May 18: Weeks and Stuff

It has been a very weirdly no time week!  

Tuesday I had exchanges with the STL's in their area.  ROAD TRIP!  Jokes, it is like 30 minutes away, and we only stay together for 24 hours.... but it was a blast!  I experienced my first funeral here in the Philippines, and me and my companion for the day and I ate a whole bag of Doritos.... We tried to limit ourselves, but what can we say?  We love the taste of America.  Ha!  

Wednesday we had our interviews with President.  It was good, we were able to discuss the new way of planning.  We had a goal to get 100 baptisms in May, It was such a wonderful goal.  so hopefully we can still make it.  I am just punching myself for not being able to contribute.  We have been struggling to find what we call 'Golden investigators' but have been blessed to be working so much with our less actives, and really seeing a change.

Friday was our half-day mission.  It is so wonderful.  It is a time for members to go to Less Active and investigators houses without us.  and our members are so dedicated!  They take it so seriously, and really do sacrifice SO much time to helping us.  They build friendships with the people, and since of course, you want to hang out with friends, the people come to church!  We had a lesson with one of our Less actives that is a 23 year old man.  he is so smart, and so very good with the gospel.  We went in wanting to teach prayer, but after talking for a little bit we decided to share the baptismal covenant scripture about 'mourning with those that mourn' It was such a powerful lesson.  He really understands the importance of learning, and teaching in the church.  That Sunday him and his friend, who is also less active, CAME TO CHURCH! It is amazing how sometimes, people, they just need a little push!  I am telling you all.  He could very well be a great leader of this Church.  After the half-day mission we had a branch home evening.  and although we would have liked a bigger turn-out, we were happy for the ones who were there!  We played some games, shared some laughs, ate so much food!  maganda yen!  

Saturday was MARK'S BIRTHDAY!!!! HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY KID!  It was also a Baptism, so what a happy, happy day indeed!  It was the baptism of one of our recent converts mom.  The mom wasn't into the lessons while her daughter was taking them, but after she was baptized, she started listening.  People can change.  It is so important not to give up on anyone.  keep praying for them.  "there can be miracles, when you believe"

Sunday was a very sad day for us in Agoo 1.  The branch was re aligned, and we lost a brgy. (a section of land) in our area. Meaning we had to say goodbye to quite a few of our Less actives, and strong members. :(  We also lost the Balloran/Fangoli family :'( It really was so hard to say goodbye.  But I know that it is a good thing.  maybe through this we will be able to unite the branches.  We went and said goodbye.  They even fed us a last supper of so much delicious food. eggplant, sardines, and a dish with jackfruit.  I don't know the names.  Just that is was amazing, and It made leaving even harder. 

My housemate Sister Taliviao...i think that's right.... Is finished with her mission, and so after dropping her off at the bus stop, as she goes to San Fernando, Baguio,  Manilla, then Australia. Farewell sister! 

 we are now in the threesome.  It is good.  I feel like a giant compared to them (they are both Filipino), and am always lost before lessons when they are joking and such.  ha.... one day I'll know Tagalog... right?  hahahaha.  

Hope you have a great next week. loves and loves

until next week

-sister Nott  

May 5: Mother's day: Mass Masaya.

First.  Hailee Rupp!!!!!  is ENGAGED!!! congrats to her!!!! oh goodness, mahal kita sister!!!! 

We just finished up week four of this transfer.  I don't believe it.  I feel like me and sister Lacdo-o just became companions two weeks ago. It has really been just a magundang transfer.  We have had nothing to do but work.  We have had plenty of opportunities to teach, and serve, and bond with our members and less actives!  And this week. WE SAW THE FRUITS OF OUR LABORS!!!!  

We were so blessed to be able to attend the 167th relief society activity on Saturday.  The whole week we were reminding/inviting people left and right "come to the RS activity"  " You know, our church is having an activity tomorrow!"  "You miss all your friends from church?  Well they are all going to be at this RS activity tomorrow, you should come.  It will be a party-party!"

