We watched the Christmas devotional last night. It
was awesome. My favorite thing was when someone (I can't remember who) said
that we need to find joy in being obedient. haha, I was cleaning out all of my
stuff earlier (every time I’ve been transferred I’ve just shoved all my stuff
in my suitcase and not cared if there are lots of bags because the zone leaders
just put it on a jeepney for me. But this time it changed and we now have to
take a bus by ourselves to the new area. So I’m cleaning out all my stuff that
has accumulated over the past 18 months.) Anyway, I found a letter from dad
from the beginning of my mission. I remember writing home because I was very
frustrated with what I thought were stupid rules and leaders that had strange ways of doing things. I
remember getting dad’s letter and that was when I started to do my best to be
exactly obedient... and have a good attitude about it. Ever since then I have
been very obedient and I am so grateful that I chose to listen to dad and
humble myself... even though I occasionally still think some rules are silly
and stuff, I have done my best.
We had Christmas conference in Baguio on Friday. It
was good. We had some workshops and stuff and then President had the
missionaries that are going home tomorrow bear their testimonies. As they
spoke, I realized that that was going to be me in 6 short weeks. President then
gave a very good little talk. We then watched How to Train Your Dragon 2. I
didn't enjoy it that much... I was just reflecting on my mission and
everything. I’ve concluded that I have done my best. Sometimes it's frustrating
because I have had relatively low numbers of baptisms. But I know that I have
done what Heavenly Father wants me to do. I have learned that our success
should not be measured based on stats, but on other things like fulfilling our
purpose and having the Spirit work through you and working diligently every day
no matter what. I am excited for the next six weeks. I am very excited to see
all of you and there are a few things I'm looking forward to like a decent
shower in clean water and the freedom to wear sunglasses and listen to an iPod,
but I am very sad to leave. Oh well, I'll just do my best to not think about it
and to give it all I have for the next transfer.
Only Brother MA and an investigator daughter of a
less active came to church...that was disappointing.
Wait... the APs just called... I’m transferring! Ah
man. Dang! I didn't want to get transferred. I'm going to Bauang. It’s pronounced
"ba wang." with the a like "ah." My companion will be
transferred too. My new companion will be Sister S. I actually really love Sister
S, so I’m glad she'll be my companion. She’s from Hawaii. She goes to BYU. She’s
one transfer behind me. I have a good attitude. It will be fun. I have just
been on exchanges in their area... their stats are really low... it's a hard
area. Most of their investigators are children... oh well. Hopefully we can fix
it and get the area moving. Dang,I feel bad, my companion is sitting over here
crying because she doesn't want to get transferred. She’s just moving next
door. Same apartment, different branch.
Bauang is between Agoo and San Fernando. Wait, I
just remembered something awesome.... I'M GOING TO HAVE AIR-CON. That apartment
in Bauang is the only one with air conditioning. Yay!!! Bauang is a branch. Anyway,
the biggest restaurant in Bauang is a little burger stand I’m pretty sure. But
it's close to San Fernando so you can go there on p day. My area apparently has
the beach in it. So that's fun.
I got the Christmas packages! I loved them sooo
much. Thanks a lot. I haven't opened the presents yet. We have been greatly
enjoying the chocolate. I think I’m going to give the nativity set to the H
family.
I've been planning all of the things I would like
to do if I ever come back to the Philippines for a trip. We wrote a pretty good
line up. It sounds like it would be the best vacation ever. Hopefully I’ll be
able to come back at some point after my mission...
Ok my time is up. Love you.
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