HO HO HO

HO HO HO Merry Christmas!!

Pasko na naman

Pasko na naman
O kay tulin ng araw
Paskong nagdaan
Tila ba kung kailan lang

Ngayon ay Pasko
Dapat pasalamatan
Ngayon ay Pasko
Tayo ay mag-awitan.


Pasko! Pasko!
Pasko na naman muli.
Tanging araw na ating pinakamimithi.
Pasko! Pasko!
Pasko na naman muli.
Ang pag-ibig naghahari!

How is everyone doing? I hope you are all full on Ham Turkey Chicken Beef Pork or whatever else you ate this Christmas! Candy canes, chocolate kisses, and the ever so great “Diet starts January 1!” Isnt Christmas just the best? Hahha

This week has been full of action and I will give a quick rundown! Last Monday, a new batch of missionaries from the MTC in Manila came up to start their service here in the Philippines Baguio Mission! We welcomed them at the office, got their bags and luggage and then we had a feast! Its always the best seeing new missionaries here for the first time because all of them are pretty dang nervous meaning they don’t eat as much as usual.. Which means that theres more for us! Woohoo!

One of the missionaries is from Australia, Elder Maurer. Because of the trainers working with other missionaries during the day, he hung with us and then went to work with us as well! We went to the plaza here in San Fernando where it was filled with people taking pictures by the Christmas trees and other attractions. We handed out pamphlets and helped Elder Maurer hand out pamphlets as well! I love working with new missionaries!  It was really cool seeing him use all of the things he had learned to say in a real life situation. I also met a man from Spain and asked "te hablas Espanol?" to which he replied "Claro." in the most disappointed face at my very dumb question hahah, I got about 3 out of his 10 sentences he said to me, spit out about 2 correct sentences to him, and then we just spoke English for the rest of the time hahha,

We had dinner at the Aquino Family! They are such an awesome family who loves missionaries! Their son Janru always worked with Elder Tavita and I before he went on his mission! On Tuesday we had some trainings for the new missionaries and then sent them on their way with their trainers! After all was done, we were able to get out to work for a while and met with the Pugal family! Their son Maurice was baptized over a month ago and his mom loves meeting with us. They are also way involved with their Church so we always talk about the things they are doing to gain a relationship with Christ and what we do as well. Its always a fun time there.




Thursday there was another Polynesian Cultural Activity in a town called Naguilian. I drove one car and Elder De Costa drove the other one down with the missionaries and all the music equipment! While the Branch in Naguilian performed and the Polynesian missionaries, i was handing out pamphlets and making sure all the music and tables etc was set up! It was super fun, super tiring, and very much worth it. There were alot of people curious about the dances (and some were scared from the Haka) hahahha but we met a lot of new people!

Got home around 10, and set up the Chapel for out MLC the next day! MLC was awesome. We reviewed what we had done in 2017 and made plans for 2018! I am going to miss the Baguio Mission so so much. I love all of the missionaries here and have learned so much from them. We watched part of a talk by John Bytheway (who served in the Baguio Mission!)

He talked about the basketball standard and that no matter what gym you're at, the hoop is 10ft high during a game. Meaning that no matter where you are, you have to adjust to that standard. You cant lower the rim. You have to change what you are doing to meet the standard. It was super good and relatable to the Gospel, missionary work, and life!




Saturday was baptism day! There were so many people throughout the mission who had planned their baptismal day for this Saturday, confirmation on the 24th and then Christmas as a member of Christ's Church on the 25th. That is what sister Evaline did as well! During the baptism, Elder Bin Salleh sang an amazing renditon of a primary song and Sister Evaline gave a great testimony. I love the Gospel and the power of the Atonement.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AGAIN! Thank you to all who have helped someone else who needed help this time of year. Be safe and whoever is snowboarding this week, shred the gnar.






Elder Pitt

Ang Pasko ay Kay Saya

Pasko na naman! 
How is everyone doing?


Im sorry to make this email short, we have a lot of things going on today and Im not sure how much I have to email but first things first MERRY CHRISTMAS! I might be one week early still but I am also one day ahead meaning that next time I email, it will be Christmas, and I will be skyping the good ol' family! Its the most wonderful time of the year!

Well we are still busy as a bee here and it makes the time fly too fast! (How many times have I said that one!)
I cant believe I have already been here in San Fernando for a transfer now. The clock just wont stop spinning. I have been trying to make the best out of the speedy situation and I am grateful that the Lord has blessed me with great friends, companions and others here in the Baguio Mission.
Last Monday, President and Sister Bangal made dinner for all of the missionaries who were going home, and were kind enough to invite us and the other Elders here to join! It was really fun being able to talk to the missionaries who had served and now packed their bags to go home. I loved hearing their testimonies and their advice. It was a bittersweet moment driving them down to the bus stop late that night to get them to Manila. Im gonna miss the missionaries who are gone, and hopefully we will be able to run into one another down the road!
This week Elder Bin Salleh and I took a drive to the zones up north to drop off everyones supplies and packages from their family and friends! We started off before the sun rose and made it to Bangued just in time to be on the top of the mountain when the sun peaked over the hills. It was such a gorgeous sight, too beautiful not to stop on the side of the road for a solid 5 minutes. God's art is amazing. On the way back from Bangued, I dropped off Elder Bin Salleh in Santa Maria and had exchanges with Elder Hollister! Elder Hollister is from California and was baptized into the Church  just 2 short years ago.. And now he is on a mission! Man it was so cool to hear how he learned about the Church and also how he was able to prepare for a mission so fast. He was trained by Elder Scott so it was great catching up on how Elder Scott is doing and all as well!
We drove through the southern zones on the way back and then got to work! We walked and walked and walked and walked trying to meet new people and talk to familiar faces... But some days are easier than others! It was a blast though, going from house to house, as we walked we discussed the Doctrine of the Church, General Conference Talks, The Book of Mormon and much more. At one point we both stopped and recognized that neither of us 2 years ago would think that we would be walking down barangays in the Philippines discussing the Savior and His Church. Im so grateful that we both caught hold of this amazing message and Gospel. We taught Brother Maurice, who was baptized about 2 months ago and his mother who has become more and more curious about the Church.
We discussed the Doctrine of Christ, or commonly known as "The Gospel of Jesus Christ". She had many questions about what repentance was, the power behind repentance, and being "baptized unto repentance". Through the help of the Spirit and the words of God we all read and discussed all of her questions and were able to come to conclusions about the Gospel. Sister Pugal is so willing to learn and pray about the things we share. She also committed herself to search, ponder, pray and after receiving an answer, be baptized into the Church.
I know I have said it so many times before, but I love being able to share Gods words with His children every day. I am going to miss doing that so much.
This week is going to be very busy, and the next coming weeks dont look like it will slow! We ran into some technical difficulties at the office last week, losing our access to Office making it pretty dang difficult to make a PowerPoint or Word document when you need to! So what did we do? We humbled ourselves and our pride from the "im a man i can do it!" to "Who knows Salt Lakes IT number??" Hahaha
I was able to meet through the phone Matt, Paul and Shin! What that means is Matt first started helping us, and it took long enough that his shift ended so the call was given to Paul.. until his shift also ended leaving Shin from Korea and I to shoot the breeze as Windows circled and circled and circled around! It was fun talking to each one of them! All had served missionaries before, now are husbands and fathers, and are all happy that theres not too much snow in Utah at the moment!
Thanks to their schooling and talents, we have Office back and running fast! Thank you and Merry Christmas Global Services!
We had a Ward Christmas Party Saturday night which was a blast! We used the sound system from the mission for the activity (Thank you President!) and the Sevilla Ward had prepared dance presentations, Christmas songs, games and much more! I was playin DJ for the night and thank goodness the mics didnt cause any trouble and no feedback ruined the day! We Elders of Israel also had a skit and decided to make it a little more spicy haha. We blindfolded Elder Hennessey and Elder Fowler, and they became the hands of Elder Lloyd and Bin Salleh! It was sooo funny watching them shave, eat bread, tie a neck tie and more! It was hilarious. I dont know if anyone got a video but if they did I hope I can get a copy. There were so many members there and almost all had smiles on their face! Some felt bad for the Elders being tormented by theirs "evil hands" but I know they were laughing on the inside hahah.

Church was great, each talk was about service. Brothers and Sisters we all have 7 more days to find 7 people, 7 families, 7 friends, who need our help and who the Savior is going to help through us. Find them! We are here on earth to have joy, and I know that we will find that through service.




One verse that was shared during the week found in John 15




9 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.
10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.
11 These things I have spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.
12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.
15 Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.
16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that you should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it to you.
17 These things that I command you, that ye love one another.



I love you all. Have a great Christmas, and to you Mom, Dad, Mal, Lyss, Dallin, Whit... CATCH YAH NEXT WEEK ON SKYPE!








--

Elder Pitt

ANG SAYA!

Hello once again to all who are still reading this emails! Man alive I cant believe you have endured through the word “awesome” and any other word that I have overused in the last 21 months every week!

How have all of you been? This week was so fast. I think this has been one of the fastest weeks of my entire mission and it also has been the week with the least hours of sleep haha. I am so happy that I have been assigned in the Baguio Mission and to have President Bangal as my Mission President. Last Monday after emailing, doing laundry, buying groceries and all that other good jazz we went to work! We found out that if you bike from Lingsat to Sevilla it only takes about 15 minutes but if you take a Jeepney it takes over 30. And I haven’t had a biking accident in a very long time meaning I have now learned how to ride a bike! Later in the evening the De Guzman family invited us over to join them in the Family Home Evening. My first time being assigned in Sevilla we were always there at their Family Home Evenings kaya it was super fun to go again, and yes, we cooked smores just like old times. I attached a picture here of their youngest son BJ who was soooo far away from the fire but still had his marshmallow on the end of his stick! It was super cute. We got back to the office and started to finalize everything for the Christmas Devotional.

