San Fernando Week 1

Hello Family and Friends! How are you all doing??
I dont have much time this week to email but I will try my best to get everything in!
Nothing too crazy happened this week, but Elder Campbell and I were able to talk to a lot of new people and teach a little about Christ and about what he did for us.
There are a lot of people who live in our area and we see new faces every day, it is so awesome.
On Thursday we went on exchanges and thats what I want to focus my email on this week!
I stayed in San Fernando with Elder Vilela and Elder Campbell went to San Juan. Elder Vilela is 21 and from the Philippines. He was baptized when he was 19 and since then, he prepared for a mission and now is a full time missionary for the Church!
I wanted to focus on how it was that he came into contact with the missionaries, and how he was able to change so fast that now he is teaching the Gospel that he learned about just 2 years ago.

Elder Vilela was a worker at a hotel since he was old enough to work, and one night while he was working late with two other workers, 4 men came into the hotel to rob them. All 4 men had guns and starting yelling at Elder Vilela and his co-workers. One of his co-workers tried to defend himself and started to fight with one of the 4 men. When they started to fight, the others started shooting him and all of the other workers.
The girl behind the desk was shot and killed, and the worker that was fighting with one of the men was also shot multiple times, and is now paralyzed from the waist down.
Elder Vilela tried to defend himself as well and was shot 7 times, 2 in the leg, 1 in the thigh, 2 in the stomach, 1 in the back, and the last bullet was a point black shot to his skull leaving his unconscious and on the ground bleeding.
All he remembers is waking up in the hospital after being in a coma for 1 full week, and having his entire body in bandages.
His skull is indented on the left side and they were able to extract the bullet from his brain! He still has the bullet in a little container that the doctors gave to him!
After a month and a half in the hospital he was released and was just sitting at his house recovering when he became very upset with God and for what had happened. He didn't understand why that would happen and why it was him that had to be in so much pain and still not be able to walk or eat.
His neighbors were actually being taught by missionaries when he got brought up in their conversation. His neighbors told the missionaries the story and they asked if they could visit him. When they first did, Elder Vilela did not want to talk to them, especially about God.
The missionaries were persistent and taught him about the Plan of Salvation. After the lesson Elder Vilela said that he couldnt focus and did not want to believe them, but couldnt help but think that what they said was true. So he invited them back and the rest was history, he was baptized after he was healed up and strong enough to walk, and now is teaching the exact thing that gave him the hope needed so desperately.

I am so grateful for this Gospel and for the testimony of the Restoration. I love you all and hope that you are all safe throughout this week. Mahal ko kayo! Next week ulit!


Elder Pitt

Theres Bauang and San Fernando right beside the ocean blue

Hello Everyone! I hope you all have had a great week! This last week was very busy and so great!
Monday was my last day in Narvacan, and it was amazing. I was able to say goodbye to all of the people that I had met, and we were also able to teach the Maaghop family. Elder Scott led a great discussion about prayer and really knows how to talk with others about the Gospel. It was so cool to also hear his progression in Tagalog and the Spirit working through him. The Maaghops are so nice and caring, i will miss them so much.
That night we also found out that I will be transferring to San Fernando! Back down south in La Union! I was so excited and even more excited to find out that my companion is Elder Campbell! Another American companion is all right in my eyes! Hahah, I got there on Tuesday and from then till now we have been super busy working with the Ward and also other missionaries to figure out new ways to help others come closer to our Savior.
On Friday we had a meeting with other missionaries from the mission and I saw Elder Mereki there! It was so good to catch up with him and speak Tagalog with him! We talked about all the memories we had in the MTC and how the mission is! He is such a hardworking missionary and deserves the best! The meeting was really good and we were able to make plans for the mission and all of the activities that our Mission President wants to do!
On Sunday I met the ward and everyone was so nice and welcoming! There are a total of 6 missionaries in the ward so they are all so interested in the new missionaries and their recent areas! I am about an hour away from Luna and I am hoping that I will see the members from Luna at Stake Conference in 2 weeks! Elder Campbell has done a great job showing me the area and helping me feel welcome. We have so much in common and its so fun to be able to learn more about one another.


This last week I have been focusing my studies on Our Savior, Jesus Christ. I read the Book of Matthew and loved the attributes that Christ showed as he lived his life. Especially his Love for others. No matter where he was or what he was doing, he was always willing to help others and I think that it is a great example for all of us to follow. No matter where we are, what were are doing, or who we are with, we can help, support and save others from the pain and trials they are going through. The Savior is the greatest example of who we should be like in this life. I love you all and hope you all have a great week!


