The Biggest Miracle

Magandang Umaga!

Things are going amazing here in Quezon 2nd ward, and it his week has been my favorite thus far. Things here are really progressing and I couldn't be more excited!! We finally had investigators at church, Edna and Dulctia, and they even attended our ward activity on Saturday evening. The ward is so great at fellow-shipping, and we will definitely be having at least 2 baptisms in August!!

Sister Duque and I are doing great! We are working so well together and we are really motivating each other to hit our goals. Our schedule has been so packed with so many great things to do and we are constantly moving from place to place. Last night Sister Duque asked me when we were doing our nightly planning if we could not make our schedule so full because she doesn't like running;) haha we are having a great time and working hard.

Sister Duque is such a fantastic missionary and I feel so exceptionally blessed to have her as my very last companion. Wow. The Lord really knew what we was doing when He placed us together in this area. I have learned so much from her and she is exactly the companion I need to help me finish strong and to become the person that Heavenly Father intends me to become. She has taught me how to be empathetic, patient, motivated, and diligent. The scriptures teach us that we must become as a child, and that is who Sister Duque is-submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, and so on. She is the biggest blessing in my life at this time.

Words cannot describe the emotions that I feel right now. How blessed I have been to serve here in the Philippines Quezon City mission for the past 18 months. Heavenly Father really knew what he was doing when He sent me here. These past 18 months have been the most rigorous, exhausting, and challenging thing that I have ever experienced. And with that said, it has been the most amazing, powerful and life-changing journey of my life. I have learned what it means to apply the Atonement, to serve my neighbor, and to bear one anothers burden. I have learned how to love as the Filipinos have showed me through example and word what it means to be charitable. I have learned that a testimony of the gospel is not enough- I have to be converted. Just as mentioned in Mosiah 5:2, I have experienced that mighty change of heart. I am still not perfect, but I have been changed. And that has been the biggest miracle of my life.

This will most likely be the last time I will be emailing, so I just want to express my love and gratitude to you. I have been so blessed to have had all of your support and prayers over the course of these 18 months. The time is far spent, and as sad I am to be leaving this place here that I love, I know that the Lord has other things in store for me back home. I look forward to be reunited with all of you.

Ingat kayo palagi,

Sister Anderson

Making the days count

Good Morning!!!

Well these weeks keep getting faster and faster and better and better!! This past week we had that opportunity to attend my very last and Sister Duque's very first Zone Conference. It was a very bitter-sweet experience as I shared my testimony to the Elders and Sisters in attendance, and it all felt so surreal. I really cannot believe that my days are counting down. I will just do everything I can to make everyday count.

Our area is continuing to progress little by little. Sister Bing has gotten really busy building her tindahan that we were not able to teach her at all this week which was a real bummer!! Raylanie, the 18 year referral that we recieved last Sunday, is doing great! She said that she has received her answer that our message is true and expressed to us yesterday her desire to be baptized! Its at those moments, that I really feel the presence of the Lord and I know that all of the work we are doing here has an eternal and divine role in helping others come to Christ. Sister Duque really are loving the work and we are enjoying every little experience!

Sister Duque got sick this past week, so we spent a whole day at home. I was able to get in a lot of good studies, and also got to start de-junking all of the random stuff I have been carrying around with me the past 18 months. I also got to write 45 letters to some of the sweet people I have met here in the mission field! By the end of the day, my hand was pretty much exhausted:) We also had the opportunity to go on splits yesterday with the ward missionaries! I worked with Benj, one of the RMs, and it was such a spiritual experience. She was able to give me lots of encouraging words about how to still stay close to the Lord and feel His Spirit in abundance, even when I go home. It was an answer to my prayers.

I am so happy serving the Lord. This has been the best decision I have ever made and I am so grateful to see how the Lord has been able to shape me. The gospel is true and it is personal. I LOVE IT:)

Love,

Sister Anderson

And we are progressing!!

July 5, 2015

Magandang Umaga!

