What A Week

Good Morning po!!

This week by far has been the most stressful week since being here! Getting a new companion is definitely more stressful than it sounds, and leading the area is almost a nightmare! It is hard because I feel like if anything falls through, it is all my fault.. and boy have things been falling through this week! We were punted almost all day everyday and we just walked and walked and walked through the burning heat and the pouring rain. Things have definitely been hard and at times I have just wanted to break down, but there is always something inside me that makes me keep going when all I want to do is quit. I am grateful for the struggles that I am having because I know that Heavenly Father is teaching me very valuable lessons and I am doing all that I can to see these experiences as blessings.

We really taught like no lessons this week, but we were able to find 12 new investigators which was a miracle. I really don't know how many of them are potential, but I know that at least one of them is going to be baptized! She's an adorable 16 year old girl, Rica, who is the niece of one of the members, Sister Marivic. We have only taught Rica once, but her knowledge and desire to know the gospel is amazing!!! I really pray that she will progress and begin her own process of conversion.

We taught the Honrejas Family a few times this week, but only Allan came to church yesterday. He is doing AMAZING and you can physically see the changes in him. I just wish his family would all come to church!!! I don't know what to do. They all have a great understanding of the gospel, they read the Book of Mormon everyday and they really have testimonies.. Now we just need to get them to church!

On Saturday was the baptism of Nataniel and Jetro. We got to the chapel at 8:00am to clean and prepare and set everything up for the baptism at 1:00. 1:00 rolled around and no one was there... Not even Jetro or Nataniel! Finally the second counselor arrived and one of our investigators, Mamboy. Jetro and Nataniel finally arrived with their Father and Grandma. We had been searching all morning for baptismal clothes but there was only 1 suit- for the baptizer. We called everyone we could and searched every inch of the building. As missionaries, it really isn't our responsibility to even provide the baptismal clothes- it should be provided by the ward. The mother of Jetro and Nataniel was yelling at us and scolding us because we didn't have the clothes. Both Sister Alfoja and I were seconds away from bursting into tears. The second counselor also didn't know what to do about the clothes, so he was no help. The poor Grandma had white polos at her house and a pair of white pants so she went walking home in the pouring rain to grab them. The baptism ended up starting 2 hours late and no one else even showed up. It was so discouraging. We had invited everyone in the ward to come, but we got no support. The boys were confirmed yesterday in church, and I am just so glad it is over with! It is definitely a day that I NEVER want to relive!

NAKATAWA

As we were out working the other morning, it started pouring out of nowhere.. and when I say pouring, I mean POURING!!!!!!! We got to our next appointment- a less active named Sister Carmelita who is in her 70s- and you should've seen the look on her face when she saw us! There was not an inch of us that was dry and we looked like a mess! She urged us to come inside and insisted that we change our clothes. We tried to assure her that we were fine and that we would just change when we got home. She would not take no for an answer so we complied. I got to wear a really not cute stretchy skirt that was not emphasizing my body in a way that likes to be emphasized, along with a suit jacket fully loaded with big ole shoulder pads... Yaaa buddy!!! I was lookin gooood! I should have old women dress me everyday

Well this week has been crazy and I just pray things will look a little brighter this week. I am so blessed to be serving, especially here in the Philippines!! I love you all!!!!

Love,
Sister Anderson

June 8, 2014

Hello once again!!

Well, it's official! I am done with my training as a missionary, so now I am a BIG GIRL! Yay!! My trainer left on Tuesday night for her new area, and on Wednesday morning I went and picked up my new companion, Sister Alfoja. She is 25 and from the Philippines and is pretty shy! She is really sweet, but sometimes she doesn't talk very much... SO that means that I have the wonderful opportunity to speak A LOT in our lessons! Kind of intimidating sometimes, but I am actually really enjoying it. Sister Alfoja was so impressed with my language skills and couldn;t believe that I had only just finished my training. It has been so fun for me to realize lately how much Tagalog I know and I feel that my language skills are really improving. I still am sooo far from being good at the language, but I am finally at a point where I feel pretty comfortable and not too uncomfortable to speak. It has been such a blessing to stop relying on my trainer for help, and instead start being proactive.

Since Sister Alfoja is new to Cogeo, that means that I get to lead the area... Talk about intimidating! I was extremely stressed the past few days because it's all on me if things don't go well... I am finally getting a hang of things though and it has been a neat experience to see that I really do know more than I think I do. I have already grown so much in this past week and I am excited to be able to stretch myself and become better!

