COCONUTS!!

-I received letters from Christine Terminello, Alissa Wheatley and Megan Livingston, and Louanne!! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!! I'll try and have replies off soon!
-I found a Nike store in the mall in Lipa. It is so nice, they've got everything I would need. If it would be easier, you could put money in my account, and I could get it here (compression shorts, shorts, etc.) Packages are always nice though!
-In terms of snacks, Sour Patch Kids, Reeses and Snickers are great. Something the Tennys gave me that was money was a large M&M bag that has a zipper
-Thanks for sending Brother Day's thing!! That's so awesome. Please tell him I say hello!
-Mitt update

Well, this was a very interesting week (Every week is interesting). It was busy busy busy and filled with surprises!! This week I was assigned as the new District Leader. It's very humbling and I've been kind of confused as to why I was given this assignment. I'm not very experienced and there are other missionaries in my district that would do such a great job. I'm excited for the opportunity to serve, and excited to learn and be stretched to my limit!

The work here is progressing...slowly but it's comin'. She'll be comin' around the mountain when she comes! I love Less-Active members. We're loving them and really being patient. I've come to learn that it's not how fast that's important, but how deep. Deep conversion is not an overnight deal. It's something that takes time, effort, and patience. We're teaching a 75 year old Nanay that is just hilarious. She's a widow of a couple years and is so nice. Mom, you'll be jealous to know that whenever we go there she goes out back, grabs a coconut, gives us the coconut milk, and the white inside with brown sugar. Yum! Her house is surrounded by large coconut trees!! Anyways, this Sister is a crack up! I think she may have a bit of a crush on me!! I'll be bearing my testimony and she'll just start laughing at me! Sometimes it takes all the energy I have to keep a straight face! She has a hard time remembering what we teach, and even though she reads the Book of Mormon she has a hard time remembering. We've been teaching short and simple, and really focusing on helping her feel the Spirit. We've seen such a change in this Sister over the past few weeks, and even though she couldn't tell you who Lehi is, her faith and her testimony have increased so much. I've really seen the Lord bless this Sister through the Spirit and her personal testimony of the Gospel.

I'm starting to learn that my new assignment as a District Leader means it'll be a little more difficult to give my area my 100% undivided attention. I received my new assignment on Friday, and I had baptismal interviews on Saturday and Sunday. I was nervous to say the least!! I was nervous about conducting the interview, let alone doing it in Tagalog. I was pretty apprehensive going into the first interview. President P. said the District Leaders are the "Gatekeepers" and they need to ensure these people are ready for Baptism, with a firm testimony. I was a bit worried about handling a situation where someone wasn't quite ready!!

My first interview was such a great experience. The young woman was 24 and an investigator of 6 years!! The Spirit just radiated from her, and I could sense her strong testimony. It was awesome to hear her tell me how 6 years ago she wasn't interested at all, and yet to see her now. It really put things into perspective for me!! Some people don't keep their commitments over a 2 week period! This young woman's conversion wasn't fast, but it sure was deep. Something I had wondered was how will I know if someone is ready. As I spoke with this young woman, I felt the sweetest spirit come over me, and I felt that confirming witness of the Spirit that this young woman was ready and worthy. As I interviewed her, I couldn't help but think of my own mother, who was similar in age and in other ways to this young woman. I told her your story mom and told her that because of your decision, I'm here on a mission, and that for her, this is just the beginning for her and her family to come!!

I've thought a lot this week of our Father in Heaven and his love for us. Probably the best representation of the Father's true character is found in the Book of Moses and Enoch's experience. Following is an excerpt from Elder Holland:

"There, in the midst of a grand vision of humankind which heaven opened to his view, Enoch, observing both the blessings and challenges of mortality, turns his gaze toward the Father and is stunned to see Him weeping. He says in wonder and amazement to this most powerful Being in the universe: “How is it that thou canst weep? … Thou art just [and] merciful and kind forever; … Peace … is the habitation of thy throne; and mercy shall go before thy face and have no end; how is it thou canst weep?”
Looking out on the events of almost any day, God replies: “Behold these thy brethren; they are the workmanship of mine own hands. … I gave unto them … [a] commandment, that they should love one another, and that they should choose me, their Father; but behold, they are without affection, and they hate their own blood. … Wherefore should not the heavens weep, seeing these shall suffer?”


Our Father loves us. He weeps with us, he loves us. May we come to know him, love him and follow him.

“And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” (John 17:3)

May we come unto Christ, know him and his Father, and do all we can that we may know them. For truly, that is life eternal. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Love to you all!!!

Elder Yost