March 24th - From Pio Duran (Part 2)

***Mama Questions and Answers***

So a couple of questions for you. What do you eat when you are at home in your apartment? What do you guys fix for yourselves? If you get a chance, I would love a picture of the exterior of your apartment.  Also, what is church like there? How is it the same or different from the wards over here?

Um, lots and lots of rice, and usually a bit of meat as a side dish.
They have a word for "thing eaten with rice" Ulam. Usually our ulam is
canned corned beef, langoniza (a type of sausage) hot dog, chicken, or
some other meat. I personally like the pineapple here, so I eat that
with my meals, and when we have fruit I'll have that with my meals. I
also will buy bread and actual cuts of pork when I'm in Ligao and make
sandwiches with that and pineapple. I'll see if I can't get a picture
for you before next week.

 Um Sunday Worship Service. Well, it's anywhere
between thirty and fifty people in the branch, with a ton of those
being children and only three or four being Melchizedek priesthood
holders (not including the missionaries). They sing in English, though
the pronunciation is usually different, and there's no piano, so we
sing without accompaniment, which can be... interesting. The sacrament
prayers are also done in English. On top of that, the leadership isn't
nearly as organized here as it is at home. When I first got here, they
just had a Branch President, though we've helped him know what to do,
so he's extended callings to several brothers, so that is getting
better.

So, we got transfer announcements Saturday Elder Carpio is going
to be transferred tomorrow which makes sense since my training is
officially over. I'll be staying in Pio Duran for another six weeks at
the least, and I'll meet my new companion tomorrow. Elder Rennaker is
also getting transferred out of Pio Duran, which is too bad because
we've become good friends in the twelve weeks we've been here
together.

March 24th - Fro Pio Duran

We crossed over the ricketiest looking bamboo bridge, and we
stopped to take pictures at the end of it.

Add caption

One of the Members Caught a Snake Turtle

Random scenery on the way to a dinner appointment.

This past week has been quite inspiring on Tuesday we had exchanges
with the Zone Leaders. While working with one of the Zone Leaders, he
had me do some door to door contacting, and expected me to do it more
or less on my own. It was pretty intimidating, but after doing it a
couple of times, I realized that I know a lot more Tagalog than I
thought I did. Since that day, I've held several independent
conversations with natives. It has occurred to me that we are often
like that. We underestimate our capabilities because we constantly
tell ourselves that our capabilities are less than they actually are,
and we miss the development of those capabilities. Then when God or
one of his instruments kicks us out into the open and forces us to
rely on those capabilities, our first response is fear and then we
realize that we've come a lot farther than we realized. Often times
trials and tribulations are designed to force us to realize that we
are much more capable than we think.

Closer to the end of the week, while teaching one family, we met a man
from their church who said he was a "layman preacher." He asked what
our holy day was and why, and I explained that our holy day is on
Sunday, and that I wasn't exactly sure why (I knew that previous to
Christ's time, the Sabbath was held on a Saturday but I wasn't sure
when exactly the transition started or why the change happened). I
researched it and the following day we returned. I started to explain,
citing Acts 20:7 and planning on then moving to D&C 59:12. He
interrupted me, and went off on a rant about how Sundayworship was
biblically unfounded and was instituted by the Catholic church. This
was the first time I'd run into anyone who wanted to bible bash, and
any attempt for me to finish my explanation were ignored. He continued
to throw out scripture after scripture, each time citing his own
interpretation of the scripture to make a case against Sunday as the
holy day. The entire time the man talked, there was absolutely no
confirmation by the Spirit that what he was saying was true, no doubt
because of the aggressive and combative manner in which he spoke. If
anything, I was getting the impression that the things he said weren't
true. Finally, Elder Carpio stopped him, told him that we were willing
to return if and when he was willing to listen to us, and he bore his
testimony. Very quickly the environment and the feel of the situation
changed. I'm not sure that the family or the preacher will be willing
to soften their hearts, or if they were in a spiritual place to hear
the spirit's whisper, but it was a wonderful opportunity for me to
develop my recognition of what the spirit feels like in two very
different situations. Sometimes people just want to argue about
religion. Our role as witnesses of Christ is to explain to earnest
seekers of truth and testify of what we know to be true, not to
facilitate combative angry dialogue. The Spirit is driven away by
contention, and the Spirit is the most powerful testament that what we
as Latter Day Saints teach is true.