This week was a whole lot of fun!! Sister Duque and I got to attend our trainer-trainee meeting on Tuesday which was great! And on Thursday we had the opportunity to attend the Philippines Children Medical Center to do a service project. We got to sing songs and play with the cancer children, and it just melted my heart. It confirmed to me that whatever decision I make in regards to a career, I need to do something where I can work with people and help them be happy:) And hopefully that means working or at least volunteering in the hospital. But as for now, I'll just keep being a full-time missionary:)

Sister Duque and I worked worked worked this week and we were able to accomplish so much through the help of Heavenly Father. WOW. I can finally say that our area here is really starting to progress! Heavenly Father led us to 8 new people who are ready to accept the gospel and 6 of them even accepted the baptismal invitation. 

Quezon City 2nd ward is also great!! They are so hard working and they all want to work with us! It is a blessing!! And the biggest blessing of all was that Bing, our investigator, attended church yesterday!! And so did 3 of the recent convert/less active families that we have been teaching. We really don't deserve all of the miracles that are coming our way and my heart is so full of gratitude. I have really gained a strong testimony this week that we really are children of a loving Heavenly Father who is ready to pour out blessings upon each of us who faithfully ask.

I know that this work is the work of the Lord and I have never been so happy serving Him.

Love,

Sister Anderson

 

Another Week in QC2

June 28, 2015

 

Hello!!!

Well this past week has been great!! We are still exploring our area and working our hardest! Last Monday we found a new investigator, Bing. We were punted one morning and just kept talking to everyone as we were making our way to all of our back-up appointments. Bing was outside sweeping, and the Spirit literally pulled me to her and let me know that I needed to talk to her. We shared how we are Mormons and she said that she used to actually attend the lds church with her friends when she was young. She had been taught twice before by the missionaries and was going to get baptized, but that things always got in the way. Third times a charm, right? She let us in and we taught her right away. GOLDEN. In our next lesson with her, her brother from the province joined and he told us that he wants to have the missionaries sent to his family so they can all be baptized. And then last night we met Bing's other brother and found out that his daughter just got baptized back in the province, that she is always working with the missionaries and wants to serve a mission. The Lord is really preparing this family for the gospel! I am so glad that the Spirit is my constant guide to lead me to those who are ready and waiting.

We had some great member visits this week and were able to also visit Bishop Gatpo. We had to realign the areas because we are whitewashing, and it turned out great. We really have the trust of Bishop Gatpo and I am so excited to serve alongside him. We also had a ward activity on Saturday and Bing attended!! 

Funny Story... Sister Duque and I were riding a jeepney to the chapel for our ward activity. We were both talking to the people beside us, inviting them to listen to the missionaries. All of a sudden, the jeepney driver slammed on his brakes and Sister Duque went flying forward! She body slammed me hard, her bag and water bottle went soaring and then she ended up at the front up the jeepney- flat on her face on the floor! Everyone freaked out at what happened, but she got up just like nothing happened and just continued to get the address of the girl she was talking to. hahahaha it was the funniest thing I have ever witnessed!! Ahh, good times!!

I love you all and I love being a missionary!!! 

 

Sister Anderson 

CHOCOLATE WORLD

June 22, 2015

Magandang Hapon!!

Well today was such great day as we got to attend the temple!! How blessed we are here that we live in the boundaries of the lovely Manila temple!! And we went to a place called CHOCOLATE WORLD!! Yep, that totally has mine name written all over it, right?! 

This week has been AMAZING!! My cute little trainee is Sister Duque from Baguio, Philippines! She has such a big heart and really loves the people. She is such a natural at missionary work and is adjusting so well to missionary life. We have officially made it one week in our new area here in in Quezon City 2nd ward, and it has been great. Because we are whitewashing, we are having to do LOTS of finding and so we are talking to EVERYONE!!! And walking A LOT!! But it has been so great! The members have been super supportive, especially Bishop Gatpo. IT has been such a blessing!! Our area is pretty big and so we have been doing a lot of adventuring as well, but I am proud to say that I haven't gotten us lost one!!

In other news, the GIMINA FAMILY WAS BAPTIZED!!! I am so sad that I was not able to attend, but it went great!! Sister Maricel sent me some really cute photos of the baptism that I will have to forward:) 

Thanks for all your support and prayers!

Sister Anderson

The Final Stretch

June 15, 2015

 

Good Morning!!

Well tomorrow is transfer day, and guess where I am going?! The Lord has assigned me to serve in the Quezon City 2nd Ward- I will be whitewashing and training!!! My kabahay is the one and only Sister Lopez (my batch)!! She is also whitewashing and training as well! Wow!!! I could not be more excited!! I feel so privileged that the Lord has enough trust in me to fulfill this assignment, and I pray that as I rely on Him, I will be able to do it. As hard as it will be to leave Quirino, I know that I am needed somewhere else.

