August 2, 2013 Philippines MTC
Dear all y'all,
Dear all y'all,
This is a picture of the two Filipino roommates I had, along
with my companion. They have now left.
I think I should mention that my companion reminds me of Bro
Toiaivao more and more every day. Honestly, we work very well together, and I
think I have the best companion in the mission. I really do.
We had a Q&A with the MTC President the other day in
respect to going out in the field. Turns out that we're not allowed to eat
balut!
balut: image from: http://www.bubblews.com/assets/images/news/639488692_1369079238.jpg
Too many missionaries have gotten sick from it, as well as many other
foods we've found. I must admit, I'm slightly disappointed. He also gave a huge
monologue about what goes on in the body when people don't drink enough water,
or when we drink bad water or street food--I think we all got the picture. I'm
going to try my best to be healthy! I'm extremely blessed to have not been sick
thus far here. I'm part of one of the few companionships that haven't gotten
sick. In fact, just the other day my companion Elder Langi and I were the only ones who
were able to show up for class; all of the sisters were either sick, or their
companions were sick.
Last Wednesday was quite possibly the most exciting day of
my life. I went proselyting for a few hours! I got the wonderful opportunity to
be with one of the zone leaders who was from Austrialia. He had been out for a year, and he spoke flawless Tagalog.
He gave me a lot of advice in both English and Tagalog. He gave me a rundown of what our
schedule was supposed to be for the next few hours:
1. Teach a counselor in the branch
presidency the importance of going to church. I was supposed to teach it all.
2. Teach a 16 year old the
importance of going to church.
3. Teach a drunkard the word of
wisdom.
Turns out, only the first contact was there. I was so
nervous! It was about 90 degrees in his house. My companion would literally say
like five words, and then look at me again. I think I got my message across, though. There were actually some words I knew that the counselor didn't! Most people
speak a combination of English and Tagalog here. Our contact said he was very impressed with my Tagalog, and that
he would read the Book of Mormon daily. I left that appointment feeling good.
It took us a while to find somebody else to teach, but we found a
lady, who was in her 40s, and single. Unlike my previous lesson, I only said
the prayer, because I, in all honesty, was completely shocked. She talked about
her life and her hardships, and her family, and her relationship with God and
how she needs help. She was a goldmine for any missionary! The only problem was
that she said she had an angelic manifestation, and that the devil tried to
choke her. Because of that, Elder Atwood took over the lesson. I was a most
captive audience-- lemme tell ya. I couldn't believe what I was hearing!
The environment where we taught the two investigators was
unbelievable. There were wires all over our heads, and people scrambling around
all over the place. No paved roads, just rocks and dirt. No street signs
either. But, the eyes of the people I saw were amazing and beautiful. Everybody
always looked so happy to see us, even though they were living in the worst of
circumstances!
One lesson I asked a MTC leader to come along as a member-present. Basically, because the MTC schedule changes constantly, we had to reschedule FOUR WHOPPING TIMES! In the end, we got his wife instead, which was just as good. Honestly we never get into the lesson as much as we want to, because we always end up discussing other things. So usually everything I try to memorize goes out the door. Often times, I have five minutes to prepare. bleh.
I got to ride in a sidecar with my companion, while my
teacher (who tagged along as a member-present) rode behind the driver of the
motorcycle. I have never felt so cramped in my life! I had to lean forward
while they leaned back. I actually got my shirt extremely dirty.
My companion, at one point, gave me a smile and said
"we're taking a shortcut." Basically, we went down an alley-way that
was about a foot and a half wide for about 400 hundred feet. It was so
awesome! I felt like I was in the dark and dreary mist in the tree of life vision--haha.
It didn't help that it was pouring rain the entire time I was proselyting.
On a lighter and cleaner note, I ate this awesome, awesome,
awesome fruit called rambutan!
http://www.rambutan.com/P1000594Copy1main.jpg
These are some missionaries on their p-day from quezon city who we ran into
at the store.
My favorite scriptures right now are
“If any man will do his will, he shall know of
the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of
myself.” John 7:17 and
“ Now when our
hearts were depressed, and we were about to turn back,
behold, the Lord comforted us,
and said: Go amongst thy brethren, the Lamanites, and bear with patience thine
afflictions,
and I will give unto you success.” Alma
26:27
For some reason I thought our MTC teachers were
overemphasizing that each investigator has needs in their life, and they're
willing to share them with you. I realized then and there how much the people
in Manila need direction in their life. Since then, I've devoted so much more
time and energy to working to learn their language. Thank you for the scriptural insights, Mom, especially
the oath and covenant ones I needed those. I'm running and not being weary :D
Love,
Elder Thurber
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