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

There is beauty all around

Whoot Whoot....the internet was especially quick today so lots of pics!

Another great week here in Diffun. When I first found out that I wouldn't be the one transferred last week, I have to admit, I was a little disappointed. I like trying new things and it is always exciting and refreshing to have a new start, but I am really happy to still be here. I love Diffun, and to what I have been told, it is one of the prettiest in the mission. I haven't seen other areas yet but I can testify that it is truly beautiful here.

Sister Mat and I found out about a waterfall not too far away.  A few of our ward members farm on the mountains there and it's quite a climb to get it.  We were really excited when they offered to take us. We invited our ward missionaries that we work with along with a few other friends. Since our preparation day happen to land on "National Hero's Day" they had the day off school and work started later for most, the timing was perfect.

ready for the hike...b'more shirt and ballets flats, of course.

in honor of Nation Hero's Day : )

The night before the hike we woke to a super bright flash come through the windows followed by the loudest clap of rolling thunder I have EVER heard. It shook our entire apartment.  As a result, we got some nice rain. All I could think was that the hike will be more interesting with the mud. Still, we all wanted to go, so, in the morning, we set off on our trek.  The path turned out to be waaaay steeper than we thought and super muddy!  Every time we would take a step forward, we would slide back a little bit. But still we kept pressing forward. The larger rocks were there to give us traction at times, and good for scraping off the excess mud that would build up our feet. Some asked along the way how much further. Some wanted to turn back, but we just kept pressing forward up the steep muddy path. Along the way we were able to look out on the little city below and the beauty this place really holds. When we finally got to the top, we reached the house of the family the members worked for. We all got to cook there and take a little rest before getting back on our journey to the falls.
  

Not the normal camp/hike food--it was a feast of rice, fire-roasted tilapia and papaya.

fish sticks ; }

After the feast, we finally made it to the waterfall. 

It was a fun little field trip. Things don't always turn out as we plan them, and some surprises turn into big challenges, but even when those challenges set us back, we keep pressing forward. The reward is much greater when we endure to the end.

Love you all!
Sister Koncurat

random things this week...

Sister Mat taught me how to make a curry this week.  

it turned out really yummy. 

the alarm clock

And it came to pass...

housemates and friends

love this family

Behold, I make this epistle to my dear friends and family to tell them of the marvelous works of this past week, being the eighteenth day in the eighth month, two thousand and fourteen years after the coming of Christ.

And it came to pass that the missionaries came together to celebrate the transfer of their dear friend, Sister Cabada. And thus they were saddened because of the loss of their dear friend and housemate.

And thus the sisters feared that the new housemate would not be a native Tagalog speaker and that we would not understand completely the sayings of this foreign land.

And it came to pass, on the next day, the sisters rejoiced, knowing the Lord had heard their prayers, and the newest sister in Diffun, with the name of Sister Morente, being from a place in the San Pablo mission in which I have forgotten the actual name, but is a native Tagalog speaker. And we rejoice in this good news.

And thus did the sisters also rejoice because of the kindness of one's mother who had sent many gifts unto one of them. And I did rejoice exceedingly as I read the many letters that had been written so long ago from friends and family in a far off land.

And I shall gather pen and paper in hopes of responding to all as soon as possible.

For behold it came to pass that yet again, Sister Mat and I did walk for many miles to teach to the people in the far off land and we did find much success.

And our souls delighted in the blessings in which the
Lord has shown unto us.

And it did come to pass that a group of women in a society for relief did come together for the making of food. And there was much much MUCH feasting.

We were delighted in the fact that some of the inactive members and investigators did come and meet with them.

And the missionaries hearts were as full as their bellies.

And it came to pass that on the same day of the feast, once more, another soul did enter into the Waters of Mormon. Them being baptized with the power and authority of God and were washed clean and made whole.

And we did rejoice.

And it did come to pass that I, Sister Koncurat, came to a loss of words and did not know how to end this epistle to my dear friends and family. And thus being at a loss of words, I do close this epistle in hopes of you all to know of my love for you and hope that you may come to have many delight-some experiences in this coming week.


Amen

(I know...I'm a nut! ...I like nuts...)

Love,

Sister K

learning to make Siomai (steamed shrimp & pork dumplings)

the fruits of our labor

Let the feasting begin!

Finding the Joy

district fun 

This week started off a little rough with having a nasty cold, but it ended up being pretty great. On Tuesday we had our last district meeting of the cycle. We ended up having more of a FHE style meeting. After a spiritual thought, we all played Prophet charades, elders verses the sisters. The sisters let the elders win though so they wouldn't be sore losers. ; ) Then we played another game where we all sat in a circle, with one person in the middle who was blindfolded. They had to point to somebody and say the name of an animal and guess who the person is making the noise. The last person to be blindfolded was sitting there and we all left the room. Ha HA ha... He was sitting there pointing and no one was there to make a noise. We all were laughing with each other, so it was a great last meeting, especially with one of our elders getting permanently transferred back home.  We thought maybe it was my time to be transferred but not this time.  Although, changing things up is always exciting I feel like I have so much more to do here and I love my families here... and someone must know I need way more than a day to pack!  But...I'll be ready for the next transfer...I know it's coming!

This week, we also got to celebrate the birthday of one of the sister missionaries here in Diffun. We had a birthday party/home evening at the church for her. We all played games and then had a talent show. The sisters put on a skit about a typical day here in the field, and we had three dance performances, and even a band. 

But, the best part of this week was seeing the newest family of the Diffun ward baptized. The mother of the family was baptized a few weeks ago. I wrote about her and all the miracles that got her to the right place. She's become a huge example to her family. They have all become super involved in the ward, and two of the members of the family were able to be baptized this past week and their next son will be baptized this Saturday. It's all so good.

