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