2016-8-29 Half Day Mission

Kamusta po! 

This week was really good, and we still have a lot of people progressing towards their baptisms in September. Gordon B. Hinckley has talked a lot about missionary work, especially about helping recent converts of our church. I'm realizing that the Mormon church has it's own culture, and it's very nuanced. I teach recent converts and spend time with members that haven't hit a year in the church yet, and what I realize is that it takes a long time to understand every nuance. They make a lot of 'mistakes' so to speak. 

My past week has been all about mistakes. I've made quite a few, but it's not as bad as it sounds. I remember a piece of advice about learning a language and about the gift of tongues. To become fluent, one will have to at least make 30,000 mistakes. Which means I need to keep making more! Speaking out even if I'm not confident, and being circumspect enough to realize where I'm wrong and when a phrase doesn't carry the meaning I want to across.

Also, the idea of making mistakes in order to practice is true with members and especially with recent converts and investigators of this church. It's really amazing to see them progress, and begin to understand doctrine, and build their testimony. It's really helps them progress to be patient, and gentle when giving advice, for example with praying. It's cool to teach someone how to communicate to their Heavenly Father, and to see the fruits of it too. 

As always, thanks for reading! Love you all!

--

Elder Fish

Our ward had a "half-day mission" today, so this morning Elder S- and I went with a bunch of youth and covered our whole area, doing home teaching. It was really beneficial for the ward, and it was good practice for the future missionaries here! Of course it rained, but it stopped in time for us to play some basketball so that's fantastic. 

 Here is my amazing ward, from this morning. This was after we got back from working.

Of course, we had some ulam! (any non-specific food on rice) afterwards, delish. this is adobo manok, which is pretty much the best thing ever.

Here's a desert at the P-'s, it's sticky rice around chocolate and peanuts, wrapped in banana leaves! The food here is the best! 

Here is the P- family again, with an awesome wacky face by M-. They are our most progressing investigators at the moment, and more importantly for me, they are my home away from home. We visit them 3 times a week, and they always feed us, and we play little games, and overall just have a great time. Our lessons are super spiritual and poignant, once we get down to it. It is so easy to love them!

2016-8-22 Pokemon Spiders

Kamusta po!

To start off, we had a baptism this week! J- is the first person I've taught from start to finish, and it was awesome to see his conversion and to have the opportunity to prepare him for joining The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

This is the only picture we got off the card reader before the computers started messing up, these computer shops aren't perfect. I'll include more next week though!

I'm hearing a lot of things about Pokemon Go, but we have something better over here. In another Elder's words, "they play with bugs here like they're pokemon." And it's totally true. They have spider fights where two kids put their spider on a 10 inch stick and they just hold it either in the middle or on the sides while the spiders duke it out. All the little boys will just hold spiders in their hand, and blowing on them seems to make the spiders chill out a little bit. They seriously will just pick up any bug here. 

On the other hand, I was starting my personal study the other day and opened up my desk drawer to grab some books. I indeed saw the giant spider but I've seen enough realistic fake spiders in my life that I guess instincts DIDN'T kick in and I thought it was safe to keep going. Then the real definitely not fake spider started charging me and I slammed the drawer shut. No spiders were harmed, and I think the adrenaline probably improved my personal study... Our apartment is pretty much a zoo, we have spiders, lizards, cockroaches, slugs, ants, rats, you name it, we got it

We will keep teaching J- and seeing him all the time, which is the awesome part about re-teaching after baptism. Moreover, we have had some really amazing experiences with a older sister named M-. She first ran into the missionaries back in 2012, and she has a really strong testimony of the truth of the Book of Mormon and of Joseph Smith. Going to church was hard for her over the years because of a variety of concerns though, mainly work. And she also has a smoking problem, which to missionaries is really sad because even when they get to the point where they truly want to be baptized and they know that our message is true and unique, they have to conquer that addiction. However, Elder S- and I had a wonderful lesson with her that may have kicked off her journey to quit smoking.

I asked M- to explain how smoking feels, and her answer was along the lines that it's a relief. However, we talked about how it's only temporary. Then I asked her to share the strongest experience where she has really felt the Holy Ghost, the Holy Spirit, in her life. She shared an amazing story and afterwards I asked how that feeling of relief and joy is different. For one thing, she won't remember every little cigarette. They just blend together, there's nothing that sets those memories apart. But she will never forget that story, and the happiness she felt because of the Holy Ghost and because of prayer. Smoking and other similar things bring pleasure, which lasts just a fraction of a moment. I testify that the gospel of Jesus Christ brings lasting joy, and makes memories that are unforgettable and life-changing. It can be healthy to self-reflect and see how we can get more of those memories than we are currently making.

That lesson taught me a lot, especially how to teach by asking questions. After we closed, we convinced M- to go throw her ashtray into an isdahan (sorryfishes) which was really fun. She also had her prayers literally answered with a job interview 2 days later, and she mentioned her beliefs in the interview which shocked the interviewer. We text her every morning to check up, and with this solid foundation/start, I really believe M- will be able to leave smoking behind.

