*Loren, Is there anything you need sent? I'm sending you a package
too. Let me know what you would like or need.
Wow. This is hard on the spot. Ummm... just make sure there's a little candy in there, candy here is different. It's all saltine crackers and pork rind, and salted peanuts. There are Sari-Sari (variety) stores (normal houses with a window were all sorts of products foods, snacks, and everything are hung -- usually 2-3 per block, no matter where you are. I never pay more than a dime or two for snacks, everything is amazingly cheap. Aside from that there are tiny bakeries everywhere, and they are amazing. Small pastries and breakfast rolls range from 2-4 cents (1-2 Filipine piso) a piece. 15 cents worth of breakfast rolls - pandesal - is a pretty filling breakfast when we're on the run. Back to the question -- I . . . don't know! Whatever I find will be heaven.
*(Here are pictures of Rachel making snickerdoodles for dad to take Home Teaching.)
Wow, don't take those snickerdoodles for granted! I'd give my right ear for one of those right now. As good as Spanish bread is here at the bakery, it just can't beat a hot snickerdoodle. Atta girl, Rachel! My companion really likes mallows. Did I mention that everything is really small here? Same with the "jumbo" sized mallows we find at the "super"-market.
Sarah! That story is classic! I love it! You should have seen me here in the internet cafe, I lost it, laughing out loud! Mom, why does Sarah always have all the fun? Why can't any of the rest of us have some adventures? Way to save the day. I love the pictures. I wrote you a letter, but nobody has built a post-office close to our apartment yet! The traffic here still scares me. Like when the semi behind us goes to pass 3 cars -- on the right or left side of the road, and I'm pretty sure there should be speed limit signs, but there aren't. One of the few road signs I see are one's that say "Accident prone area. Slow down".
Si Lindy tsaka si Maddy,
Sweet pictures! Hermit crabs are the thing. Don't tell dad, but I shed a tear here, thinking about . . . sniff . . . our old, you know. . sniff. . hermit crab. What was his name? I think we've still got his shell. Pets are a little different here, they don't get the love that our pets get in the States. I'm not saying they eat All their pets, but. . . : ) Just joking. Take care you two. What are the summer plans? Do you trek as well?
Dad, I'm way excited about those bees! And all the trees you're planting. Is Sarah giving you or Shaylin any credit for the recovery of the bees? (don't tell her I asked that) It's just that it seems you at least played a supporting role. I'm excited about your calling as YM Pres., Dad. That's exciting. I've gained a lot of appreciation for the leaders of the church here as a missionary.
This week has had it's ups and downs. First of all, it's been really hard, since we baptized the Blancos. I really hate to baptize them so young just before they have all the ward and friend support pulled out from under them. I guess their grandmother is trying still to get them back here, right now they're in Batangas. It's just that there are so many inactives, here it's 4 out of 5, and if they've got no support at their age... It's just been a little hard to deal with.
Other than that, our pool of progressing investigators seems to be evaporating! But that's because of the baptisms and 1 because she left until she's old enough to be married (keeping the LOC). One family that have been making changes have just been hit with trial after trial. After commiting to baptism and giving up smoking, the dad was robbed by a dishonest employee. His son, who just seperated from his partner, now may be looking at a staggeringly expensive surgery for what may be a hernia. The daughters' partner left her, and it's just been rough for them. I was reading in Mosiah 24, how the Lord promises to visit us -- In our afflictions -- rather than saving us from them, as a token that he remembers our promise.
On the brighter side of things, we have two wonderful investigators, one of which is Susana, who are preparing for baptism. That's a feeling like no other, to see someone really commited to baptism, that is feeling the spirit, that understands the commitment involved and wants to repent. It strengthens my testimony, to see them gain one.
I love my trainer! He wasn't transferred this last week, which means my prayers were answered. He has awesome BRT and OYM's that really are directed to each individual. I love to see how they vary according to what they are doing or saying. It invites the spirit, right there on their doorstep, and it's a great feeling every time we get into a house to teach, knowing that we're helping fulfill the prophecy that the people of the earth will hear the gospel in their own tongue, and that the Prophet Joseph Smith's name will be had for good and evil, and countless others. The stone is rolling, filling the Philippines.
I love the people here, the people we teach, and the people we meet. I think about them, plan for them, study for them, pray for them. This week has really been a turning point, I think, in my attitude and love for the people. Thanks so much, dad, and everybody! Love ya lots --
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