Monday, February 25, 2013

Another transfer!

Well, here we go! Another transfer is coming to a close! That one was insanely fast, as it was only 5 weeks instead of 6 to accommodate the changes in schedule with the MTCs. Sister Fernando and I didn't really finish the 12week training program and... off she goes! She's got a brand-new companion coming and we have no idea where she's from. --YES, it's true, SIS. FERNANDO IS TRAINING!!!!!!!!!!!! :D I am so proud of her. She's the best and I really felt all along like she was going to train right away. She's a fantastic missionary and will do wonders for a new sister in the field. She's so loving and patient and I'm excited to see what happens next.

As for me, I don't have a clue! I guess I'll be telling you next monday from wherever I'll be, because it's apparently bawal for the zone leaders to tell us until district meeting tomorrow.... niyeck. (funny grumpy sound that Philippinos make from time to time. It's a sort of expression I actually don't quite understand. heehee)

The work is good! Noveleta is wonderful and always will be. It is continuously progressing. There are many exciting and promising things on the way for the missionaries and members--and of course those who aren't members, yet--here in Noveleta, Cavite. I'm going to miss it soooooooooooooooooo much. Cried my eyes out yesterday at church saying goodbye to people. They're the best. And I'm just no good at goodbyes. But you know, I know they're not permanent. They're just future "hello again"s :) if that makes sense.

Ashlynn, I miss your guts! And Sarah Roring, I miss yours, too! I've got personal letters in the works for the two of you. I can't tell you how much I appreciate the love and warmth you send me through your words. You're the best!

Sis. Gupta, I'm really sorry to hear about your sister :( Know that you will be in my prayers as will she. All is well here in our happy mission. Keep the faith, sister! I know you've got what it takes!

As always, I grin from ear to ear as I read my families' emails :D Dad, I'm glad you're safe and please be safe again this coming trip. Haha is that spring cleaning fever I'm feeling?? Haha I'm sure Mom would enjoy that! We'll surely ride a pigme (isn't that a goat??) and have lots of fun! Can I ask who's coming??? ...Just curious! Lou, don't you dare cut it! I'm so jealous of it. Don't you dare do that. Oh wait, you're right. I mean, I very much admire it. And Sis. Murdoch, whose email was really cool and exciting. Go, Murdochs!!! And go new YW leader! And go, your group for prom song! And go your speedy-sanchez legs, lil peaches! And go Rae's pumpkin--and never come back! Hahaha what a kid!

Ma, I've been thinking about all you've said and how it relates to the role of our Savior, Jesus Christ, our role in His Church, and the blessings I've received learning from my companions--especially as I've had the privilege to serve a new missionary. I had a great challenge these last few days where lots of things piled up and I just couldn't get them sorted through emotionally. With the help of my companion and the Spirit, I made a few discoveries--or was blessed with a little enlightenment regarding myself and others. I know that the principle of service plays such an important role in the Church of Jesus Christ. I know that we need to be humble to desire to serve, receive promptings to do so, and to receive the blessings of others serving us. We cannot become perfect without each other. That is the Spirit of Elijah and the Spirit of missionary work, as well as the spirit of service. It's all related! It's all the same! It's all important. It's all Christ's.

Mom, if I could be so rude as to ask for another small PMG for one of the elders in my district, he would be ever so grateful! And i could probably use one or 2 more of those great NON-anti-perspirant deodorants that you so thoughtfully sent me! You're super the best, I hope you know! Let's do sing Nephi's courage! I love Alma 26:12 (tama ba iyon?) sooo good.

Aaron, you're soo right and that's so true! I'm super glad that people are coming to understand and love more those wonderful people. Keep it up! You're the best!

Love you allllllllll sooooooooooooo much!!! YOU"RE THE BEST!

Love, Sis. RIchardson

Sunday, February 17, 2013

WOW! It's a wonderful life!

Hello, hello, hello! THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!! For a wonderfully amazing package and all the joy and love that oozed from it! Best Valentine's Day/Christmas package EVER!!!!!!!!! :D

Thank you, Mom, for the mascara! Joyce and AJ are so grateful and excited :D Plus maybe now they'll work with us more ;) hehee! And thank you for the best lip gloss on the planet, yummy yummy treats, and especially for the pictures! We love our mini PMG to bits, as well as our adorable journals! You are absolutely ama-zazing! We love you bunches!

Thank you, Sam, for the bag! I've actually used it several times now in addition to my proselyting bag to carry extra books and things to meetings :) I can't use it every day, of course, but it has come in handy many a time already!

I loved reading the letters :) haha even though some were from when I first came on my mission. It's interesting to see how things have changed--how WE have all changed. I love it :) It's good to see the blessings we have received in such a short period of time. It blows my mind.

