What a craziness!

Hellooooooooooo loved ones! Greetings from a hot, humid, blessed part of the world!

I just need to share with you how very blessed I feel! I have been blessed to know He hears and answers prayers. God, our Father in Heaven, loves us. He knows us and desires our eternal happiness. He wants us to reach our full potential. He seeks to give us all He can to help us do so. I have had the blessed opportunity of seeing the reality of many of my personal weaknesses. It is a struggle. But oh, how glorious are those moments that we go to Him on our knees and plead for His help. Oh, how His heart must soar as we turn our hearts over to Him! How blessed we are to have the Atonement, by which we can seek and receive heavenly help at all times, in all things, and in all places. I know if we come to Him with a broken heart and contrite spirit, He will give us what we need. He will enfold us in the arms of His love.

I have received an outpouring of blessings and feel to say to Him, "What have I done to deserve all this?? How is it possible??", and maybe even, as did Enos, "Lord, how is it done?" Yes, I am truly blessed! The SUMILANG family --or at least father and mother--are now baptized members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints! My heart rejoices for their victories and blessings yet to come. Not to mention the love that I feel emanating from so many whose great generosity I do not deserve. Where is all this goodness coming from?!?!? From a loving Heavenly Father, that's who!

So you know, the Tolentino family is still doing very well!!!! This week, the parents and their second oldest accepted a baptismal date for May 11 and we're still trying to meet with the oldest to help her understand and receive our message as well. She's been busy with work, but her contract's about to end. They all came to church again yesterday! So many did, actually, and it was another very uplifting Sunday! I love Sundays. I love our ward so much. Thank you for your prayers and support! They're being heard and answered and definitely appreciated!

Time FLIES SO FAST! I can hardly believe we're here at a new transfer this coming Thursday. It's in sane. I hope you're going to Sis. Stromberg's homecoming! :D I was blessed to see her for a second because Sis. Hayden and I attended a meeting earlier while she was there at Buendia Chapel for going home stuff. I LOVE HER SO!

Rae, S. Hayden really wants to meet you because of all the good stuffs I've said about you! And her cousin is Lizzie Richards! Go figure, huh? She's a freshman at BYU from what I understand... small world!

I talked to Sis. Dietrich in the office this morning as she was emailing mom! Hi, Mom! Haha I hope she was able to answer your questions and help you get it figured out. For your information, I'm okay if we don't go to Palawan --even though it looks like and sounds like it's absolutely amazing-- because I don't know anyone there. We could spend a whole week just visiting the people I know and love and a few grand places close to or within my areas that I've never seen and spend less money and still have a blast! So, that's up to you. I'll let you decide. Grandpa doesn't need an adapter or anything. There's always been normal outlets in my apartment, which I'm sure they'd also have at any hotel or place we would stay. Tell him not to fret and give him a big hug and kiss for me!

Dad, thank you for the light which you have shared with me, which you have received from our Savior and His mouthpieces. Please know that you are that kind of instrument right now. You have no idea what good your last email did for me. I needed what you shared. It is so precious and true. I treasure those moments of revelation as you do and I appreciate that you felt and obeyed the prompting to share it with me. THANK YOU!

Mom, I want you to know what a shining example you are to me in the acceptance of and adjustment to change. You may feel slow and inadequate, but i guarantee you that you do much better than you realize. I have learned much from you in that regard. You are always one to say, "The only thing constant in life is change... Guess we better get used to it!" Haha and I've been so mabagal (slow) to accept that there may be things happening this next transfer that I don't want. Our area is splitting, which means only half of the wonderful people I adore so much will now be in my reach. Well, roughly half. Anyhow, it will be good. And I still pray I get to stay here, since there are so many changes and no guarantees. I know I'm still in the same apartment, but... Don't know about the rest. I just have been so unwilling to budge on my own desires, though I know His are far greater. That is a hard heart that I am desperately trying to soften. I know He'll help me out :)

By way of news, I'm training again! Pretty exciting and quite humbling, particularly to hear from President of his and the Lord's expectations. Wow. Sister Hayden is also training! She is so inspired and such a remarkable servant of the Lord. I've been --I hope-- forever changed by her goodness and example. If everyone could just be like Sister Hayden, we'd have a pretty incredibly Christ-like world!

Lou, your letter was bomb and so are you! You're so right! Dad's joke was AWESOME! I cracked up! Just like an egg :)

Aaron, YOU ROCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I hope you know that! I'm going to read your email and respond sa bahay mamaya. ayos lang ba iyon sa iyo? Sorry, kiddo, naubos ko yung oras ko ngayon. Love the pics!