Just a short spiritual thought from my reading in Jesus the Christ. Jesus performed many miracles during his life on earth, but something that was similar between all of them is that none of them wasted the Godly power that Jesus had. For example, when Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, He instructed men to open the tomb. Then Christ performed the miracle and called Lazarus forth. Then once again he instructed men to unbind the revived man, who was wrapped in burial clothes. The only part that was superhuman was the part that Jesus performed, everything else was done by normal means. Jesus could have done anything and could have moved the tomb door by the same priesthood power that he used to heal the blind, but Christ never wasted or used this power for any excess means. Even when Christ fed the 5000 with a few fishes and loaves of bread, the leftovers were taken up and saved.

Personally, when I remember the story of Nephi asking for the strength to break the bonds that his brothers tied him with, the part the sticks out to me is that the bond fell off. Nephi didn't receive superhuman strength, only what was needed was given, after Nephi asked for it through prayer.

My personal takeaway for all of this is that I and other missionaries will need to put in every ounce of effort every day for the blessings and miracles to start pouring in. Everything that can be done with our own two hands, and our own two feet, has to be done before miracles will happen. Jesus didn't use the power of God to do trivial things that could have been done otherwise, so before I ask for miracles, I'll need to put in the work first.

Thanks for reading, and pasensiya for the lack of pictures, but I'll have a bunch next week! Until then,

Love,

Elder Fish

2016-8-14 District Leader Exchange & Flooding

Kamusta po!

This week we had a District Leader exchange, which means Elder S- and I went to their area for 24 hours and worked with different companions. It was a great learning opportunity for me, and really fun too! I don't have mga kabahay (roomates) in my apartment so it was really different. I got to see how different foreigner missionaries are further along in the language, and how they approach it differently. Some of the Elders there sounded exactly like a Filipino, which is impressive. Hopefully I can see myself in their shoes!

When we went out to work that day I went with Elder B-, who is 27 years old. He is way way more experienced and mature than me, so I really took a lot of mental notes. He is a POWERFUL speaker, and the way he asks questions to teach is really effective. Also, there are 100's of languages and dialects here in the Philippines, and Elder B- actually had to learn Tagalog when he got out here, so it's even more impressive that he teaches so well. The gift of tongues is real :)

As of today, it's barely stopped raining for 4 days, which means we have had a good deal of flooding. The only dangerous part is how filthy the water is, but we take some medication for that and just scrub our feet really really well at night. We avoid floods, but sometimes you get some water in your shoes and then it's a 'might as well' moment.

This is some light flooding, it's worse in some areas and I feel really bad for some people whos homes actually flood quite a bit. We just say para po (stop) whenever the jeepney goes somewhere with less water.

This street is really bad, it was about 1.5-2 feet, and we were in a trike (a bicycle with a little cab attached) and the water was still right up to the cab. I actually saw a raft/boat made out of huge water barrels, that was pretty amusing.

This is J-! We have taught his dad a lot, but G-is still having smoking problems. However J- started taking the lessons with Elder S- and I and we just had his baptism interview! Aug 20th J- will be baptized, and hopefully G- soon after that! This kid is way funny, he's really good at basketball and he's super witty. I have really enjoyed teaching him, and later in our lessons he even started taking some notes. We turned the Plan of Salvation into a big basketball metaphor, and it's been some great times preparing him for baptism.

Here's the P- family again! They have been the best thing to happen to me my whole mission, and they have given me so much joy and happiness. I can't express it enough, it's unreal. They really know the Bible so I love teaching about that and sharing scriptures from there, and they have begun reading the Book of Mormon and they know it is true. Their testimonies are blossoming before my eyes. (popcorn popping...) 

On Sunday it was really interesting when the only people at church at 9:10 were our investigators (9 people attended) and the Bishop. The flooding and Filipino time in general made sure we didn't start up until 9:30. I taught gospel doctrines in second hour, and we didn't have 3rd hour because of the storm. Also, it was really cool to teach gospel doctrines in Tagalog, because it was to all of our investigators, and they know I'm trying my best so they correct my bad grammar occasionally and they're really understanding.

Spiritual thought time! I'm plodding through Jesus the Christ and the New Testament, and I love James E. Talmage's writing style. There is so much information packed into every sentence. And the occasional word that I don't actually know...

Anyways to start it off, this is the point when the Pharisees are frustrated and angry with Jesus because he brought his friendly ministry to the publicans and sinners. They were very prideful and specific as to who should be received at dinner and even in specific places, especially the temple. Christ's reply to their murmuring was typically silencing and rebuking: a physician is needed most by them that are sick, and He had come to call sinners to repentance.

