Day 271 Allen, Philippines let's go to the beach beach

Allen continues to be an adventure. I still feel like we just got dropped off in the middle of nowhere and we're the farthest from everything, but fortunately there's 8 of us missionaries that live here. I'm really loving the area. :) White, coral beaches, maiha grass (a type of grass/fern that closes up when you touch it!), etc. The language is still pretty CRAZY because it really isn't one language. There's a sister missionary here from Bicol and this is not Bicolano either . .. haha. Basically there's no rules to this language. Just whatever. They constantly slip into different languages and people will just talk to each other in different languages, but they both understand (except for me of course). Once we started teaching lessons, things got better because then I was more in control of the subject of the conversation. My only hope is to learn Tagalog because no one speaks Cebuano here and the Waray2x is different. Then they just make up words that only people in this town use. Welcome to the Philippines. :)

This morning we went to the beach near UEP (University of Eastern Philippines) for our zone activity. I looooove the ocean! I've misses it when I was in Cebu because I was never really near it there.

The work is going well and Sister Sprouse and I are increasing our unity. . . by picking lice out of each other's hair!!! Ewwwwww! Well, that's part of life here, I guess. But for reals we get along really well and it's weird to be with an American again. I actually miss eating rice all the time, but it's nice to be able to communicate more directly and study the language together. We definitely get a lot of attention from the people here.

It's amazing to realize that all the experiences I have gone through thus far are for my good and will become a part of who I am for the rest of my life. But only if I choose for it to be that way. I can't control where I serve or when things will change, but I can control my attitude and how well I look for opportunities to improve myself. I've found that being able to laugh at myself and recognize my weaknesses and need to rely on the Savior has helped me endure through everything that's come my way. I feel completely healed from everything that I've gone through and sooooooo much stronger and wiser. I am actually grateful that I was able to experience Typhoon Yolanda, despite all the difficulties. My mind is completely broadened to understand the full scope of the enabling power of the Atonement and how quickly we can just turn everything over to the Lord. He will strengthen us that our burdens seem light.

The gospel is the only way to turn all of our experiences into worthwhile opportunities to grow. We all encounter trials, but the gospel consecrates them for our gain and our refinement.

Sorry my emails are going to be short now. . .We only have one hour in this mission. LOVE YOU ALL! Press forward Saints with steadfast faith in Christ!. :)