Day 266 Apas, Philippines I'm in Manila. . . MISSION: Part 3

My zone leaders told me Thursday morning during transfers that I'll be returning to Tacloban! I am a part of the 4th batch returning (I think there'll be about 80 of us now) We're guessing that I'll be in Catarman (northern Samar). Don't worry, it's really safe there. They were hardly affected by the storm. I'm here in Manila staying the night in a hotel before we travel to Tacloban early tomorrow morning. Apparently, all the other missionaries got to skype and call their parents before they left, but somehow someone forgot to tell us we could. . . so I'm going to ask if I can skype or call tomorrow. :) Hopefully! I feel like I'm starting Part 3 of my mission. . . By the time I go home, I'll have a third mission president, third language, third mission home, and third pillow (I left my pillow behind in Cebu, haha).

After transferring to Apas, I spent about 3 days with Sister Palu, a beautiful Tongan sister who just finished being trained. The area there is really neat: practically all stairs! We started at the bottom of the stairs and walked all the way to the top of the hill. . . the stairs seem to climb forever!!! Kapoy jud (tiring) but that's mission life. :) The people laugh when they see my reaction at the stairs continuing on and on and on. . . 

Since I'm returning to Tacloban, my area in Apas is closing and Sister Palu is emergency transferring when I leave. So it feels kind of useless to get to know any of the members, so we've been focusing on our progressing investigators. Actually, most of the people I've met have been from Tacloban! So they know Waray2x! It was weird to teach lessons in my previous language. . . it's hard to switch back and forth. My tongue gets confused, haha. :) I love having this secret language that practically no one knows here. There are a lot of members from Tacloban that have relocated temporarily to Cebu. I actually saw a few members from my previous ward in my ward in Apas!!!

President Schmutz allowed us to go to the temple for the last time. (Have you seen the new instruction video???) It was weird to think as I sat inside the temple that the next time I attend the temple, I'll be on my way home! I've been so spoiled here in Cebu. P.S. Cebu temple is gorgeous! I like it better than Manila. :)

Saturday morning we had a devotional with the Area President: Elder Nielson. Then later that evening we attended a fireside by one of his counselors, Elder Ardern (the man who saved us in Tacloban), the Relief Society General President, and the 1st Counselor in the Young Women's Presidency. No biggie. I don't think the Filipinos understand how blessed they are to have that privilege. 

In all honesty, I'm really going to miss Cebu, especially President and Sister Schmutz. If I had a choice to stay, I would. But, I know that I was called to Tacloban for a reason and they really need the help right now. This mission was never about me anyway. I know the Lord needs my willingness to go wherever I am needed. I'm excited to see what miracles will happen in the lives of those I will teach. I'm really excited to see how God has prepared the hearts of the people in my mission to hear and accept the gospel. I keep hearing reports of people flooding to the churches and how attendance has skyrocketed! It sounds like we'll never be bored or in need of investigators.

I know God gives us enough trials and experiences to continually stretch and refine us, but not so much that it is impossible to endure. He has promised us that if we are with Him, we can do all things which are expedient in Him. Nothing will be impossible unto us. We should not wish for an easy, care-free life because we will learn nothing from being pampered 24/7. The more changes and surprises that come our way, the more we learn how to bounce back and be resilient. I know that no matter what may happen in my life, I know in whom I have trusted. God is my strength and I trust in His will completely. It brings such comfort to know that I am in His hands and He will never let me fall. Everything that is out of my control will be taken care of. All I really have to do is worry about the things that are within my power to change and improve. God's grace covers those things that are out of our control, those things we cannot do for ourselves.

I LOVE YOU ALLL!!! I know things are happening in order to bring us closer together as a family and we'll be so much closer after all of this. :)

Cebu temple w Sis Dumas