Jesus then proceeds to some famous parables about 'bringing the lost into the fold'. The shepherd who finds his lost sheep does not chastise it, but puts it on his shoulders. And although he does not rejoice for the 99 sheep that are still safe and sound, he loves them all and rejoices for the one that was found especially.

Next, and especially poignant for me, was the parable of the Prodigal Son. Almost everyone has heard this parable before. This time I read it though, it took on different meanings, and I was thinking with my investigators in mind, as well as my own conversion in mind.

James E. Talmage says how the son leaving is a deliberate severance of ties with family. By asking for his portion early, he leaves the family. Of course, he spends all of his fortune on riotous living. But "adversity came upon him, and proved to be a more effective minister for good than pleasure had been" "Suffering brought him back to himself". In Tagalog, conversion is pagbabalik-loob which has the roots balik and loob and translates to 'return to oneself'. Of course the son is remorseful that he is having to eat with pigs when he once dined near the head of a table in safety. But, in addition to being remorseful he is repentant. He realized his folly, and remembered his honorable heritage even as he fed swine and starved. When he thought of returning home, he thought not being reinstated as son, a privilege and honor that he discarded from his own volition, but as a servant only. He did not delay either. "Without a word of condemnation, the loving parent embraced and kissed the wayward but now penitent boy, who, overcome by this undeserved affection, humbly acknowledged his error, and sorrowfully confessed that he was not worthy to be known as the father's son" Something that struck me is how "when was still a great way off, his father saw him" and then came out to meet him. We don't have to be perfect or even close to completing our journey to conversion before we will feel the love of our Heavenly Father. Conversion is an ongoing process, and I know for me it's not done yet. But I know our Father rejoices for each and every person that, like the prodigal son, is repentant and humble enough to come back to the fold. 

Thanks for reading, love you all and ingat po kayo!

2016-8-7 Month 3 - Sweet Family

Kamusta po!

Wow, time is really starting to move fast. I hope everyone had a good week! Mine was fantastic, a lot of great things happened.

Last week we baptized S-, and this week when we were teaching him we started talking about coding a little bit. I learned c++ at BYU last semester, and we really got to bond over that for a bit. Sean knows c++, c#, plus java! He's just about my age and he's already doing his senior thesis, the education here is really cool because people start uni way early, and Sean is really smart dude. He says after he finishes his education he's going to serve a mission! What a stud, right?

Okay, the highlight of this week:

The P- Family. We were going through this neighborhood we call Arkong Bato (arch rock) and doing some finding. It's called OYM (open your mouth) when you just start talking to people. Elder S- started asking people if they knew where someone lived, and then we told them about us and left a passalong card, but it's super hard to decipher if they're smiling because we are American or because they're interested in the message.

That was last week, and now fast forward to Tuesday of this week. We were walking through Arko again and we heard "Elder!". We do a 180 and see one of the women we talked to! We asked if we could share with her in her house, and she said absolutely! She thought it was hilarious that we were coming into her tiny home, she kept saying "pasensiya"  (sorry) for us having to duck, but we finally squeezed in! We taught A- and her husband M- the first discussion, and it was the most spiritual lesson I've ever had. Elder S- said in the 10 months he's been here he has never taught people so excited to talk about Jesus Christ and the Bible. They were so involved, and they perfectly reflect the point of teaching people. Our church believes the Bible to be true, as far as it is translated correctly, and also the Book of Mormon to be the word of God. We don't ask people to give up truths or knowledge about Christ that they already have, but just to BUILD upon what light and knowledge they do have. And the P- family just absorbs what we have to offer. They were parched for the word of God, and they were prepared for us. 

Our second lesson we were unsure of whether to really dive into the Plan of Salvation, but then A- asked about the plan of God, and it just segued perfectly. Then near the end of the second big question, Elder S- and I looked at each other, and we both felt prompted to ask if they would be baptized. They said yes, and they really really mean it. We invited them to church and told them where and when, and they said they would start to prepare for Sep 3rd! We hadn't yet taught their 2 oldest kids but their youngest is 6 and she's such a ball of fun. After these two lessons, Elder Shaw and I were so happy, and we felt so good about them. We felt they were so ready!

Now on Sunday, I was a little disappointed. We invited about a dozen investigators to church, and we had some of our regular progressing ones, but were missing quite a few, including the P- family. Plus, Elder S- and I had to bless the sacrament because there weren't even that many members there for some reason. Plenty of reason to get discouraged, right? After sacrament though, we were still sitting up on the stand, and I had the clearest impression that the P-'s were trying to find us. The chapel is on the second floor in our building, and there's not really obvious signs. I didn't act on the prompting to go show them the way, which I regret, because I know that this was the Holy Ghost telling me this. About 5 minutes later, they walked in! I was so amazed, we leapt to our feet and went to greet them and sit with them. Then we ended up having one of the most spiritual fast and testimony meetings I've ever had. To top it off, Sister A- went and bore her testimony!!! She told me afterwards that she had no idea what she was going to say, she just went up and started speaking, and it was so amazing. Her first time in a new church and she bore her testimony. A pure, simple testimony. I've been a member my whole life and I didn't use to go up! The P- family is truly amazing.