Quirino is doing AMAZING right now, and I am pleased to say that it is finally progressing! It took lots of hard work, fasting, and prayers, but the Lord has really opened the heavens and poured out blessings here.

Because the temple is here in my area, we had the opportunity to do a temple tour this past Saturday and we took the Gimina Family, Kristine and her kids 9 (Judy and Gian), as well as Andy and Sonia (the non-member family of Anton who is leaving tomorrow to serve in Australia). They all enjoyed it so much and they really felt the Spirit.

The Gimina Family had their baptismal interview on Friday, and they passed!! They will be baptized this Saturday!! I am so sad I cannot be there, but I am sooo happy for their family and everything that they have been through to make it to this point. At church on Sunday, Tessie came up to us and said that Hector was looking for Brother Encabo, the member who offered Hector a job. Throughout all of last week, Hector was still pretty set on going abroad, but a MIRACLE has happened and he said that he wants to forsake his job opportunities in Saudi, and stay here with his family to enjoy the blessings of the gospel! Ahhhhh!!! I literally wanted to cry when I heard this!! I know that Heavenly Father really does hear and answers our fasts and prayers!!

I love being a missionary and wearing the Savior's name on my heart each day. I pray that I can continue to represent him well and serve this last transfer with all my heart, might, mind, and strength. This final stretch is going to stretch me, but I am ready. I know I need this opportunity in order to accomplish what Heavenly Father has sent me here to do.

I love you all!!!

Sister Anderson

Ps I will send pics next week.. The computer is being a stinker:)

Fasting and Prayer

Hello once again!!

Things here in PQCM are still going great!! Sister Pau and I are staying busy and LOVING it!! We went on exchanges in Marikina, we had MLC, and we had an awesome FHE at the Pamittan house with all 6 of us missionaries here in Quirino 1st ward and all of our investigators! (One of the Pamittan daughters served with Megan Betillyon) And to top things off, we had a GREAT turn out yesterday at church -The Gimina Family, Kristine and her two kids, and Glory and her 3 kids!! The Lord is just pouring out blessings!!

The Gimina family is progressing so well- they have already read the entire gospel principles book, they read the Book of Mormon everyday, they have come to church 4 times in a row, they fasted before we even taught them about it, and they even paid tithing out of their sincere desire to obey all of God's commandments. They are doing amazing!!

Brother Hector brought up to us last Wednesday, however, that he just received his Visa and will probably be leaving to work abroad in Saudi within the next couple of weeks to work as a personal driver. When Sister Pau and I heard this, we were devastated as we want more than anything for their family to stay together so that they can receive the blessings of the temple and becoming an eternal family. We committed them to fast and pray about this decision, and we committed ourselves to do the same to help them. 

Yesterday at MCM, we brought up this concern, and right after doing so, the Elders Quorum president came who just happens to have his own driving business. He talked to us for a minute about Hector's situation and said that he would come work with us later on that day when we went to visit them. Our lesson with them last night was about following the prophets, and we used President Monson's counsel to us from last conference about going to the them temple. The EQ President, Brother Encabo, was able to testify how if Hector were to stay here with his family, his ultimate goal would be reached- to be sealed together for eternity with his family. Right then and there, Brother Encabo offered Hector a job as a driver and said that he would be there to help him in anything that he needed. 

Although Brother Hector is still praying about his decision, I know that they Lord truly answered our fasts and that he really hears every single on my pleas. I have really gained a strong testimony that He really knows and cares for each and everyone one of his children, and that sometimes he uses other people to answer our most earnest prayers. And thank you so much to everyone who continues to send prayers and fasts our way. They are being heard and answered!!!

 

Well transfers are next week, and I think that I might be transferred to one more area before my time here comes to a close... But we will see!! I will email on Tuesday and let you know!!

I love you all!!

 

Sister Anderson

 

 

We celebrated sister Moeakiola's 1 year mark!!

FHE at the Pamittan home

 

Me and Ate Maricel!

These cute girls that we see everyday:) They wanted to take a pic

 

Elder Condes and Elder Blakely

Kristine, Judy, and Gian!!  Our office buddies!!