We even invited a lady on our first approach while trying to contact a potential investigator.  She is so hilarious.  She goes "You are just going to invite me to church right away.  I am not going until you convince me first."  HAHA so we said, well how about we come try to do that on thursday.  And she said "okay, you can do that.  Just DON'T come at this time.  It's already night, and I want to go to sleep."  Ha, so we haven't gone to teach yet.  But you better believe I am way excited.  I really thought that I would like to have investigators that are easy.  That don't ask questions, but just go with the flow.  But truth is.  I don't.  I found out I like a good challenge. 

anyway, back to the activity.  We walked in and saw our less active, and our investigator waiting there!  We were so ecstatic, an excitement that grew when my dear sweet Erlinda Estwesta came in!!  What added more to that thrill is to see a member that i didn't even know was friends with her run to her, gave her a giant hug and say "Erlinda! Erlinda!  I have missed you so much!!!!"  Wow, can you say rad fellowshipper!  The activity went great, and as mama Gretch says. "A good time was had by all!"

The next day was Sunday.  And my mouth almost fell to the floor to see ( as sister Lacdo-o calls them)  our 'three kings!)  They are 3 very less active PRIESTHOOD HOLDERS. Which the Branch is in desperate need of.  They all live fairly close to each other, and the oldest has just encouraged the snot out of the other two.  They came, they enjoyed, and they committed to come next week again.  even though they are old.  They really do make a room more lively!  We also had a whole less active family come for all three hours, and our two precious investigators.  It was a lovely meeting.  President Balleados came and gave a tear jerking story about the Hero of the Philippines, Apolinario Mabini.  About the sacrifice of his mother.  Mothers really do sacrifice EVERYTHING for their children, they are the most unselfish, and giving creatures alive.  The spirit was so strong, and I was able to get pumped to talk to my own sainted mother this morning!  

Mom, Family!!!  I am so happy for the opportunity I had to talk to you.  Even though a short time, it was plenty of time to carry my happiness to Christmas!  Thank you for your love, support, and constant communication with me!  Please forgive me for my shortcomings in writing back.  And know that I love you.  And that this work it so great.  It is SO great.  Don't take the Gospel for granted.  Don't get relaxed with your scripture studies, and ALWAYS APPRECIATE, AND TAKE TIME WITH YOUR FAMILIES!  

I love you all very much! 

Mahal ko kayo Sobra.

until next time!

hanggang sa susunod!

take care! 

Ingat

-Sister Nott

March 4: sorry.

Friends, Family.

Sorry that this is my email.... but It is one of those weeks where I don't know what to write.... We have had the most amazing lightning storms that light up the whole sky, and I saw my first accident here, which is surprising because the traffic here is always something from the movies.  HA, seriously, everyone drives here like they are in a high speed chase!  But the accident wasn't bad, no one got seriously injured.  

The Meana baptism will be May 17, Hopefully, definitely been a struggle of a week.  But there is this cheesy EFY song that says "I know that it won't be easy, but it's making me strong so give me, mountains to climb."  It's true.  You don't remember the bad times after the good ones!  

We have had less actives flying to us.  For real they all say "Oh I was baptized as a Mormon one time" or "oh ya, I used to be Mormon."  Ha, it is sad how easy people slip into inactivity. So my advice for the week. GO TO CHURCH EVERY SUNDAY!  READ THE BOOK OF MORMON EVERYDAY! AND SERVE IN THE CHURCH!  

I wish you all you Mother's a happy happy day, and I am sending my love to you, from the Philippines!  You are all such amazing examples to me, keep up the good work!  

Love you all!

until next week

-sister Nott 

April 27: Storms, Surprises, Stealing, and Scary Monsters.

To start off.  Parents, how was you anniversary?  Hope it was the best! I love you both very much!!!
 It was a whirlwind week.  Filled with fun times. 

Monday: we had FHE at a members house where they made like 8 different ulam (dishes) all of them seemed to be better than the one before.  I have learned so much about Fillipino food from Sister Lacdo-o.  Like how to order fish at the market, how they can scale, gut, and dice a fish in a matter of seconds.  She has also taught me how to make pakswe, yema, manudo, chicken adobo, and Filipino spaghetti with all the crazy add inns. 

Tues:  We were in a tri-sum because our house mate is going home soon so went to Manilla for her exiting visa. BY HERSELF!  So it was just a day of teaching, but nothing to crazy.

