Week 27

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!! My new years was actually pretty cool as all the elders in my zone had a sleepover and stayed up until midnight watching fireworks. We bought some super expensive sparkling grape cider and some little fire crackers. It was pretty cool. And then afterwards we played a massive game of Monopoly that lasted 3 hours and most of us just quit because we were WAY too tired to finish it haha. But now, I can officially say, "I go home next year!" Even though I still have 18 months haha.

Two cool/weird things happened this week. The first thing was that were on our way to withdraw our monthly support funds ,but as soon as we reached the little pharmacy thing, the security guard was lowering the gate. I quickly rushed over there and just rattled out "Pwede ba mi magwithdraw karon?" He said yes and we were able to go in quickly before it closed. It may not seem like a big deal but afterwards I realized I said a full Bisaya sentence without even thinking about it at all. I can usually say what I want in the language if I have time to think about it but I just went into Bisaya mode and it just came out. Re-reading this it sounds super dumb but it was a really big deal for me haha. The second thing was on Sunday. We had finished church and went out with the other elders to do some visits and as we were walking home, a group of about 10 people called us over. Now being called over isn't anything new so we gladly walked over there and tried to make small talk. As soon as a few of the men spoke, we realized they were all drunk. We tried to be kind and talked for a few seconds and then we left, or tried to at least. As soon as Elder Henrie took a step back, one of the men reached out, grabbed his bag, and aggressively pulled him back. Elder Henrie stumbled and actually hit his head on the tin roof. The man was blabbering something (something your momma wouldn't be too proud of you saying) but then the next thing you know, I had clenched my fists and grabbed the man's arm and ripped it off his bag. We quickly got away and I realized that my hands were in fists and I had adrenaline pumping through me. It was a pretty scary moment but Elder Henrie said he really appreciated me getting the man off his bag. So afterwards I felt like a baller hahaha.

My new area, Lawa-an, and my new comp, Elder Swain have both been really good so far. We are really trying to help a couple get married so they can get baptized but it is just so hard to get married here especially when everyone is super duper poor. So sad to see it but we are trying our best to help them. We have a few other families that are progressing so I'll update you all in the future.

Real quick, I know The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is true. Man oh man has my testimony grown sooooo much out here. Seeing this Gospel change lives is absolutely amazing. Each night when I write in my journal about the day, I am able to see how much God and Jesus Christ are in our lives. Please, please, please pray and read the Book of Mormon. It truly testifies of Jesus Christ and of this gospel. I am so grateful for the opportunity to be here in Cebu helping others change their lives for the best!

That's it for 2019!!! Love you all and I hope you are all doing maayo gyud!!!

My address for mail:

Temple Complex-CJCLDS

Gorordo Ave
Lahug, Cebu City
6000 Cebu
Philippines