One Really Great Week!

First things first. Kalabaw in English means Water Buffalo. And they are everywhere here. In some places, people saddle up and ride them, but they are mostly used for tilling. They are BIG animals. And their horns are huge as well, the horns turn back and not forward. They make belts out of the horns.

Dear Family,
It's been one of the most amazing weeks of the mission. There's a lot to write about this week.
The Yzon family is doing great. This week we taught the Word of Wisdom and the Law of Chastity, and this is a crucial time in their progression. Brother Yzon accepted the word of wisdom, even though he told us it was going to be one of the hardest things he's done to give up smoking. They are on top of it spiritually, they are ready to accept the gospel. It's really surprised me what their concerns are in the lessons, it's like they looked at Preach My Gospel and already know what we plan to teach next time. I think that they can feel what needs to change in their lives, and it's easy to teach them.
On Wednesday, we had interviews. As I was waiting, I got to talk again with Sister Puzey, and she told us the stories about Ephraim the bear up Black-smith fork canyon, Rosy the Miner, Sagwich the Indian, about Gog and Magog close to Richmond, about the buried treasure and old train up past White Pine, and a lot of other Cache Valley stories. Interviews are great, because President Puzey feels like a really close friend, and it's great to have 10 minutes to sit down and talk with him about how things are going. It was great, as usual, and just as we were about to close the interview, he asked if he could see my planner. I knew that planner checks happened every so often, so I wasn't too surprised. He asked about the people we were visiting later, and I answered his questions. Then he said, "When can I come out and work with you two? What time is good for you?" I was surprised, I didn't know President just went out and worked with the missionaries out of the blue. I asked him if I could juggle the schedule a little so he could meet the Yzon family. Because they aren't married, and under Philippines law, cannot be legally married (there is no provision for divorce), they will eventually need an interview with President Puzey before being baptized. The leaders of the church have agreed that people living together in this kind of circumstance may be baptized, but will not be able to go to the temple as a couple. President Puzey told me we were going to say a closing prayer, and then I should go get a cell phone from Sister Puzey and give her directions to our apartment. I did as he said, and Sister Puzey gave me basic directions about how to call them (because I don't know how to work a cell phone). My head spinning, and a little nervous, we planned the details, and headed home to wait until 2:30. We were picked up by the Puzeys and headed to Aduas. The traffic didn't seem so bad inside a big van (I usually face the traffic riding side saddle on the back of a motorcycle and sidecar, taking care of my feet, because the oncoming traffic really is that close).
We arrived in Aduas, and to our relief, the entire Yzon family was at home, even though we had no schedule on Wednesday with them. They were surprised to see President and Sister Puzey, and honored as well. We introduced the Yzon's to the Puzeys. The Puzeys were so great. They admired the pictures on the walls, talked to the kids, and complimented the family. We taught "Study the Scriptures" and emphasized family scripture study. They are already having family prayer. After we taught, President and Sister Puzey also shared their testimony. It was powerful, and the spirit was strong. Elder Cobacha and I were smiling so big because everything went so good. As we prepared to leave, Brother Yzon talked to us and said he understood what President Puzey had said, which was that he'd found his way in life because of what he read in the scriptures. Brother Yzon has a quiet voice, and doesn't talk a lot, but he told us that that's exactly what he wanted, to see his way in life -- how he was supposed to make it through life. We waved goodbye, and walked back to the Puzey's van.
That was a huge help, and a great spiritual experience. After that, we taught the Law of Chastity, and answered all of their questions and concerns -- they told us before we started that they knew that this church was about the family, and they asked us how things were going to work out for them. As they continue to progress, slowly, things are falling into place. Their baptism is set tentatively for January 2, 2010.
The rest of the week was just as good, and we made plans to help everybody get to church. But we really didn't expect what actually happened. 11 Investigators showed up to church, and church attendance is hovering in the mid 80's. The Gospel essentials room was full, and I think everyone really had a great experience. We went around last night teaching and extending baptismal goal dates to those that came to church, and they accepted, and things are really looking up in our area right now. Sister Luna came to church again, and her baptismal goal date is set for December 19. Things continue to go well, and her kids and grandchildren are cheering her on.
I've got to go, but I've got to say thanks to the Swans -- I set up the Christmas trees, and my companion and I got a kick out of the Charlie Brown Tree. I got your letter, dad, and I'll reply. Thank you, it means a lot to me.
Well, I didn't get to write about my sleepless Friday night! I'll fill you in next week. I love ya'll lots! Keep doing great!
Love, Elder Loren Peck