Ingat!



--

Elder Pitt

Happy Birthday Sister Pitt

Hello all! I dont have much time to write this email so I will make it quick but I hope you all had a great week!
Monday-Wednesday I was as sick as a dog so we weren't able to do much, but on Monday I did get my drivers license for the Philippines so that was cool! On Wednesday we had a zone training and watched a video showed to us by President Bangal by President Russell M. Nelson. It was focused purely on Jesus Christ with a charge to always focus on Him and give all attention to doing what he would do. I really loved the talk and the idea of always having him in our hearts and our minds.
On Thursday we had exchanges! Elder Richardson came to Narvacan to work with me and Elder Scott and Smith worked in San Fernando! It was such a fun time working with Elder Richardson! He used to be assigned here so we were able to visit the people he used to visit when he was here! I learned so much from him and we kept a conversation going the whole entire day! It was super fun and all of the people here love Elder Richardson!

Other than that the week was just busy as usual! At Church on Sunday we talked about the life of Gordon B Hinckley again and I am getting excited to read the book about his teachings when the order comes in!
Last night we got a notice that I will be transferring on Tuesday! I am sad I have to leave Narvacan but I am also excited for the opportunity to meet even more people in a new area! We find out later tonight so next week I will email about the new area! I just wanted to let you all know that I love you all and wish you all the best! If youre in a snowy area.. Be thankful! Its heatin up here in the Philippines right now and I could use some snow!
--

Elder Pitt

What's good

Hello everyone! This week was so busy but so worth it! We were able to meet so many new people and also catch up with those we have known and come so close to in our time here in Narvacan. I simply cant remember all the things that occurred this week but I do know that it was so great. During the week, we visited the people that we had gone to during the Christmas season and given copies of the Book of Mormon to. We were able to teach and discuss with them what the Book of Mormon is, and were also able to learn about their lives and  gain a new friend every single day. I know that I will not forget the experiences and the people here. On Wednesday, we had zone training in Candon, and it was so helpful! We also spend about 30 minutes each training practicing english with the Filipino missionaries! It is such a fun time with them and the Sister Missionary who is in charge of the Language Study, Sister Dariano, always makes the activities uplifting and joyful. After Zone Training, we went on exchanges! Elder Dela Puerta went with me in our area and Elder Scott went with Elder Calipes in their area! Elder Dela Puerta is such a good example and a hard working missionary. He holds a quiet dignity about himself and I learned so much while on exchanges. One of the members of the Ward, Joshua Mina, also came with us while working! He is almost dont with his mission papers and will be serving soon! Im super excited for him!
 The next day, Elder Dela Puerta and I woke up at 5 to get to Santa Maria early..Elder Scott and I were asked to help at a service prokect for the Melo family, members on the ward. But when we got there, they hadnt gotten the materials yet for the service project.. Thats okay next time na lang! hahah We went back to the house, got ready for the day. and then Elder Corpin and Elder Diaz, missionaries in Candon City came to go on exchanges with us! Elder Diaz stayed in our area with me and Elder Scott went to Candon with Elder Corpin! While we worked, we were able to find new familes to teach and more people to help. Elder Diaz is super good at Ilocano which made me so so jealous but I was able to learn a lot from him. He has only been a member of the LDS Church for 2 years and is already a missionary and a great leader to say the least. I loved being with Elder Diaz and learning from him. Elders Alvarez and Baliwas were in San Fernando so it was just us two at the apartment at night! We just talked about anything and everything, and taught one another too!
