
change in my ability to speak. Somehow I got a bit better at Tagalog. I
still sound like a 7 year old, but I can say what I want, and I can understand
what others are saying to me. The Lord truly does qualify those who he
calls. He leads the work and is with every one of his missionaries.
We spent earlier today
moving apartments. We are now in an apartment that's in our area and it's
way nice, far nicer than my past two apartments. It's actually two floors. We
have a nice balcony with a great view of the large building across the street.
It's a beauty.
I'm so stoked for this
week. We have a dinner appointment every day this week. That's what I'm
talking about. The senior couple invited our district over to their apartment
on Christmas Eve for a little party. They told me that there will be
waffles. Now that's a merry merry Christmas. And of course, Wednesday
will be the greatest day since mother's day. I can't wait to talk with
you guys.
Great news. Carmelino
and Marissa will both be getting baptized this Saturday. I'll be having the
best Christmas a kid could ask for. I get to talk with my family and witness the
baptisms of two people that I have grown to love. The Elders in Manila 2
told me that Carmelino wants me to baptize him so I'm super stoked for that. I
love that family so much (have I mentioned that before?)
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