Sister Ronquillo is a returned missionary! Congratulations, love! Maganda ung mga pics nyo! Extended family mo ba yun? Mgwork ka samin d2 sa noveleta! bago ako matransfer! hindi ko alam, siyempre, pero baka malapit na... 4 transfers na kc ako dito. naku ang bilis! one year na ako sa mission! namimiss kita. masaya ako na may calling ka kaagad! hahah kayang kaya mo yan! galing mo. ingat ka lagi at patuloy magemail sakin! maganda yung work namin sa noveleta. masarap sya. may meron kc kaming superhero na c bro. wilmar! haha baka narinig mo tungkol sa kanya. basta, masaya talaga dito. sama ka samin para makita mo ;)

Jason Nessen, I would like to politely ask you to read my sister Maree's first speech, which highlights forgiveness and patience and then to consider doing the same for me :D haha!!!! Jason, I'm soooo sorry! I'm still constructing... You're brilliant and I just have a normal every-day person type of brain. My masterpiece is yet in the works. And you remain the pinaka-mastermind when it comes to sulat-ing mga statements na ginto... hahaha at least i'm good at taglish!

Gram, I'm definitely in a warm enough place! We've got loads of flowers here--and palm trees! Hearts and flowers, hugs and kisses to you! Sure love you!

Lou, you sure are a ray of light! Maree's speech was soooooo gooooooood! and so true! What a gal! A shero, for sure! keep it up :) in every way. onward and upward. that is indeed and epic and admirable scripture study goal! I need to work on my own biblical skills, which are surely lacking. in the study of both, we will see how they really do work together to testify of Christ and help us understand His gospel. I miss you, but not too much, because I know we're where we need to be and God is doing great things with us and for us. More blessings than i can count!

Maree', you sure are talented! You know, you and Lou have a lot of similarities right there in what you wrote :) Galing, no? :D You are such a great example, a hard worker. And your efforts payed off! They always will in the long run. Congrats on your great grade! You earned it! Love your guts, girl.

Aaron, did your finishing grade turn out 100%??? Of course! Good for you! I'm excited for you! That fireside... Is that a church fireside? Are your boss's kids cute? What is his religion? Did you get to share with him, too?

Mom, you are wonderful! I feel your love and effort all the time. You are so good. May I suggest for our two youngest the section of Doctrine and Covenants on the priesthood... particularly the last 2 pages of the section. I forgot the section and verse, but it's the one that starts with "Many are called, but few are chosen. And why are they not chosen?..." and then ends with the powers of heaven distilling upon the soul as the dews from heaven. Maybe I just like it because it's masarap basahin... delicious to read. but anyway. You've got the right one baby, uhuh!

Let's sing The Daydawn is Breaking!

Dad and Craig, please forgive me! I have to print your emails and respond next week! I am so glad that dad's safe and all's well and happy in our little piece of heaven. I love you all sooooooo much!

We had a great zone conference on friday. the spirit was indescribably strong. we were chastised by the Lord through our mission president and it was really hard and really wonderful. I loved it.

Be good and keep it up! love, sis r

Sunday, February 10, 2013

MIRACLES and more!!!!!!!!!!!!

My wonderful family!

I want to share with you the incredible experience we had, by the prayer of faith.

Yesterday, we had a missionwide fast for an increase in faith, as well as a couple other things. Talk about a powerful experience! Just knowing every missionary, as well as our President, his wife, and his counselors were fasting at once was powerful. President Stucki has been inspired to focus on faith and the miracles that follow if we pray and work in faith. Our God is truly a God of miracles. He has been and always will be.

Yesterday morning, we got a text from the Santos family. For a quick background on them, they are FANTASTIC! They are reading the Book of Mormon faithfully, praying together and individually, attending church, and just wanting so much to be baptized. The only reason they aren't already is because Sister was married to someone else before and there is no legal divorce in the P. They can get an annulment, but it is insanely expensive. Not affordable for the average Filipino. So the rule by President is that if they have a former legal spouse, but are separated from them and now have another, they have to have been with their current spouse (because they can't get married a second time) for 5+ years and have a very good relationship before they can be baptized. Bro. and Sis. Santos have only been about 2 1/2 years... So they are doing all they can and waiting until 2015/2016 so they can be baptized! Amazing, I know. So, we received a text from them yesterday saying that they didn't have money to come to church and were really sad they couldn't make it. We were really sad, too. We had just taught about the importance of keeping the Sabbath Day holy and they had firmly committed to do so... Sis. Santos also has a couple friends who were supposed to attend with them, one of whom will be baptized this coming March 2. I began praying that somehow, they would be able to make it. I felt a sense of peace that wouldn't leave me. It wouldn't let me be discouraged or worry about how it could happen. They live quite far from the church and probably couldn't walk because their son has fairly severe asthma.We just prayed. We asked for help for them and for others to be able to attend.
We got to church and were greeting people. We were so excited to see some wonderful people--early, even! Suddenly, someone grabbed my shoulder. I quickly turned to see Sister Santos standing there in her Sunday best! We excitedly greeted each other and I asked her how they made it. She said to me in Tagalog, "We found a way to come..."