Sometimes it seems like missionary work has to be serious all the time and all we do is work, work, work. But the thing is, we are not all spiritual robots. If we have fun while serving, it helps not only bring the spirit into the lives of those around us, but it brings joy and happiness as well. Seeing the people that we care so much,entering in the waters of baptism and the joy on their faces, is, by far, the greatest joy of all.

Hope you all have a great week!...find the joy!
Love,
Sister K

a little tree planting...literally one LITTLE tree   ; )

To every Nation, Kindred, Tongue, and....Caribou?

Man! These weeks keep getting faster and faster before I know it, a 3rd of my mission will already be done. 

The other day Sister Mat and I were able to go on splits. I was companion for a day with Sister Stabenow from Utah. She leaves this next transfer (August 13). It was cool to see the difference of a new missionary with not much experience (that would be me btw) and one about to go home. I can easily tell that the decision come on a mission was the best decision that I could have ever made. Her advice was that as we loose ourselves in the work, the Lord helps us to become the person we are meant to be and the mission becomes all and more of what we could have ever possibly hoped for.
It is true what is said in Doctrines and Covenants, "The Lord calls us in his weakness, and qualifies us for His work." Sometimes, it is hard for me not to get discouraged. Lately we have had some of our progressing investigators become less interested. They might loose faith and desire, and all I can do is question what else can I do. I don't know the language well enough to really understand what is going on or to say exactly what I want to say. Sometimes I feel soooo weak. But that is why we have grace.
The best line of my favorite hymn "Come, Come, Ye Saints" is "Grace shall be as you day." (hence why my blog is named that). It is all about the pioneers and their trek across the US. After being mocked, beaten, and thrown out of their homes multiple times, the early saints walked for so many miles, some dying along the way, until they could find peace. But the thing that kept them going, was their faith in the Lord, Jesus Christ. Through Him and His Grace we can do all things. His Grace is sufficient for all men. Each and every day that we rely on him to make up for our weaknesses and do our part in what He would have us do, we become stronger. He qualifies us. That is the beautiful promise that He gave us.
I hope that by the end of my mission, I can say that I have felt His Grace everyday, strengthening me and that I have become a stronger person because of it and that I can share that knowledge with all that I meet.
Have a great week!
Mahal ko kayo!
Sister K

We got some good rain that made the ground pretty muddy and uh...mud is not my friend : /

[an exerpt from her Dad's letter I thought I would share.]  Erin wrote:  "Wow! Congrats on your epic bike ride anniversary, Dad. I think that is really cool that you and Doug were able to do such a thing.  And to think of all the good things that came from it. I definitely don't have that desire to ride a bike all the way across country, but in a way, we are all enduring through something. The other day I read a talk in the Liahona about how when we ride a bike, we have to keep pedaling or else it starts to shake and wobble and then you fall. We all need to keep pedaling, keep enduring, and hold on to the gospel and doctrines that will take us to where we our ultimate goal is and not take a fall. Along the way there will be blessings, like the wind at your back that will help to push us along  ...or sometimes you have an awesome Dad with his hand on your back pushing you up Mt Albert : )   This mission thing, I KNOW, is a blessing, not only for me, but for all. It is hard work, but I know it is always worth it."     

--For those who don't know our  little family story, Erin's dad and one of his mission companions who, soon after the ride, became his brother-in-law, set out on a 28 day bike ride from ocean to ocean exactly 25 years ago this week, it was kind of big deal! :D   

Go Forth...

"Go forth with pow'r to tell the world, the gospel is restored,

That all may gain eternal life, thru Jesus Christ our Lord.

Go forth to preach his glorious truths of peace, of joy, and love,

That all who heed his holy word may praise the Lord above."

Hymn #263

Santiago South Zone

This was a little different week than normal. Tuesday we had our quarterly Zone Conference and then Friday, Sister Mat and I got to split up so she could renew her visa in Manila. Friday and Saturday I got to have splits with another sister who's companion had to do the same thing. It was really fun getting to experience being companions with another American. We definitely had even more odd stares and strange looks than ever those two days. We especially got some laughs after we taught one sister. She didn't have any furniture in the house, so we taught sitting on the floor. By the end Sister Nicoll's foot was asleep and my whole left leg was numb. All I could feel was pins and needles shooting through my leg. We stood up, about to leave, but I couldn't move my leg as I wanted to. I started turning in circles as if I had two left feet. The sister that lived at the house just laughed at us. It amazes me at how long people can squat and sit in strange positions without their limbs going numb or falling asleep! How do they do it? and How come I can't??

We also got to teach a couple of her investigators that were preparing for baptism later that Saturday. We came to visit them Saturday morning and the kids were jumping up an down saying "Mama and (her son) are getting baptized today!" over and over again. They all were just so excited. It is always so inspiring to see the true happiness that this gospel brings to the lives of the people and how supportive this family was of each other.   

(Erin's photo's she sent this week didn't download correctly but I did snag some photos from the zone conference on the Mission Blog that Sister Ralfe posted)

I spy a cute face... ; )

At the Zone Conference, it was awesome to hear from our mission president and his wife. Their talks were just so powerful and the spirit was just so present. The theme of the conference was the Apostasy and Restoration. One of the things that really struck me was the example of Hyrum Smith. He was an example of having compassion and understanding, he was quick to act, and he was a true example of being your brother's keeper. He stood at Joseph's side all throughout his life up until they both died in Carthage. Our families are one of the best gifts that we receive during this lifetime. We must also remember to support each other and love one another, after all, we have them for eternity. We are each other's keeper. 

Love,
Sister K