We taught them again later that Sunday, and they are still just so prepared. They have brought me so much happiness, and given me so many spiritual experiences already, and it's been less than a week since i met them. I love them so much, and I can't wait to share more with them.

This is just the mom, A-, and the youngest daughter, M-, and I have no idea who that little baby is honestly. They come and go sometimes, it's just a neighborhood thing. I look like I'm being transfigured here... a new level of white that I'm going to copyright: Transparent

The first time I met A- she was so worried about her little bahay, and making sure it was clean, and offering us cold water. She was worried that she didn't have any chairs for us to sit on, this and that. But I can testify that none of that matters, her house has love in it. It is more than a house, it is a home. And most importantly, the Spirit is there. They are some of the happiest people I know. If we seek to have these things in our homes, it doesn't matter if the furniture isn't quite what we want it to be yet. Have love and happiness first. 

I know this church is true. I know Jesus Christ lives, and the principles of his gospel will bring a more lasting happiness than can be found anywhere else. I have seen it in others here in the Philippines, and I've seen it affecting me.

Thanks for tuning in, I love you all!

2016-8-1 First Baptism & Tigers

Kamusta po!

This week has been amazing, and I've definitely realized I'm here for a reason. Back in the MTC someone suggested writing down the reason why you're serving a mission in your journal every night, and it changes every day. This week's highlight was S's  baptism!

So S- approached the missionaries after church, and is the definition of a golden investigator. He's already talking about serving a mission after school! His girlfriend is a member and that's how he heard about the LDS church, but his testimony is his own. The most memorable part of the baptism was afterwards we were going to sing some hymns and S- says "it feels like I'm dreaming." We could all feel the spirit there, and it was a powerful experience for all of us.

I had balut for the second time! I still feel really bad for the baby duck whenever I feel the bones crunching, but the taste is actually really good! put some vinegar and salt in there, and you're golden. JJ and I went on splits and we helped each other out with language. I explained that the 'qu' sound is like 'kwa' and that made a lot more sense to him. Whenever we are teaching, sometimes it turns into a language study for me if we know the people pretty well, which is great. They're pretty kind about helping out with learning, and I've made leaps and bounds.

I've had a few moments where my Tagalog is effortless in the lesson, and this just testifies to me of the gift of tongues, because usually it takes all of my focus to speak in Tagalog. These moments are so full of the spirit, it's really amazing to me.

I was reading in Acts and when Stephen is stoned, he says "lay not this sin to their charge" which is a testament to his Christ-like character. It reminds me of Christ himself asking Heavenly Father to "forgive them, for they know not what they do." I'm really trying to work on humility and forgiveness this week, and worrying less about being right (those who have had an argument with me know I have to have the last dig) and more about being kind. It's not easy to break this habit, but I have some good examples to follow in the scriptures.

Super creepy mural next to the formal bishop's place

 I got a little tiger spray (you don't want to know from whence it came) and I'm thinking about starting a new cologne line called El Tigre. Let me know if you're interested.

 This is Elder Wood, and I don't know how he isn't related to Elijah Wood, because he looks just like Frodo!!

  I got to hold this little guy! 

 They've definitely got Disney World beat, trust me. Heck, half of the cages were unlocked or the keys were in the lock. Redefining ghetto.

Thanks for reading, love you all!

Ingat po kayo!

2016-7-24 A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief

Kumusta po! Second week of my training! (3 months long in total) Last email was super scattered I feel like, so I'll try to be more composed.

My first zone is Caloocan, and it is the only zone with just Elders, no Sister missionaries. (there are 20 of us) It's because there's some pretty sketchy parts, and we don't go there at night because of drug-pusher type stuff, but it's safe and we are careful.

The ward is called Panghulo, and a ward is a certain area and any members in those boundaries attend the same church and are pretty much a family. I sincerely believe that this ward is the best I'll have the opportunity to serve in here in the Phil. It's not a massive ward, but the Bishop has a drive for missionary work that I've only seen in a few rare people, like MTC President T- and people like apostles. Bishop N- is a pretty young guy, looks like in his 30's, and his ward's goal for baptisms all year was 16. We have 20 right now. 

