Ohh Camaligan. What a unique transfer. I have been in so many incredible learning experiences, it has really helped me progress personally. Life is all about strengthening weaknesses, and becoming more Christ-like. Learning self-mastery and obedience. Everyday is an opportunity to become a better person than the previous day.

One thing, I realize I missed out a lot on before my mission, is sharing my testimony more. Perhaps, I just wasn't looking for opportunities. Although now, in my mission, I listen intently to every word coming from others, finding ways to bring up the gospel with them. When I return, I'm not going to let this go. There are just so many wonderful opportunities that can happen, when you bring up the gospel. I think its all about changing your mind set. I used to pass people in the mall, restaurants all the time, and thought nothing about them. Now, passing large amounts or people on a jeepnee ride, or at the market, it sometimes brings tears to my eyes, that I have something so wonderful to give them, but I cant reach them all in time. There are people out there that need the gospel. Sometimes, they just don't know it at first, and they may not accept your testimony. Although, at least you started them on their spiritual journey. Before I get a door slammed on me, or someone says no thanks, I make sure to tell them, I have a message about Jesus Christ for them. So at least they know what they are rejecting. At that moment, that is starting them on their spiritual journey. Because I know they're going to feel something different in their heart after they walk away. Then the next time they see the missionaries, they at least know what their purpose is, and they have a message for them. Now, we may be afraid of bringing up the gospel with others, due to awkward socialness, or feelings of rejection. Although, its a good testimony builder. For example the other day, while riding in a Trycie, the driver asked me how much my salary was. I told him that I didn't have a salary, and that I willingly volunteered to be here. He then tried to accuse me of lying, telling me that people are practical now a days, and there is no way I would be doing mission work without a salary. He rambled on a bit about how people need jobs, and it just doesn't make sense. I then asked him if he believed there is one true church on Earth. He thought for a bit, Then I told him that I know I found the Gods only true church. To him this may look like an impractical sacrifice, but to me the truth is my motivation. I confirmed to him that I am willingly sharing the truth to every person I meet, because I want to share the blessings i've received from the fullness of Christs Gospel. I told him this is my richness. and it would be selfish if I didn't give it to others and to him.

During that moment, even though he thought I was the craziest person in the world, I felt so at peace. My love grew for him, and even though he wanted to contradict my testimony, I couldn't help but still care for him. It also helped confirm to me what I'm doing. I am helping people come unto Christ, because I know my message is true. At least that trycie driver now knows. And when I get back home, i'm not going to stop sharing this great message.

Sis. Hancock

Rachelle's New Area

Tafola! Oa mai oe! That’s Samoan for “hello, how are you.” Yes, my new companion is from Somoa! But I guess I should say marahay na aga sa indong gabos which is”good morning to you all” in Bicol. None of the Languages I thought I would need or learn how to speak! Sister Saua and I are assigned in Camaligan, Naga which is in the heart of the Bicol region. This transfer may have shocked many, that 2 fresh foreigners were put together in an area that speaks pure Bicol. I love Sister Saua though. I met her in the MTC when I was leaving, and she was just entering. She has such a patient, humble, child-like disposition. I am learning a lot from her.

I miss my old area, although I’ll march to the motto- Come what may, and love it. I have complete trust in the Lord wherever I am called and whoever my companion is. I think part of that trust goes along with trusting that after you’ve left an area, not able to help your investigators anymore, to have complete trust in the new missionaries in your spot. I worry about what will happen to areas, recent converts, investigators and less actives, although I realize that I cannot be there my entire life. As much as I wish I could live in their home, and carry them to the celestial kingdom, it’s just not that possible. So my trust has to go as far as knowing that God is watching out for them, and putting other missionaries in my place to help these people along their way.

Being that it’s Valentine’s Day, I would like to talk a little about the Love that Jesus Christ has for us. President Thomas S. Monson once stated “Love is the catalyst that causes change. Love is the balm that brings healing to the soul. But Love doesn’t grow like weeds or fall like rain. Love has its price. (John 3:16) That son, even the Lord Jesus Christ, gave His life that we might have eternal life, so great was His Love for his Father and for us .” I think about how wonderful it is, that we have the opportunity to change. To become better people, even perfect, like Jesus Christ. Because of Jesus Christ’s perfect Love, we are able to overcome weaknesses. We are able to be made whole. It is incredible that we can apply the atonement in our selves, as well as our relationships with others. Love takes sacrifice (ex: Christ’s Life). Sacrifice takes Patience. Patience takes Humility. We need to sacrifice our weaknesses. It’s going to take a lot of selfless thinking, time and effort. Although through our patience, if we humble our selves before the Lord, he will make our weaknesses strong.

Kylee's bookmarks that she made, and sold to make money for a Filippino family. 

Dear Kylee,

I would like to tell you about how you served the Filipino people. I really appreciate the blind love you showed for people you never even met. Thank you for your effort to earn money for them. I thought deeply about how I could spend your money in the wisest way. I keep my eyes open for opportunities. You fed a family during the holidays, who would have ate nothing. Although, I saved a large portion of the money for something special. I prayed to God to help me find the best way to help someone. I finally got the impression to help a certain less-active family in the branch here. We have spent sometime reactivating them. (the reason being lack of money to pay for their fare to get to church.) Although I have witnessed faith tried and built, and God blessing them. The feeling came over me while sitting in their home, before we shared a message with them. I knew right away I would use the money to help them, I just didn't know quite how. I looked around at their house, which was obviously in need of fixing, I saw starving children, and a father who looks emancipated. I thought about all their physical needs, although nothing felt quite right. I suppose being about a spiritual work I wanted something that would last longer. Our lesson soon turned to the topic of temples. The closest temple is in Manilla, which is over 8 hours away. This family has not been able be sealed, due to lack of funds. It soon dawned on me that the amount of money you earned, would pay the way for this family to take a trip to the temple. That has to be the best Christmas present ever. A family to be sealed for all time and eternity. Kylee, YOU are the real missionary here. I can only help most towards baptism. You're helping this family progress eternally together, through a temple marriage. Thanks for your service. You've blessed lives.

Your sis,

Rach