I can do all things through Christ: One wild but amazing week

Mayap a gap-panapun!!!

That's Kapampangan for "good afternoon."

Well this week was pretty good. We reached our goal for new investigators and were even able to teach a couple families! We were able to teach the Roque family, a part member family that hasn't been to church in years. Only the mom is a member. The mom said that she was pretty surprised that we were able to get her husband to listen us, she said that he refused to listen to the sister missionaries when they were here. So I thought that was pretty cool. The only problem with the dad is that he only speaks the native dialect of Kapampangan so the Spirit has been working overtime to carry our words for us. It's a good thing we have his wife to translate for us. But hey at least I can say good afternoon!

We weren't able to teach our investigator Stanley or the Tala family which was pretty disappointing. They just weren't home and we weren't able to contact them. I hope we'll be able to teach them next week. On the upside though, our investigators Jhasmine and Edjohn came to church! Edjohn is a part member (his uncle was baptized just a few months ago) and he is really cool! Jhasmine is one of the Sister missionaries' previous investigators that we've been teaching. They are both starting to develop firm testimonies of the gospel.

We are baptizing a part member named Johnmer on the 27th. He's a 9 year old and he can't read yet but we're helping him out by reading with him and having his cousin read with him. His cousin is an RM who just got back and he's been present in all our lessons with him which has been a big help. We taught him the Plan of salvation last week, which for some reason was really hard to explain to him. He's all good now though!! I'm going to buy some fabric to make him a white shirt and pants this week for his baptism. He sure is a good kid!

We had surprise apartment checks last week and the Rollins couple (the mission nurse and her husband) were the ones to do it. My companion was still in the shower at the time so that was kind of awkward but it all worked out. Before they left they asked if they could share a spiritual thought. Sister Rollins shared from the October general conference talk "I have a work for thee" by Elder Pingree. Here are some of the things she shared: “The Lord has more in mind for you than you have in mind for yourself! You have been reserved and preserved for this time and place." She also talked about developing spiritual gifts, praying to know your spiritual gifts, and using experience from your trials to help others. One way to find out our spiritual gifts is by reading our Patriarchal blessing. I know that has blessed me so much since I've been out here. Elder Rollins shared about the difference between Priesthood power and authority. It was really really cool and it made my day. To make things even better, they brought a letter that my Bishop had sent me before Christmas. On the inside of the letter it started off with "this probably won't make it to you in time for Christmas" but in my eyes it came just at the right time. That letter gave me an extra boost of strength and motivation to help me get through the week. I am so thankful for a Bishop that cares about me that much. And I am so thankful to Heavenly Father for getting that letter to me just at the right time. It truly was a tender mercy.

I'm thankful for all the support I have received from back home and for my relationship with my Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. I testify that they know each one of us and want what's best for us. We will come closer to them if we humble ourselves and keep the commandments. I say this in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.