Another week has flown by here in the Philippines.
It's amazing how fast weeks go by. We had a crazy week with transfers, new
companion, New Years and all that other fun stuff. I have a ton to tell you
today.
I got an email from Bishop this week. He informed
me that I'll be speaking in sacrament on the 15 of February. That's a wake up
call. I'm super stoked for my topic. I'll need to try and put the last 2 years
of faith building experiences into a short talk. Wish me luck.
I'm happy to report that transfer week went great.
We sent off an amazing group of missionaries this week to move on with the next
parts of their lives. I'm sure going to miss seeing them around. It was
especially sad to see Elder Diamse and Elder Hawkins leave. I'm expecting
wedding announcements from them in the next couple weeks. They're going to move
fast. Hopefully I’ll be able to hook up with them before too long after I get
home. Maybe we'll meet at the Y!
Enough about these past companions. Time to tell you
about my new companion. Like I mentioned last week, his name is Elder Thurber
and he's pretty much the man. We are just killin it here in Makati. We get
along really well. He's from Virginia, but studied at BYU before he came out.
He's a little overwhelmed at the moment with all the new responsibilities that
have recently fell onto his shoulders but he's a great missionary and will do
great.
Had a couple amazing experiences this week. On new
years eve we were call by President Osler to conduct an emergency transfer
(when someone is transferred to a new area on a day other than transfer day).
We were called to be the Taxi service. The missionary we were transporting
lives in my old area, Boni 4. Upon arriving at the apartment we made our way
down the hall and stood outside the apartment of the missionaries. All of the
sudden a dog runs out of the next door over and skips our way. Right after the
dog comes out also comes the owner of the dog. My face lit up when I realized
it was Polo, one of my best friends from Boni 4. He recently moved to a new
apartment right next to the missionaries. That's not even the best part though.
He also lives with Elsi! The women I taught and baptized while assigned in
their ward. He invited me inside his house and as I walked in, Elsi came out of
the door and upon seeing me let out a squeal of joy and jumped on her tippy
toes. She ran over and nearly tackled me. It was one of the most extreme
handshakes ever. I was so stinkin happy to see her. She later told me that she
had said a prayer earlier that morning and asked to see me that day. It was a
humbling experience. The Lord truly answers prayers.
Speaking of miracles. we have a baptism this
Saturday!!! Her name is Sheila. She is 14 years old and is so awesome. She's
extremely smart and is always happy. She's one of those people you just love to
be around. She'll make a wonderful member of the church. Sheila lives right
next to one of the strong members of our ward who has helped her out a ton.
They are always willing to bring her to church and other activities. We are
currently teaching Sheila’s mom and hope she will find the desire to baptize
soon as well. It'll definitely happen with time!
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