We were able to get 7 new investigators this week which was a HUGE answer to my prayers. I am not sure how potential all of them are, but I am excited to teach them and give them the opportunity to accept the gospel in their lives. Our investigators here are doing well. Rose, the neighbor of the Honrejas Family, is doing so great! The other night we went to teach her and right as we say down, she was so excited to tell us that she had prayed about President Monson and she knows that he is a true prophet. She described to us the feelings that she had and how she felt the Spirit. I cannot even begin to explain the joy I felt as she testified to us of that God has called a prophet for our days. There is no greater happiness!!!!!

The Honrejas Family is doing well. Only Allan came to church yesterday, so afterwards we went and had a lesson with them about keeping the Sabbath Day Holy. It was an amazing lesson and I felt the Spirit so strong. They committed to coming to church each week, but we had to move their baptism back to July 4. I am so excited for them to baptized and they are sooo excited to! They are making my missionary experience AMAZING!

Last Friday I finished the Book of Mormon for the first time since being out here in the field. Back at home it always took me like a year to finish, but my goal this year is to be able to finish it 3 times before Christmas! I love the power that comes from reading that Book and I really don't know what I would do without it. After finishing it, I decided to take Moroni's Challenge and pray once again about the truthfulness of this Book. Peace filled my heart and I am so grateful to be able to say that I know without a doubt that this book is true and I am so blessed to be able to have the guidance and protection that come from living it's teachings.

Welllllllll I think that's it for this week!!! I am loving being a missionary and serving the Lord. There is absolutely no where else I'd rather be. Mahal ko kayo!!

Love, Sister Anderson

Ups and Downs and All Around

June 2, 2014

Kumusta Lahat!

Sorry I did not email yesterday! It's transfers on Wednesday, so that means our Pday gets changed to Tuesday. And I'm not getting transferred! I get to stay in the wonderful mountainous place of Cogeo for at least 6 more weeks! Sister Judd is being transferred to Mindoro- the island that all of the missionaries are dying to go to! So since she is leaving, I get to be the one to lead the area here with my new companion... Ahhhh. This is soooo intimidating and I am kind of freaking out! I meet my new companion tomorrow and I hear she is Filipino. I sure hope she speaks English, or we are going to have to get really good at playing Charades!

On Tuesday we had the wonderful opportunity to have a conference with everyone in our mission and Elder Craig C. Christensen of the 70 came and spoke to us. It was AMAZING. He said things that I really needed to hear and listening to him was such a testament to me that Heavenly Father can answer our prayers through other people.

This week has just been a whirlwind and I really have noticed that nothing on a mission is certain! Things are always changing and you never really know what to expect. I guess it keeps things interesting, but not always very fun.

On Saturday, Jetro and Nathaniel were supposed to be baptized. They were at the chapel early in the morning with their Grandma to help us get everything set up and ready to go for the baptism at 10:00am. 10:00 rolled around and everything was ready to go and they just needed to hurry and change into the baptismal clothes. Just as they were about to go change, Brother Dabu, the second counselor, pulled Sister Judd and I aside and said he had something very confidential to tell us. We went into another room and he said that he just spoke to Jetro and Nathaniel's dad and their dad said that he didn't want the boys to be baptized until he can be the one to baptize them. Nooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!! I mean it's wonderful that he wants to get reactivated in the church and be worthy to baptize his sons, but shouldn't we have had this conversation before?? Like not 2 minutes before the service was supposed to start?? We went outside to talk to the family, and Nathaniel was sitting on a bench just sobbing because he wanted to be baptized. It completely broke my heart. Their dad had a meeting with the Bishop though and they have decided that on June 14th will be their new baptismal date. I really pray that things will all go through on that date!!

On Saturday afternoon, we took some of our investigators and less actives to see the temple. Victoria Honrejas came along with Joann and their neighbor Rose who we are teaching. The absolutely LOVED the temple and they just kept saying how they felt so much peace and that there were no troubles. They really felt the Spirit so strongly and it was an amazing opportunity for them to feel the power of the temple.

