Sister Masters in the Philippines

Dear family and friends,  This week was a little busy with some things that made spirits and satan much more real to me. But on the bright side, I have learned that Christ's authority and power, the Priesthood, here on earth is a very real thing. I am so grateful for the Priesthood which has been restored through Prophet Joseph Smith. Worthy men who hold this Priesthood authority truly have the power to protect us from sickness, evil spirits, and bless us in unimaginable ways.  As a result we also have the 4 other sister missionaries sleeping in our apartment and it has been a blessing beyond measure for me personally.  As the sisters have been living in our apartment, they have talked about their childhood life, the punishments of being in rice sacks, kneeling on mongo beans, the time they worked in a sugarcane field, their aunt who build her own restaurant and how they learned to cook. Speaking of cooking, these sisters have added more recipes to my little ...

Dear Family and friends,  Time is a flying! I just hit my 13 months on the mission! Only 5 months. There is so much I have learned. I wish I were a better write to describe it. But here is a little note as I dont have much time.  There is a quote I read this week from Prophet Russel M. Nelson that I hope to apply for the rest of my life that says:  "  R each out to those you do not know and greet them warmly. Each Sunday extend a hand of fellowship to at least one person you did not know before. Each day of your life, strive to enlarge your own circle of friendship. "  This week we talked to the most people I have talked to in a while just trying to invite people to come unto Christ by listening and acting on our message. We talk to people and I usually just start by asking "Ano po ang pangalan ninyo?" Whats your name and just like that I start to talk to people about life and our happy message that brings "Kalipay" (joy) and "Katawhay...

So first off, I do not have much time today to email, but I will send a little update. :)  Sister Abubo has transferred so now its just me and Sister Doria, a little sad because Sister Abubo was such a light to be around :) But she is needed in her new area I guess :) This week rainy season has started and so if you want to know what our mission life is like: Imagine me walking all over our area through the little flooded areas, muddy paths and holding my beloved umberella in my little croc flats. SO GRATEFUL :)  I used my 1 cardigan I brought which I never thought I would use. But hey! I guess my body is now acclimated to the Philippines as I was SO COLD the other day all wet from the rain haha. Crazy :) But I am still happy as the rain is actually kind of fun when you keep your attitude in check :)  There have been NO people out because of the rain. So as we walk I make sure to talk to any one we see. We were walking and saw a man, Butchoy, and talked t...

Maayong hapon :)  This past week was focused on the members. In our mission, our mission president has "bawal"ed or has restricted tracting (knocking on doors) for quite some time now (since January). He wanted us to visit members and become more united with them to get referrals to teach people. So after a few months, our president then received a revelation that we have been using which is this amazing tool to help members know how to help their friends become ready to receive the missionaries (us) and gospel. Well guess what: we went from having no referrals last week to this week of 30 names (referrals) received from the members of the people they are working on to receive the message of the Restored Gospel. BLESSINGS. So that's been amazing. That happened in Roxas (my last area) too :) So now we will be busy following up with the members.  We also are a little low on investigators here so I have been exercising my faith and talking to people everywh...