Days Left: 23 The days are hast'ning on

Dear family,

I was singing Hymn 207 It Came Upon a Midnight Clear the other day and I really like the 3rd verse:

For lo! the days are hast'ning on,
By prophets seen of old,
When with the evercircling years
Shall come the time foretold,
When the new heav'n and earth shall own
The Prince of Peace their King,
And the whole world send back the song
Which now the angels sing.

It reminds me of the hope that we should all have of better days to come. We all have something  good to look forward to, despite whatever clouds of trials that may darken our days at present. The prophets before Christ's birth looked forward towards his earthly ministry. And now we look forward with an eye of faith for the end of this world and the beginning of a new.

Our sacrament attendance soared to 50 this week! A family we have been working with for the past few months decided that they are ready to return to church after 10 years of inactivity. They also attended the baptism and reconnected with many of the members. Alex Pino, the father, is a Melchizedek priesthood holder so he’ll be a great help to the members here in Can-Avid. We aren’t even a group yet because we don’t have enough priesthood or a group leader. But hopefully by the time I leave it will be well on it's way.

We had our first baptism this Saturday: Aquino Irasga! (Moniecel's date is postponed to the same date as Glenn and Dennis, November 22). It was amazing!!! President and Sister Maurer and about 50 people showed up! It was the best way to celebrate the anniversary of typhoon Yolanda. Aquino was interviewed for the Aaronic Priesthood yesterday and he already is planning to go the Cebu temple, even if he goes by himself. He gave us another referral for a professional family that we visited last night: Gerry and Arlene.

We ended up toploading a jeepney for two hours to get to Borongan last monday and then we took a van to get to Tacloban. We left at 5am to try to get a ride but didn't arrive until almost 8pm. So tiring. And the next day we flew to Manila! Guess what!!! We ended up having extra time to go to the Manila temple!!!!! All the sessions were full but we did intiatories and child to parent sealings. So beautiful. I can't wait to go to the temple all the time when I go home.

Scripture of the week: 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 I've been studying about the purpose of weaknesses. I love how Paul talks about his "thorn in the flesh" and the way we access grace and power.

 7And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of
the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the
messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above
measure.
 8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
 9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my
strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I
rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon
me.
 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in
necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for
when I am weak, then am I strong.

I know that no matter what struggles we are going through, we can lay our burdens at Christ's feet and give it up to God. We can feel peace NOW. That is the promise of the Comforter.

I love you all a billion times bajillion! plus eternity. :)

Sister Amanda Smith

Amanda isn't able to send us pictures anymore since her internet is too slow. We've been pretty lucky to become friends with a member (Rhod Coles Basio) there who shared these pictures and words with us: 

Baptism of Bro. Aquino Irasga & Bro. Alphy Anacio

"Mrs. give me my last cup of coffee," Bro. Aquino said before he decides to join the church and be baptized...

(On the second visit to Bro. Aquino's house he decided to put away all his vices, the alcohol, cigarettes & coffee and said i am old now and i want to change myself for the better, i want my children to be proud of me, that their father is no longer drinking alcohol, smoking & other vices, i want to join your organization, i want to be baptized. --Bro. Aquino)