When we woke up the next morning, Elder Corpin and Scott came back and we talked about our time away from one another hahah. Elder Scott was not in his area for 2 days and already missed Narvacan! While we ate lunch, an American who we have seen around before, Charles, came and sat with us at the restaurant! He invited us over to his house for a Sunday dinner and to celebrate his sons birthday! I will get to that later! Also while we were eating,  we got a call from the missionaries in Santa Maria, Elders Dela Puerta and Calipes, they had finished planning and we went on exchanges again! Hahah this time, Elder Calipes was in our area with me and once again, Elder Scott went to a different area. Elder Scott was a big trooper this week doing whatever was asked of him. Proud of you Elder Scott you are killin it! Elder Calipes and I had a great time talking to one another. When I was new, he welcomed me in and taught me alot. He continued to as well as we were working throughout the day. ####### The next day, Saturday, The Return of The Elder Scott to Narvacan occurred! Hahah, but it only happened for about an hour, and then the zone leaders called us to let us know we needed to go to the next town over to find a new apartment that the mission could use, so missionaries could be in that the town! Brother Rambo Ruiz took us and as he showed Elders Baliwas and Alvarez where members of the Church live, Elder Scott and I went searching. Our first stop was at this ladies house, and it was gorgeous! She was quite the sweet talked as well but we had to let her know that we werent the ones deciding. People above us would be the ones to decide! (Didnt mean we couldnt eat the food she offered us though! haha) Before it got to late, Brother Ram picked us up again and gave us a ride back to Narvacan. Once we got back, he was willing to work with us so we went to visit the Cabe family and the Maaghop family! Brother Ram is a great teacher and entertainer. He really knows how to bring peoples attention to the message and help them feel the Spirit of the Lord in their lives. I am so grateful for everything that he does for others and for us missionaries. Also his wife as well Sister Joan! On Sunday, we went to church! It was such a good sunday! Fast and Testimony meeting was help this week so there were no assigned speakers, the mic was open to anyone and everyone, in order for all of us to share our testimonies and help strengthen one another. We also talked about the Priesthood during the first hour of class, and in the second hour, all of the men read the introduction to the book "Teachings of the President: Gordon B. Hinckley" Here in the Philippines we had yet to receive the book but I can not waite to get myself a copy! Gordon B Hinckley was such a great man and Prophet of God. I am so thankful for the effort of church leaders. From teachers in classes, to apostles, everyone has a role to play at it is so important.  During the day was visited Charles and his family! Turns out, Charles lives here with his wife and family, but when he goes to the United States to visit family.. where does he go? To Pendleton, Oregon! WHO. WOULD. HAVE. GUESSED. Brother Charles is a Buckaroo! Hahaha we talked about fishing on the Columbia, Duck hunting, the Tri-Cities, and most importantly, while it is that we are here in the Philippines and not shooting mallards out on the river this time of year. He expressed to us his respect that he has for missionaries and was willing to do anything to help us. We asked if we could get help, by helping him. And next week we plan on raking and shoveling out a new lot right now to his house that he is putting a pathway in, for anyone and everyone to use, to hangout, and to have a safe, nice play area! It was such a good time at his house. Like I said, Im not able to remember everything that has happened this last week, but I cant forget Sunday night. After we got back from working, all 4 of us missionaries talked with one another for such a long time. We were laughing, joking, planning, and also creating a plan to make our time here always focused on our Savior. I love missionaries and their determination. It makes me want to be a better missionary every day and I am thankful for their help. I hope you all have a great week and just a follow up, I still have not drank any soda since 2016! I hope all of your New Year Resolutions are still in affect! Mahal ko kayo!
--

