Firm in the Gospel - Week 73.Serving in Alubijid 2nd

Como esta??? How are you all? This is another great week for me. Hehehe...

First, we had exchanges last Wednesday, and I'm with Elder Bravo. Elder Bravo was supposed to be my companion and we were supposed to be threesome, again. But it's fine though since I'm resting this cycle. He's still struggling with the language but I know he can learn it in time. We've studied about the Doctrine of Christ. We've applied it in our work and Elder Bravo did enjoy the time. We had this teaching with a less-active member. We taught her about the Gospel of Jesus Christ since she's one of the persons we're focusing in our area. Sister has a big problem on her faith, and with her family. But, through the commitments we gave her, she is making progress! She said that her faith is building. At the end of that lesson, she told us, "Elders, I think it's time for me to go back". Words can't describe what we felt after she said that. It's like I want to jump with joy because she is feeling the Spirit big time. We know that in a few weeks, she'll come to church as she keeps doing her commitments.

As for yesterday, it was a sumptuous Spiritual Feast with the Mission Tour with Elder and Sister Nielson. I really enjoyed it! There's so much things that I've learned during that. What caught my attention was Sister Nielson's talk about companionship relationship. Well, all that she said is true. I know it. In my mission, I've learned about it when I reached my 13-month mark. Before, I just want to get things done and it's hard when you and your companion are not on the same level. President Hernaez taught me about that and it took me some time to really understand it. And then, Sister Nielson said one of the most profound things that I really loved, and I quote, "You can never change your companion to become like you and be loved by you". It's true! A companionship works best when they respect each other and help each other out. Finding a middle ground works out and that's why I'm enjoying my time so far. It's great!

We've also tackled about the Atonement of Jesus Christ and I really love that article which I first read during my first month in the mission. I was really struggling that time and I learned great things from that article, about the enabling power of the atonement. I know I could not change my circumstances, but through the atonement, it could give me strength to overcome those. There are many times in my mission that I was held back by my limitations, but the Lord truly works in marvelous ways. I really love feeling the Spirit working in me and other's lives. Seeing the people that we teach feel the Savior's love makes me happy. Helping someone through sharing the Gospel is really a big thing for me.

Last Sunday, I was able to be in my previous area for a devotional... I was so happy to see the members in my previous area (CDO 2nd, Bulua and Patag). In Bulua and Patag, they were happy to see me 'coz there was no time for me to bid farewell to them. I could still remember the ward mission leader there when he saw me and shouted my last name in the street. Hahaha! I love the members in the areas that I've served. Also, my 2nd area, I've learned that Ryan (our investigator there was just baptized last Saturday!). And, the one who baptized him was a Recent Convert in which we first taught a few months ago! I am so happy for both of them. Hahaha!

I always love a missionary's quote in PMG District 2 wherein I realized this: "As missionaries, we are happy not because we have baptisms. We are happy because they are getting baptized." Read between the lines and ponder about it. And, you'll see what I saw. And it's true. I'm so very happy for their baptisms. Also, I saw the very first baptism that I experienced in the mission. He has a kid now! LOL! And they're getting sealed, hopefully be next year after I go home. They told me a joke telling me that the name of their child was my last name. Haha... Funny. But, I really love those couple. They're progressing. One is a recent convert and one is a less-active member. Both are active. And they're receiving the blessings of the Gospel. The family is now active even his brother-in-law. So, it's fulfilling. :)

P.S.

I also saw my former companions (Elder Panti and Elder Castillo)

I'm doing well here. It rains at times here but all is well. Adventure always. Hahaha! Oh well, have a great week guys! Love you all! :)

Sincerely,

Elder Dimazana

Adventure Time! - Week 72.Serving in Alubijid 2nd

Hola! How are you all?? Well, there's so much going on this week. Haha... I guess it's one of the best weeks I enjoyed proselyting. A lot of things happened.

