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

Week 21

Hello from the Philippines!

I've been slacking on my emails, so I'll make this one a good one. We had a good week this week with a lot that happened. First with the spiritual stuff. Brother Cesar who has been taught for about 4 weeks now was set to be baptized this upcoming week. He really wanted to be baptized and confirmed on the 4th and 5th of May because that was his dad's birthday. We visited him on April 21st and basically told him if he wanted to be baptized that weekend, he would have to stop smoking. We gave him a Priesthood Blessing to help him. We texted him throughout the week to check up and make sure he was still staying strong. One night he didn't text back though. Oh man, not a good sign. We visited him later that day and he said that he had smoked. We were sorry to hear that, but it was alright. I think the more important thing is that he was honest with us. He recognized that this was a commandment of God, and it was required to follow before making a serious covenant with the Lord. He also understood the importance of honesty and worthiness with such a commitment like this, and knew that worthiness was more important than having the baptism on the day he wanted. I hope that we can all have this kind of strength, realizing that when we try and cover up our sins, we may be able to fool the eyes of our fellow men, but nothing is hid from the eyes of God. We'll all stand before God to be judged of our works. Strait out of the Bible, Revelations 20:12. I guess we get to decide if that will be a day we look forward to or one we dread. May we all strive to always be worthy of the spirit and use the Atonement of Jesus Christ. He is the ONLY way we can be clean and return to our Heavenly Father.

Now for some good stuff (as if that wasn't good). Last week when we were teaching there was a crazy thud and screeching on the tin roof of the house we were in. Then all of the sudden these two cats fall about 7 feet landing on the ground, literally biting each others throats and clawing at each other. It was awesome, I wish they would have fought longer, but they ran out and continued fighting. Stupid cats.

There was an earthquake here, and it's a good thing we weren't home because the ceiling fell through and we have to move apartments. Just kidding, we were home and nothing really happened. I was washing clothes and the spinner was going. It just spins super fast and gets most the water out, but when it slows down, it shakes really bad. Of course it started slowing down when the house started shaking, so I was like "what kind of spinner is this?!, it's shaking the building!!!". Yeah, I feel like an idiot, but at least I can say I've felt an earthquake now. 

We had the opportunity to do service twice this week, and I had the opportunity to let out some steam that may or may not have been building up a little. We chipped away at the clay with pounding bars to make a spot to lay a foundation. It was nice to work like that again, I miss it. Six months off takes a toll though, I found out that I have little girl hands. I got 3 blisters on my hand that make me feel like a sissy every time I look at them. It's embarrassing. But I'll try and get them back to their former glory. The second service project was like unto the first, except this time we were clearing a field of tall grass where a fire had passed through. Their house is literally on the top of the mountain and the fire almost ate their house, which is 3 walls and a roof. I had fin doing that though, we hacked away at the tall burnt grass with scythes. I had a blast, but got some grass cuts along the way. Dang soft hands. 

Finally I found out that I hate Roosters a lottttt. It has consistently crowed outside our window at like 5:30 am for the past week. I might actually kill it. There's a video to express my feeling more. 

That's the week. There's a lot more, but I think that will do for now. Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers. Stay close to the Savior, the second coming is nigh at hand, and I'm pretty sure you'll want to be on his side when things go down. Love you all

Elder Banister 2