Wed:  I woke up with an awful AWFUL stomach cramps, and my companion had a killer headache.  We aren't sure if it was something we ate, or didn't eat.  but We thought it wise to take a sick day.  We had an apt. with a member at 5 so we went out just for an hour.  In that hour I was buying a cupcake for a members birthday, and while it was in front of my face, my wallet was stolen.  no jokes.  But this is the miracle.  The morning of, I took out all the money I had and put it in my apt.  The only thing that punk got was two 5 peso coins, and my support card.  The card was cancelled immediately, and so we see...  the good always wins.  

Thurs: was a Thursday....

Friday:We went out to work in the heat of the day.  A day so hot I thought that my brain would melt, and start dripping out of my ears.  But in a blink of an eye, honest.  It was from heat to pouring rain!  I have been waiting since I opened my call for a good Rain storm, It was worth the wait!  Good thing rainy season is just around the corner!  *heel click* But on the semi-negative, but also kind of positive.  The rain some how brought about maraming animals into our apt.  We had 1 cockroach, 2 centipedes, and my companion caught a frog that was hanging out in our sing.  How they all got there.  I will never know.  But tell Merrill I took pictures of all of them for him!  

Sat: Saturday was the perfect 20th birthday!  It started out with National Day of Service, so some of the branch got together and we cleaned a Brgy.  Everyone was so sweet, wishing me a happy birthday.  We even had sister Evangaline Meana (the daughter of Brother Meana) come.  I think that it was just what she needed to feel a part of this branch.  Now she has come to 3 full hours of church, and participating in all of our lessons!  We came back after.  Took a shower, did some studies, then got about 7 punts.  but that is OKAY!  Because my night, was made.  Thank you to my family here in The Philippines!!!  They invited us over for dinner.  When I walked into the door they had "happy birthday sister Nott" cut out on the wall with little paper balloons, and cake!  I was so so so so happy.  It made me tear up thinking that they spent so much time and effort into making my day so special!  We had a lesson given by the other sisters, and then they turned over the closing remarks to sister Kaimi.  That doll, she opened her computer.  and there it was.  a Happy Birthday message of Mary and Seth.  The "tearing up"  went to full on crying.  I was so touched that Kaimi and Mary would work together to do that!  It was perfect!  Than, to top it all off.  I got to eat delicious food, including EGG PIE!!!!!  Later that night.  My housemates surprised me again by buying me cake, and singing to me!  I truly am so blessed.  And so Happy!    To my Filipino Family, and my Family at home.  THANK YOU FOR MAKING MY BIRTHDAY SO SPECIAL!  

Sunday:  We had a LA come that hasn't been to church for ages.  And the Meana family!  

This mission is good. This life is great!  

until next week

-Sister Nott

April 20

It really has been such a fast week, so i apologize for this boring letter. But before I begin.  

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY MOM AND DAD!!!!!  What is it 32 years?  congrats you cute people!

Also, I haven't read the emails yet, but thank you advance for all of the Birthday emails!!  You are all too sweet.  Crazy that I am finally done being a teenager.  It's about time.... I am not sure what I will do for my birthday.  Just the usual i guess, but there will be a little egg pie in the mix. of course.  Also, for a birthday gift parents, I am using my banking card to buy some things I need from the LDS store.  Sorry dolls...

This week, like I said just happened crazy fast.  It was like April just started.... and then I blinked....and now it's ending!  We were blessed with like no punts, and plenty of good lessons... until Black Friday... DUN DUN DUN.  I don't know if I have been ignorant about what goes on during Black Friday for i have lived in Utah, or if the Philippines is way crazier.  Either way, we had a half-day mission, which because of scheduling issues ended up just being Me, Sister Lacdo-o, and dear sister Kaimi in our area.  So just a regular day.  But I am always greatful for the members who work so hard to help their brand out.  we were supposed to have a Branch Home Evening that same night, but it was cancelled.  Which was for the best.  The traffic here was insane.   

So Black Friday is a Catholic holiday, they have a parade, and have floats with statues of Jesus, and Mother Mary, and although a religious holiday, people here take the time off to consume A LOT of alcohol. 

