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

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

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!

Another week! And the start of a new transfer! With new goals!

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD DAY to all of my lovedy-loved ones! I hope you're all doing splendidly! I sure love and pray for you!

We've had a good week, Sis. Fernando and I, and --SURPRISE!!!-- didn't get transferred ;D hehee OF COURSE NOT! And we're so glad! We love Noveleta. And President Stucki just told me in his letter to me that I have just read just now--just for your justly informa-just-tion-- that, "[I] still have much to do in [my] area. The Lord is hastening His work. He is preparing many to receive the gospel." oooooooOOOOoooooh! Doesn't that just give you chills?!?! Right here in Noveleta! That's our responsibility--yours and mine--all over the WHOLE WIDE WORLD! :D Pretty exciting!!!!!

We had a sweet older sister, Jane is her name, come to church with us yesterday! She was wonderful and she loved it! WE loved it! We can see that she is starting to change. She's beginning to understand what she reads in the Book of Mormon and she is sharing her knowledge and love for the truth she's learning with others--even members! She stood up in RS and told everyone that she just wanted to express that she knew the things she is learning are true. She is still not able to promise, she said, that she'll be baptized, but she is learning a lot and knows it's true. :D YES!!!!!!!!!!! That's the Lord's restored gospel for you! Changing lives and hearts every day! And isn't it beautiful? ;) And don't you fret! She'll be baptized before you can say "Bob's your uncle"! Hehee

As for more changing lives and hearts, we had another spiritual experience yesterday. We have an investigating couple who are so cute. Brother is struggling with keeping the WOW, but we have been encouraging him and just went over some ideas with him last night of how to quit and repent. He's so cool. The two of them are growing closer and it's so beautiful to see. Sister had a spiritual experience in Relief Society. It was the first time that I'd heard it so quiet and I'm sure everyone felt the Spirit in that class. It was simple and wonderful. And it was the first time in a long time that she had stayed through the last meeting. (BLESSING! We're making progress!)

Don't worry, Daddicus! I'm eating lots of nutrients and all's well and hot here! We're actually going to the palengke (or wet market, which is just an outside market--kind of like in Aladdin--instead of in a grocery store) this week to save time because it's closer. And that's where we're buying our nutrients ;) I'll get some veggie-tables and yummy fish --joke!-- to tide me over this week. Thank you for the reminder of gratitude! It is such a wonderful life we live and we are so blessed!!!!!!!!!!! Incredibly! I read from E. Uchtdorf's Priesthood-session talk earlier this morning and was struck particularly by his words about his sadness for those who do not honor or appreciate the joy and blessings of the priesthood. He said, in essence, that they are like passengers on an airplane who waste their time complaining about the size of the package of peanuts instead of enjoying the thrill and wonder of flying above the clouds--an experience that kings back in the day would have given much to have experienced just once! I don't want that to be me! I want to enjoy the flight!

Mom, I want to say... ditto! I am so proud of my family, beginning with my parents! Thank you for the service you render--in winter wonderland and at all times of the year--for the glory of our Lord and the joy of our brothers and sisters who need a helping hand. I want to seek for more opportunities to serve this week. I'm going to copy and paste your words here for all to see, because my feelings are the same: "Just know you continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. I know we are about the Lord's work. He helps us to help Him. I am so amazed. I don't even feel like I qualify to be His hands and yet He continues to call on me, so He continues to help me and show me how to do it. I know without a doubt He is doing the same for you."

THANK YOU for your love and patience with me and my imperfections! I'm sure you haven't forgotten them, but you sure seem to pretend they're not there while I'm away! You're all so nice :D For one particular weakness, I have begun a deeper process of repentance than I had before applied. I have now realized, to an extent, why it's hard sometimes and how I can change it. It's exciting and difficult to change. It's possible because of Jesus Christ! And on a less-serious note, I'll include the picture of my Contract of Non-transformation for you all to read ;) hehee enjoy! Actually, it's kind of embarrassing and I'm not sure I want to allow you to post it on the blog... Haha! But do what you will.

Aaron, your designs are ASTIG! Yes, I feel like the word for "cool" is cooler in Tagalog than in English, though it's not really used that much here. As for a camera, if you're going to use it and it's what you need for your education and career and plans, it might be a good idea. "But you don't have to take my word for it" :) Hehee READING RAINBOW! Wow, I laughed so hard at the pew pew pew design! Crack me up. And the abstract drawing... how did that take form? From whence did the ideas flow?? I really like it, sa totoo.