March 17, 2014 - from Pio Duran

This past week, we were taught a new finding technique. On Tuesday, all of our morning appointments fell through, so we fell back to tracting. The area that we were in had been thoroughly tracted by us and by the missionaries that came before us, so when we would go from house to house, people had already hidden in order to avoid us and avoid hurting our feelings by turning us away. As we went through this area, we passed a trio of small boys. My first initial evaluation of them was that they probably wouldn't be receptive. (preteen boys rarely have the attention span to listen to our message) However, my companion and I exchanged a glance that indicated we'd both felt that we needed to stop here and teach. We taught them a very brief overview of the Restoration of the Gospel, and to my surprise, two of the three boys sat through the entire thing and were quite eager to learn more. Over the week, they introduced us to about half a dozen of their friends. Each of those contacts will allow us to meet a set of parents, and I have no doubt that we'll find a receptive family in one of those homes.

It brings to mind Alma 37:6, which teaches, "that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass" This past week has been a definite testament to that truth. Through a small lesson to three seemingly simple young boys, a great growth has been seen in our work, and I expect even greater things to continue from that contact. I know that the Holy Ghost knows which small and simple things are to be the tools of the Lord, but we have to listen and acknowledge the guidance we are receiving to help great things come to pass. I know these things to be true.

 Toploading vistas

Elder Rennaker found two adorable puppies, and they fell asleep on his lap.

General goofiness at a dinner appointment. This also serves as your Before picture.

Post haircut photos. Considering the fact I didn't have any of the vocabulary necessary to communicate with the barber about my hair, it turned out pretty well. Sidenote: They use straight razors here... Most terrifying haircut of my life.

March 10, 2014 - From Pio Duran

This week was a whirlwind. I'm grateful that I'm the companion of a District Leader, because it means that I get to go on exchanges with other missionaries often, and that means that I get to sample and "taste" the teaching styles of lots of different people. The Elder I got to exchange with this week was one of the most humble and loving missionaries I've ever met. The way he acted and talked made me realize that I haven't been doing my companion justice in how I treat him. I think it's resulted in a better relationship with my companion. In particular, I've learned this lesson: If you're truly charitable and loving towards your fellow man, the way they treat you doesn't change how you feel towards them. When Christ was crucified, he pleaded on behalf of those who were committing the act. Do we have the strength and courage to love our enemies? If the answer is no (and I certainly fall into this category) the next step is to pray to our Father in Heaven to ask for that strength. The Atonement brings with it a powerful ability to make us more than we are or really deserve to be, but we have to seek for that change. I promise, that as you sincerely pray to love your enemy and for those that spitefully use you, God will help you obtain a greater capacity to love than you yourself could gather. 

Elder English

March 2nd, 2014 (part 2) - From Pio Duran

Just a few more random pictures from the week.

I tried dinuguan for the first time... It's made of pig's blood, misc. organs that Americans would throw away, (intestines, liver, etc) and pig fat... It was, interesting.

Ill let the picture speak for itself.

I caught this little one in our apartment, and thought she was pretty, so I took a picture.

March 2, 2014 - From Pio Duran

Family- I got a letter full of cards on Thursday! Thank you all so much. I love the drawings and the messages in them. I keep them next to my bed so that when I write my journal at night, I can pull them out and look at the handiwork of my family. After seeing some missionaries that don't have the support of their families, it makes me all the more appreciative of a family who does support me and expresses that support. Thank you.

General- This week has been a roller coaster of a week. On Thursday, we had a Mission Tour, where Elder Ardern, a member of the Seventy, came and toured the mission home, was shown a few parts of the mission, and spoke to all the missionaries in the mission. The extent of my participation in the Mission Tour was listening to him speak, but it was a powerful and enlightening experience. 

In terms of proselyting, it was both an up and down week. One family that we thought had a lot of potential has started hiding when we come around. People in the Philippines are too nice to tell you they aren't interested anymore, so they hide instead. Unless something drastic changes, we're going to have to drop them from our teaching pool. That actually really bothered me, until I read a quote by Gordon B. Hinckley: "There's no compulsion in the work of the Lord, but there must be opportunity.

On the flip side, a new finding of ours, the Nicos family, accepted a baptismal invitation, and we've scheduled them for April 5. They specified that if they got to that date, and didn't feel ready, that they wouldn't be baptized. We assured them that of course the most important thing is that they're prepared, but that it's also important for them to have a date in order to realize that becoming prepared should be a priority. Definitely a wonderful experience.

