Day 147 Tacloban, Philippines this girl is on fire

Since we're whitewashing our area, we've been having a lot of adventures trying to figure out our area (both the people and the actual roads/pathways). We feel like we're brand new missionaries because we both actually feel like missionaries now. We've had a few lessons that we even got to teach in English! It feels so weird to talk in English now about the gospel. I kept wanting to revert back to Waray2x.

I forgot to mention Sister Henshaw is from Holiday, UT. We actually have a few friends in common and we even took the same religion classes at BYU! We pretty much have the best companionship in the mission. Super crazy united. We have the same thoughts and inspiration, we transition well in lessons, we have the same goals, we're open with each other. . . =bliss.

We've had so many referrals! This past Sunday, we had an investigator come up to us and ask us if he could be taught three times a week! We were like, ummm SURE! Of course!! So many of the members are willing to give us referrals now. Both Sister Henshaw and I have realized that we shouldn't be dragging anyone to church but that those who are ready for the gospel will keep their commitments. We have certainly been blessed with so many new and receptive people to teach. It's crazy.

The nice thing about being in Tacloban is that a lot of people speak English so they aren't as naawod (shy) about talking with us. People actually come up to us to talk to us now---especially since they want to practice their English on us, ahaha. 

We had Zone Conference and Exchanges this past week. This is the second time that I've gone on exchanges with a brand new STL (as in, I'm their very first exchanges) and I'm brand new to the area. So we both have no idea what we're doing. But, things always work out, amazingly enough.

I've never really been in an earthquake before. I expected it to be more rumbley and shakey but it was more like we were swaying and dizzy. It was weird to feel the whole house moving and see the power lines swaying back and forth outside. Have you heard about how much damage there is in Cebu?

I'm learning how to lead a lot more with Sister Henshaw. We take turns leading each day (leading out in lessons, studies, finding, cooking, etc) as advised by our mission president. I'm grateful for the opportunity to teach more, even though I don't feel as comfortable with my teaching skills yet. It's really helped me to see how much I need to improve.

We contacted one of our new referrals this week and we ended up sharing the 1st Vision with her. After I explained Joseph Smith's experience, I asked her how she felt and what her thoughts were. I expected her to be like that's crazy or disbelieving, but she just thought for moment and then said, "Hopeful." Then she went on to explain how she likes the idea that he was able to get an answer in a world full of religious chaos---that God continues to speak to us today. Then, we went on to explain that either the 1st Vision happened, or it didn't---which also means Christ's church has been restored or it hasn't; there's no gray area. When we said that, she whispered to herself: "it happened." Sister Henshaw and I looked at each other like "no way! so coooool!" We super excited to continue teaching her.

Funny story: So this morning as we were preparing to leave for P-day shopping, Sister Henshaw had a feeling like she forgot something. I joked and said she forgot to give me chocolate. She said, "well we do have some chocolate in the fridge!" In the fridge, she found her P1000 that she had been searching for forever that she needed for grocery shopping. So my chocolate craving was an answer to her prayer. Yay chocolate. :)

There's soooo many cultures mixed into the Filipino heritage. I don't think I would be able to recognize a Filipino right away in America. Some Filipinos look super Chinese or Korean, while others look Hispanic. And others look Polynesian. They're so diverse! 

A few more thoughts from our past General Conference:

We need humility to more fully understand and recognize our answers to our prayers. We also need more humility in order to help others become humble and softened.

I also really loved how Henry B. Eyring reminded us that God has designed means to save each one of us and given angels charge over us. I've heard this before, but when he said it, it really struck me more personally. There is a specific plan for ME and each of my investigators to return to live with God.

And as our prophet said, "may you ever be found doing the work of the Lord."

Zone Conference October 2013

exchanges with Sister Quijada 

puddle hopping! tracting and traveling to our appointments is NEVER boring. we usually follow little kids and have them show us the best way around the puddles. super muddy.