 

 

 

He is Preparing Souls

June 1, 2015

Magandang Tanghali!!

This week has just flown by, and I really don't even remember what happened! I just know it was great!!

We were able to go to Tandang Sora this week ang go on exchanges with Sister Oyler, Sister Lonitenisi, Sister Maravillo, and Sister Kumar. It was so fun be to with Sister Oyler again and it was like we were back in the MTC! It was so fun to reflect with her on our past 16 months in the mission field and see the changes in ourselves.

 During our two days in Tandang Sora, we were pretty punted from all of our appointments, and so it gave us the great opportunity to find new investigators. As Sister Lonitenisi were walking back home for lunch on thursday, I saw a lady in her early 30s standing by her gate. I had the impression to go and talk to her, and so we did! Her name was Sharin and she was super sweet! We even set up an appointment to teach her later on that afternoon. 

 

As we went back to teach her later that day, you could tell that the Lord had really prepared her for the gospel. We taught her about the Restoration and she was so touched, especially as we shared with her the First Vision. She committed to read the Book of Mormon and to pray about it. We then extended her the invitation to be baptized. She responded, "I want to talk to my husband first so that we can all be baptized together." Wow!!!! It was such a testament to me that the Lord is constantly preparing souls for us to find.

 

The Gimina Family is also doing great!! They came to church yesterday for the third time and LOVED it! We also did a Family Home Evening with them the other day at the Sere's home which they really enjoyed. Last Friday, Sister Pau and I taught them about tithing and it was one of the most beautiful lessons I had ever been in. Tessie and Hector expressed their desire to pay tithing and had even been wondering where the tithing was at our church, because they never saw a basket being passed around. At church yesterday, they asked us to show them where the tithing slips were and we explained that they didn't need to pay,as they were not yet members. Their desire to pay was so great, and so they did- pulling a few meager bills and coins out to give to the Lord. Their faith is a true testament to me of what it means to trust in the Lord.

Everything is going great here in PQCM!! I just cannot believe it is June already!! Love you all!!! Keep spreading our good news of the gospel!!

Sister Anderson

The Gimina girls!!!

 

Maria Flor wrote me a cute love note yesterday:) Bless her heart!

 

This is Jenny, our recent convert!!! She is headed to Utah tomorrow to stay they for 2 months:)

We had FHE with the Sere Family, and the Gimina Family came!!

 

I got my trunky letter... BUT I AM NOT TRUNKY. The letter is hiding in my desk, still unopened:) 

Me, Sister Pau, Maricel, and the Gimina Family

 

 

 

 

Boodle Fight!!

May 25, 2015

Hello!!

This past week was so fun and we started it out right with a great big boodle fight with everyone in our zone! A boodle fight is where you take palm tree leaves, lay them on a table, then you pile rice on it, and then on top of that you put heaps of food- chicken, pork, vegetables, adobo, just anything you want! And then everyone eats it with just their hands!! It may not be the most sanitary, but it is definitely SOBRAND MASARAP!

On Tuesday we had our zone interview workshops, and Sister Pau and I didn't have to give one! Wahoo!! At our actual interviews though the next night, Sister Revillo asked us to meet with her. She said that she now wanted us to be the ones to give a workshop for the next zone interviews... and the next one was the next day! Ahhh! Working under pressure! We were create a nice workshop and present the next day! I am so glad Sister liked it!! Now we get to go give it to the other zones this transfer. Thank heavens that my companion, Sister Pau, is absolutely amazing and just does everything so well!! I am so blessed to be able to be learning from her and all of her creativity when it comes to putting together workshops, training, conferences, and even just being a good missionary! Heavenly Father blessed me with the best of the best! 

On Saturday I got to go on exchanges with one of my favorite people!! Sister Verdeflor! Not only are we kabahays right now, she was also my previous companion in Pasig, so it was soo fun to be able to work with her! It was just like old times and it brought back to many good memories! It is so crazy that she goes home this transfer... Time here never stops!!