As members, a lot of times we share the gospel once, are rejected, and then get discouraged and figure our job is over. While sometimes being rejected is frustrating, we need to acknowledge others' agency. At the same time, however, we owe it to those around us to share the good news. The introduction of the Book of Mormon states that its purpose is to "tell men what they must do to gain peace in this life" among other things. If that's true, then why wouldn't we share that with others? I know that while I've been out here trying to spread the good news, there have been discouragements, but as I've prayed for opportunities to find those who have been prepared, God has showed me where I need to go and what I need to do. I know that the same applies to members of Christ's church who are trying to spread His word.

With his beautiful wind blown hair, the missionary takes the obligatory selfie!

Gorgeous rice patty

3-Mount Mayon. Still just amazing to look at.

Dangling feet off the Jeepney.

Misc. toploading views

Moar selfies!

That is a jeepney, packed full of people. Elder Rennaker's first comment: They could probably fit another dozen people onto that Jeepney. His estimate was probably a little bit low.

February 24th - From Pio Duran

It's been a strangely rewarding in a "wow, those are terrible numbers, but I still feel good about the work we've done" kind of way. Definitely a week of testament to the fact that numbers don't matter if you lose sight of the people behind them.

Anyway, one thing worthy of note is that I learned a few things about leadership today from watching my companion. He's a District Leader, and I think there are definitely a few things that he's learned as well this week. I won't go into detail, but I will say this. We sometimes assume that an apology or a genuine acknowledgement of fault or weakness is itself a sign a weakness. It isn't. If you make other feel that you're perfect, and that you don't need their help or input, they will not follow you or back you up in your decisions. When others become angry and bitter and believe you're in incompetent leader, one of the best ways to soften their heart and regain their trust is to apologize, tell them that you aren't a perfect leader, you have specific weaknesses and faults, and that you can't lead without their support. If you tell someone that you need them and their input, and reflect that in the way you act, rarely will someone refuse to follow you. Humility is the sign of a strong leader, not a weak one.

Mount Mayon. This was taken while toploading out of Ligao, the closest major city to Pio Duran.

So, apparently after it rains you can find these tiny little frogs on the riverbanks. One of the members is really good at catching them. I think we counted a dozen, at least before we took the pictures. Though, as soon as he opened his hand for a picture, some of them started hopping out so they only show a portion of the bitty frogs he originally had

Not going to lie, it took some getting used to, eating small fish whole. Once you do though, they're pretty tasty. They're really salty and a bit crunchy, so I always eat them with a mouthful or two of rice, but still, really good.

February 16th (part 2) - From Pio Duran

***I asked Ethan to send some pictures of his apartment so we could get an idea of how he is living.  These are what he sent.

Kitchen

Bathroom Area (the toilets don't flush, they use the facilities and use the ladel to dip water from the bucket and wash it down)

 

Laundry Area

Washing Machine:  Three buckets, some water and me

February 16, 2014 - From Pio Duran

***Ethan's Mom Here.  Ethan and I are often able to coordinate the time we are on the internet and have lovely back and forth conversations.  Some of the most interesting things he writes are in some of these exchanges.  I will share some of these with my comments denoted by three asterisks

We actually had three baptisms this last Saturday. Technically none of them were our investigators, but all four missionaries go out to baptisms when they happen. I only baptized because Jessa requested that I perform the ordinance. I'm not exactly sure why, I only taught those three siblings twice, but I was honored to have her ask me to baptize her.

***They look very young, how old are they?

Jessa is 13, Hazel, the other girl, is 12, and Aaron James is 9. They all have really powerful testimonies, and the other companionship is working on getting their parents to sit down for lessons, but they're really busy.

***So their parents aren't members? How did they come to be interested in the Gospel?

Elder Carpio and Elder Surio found them. They were tracting, and the parents happened to be home, and they weren't all that interested, but the children requested that the missionaries come back.

***Tell me about teaching them the lessons that you were involved with.

Um, the first lesson I got to sit in on was the Word of Wisdom. Elder Nierves explained the don'ts, and I helped explain the things that God has ordained for the use of man. One of the kids asked why we shouldn't partake of those things, and Elder Nierves deferred to me, since we'd been talking about that exact question on the way to the appointment. I explained that many people try to come up with reasons for why those things are harmful for us, but the most basic reason is that we don't know why, only that God has commanded us not to, and anything that God commands is right.

