Pace'd! - Week 43.Serving in Cagayan

Hello everyone! Haha! January's over. That was freakin fast. I still have to attend my follow-up check-up later and then go to the Mission Home after with my companion.

So, as for the week. Well, me and my companion got included in the weekly pacesetter of the Mission. That was cool 'coz we're in the office, yet, we still got pace'd (I just hope I got the word right). 2 consecutive weeks in my last weeks here in the office. Pretty neat!

Our area's really progressing. I've been learning a lot this past week and pondering so much. I always have my buddy (the scriptures) beside me everyday which really helped me a lot. There's so many things to learn! For real! I am thankful how the Lord blesses every week, especially Sunday. It's the busiest day of the week! We always do our best to attend each investigator or less-active and get them inside the classes and of course, have some fellowshipper.

Despite the office schedule, and my "trunky-ness", haha!, we're still doing the best we could do to help those whom we are teaching. Really, there's so many ups and downs in the Mission and I really need to be strong. It's one of the qualities I am currently focusing on. Becoming strong and always standing in holy places just like what the 2013 youth theme is, "Stand Ye in Holy Places". Scripture reading everyday, day or night have helped me so much in boosting my confidence and strength and my knowledge as well. I just read Pres. Eyring's talk "Rise to Your Call" which is just what I needed.

As for our work, we contacted T, a referral from a member and got her on a baptismal date. Cool! She's so bright and she's really willing to learn a lot of things, most especially the restored Gospel. She's legit in terms of understanding the lesson so on our next visit with her, we'll go full blast on Lesson 1. Yeah, that's how bright she is.

As I was reading an Elder's mission experience, I've picked up ways on how to improve the progress of our investigators. Simple things but just like what in 1 Nephi 16:29 says, small things can bring about great things.  And I really believe it. We'll be applying things such as walking with our investigators to church, rounding them up or visiting them before church starts, CSP! (we really need one), FHE and more. We really need to put our all in this work to see how we could really bless the lives of those that we teach. It's really hard to see someone who does not know the Gospel and yet, we enjoy its blessings, but it's even harder not to share it. Haha. I'm not talkative myself, or a good-speaker but I know that serving a Mission, at least I could work on that and many other things.

Last Sunday, we were not expecting to see a lot of investigators come to church since 2 of them can't attend. But, new investigators just popped-up out of nowhere, including those whom we are not expecting to come to church. It really is amazing how the Lord works. I can't describe how cool it was to see them go to church and feel the Spirit even stronger. One of them also made an appointment with us so that's cool.

So, yeah, that's our week. Miss you guys heaps! I love you all. Ingat! (:

Love,
Elder Dimazana
Philippines Cagayan De Oro Mission

Castup Mania and Other Fun Facts! - Week 42.Serving in Cagayan

Kamusta?! Haha! Well, this was an interesting week for me. I've been improving with my condition and there's so much work to do. Missionary work sure is very tiring, but I'm getting used to it (somehow).

This week was a time of pondering for me and seeing things in a different perspective. I've been reading an Elder's mission experience which pretty much helped me! It was great and I've learned a lot from it.

Anyways, FUN FACTS! I've decided I'll include the things I've observed here in the field. Here in the office, of course, I'll miss the aircon! Haha! So funny. I'll try my best to adjust with the hot weather outside as I'm getting transferred. It' exciting so I actually started packing things. Haha! It made me remember my days wherein I was packing stuffs for MTC.

Here in the Mission, there's so many things that I've observed and I want to share it to you guys.

People here love Catsup, or I guess they just got used to pair it with food. Haha! Okay, to give you a low-down, they pair it with siopao! We were like, whaaaaaaaaat?! Siopao and catsup? That's a weird combo for us Manileños. But people are used to it here. Interesting fact. Haha...

And I thought that was weird until we saw someone selling roasted nuts, and it has something to pair with! Yes! Catsup! Errr... Is that even possible? The Elders I'm with just smiled and we said that, well I guess we'll try other foods other than that. Haha... So funny.

Anyways, I actually had my first ever balut! Yeah I know I'm a filipino who haven't tried balut for 21 years! So funny and the other Elders were really surprised with it. I mean, I have balut at times but I don't eat the "fetus". So, they challenged me one day and things turned out a bit messy. So, I tried one and I pulled the "duck fetus" out and it was hot. I held it with my bare hands, but it was so hot, so I juggled it in my hands and it went in the bowl of water. So FAIL! Haha! We laughed after I did it, but still, I ate it! My first ever! Haha!

Also, they call me Snorlax now because of my medicines that makes me drowsy. So, after a day's work, I take my meds and later, I'm down! Haha! Yeah, so they know whenever I say I want to "splak", mimicking the sound of someone who just laid down in the bed, literally. At least I don't name all the Pokemons when I sleep, though I love them.

Well, this week was just a very tiring week. We had a couple of interesting things going on with our work as well. Okay, so during exchanges with the APs, we were walking and suddenly, Elder Acuavera stopped and we went to a little street where one lady is reading a book. We I2Led her and gave here a Book of Mormon and she was thrilled to have one. Hopefully, she would learn tons of it. Hehe.

