Ahh!! i got a new companion! Sister CABADA. From Quezon City. She makes 7 of 7 for filipina companions for Sister Hafen... YES. I love it so much. I have noticed that I am much more comfortable with filipinos than i am with americans. I have the hardest time communicating; all forms of communication. I just have a hard time. So now... our whole apartment is filipina! So good :)
The past few days we haven't had any rice because we ran out... and i realized how dependant my body is to RICE. My bowels had a FREAK out, but we will buy rice today and all will be well. Mom.. I know what I want for christmas :) a rice cooker.
We have been working a lot with the YSA here in Gamu. They are all so incredible. They are such inspiration to me in so many ways. Our mission prep class was such a success this week. We have done it for a few months now; we've taught them about the role of the Holy Ghost in conversion, How to Being Teaching with an Investigator, The story of the Restoration, and now we are on the Plan of Salvation. It's been so fun, and when they practice teach, they do so well. They always work with us on Sundays, and also during the week.
Last night, we were on splits and I was with Sister Lenie. A while ago, we were teaching her best friend Mikah, and it was so special. She received an answer of what we were teaching was true, she came to church, bought new skirts so she could always be ready for church, and had a very spiritual experience in the gospel principles class. Then all of a sudden she dropped off the planet! everytime we went to teach her, she was gone, or just wasn't focused, she never kept her committments, and "slept it late" every sunday. We didn't really drop her, but just started visiting her once a week, or every 2 or 3 weeks. Last night, we were were walking, and i thought, okay. I've got 3 YSA with me, and we haven't seen Lenie in a while. This might be perfect.
We stopped by and there were a zillion people in front of their house. I just talked with her older brother, and then said "sa susunod na lang kuya" which means like "no worries, next time" and then he quickly suggested we come back later that night. I was so surprised! so I promised we'd come back before we headed home. We visited our other appointements, and then as we promised, came back. They had us come in, and there was just a different, warm spirit in the house. I turned to Lenie and told her to share her favorite verse from the Book of Mormon and explain WHY she wants Mikah to accept the gospel in her life. We started and the spirit just led us. It was so very cool. Lenie was loving, Jolvin was supportive, Jojomar was honest, and I was bold. I explained to them, including her mother, that it's not just accident, that both of their best friends (mikahs bff and her mom's bff) are both strong members. The lesson continued on and the spirit was there. We left, and Lenie was so so so happy.
This morning, we got a text from Lenie saying that her, MIkah, and their other best friend who is an RM all had lunch together today and really talked about what happened last night. Mikah opened up and said that she knows this is her time. Her time to live the gospel, follow the example of our Savior, and make a covenant with him. She told them she is ready and willing to start this journey again. Lenie was so happy and of course, we are too. We just learned that everything we do, is according to the timing of our Father in Heaven. Our responsibility is to have faith in that timing, and do everything he asks in the mean time. This was Lenie's sweet text earlier (translated): i am really so happy, i thought she had no chance... she had so many questions at lunch and also has some things she needs to work out, but if we just continue helping her, she will accept this gospel fully. she said she will start from today, start preparing herself to be baptized in christ's name... i am so happy sisters..."
I love my new companion, my new housemate, this branch, our branch president, everything. I am just realizing that in attempts to "pay" my Heavenly Father back by serving a full time mission, I'm just getting put in more and more debt by all the blessings I receive here... I am so blessed and will never be able to pay him back.
Have a great week and know that I love you and love our Savior.
Sister Abbey Hafen
Philippines Cauayan Mission
the EQ singing in Sacrament Meeting, so so funny/cute.
JP Maraya (investigator) me, and our investigators best friend, Bryan Fernandez (active)
the cute little marching girls in their outfits
me and Lenie Gabuat, the most loyal member I've met.
"Look Up"
Sister Cabada, from Quezon City. my new companion!!!
Princess, Lirio, Linda Duldulao
The students leaving Mission Prep
Missionary Prep Class- jun jun marayag, jonathan rodgriquez (investigator), kuya natividad, bryan fernandez, president daggauo, jojomar bilog, jolvin cabaltica, me, net net bergonia, joy aquino, cindy ibarra, lenie gabuat, sister cabada.
MPC missionary prep class
this is where we teach Nanay linda every week, and her little grandbaby just kicks it there right with us and listens :)
god is good.
my cute new companion; sister cabada
UPI, Gamu.
Us with the Maravilla Family.
president treated us lunch at MacDo! :) rahlfs, mhay de vera, sister v, cabada, me
the cute kids in District 2. thanks for the cute hair do :)
The Camp where we taught a general commander and his office mates.... ?!?!
Me and my bff Elder Baclea-an. This is the tie he gave me because he knows I love purple.
Me with big big elders...
last night of Sister Carbs and Hunsaker! the Schwarbrick family
Our Addiction Recovery Class- Jolvin, Jun Jun Madarag, Jerwin Preza, Bryan Fernandez, Jonathan Rodriguez, nanay natividad, me, sister carbaquil
Jolvin Cabaltica (RC), Nanay Bergonia, Nicolette, Me, Sister Netnet Bergonia. UPI
our apartment in Gamu Isabela :)
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