Speaking of the Honrejas family... They are doing AMAZING!!!!! We went over to drop off some fruit at their house on Saturday night and Allan said that he couldn't come to church on Sunday because he got called into work. As we were sitting in Church though as Sacrament Meeting was just about to start, Allan came walking in through the doors with Victoria, Joann, Lye, Jarry, and Thoupie. It was a MIRACLE!!! Allan said that he only ended up having to work half the day. I know that it was the Lord who provided him a way to come to church and I am SOOOO grateful that he did. We were able to go over and teach them on Sunday night about tithing. Sister Judd and I were kind of apprehensive to teach them this law because they always say how they love that in our church there are no donations. They Spirit was so strong in our lesson with them though, and they really felt and understood the importance of paying tithing, and they committed to live this law after they are baptized. Ahhh, I just LOVE this family! They are making my missionary experience so amazing!!

Well nothing too funny happened this week.... And we didn't get robbed this week either... Booyahhhhh!!!

Well that's a wrap! Thanks for all the prayers that you're sending my way! Love you all sooooo much!!

Love,

Sister Anderson

A Portal for Demons!!!

May 25, 2014

Good Morning po!!!

This week has been great! Last Monday we went to the Bishop's house for dinner. Just as we got there, the Bishop left, saying he was going to go grab something. We didn't understand what was going on, but went inside anyways. One of the Bishop's daughters came up to me and Sister Judd and said, "Who's birthday is it?!" I was so confused at what was going on, and Sister Judd just looked at me and said, "Shoot..." Apparently the day before she was joking that tomorrow was her birthday, but the Bishop's wife didn't get the memo that she was kidding... The Bishop came back an hour later with a fancy cake for her... SO we celebrated her birthday!!! It was soooo funny and she felt awful, but I didn't mind because we got fed good food!!

This week Sister Rupp got to work with me and Sister Judd for two days while Sister Racaza had some things to do in Marikina. It was so fun to work with her and see how she teaches. I love being able to observe other missionaries and see how they do things. On Thursday it was her 1 year mark, so we decided to celebrate!! We went to JolliBee for dinner (super exciting..) haha and then on Friday we got a big cake and celebrated with our district after our service project! Hitting my 1 year marks seems like ages away, but I know that it is going to come faster than I can imagine... Ah! Just got to keep enjoying every single minute!

Guess what?! I had Spam for my very first time ever!! And it actually wasn't bad! We went over to Sister Marivik's who has two special needs boys, and helped her clean her house. Afterwards she fed us fried spam sandwiches. My first two sandwiches were fine.. They actually tasted pretty good! But then Marivick made me have a third... Oh man.. It took everything within me to not hurl! I think I can go without having a spam sandwich for quite some time now!

We had our ward family home evening on Saturday and invited all of our investigators and less actives. It actually went pretty well and was fun, except there were hardly any members there.. Just the ones that were in charge to bring food! Oh well! I think everyone had a good time! We gave some workshops about the basic beliefs of the church and missionary work and then played water balloon volleyball and had a sack race. It was HILARIOUS watching the Relief Society and the Elders Quorum get involved in the games- even some of the old men were doing the sack race!! All in all, it was a fun activity!

Well on Saturday we have the baptism of Nathaniel and Jetro Efondo, two young boys that we have been teaching for about a month now. There Grandma is a member and very active, and she takes them to church each week. Their Dad is a less active, and since we have been teaching his boys, he has started coming back to church! It has been great to see what an influence the example of his young boys has had on him!

 

NAKAKATAWA

So we have a new investigator, May, who is the daughter-in-law of Bro Benedicto, one of the members in our ward. She has been having a lot of trouble sleeping lately and every time we talk to her or Bro Benedicto, they just keep saying that something is so wrong with her body and they can't quite figure out what it is. While at the ward FHE, Bro Benedicto was talking about May's situation and was saying how May has been using a medication called Vick's to try to help her sleep at night. Then out of nowhere, he turned to Sister Judd and asked, "Do you think Vick's could be a portal for demons?!" Hahahaha sooooo basically they think May is posessed with evil Spirits... Hmmm.... not quite sure how to deal with this situation! Haha

Well things are still going great here in the Philippines! I love every single thing about it here and I wish you all could come and join in on all of these great experiences here- There really is nothing like it. I know that I have been called here for a reason and I am so grateful for each opportunity that I have everyday to try to understand more so what my purpose is and how I can fulfill it. It's definitely really hard work, but it makes me so happy. Last night it started raining really hard and so all 4 of us sisters ran outside to play in the rain. As I looked around and stood peacefully in the pouring rain, I couldn't help but think how privileged I am to know that we have a Heavenly Father who loves each and everyone of us so much. I know that he is so aware of me and each one of you. He is in the details of our lives and I know that His plan for us is perfect.