Inactivity is a big problem here, and everywhere, but here people sometimes stop coming just because another member did something to offend them. It might sound silly, but it totally happens. Anyways on Saturday we had a meeting to address this, and we made a plan and Bishop really inspired people I think. Sunday was awesome, we had some less active members show up that Elder S- and I visited and shared a message with, plus we had 6 investigators there! Now the good part: From 5-9 Elder S- and I went on splits with the bishop and the first councilor, and I got to go with Bishop

It really pushed me out of my comfort zone because I was leading the lessons and had to plan where we went, which was all the more difficult because I'm not super familiar with the area, but I loved it. We taught to 4/7 lessons which is pretty miraculous actually. The first one was a family of 6, but the two men of the house weren't really listening. The other four were in tears after bishop talked to them, I'm privileged to see him share with such power. Lesson after lesson I gave a weak lesson with some bad Tagalog, and and Bishop N- would ask what their concerns were, get to know them, joke with them, and deliver a really strong message. I have a feeling that the people we visited will be coming back to church! Oh yeah and that area we don't go to at night? We totally went there for our last visit, and it was the only time we've ever caught them so it was perfect. A lot of people just need to feel the Spirit again, and be reminded that they're welcome to come back, and that we need them. With this bishop leading the ward, there's going to be some really big things happening in the coming months.

Speaking of which, we have a baptism this Friday! His name is S-, and he's a third year mechanical engineer at a uni here. He's an awesome dude, he's already talking about serving a mission after school. My favorite quip from him is "Truss me, I'm an engineer." He's super chill, he absorbs everything we teach him and he really thinks about it outside of the lesson. He's super well-prepared.

I'm probably missing some stuff, so I just want to share my musings about a really good hymn, one I mentioned in my farewell talk. It's A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief, which seems really sad, but every time I listen to it I'm uplifted and really motivated, so I think there's some value in it: 

I'll copy the verses so you don't have to do any work :) I would suggest finding a really good rendition of it though, it's worth it.

1. "A poor wayfaring man of grief hath often crossed me on my way, Who sued so humbly for relief that I could never answer nay. I had not power to ask his name, Where to he went, or whence he came; Yet there was something in his eye that won my love; I knew not why"

I think I might know why, but it's better explained by my good friend C.S. Lewis:

"There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal. Nations, cultures, arts, civilizations-- these are mortal... but it is immortals whom we joke with, work with,marry, snub, and exploit."

Something very fundamental in LDS/Mormon doctrine is that we came from somewhere and we are going somewhere after we die. We believe we are all children of a Heavenly Father, and that we chose before to be here on earth. Therefore even the lowliest people have spirits that were in the presence of God, hence we are immortals. 

2. "Once when my scanty meal was spread, He entered; not a word he spake, just perishing for want of bread, I gave him all; he blessed it break, And ate, but gave me part again. Mine was an angel's portion then, For while I fed with eager haste, the crust was manna to my taste"

Sometimes after the whole day being out, I feel like I'm gonna die of hunger, but really I don't think I have experienced anything like that. I know people here have though. And there have been numerous times that I'm teaching in someone's home, a shack that I can't stand upright in, and they send out their kid to go buy us a juice and crackers. They have so little but are so willing to give! Many people here in the Philippines are living this verse. Also, manna is how Moses and his crew survived 40 years in the wilderness, and it also represents Christ. Christ is the Bread of Life, that through him we may have life eternal. Plus there's a sacrament reference there too with "brake" and "blessed". We take the sacrament to remind ourselves of Christ and to be forgiven of our sins, and as long as we do that throughout our lives it's okay if we aren't perfect, we can be better.

3. "I spied him where a fountain burst Clear from the rock; his strength was gone. The heedless water mocked his thirst; he heart it, saw it hurrying on. I ran and raised the suff'rer up, Thrice from the stream he drained my cup. Dipped and returned it running o'er; I drank and never thirsted more"

The last verse referred to the bread half of the sacrament, and this verse is referring to the water. Through Christ we will thirst no more, but not literally. In this life we have a lot of desires, but they all are temporary and can only be temporarily satiated. I've found a greater desire to become more Christ like, and I've become more and more happy the more I follow that desire. I'm sure there's significance in "thrice" but I'll move on... After hearing this, I never want to be the "heedless water" hurrying on without even noticing someone in need. This whole song reminds me that I need to serve others.

4. "Twas night, the floods were out; it blew a winter hurricane aloof. I heard his voice abroad and flew To bid him welcome to my roof. I warmed and clothed and cheered my guest And laid him on my couch to rest, Then made the earth my bed and seemed in Eden's garden while I dreamed"

Before coming out here I never saw how this verse was applicable to me, what with the floods. But here there's literally floods, all the time actually! We call this the blackwater zone sometimes haha... I've been given so many more opportunities to serve people, and I'm grateful for that. Another note is that after I come home I crash on my creaky bunk. It's not exactly temper-pedic, but I've never slept this well in my life, nor waken up with so much motivation and enthusiasm. Maybe it's not the garden of Eden, but it's a huge blessing nevertheless. Another thing that happens in this verse is that someone welcomes another into their home. I have seen this a lot in my life, because of my parents. They've been a great example for me, and have always opened their doors to people, and I know I will be doing that in the future.