That was what we did for Tuesday and Wednesday as well, we had District Meeting Tuesday Morning, and then started the decorations and set up! I was lucky enough to catch a break in the middle of it and proselyte with Elder Bautista! He is from Laguna and is super smart. He knows how to speak English, Tagalog, Ilokano, and reads the Book of Mormon in Japanese for fun. I still mess up speaking English…

We met a member of the Church who’s family lives in Tacoma and Seattle! Nothing like a good talk about the PNW and the Mariners! Hopefully I will see them at church again when they visit because their daughter lives in Spokane and I am hoping has gone through the Tri at least once!

Wednesday was such a fun day! Every time new missionaries come into the mission, their first companion here is called their “trainer” who shows them the ropes on how to talk to new people, teach from the scriptures, learn the language if needed and help them get used to a life of being in the world but not of the world x50. After their first month, there is a meeting with the Mission President at the office where President Bangal meets with the new missionaries and gives workshops on the things that they are struggling with. All the new missionaries are loving their time. They are all super hardworking and doing their best which is so awesome to see. We practiced teaching with them and tried to give some advice on how to have the best mission someone could have! After the meeting, Elder Lloyd and Bin Salleh went down to Sevilla to take down supplies and decorations while Elder Kim, Elder Bautista and I drove to Bauang! There is a senior couple from the US who will be here in about a month so we found a house and started getting all of the rent papers worked out so they have a house on arrival!

The manager of the realtor company jumped in the car with us to show us the house so we had a really good talk! He had converted to Islam 9 years ago and told me about his conversion and why he decided to change his religion. It was so fun to learn about his experiences, the things he struggled with adjusting to, and everything else. His office mate is a member of the Church and we discussed why us as “Mormons” don’t drink coffee or alcohol, attend church for 3 hours, have temples and much more. I really loved the conversation! It was relaxed, no contention, and all appreciation of the eleventh article of faith:

“We claim the privilege if worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, and what they may.”

After we got back from Bauang, we made it in time to eat dinner with Bishop Rabe at his house! He made some super good vegetables and adobo! Everything got set up for the devotional and conference and then we got home and into bed around 12!

Woke up at 4am to get dressed and wake up lal of the other missionaries within the mission to get them to a place called “baywalk” (you can google it) for a team sporting activity! Elder Pettit and I drove back and forth from the highway to baywalk how many times picking up  and dropping people off!

President and his counselors divided all  the missionaries up into 4 teams with different team t-shirts displaying the Churches Christmas Theme “Light the World”! Then each team had different obstacle games, teamwork games and much others! The team with the most points at the end of the game won the activity… But everyone got the same prizes because we are all winners! Haha

We had team games from 6am until 10am then we drove people to apartments of the missionaries here in San Fernando so that they could shower and change! once everyone got back to the Church, we ate a delicious lunch made by Sister Bangal and then watched the Cokeville Miracle! (Shoutout to Mason you did a great job!)  Not many missionaries had seen it but they all liked it! After the movie, we had each zone have a presentation! It was super funny and cool, some had made homemade missionary videos,others did plays, our zone used a black light and white gloves, and others! President even played the violin and also sang 12 days of Christmas with us, I wish i could write down all of the things that happened but i cant, all i can say is that Day 1 was awesome. Day 2 was great as well. The mission Presidency all gave talks about the Savior and serving Him. They were all super good. President Andrada is from here in San Fernando and used to be inactive from the Church, but after feeling he needed to come back, he was also able to support his wife who before was against the church, learn about the Gospel and be baptized. Now they are both successful in their callings and love the Gospel. It is so cool to see how much people change because of the Savior Jesus Christ. President gave a talk about a boy who met Santa and Santa explained to him what the true meaning of Christmas was.. I really liked his talk as well. We ate maybe tooo much for lunch and then everyone went back to their assigned areas while we cleaned the church!

Saturday we had a service project at nanay tadifa's house! She was baptized right before I got here last January and her roof has had a bunch of damage creating a bunch of leaks when it rains. We ripped off her whole roof and put a new one on! The ward brought so much supplies and hands for the work. She deserves a new roof as well. She has a tough life but pushes through all struggles.

Church was great. Being able to partake of the sacrament every week gives me the energy I need to resist temptation and grow spiritually. The First Presidency's Devotional was great as well. President Uchtdorf had some very strong spiritual insights that I really liked.

We played rugby and soccer this morning! Elder Kim ruined me in soccer i dont know how many times I got nutmeg'd and then Elder Lloyd and Hennessey taught me some lessons in rugby,,, im hopin to play basketball next week!!

I love the Savior. I was reading in the Gospel of John this week and am so grateful that we had the words of those who walked with the Savior during his ministry, and have living Prophets and Apostles here on earth today in order to continue the word and testify of His Divinity.

i love you all. have a great December!!

Elder Pitt

100 Days

Hello, Hello!
CONGRATULATIONS PARKER AND RICHLAND FOR WINNING STATE!! Go bombers!


Well December is here! Why does time go by so fast in the mission when it was alot slower during finals week?? Ewan ko lang but it scares me how fast time is going by. I have learned so much in 2017 and cant wait to finish this year here in Sevilla!
There was a lot that happened this week! We had a lot of chores and tasks to do for President in preparation for the Baguio Mission Christmas Devotional coming up on Thursday and Friday!
Wednesday Morning we started exchanges with Elder Jimenez and Hennessey! Elder Jimenez came with me to our area and while we were at the office, we set up all of the sound system to make sure that everything was working and then adjusted all of the mics and wires to make things all organized! Then the next day I made my way down to Agoo to go on exchanges with Elder Hulick! He is from Utah and we had a blast with one another! He is pretty new in the mission which was great for me. I loved seeing the excitement in his eyes to learn, grow, and share the message of the Restoration to the people in his area. He also had a bunch of new ideas and wanted to try one while we were together.
His idea?
Go to the college campus in Agoo and sing Christmas Carols to passing students and give them a pamphlet about Christ and the Joy of Giving this season!   my response?...    Why not??!! 
I amde sure that he understood he would be the louder singer to drain out my voice, he agreed, and we went! It was awesome. Why is that? Because as we walked up to the front gates of campus and walked inside,, there was no school! Happy Bonafacio Day! Hahahha it was hilarious. We had a pretty good laugh and then noticed that there was a big sports area next to the school filled with people so we went over to see what it was all about. Turns out there was a field day activity for all the youth in the town to play sports and have fun on their day off. One of the members that we saw there said that they have the activities so kids wont be in computer shops all day, especially when they have a day off of school and can play outside! So we sang Joy to the World and Angels We Have Heard on High to a bunch of little kids and their parents! T'was cute.


Elder Tomias and Elder Lachica live in the same apartment as Elder Hulick so I got to catch up with them as well. They were in the zone zone as me when I was in Bangued so it was cool to see the changes in their confidence and also personalities! I really love being able to meet other missionaries and see them as they grow as missionaries. Elder Hulick shared with me the things he has been learning from reading the book "The Miracle of Forgiveness". We both we talking about how great the author, Spencer W. Kimball is at explaining the love Christ has for us, and also his expectations he has of each one of us. Elder Hulick explained how "repentance is a miracle" and how amazing and extraordinary it is that sins can be forgiven. If you break a light, yes you can buy a new light and then you are done. But the fact that we are able to fix the problems that dwell within our families, friends, work, church, and any other place or aspect of life dealing with our feelings or the feelings of others is a miracle. It was a really good insight.


I got back to Lingsat, San Fernando on Friday morning, we had a quick 30 minute planning meeting, and then looked like a bunch of bees in a nest flying around the rooms of the office getting supplies and printing things off for a musical festival that we had in Aringay! The Polynesian missionaries performed cultural dances and the Aringay Branch/ Bauang District  performed traditional Filipino dances, sang Christmas Music and more at the amphitheater! So many people were there it was amazing! Elder Pettit and I were the only two who had licenses so we had to drive everyone down and back! During the performances we were inviting those who were poking there heads around the corner to come into the amphitheater! Nothing like a bunch of missionaries standing outside of a venue telling people to come in! Even the Mayor of Aringay came and spoke some words about Christ and how his views, our views, and others views arent the most important part of Christmas, but that Christ is the most important part. It was very nice of him to come and also speak! We got back to San Fernando at about 11:45 pm.. And got up at 6am to get the missionaries back to their areas! Whats sleep right?


Saturday was pretty relaxing too. We had to run some errands in Balaoan, so on the way back we took a side road through Luna! I forgot how gorgeous the roads are in Luna, and we saved ourselves 20 minutes of travel making it even better! Hahah. I hope I can go back to Luna some time before I go home. I miss the people there. We taught brother Gerry again this week too. He is so cool. I know that he is regaining his faith back in God. Like him, we all need to apply the hings we hear and learn in life to gain a better understanding. Im grateful that he has been willing to listen to us even though he has a busy schedule.
Church was great on Sunday! 2 Members of the Sevilla Ward returned home from their missions which was nice to hear their testimonies and some stories from their time as  a missionary. Brother Antonio was also there reppin his name tag and his polo. I love Antonio to death! He gets to go to Dubai as well for the Special Olympics which is sooo awesome. He has softened my heart so much I was I could just bring him back to Washington with me.
Testimonies were shared in Sacrament Meeting. Many youth, meany aduts. all relaying the same message to us in the sacrament hall. The Book of Mormon is the word of God. To know that, we cant rely on others, we have to find out for ourselves. We have to search diligently. We have to be willing to accept the answer that comes. I love reading the scriptures. I love being a missionary.
And I love you all. Have a great week! Many pictures to come next week from our Christmas Conference!
Tagalog words on the week that I messed up on and everyone laughed hahah
Samakalawa - The day after tomorrow       Kamakalawa- The day before yesterday


Elder Pitt

Happy Birthday Dad

Hello all! First things First


HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!!!!!
DONT FORGET TO WISH HIM A HAPPY BIRTHDAY EVERYONE!!


