Week 25

Hello from the Philippines!
This week I got a new favorite Apostle, Elder Dale G. Renlund. I even got to shake his hand!!! We were able to have him all to ourselves here in the Quezon City Mission back on Thursday. We were asked to prepare ourselves spiritually the two weeks leading up to the visit, studying two talks they assigned us and continually praying in our hearts. I went in there prepared to receive revelation and be taught by the spirit, and that's exactly what happened. The words he spoke felt like they were directed right towards me, even though there was a lot of us there listening. The spirit was so strong. I know that Elder Dale G. Renlund is an Apostle of the Lord. The spirit has testified that to me. I know he is called of God. I am grateful for the gift of personal revelation, and know as we come to the Lord having prepared ourselves in humility with sincere questions, we will receive answers.

This week is transfer week, and I found out that for the first time, I'll be with the same companion for more than one transfer!!! But it's limited to two transfers, because this will be his last transfer in the mission... but still! I'm relieved, because I don't know if I could lead this area yet. Should be a good last transfer for Elder Freeman, we're going to work hard. I always call him Trunkatron and it makes him want to work even harder, it's great.

That was the week, super excited for this next one. Thank you all for your prayers and support! It helps me every day. 

Week 24

Oh dang, my brother is 17 now, shout out to that handsome devil. I'll get you something real nice. But hello from Teresa, things are going good in the mission field. We received news that we're having an apostle visit this week!!! Elder Dale G. Renlund will be visiting on Thursday. He talked about faith with action this past conference, comparing it to a giant pile of wood. We're all super excited here in the Quezon City Mission. 

This week we got to do some more service, too. It was pretty fun. We picked up trash along the side of the road for like 3 hours. Now I know what you're thinking. Probably something like "did this kid just say picking up trash on the side of the road was fun? Did he get heat stroke or dropped as a child?!" Well it's true, even picking up trash with your bare hands for 3 hours can be enjoyable when it's service. Mosiah 2:17 all the way, read it and weep, then after you dry your tears, go out and do some service. It's absolutely fulfilling and there's no substitute for it. 

On a completely unrelated note I saw the biggest snail I've ever seen the other day. Super random, I know. Probably wondering right now what kind of missionary this is. Well, just one that likes to admire and take awe in all of God's creations, that's what kind. So Boom, Roasted. 

I know that our Heavenly Father has a plan for each and every one of us. I ponder sometimes about how each individual life is so different and the experiences we each have are so unique...yet He has provided a way for us all to return to Him. He gave His son, Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. Christ took upon Himself the sins of the world; every trial he overcame; every sorrow He has experienced; every heartache, He has felt. He knows what we are going through, and He is always there to help, we just have to take the actions to go to Him. He will accept us with open arms and help lift the burdens that we bear. This is my testimony, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. 

Now some mom questions to top it off
1. Best thing I ate?
      Well, we got to eat at our stake President's house this past week as a district this past week, and lets just say he's mayaman talaga. We got some real burgers that he went and got some place far away that tasted like heaven.
2. How am I feeling? Healthy???
      Yes mom, jeez, I feel healthy. I'm still young and pretty sure invincible, so don't worry

Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers!

Elder Banister 2

Week 23

Hi everyone, all is good in the Philippines, I said everything I wanted to when I called my mom so it'll be nice and short this week. Bet you're all glad to hear that, huh? Probably just thought to yourself "oh jeez, another email from that one elder in the Philippines". Oh well my bad, sorry to be such a burden, haha. But it's been a good week, we had the baptism of Eduardo this weekend and it was fantastic. It's always such a cool thing to see the gospel change a life. The sisters in our district are really impatient and finished before us, so I have to cut it short. Here's some pictures though of the baptism. Sorry I couldn't put more thought into this, you know those sisters. Anyways, thank you all for your support!

Elder Banister 2

Sister Hill, Sister Wadsworth

PS From Beth: It was so nice to talk to Kolby yesterday!! Almost 2 hours! He likes this area a lot. He said there are hills and it's starting to rain more which he loves. They haven't had water for 3 weeks at their home and have had to haul water from another location for everything! Even for the baptismal font! But he said once it starts raining more he will have water again. He is looking forward to a visit from Elder Renlund later this month. He is just visiting their mission so he's pretty excited to hear from an apostle. He requested more CTR rings in Tagalog and little glow sticks. I sent him some in his last package and he said everyone loves them old and young!! Who knew?? Thanks for your love everyone!! Beth

Week 22

Hello from the Philippines, the rain is coming. 

Finally we got some rain over here this past week, and rain season should start here soon, so I'm excited. We also have a baptism planned for this upcoming Saturday, so that's even more exciting. His name is Eduardo and his wife and daughter were baptized recently. It should be a real blessing that they have the support of each other as a family.

I splurged a little this week and bought a machete. I really think I need it for missionary work, so that's why I bought it. Because if I didn't. I wouldn't be able to focus on the work because I would just be thinking about how cool the machete is!!! So it really was necessary, and I have no regrets. Plus I've been daring that rooster to try a stunt like last week again so I can test it out. I haven't had a problem again though. Guess he was too... chicken.... ha...... ha.... wow I'm hilarious.

But this week was pretty good, we've been working hard. Elder Freeman and I have been setting some goals to help us become better. Our goals this week are run 4 times with 1 big workout, eat out less than 3 times, and have a whole day English fast. They're pretty simple goals, but they help us be more united and focused. Then of course we have goals for the people we're teaching also. 

Something I read in the scriptures this week again was about Amalickiah. He's a real bad man with real bad intentions and aspirations. But Captain Moroni won't have none of that, so he just gets absolutely wrecked. It's awesome. Alma 45:24 through the end of Alma really, but through Alma 49 is all just so good. I know if we continue to make spiritual preparations against the temptations of the world and watch diligently, we will be prepared when the temptations and challenges of the world come upon us. Most of all we have to have our lives centered on Jesus Christ and truly take His name upon ourselves as we promised to do when we were baptized. The true protection and blessings of this come when we are living the gospel and keeping our covenants as we should. I know this is true and I share it in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Anyways, that's all I have to say. Lastly I'll answer the "Mom" questions.
        1. Do you fix a lot of your own food?
                 Yes mom, we cook a lot, we live right next to the palenke, which is like the farmers market, where we buy fresh produce and meat, so we eat fresh and good. It's actually awesome, we eat fruit and vegies, lots of cucumbers too, it's all good.
         2. Is there lots of places to shop and eat still?
                 No mom, there's not many here. Just Macdo and Jollibee, plus some drugstores we can get stuff at, so it's not too different.
         3. Since you are in this area will you be in the new mission?
                 Yes mom, if I stay here after the May 29th transfer day, I'll be in the new Antipolo Mission
         4. Three words to describe your companion?
                 Wrestler, pogi, third-of-ten-kids-from-a-farm-family-in-Washington
         5. Shoes holding up???
                  Yes mom, the shoes can still stay on my feet and I expect them to last the mission because I'm too picky and cheap about my shoes and don't want to go find another pair I like.
         6. Health???????
                   Still healthy and strong, still haven't gotten very sick so far on the mission, and hopefully it stays that way.

       Alright, those were painful to answer and probably more painful to read. Congratulations to all those that endured with me. Sorry no pictures, I'll try to get some good ones for next week. Love you all and thank you all for your support!

Elder Banister