Thanks for all of your love and support! I pray for you all and hope you have a wonderful week!!

Mahal ko kayo!!

Sister Anderson

 

 

Night Time Visitors

Well Hello Once Again!!

I really cannot believe how fast these weeks fly by here! I knew that time was going to go by fast, but I never understood how fast it really would go! This week has been great! We weren't able to get a lot of lessons in, but the ones we were able to teach went really well.

Last Wednesday we had Zone Conference for the entire day in Cubao. We had wonderful workshops and the theme of it all was "Increase Expectations". It was such a great experience to me and I am so excited to start increasing my expectations and my faith. I know that this area is so ripe and there are SO many people who are ready to hear the gospel, but I just need to have that faith that the Lord will lead us to these people and that He will provide miracles in this work.

The Honrejas Family is doing great! We were only able to teach them once last week, but they are really progressing. We had to move their baptism to June 28th because they missed church and Brother was struggling with the Word of Wisdom. As of last time we visited them though, Brother Allan hadn't smoked it quite some time- YAY!! This was such a miracle and I think he is finally understanding more so the importance of this commandment and the reason why Heavenly Father asks us to obey all of His commandments.

Yesterday was ward conference and because no one showed up last week for choir practice for ward conference, Sister Judd, Rupp, Racaza. and I got to sing both of the musical numbers yesterday! I think it turned out okay... Maybe... Then again, a good portion of the people here are tone deaf, so it probably sounded just fine to them!

The language is coming little by little. It is definitely not as discouraging as it was. I have never prayed so much and so hard to receive help with something, and the Lord is literally pouring out his blessings upon me. I am still so very far from being fluent, but I know that Heavenly Father is blessing me with the gift of tongues. There is absolutely no way that I could be speaking this language without the help of the Lord. I am feeling more and more comfortable conversing with people... although I definitely don't understand everything that they are saying. I just smile and nod and say, "really?" a lot and it seems to really work out in my favor!

Nakakatawa... Funny... or maybe not so funny..

So you are probably wondering what the title of my email means... Well on Wednesday night, Sister Judd and I went to bed at the usual time and everything at the house was normal. Sister Racaza and Sister Rupp had gone on exchanges in Marikina, so it was only the two of us our our apartment. During the night I woke up to a huge crash somewhere in the house. I woke up startled and had a feeling that someone was is our room. I tried to adjust my eyes to the dark, but couldn't seem to get a good look at our room because it was pitch black. Sister Judd didn't wake up, and so I just tried to go back to sleep, hoping that the big crash wasn't anything to be worried about.

In the morning, I went outside the door that is connected to our bedroom to the place where we hang our laundry. It is fully exposed to the sunlight, and the wall is just iron and wire. I noticed that one of wires to hang our clothes on was on the floor with all of our laundry. I quickly made the connection that that was what the huge crash was. Sister Judd and I couldn't figure out how it happened, but just figured that the wire was weak so it just fell. I was eating breakfast downstairs when Sister Judd called down to me and said that she couldn't find the cellphone. She then went onto say that she saw that the wire on the wall in the laundry room was slashed. The whole was pretty small- too small for an adult to fit in and that only a small child could fit through. As we were talking, the doorbell rang and we went downstairs to open the door. It was our district and zone leaders. They asked us if we had our phone and we told them that we couldn't find it. They went on to show us some text messages they received from our number last night at like 1 and 2am. They were like, "I love you, babe," and that kind of stuff. Elder Masula said that he called our number this morning and that a grown man answered. Elder Masula asked where Sister Judd and I were and they said that we had a sleepover at his house last night and that we were still asleep. Elder Masula asked if he could talk to us, and the man hurried and said the we just left... AHHHHH!!! How creepy is that!! There was, just as I had felt, a person in our room... Right next to our beds and could have been watching us sleep... AHHHHHHH... And they went through Sister Judd's bag which was sitting right next to her bed and got our phone. I am just glad they didn't take anything else!! The next night I didn't sleep at all and kept having dreams that people were breaking in and reaching their arms through the windows and grabbing me... EWWW!!! We still don't have a new phone yet, but the District Leaders talked to President and he says he highly suggests that we move... Man!!!! I don't want to move! Our house is way too nice.. Man!! So until we have to move, we just set up boobie-traps so that if people try to break in, we will here them!!! Don't be worried, Mom! I am fine, I promise!!