Anyways, we had a lot of spiritual experiences this week. My companion is doing great! We're so close and we're enjoying the work big time! I love the area! Haha! We tried something new, walk and survey our area. Since my companion is just 2 months in the area, and me, 2 weeks, we enjoyed finding! We've found a couple of people to teach and less-actives as well. It's good to know that after a week's work, 6 less-actives went to church last Sunday. And, we're praying for more. ^^

Also, so many members are working with us. We have our planners fully booked for the week. Haha! But, it's just uplifting to see the members do missionary work and work on their referrals for us. It feels great to see how the Lord is hastening the work. It's also great to know that Sean will be assigned here! Woot! Hopefully I or someone I know could train him. Hehe... We'll see about that.

One of the greatest things my companion and I experienced was a brother who approached us and told us to help him since he don't know what to do with his family. He thinks he's hopeless. It was night time and we're on our way home. All we could do was give him a pamphlet and share our testimony about the Gospel. We committed him to read it. A few days later, we saw the same man, happy and so, we approached him since he was calling us. He told us that "You're right, it's just trials". My companion smiled and I too. It was cool and we've set an appointment to teach him and his family.

We've been visiting members and sharing messages to them. And on Sunday, bishop will be working with us! Haha! Cool aye! So, we're on the hunt for more less-actives to teach. Hopefully, we could find part-members there. And we're still praying for more missionary opportunities.

Everything's so great. This morning, we had our p-day with the district. Everything went well since it's a stress reliever. Walking in the park sure takes of the week's stress.

Last night, while reading the Liahona, I've found an article about gratitude and it says to try praying with only gratitude. It was cool! I don't know how long I prayed but I'm grateful for the many blessings Heavenly Father gave me. The experiences I've gained here in the mission taught me so many things. I do encourage you guys to try it too!

So, that's our week. I really love the area. Haha! I guess I love the ricefields. So I'm grateful to be assigned here. 13 1/2 months in the city did made me miss the province. Haha...

Thanks for everything guys! Goodluck! Have a great week ahead! :)

Carpentry! - Week 71.Serving in Alubijid 2nd

Well, President really gave me a break last week. Haha. I was on a full week's rest but we still worked last Sunday. Everything went fine. I'm enjoying things here and I love the area! It's so province. Haha! Everywhere I look I see ricefields.

Anyways, I got late in sending e-mails today because we had our CSP this morning. So, I'm wrapping this up in a jiffy since it's almost time. Anyways, I've attached pictures which you could look on.

The area is doing well and I'm excited for this week for our work since we have a lot of finding to do. Hehe. But the members are eager to work. And, me and my companion get along so well. We had a lot of fun times. Haha! He's just funny.

Goodnight guys! Need to sign out. I'll e-mail more next week. Have a great week! :)

Sincerely,
Elder Dimazana

Comfort + Success = Hardwork! - Week 70.Serving in Alubijid 2nd

So, I got emergency transferred. Hahaha! I'm still training, my 6th trainee so far. LOL! President gave me a break to relieve me of stress just for 6 weeks and I'll be back in no time.

Well, this area is just opened for 6 weeks, so, OPEN AREA! Haha! And I'm training as well. But, my new companion is very funny and laughing so we're enjoying our time here :D

Anyways, week was good. I love the members! Good thing in my previous area I have proven how powerful they are in this work. So, this week, members will be working with us and help us out in the area. Hopefully, before I leave my companion, which probably would happen next cycle, we'll help the ward with all that we can. Haha!

I've attached some pictures of my new apartment. Adjustment is quite good since I'm still under my old district. Our District Leader was my trainee before and seeing him grow made me so happy! ^^, I can't wait for his growth now that he's a District Leader. I'll support him with all I got. It's so fun to train future mission leaders. Some of my trainees have trained already. Some are doing great progress. It really makes an impact for me. And I'm training myself as well in terms of character. Despite my limitations in work, we're doing great miracles in the mission.

Last Sunday, a less-active who haven't been to church for 9 months in my previous area went to church! The Missionaries there told me and I was happy for that brother since he's a leader in the church. I'll be having exchanges in my previous area some time this month but for now, new area to explore! I can't wait to learn and grow again.

Well, that's my week. I love you guys! Keep safe!

Sincerely,

Elder Dimazana