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
Wednesday, December 27, 2017
Monday, December 18, 2017
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
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
Monday, December 11, 2017
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
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
Monday, December 4, 2017
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
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
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