This was another great week here in San Fernando. I have learned so much this week and have been blessed to work with many members and other missionaries the last couple days.
Two missionaries who were assigned here last year, Elder Strader and Elder Gilliat were here visiting the Philippines so we had a great time catching up and talking about experiences as missionaries! They had a Family Home Evening with President Bangal at Presidents house Monday Evening so after working, we went there and had some dang good spaghetti! Thank you Sister Bangal!
Tuesday Morning we woke up at made our way to Bauang to attend some meetings with the missionaries again! I saw Elder Scott while we were there which was fun to catch up with him! All of the zones in the mission are practicing a presentation for our Christmas Devotional coming up on Dec. 8! It should be a blast. We worked the whole day looking for new people to meet and talk to!


Wednesday Morning Elder Lloyd and I took a 2 hour road trip to Candon to go on exchanges with the missionaries there! We got their at about 8am and then I drove back to San Fernando with my companion for the day, Elder Aguirre! Elder Aguirre and I came into the mission at the same time
so everytime we see one another it makes us pretty happy! Elder Aguirre is such a hard working missionary and is super smart as well. We talked for the whole 2 hours back about the Church, the mission, and everything else. It was great! He talked about how he wasn’t a strong member before and how doing the simple things such as praying daily and reading the scriptures was what helped him come back into the church and gain a desire to serve a mission as well. Im super happy that I was able to work with him. We taught Sister Pugal, who’s son was just baptized 2 weeks ago, she attended the baptism and has now gotten an interest in the Church. We talked about why baptism is important, how we continue to live the promised we make at baptism for the rest of our lives, and what we need to do to prepare to be baptized. I really liked what she said about looking for the truth. She wants to find for herself the true Church and has committed to doing the things necessary to come to know needed to do as well to receive an answer.

Ive learned that conversion is a two way conversion between us and our Heavenly Father. As much as the missionaries love to share and . What was cool, the two things she said she would do, were the same things that Elder Aguirre help, we can only do so much, we can only bring the Gospel to the hearts of the people, but everyone has their own agency or freedom to let the Gospel into their hearts. To let the Spirit of God into their hearts and learn for themselves what things they should do.

We had an awesome time and also listened to some Conference Talks on the way back to Candon on Thursday morning from Bruce. R Mcconkie that I had never heard before. Once we got back from Candon, Elder Bin Salleh and I went to work while Elder Lloyd stayed with other missionaries from the office to work with them! We ended up meeting a man named Jeff who used to be taught by the missionaries in a municipality close to San Fernando! He was super cool, remembers the things that he was taught, and has been reading the Book of Mormon! We had a really good talk with him about the Restoration and Joseph Smith. He also had a lot of questions in which we invited him to read the Book of Mormon. All of the answers to the questions he asked were in the Book. I have also gotten used to talking to everyone! I used to be afraid while sitting in a packed Jeepney to introduce myself but its as if that fear is no more.

Friday was super busy! We had a meeting with President Bangal planning the Christmas Devotional and also talking about his plans for the mission. I am super grateful that I have the opportunity to be around President and learn form him. He always has a new idea and always has an answer to our questions, we had to plan more of the Devotional and then go around to the different places here in San Fernando to buy all of the necessities and also find a venue for a sports activity! We werent able to go out to work until about 5 pm which was sad but it was still good! We took a tryke to our area and it was tryke #001 and i dont know how many thousand trykes there are here in San Fernando so it was a day maker!

(Missionaries who were assigned in the Philippines, you understand why that is malupit)

Church was also awesome! I love being here in Sevilla. The members like I have said before are so supportive.

Brother Rodel and Reagan were baptized in Bangued and we got to call them and say congratulations to them too! Elder Lloyd and I are both super excited for their new journey and also happy that we were able to come to know them before being transferred here. I cant wait to see them again whenever the time allows it.




I was reading a lot in the books of Kings thing week, and one thing that I liked was 1 Kings 19 about the voice of the Lord:




 11 And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the Lord. And, behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake:
  12 And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a astill small bvoice.
  13 And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah?


Loudness, confusion, and other things are not where the Lord was, but he was in a still small voice. Elijah had to wrap his face in his mantle in a cave in order to hear what the Lord was wanting to tell him. I think it gives us a really good idea of how we can hear the Lords voice in our lives, through reverence. That could be through personal prayer, worshiping at church in meekness and humility, and living our lives quietly, always prepared to listen to the Lords voice.


Once again, Hippy Bird Day Dad. Love you




I love all of you as well, Happy Thanksgiving, and Merry Christmas!


Elder Pitt

Sevilla 2.0

Hello hello hello! 
First off I would just  like to remind you all that my Fathers birthday is just right around the corner so dont forget to wish him a Happy Birthday!!!

Man I love and miss Sevilla Ward!! We had 3 Family Home Evenings just this week! haha the members here always invite the missionaries over and we have had the opportunity to meet more and more of the friends that also attend the Family Home Evenings. I lost weight in Bangued... but i think i know whats going to happen here in Sevilla again..haha!
I also drove to Bauang which is south of San Fernando to attend meetings with other missionaries and practice presentations for our upcoming Christmas Conference! CHRISTMAS!!!!
On Wednesday, I went to Bangued to work with Elder Van Dyke and Elder Fisher! Because they are both new to the area, I got to show them around and introduce them to the people that I had met and taught before!
Brother Rodel and Brother Reagan are getting baptized on Saturday! I am so happy for them and cant waite to call and say congrats! :)
While we were at the office one day, two people knocked on the front door and who was it?? Elder Strader and Elder Gilliat!! (Now Jaron and Steve)
They were the Assistants when I was new in the mission and they came back to visit the Philippines!! They are also taking us out to lunch later so I will send pictures next week! It was so good to catch up with them!
One of the best things that happened this week was church on Sunday.
When I got there we were greeted by my best friend who I havent been able to talk to for a while, Antonio!! He walked into Elders Quorum and screamed "Elder Pitt!!!!" I am so so happy that we are going to be able to be "companions" again until I go home most likely! He always wears his nametage and says hello to everyone he sees at church.
Also, I got to see Edson who I had been teaching before I got transferred. He got baptized two weeks ago! Im so blessed to be able to talk with him again and see his progression in the Gospel and receiving the priesthood.
I love the mission so much. There were so many things that happened this week that I wish I could put into words but I cant. Being a missionary is a different feeling than anything else and I wouldnt trade it for the world. I love you all! Have a great week!!


--

Elder Pitt

BIZZY week

Hello Hello!



This week so VERY busy and full of things to do. I dont have time to type it all right now but here are the main parts!
We had an FHE at the Brittons house monday night. Brother Britton is from Salem Oregon and met his wife who was from here, got married, and now they live in Bangued! His wife cooked some dang good delicious tacos for us and also adobo and rice!
I got a new companion, Elder Van Dyke from Utah! We were with one another From Tuesday till Sunday and during that time we worked worked worked and also visited the other missionaries in the zone. On Friday we had a meeting in San Fernando which was super good! I love being able to listen and learn from other missionaries!
Church was awesome! Brother Rodel used his van again and brought almost everyone from San Antonio to church. Him and his wife are so so awesome. I love them to death. He is getting baptized on Nov. 25th and so will Reagan Castillo! There van was packed with new people who had never been to church before! It was really cool.
After church, I got a call and found out that I am being transferred. So i packed my bags last night and now I am in my new area in... San Fernando-Sevilla! I got trasnferred back into my previous area! And my companion is Elder Lloyd again!! Small world right?? We are both super pumped and happy and I know that the next few weeks are gonna be pretty busy but I am excited to work!


I love you all so much. I know that the Plan of Salvation is true. I know that we are here on earth for a reason and that our weaknesses also become our strengths as we rely on the Lord to help us through our afflictions.


Personal Study notes this week
James 4:17
2 Peter 1:4- Keep ourselves unspotted from the world




--

Elder Pitt

Ridin' Solo

Hello Everybody!! How was your week? How is your family? Happy BirthMonth Darren J. Pitt! 


This week I had no companion! Weird for a missionary to sat that right? haha, Elder Lloyd was in San Fernando so I was livin the single life for a week! But! The missionaries in the other Branch here live in the same house as me so I wasnt that alone! Big shoutout to our Mission Leader, Brother Boy Baniago. He was awesome, he knew i didnt have a companion. So he told me that he would be my companion for the week! Meaning we were able to visit everyone we needed to during the week and the  other elders were able to work in their area as well! On Tuesday, I went with members of the Branch to Tineg, Abra! It was about 2 and a half hours away! But there was a meeting house there that got torn down by a Typhoon so we went to break up all of the wood and roofing. It was super maganda in Tineg. It is one of the last areas before you get to a different Province. I got quite the sunburn being up on the top of the mountain with no shade but it turns into a tan after a couple days right??


Thursday Elder Fenn and Vilela came with me to San Antonio to help plant corn seeds at the Baga's! We woke up at about 5 AM and got there right as brother Conrado was finishing up plowing! We were there for quite a bit, planting about 3 different fields but we had a blast doing it! I love being able to live just a sliver of the Filipino life. Its full of hard work and trust in the Lord that things will work out, because if they dont, you wont have anything to eat! Its a good thing that Our Heavenly Father watches over all of us. Being here is so humbling.
Then last Saturday after the baptism of Tatay Abat, we went to Vilia Viciosa! Which is another very far away land up in a different mountain range! We had a FHE with a member of the church and his family who is currently taking the discussions. I love being able to meet new people and go to far places to "Find the One".