I was sorely disappointed when almost all of our Less actives, and Investigators couldn't invite us in to hear our message because they were indeed intoxicated.  But like all hard times on a mission, we were able to find one couple who amidst all the partying they were sitting quietly in front of their house, watering their plants, and we were able to get to know they, and teach a little lesson.  Not sure how they will except our message, but I am hopeful, they have a good spirit with them.  

I have learned a lot this week.  How we are blessed when we go a little farther than we think we can.  When we don't give up easily, and to have faith that people can change, and that although they make mistakes, they can come back again!  

I hope you have a good week.  For my Birthday gift you should all eat some sweet spicy chili Doritos, and watch Batman!  

Love you all with all my heart!   

Muah Muah!  tsup tsup!

-Sister Nott  

April 13: New starts, and a very crazy week

I experienced my first transfer this week.... they are way insane.  
Tues. me and sister Rea heard the devastating news that although I would be getting to stay in this lovely area, with all these wonderful people that I love so much.  My dear trainer was sadly needed somewhere else, and she was transferred to Baguio zone.  I know that every 6 weeks will be hard, no matter what happens to you.  People you love, and have grown so close to will always leave you. those punks....  But it's okay, because I learned so much from Sister Rea, and I am jazzed that we can be forever friends.  

My new companion is sister Lacdo-o, (if you are having a hard time pronouncing it.  Don't worry.  So do I.)  Ha, but she is just so wonderful too.  HOW HAVE I GOTTEN BLESSED WITH 3 GREAT COMPANIONS. I hope my luck never runs out.  She is an adorable Filipino from summer, which is in Vasayas.<----I think thats wrong spelling.  sorry.  pero, she is 24, and was converted at age 19 after her mother died.  So sad, but she has a very strong testimony, and I have already learned so much from her.  It is amazing how every person you meet here helps you so much.  The Lord knows what he is doing with all of the companionships.  

Wed. was a crazy one trying to visit people for Sister Rea to say goodbye to, but we were able to end it well.  With FHE at our favorite Balorans.  Brother was so nice and made us siopao!!!! No one understands how good this food is. We had a good time. with laughing, and tears.  

Thursday after sister Rea left I anxiously waited for my new companion.  The anticipation almost killed me.  no jokes.  But after sister Lacdo-o arrived we got to know each other, and went to work right away.  She is so amazing with people.  and everyone instantly loves her!!!  She has been out for 1 more transfer than me, but already.... so super amazing at teaching.  wowza. I'm kind of jealous.  but 'thou shalt not covet.'  

Friday my poor companion was sick, so I did a lot of studying, which is something I always love.  EXTRA STUDY TIME!  know why?  cause the Book of Mormon is the best. She actually felt well enough to go to a baptism in our ward.  Which is always nice to be able to support these new members in their oh so great, and righteous decisions. 

Saturday and Sunday were amazing glorious days. because we were able to watch CONFERENCE!!!!  I loved every single one of the talks, and how a lot of them were about raising your children on Jesus Christ, and His principals. How we can teach them to invite others to come unto Christ when they are young.  "There are no age restrictions for missionary work."  What we have is true, and we should want to share it with everyone.  I always love when we hear stories, about how faith brings knowledge, and Elder Uchdorf really rocked it out this year.  Of course.  I was also thrilled when we had SIX of the Meana family come to 2 whole sessions of conference!!!  Brothers baptism is this Saturday, and I couldn't be more excited, although his children need to be extended, this is only the beginning for their family to become eternal!  Me and sister Lacdo-o are making plans for his daughter who is 16.  She is very sweet, and know she will find great joy and comfort is this Gospel that we have found great joy and comfort in!

So here are to forever memories, new adventures, and a good start to great things. 

I love you all very much, have an enjoyable week!  

Live long and prosper. 

until next week!

-Sister Nott

April 7

Sorry, not creative enough to think of a subject line.  

pero, family!!!! 

How was conference?!?!?!  I am a little jeould that yous get to watch it a week before me.  punks.... but I hope you were able to learn a lot, and eat a cheese ball, and other delicious conf. food.  