PICTURES:
#397 The Contract of Non-transformation...
#415 T.I.P. Beach... There are TONS of people helping pull in one big net of fish :D Love the Philippines. There were lots of shiny jumping fish and a swarm of seagulls swooping above, trying to steal some for themselves!
#391 Most of our zone-- Cavite Zone-- before transfers. There's my twin, E. Robison, who is one of the zone leaders, and his companion, the little Philippino, E. Teodoro. They're great! Haha everyone says E. Robison and I look alike. Sometimes I see it, sometimes... not so much. Tell me what you think!
#441 Sis. Roque is the little lady to my left. She is the sweetest person on the planet! She always gives us thoughtful things-- like the baskets she makes out of straws, or fruit (i'm going to try my first apple-mango!). And to her left is S. Vilma Morales. I love these people!

Gotta go! Love you more than words! Keep up all the good you are doing!

Did one of the Lyman boys serve here??

Love, Sister Richardson

I Stand All Amazed...

I am amazed today. I am amazed at the love Jesus offers me. I am amazed at the love I feel from you, at the experiences you're having, at the growth and example you show to me, at the Spirit that envelops me as I read your words. Words can't say, but I truly stand all amazed.

We had some great experiences this week. I felt moved to tears as we taught about repentance through the Atonement of our Lord, Jesus Christ. I felt a surge of love for the couple we were teaching and urging to repent. I prayed that Spirit would touch their hearts and help them see how their burdens could be lifted through the atoning blood of Christ and His very personal sacrifice for them.
We were led by the Spirit to the aid of a man in need, feeling forgotten and alone. He cried tears of joy and gratitude that he had been thought of and remembered. We felt the significance of our simple visit.

Let me just say to Joseph in particular that I am so grateful for his humility and teachable-ness. What a worthy and beloved priesthood-holder! THANK YOU, Brother! I love you soooo much!

I know that the things the Spirit have spoken to you, Mom, are true. Your experiences are so powerful! It makes me so grateful to have a sweet example for a mother. An example of powerful prayer and faith to fulfill such prayers through action, as well as humility to change when necessary. How I love you!

Dad, all I can say is WHAT WOULD I DOOOOO if i didn't have your funny descriptions of our home life to lift my spirits in carefree laughter???? Everyone should read all of YOUR emails to me each week instead of reading mine. Not THAT would be a blog worth blogging!!!!!!! (secret high five to Becca and a swift kick to Annie's rear ;) ) THank you for being an example of tireless work in behalf of the Lord and your family. I've thought of that so much this week as I've tried to get rid of all the barriers in my mind that could physically, mentally, or spiritually keep me from doing my best. You have no internal bounds---and you're the energy bunny!!!!!

Aaron.... do you know how cool you are??? Just saying. Please don't fret. You'll be hearing from me soon. I'm so blessed to have frequent updates as to the goings-on at school and home and in your family. Give little flock a hug haha. And don't spend too much time on your cool android :D

Yuck, this email is so short! Can you forgive me??? I wrote some personal responses today, that's why. But know the work is good! Transfer day is this thursday and I can't believe sis Fernando and I have been together a whole transfer! there's only 5 wks next transfer and then they go back to 6 wks. we're loving Noveleta and we're seeing an increase of support and success! more pics next time!

love youALLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

did one of the lyman boys serve here?? ah, and mom, don't be too disappointed when you watch the video of us teaching... i didn't talk much. but it's not always that way ;)

Love sis. R

Adventures and more...

So, to start us out in a jolly way, we had an intruder in our apartment last night...

Now this wasn't the normal intruders that are my mortal enemies (those super ugly gross bugs we call cockroaches), but instead a much more ferocious, monstrous, and... surprisingly cute intruder...s duhn-duhn-daahhhhmmmmm! haha it was just a little guy, but i could NOT figure out how he managed to invade our apt... but he sure gave sister Fernando a jolt! I was minding my own business while she was frying her fish, when all of a sudden, she shouted and ran across the room for the door. I was startled and asked if she got burned by the oil. she said no... and i was thinking of what could possibly cause her terror when she said the word "frog"!! haha! i turned and looked. sure enough, in the corner of the kitchen cabinets on the floor, was the little leaper. he seemed pretty scared himself :) don't blame him.  i started devising a plan for us to get him outside, but sis fernando insisted that there was no "us"... she was there for moral support only :P hahah! what a kidder! so.. i rallied my forces. i retrieved a brown paper bag from the cupboard (let me interject here and say that they actually use brown paper bags for groceries in REAL LIFE! crazy. i know. i thought that was only in the little critters books, like the one where he mows the lawn. but it's true. they are finally enforcing the ban against plastic here in Cavite. astig.) and readied my weapon. "i'll just capture him" i said in good ol' taglish. i brandished the open paper sack at him, awaiting his self-inflicted destiny: a leap into the prison that would quickly open again to free him into the wild. ....... but it didn't happen. he refused to jump. And the more i brandished, the more he tried to escape! that little booger! he even tried to pull a Houdini! he started CLIMBING up the crack in the corner, between the cabinet doors. SNEAKY, i tell you! plain sneaky. but i was sneakier! i took that brown paper bag and swiped him down the space until he was back on the floor in his little corner of doom. and at last, i filled my lungs with a breath of courage and swooped in on him! it took a few swoops, but i got him! and took a quick peek at his slimy belly before tearing across the room to the door, where i threw him out--bag and all! After all our hollering and squealing, we just stood there at the screen door, breathing for a few minutes before we returned to our lives... cooking fish and updating the area book. the end :)