As for our investigators, the Gimina Family is REALLY progressing! Ahhh! I am so excited! They are loving the gospel and they love church! We are getting them so great fellowshippers as well, so that is such a blessing. Last night we went over the their house to do Book of Mormon reading with them. Tessie had read from 1 Nephi 1 to I Nephi 19 in 2 days!!! Holy Moly!! And she was able to tell us everything she read and even applied to herself. We decided to read with Hector, Tessie, and their 3 little girls (Christine, Maria Flor and Freshy Kyle) Lehi's Dream. The Spirit was so strong and you can see that they are truly being converted. There is NOTHING better than seeing families change because of the Restored Gospel.

I love being a missionary!!! 

Take care,

Sister Anderson

Sister Jenny!!!  My recent convert:)

Zone interviews

FHE with Nida Nido and her granddaughters!

Boodle Fight

We had a Boodle Fight in QCS Zone!!

 

 

Becoming My Ssters' Keeper

May 18, 2015

 

Hello to yal!!!

 

This week was fantastic and just flew by! On Wednesday we had the opportunity have our Sisters' Conference for just the sisters in the mission. It took a lot of work, but it turned out really nicely. The theme of the conference was, "Becoming our Sisters' Keeper". In order to be completely united in this work we need to do as the Lord directs us to become our brothers' keeper and serve others as He would. President Revillo gave beautiful remarks about this topic, especially that of becoming more charitable and humble in our journey to become our sisters keeper. I have really come to understand more so that this principle is part of the sacred covenants that I have made to Heavenly Father. Through losing myself in the service of others and putting their needs above my own, I know that everyday I can be one step closer to becoming my sisters' or my brothers' keeper.

On a less spiritual note, but nonetheless just as fun, Sister Pau and I got to go SHOPPING!! Wahoooo!! We traveled around all of Quezon City on Thursday buying food for all the the missionaries 72hr kits, thermometers, flashlights, tubes, ropes, flashlights, and everything else you may need in case of an emergency. IT WAS A BLAST!! Haha and we got the weirdest looks as we were hauling around the grocery store 300 cups-of-noodles, giant bags of oatmeal, and carts piled high with candy and nuts... The life of a sister missionary here in Quirino:) Haha

Our area here in Quirino is doing GREAT!!! The Gimina family is really progressing and their WHOLE family attended church yesterday!! Ah, they are the cutest! In our last lesson with them, we invited Hector to offer the closing prayer. It was so sweet and sincere, and after he finished, he looked up with tears streaming down his face, and said, "I can't stop crying. I am so happy." Their family is really changing so much because of the gospel and I am so happy that I get to be apart of it. They are really blessing my life so much.

I love you all and am so grateful for you!! Thanks for all your prayers in behalf of me and my investigators. 

Love,

Sister Anderson

 

Sisters' conference was a blast!!!  Sister Revillo and the sister training leaders

Me and President and Sister Revillo

The Gimina family!!!  This s the cutest family in the whole world!  Sister Pau and I LOVE teaching them and they are getting baptized in June!!

Sister Maricel took Sister Pau and me out to eat at Manglnasal!!!

Me and Hannah!!!

Me and Daisy and Aki!!

Do you believe in sports?

May 11, 2015

Happy Mother's Day!!!

Just a quick shout-out to all of the mothers and women in my life who have blessed me so much and taught me to walk in the ways of truth. Thanks so much for your inspiring examples and for teaching me to follow Jesus Christ. I hope to emulate you and develop the love that you have:) Especially you, Mom!! Every time I think of you, I think of the mother's of the stripling warriors. Alma 56:47-48 Thank you for raising me the way you did and continue to do:)

This week was transfer week and it was CRAZY!! Thank heavens Sister Pau is my companion!! She is so full of life and spunk and has such a positive attitude!! If it wasn't for her, I probably would've been a wee bit overwhelmed with everything we had going on!!

On Friday, Sister Osumo and I got to give training to the other STLs which was super fun! We have an AMAZING group of sisters! We then got to attend MLC and then met with President and Sister Revillo to plan for our Sister's Conference that is coming up this Wednesday. It is going to be sooo fun!!

Sister Pau and I got to work in our area ALLLLL day on Sunday! Sister Maricel worked with us as well and it was great! We found 2 new investigators! As we were talking to one of them, Erwin, he said that he knew a little bit about Mormons. He then went onto say, "Naniniwala kayo sa sports, di ba?" Translated as, "You believe in sports, right?" Uhhhh... Noo... It was so funny!! He then went onto explain that all of the chapels here in the Philippines have basketball courts outside, so he thought that we believed in playing sports... Oh it was so funny!!