Like I said, I was without a kasama but tomorrow I will get a new one! His name is...
Elder Van Dyke! Yes, he is from America hahha. Something about having American companions! I am super excited for the upcoming weeks ahead. Especially with the ber months in effect, people here are already prepared for Christmas!! I love it!!


I hope you all have a good week, I love you all! Find someone to help this week :)



--

Elder Pitt

Changes

Hello to all once again!
This week was amazing! It started off with a Family Home Evening with the Baga and Alvarez Family on Monday! We played some games and taught a lesson about the "Why, How and What" of baptism. We gave everyone 5 minutes to answer one of the 3 questions, "Why do we need to be baptized? How are we baptized? and What is baptism?" They had to use 2 verses from the Bible and 1 verse from the Book of Mormon to explain! It was one funny to see the reaction when they noticed that all of their verses were used, and two) to see the different verses people had found by using the Topical Guide and Bible Dictionary! Brother Baga has a sister who was visiting in town from San Fernando.. Turns out, I had gone to her house before and we had introduced ourselves to her husband! She lives about 8 houses away from the house of the missionaries in San Fernando! It was so funny! I saw her and was like waite a minute I am pretty sure I know her, and she remembered Elder Tavita and I!
On Tuesday, we went on exchanges with Elder Tavita and Elder Walsh! Elder Lloyd went toSan Fernando and Elder Walsh came to Bangued. (Its about a 4-hour trip haha)
Elder Walsh used to be assigned in Bangued so we had a blast visiting the people that he had found and started teaching, who are now members of the Church, including the Baga Family and Nanay Nora! We went to really far areas and had a blast doing it. I really have loved getting to know other missionaries and learning from them as I have served here. Elder Walsh and Elder Tavita both go home in a week so it will be sad to see them go but fun to welcome the new missionaries coming in!

On Wednesday, we worked with Brother Boy Baniago, a member of the Branch here! He loves working with missionaries and has such an awesome personality. We planned on biking... But this time, it was my bike that broke! Right as we left the house, the back gears got stuck in the chain and bye bye back gear! Haha so we walked instead. We met this family who lives on the top of a hill thats about a half-mile walk. They live up in the mountains teaching kids, but were down because there is semester break. Turns out they are members of the Church too! It was fun to meet them and also learn about what they do for work teaching in areas where the people are still unfamiliar to the outside world. It was extremely humbling to listen to them as they talked and told stories. I love the Charity that their organization has, to live with them and learn their culture, in order to help them learn more and to have a more sustainable life.
Thursday and Friday were both awesome as well. Work Work Work Work Work!

Saturday we had Nanay Erlindas baptism! I wish I could tell the whole story of how we met Nanay Erlinda but I dont think Gmail allows that many characters. We have known her my whole time here but she was never interested. She lives close to the members in San Antonio and after many events, she invited us to teach her. As we taught, more and more she felt the Spirit testifying to her the truthfulness of the Restored Gospel. She has been through so many hoops in her life but as she said yesterday in her testimony, she now feels at home inside. She is also opening up ways for us to meet other people as well. May others who were turned off before, have now been asking her as well why it is she became a member. Especially asking why she wanted to be baptized again when she was baptized in the Iglesia Ni Cristo church before. She has been very strong in her testimony of the Priesthood, and loves to say to them, you know how old I am. If you want a clear answer, ask the two white Americans for an answer! hahaha
After the baptism,  we had a Musical Devotional at the church! President Bangal came as well as other missionaries in the mission. They performed songs about Christ and explained the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Some songs I had never heard before that I absolutely loved, and others that I had sang hundreds of times before still touched me with the Spirit. Music is truly amazing. There were a lot of people there too. Even from very far branches and people who didnt even know what the Church was, just were invited to come. Many people wanted to learn more as well so we are all excited to meet with them in the coming week!
Elder Lloyd is sadly transferring and will be replacing Elder Tavita in San Fernando so I will be alone for the next week until my new companion transfers! Brother Boy will be my companion during the week so itll be fun! I will be able to learn a lot more Ilocano and have more lessons in Ilocano. I will let you all know who my companion is next week! I love you all! Happy November as well!

--
Elder Pitt

19 months in, 5 months to go

This is last weeks email that decided not to go through!!




Man can you believe how fast the time is?? I do not like it one bit!! 


This last week was awesome! It went by so fast but it was a lot of fun and full of experiences. We were able to visit all of the people in San Antonio who have been taking discussions and we we were able also to share more with the the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I love being able to go to San Antonio so much and the 30 minute bike ride keeps the weight down as well!
On Wednesday, it was Elder Lloyds birthday! We had a zone conference in Candon so we were with missionaries from 3 different parts of the mission. There were a bunch of missionaries and it was fun to talk to them about their areas and the people we both knew!
President Bangal talked about how lobsters grow through discomfort, that is knows it is getting bigger because its shell is getting smaller, so it breaks out of its shell and keeps doing that multiple times to always grow. It was like Elder Waite always said, that there is no comfort in the growth zone, and no growth in the comfort zone.

I really liked the conference, Elder Tavita was there as well so I got to see him again, he goes home in 3 weeks but gave such a strong testimony about the Book of Mormon and our callings as missionaries. Also ran into Elder Mereki, which we all know is always the best!
On the way home, I coordinated with the Baga Family in San Antonio to surprise Elder Lloyd for his birthday, so when we got to their house they all sang happy birthday to him and he was so red-faced it was awesome! I love when people tell me not to tell others about their birthdays... Its just a weakness I cant get over! haha! then at the house later that night, some members stopped by and gave him a cake and a bunch of food! It was delicious and I am so grateful that the members care so much about the missionaries here! The best part was that on our very long bike ride home, Elder Lloyds front tire just randomly broke off! so he had to hold on the the front handle bars and walk the bike like a dog... once we got about 20 minutes away (biking time) THE BACK WHEEL broke off as well! All I heard was him say "alrrighhhtt!!! nice!!" and we both started laughing super hard as he carried the bike frame on his shoulders and we put his tires on my handlebars hahah, hippy bird day Elder Lloyd!
Thursday we went on exchanges with Elder Vilela and Elder Fenn, Elder Vilela worked with me in our area and it was the 3rd time we have been on exchanges with one another! I really love Elder Vilela, he is soo hardworking and caring about everyone.
Church was awesome on Sunday, Brother Rodel offered to pick up anyone from San Antonio in his van to take to church that needed a ride! It was only his 2nd time at church and he brought 7 others! how cool!
I love the support of members with new people at church. Brother Ronie Rodeo was also asked to give the closing prayer for sacrament meeting, his first Sunday as a member! He told us after that he was super nervous.. but he did a great job!


I have tried to send pictures 3 times but this computer has restarted each time so i will try one more but if it restarts i will just send them next week! I love you all! Thank you for your prayers, emails, and willingness to read this whole email before looking at the pictures at the end.. Have a great week! :)
--

Elder Pitt





--

Elder Pitt

Idiay Kabilang Bangued

Hello everyone and WELCOME HOME MALERIE!!

As expected, it was another amazing week here in Bangued. I love the work and the people that I have met. Out of all the things that happened this week I want to focus mostly on what I’ve been noticing more and more here in the mission: Everything has been planned, and has a plan.



Sometimes I have gotten frustrated by walking around all day in the heat, and not being accepted by not even one person to share a message, or give service, or even to ask a question. But I am starting to notice that there is a time for everything. The people that I have been blessed to meet, had met missionaries before, and did not have time. But because the missionaries still persisted to give them a pamphlet, or write down their number, by the time my companion and I had gotten to their house, they are felt more comfortable talking to two white guys walking along the road! So many “coincidences” and “Ironic run-ins” with people have happened over the last couple weeks. One of them I want to share. We were working in San Antonio and had to go back to Bangued for a meeting. By foot, It takes about hour so we were really hoping a tryke would come by. With no luck we starting walking and got picked up by a man driving a van going to Bangued, he told us that he lives in a barangay called Banacao. Which is pretty far passed San Antonio. Turns out! His wife is a member of the Church, born in Tacloban, but hasn’t gone to church in over 14 years. So the next week we visited her house, and the first thing she said was that she quit the Mormon Church a long time ago.

We sat down with them and talk a lesson about our Heavenly Father and at the end we sang the primary hymn “I Am a Child of God” to which Sister Lisa sang along. The Spirit was so strong as we sang and I could see all of the memories rushing back into Sister Lisa’s thoughts from when she attended Church.



Not only was she at Church yesterday, but her husband came with. His first time ever. They also came early to watch the baptism of Brother Ronie Rodeo! Since I have gotten here, Ronie has been listening and taking the discussions and his change has been incredible. His testimony was so strong and all of the members from San Antonio have supported him so much. He has completely changed his life style and habits. I am so grateful for the Atonement. Anyone can change.  Christ has payed for every ones sins. I have been so blessed to be here for Ronie and his wife Brenda’s baptisms. Their son David and daughter Chrisna have amazing parents. I am also grateful for the support the Branch here gives to missionaries. Yesterday was the primary presentation in sacrament! Nostalgia hit hard but it was awesome!  They sang the classics and yes, there was even some yelling into the microphone as kids got excited to speak at the pulpit…

The Church really is the same no matter where you are!



I love you all so much! Have a great week!!





