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
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