Week 22: What it's all about..

Hello everyone once again! This morning we had a slight scare because the electricity went out... but now its back on so we get to email :) I'm really grateful that we now have both electricity and water once again. I spent 3 weeks living with no electricity, and it was hard. But not impossible- and I learned a lot from it. The typhoon's damage continues to affect the people here, but it gets better each day. We are rebuilding, and continuing our happy lives here in the top of the Philippines!

My language skills are improving. I was able to teach Young Men's this past Sunday with little to no problem. It was humbling to see the gift of tongues work in my own life. Elder Ruiz was just listening in the back and he told me that when I teach it comes out almost fluently. That was a great compliment and a confidence booster. I am actually learning how to speak and to communicate again and I love making progress. I still have a while to go until I am actually fluent, but I'm trying and I'm improving. The learning curve has started to accelerate. It's like I'm getting to a really really good part of a movie where everything is lining up the way I expect and want it to be... AND THEN BAM! I continue to make mistakes, and I realize I'm not fluent and I still have to be humble and learn. Trying to have a good attitude about it and be humble.

Also I realized its been awhile since I've been able to send pictures so I included a lot! Life really is good for me, it continues to get better and better each day. Trying to be positive about everything really does help. Focus on the light! That being said... The Philippines is a lot different than the United States. Everything here is different. Yet, I am so happy. This past week I've felt more love for the people than I have so far. Which brings me to what I want to share :)

On Saturday we had a baptism for the Pillos family. The first time I met them was my first Sunday here in the Philippines. We've been working with them ever since, and they just got baptized! It was a really special experience for me especially because Nanay asked me to baptize her. It was humbling and filled me with so much love to baptize her. Helping and inviting people to come unto Christ by helping them receive His restored gospel is what this mission is all about. When I lose sight of that, I tend to forget why I'm out here! But I am learning and I am improving. I'm learning more and more each day. I love to improve myself and I'm excited for the changes I'm making in my life. I'm coming closer to Jesus Christ in my own life and trying to invite others to do the same. That's what it's all about!

So my question for you to ponder is: what is it really all about for you?

Sorry if that's vague... Anyways, love you all! Make it a great week okay :)

AGYAMAN

Elder Childers