--

Elder Pitt

General Conference

Man this week was such an amazing week! I love being a missionary and being able to live a life fully concentrated on the Gospel and inviting others to come close to our Savior.

Im sorry this email is short. I am at a loss of words because of the privilege and opportunity I have here in the Philippines. If only I could just have you all follow the missionaries around and see what goes on in just one day as a missionary. I have met so many people and continue to here in Bangued. We have been blessed with being able to teach those, who were at once turned off to the missionaries and have since, softened their hearts and accepted the invitation to learn. We have members who work with us and bring their friends to church to help them learn just what "The Mormons" do at church.
I have read more scriptures as a missionary than ever before and have learned how to use them in my personal life and have gained a stronger testimony and relationship with Our Loving Heavenly Father


This week we watched General Conference. I cant begin to say how amazing Conference was and how strong the Spirit was as the leaders of the church, The Apostles of the Lord told us what we needed to do and how to do it. I would invite you all to listen to each conference talk. They were all amazing, they were all inspired, and will answer the questions that you have. I know that if we open our hearts to the Lord, he will show us who He is, and in return, we will also learn who we are, and what he has planned for us.
Watch General Conference!


WELCOME HOME SISTER PITT! CATCH YAH IN 5 MONTHS!!




https://www.lds.org/general-conference?cid=HP_SA_23-9-2017_dGC_fBCAST_xLIDyL1-B_&lang=eng

--

Elder Pitt

October!

Hello Hello Hello! Happy October to you all!

It has been yet again another busy and successful week here in Bangued with Elder Lloyd. First things first, I love being here in Bangued and getting to know the people and missionaries here, the Bangued Zone is awesome!

Last Monday as we were on our way to work, I took a really cool picture of the sunset. I will try and upload it. I love the sunsets here so much. They are gorgeous and so peaceful. There are always people coming home, walking in the fields, arriving home, kids getting home from school and families meeting together just around sunset making it my most favorite part of the day. Especially when it rains or is about to, and the clouds are rolling in.

On Tuesday we had a bunch of transfers in the zone! Elder Hennessey transferred to my old area, Sevilla! When I found out, I couldn’t stop talking to him about the people there and who to tell I said hello hahah, he most definitely got tired of listening but I most definitely did not get tired of talking! I am so jealous he is there haha. Elder Fenn replaced Elder Hennessey in the apartment, he is super nice and hard working. Sister Trussell is also now in the zone! Mal was serving in her ward in Mississippi a while ago so we caught up on Mal talk! Haha small world no!?

Starting from 8am till about 3 pm we were going to different bus stations picking up new missionaries and welcoming them into Bangued, and also getting ahold of their companions so they could get back out to work. I love seeing new faces and meeting new missionaries.

Thursday came around and we went to San Fernando for a meeting! We left at about 5:30 and got to San Fernando around 9:30, just in time to get some shwarma from the night market for dinner and go to my old apartment! Best part about that day was when we got to the apartment, I saw the next door neighbor, ANTONIO! I hope you guys remember Antonio from all the pictures when I was assigned in San Fernando! He is going to the Special Olympics in Dubai!!! I know home boy will kill it at the games as well!

Fridays meeting with President Bangal and other missionaries from around the mission was super good. He helped us understand more fully our callings and responsibilities being missionaries in the Baguio Mission. There’s no one like President Bangal, he is one of a kind for sure. I really respect President and love his attitude. Elder Waite and Elder Scott were also both there! (Pics at the bottom) which was great. I love them both. We got home from San Fernando at about 11pm and then woke up at 6am the next day to go to work in San Antonio, then we did that again on Sunday Morning.

Brother Ronie was sick but he made himself go to church even though he had the flu. He works construction for 8 hours a day at least, Monday through Saturday and told us that Sunday was his only day off, and he wasn’t going to miss the most important part of Sunday. How cool right? Just 2 months ago, he had no desire at all to talk to us, and now he is preparing to be baptized on the 14th!

We also taught Nanay Erlinda, who is getting stronger and stronger every day! She was very close to dyeing a couple weeks ago because of a lung infection and problem, but now is doing a lot better. We taught about the Sabbath Day to which she asked if she would still be able to sell food at the market on Sundays, that being the only day she goes to the market. We replied no… And before being able to explain why she says “Ok, I’ll just do it on Saturday and hopefully I will be blessed for it.”

YES NANAY YES! Talk about strong faith!

Sister Minda Dacayan was baptized on Sunday as well! It was a great baptismal service. The members in San Antonio gave talks (Brother Conrado and Sister Nora) and Minda also gave a great testimony about the Church and Joseph Smith. It was very touching to hear such a strong testimony from Sister Minda.



Her family even came to church for the first time to watch the baptism and also attend the confirmation and all 3 classes! Meaning that they were at church for about 5 hours!! Hopefully they come back right??? Hahha just kidding, they said that it wasn’t a problem being there for a while because seeing how its Sunday… they shouldn’t be doing anything else anyway! I replied “true” and we will be seeing them on Tuesday to talk about any questions they have. I am so greatful that the Elders before us were able to meet Minda and start teaching her, I am also grateful that the Lord has given me the opportunity to serve here and be able to teach the Restored Gospel. I know that this is the Gospel and the Church of Our Savior.

I love you all! Earlier we made all of the Elders in the zone pancakes for breakfast after going on a 3-mile run! The run felt great! The pancakes tasted great, and now we need to run more so that we can burn off the pancakes! Have a great week everyone!

Don’t forget to watch General Conference if you haven’t yet! www.lds.org<http://www.lds.org>

--
Elder Pitt



--
Elder Pitt

6 months Na Lang

Man i cant believe that it is already September. Time is flying by way too fast! Happy Birthday Whit!!
Well last Saturday was the 23rd which was 18 months since I entered the MTC and I spent the whole day wishing I could go back to the MTC and do it all again!
I am grateful that I have six more months to work for the Lord. These last 2 weeks have been super busy so I wasn't able to email last week but I can just say that it has been amazing. I love it so much.

Words cant explain how amazing this work is. Being able to see the Gospel change people is the most rewarding feeling. I love meeting new people and learning about their lives. So many people here have had harder lives than what I expected to be a tough life, and they just endure it like nothing.
We have some investigators preparing to be baptized right now and I have been blessed to have been here the whole time that they have been coming to church.
Minda, Ronie, Erlinda, and Reagan all live in San Antonio meaning that it takes at least 40 minutes to get to church and its not cheap either. They are aweosme. The save money, prepare, and invite others as well during the week just to make it there. I love their faith and their testimonies. My wish is that we can all ponder upon the blessings we have received from the Lord, and to pray to see more that we haven't noticed yet. I love you all! Have a great week!



--

Elder Pitt

Another fast, furious, and fun week

Hello everyone! I am sorry for the shortness of this email but this last week was another great week! On Tuesday, all of the elders from the zone came to stay at our house, so we had them come at 5pm and then we 4 here in Bangued went on splits with them in our areas! It was a lot of fun to work with other missionaries and also we had a delicious meal at mang-inasal after to fill us up! On Wednesday, we went to Candon again for our Tri-Zone Conference! President Bangal did a great job talking and explaining to us our calling as missionaries and how to teach more effectively! I love seeing other missionaries and hearing from them as well. Sister Brown and Sister Ribwaii go home in like 3 weeks! I feel like we were in the MTC yesterday and now they are going home! Which means there will only be 6 months remaining for me and Elder Mereki! The time is too fast!! We heard workshops from different leaders in Candon, Bangued, and Tagudin and practiced teaching too. Then in our area we had a blast meeting new people and following up with others about their Book of Mormon reading and conversion. I love seeing the change in the people because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I am so thankful that I have this opportunity to see people come to the knowledge of the Gospel.

I have been reading in the Book of 3rd Nephi in the Book of Mormon recently. I think it is so clear how harmful pride is and how important it is to always remember who it is that is blessing our lives. We all have pride, but we can all work on getting rid of it too! I know I need to.
The Restored Gospel is here on earth and Thomas S. Monson is the living prophet on earth today. I love you all, have a great week!
--

Elder Pitt

Busy Days Make the Week Fly By

So much happened this week I will try and make it all fit inside one email without you all getting too bored and going straight to the pictures at the bottom!!


Tuesday- We hopped on a bus and made our way down to San Fernando to attend a Leadership Counsel presided by Elder Schmutz of the Seventy. It was so cool to be able to sit and listen to Elder Schmutz, his wife, and President and Sister Bangal talk to us about our callings as missionaries and our roles in the mission. I also saw two members of the Sevilla Ward while I was in San Fernando which was a blast! I totally spaced when I saw them and was like "Hey whats up!....... WAIT HEY!!" And it was a good thing they were already used to my loudness so they werent too surprised haha. Elder Schmutz explained so clearly what it means to be a consecrated missionary and the importance of learning as much as we can while we are missionaries to prepare ourselves for the rest of our lives. We got on a bus back to Bangued and made it here around 11pm. Got to the house where all of the Elders in the zone were because we left on Wednesday morning at 6 to catch a bus to Candon for the Baguio Mission Tour with Elder Schmutz.
I feel super lucky to have been around Elder Schmutz two straight days learning from his thoughts and listening to his advice. Missionaries from Abra to San Juan, LA Union were there meaning I was able to talk to the missionaries who are currently serving in Luna, and also Narvacan! One of the people that we found in Narvacan was baptized a couple weeks ago so I got to talk to her, (Kate Nimes) and her family as well to say congrats. I miss the people in Narvacan and also Luna but they are in good hands with the leaders of the Church there and the missionaries spreading the Gospel.
Also a big shoutout to all the missionaries in the Bangued Zone who had to wake up super early and get ready, because not one was late and we all made it back quickly to our areas after the conference as well. I love the missionaries I am around.
Another cool thing that happened this week. Brother Matias, a member in the Bangued Branch, got super sick this week and ended up being rushed to the hospital. When he got there, he was given 4 bags of blood and rushed straight to the ER. Turns out, his liver and other organs were not functioning and he was lucky he got the hospital.
Well thats not the cool part but this is: Here in the Philippines, if you are given blood in the hospital, there is a minimum fee to repay for the blood you used.. But because they understand that it is difficult sometimes to make that payment, what you can do is donate blood and just replace what you had used. So the members of the Branch called around and brother Boy, the branch mission leader donated. Then, we were asked and we found 2 people to donate! (Foreigners arent allowed sadly) Elder Teope who is currently assigned in Lapaz came down, and one of our investigators, Alex also was willing to donate! It was so cool that neither of them had ever met Brother Matias, nor knew why they needed to donate but because they were asked and were willing, they did it. It was amazing.
Words cant explain how strong the gratitude and love was when we visited brother Matias at his house Saturday night. I love the care in the world and the willingness of others to sacrifice time and blood to help others.
Saturday and Sunday was the Bangued District Conference. President Bangal spake in all three sessions and I loved every single one of his talks. Again, President Bangal is full of the Spirit and I know that he is a chosen servant. I love the way he talks. He is so alive and a smile wont leave your face as he explains to you the very things you need to do to know who Christ is and why thats important.


