2016-11-14 – First Transfer!

2016-11-14 – First Transfer!

Kumusta po kayo! 

And we're back! A day late, because yesterday was transfer announcements, so today is our off-set preparation day. And for me, a day to pack my bags! I'm moving out! I'll be going to a brand new area, with a brand new companion, it will be quite the adventure. The area is called Baliwag, and is very province (rural) whereas my last almost 5 months have been in the city. So I have no idea what to expect, but I'm excited! I was a little surprised by the announcement, I assumed I would be here in Panghulo Ward for a nice even 4 transfers, and have Christmas here with my ward. But, alas, it is not to be. I will miss this area, the people here, more than I can say. I love them so much, and it has been a treat to be able to earn the trust of my bishop and the members here which I got to serve. Later today I will make my last rounds and say goodbye, but we are lucky nowadays with the technology we have. I've given my facebook to everyone so in 1.5 years I'll be sending them all pokes!

Another big sayong about this transfer, is the fact that I'm changing companions. Elder R- has been such a stellar example to me. From teaching lessons, to the language, to just being kind. He's a lot older than me, and was a great teacher and a real friend. Wow, it sounds like he's dying doesn't it? For real though, we both are kind of dreading tomorrow in a sense, it was a very good transfer. So many seeds were planted, and I'm sad I can't help them sprout, we have so much planned for the end of this month.

We had exchanges with 2 missionaries in our district, Elder T- (tongan) and Elder A- (Filipino). Exchanges are a great way to learn new teaching techniques as well as really kickstart the work in an area by having double the appointments. It was a fun time as well, they are a goofy bunch of guys.

 Here we are holding our favorite teaching tools. The Book of Mormon, goldfish, pamphlets, etcetera.

 We've been celebrating Christmas since August 31, and now the serious decorations are coming out. Get pumped!

 This is in the middle of the street!

 One of our last meals (i promise i'm not trying to make it seem like someone's dying)

We did splits with some members, E-, on the left, is preparing for his mission. J- J-, on the right, is preparing as well. But his mission is a little sooner. He leaves this Friday! He will serve here in the Philippines.

I don't have a ton of time because I need to go finish packing and saying goodbye, but my spiritual thought will be about perfection. We are all seeking perfection, that's the end goal. That's what God and Jesus Christ are, perfect. Perfected bodies, perfected characters. But in reading a talk called Becoming Perfect in Christ by Elder Gong I realized I have been applying to much stress to myself in this endeavor. Like in forging, there needs to be heat and pressure to change. We need to be in a growing zone, not a comfort zone. But we don't have to be a perfectionist insomuch that we actually limit our full potential. Studying the Atonement of Christ, as well as specifically about grace, is a great exercise for becoming perfect. I know that our Heavenly Father and His Son want us to become perfect, but they don't expect us to be there right now. I know He is proud of His "handiwork" even though there are flaws. I know He wants to help us on our journey. I know He lives. Thanks everyone for reading and following this journey, I love you all!

Elder Fish