5. "Stript, wounded, beaten nigh to death, I found him by the highway side. I roused his pulse, brought back his breath, Revived his spirit, and supplied Wine, oil, refreshment- he was healed. I had myself a wound concealed But from that hour forgot the smart, And peace bound up my broken heart"

I'm probably not going to give wine to anyone personally, and maybe this situation is unrealistic, but it does point out a fundamental truth with service: when you give to others you naturally receive as well. It's a mutual relationship and when you give service you will be happier from it

6. "In pris'n I saw him next, condemned To meet a traitor's doom at morn. The tide of lying tongues I stemmed, And honored him 'mid shame and scorn. My friendship's utmost zeal t try, He asked if I for him would die. The flesh was weak; my blood ran chill, But my free spirit cried 'I will!'"

Although this verse is pretty unrealistic, it's still good to remember honor and integrity. I like the end, where the man follows his "free spirit" rather than his "flesh". I'm pretty nervous about approaching people or worrying about a scenario will be, but I'm learning to trust my heart and just try and do the right thing. Inaction is a lot easier than action

7. "Then in a moment to my view The stranger started from disguise. The tokens in his hands I knew; The Savior stood before mine eyes. He spake, and my poor name he named, 'Of me thou hast not been ashamed. These deeds hall thy memorial be; Fear not, thou didst them unto me'"

This is my favorite part of the hymn, the culmination of it all. And it's not even sung most of the time because it's tucked away outside the music! The whole song is written off of the acts of service and love written in the book of Matthew, as well as the book of Mosiah from the Book of Mormon. Mosiah 2:17 says "when you are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only the service of your God." I know this to be true, service and charity have made me a much better person, and I know that these moments will be the highlights of my life when I look back on it. I know my Savior lives and that he knows us individually, so even though the world is full is strangers we should remember that someone up there knows them and loves them, just the same as us. My goal is to be as Christ-like as possible and to not miss any opportunities to do service, that's what I got out of this song.

Wow I can't believe you made it through my rambling! If you just skimmed that's fine too :) Thanks for reading, I love you all, ingat kayo!

Elder Fish

 Elder Shaw and I got caught up in a rainstorm on our way to a lesson, and a bunch of kids ran out to shower, super cool.

 This cockroach kept running around after we zapped it, so we resorted to flame...

 In the mornings its Taho and at night it's Balut. Street vendors walk around shouting whatever it is their selling, so if you don't feel like cooking it's a good way to get by. This drink is served warm and it's pretty much tofu and syrup, which sounds gross even to me when I describe it but somehow tastes really good and its great for you too

2016-7-18 Leaving MTC & First Area

Kumusta po!

First off, I'm not dead. I'm in my first area now! Because of the transition I didn't get a chance to write last week, so this is going to be chalk full of stuff, hopefully I can keep it all straight. Here we go...

LEAVING THE MTC:

It was even harder saying goodbye to all my friends this time, we all cried, and even though it seemed like forever and we wanted to go, it was tough! The Philippines MTC trains people from all over this side of the world. Last batch (my first 3 weeks there) there were Pakistanis and Indonesians and Indians and this second batch I became good pals with some Thais. They don't really play soccer here, but these guys did so we became best friends even though we couldn't really talk to each other. 

I'm glad my name is so easy to remember, even if they don't speak english everyone can say fish (or pish here)​.

I'm going to miss being right next to the beautiful Manila Temple, and I'm gonna miss these friends so much. Some of us went to Quezon City North Mission as a group, so I'll see them every once in a while, but I won't see the rest probably until after this life. I'll always keep in touch with email though!

QUEZON CITY NORTH

Here's my companion and trainer Elder S-! I'll be with him for 3 months, and luckily we get along real well. Having an American companion means that sometimes we don't understand everything someone says, but we get to really devote ourselves to the language. He is really good at Tagalog, and he's only been out for 9 months, and I'm sure he can help me catch up while I'm with him.

The reason I look so tired is because I was up all night saying goodbye, not a good way to start a full day but by now I've got into the rhythm! 

I had to really adjust and I'm still working on humbling myself. The MTC was like a medium quality hotel but it seems like a 5 star now that I'm in my apartment. When I first saw my desk, i thought it was filthy, I didn't even want to put stuff on it, let alone my scriptures. Now, it's getting to be normal. There's no drinkable water besides these blue jugs we go carry from down the street, and once again we are fortunate because it's close! Some people probably have to go almost a mile. The shower is cold, but the brightside is that when it's always a 100 degrees out, so you look forward to a cold shower. We have these sweet fans that work their tails off to keep us from cooking, and the church has a few rooms with AC so there are ways to escape the heat!

My head is right under that chunk of ceiling that looks like it could come down any time, Elder Shaw assures me it's safe :)

The lesson I've learned already since coming to my first area is something I already knew, but hadn't used enough. Everything is relative! Compared to what I normally live in, this apartment is in shambles. But then a couple of days of teaching and serving, I've seen countless houses that are barely a room. I live in luxury to them. So when I thought to complain or even be upset at all with my living conditions, I just realized it's as simple as being grateful for what you have. I needed to see what other people got by with to realize what I have, but you are better than me! Be grateful for the little things (especially air conditioning) and you will be happier for it, I promise. The people here have next to nothing, and I've never met a happier, more loving people. 