So, that's our week! I'm getting the hang of telling stories. Haha! At least, I'm having fun now. Hehe... Take Care you all! I love you! Would like to hear from you all soon?

Love,

Elder Dimazana

Philippines Cagayan De Oro Mission

The Office District! Insane or Just Cool?! - Week 41.Serving in Cagayan

Whew! Only 3 Sundays to go before I go out of the office. Things will start to get busy again. Although its super busy here in the office. Haha... At least, I'll have more time to write letters again. And of course, I'm training! Office trainee that is. Well at least I'll train. Haha! It's what me and my batchmate dreams of. Oh well, at least we'll be with our trainees for 9 days. I guess that counts. Hehe.

Anyways, work in our area is still progressing. So much to learn, so much to explore and so much to expect. I've never expected such progress in a span of a few weeks. Doing what the Lord wills is really the best! Just like what D&C 64:29 says. He have worked with us these past transfer and is continuing even in my last cycle in the office. It all takes faith in Him and trust in Him. I have learned that we are really just His instruments. Either way, it's the Holy Ghost that testifies to people the truthfulness of our message and inspires them to act by faith. The increased sacrament attendance in our ward have paved way for a larger teaching pool for us. Hehe. By the way, our District is an Office Staff District. Kinda funny! Haha! I guess I'll miss the office. That's for sure. I have lots and lots and lots of happenings here which taught me so much. A lot of things happened to me as well. 

This week, I tried my best to read the Book of Mormon everyday. Each day I learn a lot and even though I have finished reading it twice, I have found new things and understand the things I never understood before. Some of the verses I've read can actually be used in our teachings. So it's really interesting. I encourage you all to read the scriptures for you'll find a lot of things and truly, God has a lot of instructions for our understanding which are very useful to us in these Latter-Days.

I really miss the temple here. 15 more months! Haha! Everyday, I always listen to EFY music and other church songs to uplift me. That's why my housemates are getting tired of the songs I usually play. Like, when I'll be playing some music, their reactions would be like "here it goes again", or they'll sing the first line of the song. Haha. So funny! But I know that such music would invite the Spirit more into our apartment. And it really is true.

I'm still in the process of adjustment here in the Mission although I'm out for 9 months already and next month we'll be hitting our double-digit mark. Yeah! As for adjustments, I'm still taking up some medicines and hopefully it will really help me as I go on in the Mission. Truly, the work is really exhausting and very demanding in all terms. Hehe.

That's our week anyways. I miss you guys! Do write me a letter if you have time. It really inspires me and revitalizes my desire to go on. So when I get home, I'll be sure to write those Missionaries whom I know. It really helps a lot.

Take care you all! I love you all! Have a great week!

Love,

Elder Dimazana

Philippines Cagayan De Oro Mission

Almost Done in the Office! - Week 40.Serving in Cagayan

Whew! I guess I've been a bit lazy doing the updates. Haha... Anyways, another week has passed again. Well, I'm just a few days away of going out in the office. Haha! That was super-fast! It'll total for 31 weeks of being here in the office including my training. Hehe...

At last I'm going to train! But, here in the office, my office trainee. Hopefully I could get one out in the field, but it depends. At least, just hoping. Hahaha!

Happenings, happenings. Hmm, well I'm on meds right now 'coz I need it. It's an antidepressant and the side effects are really annoying. Haha! Who wouldn't be annoyed when you're nauseous, drowsy and weak. And I need to work of course. Funny thing is I fell asleep during office hours! Just in time when President came. So, it was a funny moment. But I can't help it. Haha!

Hmm, well, had a great companionship inventory with my companion Elder Panti. Surely, I'll miss him when I get out in the office. We had really great times here especially those times wherein we study and talk while proselyting. Those would be the times I would often remember throughout my mission.

Well, work is really progressing in our area. Who wouldn't be happy when you see the sacrament hall almost full! Compared to my first 4 1/2 months here, our companionship proved to be blessed in a lot of ways. Hehe... I could just see how the Lord works and how He will hasten this work. Though we are in the office, but I know that the Lord can see our desires to serve Him, and despite less time, He will truly help us. That's His promise and He will keep it, just like how He always keeps His promises as we follow the commandments.

I'm almost on my double-digit mark! O.o

Man, that was so freaking fast! I don't know what to feel when I'm out in the office. Haha. I'll surely miss being here though. I have learned to love the area that's why I'm so grateful to have been given 6 weeks extension. I may have stayed for quite some time here but it's all worth it. I'm thankful to labor for 6 weeks more, I was able to do the things I wasn't able to do before. And I'm happy about it. Guess, there's so much to improve on myself. I have learned of my weaknesses more. It's a great leap and a great test of faith for me but, all will be worth it so that I may become the person Heavenly Father wants me to be.

Seeing how the Gospel could change people's lives, it's just a sight to see. I have witnessed our Recent Convert change and he has been so happy. Truly focusing on him and being his guides as he grows in the Gospel proved to be one of great joy. Just like what D&C 18 says. It is really true! Well, I hope my family will be able to receive the Gospel in due time. I guess I'll just have to be patient with it. Hehe.

