Simply Beautiful

Dear family! Happy week to you!

It's been a long one for us here... We were pretty cooped up for most of it. I got either a really nasty cold or strep and I was wiped out for about 4 days. Our work looked really shabby, but we prayed a lot and I personally took a lot of comfort in PMG and the words of the living prophets. 
I was really struggling because I wanted so much to be productive, but I just couldn't do a whole lot. Everything was really exhausting. And the worst part was that my body needed sleep sooooo much.... and I couldn't sleep. It was rough. I felt like I was wasting time because even the time I should have spent resting didn't seem to be fulfilling its purpose. If that makes sense. I was really stressed about it and Sister Hayden was so patient and comforting. She served me in a million and one different ways, anticipating every need. She's the best. I was particularly troubled about my lack of sleep and whether I should just be out working when I opened Preach My Gospel to the page in ch. 3, lesson 2, about resurrection and judgment. I was thinking.. "Great. I'm going to be judged as a lazy missionary." ...Not so encouraging. I began to read the first paragraph and was filled with peace at the last sentence, which said in effect, "We will stand before the Father to be judged according to our works and our desires." I had desires to do what He wanted me to do. I have desires to help bring His children to Him through the gospel of Jesus Christ. My desires weren't lacking. And there wasn't a whole lot I could do about my ability to work. So I spent some time praying for our investigators and members. It was very comforting. 

Though we had very few lessons, we really tried to make all our time count. We had some strong commitments from people to come to church.. And by faith and prayers and the service of faithful members, THEY CAME! It was WONDERFUL. We saw many potential future priesthood-holders come, as well as a young woman really progressing toward baptism. It was a beautiful blessing. It was a miracle. And we need that continued help to continue to bring them back, as well as their families and many more. 

To make yesterday even better, we had our quarterly ward missionary fireside. Wow. Now that was sweet. At first I was pretty sad, looking at the number who showed up. But then our young RM ward mission leader started teaching and presenting and I could see that it was still going to be effective. We had some good support and hoped these topics of discussion really would take action afterward. Little did I know just how impactful it could be.
The real magic happened when we talked about activating every member--helping them use the gospel and teaching skills to help their fellow members return and to help people come to church. Sister Hayden and I had a moment to practice teaching Br. Antonio (Ward Mission Leader) as a demonstration, and then they got a chance to put what they learned into action--to teach other returned missionaries in their ward. As they practiced with different individuals in different scenarios, not knowing beforehand the concern of each individual, S. Hayden and I visited each room several times to listen and observe. After each practice, each group that was teaching got feedback, and it was powerful. They really enjoyed it! As the practicing went on, they were filled with an excitement and love. They just glowed! 
Br. Antonio taught them to Know, Feel, and Do, as it suggests in PMG, ch2. He took knowing the doctrine, feeling the Spirit, and doing (commitments and commandments), and added another side to it: Know the concern, help them Feel love (ours and the Saviors), and invite to Do (still commitments and commandments). Both are super important and I loved seeing them catch the spirit and joy of missionary work. It increased my own understanding and desire.

To sum up this week, I just want to quote Pres. Lorenzo Snow and add the tidbits of wisdom with which we've been blessed this week. First, "Do not expect to become perfect at once. If you do, you will be disappointed. Be better today than you were yesterday, and be better tomorrow than you are today."
How true this is! It does not mean we need to make excuses for our behaviors that are conflicting with the Savior's teachings or to avoid aiming high. No. It is just the opposite. Instead, we are to reach for our greatest potential--to become like our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ through Christ's Atonement--day by day as They intended. We are to learn and grow, stretch and reach, as we experience the joys and challenges of daily life and strive to follow the commandments and teachings of God. We are to learn from our mistakes, apply the Atonement, and move forward with hope as we try each day to stand a little taller. It really is that simple. 
I testify that God is perfect. He wants us to be, too. And we can be. One day at a time. His Plan is perfect. That does not mean it is complicated. It is in fact, simple. And that is what is so beautiful about it. He will help us to improve, simply through our day to day experience and effort on our part. I love the gospel. I love that it is simple. It is true. It is real. It is full, complete, and perfect.

Just as a quick addition to that, I really enjoyed the article written by someone who works for LDS Family Services in the Liahona... I'm sure it's in the Ensign, too. I forget if they have the same main topic and stuff. I'm sure they do. It's the cover article on p. 10, How to Raise Resilient Children. I love the simple principles there that we can apply to ourselves. 