I LOVE YOU ALL MORE THAN LIFE! And mom, that's a perfect hymn!

all my love, Sister RIchardson

Happy Easter!

Happy Monday/Sunday to you! HAPPY EASTER!

I hope you had a great one! We sure did :) It was rather miraculous, actually. 

On Thursday evening, we took a tricycle home (one of those crazy little cart things attached to a motorcycle. common vehicle of the Philippines). We got out at our apartment and I was getting the money to pay him when he asked us a question about what religion we were. This is a common question, so we answered, not thinking too much of it, but of course hoping that he might be receptive. To our surprise, he most definitely was. I felt a great calm come over me as I testified of simple truths to answer a few of the questions he had. Sister Hayden did the same. We only had maybe 2-3 minutes before we should be in our apartment and the Spirit guided us to say and ask the right things to make those few minutes meaningful. He opened up to tell us that he actually lost a child several years ago, at age six, to illness. We could see this had been a great struggle for him and we testified of God's eternal plan for families and how our message could help his family. He readily agreed to allow us to visit them. We went there on Saturday and were blessed to have 2 members with us whose testimonies were powerful and vital to the overall effect of that first lesson. Brother Tolentino committed to come to church the following day and bring his three children. When we extended the same invitation to Sister, she immediately declined, but we felt that over time that may change. She had mentioned a time or two how she doesn't just go to church just because others go. She wants to go on her own, when she wants to. 
Yesterday, sacrament meeting began and we were happy to see our few investigators who made it, but sad to see that Brother had not come. After uplifting talks of the Savior by the bishopric, we got up to leave to go to Gospel Essentials. Just then S. Hayden said excitedly, "Look, Sister! Brother Tolentino came!" There he was, standing in the back, being greeted by a member of the bishopric, with his WHOLE FAMILY :D Even Sister came!!!! To add to our excitement, we had a powerful lesson about the Atonement in Gospel Essentials and were spiritually fed. And in the last combined class, we talked about becoming self-reliant so that we can be neighbors, like the good Samaritan. They were so attentive and it was a great experience for them.
We go back to teach them tomorrow and we pray that their progress will continue as they receive the restored gospel and prepare to make and keep sacred covenants. 

I have been yearning to find a family that we can teach and baptize together for most of my mission! I know that God has prepared them and will help us find those He is preparing. 

I hope you know how blessed you are! I'm so so sooooo excited for General Conference! And you get it a week sooner than we do! But we'll have our fast sunday this coming week and that will be good to help us prepare. Please again pick some of your favorite things that helped or touched you most and I'll look for them :) THANK YOU!

Mom, that article by E. Teh is wonderful! And you know what??? HE'S OUR AREA PRESIDENT! hehee cool, huh? One temple day, I sat with Sister Stromberg on my left... And E. and Sis. Teh entered the session! Sis. Teh sat at my right! And it was SOOOOPER  cool! :D felt really special. They are very nice and strong people. Speaking of Stromberg, are you going to her homecoming??? She leaves in a week and I can hardly believe it! She turned one year when we were first companions. How time flies!

Who am I again in the ninja clan?? Haha I LOVE MY SIBLINGS~!!!!!

Mom... I'm so excited to really ponder on the things you've shared with me. Thank you so much! I wish that I were able to receive such divine direction in such a vivid and unforgettable way. I guess I do, but it's just different. 

THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR PRAYERS AND INSIGHTS.... They are felt and answered, applied and appreciated. YOU"RE THE BEST!!!!!!!!!!!

SOrry i don't get to respond properly or wrap this up... i spent a little too much time story telling. Our God is still a God of miracles! Ether 12. I LOVE YOU ALL!

love your pics, Aaron! THank you!!!

Better next time, promise.

love sis. r

Hello ovah deal!

How's everyone doing?? We've had a good week here :D I love our ward so much. I am absolutely in love with them. These people are so wonderful and we have increasing support from them. The spirit of the work is spreading and more and more are getting involved. We coordinated yesterday with several relief society sisters who will be working with us this week and I'm pumped! We also went on splits with a few groups of YSA and a few leaders to visit LA members and  had a great time. They really enjoyed serving and teaching and we reported afterward, which gave the chance for those who haven't served missions to experience accounting for what happened when they taught. I feel like we'll see great success bringing these members back to the fold.

For a while, I have been yearning to find a family that we can teach who will accept the gospel all together. We have found a few prospects for which I am particularly excited, one of which the father has been reading faithfully in the Book of Mormon from the beginning and has now come to church twice. He actually placed all the hymn books on the benches yesterday morning :D We taught he and his wife last night and it was a simple, powerful lesson that brought me such joy. 