Two members came out teaching with us for a few hours, and there's some blackwater. It's an environmentalist's nightmare in some of these places. Franklin (on the right) just joined the church a year ago and has his mission call already! They're both great, goofy guys.

I've asked 4 people to be baptized after teaching them, and all 4 said yes! We need to keep working with them and preparing them, but I feel like they are all genuinely interested. It's hard to get them to come to church sometimes, but we will just keep trying.

These little kids were so fun to teach, the older brother was baptized last week, and he helps us teach his siblings. 

I have to close without giving much of a spiritual thought because I'm out of time, but I'll make next week really polished. I feel like I'm only sharing 1/100th of what I've experienced here, it's been truly amazing. I'm so blessed and I'm thankful for all of the support.

I love you all, Elder Fish

2016-7-6 Happy Independence Day

Kumusta po!

Starting to get a little cooped up here in the MTC! Only 1 more week until I bust out of here though, we've dug a tunnel under the street to the temple using spoons from the cafeteria. In reality I've enjoyed it here, and I've gotten to learn so much. I didn't get out anywhere exciting this week, so feel free to skim! (joking)

At this point I'm teaching completely in Tagalog, although it's slow, neanderthalic Tagalog. I wasn't really a gesturing person before, but now I am! Also, my highlight of the week was bearing my testimony to the MTC in Tagalog, it was really fulfilling. 

We go proselyting again tomorrow, and I'm excited to have more language under my belt and to hopefully be a lot more effective!

4th of July away from home was a first, but it was still fun. Our multi-cultural zone had our backs and drew flags all over our whiteboard, and it's so worth it to be here.

My scripture study this week was pretty insightful. I used the footnotes a lot, which is not something I normally do. The highlight is probably reading the story of Jesus and the woman at the well. Jesus tells the woman a ton of things that happened in her life, and because of this she knows that He must be the Christ. Her own testimony is now assured, and she runs back to her town to tell everyone. Some people believe her words, and come to the well to talk to Christ. These people have their testimonies in Christ strengthened from the spark that the woman gave them. Then Jesus then goes to the town and teaches to everyone, including those that didn't initially believe the woman, and they are all convinced.

My personal interpretation is that some people will be moved by my testimony of Christ, but many won't be affected. In the end it will take their own personal testimony to be converted and to know of Christ, like how in the story the woman just helped some to find Jesus. Sharing my testimony with people won't be enough, they will need to pray and find for themselves that Christ is their savior.

Thanks for reading, everyone! Love you!

2016-6-29 Balut & Elder H-

Kumusta po!

So I'll jump right into the highlight of the week, which was going proselyting! I was matched with Elder O-, the junior companion to Elder F- (Elder Z- and Elder H- went with him). Elder O- told me that they are new to this particular area in Quezon City, but he still knew exactly where to go for our two appointments. I'll need to work on my internal compass, it's so easy to get lost in some of the alleys...

Most of the houses are jammed together or even stacked on top of each other, and I think I'd be laughed at if I asked for an address for some of these places. Our counterparts told us that in order to find people you go to a general area, ask directions, then rinse and repeat. Eventually you end up asking their neighbors. 

The two appointments I went to the houses were plywood and cement blocks, with a curtain to separate the rooms. Interestingly, to contrast the extreme poverty every kid over 12 seemed to have a cell-phone, even though their was standing water right outside their home. Every house seemed to have a TV even though their house was their living room and that's it. They're very connected to media, but they definitely live in 3rd-world conditions.

Teaching people was so tough! I feel that my main weakness right now is listening and understanding: they talk so fast! And I don't know that much sheer vocab to begin with. I could pick out enough to know where the conversation was, but I was about 3 steps behind so actually piping in was difficult. Elder O- gave me a chance to share my testimony, and that left me with a good feeling. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't really nervous though! On the way back all I wanted to do was make it to another lesson, but we had an allotted time. I'm excited to go out next week and pretty soon here to be doing it every day!

I didn't get the infamous "Hey Joe!" call from people, but a group of 14-15 year olds did do some cat-calling pretty much. We left them with cards and I told them what in the world I'm doing in the Philippines, but you can tell when someone is interested in your message or if they're interested in you.

Walking around in a foreign place before this, I've always looked at the buildings, the attractions, what might make a place fun. As I walk around here though, I'm just looking at the people. I'm still so excited to help people here, and I know I'm here for certain persons.

In other news, I switched companions from Elder Z- to Elder H-, which is awesome! I love Z-, pero H- matches my enthusiasm to learn the language a little bit more.

We have the new batch of Filipinos and a few more language training missionaries, but there's about half the number of last time. It's great to get to know them when I'm not so freaked out with being in a new place!