Well thats all I got for this week. I will try and send pictures next week if the computer will allow me!


Dont Forget!!! Alma 37:37








HA THERES NO PICTURES GUESS YOU GOTTA READ THE EMAIL INSTEAD!! :)
--

Elder Pitt

TRAVEL BUG

Hello Hello! First things first congrats to Quinn and Britney Moreland on your wedding! This week was one of the busiest weeks I’ve had in a while but it was so much fun! Next week is also going to be so busy so this might just be preparation haha.

After going grocery shopping and to the market last Monday, we find this awesome billiards place next to where the missionaries used to live before they changed houses. Its in the back of a store and there is just one table so us 4 elders played for an hour! Im still not good at pool but it did remind me of playing all the time at the Hardy’s when I was a younger! We also deep cleaned the house and washed all of our clothes. It was super fun being with the kabahay the whole day and doing anything and everything we needed to do.

On Tuesday, I was able to get back into my running habbits! We live about 3 minutes walk away from an old stadium that had a track! Now the stadiums underground rooms are used for school classrooms and they dug up all the track, leaving behind a rocky field and a gravel oval. So in the morning, Elder Lloyd and I have been going there and as I run the track he runs stairs and does other exercises. Its super effective to wake up and get active and also effective in pushing me not to eat unhealthy food and to run faster haha. My Nikes are still holding up too which is perfect. (Thanks Runners Soul!)

After we got back to the house, we got ready and went to a district meeting in one of the neighboring districts in a town called Lapaz. We sat in on their District Meeting and then Elder Lloyd gave a rally good workshop on the scriptures and solving our concerns through the God’s word. Elder Lloyd is super knowledgeable with scriptures and all of the Elders in Lapaz are too! We ate some miki after and then went to work in San Antonio. Minda is getting closer and closer to baptism every week. She loves coming to church and has really good questions for us always. I feel at home when we are at her house because she is always making sure we have food and water and anything else we need. She told us that if it was raining too hard when we are there, that we will just stay at their house for the night instead of walking home and wasn’t joking hahah. Ill have to visit when I come back and have her keep her word!

On Wednesday, Elder Decosta and Elder Fenn, two office Elders, came to Bangued to drop off all the supplies for the zone. They didn’t know where the other Elders houses were so I rode with them in the morning to Lagangilang and Tayum. Once we dropped off their supplies, we went back to Bangued, picked up Elder Lloyd and went to Lapaz again for their supplies! Then got back to Bangued and worked there the rest of the day.

Thursday, we went to Tayum to go to their District Meeting, which was also very good, and then we interviewed a lady who is getting baptized in Lapaz next week! Before a baptism, the person wanting to be baptized has an interview where the interviewer makes sure that they have been taught everything by the missionaries and that they understand what baptism is. She passed with flying colors and is super excited to be baptized next week! Because it was pretty late when we finished in Lapaz, we weren’t able to visit the barangay Sagap but we will try to next week! Instead, we met some new people in San Antonio and were able to read and explain with them the Book of Mormon and the importance of the Book of Mormon.

On Friday, a typhoon rated Signal 2 was coming in to Abra so we were told either not to go out or to stay close to our house so we just worked in Bangued. Although the typhoon was hard in other areas, it didn’t affect us at all so we were able to finally work the whole day! We met this really cool family who has gone to multiple churches trying to figure out what they want and where they should be! They had a lot of really good questions about Christ, His Church, the Book of Mormon, Prophets, and much more! Hopefully we can go back and visit them this coming week!

Saturday was also a full day of work! One of the members here in the Branch got very sick out of nowhere and was taken to the Hospital so we went to visit him. He has anemia and needed a lot of blood. Here in Bangued at the local hospital, if you are given blood, you can either pay for it or donate blood to replace what you used if that’s easier for the family. We talked to President Bangal, and next week, some members of the Branch, and some of the missionaries close to Bangued will be coming here to donate.  Foreigners aren’t allowed so we asked the missionaries in the zone and close to Candon if they would be willing to come and they were! So next week we will be helping Brother Roy replace the blood at the hospital and hopefully he will be able to go back to his house and rest/recover there.

I have learned so much as a missionary and continue to learn every single week. I love seeing how ready people are to help here in the Philippines. I love their kindness and their humility and I hope to be able to obtain those attributes and carry them with me the rest of my life.

We had a zone activity earlier and it was so much fun. I love the missionaries here in the Bangued Zone. Everyone has a smile on their face and make others happy. Elder Lloyd and I are going to San Fernando tomorrow to have a meeting with Elder Schmutz of the Seventy along with other missionaries in the mission. We will leave at about 7am, get there around 12, have the meeting till 5, get back to Bangued around 10:30, and then all the Elders in the zone will be sleeping in our house because on Wednesday we all go to Candon to have a Conference with Elder Schmutz and the rest of the mission. So we will leave at about 6:45 am, get their around 9. Meet until 1, get back around 3pm and then get to work and make up for the travel time! I love being busy and I love being just a little stressed haha. It keeps me focused. I love you all and hope you all have a great last couple days of August. Where is the time going??




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Elder Pitt

Welcome to Bangued Elder Lloyd

Elder Lloyd is my new companion and is from the great country of New Zealand! Another Kiwi how cool! He got here on Tuesday and we went straight to work! I love being with another hardworking companion just like Elder Jenson and all of the others Ive had, it feels could to just get back to work right away no matter who you are with. We went around seeing all of the people we visit and members of the Branch! Elder Lloyd has actually been assigned in Bangued before! Just in the other Branch, so he has seen quite a few people which is fun to see their reactions that hes back again!
Ronie and Minda are both scheduled to be baptized in September! It has been so cool seeing their conversion and their faith grow. It just really goes to show how amazing the Atonement is and how powerful of a role it can play in our lives.


One thing that was really fun this week was Thursday. Elder Lloyd and I woke up at about 5:30am, got ready, and were out the door at 6:30 to work. It was so much fun being outside so early and seeing the people that you miss when youre outside in the afternoon. We worked in a barangay called Sagap, and then in San Antonio! The Baga family cooked us duck for lunch, (delicious!) and then we worked back in Bangued for the rest of the day. Just walking talking and having a smile on my face the whole day was the best. We got home at about 9pm DRAINED TIRED. But after a quick dinner we planned for more activities during the week, read the Book of Mormon, and crashed hahha. the next morning was awesome though, we got up and were fully charged!
Another thing I like alot is that every night before we go to bed, me Elder Llloyd, Hennessey and Vilela all read one chapter of the Book of Mormon together. We read in Tagalog too in order to catch the deep Tagalog and ask Elder Vilela what it means haha. Just going to bed on a note like that has been really cool. Very relaxing and inviting.
I love being here in Bangued, I will try to write more next week! Have a great week everyone, Love you all!



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Elder Pitt

Goodbye Elder Jenson and Elder Campbell

So much stuff happened this week it was so much fun! Also, welcome home Elder Newbry!!


On Tuesday, Elder Jenson and Elder Campbell had their last district meeting! Before we got to the meeting, we woke up right at the break of dawn and went to a service project! Our investigators in San Antonio asked us to help them in their field before the rain ruined all their corn, so we became the Bangued Corn Huskers for the day and went to work! It was super fun, we cut down about 200 yards of corn and husked it all. They take some of the corn here, dry it, and take it off the coba nd turn it into almost rice! It is pretty interesting and cool. I cant wait to try some once its been dried and prepared! Pretty much this whole week I have been saying "Woah, this is the LAST-" Because Elder Jenson and Campbell were going home haha, but we had a good laugh from it!
Anywho, at district meeting, we couldn't meet in the Church because they were repainting it, so we sat under a tree in the shade. Little did we know, there were some Bombers (not richland, but birds) in the tree that locked in on Elder Jensons slacks and nailed the target right before the meeting started hahah. After we laughed it off and started the meeting, a second wave came in taking our his other leg. It reminded me of the clip in Ace Ventura when Ace gets speared in both his legs and he screams pointing back and forth at the two spears, and right on que, Elder Jenson had almost the exact same reaction. BUT he has learned real well the last two weeks how to hand wash his clothes so it was easy to get out the marks haha.
Elder Hennessey read a quote by Elder David. A. Bednar about repentance that I really liked. It was "The Holy Ghost operating again in your life is the surest indicator of forgiveness by the Lord." It really helped me undersatand why it is we need to repend, and one of those reasons is to feel the Holy Ghost and to be guided thought it.
I also had a super good personal study from the New Testament. Because of the footnotes in the Church's scriptures I was able to cross-reference verses and different books in the Bible and Book of Mormon.