Elder Pitt

Happy New Year

Hello! Happy 2017 everybody! I am so excited for this year! And this week was so much fun! I will start it off with Monday when we went to the Stake Christmas Party in Candon! While we were there, we were able to use Brother Rambos wifi hotspot to skype our families! It was so so much fun being able to talk to my family and hear their voices! I hope everyone again had a great Christmas! After the Christmas Party, we came back to Narvacan, got groceries, and then went out to work!
On Tuesday, the ward had a youth camping activity, but needed to have a first aid portion on the first day, so Elder Scott and I went out their during lunch and taught first aid! I knew that Eagle Scout award and first aid merit badge would come in handy some day! hahah it was so much fun, and also dont worry not one person got injured at the camp! After we got back, we went on a long distance walk to some new areas that we hadnt been to before! A couple days ago, we saw an American guy from Oregon at a restauarunt and he told us to go visit him and his family! They live in a barangay called San Pedro and while we were trying to find his house.. We ran into a different American guy! It was awesome! His name is Raymond and is from Mississippi! Him and his family we so nice and welcoming. We werent able to find the other American, Charles, but theres more to that story later!
On Wednesday, we woke up at 4am for a service project/activity with the ward! #Dedication! hahah all of the youth had an activity where as they climb the mountain here, Noah, they had to pick up garbage on the path. So before they started their hike, us 4 Missionaries went with some youth leaders and left flags with treasures around them for the youth to find. It was so fun watching the sun rise and being able to be with the ward! We came back to the bayan, showered, got ready, and had our District Meeting here in Narvacan. It was a really fun time learning from one another and practicing teaching, tagalog, and other things! During the day we visited a family who was baptized last December 2015. We celebrated their 1 year as a member of the Church with them and they also showed us around more where they live and all of their family they have around. Elder Scott did a great job teaching, and during his lesson, he said about 5 or 6 straight sentences all in Tagalog and correct grammar. All of us were so so excited and happy! It was a really cool experience to see that "click" in his head and watch him fire off all of the sentences he wanted to say! Then he killed it in our lesson with the Alafriz family, and was able to help all of us at the lesson see the importance in keeping the Lords commandments. Needles to say that right as we got home and got everything finished we went straight to bed!
Thursday was a very good day. At night the Mina Famile invited  us over to dinner and their cousin and her husband were in town. When we got to their house we found out that her husband is from just north of Washington State, in Vancouver Canada! They met while he was on a tour here and it was so much fun to talk with him. Zach and his wife Aiza were so nice and open to listen to us talk. They were willing to listen and also to ask questions in order to further understand why it is that us members of the LDS Church do what we do. I am so grateful that we were able to meet them and share with them a message about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. ###### On Friday I went on exchanges with Elder Calo in Santa Maria! Our first appointment was pretty far away but thats no problem for missionaries! Especially when we have bikes! Like the elders in Santa Maria do hahah. After our first discussion while riding away, history repeated itself and the bike that I was using broke! I really need to get serious about losing weight I tell yah! hahah The whole day we walked around with our bikes! Their house was too far away to go all the way there and back but it did make for some good stares from people who probably thought one of us didnt know how to ride a bike! Elder Calo is an awesome misisonary and such a hard worker. I am so glad that I was able to learn from him and be with him on Friday.
Saturday was New Years Eve! I got back from Santa Maria and we went straight to work! The joke "see you next year" did not get old in 2016 because everyone kept saying it to us during the day haha. That night, our land lady Sister Leah invited us over to eat with her and her family! It was so nice of them to do on New Years Eve! The apartment that we live in has been rented out by missionaries for almost 15 years now! We ate a delicious dinner and also played games and got to come close to their family throughout the night. Elder Scott is full of black magic tricks and different games so it is really fun to play when we are at Family Home Evenings or just out on the street talking to people! We stayed up until 12 to watch the fireworks, and man alive were there so many! We stood on our balcony and watched in every direction different fireworks go off! So many people we outside and I wont forget seeing all of the lights and fireworks and people! Happy New Year everyone!
On Sunday, we went to church! The Maaghops were also there! It was so good to see them as a whole family attend church and also classes after Sacrament Meeting! We learned about the Atonement of Jesus Christ and how He Lives now. I loved the different insights from each person in the class and I love the people here so much. I hope you all have a great 2017 and dont forget to make a new years resolution! Mine is: Not to drink soda in 2017! I think it might be impossible here in the Philippines but I will try it and see how it goes! Love you all! Ingat!                                          



