Week 36

Hello from the Philippines!!!
     It's been a good week, I can't believe it's already Monday again. It started off with our first interviews with President Alder where he looked into my soul. It was pretty good, and I learned a lot of things that I can do better and improve. Not like I was chastised or anything, just really his presence made me want to be better. So that set off the week good. 
     We have some serious potential that we're teaching here in Teresa, and I'm hoping I get to stay here for another transfer and keep teaching and inviting here. 
     Something funny that happened this week was while we were on the way to an appointment. So there was this group of teenagers just kinda chilling there smoking and stuff, just your normal stupid teenager behavior. And something about being in a group with your buddies just really makes you dumb. So here we are, walking down, pretty tired from the day, and these guys start saying stuff to us. Not  anything bad, just trying to look cool in front of their friends, speaking in broken English. So with the was Elder Kaufusi and I are, we stop and start talking to them in English of course. Just something we like to do. It gives us a laugh and it humbles some heads, a win win situation.
     Another time we were walking and this little 2 foot tall 3 year old randomly says "Baklat ka" which means "you're gay", and I was like "What?!" and  he just kept saying it then switched to "Pangit ka" which means "you're ugly". Good thing he was just a kid or I might have roasted him.
     I also found the biggest spider so far in my time here and we sent it away in a glorious ball of fire and a loud bang. 
     That was basically the week as I can remember it. The time is starting to fly by and it's stressful, but I know that just means that I'm really getting into the work.
     I also heard my uncle got in a little bit of an accident and I'm glad he'll be okay. All I can say is he should watch some safety videos hahaha. (Please don't get offended, it just means I love you.)
     Anyways, thank you all for the love and support. Here's some pictures that hopefully make up for the quality of the email!

Week 31

Hello from the Philippines!

     It's transfer week already, the time is starting to fly. My companion Elder Freeman finished his mission and will be heading back to the states to do some "finding" at college. I'm glad to have served with him and learned from his example. I'm also excited about m new companion, Elder Kaufusi. I've met him and he's a beast, we're about to make the area explode. 

     This week has been pretty good though, I'm starting to feel the satisfaction of missionary work and it just makes me want to get out there and TEACH. We met President Alder and he is a great man. I know he has been called of God, and also that he knows how to WORK. It the meeting with our zone to meet him, we learned a lot about his family and he focused on Doctrine and Covenants 4. We actually were asked to recite it, and I felt very uncomfortable every time he would look in my direction and I was just moving my mouth mumbling inaudibly. You best believe I memorized it laater that day. He talked a lot about "sharpening out sickle" and it caused me to reflect on things I need to do better and change to be a sharper tool in the hands of the Lord. POWER!!!

     We're still working with the Guanlao family and the Canarias family. They're both super awesome and are going to be a great strength to the ward. The Canarias family has led to a whole pool of new people to teach and hopefully they all follow Christ into the waters of Baptism. 

     The 4th of July was well celebrated in our house though, I sang the National Anthem about 15 times and wore some patriotic colors. We also ate some burgers at this little restaurant and... really that was about it. Not even a single firework which was a sayang, but it'll just be all the better in 2021. 

     Anyways, it's been a huge support to have everyone back home for the support. Even from half way across the world, it's still a huge help. I know that that's the way it is meant to be, to learn and grow and be strengthened by one another in families. I'm so glad that I am sealed to my family with the assurance that whatever happens, as we stay faithful we will be together forever. That we all do our part and stay on the path is my hope and prayer always.

     Sorry no pictures this week. I'll make sure to get some next week for all the scammers that scroll to the bottom and check for pictures. Love and miss you all!

 

  Elder Banister