This has been another good week here in Agoo, and maybe the last.  Seeing how transferrs are tomorrow.  

I get headaches a lot here, I guess that would happen if you change everything about your life!  I can't imagine they are as severe as the ones dad gets, but let me tell you pops.  I am very sorry you get them so often.  They are the spawn of Satan.  You are a champ.

We had companion exchanges this week with the STL's.  I was terrified because I had to lead the area.  So I worked with sister Lazan, and we started off by me missing the turn for our first apt. luckily the lovely sister Kaimi was working with us and corrected the tryke driver kasi the bobo (dumb) American doesn't know what's happening ever.... ha...  but it was a really good learning expirence for me.  Sister Lazan is the def. of being bold and loving!!!  After our day, during evaluation she only said positive.  Not because there was only positives... trust me.... but becasue she is just a really good loving STL that wants to help us.  The only thing she told me to do is not think before I talk.  Which sound funny.  But I am telling you.  If you just open your mouth and speak what you think is Tagalog you are better at right grammer, and you say words you didn't even remember knowing.  So if any of you are wanting to learn a language for some reason... don't over-think it.  

Wed night, after a good day of lessons me and sister Rea were waling home when 3 men started walking right towards us.  All of our leaders, including president, has warned us to be very carful because we are the only 2 foreigners in our zone.  So we were trying to turn when one walked right up to us with a lump in his shirt and said "do you like chicken?" US;"opo" him: "do you like chicken?" us: "wen" (yes in Ilicano) then he reached for the lump in his shirt, and sereiously I thought it was a gun, or a bomb, or some sort of lethal weapon when he pulls out a MASSIVE. LIVE. chicken and the chicken goes *spuak*  hahaha.  So we ran away laughing while they were apologizing for scaring us. hahaha.  The times here. I am telling you.  No one can possibly describe the Philippines where you wouldn't come here and understand.  that is why everyone should come here.  IT'S AMAZING!!! 

Thurs my heart was literally broken.  

Did you know that it could happen on my mission?  well it can.  We have been teaching Rommie, the Filipino that is very well off, and only speaks to us in English.  He has been so receptive, the spirit has been SO strong in all of our lessons with him.  They always say that people will be prepared to here this message.  He was prepared.  But after opening our lesson with a prayer he told us he had to confess something.  Then very solemnly he told us how him and his wife got into a big fight because he wanted to investigate this church more, because he told her he knows it's right.  She told him that he needs to stop, and she told all the neighbors to watch out for us and make sure we don't come again.  I was devastated.  But we know that the most important part of God's plan is the family.  And we do not want to be the problem for any contention.  So we wrote our number down, and told him to text us if she decides it is okay to continue.  Then we all went around and bore our testimonies, and tears were falling everywhere.  Then he says " I don't have to give you back the Book of Mormon do I?  I really enjoy reading it."  So still crying I told him how if he continues to read it, and pray.  One day he will be able to continue with the discussions, then sister Rea promised that one day he will be baptized.  It was such a powerful, bitter-sweet lesson.  I will never forget Rommie for as long as I live.  I learned a lot about what this gospel means, and the blessing it is in my life because of him. 

The Meana family is doing well.  The dad is able to be baptized on April 19th but the children and mom have to wait because they haven't been coming to church.  It is really hard to have people use their agency. I know that sounds evil.  But sometimes I get to a point where I feel I have done everything and they still don't want to come to church.  Ha, but I guess thats how it goes.  You who are reading this email.  KEEP YOUR COMMITMENTS!!!!  But the Meana family really is so great, so sweet, and very smart. 

We were able to watch women conf. on Sat.  I started crying during the opening song.  So I guess you could say I LOVED IT!!!  I loved all they said about looking to righteous women. So thanks to you righteous woman in my life, especially you mom.  You have been the biggest blessing in my life.  You are cool, hip, righteous, funny, and sino una ka (ancient) HAHAHA! 

I love you fam, bam hope you have a killer week!!!  

Muah, Muah, tsup, tsup! 

-Sister Nott 

P.S HAPPY BIRTHDAY ZOEY!!!!  I love you too pieces, and I hope that it is a day full of pink, and glitter, and sass!  Mahal Kita boo.