--

Elder Pitt

Merry Christmas

HO! HO! HO! Merry Christmas to all, and to all in America, goodnight because its bedtime there! This week was abosolutely amazing. I love this Christmas Joy and the smiles it brings to everyones faces this time of year. We all  will hopefully be able to make it be able to make it through this email without our food comas getting the best of us and falling asleep! On Tuesday we were finally able to have 4 straight hours of study time. It was so so good to be able to study and teach/learn from one another. When we went to work we had lunch at a Sister Ana's house, who has offered to cook us food whenever we want! (And they says angels dont exist!) After we ate, we went to the Church and taught the Valdez family about Tithing, and Fasting. We had such a good time discussing tithing, what it is, why we do it, and most importantly what the Lord promises us because we pay tithing. They are such and awesome family and are so nice to us missionaries! Once the lesson ended, Brother Mike wanted to stay with us how neat is that! So he came with us to Brother Marios house to talk about the Word of Wisdom. Mario is such a strong man. He has weaknesses just as everyone else does, but he puts 100% trust and faith in the Lord and is always so thankful for the blessings he has received. Something that cracked me up happened later in the day at the Maaghop family house. Earlier Kate, the 12 year old daughter of Sister Areceli,got in trouble, and had to read the Book of Mormon in her room, and then tell her mom what happened in it and what she learned before she could leave! I love the parenting ideas!! Hahahah it was so funny to see how correct Sister Aracelis choice of punishment was in her thoughts. Kate had nothing against reading either so everything worked out good! ####### On Wednesday we were once again in Candon for a District Meeting. President and Sister Bangal came up to the Candon Zone for our meetings and gave demonstrations and workshops! I love the Bangals and all that they do for us missionaries and also the people here in the Baguio Mission boundaries. Sister Bangal treated us to lunch and on the way out of Candon, to celebrate Christmas early, Elder Scott and I treated ourselves to McDonalds of course! We did a lot of walking and meeting new people on Wednesday which was fun! ####### On Thursday, we had a Family Home Evening night at the Vallentos family! They were who we helped build the house a couple weeks ago, and so many people were there! I cooked chicken sisig for the dinner and we played games, and taught about our Savior Jesus Christ. Almost all of the discussions we had this week were focused on the birth of Jesus Christ. I loved being able to study, learn, and teache new insights about Christ and his extraordrinary life. The Vadlez's, Ruiz's and the Rosetes were all at the Vallentos for the FHE, and everyone had a smile as we played games, ate, and much more! ###### Friday was so busy but so much fun! A couple weeks ago, Elder Scott and I asked if  we could have all of the Candon Zone missionaries come to Narvacan to go Christmas Caroling with the ward here! While we prepared for them all to arrive, Elder Scott and I wrapped several Books of Mormon with christmas wrapping paper to give to those people we planned to sing to! We had about 55 books to givev out and we all divided into 4 groups! Elder Scott went to one part of our area, I the other, and  the same with Elder Baliwas and Elder Alvarez! My group had only 11 people in it... to start! BUT As we went through the neighborhoods singing, we recruited more and more people until there were 26 of us runnning the streets singing to anyone and everyone! It was so much fun and the other groups had a blast as well. One of the members here, Brother Marco, owns a restauraunt here called Abra Miki, its delicous! He offered to give all of the missionaries who came, free food! To make it evven more of a generous offer, it was the restauraunts 2 year anniversary, so it was packed. He gave us 3 huge pots full of food to take to the church and eat! S/O to Marco! We all ate as a zone at the church and then they left to go back to their area! ###### Saturday! Christmas Eve! It was so fun! Our landlady, sister Leah, invited us over to their house for dinner so all 4 of us missionaries ate at her house with so many others! Fun fact: Brother Ram used to be a missionary here! So he actually stayed in the same apartment that we do now and also came to the dinner! After we ate, we were able to go to the beach with the Valdez and Ruiz family. They planned on sleeping there in tents so I volunteered as tribute to set up the tent! I loved every second of setting the tent up and miss going camping! They had a bonfire and we ate and talked about Christmas once again! ###### SUNDAY! CHRISTMAS! Merry Christmas again to all of you! I hope you all had a great day and were able to spend it around those you love. On Christmas morning Elder Scott and I moved around the things inside our open area of the apartment and put our magnificant Christmas tree center stage as well as all of the gifts that Santa had brought through the night! We had a blast opening up presents! Then we went to church! Church was so good! And every one there was in such a good mood. Again I can not describe how amazing it has been to see the smiles that everyone has been wearing the last couple weeks. We all were able to learn from one another and give thanks to our Father in Heaven to remember the true meaning of Christmas and all that he and His son, Jesus Christ have done, and continue to do for us. After we got done with Church, we opened up the rest of the presents at the house. Thank you everyone for the emails, letters and gifts! I love you all! During the day we were invited to many of the members houses to celebrate with them. How did we celebrate? By eating so much food, i now need to workout extra hard in the morning these next couple months! I truly loved celebrating Christmas here and am so thankful for the life I have.I am also so thankful for the time that I have being a missionary to study about Christ and the miracles he worked for us to be able to return to him and our Father again. I love you all and hope you all have a great Holiday season! Up next: New Years!                                                                                                                                                            



--

Elder Pitt

Maligayang Pasko!