The other lesson I don't remember as well. We retaught scripture study and prayer. At that point, they'd already had all the lessons they needed to be baptized, but they needed four weeks of church attendance in order to be baptized, and they missed a week at some point, so they were waiting. We talked about the reasons we pray and read scriptures, and the great miracle that is prayer.

This last Sunday, I had the opportunity to confirm Aaron James, a recent baptism of Elder Nierves and Elder Rennaker, a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and with that came the gift of the Holy Ghost. During the blessing that followed, I could feel the Spirit. I could feel his guidance in the words I said. It came out in a muddled mess of English and Tagalog, and there were several pauses where nothing was said, but I know it was what I needed to say. It was such a powerful experience. If that's what's it's like every time a confirmation is done, I can see why it's called "baptism by fire."

***I love you, you crazy kid.  Keep spreading the good news.

Hahaha, okay mama. Love you. Magpapatuloy ako! (I will continue!)

Four Elders with Jessa (13) Aaron James (9) and Hazel (12)

With their Family

Baptizing Jessa

February 9, 2014 - From E Pio Duran near Ligao

I feel like every week there's so much that's gone on and not nearly enough time to write it all. This week I'm just going to share something that I've learned.

Sometimes, in a companionship, things about the other person drive you nuts. Honestly, when you're with a person 24/7 for six weeks (or more) that's kind of inevitable. There are two things I've learned from this. 

First, communication is important. If you aren't talking about the things that are annoying you or bothering you, bad things happen. Luckily for me, I've only had to witness such bad things. I think that principle goes for just about any relationship.

Second, people are people. Be patient with their faults. Be quick to forgive, and quick to offer your help. You'll find that as you give people the benefit of the doubt, often they'll do the same for you. 

Mark 11:25-26, D&C 64:9-10

Elder English

February 2nd - Pio Duran

This last week has been relatively normal compared to the week before. We have several investigators and less active members who are making some relatively important progress in their faith in Christ. I'm really hopeful.

The most significant thing for me personally this last week was I started a study journal, which I use to write down my thoughts and impressions while I read scripture. I never anticipated how much of a difference that has made for my learning. I encourage you, if you don't have on already, start keeping a study journal and write the thoughts and impressions that come to you as you read scripture. It really has helped me improve the light and knowledge that I gain from study.

Inside Our Apartment

This Little Girl Got into the Baby Powder

We Walk Through These Rice Fields Each Morning as We Leave Our Apartment

View from the top of Kawakawa

Another View of our Morning Walk

January 26 - from Pio Duran

So this week was interesting. We had meetings on Tuesday at Ligao (2 hours by Jeepney) so we didn't proselyte, and we had a meeting just for the trainees in Legazpi. (4 hours by Jeepney) The morning of the trainee meeting, we woke up at 3 in the morning, and while we were waiting for a Jeepney, I had a pretty intense pain in my stomach. It was relieved when I ran inside and used the CR. (comfort room. I think the Filipinos call the bathroom that because of American soldiers during WW2, but I'm not sure) It was apparent to me that I had LBM, but I really wanted to go to this training. I was fine during the trip and didn't have a problem until the meeting had already started. I realized that I was fevering, and then later realized that my fingers and toes were taking turns going numb. I told the mission presidents wife about my condition, and she sent me and my companion to the hospital.

A lot happened while I was in the hospital, but the important bit is that I was taken well care of, and I'm better now.

While in the hospital, I remembered a youth leader that I had who talked about trials. He had a knee that plagued him constantly earlier in his life. He talked about waking up, and getting on an exercise bike in order to loosen up the muscles in his leg enough to walk on it, and how excruciating that ride was. He talked about how he thanked the Lord every day for that trial, because those trials help us grow, even if they may be uncomfortable. I know that that is true, and that God will give us the strength to endure if we thank him in our prayers and constantly pray to him. D&C 10:5 was particularly important in remembering those things.

I am working on that in my day to day life as well, to thank Him for my trials. I know that trials are an important part of our existence here on earth, and that God gives them to us because he loves us.

Elder English

***Some clarification from Ethan's Mom.  The more detailed explanation is that Ethan ended up with an intestinal parasite that made him so sick that he became dehydrated and spent 3 days in the hospital in Legaspi.  I am very grateful that he got sick on a day that he was heading to Legaspi, there are no hospitals, per se, in the place he is right now and it is a good four hour ride on public transportation to get to a decent hospital.  I am glad he is healthy now and kind of glad I didn't learn about all of this until it was all over.