Week 8 - "Hope"

"It isn't as bad as you sometimes think it is. It all works out. Don't worry. I say that to myself every morning. It will all work out. If you do your best, it will all work out. Put your trust in God, move forward with faith and confidence in the future. The Lord will not forsake us. He will not forsake us... If we put our trust in Him, if we pray to Him, if we live worthy of His blessings, He will hear our prayers." President Gordon B. Hinckley

Ether 12:4 "Wherefore, whoso beliveth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand ofGod, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God."

Well, I am in the Philippines, taking bucket showers and all. It's definitely a new world here, and it is going to take some time for me, but that's why we have hope. We have been teaching some fun people, and I think my favorite part of this week was when we held a FHE at the sweetest lady's home, Nanay Herrera. A bunch of the youth came, and we played games and laughed and shared a spiritual thought. That was a tender mercy for me... Just hearing everyone having fun and laughing, and seeing sweet Nanay Herrera cover her face with her Book of Mormon when she laughed at something, and although I can't speak the language very well, if at all... I'm learning to have faith and hope in the gift of tongues. The kids laugh at my tagalog, and the sweetest man, Tatay Del Rosario (a recent convert) teaches me new Tagalog words every time we visit. I am serving in Morong, it's a province area- that's another tender mercy for me, and my companion is Sister Estrella (said like Australia, but with an "e"). She is Filipino and super sweet. A good trainer. 

On Saturday, we had a baptism!! I don't know what else to tell you... It's very pretty here- dirty too. And hot. I'm always sticky with sweat, and Elder Brown, if you're reading this, you would be proud to know that no, I haven't worn any makeup since I've been here. Ha ha...

Definitely going to take some adjusting time... Hence, hope and patience. 

 

                                                    First Baptism for KenKen

                                  Still in the MTC: My fav elders :') (also myMTC district)

                                                     Still in the MTC: Temple trip

                                                Us getting off the plane in Hong Kong

                                                            View. :') 

                                                               Washing clothes