Am I My Brother's Robber?

Our branch mission leader told us how a couple weeks ago, he was assigned to give a talk in church entitled, "Am I My Brother's Robber?" Confused, he asked if it was supposed to be "keeper" instead of "robber," but indeed that was the real topic. Well, anyway, a couple days later my companion and I were arriving to our apartment and as I unlocked the gate, I saw this teenage boy jump out from behind and dart away. I shouted at him and an old tatay from across the street tried to grab him, but the thief got away. Fortunately, because the dead bolt on our door was locked, he was unable to get in. Of course, as a missionary, it did make me think about this incident in spiritual terms. When a person is gaining a testimony of the gospel, that is a precious thing that Satan would gladly try to destroy and take away. However if we lock the dead bolt on our testimony by doubting our doubts before we doubt our faith and following His commandments, when the robbers do come, they can not access that which is most valuable above all worldly possessions. Hopefully the thief won't come again, but I'm thankful that despite this incident, we continue to have miracles in this area!

Gumamela Fellah!

I know I've probably said this before, but I absolutely looooove the flowers here. I have a tradition where I take a picture with each of my companions with red gumamela flowers in our ears. I kept mine in my ear one day and all the trike drivers seemed to feel the need to comment on how beautiful I am. Well, thanks I guess?? Speaking of beautiful things, I would like to share how wonderful the Spirit is. The third member of the Godhead is the Holy Ghost. He does not have a body, but rather, His role is to testify of truth and comfort us. In missionary work, it's so important that the Spirit is able to touch the hearts of the people we teach, so that they can know for themselves what we are saying is true. We were able to find a new family and the father was so prepared. He told us how he desired to know where the truth was. I could feel the Spirit prompting me and almost literally putting the words in my mouth that the family needed to hear. I want to hold onto that peaceful feeling as much as I can. I testify that each person, whether or not they are a missionary or a member, can feel the influence of the Holy Ghost in their lives if they let it. Indeed, the Spirit is a beautiful companion to have!

3 is a Magic Number!

This week was interesting in that my companion and I got a call from our mission president who told us a sister from Pakistan was coming halfway into the transfer and she needed a companionship to be with. So now, we are both trainers again! Aside from that, the work continues on! One quick experience I'd like to share --- We were finding in an area where we had many rejections. However, we came across one nice home and decided to try to see if they were interested. The father surprisingly let us in and we shared a quick message about eternal families with his wife and two children. After the lesson I was amazed at how perfectly that all worked out. I've realized that in order to obtain miracles and blessing in our lives, we need to have trials first to show our commitment and faith. It seems like 3 really is a magic number in our work!

Word of the Week: walang-hanggang -- eternal

Ex: We believe that families can be walang-hanggang!

This week has been brought to you by...McDonald's!

I had a special week in that, twice, I got to go to Olongapo for a mission leadership council and a multi-zone conference, featuring Elder Ardern who is the President of the Philippines area. And of course, as long as we were in the city, the local McDonald's seemed to be filled constantly with missionaries. Although, I still have yet to try the fried chicken with rice dish that they offer here. However, I was also very spiritually filled at our inspired conferences. Elder Ardern is from New Zealand and I love listening to him, not just for his accent, but also his council to us. One quick thing I'll share -- he said that our journal should be filled with precious and sacred experiences. I'm proud that I've been able to write each day in my own journal, but aside from my doodles and other commentary on trivial matters, I'll try to record more of those special experiences that I've been able to have. I encourage each of you to do the same. In 10, 20 or even 30 years, I promise you it will become a sacred record for you. 

Word of the Week Samoan Edition: Palagi -- white person Ex: Sister Morgan is the coolest palagi that you'll meet!

There's a 4th of July in the Philippines!

And a 3rd of July and a 5th of July...etc haha. This week I've had a lot of good feelings about the work we are doing. After countless hours of door to door contacting and even more countless rejections, my companion and I experienced many blessings. We were getting dinner at this one place and afterwards the chef comes out and tells us he's "interested in our religion." He promptly gave us his name and phone number to contact him later. This happened again, with another lady who sought us out so that she could be taught. And finally, one of the sons of a recent convert, who originally always avoided the missionaries and would talk cynically of our work, came to church this last week! He told us he had a really nice experience and felt surprisingly happy and different when he was there. He's now preparing to be baptized and seek to obtain a testimony for himself. For Independence Day, we celebrate those patriotic themes of freedom and liberty. I've grown to better appreciate it because it's only through people's agency, or freedom to choose, that they can know the truth for themselves. Overall, despite the lack of fireworks here, I still feel God's blessings the same.