thanks for indulging me in the story of the week! sorry about all that. anyway, we sure had fun! and it's been a successful week. we saw amazing blessings pour down on us from the windows of heaven as the chapel was fuller than usual-- with less active members!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D we were SO HAPPY to see them! And the ward noticed and helped us make them feel welcome! it was wonderful to see them. and such a good feeling.

Tessie was baptized on Saturday :D she's incredible. her testimony was simple and powerful. she knows the Church is true. She knows the Book of Mormon is the word of God. She knows Joseph Smith is a prophet, who restored the Church to the earth. She knows Christ is her Savior. and she wants to share all these things with EVERYONE. she's great :D hers is one of the pics i'll be sending.

Alyssa, that was incredibly beautiful. i can't thank you enough for what you shared with me. i'm so proud to call you my sister. what an inspired goal! i want to be like you and do the same. and seeing you was my best Christmas present, too :D  the Spirit always helps me feel closer to you. i'm so grateful.

Ash, you have the most beautiful daughter ever!!!!!!!!! and you're so gorgeous!!!!!!!!!!!!!! wow... i'm so proud of you in every way. you're such a good mom and you amaze me! more to come-- promise ;) xoxo

Mom, you ROCK! as per usual! THANK YOU for all the things you've done for me! what a wonderful blessing you are to all those around you! especially starting in our own home :D can't say enough there, but i'll leave it at that since i'm almost out of time. i hope all is well. as far as the advice, that's actually been on my mind a lot, ...unsurprisingly, since you and i are usually wavelength, especially with the Spirit. i'll keep thinking on it, dearest gorgeous blonde.

HaPpY BiRtHdAy to My Auntie Bob, to Christina the Manninghead, and to Jar.. the head. :D i loooooove you alll very very much and hope you had a super good one!
 As for you, Daddy-doo, I laughed out loud again! I think the best use for that weight set is to get Annie geared up for my return...just saying ;)love you soo!

Rae and Aaron, i'll print, read, and respond! i've got stuffs for you!

i love you all and think of and pray for you constantly.

love, sister r

I love you!

Dear family,

wow!!!!!!

i love you so much~!

do you know that?!?!?!

i hope so!

I thought i'd share quickly the feelings i felt earlier in my personal study... gratitude. I am so grateful to thing of you and the blessing of the restored gospel in our lives together. i can't imagine any longer than 18 months without you--and i thankfully don't have to! we've got eternity :D and i'm the happiest person ever because of that.
i love every moment i had to talk to you. it was absolutely the shortest 40 min of my life. a blink, to be honest. but i know the time will also come quickly when we'll be able to be in the same house again and share all sorts of wonderful things together. like ugly letters, yummy lasagna, dish-washing, kitchen-slaving, giggles galore, and ... lots lots more! hehee

i'm so glad you met the strombergs! please tell me all you can about her homecoming when that rolls around! she rocks, i tell you! i'm glad they brought comfort after a really rough day :( aw, my mommy and daddy.... argh. you are certainly good examples to me!

i know that we all need the power of the Atonement. we need it today, to forgive and to be forgiven. we need it today to change and be a little more like Christ. we need it today to have our burdens lifted and our yoke made light. we need it today to be free and experience the joy of love and peace that accompany the prospect of exaltation with those we love. we need it today to be closer together. we need it today to share with those who are wandering, lost in darkness and pain without it. we need it to heal our yesterdays, make the best of our today, and give us hope for our tomorrows. i know it's real. i know it's possible. i know we have it because of Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God.

i'm so glad you had a great birthday, daddy! we got to go to Br. Teodoro's house to celebrate his birthday with him--on your birthday! you were both born Jan 5! but he's 59 this year :) you've got a ways to go... hehee! i want to send pics, so i'll try to hurry.

Rae, thank you for your sweet email. i'm so happy for your break and for your techno-pump ;) hehee i had no idea you had one of those nifty things! where'd it come from??? haha you are soo good and i just want to give you a big hug and tell you to keep it up! share w me what you can when you can! i love you, sister! do send me the pics if you can!

i won't be able to send all the pictures, but here are a few.

love you! all the best! congrats to aaron on the job!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! that will be sooo cool for you!

love sis r