This past week, we were not able to visit the Gimena Family and they didn't come to church yesterday. We went to visit them and they were really sad that they chose not to come. They had lost their desire a little bit to continue, but as we taught them yesterday, their desire came back one-hundred fold, and they are determined to be baptized as a family. We taught about eternal families and the Spirit really touched their hearts. I know they will be baptized.

Sister Glory, the LA we found also came to church yesterday and had an AMAZING time!! Please pray for her husband that we can teach them! I can just see them as a forever family!!! Ahh, they are the cutest!!

I love you all!! Take care and I will talk to you soon!!

Sister Anderson

MLC pictures

 

The Final 12 Weeks

May 4, 2015
Magandang Umaga!!

It is transfer week!! I am not transferring, but my beloved companion, Sister Osumo, is. Ahhhhh!!! She is my right and and my left! What am I going to do without her? It is all good though because I have the most amazing new companion, Sister Pao. She’s Samoan, but grew up in the states. I am so excited to train her to become a sister training leader. I am for sure going to learn more from her than she will from me.

This past week I got to go on two different exchanges which was such a blast. Man, Heavenly Father sent the neatest sisters to this mission and I just know that it was all part of His plan to send us together in His army at this time. It is such a blessing to be able to strengthen each other. 

I am so sorry this email is so boring... Spent a lot of time in the office and whatnot... These next few days/weeks are going to be super crazy for me and my companion! We have so many things we have to do.. Ahhhh I think I am going to be stretched sooo much this transfer and I am so excited to learn the things that Heavenly Father knows I need!!

Well, this transfer marks my start of my final 12 weeks here... Noooooo!!!! Why does it go so fast! I really am just going to cherish every minute here!!!

I love you all!!!! You are in my prayers!!

Sister Anderson

Full of Gratitude

April 26, 2015

Hello to you all!!

Well, I don't even know where to begin! I am just so full of love and gratitude right now. Heavenly Father is just so aware of us as his children, and I am so grateful that He is taking great care of my sweet family back at home. Oh how I wish I could have been a part of Elizabeth and Jeff's wedding, but I am so happy that it went so well! They looked so beautiful in all the pictures and my testimony was really strengthened about the importance of eternal families. I can't wait to share this testimony with the sweet people here in the Philippines! WELCOME TO THE FAMILY, JEFF!!

This week was so great and I had the wonderful opportunity to go on exchanges in Marikina with Sister Viray, one of the cute new missionaries.

We also had zone conference on Thursday which was so amazing! And afterwards I had the opportunity to go on an exchange with Sister Latham (Jordan's friend). She is such a great missionary and even at 4 weeks, she is sooo good at the language! I will send pictures next week:)

Sister Osumo and I have such a small teaching pool, so this week we did LOTS of finding!! And Heavenly Father blessed us to find his elect!! As we were tracting on Saturday morning, we met a 20 year old named Erwin. He looked nice, but a little rough, and we decided to talk to him. Wow. You just never know who is searching for the gospel! He told us that he is Catholic, but how he has always just felt that something was missing. He has attended many other churches as well to fill the hole that was in his heart. We shared with him a brief overview and left him with a Book of Mormon to read.

We went back to visit him yesterday after church, and as we sat down, he pulled out the Book of Mormon with a whole page of notes he had taken from his reading. He was so cute and thought that we were going to take the book back from him, so he wrote down everything that he liked and what really touched him. He even mentioned that all the questions he has always had, are already being answered by the Book of Mormon and then bore testimony of it, how he know that it is true. We were able to teach him the message of the Restoration and you could just see how what we shared had an instant impact on him. We extended a baptismal date to him for June 6th and he is so excited!! 

We also found another investigator last week at the grocery store, Tala Pil. She asked us to come visit her and we did! Wow. She is so prepared too!! She came to church yesterday and just cried in each class!! She has a baptismal date for May 30th!! Sister Tessie Gimena also came to church yesterday and she too is so excited to be baptized! The ward is doing a great job fellowshipping, and I could not be more excited!!

 My heart is just so full of gratitude right now- being a missionary, my wonderful investigators, my sweet companion, my family at home, the wedding, and just the way Heavenly Father is always blessing us. I love the gospel so much and it is really the only way to be truly happy. I love you all!!

