Ch, ch, ch, changes!

Well changes are a coming, and they are coming fast. A six week transfer cycle seems so long, but man did that last one fly by. I've been feeling like it was probably my time, especially since I've been here for six months. I thought I would be ready for it, but man it is so hard to say goodbye to the people here, knowing that I will not see them again, at least for a very long time. This past Tuesday, we got a call telling my companion, "Buntis si Sister Matanatabu." Meaning she is having baby....NO, not really. Here in the mission, the greenie (new missionary) is your child/anak and the trainer is the mother/nanay (or father/tatay for Elders). It's pretty funny how this mission genealogy works. Anyway, with that news, I knew for sure that I am moving to my second area this Wednesday.

Goodbye Diffun, I will miss you.

Since we got the news, everything has been crazy with Sister Matanatabu and I. We ended up going on splits twice this past week in different areas, had interviews with President Rahlf, a relief society activity, a service activity with the Sister Training Leaders, and attended the baptism of the other sister missionaries in our ward. I even got to wear one of those Mormon Helping Hands vests, I always wanted to do that! With help from church donations, the people in our our area were able to get the measles vaccination, so we helped by handing out lollipops to crying kids. I even got to ride in an ambulance. With everything going on, I didn't even realize that the week was over.

Goodbye to my zone. Sister Simran (2nd from left) loved the skirt I made. It is one of many that don't fit anymore, but she loves it and had the perfect shirt to go with it. Maybe I'll find someone in my next are to do some alterations (pins are working for now, though)

I am excited for my new area and my new companion, but at the same time, saying goodbye is really hard. Before coming out on the mission, the sister missionaries in the YSA branch at home always said how crazy it is how much you love the people. I never realized how true that was before. One thing that I've learned, the more you serve, the more you feel charity, that pure love of Christ for those that you are serving. Everyone here is so nice and has welcomed me in as part of the family. So sad to say goodbye to my Diffun family but I know that they will be taken care of. I also know that the Lord has a plan for me. Where ever my next area is, that is where I need to be. But most importantly, it doesn't matter where I serve, but HOW I serve. My goal in this next area is to really loose myself in the work, and serve with all my heart, might, mind and strength.

For all of you, whatever changes may be happening in your life, know that there is a plan in store for you. Though it may sometimes be a hard change, it can lead to greater strength. The Lord moves people to places they need to go.

under our umbrellas as usual

Love you all!

Sister K

tastes like chicken...

First of all, Thank you everyone who kept us all here in the pines in your prayers. Typhoon Luis thankfully turned out to be more of a whimper instead of a roar at least near me. So, all safe and sound here! Certainly a tender mercy of the Lord!

As for the rest of this week, it was pretty normal. We started off the week with a farewell party for one of our members here in Diffun leaving for her mission this week. Afterwards we had a big ward potluck dinner with all kinds of local foods. When the bishop saw us, he was so kind to dump a spoon full of some new exotic food that I've yet the opportunity to try. Ever since I've got here, my mom asks all the time if I've run into any snakes and now, finally I can say yes! I saw a cobra! ....and then I ate it! It was quite tasty...totally tasted like chicken!! Haha :) Don't knock it 'till you've tried it! When I was preparing to leave on my mission, I thought it would be an adventure, and adventure it is! I can't think of a better place to be serving the Lord, despite some very strange food.

This week was full of ups and downs, but what I have learned is that the downs are there to help us realize how great being up is. President Dieter F. Utchdorf recently said, "How much of life do we miss by waiting to see the rainbow, before thanking God that there is rain?" Whatever the circumstances we may be in, we all have to remember what we have already been so blessed with. I am so humbled being here and witnessing for myself the hardships that people face everyday and seeing how much the gospel can really help someone's life. Often I feel complete guilt for the things I've been blessed with in life, I truly have been blessed, but what then, I wonder, more can I do to help? Being a missionary, my purpose is to spread the wonderful news of the gospel and help others realize their own relationship with our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ. I know that just knowing this much can bring a peace that nothing else can. At times I wonder if what I'm doing is enough, and the answer is YES. I've been so blessed to hear the stories of how the gospel has saved family relationships, and has truly helped improve the lives of those who really live it and apply it in their lives. I have a firm testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. This life is not easy, but "salvation is not a cheap experience," as said by Elder Jeffery R. Holland. Remember the things we have been blessed with, whether they may be trials that make us stronger or whatever else it may be, there are always things to be grateful for, and everything that we go through is for our own experience.


The last thing...Apparently "ber months" means Christmas is here. Everywhere I go I hear Christmas music playing, including in sacrament meeting already, and the decorations are going up too. I know at home we still have a little while before really thinking about Christmas, but in the spirit of it all, Happy Ber Months! And may we all remember what Christmas truly is all about!


Love you all!
Sister K

that's right, I sing now...at least I try. ;p