I HAD BALUT! This is the thing I heard the most about before coming to the Philippines, so I knew I had to try it the first chance I got. Didn't think it would be this early on though... My plan was to just keep chewing no matter what, and it worked! I didn't just want to eat it whole like a bunch of people do, because apparently it actually tastes good. And I'll vouch for that, it tastes like a unique hard boiled egg, but the textures of everything almost got me. All in all, I would do it again, and I probably will!

I'll just share some insights from my most recent reading in the New Testament. I'm in Luke right now, and I was really impressed by the centurion who asks of a miracle of healing from Jesus. Most people you read about plead in huge throngs, trying to get their sick and afflicted physically to Jesus. Although I love the story of the bed being lowered from the ceiling, personally I believe that's pretty linear, and I really like that the Roman centurion not only thinks outside the box, but has the faith too. Why would Christ actually need to be there when He is accomplishing things that are miraculous and supernatural? If you remember the story, the centurion says his home is unworthy of Jesus's presence and asks that Christ just perform the miracle from there on the street, and that's exactly what happens. In other healings, the physical touch seems to have to do with the recipient's faith. Some blind men are touched on their eyes specifically, or it takes more steps. But with the centurion, his faith was incredibly strong, and his creativity caught my attention. The takeaway for me is to have faith, and to try and solve problems with the Lord's help. 

Thanks everyone! Let me know if you have any questions, love you all!

2016-6-22 Filipino People Just Smile

Kumusta po!

Just made it to halfway in the training center! A lot happened this week, so here goes! Firstly it went by super fast because we (the Language missionaries) were all dreading when the Regular (Filipino) missionaries were leaving for there respective missions all over the Philippines. Time always goes fast when you want it to go slow, right?

Since the senior batch of Language Missionaries are leaving, my batch is the senior batch and Elder H- and I are the zone leaders now.

One day this week we went into Manila and part of Quezon City to complete our Visas. There are so many people here, it's just staggering. The traffic was just insane, whoever has the most guts gets the right of way, and everyone honks all the time. At one point there were horses and cars parking in the middle of the road, all with the motorcycles and jeepneys (painted taxi type cars) going in between. It's actually pretty funny to watch, I don't know how they avoid accidents. We actually saw a little bump, and both cars just drove off.

Our room is the lucky one, because we have cockroaches! One morning five of them were dead in different parts of the room. Another morning one crawled up my leg! I'm impressed with myself for not waking up my roommates though! Last time I get dressed with the lights off...

On Sunday we took a ton of pictures with all of the friends we've made, and exchanged emails so we can keep in touch. The Filipino people are so amazing, I'll sum it up with this quote from a Nat Geo photographer after a typhoon:

"It's almost confusing because people are so good-natured here. People laugh and are happy, even though their lives are just destroyed. They've built basketball hoops in rubble and play pickup games, and people watch and cheer.

...Filipino people have an incredible spirit, and an incredible way of moving on. If it were any other place in the world, it would be so different.

...You just can't exaggerate the good-natured, positive spirit of these people. It's like their natural identity is to smile. The hardest thing here is take a photograph that doesn't have a child grinning from ear to ear in the background."

I got to witness a little of this when I was saying goodbye to everyone here. It was only a few weeks, but I've made some life-long friends because these people are so easy to bond with. I'm affectionately known as Elder Isda (Fish). Their last day at the MTC, we all stayed up, and most people started bawling at one point or another.

All of my friends had these BRs (Book of Remembrance) and we all wrote in each others, a little like yearbooks from high school. They make friends so quickly, and they are so caring here. I'm lucky to be in the Philippines.

Seeing the city a little really showed how impoverished many of the people are. Even the people who were in the MTC with me were very poor. I traded my ties with as many as I could to remember them by, and there was one fellow, Elder Ilay, who's story was really humbling for me. Because he chose to serve a mission, his parents disowned him and he got here with a couple of shirts and flip-flops. A lot of the missionaries in my batch gave him our extra belts/socks/shoes/ties. He was so grateful, it was amazing.

There was another guy, Elder L- from Indonesia. He looked like he was maybe 14, but he was actually 23. He didn't speak English but we all were good friends anyways, that's how things work here. He was always the happiest person here, which is even more impressive after we found out his story near the end. From what someone else translated, he was one of the youngest of 13 kids. His parents inherited a sizeable fortune from their grandparents, and all of the kids ended up fighting over the inheritance. Some of the older ones killed the parents and each other, so he ran away from these horrible circumstances at 6. So Elder Lase grew up on his own since 6 years old, working for himself. The love that fuels his happiness comes from Christ, and it is truly powerful to see that effect in someone.

Tomorrow we go out proselyting with missionaries who have been out for a while, and I cannot wait. I'm going to really need to depend on the Lord if I'm actually going to be able to communicate, but I know it will go well. I'm excited to hear more of people's stories, and help where I can. I'm so excited to be here for the next two years.

--

Elder Fish​