My heart swelled to overflowing as the blessings poured down. The Sumilang family brought their two oldest children for the first time!!! And they brought their own families! I couldn't contain my joy when the meeting started and I looked over my right shoulder to see Brother Navarro sitting there! Bro. Navarro is a member  whom I love so much who hasn't come to church in the time I've been here. And he brought a friend! We were truly blessed beyond measure. We sang The Spirit of God... and like a fire it was burning. And after a wonderful sacrament meeting, the classroom for Gospel Essentials was absolutely crowded!

I just want to reaffirm to you that our God is a God of miracles. He was yesterday, He is today, and He will be forever.

Dad, it's all super good! Please give the Ellis' a good squeeze for me (in a cool, manly way, of course) and let Angus know he's got a letter on the way! Please be safe, Daddy! It's a dangerous world out there--bug-eat-bug type! So go slow on the ice and soak up the sun! Give Ann the.. ehem... lovely... a run for her money and everyone else a big hug! I'm going to interview with you when I get home! And for now, we'll have a good heart-to-heart in that very place. (hint: our hearts ;D )

Mom, I am so glad for what you've shared--all of it! Thank you again. And again and again. I know you can do it. I know you can. I'm completely convinced along with Dad and the rest, that you are superwoman. 'Nuff said. And, of course, yes, I know, it's because you rely on Him :) And all the better for it, love! I heard a song this morning on S. Fernando's flash drive that I've rename. It's called A Woman's Heart... It's now My Mommy's Heart. Not sure of the artist, but it completely describes you. As for Boo, I dont like those incredibly ugly dirty creatures either, but we've got powerful weapons, so we're safe :D Alyssa needs to show off her voice to me when I get home. Joseph needs to talk a lot so I can get used to his lowering speaking voice! Maree' is so cool to support her teammate with an eternally significant and personally monumental step in her life.

Sis. Gupta, alam q na kayang kaya mo talaga!!!!!!!!! You can do ANYTHING with His help! And you've got it :D totoo, sis. totoo yan. Tuloy ka sa faith mo kay Cristo. Posible ang lahat sa kanya. Alam mo yun. Mahal kita super!


Aaron, I don't think I need it... It still freaks out, but it's still working. It'll survive til August, I'm betting. You're the best! Thank you tons and keep it up! Happy bday to your Momma! :D

Love you, Gma and Gpa!

HAPPY BAWENTINES TO AWW! love, sis r

Sunday, February 3, 2013

Hehee :D It's another wonderful day!

Well, it's another wonderful day in the Philippines, Manila Mission!

We're happy as ever here, just doing the work that the Lord loves so much! We were blessed to meet lots of new less-active members this week--and many of them came to church! It was wonderful! We were so excited! And we have some new acquaintances who are excited and ready to hear the gospel! Couldn't be better!

Nothing too new.. Just some expected miracles up and coming as we exercise our faith in Jesus Christ and, for lack of other words, "raise the bar". The Lord expects great things of us. But He doesn't expect us to do it alone. He always sends the help we need. And He is and will be doing that for us as we stand taller, stretch farther, and reach our potential as full-time servants of the Lord Jesus Christ.

My zone leaders said i have TWO HUGE PACKAGES that they'll give me tomorrow at our meeting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm so sooooo super excited!!!!!!!! You are the BEST! I can hardly wait!

Dad, why are you going to California??? Haha just call him some funny names and congratulate him on his industrious work efforts. Congratulations to you! You get to have lots of neat work experiences! AND they're educational! Haha ;) Dad, I myself need to apply the same principle. Study is much more effective with a purpose--a direction. Without one, we don't get too far. And what better to start off with than repentance--using the very most incredible of all gifts given to mankind (the Atonement). Please share with me the insights you receive as you learn :) I would love to hear what you are learning.

Congratulations to Hailey! I hope all goes well with the sealing and they're happy!

Congratulations to the lovely Christina Manning--but not for much longer!!! I'm sure they've chosen well and will be super happy!

Mom, I am so thankful for the way that you follow the promptings of the Spirit. I'm grateful for what you shared about Pres. Reese's lesson in Mission Prep. I would have loved to hear about that. It is very different, but similar, the workings of our physical and spiritual beings. I want to learn to better communicate with my Heavenly Father through the Holy Spirit--spirit to spirit as you said. THat's absolutely beautiful. I will be studying how to teach about the Spirit in a way that others who aren't familiar with Him or how He teaches can recognize and follow Him.

I love you all and am glad you are well! I love Nate's idea for the cake! That is so cute! Take care, my beloved loved loved ones!