I was reminded yesterday in RS of the importance of seeing people as they may become, from Pres. Monson's talk in Prsthood session of October Conference. What a fabulous truth! If we will see people as they may become (the way the Father sees us), we can help them to become that! It's amazing and absolutely true. I have a personal goal to see everyone that way. I know that more people will accept the fulness of the everlasting gospel in their lives as we do that. 

Dad, THE PROMISE is playing right now on the radio outside the internet shop!!!!! Hahaha thought you oughtta know. Because you would appreciate it :D I sure do! 

Before I forget, family, I want you to know that I've been praying more fervently and frequently for your success and strength in the things you are experiencing and facing. How were Alyssa's many adventures? State Solo and Ensemble? The prom song and prom? How is Rae and when does she come home to stay? How big is Joseph and how's basketball? Is the season over? How sassy is Boo and what's she teaching us today? 

What you said, Dad, is so true. That's really how He works. We need to just do our best to get the Spirit, and then let Him work. Let Him use us as instruments to bring about His miracles. You are ALWAYS needed!!! And I hope that is a testament to you of that. The work has need of willing men who wear the workers seal. The work to do is here for you! Put your shoulder to the wheel! You always do, Dad. You always do. And your emails are always a pure joy to read ;) It makes me feel good to know you take such care to write them! Love you bunches!

Mom, thank you so much for the updates! I love just knowing how you all are. I hope that all continues to go well as you trust in Him and do the work He keeps calling you to do. Thank you SO MUCH for your sweet sayings... You just make me feel soooo goooood! And you and Dad absolutely are the best. The best best best. I am so thankful for the blessed opportunity to learn and grow with you and because of you. You teach me so much all the time. 

Since you will be gathered with our beloved friends and family for Easter, may I send you a quick message to read/share/pass along to them if you can?:

"First of all, HAPPY EASTER! I love you all SOOOOO MUCH!!!!! I miss you incredibly, but I know we are exactly where we need to be.
I was thinking this morning on how incredibly blessed I am to serve a full-time mission. It truly is an opportunity that many would love to have and I was blessed to be plucked from the midst of my own little busy life to be called to do something much greater. Sister Hayden's favorite quote is this, and I love it, too: "...Men and women who turn their lives over to God will find out that He can make a lot more out of their lives than they can." ~Ezra Taft Benson. I'm so blessed that Heavenly Father let me know what He wanted for me.
As I thought about the value of my mission to me and to the whole of my life, I realized that I would trade it for nothing in all the world. Even my deepest dreams and desires paled in comparison. For example, I've always dreamed of musical success and a life filled with song, singing for any and all who would listen and helping others feel the joy I feel in music. Even more so, I long to have a love and family of my own. These things I know will come to me according to the Lord's will and time. My service as a missionary, on the other hand, has given me an opportunity to find an even deeper joy than any I have experienced in music alone--to aid in God's work and glory to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man, made possible through His only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ. And this joy will carry over into every aspect of my life for all eternity, effecting my family now and in the future. I have the blessed opportunity to help other families to receive what I have now and will yet receive, which is the fullness of the everlasting gospel of Jesus Christ. 
Christ's gospel allows us to receive the fullness of the blessings of His Atonement, which He performed in our behalf to enable us to return to live with the Father and receive "..all that the Father hath." I know that Christ lived perfectly, suffered selflessly, died painfully, and lived again triumphantly, in order to bring about the bowels of mercy and meet the demands of justice (Alma 34: 15-16 {8-16}). I know that through acceptance of His perfect atonement, that our burdens can be lifted, our lives changed, our hearts softened, and our salvation secured. I know that Christ lives. He is our Savior and Redeemer. This is His Church and His gospel, which He now leads through President Thomas S. Monson. He restored it through the prophet Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon contains His gospel and His word, by which we shall be judged at the last day. He is real and He loves us. I love HIM!!! 
I love you, family and friends! May our Father bless you as you turn your lives over to Him. I promise He will make more out of them than we ever could. In the sacred name of Jesus Christ. Amen."

I believe I'm over time, shoot a mile! 
Aaron, sorry! I'm going to have to print your email again... Please forgive me. We're still enjoying yummy chocolate and happy stuffs! THank you!!!

THis is a fave scripture of mine: ALMA 29:9

Let's sing The Morning Breaks! ....It's been stuck in my head. Did we already sing that one? Oh well! 

LOVE YOU! sis r
  
p.s. lots of ppl want mini PMG, but i'm sure it'll be made available here sometime soonish... hehee if you could send just a few and use my money, it can be my gift to some of our super cool friends. thank you!!!!!!!!!!

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