Welllll that was the excitement of my week!! Pretty cool, huh? I really am loving it here and I cannot imagine serving anywhere else!!! The Philippines is the BEST!!!!!! Thanks for everything!! Hope to hear from you all soon!!

Love,

Sister Anderson

                                                               Shanin and Eunice

Mother's Day

May 11, 2014

Hello and Happy Mother's Day po!!

It was so great to talk to my family today and see their cute faces and hear their voices! I was afraid that talking to them would make me homesick, but it actually just gave me the motivation to keep pressing on. I feel so blessed that they are supporting me 110% and giving me all of the love and encouragement that I need. They are the best! And to my mom and all the moms out there, Happy Mother's Day!!

On Monday we went over to Sister Agcamaren's house because it was her son's birthday. We brought over a cake and she made pansit for dinner. It was a fun night, and Sister Agcamaren was feeling quite a bit better. She is still struggling to get money so that she can pay for all of her medical bills, so she made homemade peanut butter to sell... You know me.. I LOVE peanut butter!! And so I bought some and it is so sugary and good! Man, I have never eaten so much peanut butter in my whole entire life since being here in the Philippines. Who would've thought?!

On Tuesday we went to Cubao for a Trainer- Trainee meeting. President Revillo spoke to us and said something that I found really profound. He said, "Whenever you need help, call on the Lord to send angels. You are entitled to that." Wow. How amazing is that? Not only as missionaries, but as literal children of God, we are all entitled to the help of Heavenly Father to send us angels. These angels can be our neighbor, a family member, or really anyone who may cross our paths. We can also receive help and strength from the other side of the veil. I know that because Heavenly Father loves each of us so much, he is just waiting to send help our way; we just need to ask. Not only that, but we too have the opportunity to be that angel in others lives. How amazing!!

We were finally able to meet with Judy Ann and Philip on Wednesday!! And they had food! We went back and taught them again on Friday and things were great. Judy Ann has gotten a job at a Chinese restaurant and so we thought that that would solve their money problems. Yesterday before church though, Judy Ann texted us and asked us to come over. We went over and they said that they have no food or money. Judy Ann doesn't get her paycheck for a while, and Philip doesn't get any money until Friday. I hate being in this situation!! It is the hardest thing to see.. and I don't know what more we can do to help because as missionaries we can't be giving money and food out to everyone. It is so hard!!

On Saturday was the baptism of Shanin and Eunice!!! It was a little hectic at first because we didn't have a baptismal suit large enough to fit the baptizer, but we were able to get it all figured out and it was a wonderful experience for everyone. So many people were there to support the girls, but most importantly, their mom (Beth) came. She was refusing to come to the baptism, making excuses that she didn't have any clothes and yada yada yada.. BUT we got her to come and she was so glad she did. After the baptism, Shanin got up and bore a sweet testimony and began to cry. Beth was so touched and began to cry too. The Spirit there was so special and I really feel so humbled that Heavenly Father allowed me to be a part of this process for Shanin and Eunice. Their faith is such an example to me and they have taught me more than they will ever know. Watching them enter into the waters of baptism was one of the best joys I could ever imagine. I really don't have words to express how blessed I feel.

Nakakatawa

The other day we went to the ATM to get money and we saw a lady who we have taught a few times. She came over to us to say hello and then out of nowhere, she started rubbing my stomach and back up and down and just kept saying, "Sexy, sexy!!" Ahhhh I felt so violated!!! Haha

Well all in all this past week was great! I just LOVE serving in the Phlippines!! I really cannot imagine a greater place to serve. I love everything about it here and I know without a doubt in my mind that this is where the Lord needs me to be.

And of course I can't end without expressing my thanks to my sweet mom! I am so grateful to have grown up with such an amazing mom who has taught me to love the gospel. I couldn't have asked for a better example in my life. She has so many amazing qualities and it is evident by everything that she does that she loves the Lord. She is so selfless and always puts others first. She has always been there for me, and although we are far away right now, she is always is my thoughts and prayers. Thanks to all of the women in my life who have taught me and loved me and supported me. Happy Mother's Day to you all!!

Love,

Sister Anderson