Week 6--Marveling and Wondering

3 Nephi 11: "and they were marveling and wondering one with another, and were showing one to another the great and marvelous change which had taken place. And they were also conversing about this Jesus Christ".

These two verses pretty much sum up my thoughts this past week.

The Philippines have a lot of visa problems right now. Something about their government I think? I don't know... I'm out of the loop with all things concerning governments and politics. Anyways, only like 5 or 6 people out of our whole zone actually got visas. Up until yesterday, I was really sure that I had gotten mine. But, I was a last-minute re-assignment. So at dinner last night, I got another mission call!

"At this time, we have not received your visa to travel to your mission. You will be serving a temporary assignment in the WI Milwaukee Mission until your visa arrives."

Exciting. Never in my whole life did I think that I would ever go to Wisconsin. I remember my Foundations of the Restoration teacher said he served there and his stories were pretty funny. I'm excited and ready to go. I'm already fluent in English so that's cool. Plus- if you say "Milwaukee" in a Tagalog way pronouncing all the vowels, it actually sounds pretty cool.

This re-assignment is a "great and marvelous change" for me. Our district has been "marveling" and "wondering" with each other for a couple days now. We're still not sure if the re-assignments will actually go through. They told us to not trust them until we're actually on the plane going to the re-assignment. If the visa comes anytime before then, we will get to go to the Philippines.

Despite this huge change, Jesus Christ remains a constant. As missionaries of His church, we are representatives of Him anywhere we go. We have been called of God to go and serve and preach and teach and live this message of the Restored Gospel. I know that no matter where I am, I am doing the greatest work on the world right now. It's humbling to be a part of it. I'm grateful to be a part of it. I know that Jesus Christ truly is the Savior and Redeemer of the world. I know that His Gospel truly has been restored to the Earth. His original Gospel. I know that we have a prophet on the Earth today, just like in the Bible's time. It really is Christ's church, His Gospel, and His message and love that we will spread. We are sent to "converse about this Jesus Christ."

I'm so excited because Sister Gardner and Elder Souilier got their re-assignment to Kennewick Washington Mission!! I know some people there :)

It's been a pretty great week. My last week at the MTC. Overall, it's been a great experience. It went by fast.

Here's my drawing of Elder Tuiaki taking a quick nap while Elder Funk was practicing for his performance. The description- "Mabuti, Masaya, Salamat." "Good, happy, thanks." He says that every-time I ask how he's doing. He's a great guy, and really funny. He's done some stuff in lessons that have made the investigator almost lose character which is funny.

On Sunday, our zone does a "temple walk". Meaning we just walk up to the Temple together. It's fun. Last week I ran into Elder Frewing- and had to get another picture with him. He got called to one of my dream missions - Ecuador! He's a great man and I look up to him.

Thank you Mom and Dad for the birthday package!! Also, thank you all for reaching out and sending emails. That meant so much to me. It took me three days to read them all!! It's a great feeling to know I'm supported.

Us missionaries know how to party! Honestly some of the most fun I've had in my life. I love these Elders. This quick 10 min birthday party was a highlight of the MTC for sure. (It was 10 min because quiet time starts at 9:30) I'm slowly working on converting my entire zone to soda water and it's totally catching on. It's the best stuff on Earth. Besides the gospel of course.

Alright that's all the pictures I have this week. Sorry it's not a lot. More pictures to come when I get out into the real world! It's been a great experience at the MTC. Next time I email I'll either be in Wisconsin or the Philippines!! Stay tuned!

My invitation to you all is to spend a little time "conversing of this Jesus Christ" this week. Share what you know. Share what you love about Him. Share with a friend, neighbor, family member, or even random person! It doesn't matter! I know that if you reach out wanting to spread the light of Christ, you will feel greater love for that person, and a gain a greater knowledge of Jesus Christ. Bless the lives of others by spreading His love.

I love you all. Once again I just want to say how grateful I am for you. I don't have a lot of time to reply to all the birthday mail I got, but just know that I feel your prayers for me and I'm so grateful for your love and support. Mabuhay!