Well, my condition is improving. Hehe. Thanks to President's help, and those who are around me. It's hard to overcome, but it is possible as long as we have that desire.

I'm enjoying my personal study everyday even P-Day. Haha! I have learned to love the scriptures more. Even though there are times that I'm so tired from work and proselyting, it is really important to find time to read the scriptures. I'm happy for the interview with President which reminded me to be consistent with my personal study and scripture reading.

Well, I still have 3 Sundays left in the ward. I'm happy to leave my area but feel sad in a way. I'll miss it for sure and I need to adjust again. I'm fine now. So, I can't wait what's in store for me next transfer but hopefully, what I feel is right. Haha! Hope to see Elder Abad soon!

Oh well. That's my week. I miss all of you there! Write me if you have time though. Or just e-mail my cousin at: 

christian.dimazana@gmail.com

and he'll forward it to me.

Well, I still have 15 months to go! Time sure is fast! I can't wait to learn more in the Mission. I just hope I will grow more here and be stronger. Love you all! Have a great and blessed week ahead! :)

With love,

Elder Dimazana

Philippines Cagayan De Oro Mission

Firecrackers: Cracking 2013! - Week 39.Serving in Cagayan

So yeah! It's new year!!!!!!!!!!! Man, I'm still here in the office. Haha! Talk about staying long enough to love my area. And, welcome 2013! WOO! I'm doing really great now.

That's right, I'm staying another transfer here in the office. So, a total of 30 weeks, or 7 1/2 months or so. I'll be hitting my 10 month mark in the Mission. DOUBLE DIGIT! Yeah! That was so fast!

Anyways, news news news... I'm really sorry everyone for not doing my updates. Been so busy with office works and proselyting stuffs. I guess the Holidays also has its toll on us Office Elders. Haha.

Christmas was great! We had a feast of course. Food were over-pouring. It was fun! We're always full. Haha! I've learned so much that Christmas. I just realized how I love doing this work. I know that I'm at the right place, doing the right thing at the right time. I felt sincere pondering that I'm a Missionary that time of the year. I just realized how Christmas really means. Serving others paid off I guess.

My birthday was also great. They surprised me! It was not P-Day so I worked as hard as I can, so they easily surprised me because I got pre-occupied with work. Haha! A member also invited us for dinner which was fantastic. Man, "lechon" is overflowing here! Talk about hypertension. My bestfriend. Haha...

As for New Year, it was a blast! We were upstairs when the clock was almost at 12 because you really can't sleep with the noise outside. Good thing is, we have a 180 degree view of our surrounding so firework displays we were watching were like 5 spots. Haha! It was beautiful to just watch the fireworks and not playing with them. At least it was safe... Before that, we had a Family Home Evening at the Hernaez Family, at the Mission Home. I gave the lesson, my very first FHE lesson in the Mission! It was nerve-racking but at least preparations paid off. I shared about obedience. It was the best things I've learned last year, 2012. Sometimes, we may see things as harmless, or we want things to happen our way, or so. But, I've learned that Heavenly Father's plan is always the best just like the quote I love says, "When God speaks and we obey, we will always be right". And it is true! That's why we had a baptism before the year ended. He's a strong convert. I can truly say. It's the best feeling to see someone receive the Gospel and become an instrument for them to receive it. I was actually the one who baptized him so it was really really great! I can't forget it, my very first baptism in the Mission. And because of that, I always know that the Lord will always do His part as we do our part. :)

1st day of 2013, I've remembered what President told us during the family home evening. He told us to strive harder, envision more and stretch ourselves this 2013, so that's what I am thinking of. I set some goals on how to even convert myself because it will surely increase my desire to serve Him. These goals will better help the area, my companion and me of course. It's going to be great, hopefully. Haha!

I remembered Enos 1 suddenly after talking to someone. It reminded me of a study journal entry I had. It's about forgiveness and repentance. And, thinking about the things that I still lack and the things I did wrong last year, it paved way for me to pray more fervently like what Enos did. It's just a great feeling. Hehe...

Anyways, work was a little slow. Holidays sure is a busy time of the year. Also, transfers and zone interviews are up for this week, so, our schedule is so tight! Haha!!! Also, our sunday service schedule will change from morning to afternoon, another transition! Oh boy. It made me and my companion a bit crazy in terms of planning. What a challenge! Haha! Since Sunday and Saurday are the only day where we proselyte full time, take off Sunday, that'll be a problem. Haha!

I love you all so much! Thanks for the letters last time, especially that big card I received in time before Christmas from the ward. And, I do miss the Missionaries I work with at PQCM. Some already finished their Mission and some are almost done with theirs. Time pass by so freaking fast!

I'm stoked what's in store for 2013. I only have 6 weeks left to spend here in the office, so, it's interesting. I'm starting to love being here actually. I love the work. I love the area. I love my companion. Most especially, I've learned to increase my love for others. ^^,

Thanks for everything! Also, my tagalog is really deteriorating in terms of my accent. Hahaha!!! Oh well, I don't know if I can fix that after my Mission but it'll be interesting.

So yeah! HAPPY NEW YEAR to everyone! Love y'all!

Sincerely,

Elder Dimazana