Unstoppable

This week we had the chance to have an all sisters conference and it was all about becoming unstoppable. I loved this quote,

"You are unstoppable, not because you do not have failures or doubts, but because you continue on despite them. You are unstoppable because you realize that God's plan for you is bigger than the human mind can comprehend." 

I think I can add to the first line that being unstoppable is also getting rejected but we continue to keep trying. This week's biggest rejection was when we show up to one house. As we begin talking to the man standing at the gate he receives a phone call. He proceeds to answer it and then tells the person on the phone, "Just wait, I have to find some way to get rid of the Mormons."   R E J E C T E D!

   

Everyday we go out and try to teach people, but we barely have any control over anything. This past week happened to be one of those weeks were it seemed that no one was available to be taught. Here, we call that "punted." It was a punted week, but one thing that we can control is realizing that there was a purpose in that. Because we were punted this week, we were able to contact many new people that we haven't met before. Although getting rejected is a big part of it, and it is exhausting walking out under the hot summer sun, we were able to find some new potential investigators.


The reason why rejections are OK is because that just leads us closer to the one who will say yes. This coming week, we have an investigator that will be baptized. He is one of the fruits of contacting. The sisters accidentally went to his house, when it was supposed to be his neighbor, but they took the opportunity to talk to him and teach him. He was really prepared before they even taught him but even more so now.
  

For all of us, we can become unstoppable and fulfill God's plan as we keep going, despite the failures, rejections, or even doubts that are put in our path.

Mahal ko kayo!

Sister Koncurat
Philippines Cauayan Mission
February 2014-August 2015

a great mother's day

{note from mom--sorry I forgot to post this last week...got all wrapped up in being able to see my girl through Google Hangouts. It was so great seeing her cute face and hearing her voice. She looks great and is doing amazingly well. She definitely has a fun accent and has forgotten a few english words. How bizarre to listen to her easily carry on conversation in a completely different language. Oh man, we can't wait to see her for real! Here is a couple of "family photos"}

From May 10th- Mother's Day

Thanks again for all your prayers that have really kept us safe from this past storm. Typhoon Noul was a Category 5 storm that was directed to hit our mission but the center ended up being off the cost. We did experience some good rain and some strong winds, and power outages for a short time, but the day still went on as normal. Apparently our mission is where the typhoons go to melt, so they tend to not take such a big effect as it could.

I don't know what it is but these last few typhoons keeping happening on Sunday mornings, right in the middle of our church time, but a few people did end up attending. During the sacrament, the power went out and all we could hear was the wind ferociously blowing outside, yet I felt such a great feeling of peace.

I thought back to when I just had received my mission call. I was so excited and terrified, mostly terrified because shortly after I found out where I would be serving, the great Typhoon Yolanda hit the Philippines. I suddenly had a connection to the people here, but at the same time, I thought to myself, "I'm going to die!" ..Yeah that was a little over-dramatic, but hearing of the damage that it caused and all the devastation, you could only imagine the feeling of soon, that is where I will be.

Now I have been in the Philippines for over a year and I love it here. I felt at peace during this last storm, mostly because as I sat thinking about the Savior while listening to the wind and just feeling like He knows us and is protecting us.

During this past year, I have felt the Savior more at my side then ever before. We need not to fear of anything because He has a plan for us. As we do what He wants us to do and look to Him, we can feel of that peace and comfort in knowing that He is there. He loves us and will protect us.

Work still went on, whether there was Typhoon or not. Around 6, the rain finally stopped, which made it a little easier, but still the ground was very wet. We visited a family, but getting to their house was pretty tricky with the ground being very soft, thick mud. But we made it to their house! It took two brother helping us and a couple of random planks of wood, but I was just proud to say I didn't end up falling...just my feet and legs were it bit covered in mud. hah!

Love you all! Have a great week!

Sister Koncurat
Philippines Cauayan Mission
February 2014-August 2015

crazy busy...or maybe just plain crazy?

 There is not much to say other than speaking Tagalog in a southern accent is very very funny! This week has been so crazy busy. Sister A and I have been non-stop on the go, but there are always times for being completely ridiculous and laughing. Some misconceptions people might have about missionary work is that is it is boring because all you do it work-work-work. But what some might not understand, work can be fun! It all just depends on your attitude. One great thing about this calling is that I was called to be Sister Koncurat, not just a robot. There are times that call for seriousness and others where we need to make things a little happier. For all those preparing for missions, remember to find the balance, but don't forget to always be obedient. Exact obedience brings blessings.

This week I've seen some of those blessings. It is hard to number them, but one things is contacting. At the start of this year, our mission made a new goal to talk with at least 70 new people about our unique message of the gospel and invite them to act upon it. Before, I thought reaching out to talk to people was really intimidating, but it has become one of my favorite things. As we have tried our best to be obedient to this goal, there have been people put in our path that have really made a difference. In the next coming weeks, one of our first fruits of contacting will be baptized. Miracles do happen as we try our best and the Lord makes up the rest. 

Love this work! Love you all!
Have a great week!
Sister Koncurat
Philippines Cauayan Mission
February 2014-August 2015

P.S.  so...I received my "trunky letter" ...not sure how I feel about that.  Guess my time here is winding down, but there is so much more to do, so I'm just not going to think about it.  (trunky letter definition-the letter telling you when your time is up and how you're getting home, boo!)