Merrrrryyyy Christmas!!! We are on the countdown ladies and gentleman! This time next week we will be past Christmas and you all will be celbratring it! This week was a blast and I hope I can get it all typed up.
On Monday after we got finished emailing, washing our clothes and all the good jazz we had a dinner with the Bishop and Stake President! We were able to get it cleared by President Bangal and the Stake to have a ward Christmas Caroling activity here in Narvacan this coming 23rd! All of the missionaries in our zone are coming so there should be almost 30 minutes running the streets singing to all! Bishop Daquel and President Adviento are bothers-in-law so they live right next to one another along with their other brothers and sisters so it was a big dinner!
 On Tuesday we taught the Valdez family at the church, and Brother Bautista was able to come with! It is so good having someone with us for our discussions, they are always able to connect and create bridges for all of us to learn. Brother Bautista is so nice and out going as well! That night while at the Maaghop families house, we talked about small blessings that pass by without even being noticed, and how giving the Lord is to us every day. They shared to us how big of a blessing their table was. When us 8 Elders ate dinner at their house a couple weeks ago, they knew they needed a table to fit us all, so they made one! Now, they eat dinner as a family aorund that table almost every night, and Sister Areceli and her Sister now sell food and use the table for people coming by to eat! It was so touching to me to see the effect of making one table for one dinner, and it has really opened my eyes to see just how blessed each and every one of us are, even if we  cant see it.
On Wednesday, we played basketball early in the morning with Elder Alvarez, Scott, and Baliwas. Jeric Maaghop and his uncles Robert, Arman, and Richard also came annd played! They were all so good and it was a blast to play a game where everyone has a smile on their face the entire time and having a blast! I love being able to play in the mornings and start my day off right, although sometimes is still seem to be shooting a little to the left of the hoop... Ill try and fix that next time I play! haha we had Zone Training in Candon, so we once again went there early in the morning! During the training I was asked to give a workshop on teamwork. I talked about how every great team, has unity, and mostly all great teams, have a strong leader that although is amazing, wouldnt be able to win without his team. Just like Jordan with the Bulls, without Pippen and company, he they wouldnt have been able to accomplish what they did. In the Book of Mormon there is also a great leader, and his name is Captain Moroni. When he saw the wickedness of the people around him, we became angry and decided to take a stand and do something about it! So what did he do? He put on armour to protect himself in battle and then he recruited others to the same cause, allowing them to choose if they want to follow or not. He was on the front lines leading by example, and in missionary work, or even better, as children of our Heavenly Father, we all need to work together and strengthen one another in order for all of us to receive his blessings and obtain guidance from Him everyday. I really loved reading Chapter 46 in Alma and invite all of you to do the same! After Zone Training you all already know that we ate at McDonalds and then headed back to Narvacan to work! It was a solid day of walking and also practicing Tagalog, Elder Scott is killing it when it comes to learning how to speak Tagalog. He is learning super fast!
On Thursday we helped Nanay Zeny move all of their cooking utenseils, tables, chairs, and canopy back to their house. The fiesta ended this week so everyone is returning back to normal living. Nanay Zenys mother passed away last Sunday so we were able to help them prepare for the funeral which was earlier today and I hope they will ask us for any other help when they need it! We also had a chance to talk to her son Marco who is always a great time, he has so many stories and used to work with the missionaries every day before his mission, and after as well!
Friday we went to Santa Maria to welcome the new missionary there, Elder Ramos. He came into the mission the same time as Elder Waite! He is super nice and very hard working. I am so happy he is in our District! After we got back we went to visit Brother Mario but he seemed to be gone, so we told his grandson to tell him we stopped by, once he got back to the house! Nothing too crazy happened on Friday but it was a fun day talking to Elder Scott and having a smile on our faces through the heat and walking!
Saturday was a busy busy day but so much fun! It was out ward Christmas party! It went from 9am to about 2 pm because there was so much going on! There was Christmas music, games, games and more games, an ice cream dispenser, so much food, and the best part, amazing people to spread the Joy around to one another. Brother Ram and Sister Joan had so many different games prepared for everyone. There were games specifically for kids, for adults, and even for the grandmas and grandpas in the ward! The best part was that they were all open to playing and all participated! I loved just sitting back and seeing all of them smiling faces of each person, it really made me feel happy and relaxed knowing that the Spirit of Christmas can make people so happy and joyful. Brother Valdez ended up having to go to the hospital for some sickness that he has had for a while, so he and his family were not able to attend but we are planning on playing the same exact games at their house in a couple days to make up for it! He is out of the hospital now and is doing a lot better!
Sunday! The best day without a doubt! Mark Tablang, a member from the Luna Branch came up to Narvacan to come to church today!It was such a fun surprise seeing him and talking to him! There were other visitors in town as well and the classes were so good. We talked about who Jesus Christ really is, and how amazing his life really was. I love learning about Christ and His life. Although I dont know everything, I can feel a personal connection to him. Especially because of the Atonement, where he overcame sin for every single one of us. I cant even begin to imagine the pain he suffered for me personally, and for all of you as well.. Because He loves every one of us and wanted to make it possible for us to become clean from our sins, and clean from our guilt and pains. I love being able to tell others about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is his good news for every single one of us, no matter what age, what nationality, what personality. I love you all and I wish you all a Merry Christmas! Have a great week!                                                
--

Elder Pitt