So we had transfers, but I didn't get transferred. We got a new roommate, ANOTHER FORIEGNER. So our apartment is now 2 americans, tongan, and only ONE filipina! haha, s.atienza and i always joke "nasa philippines ba tayo?" (are we in the philippines?) hahaha. our zone is out of this world. 8 filipinos/20 foreigners- australian, new zealand, americans, tonga, samoan, EVERY WHERE. its seriously sooo awesome. i know i definitely was sent here to learn to love and embrace other cultures. i absolutely love my roommates.
So the work is the same, our investigators rock, life is good, and i'm starting to see the digression in my letters happen... i saw it happen in other missionaries when i wasn't a missionary, but always said it would never happen to me. but really, i don't know what to write about! the work really is good, we are being soo blessed. our investigators stress me out some times, and my heart is always feeling and hurting for them. we had an investigator ask to borrow 100 pesos a few days ago, because everything was going to be shut off if they didn't pay it, and the house where she does laundry at, the owner wasn't home to pay her, so she had zero money. ZERO MONEY. we aren't allowed to give money, but honestly, my heart hurt so bad. 100 pesos is like... 2 dollars. it broke my heart so much and i have really come to grips with this place i am living in. this is real life for them, and for them to give up one tiny job opportunity to come to church is LITERALLY asking someone to give up a way for them to get food for their hungry little kids the next day. it's asking them to give up their life almost. i have been so frustrated/sick/and hurting for our investigators this week and am just now realizing how much i really do love them and how much of a sacrifice it is. but. i am also gaining such a stronger testimony in the principle that when we are asked to do something from the Lord; a commandment, a hard trial, or are treated badly or feeling lonely, we can ALWAYS find the strength to do the things the Lord is asking of us. These scriptures in Moroni really clarified that doctrine for me this week:
22 And if ye have no hope ye must needs be in adespair; and despair cometh because of iniquity.
23 And Christ truly said unto our fathers: aIf ye have faith ye can do all things which are expedient unto me.
The commandments are things that are "expedient" to Jesus Christ. Feasting upon the word of christ, praying often, the word of wisdom, the law of chastity, keeping the sabbath day holy, etc. They really are expedient to Him. and if we have faith, we will be able to do all things he asks, with exactness. Jesus Christ is the head of this church, missionary work really is the best, i love this gospel more than i thought i could, i still thank heavenly father every day for letting me be a missionary, and i love my mission. i love my mission president and know Jesus Christ is leading our mission. I love my companion, i love the book of mormon, and love the philippines. I know the days when my tagalog isn't as good, it's an opportunity for me to rely on the Lord and stop thinking i'm able to be here in the field on my own. i know i am being blessed with the work, the language, and everything.
Love,
Sister Abbey Hafen
This little pizza place we found!
Lunch appointment at the shop of the Cailer family for Shyra's 12th birthday!!
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