Love,

Sister Anderson

Finding the Elect

April 19, 2015
Magandang Umaga!

This week has been so great!!  I had the opportunity to go on exchanges with two amazing Sisters, Sister Betham and Sister Weston!  I feel so blessed to be able to be a Sister Training Leader because I have the opportunity to learn and grow each day, especially from going on exchanges with them

The first exchange was on Thursday with Sister Betham. Wow. I can honestly say that it was the most spiritual exchange I have ever been on. From the moment I met Sister Betham last transfer, I had a very special connection with her- something that I could not describe. Since being kabahays with her this transfer, I have come to understand why Heavenly Father put us together, as it was part of His plan for us since the foundation of the world. I have been able to understand myself and my potential, not only as a missionary, but as a literal spirit daughter of Heavenly parents. Words cannot describe how grateful I am to have been able to learn from this Sister because she has literally changed my life forever.

As for my area here in Quirino 1st ward, we are still working to revive it! Yesterday I worked with Sister Maricel, one of the members, and we went to try and contact one of our OYMs, Roger, whom we had never taught. We "tao poed" the house with thought was theirs, but it turns out that no one by the name of Roger lives there. We began talking to the man who opened the door. His name was Hector and was super nice. We asked if we could share a message with him, so he went inside and asked his wife. They invited us in to teach them and their 3 beautiful daughters. They lesson was so amazing and Hector, his wife(Tessa), and their oldest daughter (Christine) all accepted a baptismal date! The Lord works in mysterious ways to help us find his elect! 

Words cannot even begin to describe how much I love being a missionary!! I know that one day I will have to leave, and so I am enjoying EVERY single moment wearing a missionary tag and being a representative of Jesus Christ in all things!! 

I appreciate all that you do and the miracles that you continue to send my way because of your prayers! Take care and enjoy all the wedding festivities this week! Congrats, Elizabeth and Jeff! Can't wait to hear all about it!! Please send pictures!! And an invite:)

Love,

Sister Anderson

I got to go on exchanges with this lovely sister of mine, Sister Betham.  I think I wore her out by the end of the day..haha missionary work is WORK!

Just some pics of my area:)

 

Happy Birthday Emma

April 15, 2015

Magandang Hapon!!

Crazy talaga and buhay ko dito sa field!! It was another crazy busy week!! We went on three exchanges this past week.. We were only supposed to go on two, but some of our sisters had some things we needed to take care of, so we did an emergency exchange with them... We may or may not have worn the same outfit like 3 days in a row... Some things we just have to sacrifice!!! It was totally worth it though, because I just LOVE the Sisters here in this mission. I just know that I was really close to them in the pre-earth life and so it is so neat to be able to reconnect with them here and learn from them. They come from all walks of life, with so many different trials and concerns, and yet we are all so united because of the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

On Thursday, I got to work with Sister Apsay, my old kabahay in Morong. We had a really neat experience where we went to teach a former investigator named Linda. We decided to start from square one with her, and we did our best to follow the Spirit and teach the Restoration according to her needs. By the end of the lesson, we were all in tears as the Spirit literally was so strong. It was one of the most heaven-like experiences. Linda went onto say, "You know, I have been taught by missionaries many many times before... and I don't know what it is, but something is just different about the two of you." She went on to thank us over and over for bringing the truth into her life and for giving her hope. I feel so privileged to be able to be an instrument of the Lord. What a humbling experience it is. 

We also got to attend General Conference this week which was the BIGGEST blessing of my life! I needed a little breather and re-boost, so that along with getting to attend the temple today was such a blessing. 

I wish I could put into words how much my testimony and love for the Savior has grown. I truly feel that I finally know a little bit more of what Heavenly Father expects of me, as His daughter and how I must pattern my life in order to do His will. I am so grateful for living prophets and apostles who will never ever lead us a stray. And even when I do go astray and make mistakes, the gospel is there. It is real. It is personal. It is change. 

I love the Lord so much and I feel so blessed to be His representative.

Love,

Sister Anderson

 
ps.. HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the BEST little sister in the whole world! I look up to you more than you ever know!!

Sister Latham

Quezon City South Zone

Me and me little sis, Sister Betham:)  She is my FAVORITE

My cute kabahays

My companion, Sister Osumo

The Temple in Manila!

 

Happy Birthday Emma!