Random note: look at p. 33 in the new For the Strength of Youth booklet... THat's the Philippines! That's my temple! :D And every morning at our apt, we hear a school or church group singing. One of my first mornings here they sang a song that they sing at church in the movie Take a Chance... Lol thought Lou and Rae would enjoy that. "Lord I love to sing your praises... I'm so glad you're in my life. I'm so glad you came to save us." hahaha

Dad, I need to join with you in studying those great biblical words... :D Hehee you know what it's like studying on the mission. SO MUCH TO DO! But everything in its time. I love that hymn, too! Sacrifice does bring forth the blessings of Heaven. And obedience is greater than sacrifice. Love it!
Mom, I just have 2 mins and want to say you're amazing! Keep it all up! I'll pick the hymn Help Me Teach with Inspiration. it's lovely and so are you!
Lou, you are SOOOOO talented! I love what you made! You are so good! I'll print your email and respond next week, I'm sorry!!!!!!
Rae, I LOVE YOU! You are golden and unique and just the best! Some of the things I said today are just for you. Especially the talk in the Ensign.
Joseph, you pogi kid you! And Boodledoo you stinker-poo! Goshh, I love yall!!!
Aaron, my apologies for not responding til next time, but i loved the clothespins!!!!!!!! sneaky guy

all my love, sis r

Writing Backwards

I've been writing this email backwards, so for you it's the beginning, but for me it's time to close. Just want you do know that we got to have Sister Stucki work with us last thursday and it was an incredibly spiritual experience tha twill change my mission. she was bold with love, directed everything from the book of mormon, and didn't hesitate to bring up baptism. i love her so!

sis hayden and i are good :) happy. Had another investigator come to church yesterday and is excited to keep coming. improvements are happening. great miracles are on the way!

Alyssa Lou, you're so stinking cute and fun! you are anxiously engaged in great causes! I'm so glad you're finding joy in singing the way you do! I love that we share that love. Keep it up! you will go very far. You're going to be a running, singing, piano and cello-playing maniac!!! In concert!!! :D what a doll! Show em what you're made of, babestum! Don't let Satan  tell you any different! Knock em dead!

Mom... Ah, Mom! You just rock! You just do! Please give each of those wonderful blessings a big hug and keep doing what you're doing! Congratulations to sweet Christina! How I love her and wish I could have seen her. She's such a wonderful woman. You are raising some great ones yourself, Ma, and I'm in awe at your second on down to the fifth ;) Yvonne, Jodi, and Leslie are all fantastic--which is why they are drawn to other fantastic ppl like you! I feel like even though you may have not felt that coming, Mom, I did. I'll have to tell you about that some other time. Remember your story for next time!

Dad. Your emails are just packed with life. I love it. It's adventurous just to read them! I'm so glad you had fun and saw a lot and got to hear about Aaron's craziness, even in the days of his childhood. I believe he'll always be that way. Dear Father, I'm also glad you got some shut-eye after all of that adventuring and learning and driving. You deserve it! How was the jerky? Code: what you told Mom was right....eous!!! Hehee she is D-Best and my prayers will be with her as well. I can't believe it, Daddy! We're twinners! That means you spent 6 months in each area? You had four areas? Or only three areas and transferred only twice? Anywho, I expected to transfer, just didn't think it'd be back to the city. But I already love the ward. We have a fantastic bishop and great support here. Just got to get our little tails in gear! We're still working to sort through some things and get organized. 

Aaron, THANK YOU SO MUCH for the package!!! It's so much fun and I still need to finish ordering the clothes pins. Haha I hope I can put them to good use somehow :) What a creative soul you have! Thank you so much for your support and humor that keep me going. It's such a blessing to have a friend like you! Sister Hayden was a little surprised when I punched my desk and we watched one of those astig balloons self-inflate! Haha I wish I hadn't warned her. And the balloon was cold! ChEmiCaL ReAcTiOn! hehee FUn stuff! I might pull a generous Aaron and share with my zone tomorrow. We'll see. The sock snowman would be super cute... or at least pretty cute, if it weren't for his really big man-eating lips! AAAAAAAHHHHH! Joke lang. well, medyo. Anywho, you made my week! You're the best! Good luck with the google conf, even tho i don't know what it is, and especially with the purchase of a reliable and affordable vehicle, and your upcoming classes. You can do it! You can do anything with His help! No doubt. You're the best!

Sis. Monica Gupta, salamat talaga sa mga emails mo sakin. natutuwa ako na ayos na yung kalusugan ng ate mo. alam ko na dahil sa faith and prayers ng marami, nangyari yan. magaling ka, sterrr! lagi ko natatandaan yung sinasabi mo paulit-ulit: "you are so gooood, sister!" :D YOU are SO GOOD, sister! Keep it up! Mahal na mahal kita! At siyempre, namimiss din kita! The Lord bless you and keep you. Nagustuhan ko ang kwuento na shinare mo sakin. Salamat dyan! Ingat ka this week, ha? Love, your anak.

