Day 88 Carigara, Philippines Transfer Week!!!!

Can you believe it’s already September??? So much has happened this past week. For starters, I have a new companion! I was not expecting that at all! Let me back up to the beginning of the week.

So last Monday (Dad’s birthday!!) was actually my Bishop Ragsag’s birthday, gihapon (also)! His family invited us and other families in the ward over to his house for FHE and to celebrate his birthday. He told me to tell Dad happy birthday for him (or at least I think that’s what he said, haha). So I got to celebrate your birthday after all, Dad! 

Tuesday we went back to Tacloban again for more doctor checkups and stuff. Sister Clark is doing ok and the doctors seem to have things under control. I hope she continues to improve so she can work again. After staying the night, we returned to Carigara just in time for. . . . TRANSFER ANNOUNCEMENTS. Both Sister Clark and Sister Talatagod transferred!! I thought for sure I would have another cycle with my nanay. This means I am leading the area after only three days teaching  in my new area (since we switched areas with the elders in our ward). So this will force us to really work with the members to help us figure out where people live. It will kinda be like opening an area, but I already know the members, haha.

Sister Sousa has an American companion from her batch. She came on Thursday, but I had to wait until Friday night for my followup trainer. Sooooo, my new companion is Sister Baylon! She is from Davao City, Mindanao and she is 26. She’s batchmates with Sister Clark (which means they’ve been out the same amount of time). She speaks Cebuano, but her English is pretty good. She is very dedicated to her work, but I can tell that transferring is difficult. In her previous area, she was very successful with her companion, so it must be hard for her to come to area where the trainee doesn’t know anything still. Everyone tells me that when you transfer, it feels like you just got to the mission field again. I didn’t transfer, but I feel like I’m starting over again. A fresh new start. I’m excited to see how things progress. I’m excited to get to work. 

We’re still teaching the Visoria boys (the group of investigators that came to church) and the Pilande family (who are working on setting a date for their marriage so they can be baptized). Both groups came to church these past weeks, even though we haven’t taught them recently. We also received a referral from the Relief Society in our ward. The family are professionals, meaning they have a steady, high paying job. We try to find as many professionals as we can because it is less of a burden for them to serve in the church.

So how’s school going? What classes are everyone taking? I want to hear from siblings personally, too!

Our ward is planning a family week celebration with a parade, ward presentation, lunch, activities, and a dance. They go all out here with activities. The lunch is “Bring Your Own Rice.” Haha. . .

Scripture of the week: Jacob 3:1-2 “Look unto God with firmness of mind.” What does it really mean to have a firm mind? In Cebuano, faith is hugot nga pagtuo which means firm belief. I think firm means to be diligent and steadfast—to put aside all distractions, worries, and priorities. There’s actually a lot of scriptures that talk about being firm or having firmness. Interesting stuff.

I can’t wait to hear from you all! LOVE YOU!

Sister Amanda Smith

FHE at Bishop's house
The Pilande family is on the back row, the first three people from the left side in the picture at FHE

Dinner at the Maurillo's home with the Elders in our ward: Elder Johnson and Elder Azuela.

This is at the bishop's house the night before Sister Clark left.