This week was full of traveling! From bikes, to tykes, jeepneys and buses. and yes, a carabao, we traveled so far! hahah We went to San Fernando thursday night for a meeting with other missionaries in the mission, I got to see all of the Elders who are going home soon or left with Elders Jenson and Campbell earlier! The meeting was really good! We will be having a Seventy come at the end of August to meet with us. Im super excited! We traveled back Friday night and got home at about 12 am. Got to bed, woke up at 6am. and traveled for an hour in a jeep to a municipality close to Bangued to meet with the members there! On the way back, the jeepney was full... so what did we do? Hopped on the top and rode it back! It was a nice breeze and a nice sun burn as well haha it was great! Got quite a few looks too from people up in that area who dont see a lot of Americans often.
Once we got back to Bangued, we went to San Antonio later in the day and got a ride back for free! (Thank you kind stranger!) Elder Jenson got halfway done with packing and washed all his clothes! Elder Campbell as well. It was fun watching them pack and seeing the smiles on their faces hahha. I miss you both!!


Church was awesome on Sunday, the picture I sent at the Church is of all the people who come from San Antonio. Its awesome to see their faith and determination. We got the Elders on the bus at about 9pm which means they got to San Fernando around 1am haha. Its gonna be a long couple days but they wont mind too much! My new companion is Elder Lloyd from New Zealand! Cant wait to get to know him and learn more about his life!


I love you all so much! Have a great week and Happy Anniversary Alyssa and Dallin!!






Elder Pitt

Elder Jenson's Last Week

Well the time is far spent there are 6 days remaining to publish glad tidings in Bangued Abra! (For Elder Jenson!)
He goes home next week and so does Elder Campbell! It will be so weird not having them in the mission anymore. Elder Hennessy and I will be left here to welcome our new companions next week!
This last week was awesome. So last Sunday, a typhoon came through Abra and about 20 people were able to make it to church. Everyone from San Antonio was stuck because the dirt raod going to their barangay was washed out from water coming from the mountains. But! This week we were finally able to get to them! Some very creative Filipinos made rafts and tied rope on both ends, so they just pull the raft to one side, people and trykes get on, and the guy on the other end pulls the raft to the other side. the raft pivits into the dirt next to two pieces of wood so your feet dont get wet and the trykes can keep ridin. In the words of Jim Carrey, the raft fit "LIKE A GLOVE" and we went on our way! They were all doing good! Our investigators there had been reading a lot of the Book of Mormon and the members all met together and read on Sunday because they werent able to attend church. Their faith is a strong testimony builder to me.


This week was awesome like I said. We went on exchanges with some missionaries in our zone and I was with Elder Tumera from Kiribati! I tried to remember the 5 words Elder Mereki taught me in the MTC and we had a blast with one another. People from Kiribati are so humble and caring. They are always so nice and looking out for other people.
At Church Elder Jenson and members of the Branch gave really good testimonies. I love hearing the testimonies of others and took for granted the opportunity I had as a kid growing up to listen to people bare testimony of the Church. Quite a few people were at church which was cool to see. I love meeting new people and seeing new faces at church.
I am going to soak in living with Elders Jenson, Campbell, and Hennessy. We all have unique personalities and love talking to one another. It feels so good to be in an apartment where we all work together to have the Spirit dwell in our apartment and help one another grow as well. Its awesome. Reminds me of college at King Henry with the Bountiful Boys and my house growing up as a kid.
The Spirit is so important to have. And It guides us through everything.
I hope you are all doing good! Welcome Home Piglet! hope the pictures come through!



--

Elder Pitt

Bangued for Lyfe

Hello Everyone!! Happy Pioneer Day!! This week went by so  fast but was so much fun! I love being here in Bangued so much.

I also love being with Elder Jenson and living with Elder Hennessey and Campbell, it makes life fun!


This week was awesome. I cant really explain everything that we did but Ill try and give an update on some people that we have been teaching!
We taught almost every single discussion this week with a member of the Church with us. It was awesome. The people here are so willing to work with the missionaries and it makes life alot easier having someone who speaks Ilokano with us.
We are teaching a man named Alex who is about 30. He was paralyzed about 4 years ago after he was shot in the back from a gambling situation gone wrong. Since then, hes been able to get enough power in his legs to get from one side of his room to the other on his own. BUT! We have been reading the Book of Mormon with him  about 3 days a week and we read 1 Nephi Chapter 8 on Friday.
If you haven't read Chapter 8 of 1 Nephi, read it! It is super good and helps explain how we can overcome satans temptations. He talked about how when in the mists of darkness, if we hold on to the Word of God, we can make it through. But we cant leave the word for a night and expect to know exactly where it is the next day while in darkness. I loved his initial though. And yesterday at church, he called us and told us "come outside and help me get in!" so we both ran out and there he was by the gate! It was super cool to see him and he said that he'll see us back at the gate next Sunday.


San Antonio is also as awesome as ever! So many people we confused at the sight of 2 missionaries walking around but now we have been able to break down barriers with them and help them understand our purpose as missionaries.


I am sorry that this email is short! The shop we are in is taking a  while to load up and wont send pictures either so I will send them next week! Love you all! Have a great week :)
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Elder Pitt

Bangued is Awesome

Hello Everyone! How was your week? Ours was amazing!

I wish I could put into words how happy I am to be here in Bangued and how great the work is here. Elder Jenson and I have been getting home late and waking up early because we have been so busy. It is awesome. To start off, I want to focus on one barangay here in Bangued. The towns here in the Philippines are separated into neighborhoods called Barangays. They have their own barangay captain to solve problems in the neighborhood, they have meetings, and they even have basketball tournaments against other barangays haha. One here, is called San Antonio. It is on the outskirts of the town and you have to cross over a bridge, and then go along the shore of the river to get to it. During the rainy season it is sometimes impossible to get to or out of San Antonio because the water raises and covers the path. By tryke it takes about 20 minutes if there’s no water on the dirt road. Everyone who lives there either plants rice or corn for a living, drives a tricycle, or makes cement. In April and May, two families were baptized making them the first members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in San Antonio and since then, the Gospel has spread quick through the Barangay. We go there a lot because there are a lot of people willing to listen to us. We walked back one night because there were no more trykes and it took us about 1 hour and 10 minutes haha. The new members of the Church help us all the time teaching and visiting those willing to listen to our message. At church yesterday, there were 10 different visitors all from San Antonio who came. Some had been before, and others were there for the first time. It was awesome! The price to get to Bangued is so expensive, and the road was flooded from the rain we have been in but they still decided to come. Their faith in Christ is a testimony builder to me and to the other members here in Bangued.

I am so grateful that I have met those from San Antonio and I hope to meet more as my time continue here in Bangued.



Elder Jenson and I also went finding for more people this week and within 15 minutes of walking and knocking on houses, me met a Muslim family, a Hindu family, and a Korean born-again pastor! It was so cool to meet and see the diversity of lives from around the world and through religion. I tried to say the 3 or 4 words that Wesley Thompson taught me in Korean at college to the pastor. I don’t think he understood though hahah so we called our Mission Office Missionary, Elder Kim who is form Korea! He was able to talk to the pastor and explain what we were doing at his house because he didn’t understand English or Tagalog.

I give that man so much respect for wanting to share his message so much that he went to his wife’s home country and is now trying to learn Ilocano in order to teach. That’s awesome.



On Saturday, there was a baptism for brother Reginald! He is from Pangasinan but has been taught by the missionaries here for a while and has now chosen to be baptized! He, along with 2 others from another Branch were baptized Saturday morning. It was a really peaceful service and full of the Spirit. President Bangal was there for a devotional that we had later that evening. The devotional was titled “Come Unto Christ” and focused 100% on what Christ did for us, and how we can come unto him. The missionaries in our zone sang songs, we had people bare testimonies about the Restored Gospel, and watched videos about Christ’s life. I really like the devotional.

On Sunday we taught the Mission Preparation class to the youth of the Branch and it was a balst. We practice talking to people and focused on how reading the Bible and the Book of Mormon can help us not only live the Gospel, but help others live it too.

I have loved being here and being lost in the work. I hope you all have a great week! Find the time to pray to our Father in Heaven, find the time to watch videos of Christ’s life on https://www.lds.org/bible-videos/?lang=eng  and find the time to call your family and tell them you love them. Ingat kayo!




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Elder Pitt

Bangued 1st Branch

Hello Hello! Comin to you from Bangued, Abra how is everyone doing??

First things first Happy Birthday Miranda Kreutz!!

Second, I love the new area that I am in!! My companion Elder Jenson and I have gotten super close the last couple days. We met a while back going to a meeting but have talked every time we see one another so we are both excited to be companions! He is from Orem.. and plays soccer for BYU. This means that he knows the one and only HAMMER HANDS!

On Monday night we went to the De Guzman family for one last round of s’mores before transfers. I am really going to miss the De Guzman family. They have helped us so much with the work and with helping visitors feel welcome at church. I got into Bangued around 1 after a 4 hour bus ride alone! Look ma I know directions now I didn’t get lost! It was pretty easy though, there’s just one highway that goes from the top of Luzon to the bottom almost hahah.

When I got there, I met up with Elder Jenson and Elder Campbell! (Elder Campbell lives in the same apartment as us and he was my companion in Sevilla!) Best part, his companion is also an American from Portland! So that means there are 4 Americans in an apartment, and no Filipinos! Weird no?