Priscila, I'm so glad you're doing well! It's a breath of fresh air to hear from you! What a fantastic missionary you are! I'll be emailing you particularly once I get the memo from my President. Please take care and know you're loved! How's everything! Are you an assistant, yet?? :D Everything's good here in the city... Not a whole lot to say accept that we need to step it up a notch to consistently meet our standards of excellence--and all of them. How does that work over there with you on temple square? Keep warm and I'll try to keep cool! Love you!

Dear Gma Richardson, I received some beautiful notes from you and I just want you to know how much i love and appreciate you. THank you so much for the uplifting and inspiring messages! I'm working on writing again... Sorry it's been a while. You're the best! Thank you for your strength!

Dear Gma and Gpa Fenton, I LOVES YOUS!!!! I'm so glad you got to visit. You are such wonderful people and I'm so glad to call you mine. I'm working on writing to you again, I know it's been a while. I'm sorry about that. Keep the faith! You're the best!

more on the area and us next week... having adventures and stuff always! :D love you loads

sis richardson

Dearest loved ones

Dearest loved ones, 

This has been an interesting few days. First of all, I was shocked out of my mind to find out I was transferring.... to Pasay City. WOW. As in least-expected zone in all of our mission, besides Narra because it's still off-limits for Sisters. IT NEVER EVEN CROSSED MY MIND. I'll be honest and tell you I wanted to go ANYWHERE but back to the city... I would have chosen Narra if I had a say! I love me my province. It's just nice in every way. But I'm not the one who decides. It's God.

So I got here. I said goodbye to my sweet and wonderful anak and my best ward missionary friend Joyce and her sweet tatay and hello to... Sister Hayden! A sweet new missionary! I was really surprised to find out that I was following up her training. I thought we got some kind of notice for that, but I guess not :) 

Well, long story short, Sister Hayden is about the sweetest person on the face of the planet. She is incredibly humble and selfless. I am already learning so much from her. She is from Washington and loves rain --surprise!-- and is such a smarty when it comes to the gospel and missionary work. She loves it and she helps me see things I never saw or understood before. I need her. And I feel like, even if for nothing else, she's the reason I'm here in Pasay. We need each other. I know Heavenly Father has great plans in store for both of us and for our area. We have fantastic leaders. Meetings with the members are so great and I was warmly received to this ward. We've got great work to do together!

Lou, CoNgRaTs!!! You'll do a fantastic job! Get it recorded if you can, so I can watch or at least listen when I get home!

Dad, your hidden messages were "disregarded", loud and clear! :D Haha you're fun. I love the ocean. It makes me soooo happy. I miss seeing it. There's no ocean in the city. Just... buildings. But hey. There's fast food.. haha like I care! The Mannings sure are good people! And so's that Aaron fellow. Give them all a big wave and a nice firm handshake for me :D teehee. Thank you for the happy message I always look forward to from you! Food for the soul.

Mom, I know He really does bless us as we seek His will and do our part. Please tell dear Aunt Teri that there is no such thing in the Philippines :D She really should come. I received a response from her and emailed her back. I was worried that they couldn't come for other reasons, but if she is just worried about getting in the way, I say with all assurance of heart, that I INVITED YOU, SILLY! :D Just do it! I want the whole world to come! I want everyone we know and love to meet these people and experience their unique ways. They are so humble. 

Your progress, my dear family, I often feel surpasses mine. The Lord is blessing us tenfold.

Goodness, Mom, you just know! How do you just know?!?!?! You are SO in-tune and I am so blessed to call you Mom. I know that God hears and answers our prayers. I am living proof of answers to the prayers you have sent Heavenward. I have been so blessed because of your faith, and the faithful prayers of family and friends around the world. THANK YOU! I also pray for you. 

Maree', I don't have words to express what I want to about what I've read of your email so far. That will be my next project. But I want to tell you that you're right on the money. Back to the basics. I had a beautiful experience with the Atonement yesterday and earlier this morning. Sister Hayden and I discussed how, central to and behind all the principles and ordinances of the gospel, all the doctrines of salvaion, all commandments and covenants, is the Atonement. It was the answer to the search I've been on. Focusing on my purpose as a missionary, on the first principles and ordinances of the gospel and inviting others to do it, essentially is focusing on Christ and His Atonement. It's that simple. It doesn't require fancy footwork or a mega-mind. It just requires us--just as we are. And He will make of us more than we could ever make of ourselves; just a little at a time. 

Aaron, what you did was so noble and wonderful! I'm so proud and I think you're great! What's that big word there mean? the multibillion-dollar ...thingy?

Love you all more than words!

sis r

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

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!