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

Birthday Bash!!!! and White Christmas! - Week 38.Serving in Cagayan

Good day! Belated Merry Christmas and Advance Happy New Year to all!

Anyways, this was a week of pondering for me.

First and foremost, Brother Zs baptism last Friday was a success! It was a great experience for both me and Elder Panti. I really felt the Spirit so strong during that day.

That day, I was pondering so much about what my bestfriend told me before I went on my mission, that great feeling he had when he saw me receive the Gospel, baptize me and see me progress more. He told me that it was the best feeling he ever had just like what Doctrine & Covenants Section 18 says. I was so excited to feel the same way that day. It made me excited as each minute pass by. During the baptismal proper, I can see Brother Z's excitement to be baptized! Also, since I am the one who will baptize him, he kept asking questions to me, which made me happy because he is really showing his desire to be baptized. It took me 3 times to properly submerge him though since it's really my very first time to baptize someone in my whole priesthood life. The feeling was great! I can't explain it. It even grew more when Brother Z testified. He related his conversion story to those who are present for his baptism. He said that before, the reason why he goes to church is because he wanted to be with Sister Honey (his wife). He actually thought that church stuffs are all talk and stories. But he still continued to go with that in mind until he was referred to us by the Vaguchay Family (Sister Honey's family). At first, he was hesitant and a bit surprised because he doesn't know what to do. But as we taught him, as he kept the commitments we gave him, and most especially, when the day of his baptism drew near, he became closer to God. He regained his faith. He wanted to hear more! He's always excited to see us and teach him the lessons. It just made me even happier! Now I know what my bestfriend felt when I became part of the Church. More importantly, to see me progress. I know that Brother Z will be a strong member of the church. Elder Panti told me that of all the people we are teaching, he likes Brother Z because we can see his conviction and determination to go back to our Heavenly Father's presence. What a great experience indeed, to see how the Gospel change people's lives. From then on, it inspired me to have more baptism, so that more people will be blessed and more people will be able to receive the blessings and happiness Brother Z felt.

As for our work this week, we had low stats. Also, Elder Panti was not feeling well again last Sunday. Though this was a less-stressful week for him, he was dizzy so I let him have some rest. While he was resting, I was actually pumped up for work, but I know that I need to take care of my companion first. Even though I'm fired up for work, I can't force him to work. Still, we had a great experience this past week which just made us more optimistic for the coming days ahead. Nevertheless, we still need to exert more effort in the coming days. We've already anticipated that people will be very busy this part of the year.

Anyways, as for Christmas, I was only able to talk with my mom for a few minutes because she was a bit busy though. It was hard because she is really persistent in telling me to go home when I reach my 1-year mark. I understand her since she's not a member. After our short conversation, I just realized how I want to be here. I just realized my sincerity towards this work and my view towards it. I really love this work. I actually can't believe myself that I was able to do the things beforehand just to go on a Mission. I know this work is hard. There are discouragements, trials, mistakes, and such, nevertheless, the feelings of joy, contentment, the opportunity to serve, and fulfilling my duty and such can never be compared to anything in this world. As a Missionary, I deeply felt why I am called to serve here. I am so much grateful for my co-Missionaries who always uplift me and inspire me. I am really grateful for my bestfriend and my MTC companion who always inspire me and to strive even harder even hard times comes. President's messages  always inspire me to work, work, and work more. Here in the Mission, I felt the love of our Heavenly Father even more stronger than before. It's a testimony that I always bear and I'm grateful for it.

This coming week before transfers, Elder Panti and I will strive to do more, stretch ourselves more and grow more doing this work. I always tell him to think in advance and just do the work so he won't be stressed out. For some reason, I actually learned to consider a blessing the stress and exhaustion I get being here in the office. Haha. Maybe because, it makes me feel that I'm doing my work although I'm still not there yet. But, I will do my best and work hard despite trials that would beset me.

With regards to our work, it really is important to work effectively. I have seen its effect with me and Elder Panti. Work's not that much but its effect is so big. What more  if our work efforts will increase, bearing in mind work effectivity. That's what I envision for us. Hopefully, it would transpire in the coming weeks.

Thank you guys for all you do. Thank you for for the support!

Wish you all the best! I love you!

Sincerely,

Elder Dimazana

Philippines Cagayan De Oro Mission

Time flies! - Week 37.Serving in Cagayan

How's everyone???? Man, time flies super duper fast! It's December and I feel like days are passing by like I haven't notice them. I guess that's normal. I'm out 8 months! So fast! I only have 16 months left! And it will just be super fast as well...

Geez, I still can't believe it. Hahaha... Anyways, I'm so happy with my companion, Elder Panti. He's awesome! He's so talkative and he always have a joke to say. So, yeah, it's super FUN! :)

Well, it's almost Christmas! Woot! And it's almost my birthday! Argh! It seems like last month when I spent my Christmas with the Missionaries, the members and my family. Hahaha... And now, I'm a Missionary who'll celebrate Christmas with my co-Missionaries, investigators, and members, so it's kinda interesting doing the Lord's work away from my family.

For the past week, I've been pondering and pondering and pondering. I guess it's my personality to usually spend a lot of time thinking about things. Funny though, while I was writing a letter for my MTC companion, I felt asleep. So yeah, super tired! We also had our Christmas Conference wherein the office staffs (us) sang. It's crazy but so cool! Haha... It's like a group of office mates. So, great! :D

Well, I do miss some people in the passing days. And, I'll write them. Sorry if I haven't written a letter for each of you! T_T Been so busy and pre-occupied with the conferences and preparations here in the Mission... Oh well, I know you'll understand. :)

Hmmm... While writing a specific letter, I felt the love of our Heavenly Father. It's so great to know that we have a loving Father in Heaven and to know our savior Jesus Christ. Hearing our Mission President in our Christmas Conference made me more eager to work hard so people can receive the restored gospel. I love this work. There maybe ups and downs, but I have learned to just keep pressing forward with faith. It's not easy for sure. But it's a great learning experience.

I know I'm so blessed to have a great bestfriend whom introduced me to the Gospel. And it feels great to be able to work alongside him though we're miles away. Still, it's kinda great to know we belong to the Missionary workforce working in the Lord's vineyard. And I can testify that this is the Lord's work. That the Spirit is the true and ultimate teacher. I still have weaknesses and shortcomings to overcome but, I know that as I fully submit myself to the Father's will, it will always be the best.

What can I say more. It's really the best experience one could have. Thank you all for your support and prayers. I have felt them in your letters for me, for the strength Heavenly Father gave me and for the will to move on in doing this work.

Thank you thank you for everything! I love you all! And I wish you a Merry Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Go forth with faith! :D

Sincerely,

Elder Dimazana

Philippines Cagayan De Oro Mission