July 9, 2017

I'm feeling overwhelmed, humbled, anxious and stressed.  It's been a difficult week for me, but Aunt Kimberly emailed me a question that is changing my thinking:  What has surprised you positively?  All week I've been thinking about what has surprised me negatively, so my thoughts are changing and I'm sure my attitude will, too.

1.  My companion.  I'm so thankful I can serve with Stewart.  He is genuinely happy to be here and reminds me of the opening scene of Star Trek where Scotty says, "I LIKE this ship!  It's exciting!"  That's how he feels about the Philippines.  He loves it--the food, the people, the ramshackle city, the calling, and the missionaries.  His faith and devotion are almost contagious.

2.  The missionaries.  I love them already, especially the sisters.  They have welcomed us so warmly (well, everything here is warm!) and kindly.  Their sacrifice and willingness to serve inspire me. 

3.  The Bertins.  The previous mission president and his  wife trained these missionaries well.  They are good teachers, leaders, and know "Preach My Gospel" well, and quote it often. Sister Bertin had the food for zone conferences purchased and planned and trained her helper to prepare it so I didn't have to worry about it at all.

4.  The senior couples.  They are amazing!  The office couple are competent and willing to help with every detail.  I am SO thankful to have a nurse.  She's been here two weeks and is being trained by the nurse who is leaving after being here two years.  Just this week we had an elder hospitalized with dengue fever, one with severe headaches, a couple with growths, and about thirty other issues.  I am so blessed--if there were no nurse it would be me making all the arrangements and diagnoses.  We met the three couples who are each assigned to serve in a small branch in the mission.  They support the members and teach them how to lead.  We visited the furthest branch in our mission for church today and can tell they are making a huge impact.  The members and the young missionaries LOVE them.

5.  The mission home.  It has "air con" (the term for air conditioning), a great bed, and no cockroaches.  It comfortable and beautiful and in a safe place.

6.  Derrick.  He flew here from Singapore the day after we arrived and helped set up my phones, computer, our wifi, etc.  He stayed until Tuesday and set up my computer at the church for the family slide show for our first zone conference.  And he rode around the city with us in crazy traffic for five hours visiting the elder in the hospital with no complaining (which is more than I can say for me).  He expressed confidence and support and helped calm us for the week ahead.

7.  Prayers.  I am so thankful for the prayers of family and friends who are praying for us.  It's made a huge difference, melting anxiety and boosting confidence that the Holy Ghost can help us in our work.  This is the greatest blessing.

8.  Mangoes.  Can't get enough of them.  Delicious!

9.  The traffic.  It's worse than I ever imagined.  I don't think we went over 5mph the first week we were here.  And when it rains (which happens every day) the roads flood and you find yourself driving through a river!  But the people are super nice and even though no one follows ANY traiffic rules, the drivers let people in, they are kind, and I haven't seen anyone angry or upset. except me! But is is super crazy.  They create new lanes where there are none, drive down the wrong side of the street, and turn left from the far right lane.  

10.  The Filipinos.  The very nicest people in the world.  They are nice like the Thai, gentle and kind, but most of them understand English, which is great!

One thing Dad said this week is how surprised he is by how much he loves teaching the gospel.  He has enjoyed teaching correct principles to distributors all over the world, but he said teaching the restored gospel is the most important thing he (or the missionaries) can teach.

And here is my favorite quote this week, by Elder Oaks:  We do not preach and teach in order to “bring people into the Church” or to increase the membership of the Church. We do not preach and teach just to persuade people to live better lives....but we offer something more....The purpose of our missionary work is to help the children of God fulfill a condition prescribed by our Savior and Redeemer. We preach and teach in order to baptize the children of God so that they can be saved in the celestial kingdom instead of being limited to a lesser kingdom.

Love you.