We were able to get some work done on Tuesday and Wednesday including visiting some of the other missionaries in the Zone. Then on Thursday we went back to San Fernando for a meeting!

4 hours on Tuesday, 4 hours on Thursday, and then 4 hours again after the meeting on Friday! I think I caught the travel bug! Haha

MLC was super good. President is now allowing us to have a full hour of exercise in the morning. I am really happy for that because exercising in the morning has helped me be more alert and awake during the day, now I don’t have to rush working out! (and I’ll get skinny too!)

We got back from MLC around 11pm. Went straight to bed, got up, and went to the church to get everything ready for the baptism of an investigator in our area! I had only met her 2 times but can just see the joy she has and the Spirit she brings with her! She gave a great testimony about the Restored Gospel and how grateful she was for the missionaries. We are now starting to talk to her husband, who has seen the change in his wife and is a little curious as to why. We are hoping to talk with him and see him at church to help him understand the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We are over two different municipalities so our area is huge!! Haven’t been to the second one yet but planning on it this week! We also had an activity with the whole zone earlier where we played games at the church and got to know everyone! I have been super busy this week and so tired at night but it hasn’t kept us down. We still get up and for some reason are 100% recharged again and ready to go. I will try and send more pics next week! We have a musical devotional on Saturday with President Bangal and other missionaries so I will let all of you know how that goes next week! I love you all so much! Thank you for reading these emails and make sure to let your family know that you love them! Have a great week!



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Elder Pitt

Last Day in San Fernando!

It is a bittersweet feeling but I am transferring!
I have been in San Fernando for about 6 months and I will not forget all of the people I have met here and the things I have learned missionary wise and life lessons. This week was busy but full of laughter and the Spirit. After grocery shopping last Monday, we went to visit Antonio Bullag who had a birthday! It was by far one of the best birthday parties Ive been to. He was sooo happy to see the people there, the food was delicious, and we gave him his own real Missionary Nametag with his name on it! I cant explain how happy his face made me feel when he saw the present and when everyone sang him Happy Birthday. I really love the joy that Antonio brings into wherever he is. I am also grateful that the people here in the Sevilla Ward talk to him and love him.

On Tuesday we had a choir practice for a Musical Presentation that missionaries in the mission will be doing! They are going to each zone and focusing all hymns and songs on Christ and the theme "Come Unto Christ". All of the songs are so beautiful and spiritual. I wont be at the presentation here next week because of transfers but I will be at a different hopefully!
On Wednesday Elder Kamalu and I went on exchanges! He is from Kaysville and knows some of the "Bountiful Boys" so weve been making fun of Richard Haddock for the last couple days! Sorry Hammer Hands! Elder Kamalu and I have gotten close the last couple months being in Sevilla, hes super funny and is also good at playing basketball so it makes the games go by quicker when we are on the same team! ;) We taught a really good lesson about church attendance and it made me realize again just how important it is for us to go to church weekly.
On Friday was the last MCM here in Sevilla Ward for me. I am going to miss the Ward Mission Leader and all of the members who helped working with missionaries and welcoming new visitors into church on Sundays. Brother Spencer is a super hard working leader and so is the Bishopric.
On Saturday we woke up early in the morning to clean the baptismal font at the church! It takes about 2 hours to fill so as we waited, we invited the Single Adults over and played some basketball! Another thing Ill miss here is how good the single adults are at basketball lol. Once the font was full, we went home, got ready, and went back to the church for the baptism of Ceejay Langiden and Flora Bornillo. There were over 50 members there. It was so cool. The talks were great and both Ceejay and Flora were smiley and happy.
After the baptism we went finding in a super far barangay but the walk was awesome! I have come super close to Elder Diaz these last 6 weeks and I am going to miss him a bunch!
Sunday was awesome! Elder Smith and Elder Youngerman are both going home later today so they went to their last Sunday in the Philippines here in Sevilla! They both were assigned here and so we ate dinner at a members house with so much food that I wont need to eat for 5 days. Elder Smith looked like a cyclopes eating because he knows he is going to miss the food here haha.  We were also able to teach Coreene and Mark Ferrer who are going to be baptized on July 14! I cant wait to see the pictures of the baptism that I will make Elder Diaz send to me. The Ferrers have such a contrite spirit and a willing heart. They are so awesome.
All in all I have loved being assigned in Luna, Narvacan, and now Sevilla. I am going to have a fun time in my next area though, Bangued!!! Its very far north in the mission but I am with Elder Jenson! (Another Americano) who goes home in one transfer!! I am super excited! I know this Gospel is true. I know that Thomas S. Monson is the living Prophet, and I know that the Book of Mormon and Bible work hand in hand to help us understand who we really are, and how we can return to our Heavenly Father after this life. I love you all! Have a great 4th of july! HAPPY BIRTHDAY KELSEY MCCARY

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Elder Pitt

Last week in Seville

Its almost July can you believe it??

Where did June go?? Although it has gone by fast, it was definitely a great month and this week was also a super fun week.

Because the sisters were transferred out, they needed to fill in their area with missionaries so Elder Diaz and I absorbed half, and Elder Calipes and Kamalu absorbed the other half! It gave us time to walk around in un-chartered territory and also to meet new people which is always my favorite!

We also went on exchanges with Elders in the next ward over, Elder Hayes and Elder Ador. Elder Hayes worked with me in our area and that makes it three times that we have worked together! His Tagalog has improved so much in the last 4 months that he ahs been in the mission. It is so cool to see the gift of tounges working within someone!

We walked for about 5 hours just stopping at every house to introduce ousrselves and in hopes, share a message about the Restored Gospel. What I love about walking house to house is that you never know who (or what) is on the other side. It’s a random person with a different unique background and life. I love learning about peoples experiences and coming to know who they are. Its always fun to see how big peoples eyes get too when they see 2 white Americans walking up to their door speaking Tagalog!

We had another CSP this week so you already know I was one happy person! A member of our Ward, Sister Balagot, is a teacher at an Elementary school here in San Fernando. Her class is preparing to plant seeds in a garden outside of their class but there were rocks and cement inside the garden patch.. That’s where the missionaries come in! We shoved, dug, wheel-barrowed, and more in order to get all of the rocks out, and keep the soil in so that the 4th graders could plant on Monday! Although it was hot, then rainy, we had a blast. I love community service so much I might just break some laws when I get home so that I can do more community service!

Church was great yesterday. There were a lot who attended and also a lot who stayed around after church to give their condelences to a family who’s mother had passed away Saturday Morning. The love of our Heavenly Father was palpable. At night, about 50 members of the ward, other wards, family and friends are went to the families house to sing hymns and to have a little devotional before the funeral later today.

I know that the Plan of Slavation is true. We can be with our families forever through the Gospel of Jesus Christ.



Mosiah 16:8 But there is a ressurection, therefore the grave hath no victory, and the sting of death is swallowed up in Christ.



I hope you all have a great week and bask in the glorious sun this summer! Love you all!

--

Elder Pitt

Who's your daddy

Hello everyone and Happy Fathers Day!!! Shout-out to all of the Fathers in the world and especially to the one and only Darren Pitt! Love you dad!



This week was super busy but also very fun! There were transfers that occurred during the week so Elder Diaz and I were somewhat busy making sure everyone got to their new areas. The sisters in the Sevilla Ward got transferred so instead of 4 Elders and 2 Sisters in Sevilla Ward, there are now 6 Elders in the Ward! Who are the new Elders? No other than Elder Tavita and Elder Perrenoud! That’s right Elder Tavita is back in Sevila Ward woohoo! Hahah they were assigned in one of the other Wards here in San Fernando, but now they are in Sevilla.

On Tuesday we helped the sisters get their entire luggage from their house to the bus station. I don’t know how they had so many things but it is impressive how much they had! Haha, it was a good workout for Elder Diaz and I, and it also did not make me miss packing the car for road trips with all of my sister’s bags and clothes haha.



On Wednesday we had a combined Zone Conference with 3 other zones. I was able to talk to Elder Waite who I haven’t seen in forever! Also other missionaries from different areas and zones! President showed us a video about Ephesians Chapter 6 Verses 13-20. He described how we wear the Armour of God and why. It was a super good video and a great explanation by President. He also talked about what we all need to do as children of God in order to fulfill our lives to the fullest and reach the potential that our Heavenly Father knows we can reach.



Thursday was super fun because we got to explore new areas that we hadn’t been to before! Even though I have been here for almost 6 months I have still not knocked on every house and I want to do that before I transfer! We worked with some members of the Church in order to find the houses of other members, and other people who had met with the missionaries before. It was super fun and I am so grateful for all of the help that the Ward gives to missionaries here.

We had exchanges this week and I was with Elder Calipes in their area! I have known Elder Calipes ever since I was new in Luna and he has helped me so much in learning how to speak, act, and work as a missionary! He is also hilarious which makes the day go by quick. We were chased out of a compound while working and although it was discouraging, we kept our heads up and went to the next compound! (We are also going to start paying attention more to see if there are any “no trespassing signs” just to be safe!) Haha.



On Sunday, Coreene and Mark Ferrer went to church again and they are always happy and outgoing. They set a date to be baptized in the beginning of July once their family is home from abroad to be there with them for the baptism! We taught them about the Plan of Salvation this week and they were amazed at the idea of a life before this life. It made me realize just how lucky I have been to learn such doctrine even as a kid in primary and now to be able to teach that same doctrine to people in order to help them return back to our home after this life.



I wish all fathers a Happy Fathers Day! And also to every uncle, grandpa, church leader, and anyone else who has taken the role of a father to someone in need. You all are awesome! Have a great week!

Mahal ko kayo!



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Elder Pitt